White Smoke Rises Over the Vatican, Revealing a New Pope.

This significant occasion came after several days of private discussions at the Vatican, where 133 cardinal-electors convened in a conclave to select the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The identity of the new pope remains confidential and will be revealed when he appears at the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to offer his inaugural public blessing. The Vatican News announced, 'White smoke! The 133 Cardinal electors gathered in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel have elected the new Pope. He will soon appear at the central window of St. Peter’s Basilica.' This momentous event follows the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He passed away at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta after a lengthy illness. His funeral mass took place on Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter’s Square. After the service, Pope Francis was interred in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, fulfilling his personal wish to be buried outside the Vatican. The world eagerly anticipates the introduction of the new pope, as the faithful gather in St. Peter’s Square, united in hope and prayer. The upcoming announcement will signify the commencement of a new era for the Catholic Church.

Officers that Assault a Civilian are Demoted by the Imo Police as a Form of Discipline.

The Imo Police Command has implemented disciplinary measures against three officers: Ofem Obongha, Obinna Okereke, and Anayo Ekezie, in response to a viral video depicting police officers assaulting a civilian on the Owerri, Aba Road. Following an orderly room trial, Anayo Ekezie was found guilty of employing his issued smoke gunner during the incident and has been demoted to Corporal. Inspectors Obongha and Okereke received stern reprimands for their inadequate supervision that permitted the misconduct to transpire. In a statement from the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Okoye Henry, the Commissioner of Police urged the public to report any incidents or complaints regarding misconduct to the Complaints Response Unit. The statement emphasized that the Imo State Police Command, in light of the viral video, has identified the involved officers and initiated disciplinary actions. The officers, all from the Safer Highway Unit, include Inspector Ofem Obongha, Inspector Obinna Okereke, and Sergeant Anayo Ekezie. After reviewing the video, the Command conducted an orderly room trial in accordance with the Nigeria Police Force's disciplinary procedures. Sergeant Anayo Ekezie was found guilty of using his issued smoke gunner during the assault and has been demoted to Corporal, while Inspectors Obongha and Okereke received severe reprimands for their failure to maintain proper supervisory control, which allowed the unprofessional conduct to occur.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, condemned the actions of the officers, labeling them as violations of the Force’s Code of Conduct and human rights standards. He reaffirmed the zero-tolerance policy for police misconduct and assured that appropriate actions would be taken against those found guilty. In this regard, the Command encourages the public to report any instances of police misconduct to the Complaints Response Unit (CRU), the X-Squad Unit, or by calling 08033424051 or 0814 802 4755. The Command is dedicated to upholding transparency, professionalism, and the protection of citizens' rights.

As it Rejects MultiChoice's Lawsuit Against the FCCPC, the Court Declares Nigeria to be a Free Market.

The Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a lawsuit brought by MultiChoice Nigeria, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, which contested the intervention of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission regarding its recent increase in subscription prices. The presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, characterized the lawsuit as an abuse of the court's process. MultiChoice Nigeria sought a ruling on whether the FCCPC had the authority under Section 17(a) of the FCCPC Act to issue an order preventing the company from raising its prices. Additionally, the applicant requested a declaration that the FCCPC's directive to reverse its price increase on pay-TV packages was discriminatory and in violation of Section 42 of the Constitution. In response, the FCCPC submitted a counter-affidavit, asserting that a similar case was already pending in the Lagos Division of the court. On March 1, 2025, MultiChoice had raised its subscription rates by as much as 25%, citing inflation and increased operational costs. In delivering the judgment, Justice Omotosho stated that the lawsuit constituted an abuse of court process due to the existence of similar proceedings in Lagos. The judge remarked, 'This suit is an abuse of court processes and a duplicity of actions.' He emphasized that the plaintiff should have pursued its claims in the Lagos Division, rendering the current filing procedurally improper. 'The issues raised here can be dealt with in the suit filed in Lagos. The rule of law permits a counterclaim, and although the Lagos suit was initiated by the FCCPC, MultiChoice can counterclaim,' he stated. The judge further noted that the plaintiff could have addressed its concerns in the earlier suit without the need for a new filing. Justice Omotosho clarified that although the FCCPC possesses investigative powers as per its founding Act, it does not have the jurisdiction to set or suspend prices unless such authority is explicitly granted by the President through a formal gazetted instrument. He stated, 'The authority to set prices is solely that of the President. Any action taken without such delegation is invalid.' He further noted that Nigeria functions under a free market system, permitting service providers like MultiChoice to determine their pricing, with consumers having the option to accept or decline these prices. Justice Omotosho stressed that 'Nigeria's economy operates as a free market, with price controls only permissible when established by the President for an entire industry in accordance with Section 88 of the FCCPC Act.' He also remarked, 'If the President decides to set prices, it must apply to the entire industry and not just one entity unless that entity is a monopolist.' The judge ruled that the FCