MATTERS ARISING 6060

  MATTERS ARISING 6060 mattersarising6060@gmail.com  ABUJA, Nigeria — A northern activist has publicly challenged a prominent Islamic cleric’s pledge of support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, arguing that widespread insecurity and poverty make such a unified vote impossible. Alhaji Abubakar Adam Musa, who writes under the name “Young Prof,” issued a rejoinder on Tuesday to Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir’s recent statement that Muslims and Christians in Plateau State would “all vote for Tinubu” in the next election. While expressing respect for Jingir as an Islamic scholar, Musa said the cleric “does not speak for the North” and listed six reasons why many northerners would reject the call. 1. Rising poverty and hunger Musa cited World Bank projections that an additional 6 million Nigerians were pushed into poverty, with the impact concentrated in the North. He also pointed to a March 2026 Médecins Sans Frontières report showing a 70% year-on-year rise in admissions to nut...

  MATTERS ARISING 6060 mattersarising6060@gmail.com  The way Africans consume news is undergoing a major shift as digital platforms continue to grow, though traditional radio remains the continent’s dominant source of information, according to a new Afrobarometer survey spanning 38 countries. The report, released this week, found that 84% of Africans regularly access news through at least one form of mass media, a figure that has remained largely unchanged over the past decade despite the rapid rise of internet-based platforms. According to the survey, 59% of respondents said they obtain news from radio every day or several times a week, compared with 53% for television, 50% for social media, and 38% for other internet sources. Only 13% said they regularly read print newspapers. The findings suggest that digital media are increasingly replacing, rather than expanding, news consumption across the continent. “Technological advances have changed how news is delivered, but they ha...

Prominent Nigerian Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir said on Wednesday that both Muslim and Christian communities in Plateau State would support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election, according to local media reports. Jingir made the remarks during a meeting between Plateau State leaders and President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where stakeholders discussed persistent security challenges and development concerns in the north-central state. Speaking in Hausa, the cleric said: “We Muslims and our Christian neighbours in Plateau, we will all vote for Tinubu in 2027.” The comments come as political positioning ahead of the 2027 election gathers momentum across Nigeria, with public endorsements for Tinubu emerging from several political and religious figures in recent weeks. Plateau State has long been one of Nigeria’s most volatile regions, marked by recurring violence linked to communal, ethnic and religious tensions, particularly clashes between f...

MATTERS ARISING 6060 mattersarising6060@gmail.com  ABUJA, April 30, 2026  — The West African Journalists for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (WAJESHA) has strongly condemned the ongoing xenophobic attacks against African nationals living in South Africa, describing the violence as cruel, unacceptable and a betrayal of the continent’s shared values. In an official statement issued on Thursday, the regional media network said the attacks have no place in Africa and called for urgent action by South African authorities to protect lives and restore confidence among affected communities. WAJESHA said the victims of the attacks are fellow Africans who share a common history of struggle, colonial oppression and aspirations for a better future, stressing that violence against them amounts to an attack on the continent as a whole. The organisation expressed concern over the psychological and emotional trauma suffered by victims, noting that fear, displacement and loss c...

  ABUJA, Nigeria— The National Democratic Coalition (NDC) has received a boost after MC Tagwaye, a well-known young politician and former Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship candidate, defected to the party with a group of supporters. Tagwaye was formally welcomed into the NDC on Tuesday by National Chairman Senator Moses Cleopas and other senior party officials. He previously held membership in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) before contesting the last FCT Council elections under the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Party leaders described the move as evidence of growing public confidence in the NDC’s platform. In a statement posted on social media, an NDC leader identified as HSD thanked Nigerians for what he called a surge of interest in the movement. “We call on everyone to take advantage of our ongoing nationwide membership registration drive and join the NDC as we work together to build a credible alternative and reposition our country for progress and g...

                   MATTERS ARISING 6060 LAGOS, NIGERIA— Tension and public anger over alleged misuse of public funds took a dramatic turn after a local government chairman was confronted and physically harassed by a group of men in a video currently circulating across social media platforms. The now-viral footage, which has sparked widespread debate online, shows the official being accosted inside what appears to be a hotel facility, with the confrontation reportedly beginning inside an elevator before spilling into the lobby and parking area. The men confronting the official repeatedly addressed him as “Honourable” and “Local Government Chairman,” while demanding answers over alleged financial mismanagement.  “What have you been doing with our money?” one of the voices is heard shouting in the video. Eyewitness footage further captured moments when the chairman was held by the collar, verbally abused, and allegedly slapped by some ...

                       MATTERS ARISING 6060 LAGOS, Nigeria — A prominent Nigerian pastor has sparked nationwide criticism after a video emerged of him telling congregants to vote along ethnic lines, saying he could not support an Igbo candidate because he is Yoruba. Prophet Oladele Ogundipe, head of Genesis Global, made the remarks during a recent sermon that has since circulated widely on social media.  "I cannot be a Yoruba boy and vote for an Igbo boy," Ogundipe told his church, in reference to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his political rivals. He added that even if a candidate from his ethnic group was underperforming, they should still be "given a chance" based on heritage. Ogundipe also told church elders to align with his political stance. "I am your father; who I follow is who you follow," he said, suggesting members who disagreed could leave the congregation. The comments have fueled debate over the role of rel...

DUTSE— The Federal High Court in Dutse has ruled that the Department of State Services (DSS) lacks the legal authority to investigate cases of rape, abduction, and homicide, declaring all actions taken by the agency in one such matter null and void. Delivering judgment on Tuesday in an application for mandamus , the court held that under the National Security Agencies Act, the DSS has no power to conduct investigations into criminal matters involving rape, abduction, and causing death. It said the case, which involved one of its officials, falls outside the agency’s scope. Consequently, the court restrained the DSS from further involvement and nullified all steps it had taken in the matter. The court also ordered that the victim, identified as Walida , be reunited with her family unconditionally. It further directed that the suspect, Ifeanyi , be produced to the Commissioner of Police for proper investigation. The ruling was delivered during Tuesday’s session at the Federal High Court,...

MATTERS ARISING 6060 mattersarising6060@gmail.com Aviation Fuel Hike Threatens 2026 Hajj Operations, Stakeholders Seek Government Intervention ABUJA — Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation sector have called on the Federal and State Governments to urgently intervene in the sharp rise in aviation fuel prices, warning that the development could jeopardize the successful airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise. The call was made under the aegis of the Concerned Aviation Stakeholders, who said immediate action was necessary to save the 2026 Hajj operation from what they described as one of the most severe logistical and financial crises in recent history. President of the group, Alhaji Bulkati Usman Gamawa, in a statement issued on Sunday, expressed deep concern over the soaring cost of Jet A1 fuel, noting that the increase now poses a major threat to airlines contracted for the pilgrimage operation. According to him, many of the airlines handling the 2026 Hajj airlift are ...

The Youth Party has issued a strong appeal to Nigerian youths nationwide to join what it described as “their own political platform,” positioning itself as a movement designed to protect youth interests, eliminate godfatherism, and make political participation more accessible through affordable nomination fees. In a statement ahead of its congresses and 2027 primary elections, the party said it is building a structure where young people are not just participants, but real decision-makers in shaping leadership from the ward level to the national stage. It described the upcoming congresses and primaries as a “historic opportunity” for young Nigerians to step forward, contest for office, and influence the direction of governance without the traditional barriers that have long defined party politics in the country. ‘A party for the youth, by the youth’ The party emphasised that its structure is designed to reflect inclusion, accountability, and internal democracy, insisting that it is comm...

 MATTERS ARISING 6060 “EFCC’s Yahoo Yahoo Claim About Students Damaging and Unfair” — Mahdi Shehu A public affairs commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has faulted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman over his recent claim suggesting that a large percentage of Nigerian university students are involved in internet fraud, commonly referred to as “Yahoo Yahoo.” Shehu, speaking on Wednesday, said the assertion was not only sweeping but also damaging to the reputation and future prospects of innocent students across the country. He argued that such generalisations risk stigmatising the Nigerian student population, most of whom are law-abiding and focused on their education. According to him, statements of this nature from a major anti-graft agency should be backed with verified data, warning that unsubstantiated claims could further erode public trust and unfairly label young Nigerians.

Seychelles has retained its position as Africa’s highest-ranked country in the latest continental standings by the Ibrahim Index of African Governance ( See full ranking here ), while several major economies, including Nigeria, recorded declines and countries such as Liberia and Angola posted significant gains. The latest data, covering 54 African countries over a 10-year period, shows Seychelles ranked first, consolidating its rise from seventh place in earlier years and recording a six-place overall improvement. Mauritius followed in second place, while Cabo Verde, South Africa, and Botswana completed the top five. The rankings highlight widening contrasts across the continent, with smaller and more stable economies continuing to dominate the upper tier, while several larger states experienced mixed performance. In West Africa, Nigeria slipped three places to 33rd, underscoring a continued downward trend in recent years. By contrast, Liberia recorded the sharpest improvement among al...

  ABUJA — In a major political development that could reshape the power equation in Zamfara State ahead of future elections, former Senator Kabir Marafa has officially joined the National Democratic Congress (NDC), bringing along a large wave of supporters in what party leaders describe as another major boost to its fast-growing national movement. Marafa, a former senator and one of Zamfara’s most influential political figures, was formally received by the party’s National Chairman and members of the National Working Committee during a high-level meeting in Abuja. Kabir Marafa was formerly a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was elected as Senator for Zamfara Central under the APC in 2011 and re-elected in 2015. He was a prominent APC chieftain in Zamfara and served as the Zamfara APC coordinator for Tinubu/Shettima in the 2023 elections.  His move to the NDC marks his exit from the APC camp. The NDC leadership said the former lawmaker has fully committed himse...

  ABUJA— In a major political development that could reshape opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general election, former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has officially announced his exit from the Labour Party and his defection to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). Baba-Ahmed made the declaration during an appearance on _Politics Today_ on Tuesday night, saying the party had lost the ideals that originally attracted him. “What Labour Party stood for then is no longer what it is today. I am leaving the Labour Party at midnight, and I am joining PRP. PRP is the new destination,” he said. The former running mate to Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election said his decision was driven by internal disagreements and the ongoing crisis within the Labour Party. His defection is already being seen as a major political shake-up, especially as parties and opposition figures begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections. Political observers say the m...

RADDI CIKIN MUTUNTAWA DA LUMANA GA MAGANAR SHEIKH HUSSAINI MABERA GAME DA: “YAN SIYASA SUNFI MALAMAN ZAMANIN NAN JINKAI DA TAWSAYI DA AMANA IDAN DUKKANSU SUN SAMU MULKI” By: ALH ABUBAKAR ADAM MUSA  Chairman Board of Trustees  MADIF BUILDERS OF HOPE AND CHANGE INITIATIVE  Bismillahir Rahmaanir Rahim 1. Gabatarwa  Bismillah. Dukkan yabo na tabbata ga Allah, Ubangijin halittu, wanda Ya zama mana addinin Musulunci mafita ga dukkan al’amura na duniya da lahira. Sallallahu ala Muhammadin wa ala alihi wasahbihi wasallam. Muna girmama da martabar Sheikh Husseini Mabera, kuma mun yarda cewa kalmominsa game da “Jinkai, Tawsayi da Amana” sun zama sanadin tunani mai zurfi a cikin al’umma. Duk da haka, muna ganin ya kamata a ware tsakanin siyasar kafirai (wadda take neman son zuciya, zalunci da riba) da kuma siyasar Musulunci (wadda take jawo rahama, adalci da shura bisa nassosi). Mun kawo wannan raddi ne domin nuna cewa neman mulki, idan an yi shi da tarbiyya (tawheed), da adalc...

 MATTERS ARISING 6060 A thought-provoking social media post by Hussaini Yusuf Mabera has ignited fresh debate over leadership, trust, and moral authority in society, after claiming that politicians may be more compassionate and trustworthy than many of today’s religious scholars if both are entrusted with power. The post, originally written in Hausa and shared on Facebook, reads:  “Yan siyasa sun fi malaman zamanin nan jinkai da tausayi da amana idan dukkansu sun samu mulki,” See the post Here which translates to:  “Politicians are more merciful, empathetic, and trustworthy than the scholars of this era when both are given power.” The striking remark has quickly drawn reactions across social media, with many users weighing in on what they see as a bold critique of modern leadership in both political and religious spaces. While some commentators described the statement as controversial, others said it reflects growing frustration among citizens over declining public confid...

“I’m From a Big Home” Comment Sparks Massive Reactions Online    By MATTERS ARISING 6060 A fresh political storm is brewing online after one of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s sons reportedly declared “I am from a big home” as the first reason behind his ambition to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives. The remark, made during a Hausa-language interview, has set social media ablaze, with many Nigerians expressing outrage and disbelief over what they see as a shocking justification for seeking public office. Within hours of the interview circulating, reactions flooded Facebook, X, and other social platforms, as users questioned whether family name and political pedigree should now replace leadership experience and grassroots service. The controversy has also revived earlier criticism from veteran journalist Reuben Abati, who openly questioned the young aspirant’s credentials. Abati had pointedly asked what leadership record Buhari’s son possesses to warra...

MATTERS ARISING 6060 ABUJA, Nigeria — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially confirmed Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), bringing an end to the party’s lingering leadership dispute following a decisive Court of Appeal judgment. The confirmation follows the March 27, 2026 ruling of the Court of Appeal in Suit Nos. CA/ABJ/CV/126/2026 and CA/ABJ/CV/127/2026, which unanimously reinstated Gabam as the authentic chairman of the party. The appellate court set aside the earlier Federal High Court judgment of January 19, 2026, which had recognised Sadiq Abubakar Gombe as SDP chairman, describing the lower court’s decision as “manifestly perverse” and made without jurisdiction. By updating its official portal to reflect Gabam’s name as National Chairman, INEC has aligned its records with the binding pronouncement of the superior court, effectively closing the legal chapter surrounding the leadership crisis. The rul...

  ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada— Nigeria has moved to strengthen its diplomatic and development partnership with Grenada following high-level talks in St. George’s, where Grenadian officials praised the contributions of Nigerian professionals and called for deeper cooperation, particularly in healthcare and technical assistance. The renewed commitment emerged during an official visit by the Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Yusuf Buba Yakub, who led a delegation to the Caribbean nation as part of Abuja’s broader push to reinforce South-South cooperation with countries in the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) bloc. During the visit, the Nigerian delegation, which included NTAC Director of Programmes Ambassador Bello A. Jaye, held strategic discussions with Grenada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Andall. The minister commended the impact of the NTAC scheme in Grenada and reaffirmed his country’s readiness to sustain and expand collaboration with Nigeria. ...

ABUJA — The National Executive Committee of the Youth Party has appointed Mr. Abdulrahman Abubakar as Acting National Chair pending the party’s National Convention slated for Saturday, June 27, 2026. Abubakar’s appointment was announced by the NEC following the expiration of tenures of the party’s former national officers. Abubakar is a business executive and technology-driven professional with expertise in information systems management, business analytics, and operations. He currently serves as Managing Director/CEO of McCarthy Property Limited and as a Director at Green Notes Oil & Gas Limited. Within the Youth Party, he previously held the posts of Deputy National Organising Secretary and Acting National Treasurer. He has also served on key committees, including the Election and Disciplinary Committees, and is noted for his work with the Admin and Operations department. Abubakar holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Management from Baze University, Abuja, and previou...

 MATTERS ARISING 6060 mattersarising6060.blogspot.com  ABUJA, FCT— Dr. Obinna Simon(MC TAGWAYE)  a prominent figure within the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and a former candidate in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) elections, has officially resigned from the party. In a formal letter dated April 13, 2026, addressed to the Ward Chairman of Garki Ward, Simon stated that his withdrawal from the party takes effect immediately. Key Reasons for Departure Dr. Simon attributed his decision to a “lingering internal crisis” that has plagued the party, noting that the instability has created deep uncertainty regarding the SDP’s future direction. “As a committed member who believes in stability, unity, and purposeful leadership, I find the current situation deeply concerning and no longer conducive for my continued participation,” the letter read. Reflecting on the Past Despite his exit, Simon expressed gratitude for the support he received during his previous political outin...

The Youth Party has announced the official timetable and guidelines for its 2026 Ward, Local Government Area, State Congresses, and National Convention, with the sale of nomination forms set to close on May 10, 2026. In a statement on Sunday, the party said the congresses present “a unique opportunity for every member to take charge of the leadership of the party or partake in the election of others, in line with our Constitution.” The electoral process will begin with Ward Congresses on May 16, followed by LGA Congresses on May 18, State Congresses on May 20, and the National Convention on May 23, 2026. Screening of aspirants will run from May 11 to May 17, with appeals scheduled a day after each screening. A total of 22 positions will be contested at the Ward, LGA, State, and National levels, including Chair, Deputy Chair, Secretary, Legal Adviser, Publicity Secretary, Treasurer, Organizing Secretary, Auditor, Policy & Strategy Secretary, Financial Secretary, Youth Leader, Women ...

  A new global labour report has revealed that progress in the quality of employment has slowed significantly, with millions of workers worldwide still trapped in poverty, informal jobs, and unstable working conditions. According to the Employment and Social Trends 2026, report, the share of workers living in extreme poverty declined by only 3.1 percentage points between 2015 and 2025, reaching 7.9% globally. This marks a sharp slowdown compared to the 15 percentage-point drop recorded in the previous decade. The report estimates that 284 million workers still live on less than US$3 per day, while poverty among workers in low-income countries has worsened. By 2025, nearly 68% of workers in low-income nations were living in either extreme or moderate poverty. The study also shows that global informality is rising again, reversing earlier gains. By 2026, an estimated 2.1 billion workers are projected to be employed informally, often without access to social protection, workplace righ...

  British Council Announces Fully Funded STEM Scholarships for Women in 2026  The British Council has announced a fully funded scholarship opportunity for women pursuing master’s degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) for the 2026 academic year. The program is designed to provide comprehensive financial support to students from selected countries to complete a one-year postgraduate course in the United Kingdom. Comprehensive Financial Support Each scholarship is valued at a minimum of £40,000 and offers extensive coverage for selected candidates. According to the announcement, the funding covers all essential costs, including: - Full university tuition fees - A living stipend to support daily expenses in the UK - Round-trip travel costs - Visa and health insurance coverage fees Who Can Apply? This initiative is specifically aimed at increasing the participation of women in STEM fields. To be considered for this award, candidates must meet the follow...

  Nigeria’s political landscape may be heading for a major showdown ahead of the 2027 general elections as opposition political parties have agreed to form a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). At the end of the Opposition Political Parties National Summit held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State, party leaders resolved to work towards presenting one consensus presidential candidate to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in 2027. The decision was contained in the “Ibadan Declaration,” a communiqué issued after what participants described as extensive deliberations on the state of Nigeria’s democracy and the country’s future. According to the communiqué, the opposition parties vowed to resist what they called attempts to impose a one-party system on Nigeria. “We shall resist all machinations by the APC to foist a one-party state on Nigeria and fight for the survival of multi-party democracy in our country.” The coalition also ...

  Danbatta, Kano— The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Kano Area Unit, has officially concluded its 2026 State Islamic Vacation Course (SIVC), with a colourful closing ceremony held on Saturday at Government Girls Arabic Secondary School (GGASS), Danbatta, Kano State. The event marked the grand finale of the annual Islamic and leadership programme, which brought together Muslim students from various parts of Kano State for a week-long session focused on religious education, moral discipline, and leadership development. Participants are expected to depart the camp on Monday, April 27, 2026. The closing ceremony attracted several dignitaries and stakeholders, including the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Hakimin Danbatta Mansur Addan, who was represented by Alhaji Balarabe Shehu Danbatta. Other notable personalities in attendance included the A-Zone MSSN Chairman, Malam Ado Garba; the Director of GGASS; the MSSN Kano Amir; Camp Director Lawan Aliyu; the Chairma...

MATTERS ARISING 6060 25 April 2026 The King White Movement Media Team has condemned what it described as the growing wave of public criticism, attacks, and division targeted at key opposition figures, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, warning that internal conflicts could weaken the chances of victory ahead of the 2027 general elections. In an official statement released on Saturday, the group stressed that unity within the opposition camp is no longer optional but essential at this critical stage of Nigeria’s political journey. According to the statement, it is “disappointing and counterproductive” for individuals who claim loyalty to the party to engage in actions that undermine its collective strength and create opportunities for political opponents to ridicule its efforts. The media team called on party supporters and loyalists to focus on promoting the vision of their leaders rather than discrediting them in public. “If you are truly loyal to the vision of a better Nigeria and committ...

  Fresh concerns are mounting across Nigeria following reports that the Federal Government is set to introduce a new vehicle tax regime scheduled to take effect from July 1, 2026. Critics say the move could place an additional financial burden on already struggling citizens. A viral government-themed notice circulating online states that the proposed tax will apply to all registered vehicles, including private, commercial, and corporate automobiles. Officials claim the revenue will support road infrastructure, transport services, and national development. However, opposition voices have strongly questioned the timing of the policy, arguing that Nigerians are already grappling with rising fuel costs, inflation, and harsh economic realities. According to recent fiscal policy reports, the government has introduced a green tax surcharge targeting higher-engine vehicles, with implementation linked to the July 1 timeline. Vehicles between 2,000cc and 3,999cc are expected to attract a 2% ...

  ABUJA— Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Barr. Solomon Dalung, has described former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, as a “misfit” in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Speaking in an interview with Trust TV News, Dalung said Edun is his friend but claimed the former minister “tolerated the government until his integrity was going to break.” Dalung did not provide further details to substantiate the claim during the interview. Edun’s Exit From Cabinet Edun was removed as Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy in a cabinet reshuffle announced on April 21, 2026. He was directed to hand over to Taiwo Oyedele, who previously served as Minister of State for Finance. The reshuffle also saw the removal of Housing Minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa. The Presidency gave conflicting explanations for Edun’s departure. Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga said Edun “duly tendered his resignation from office, citing health ...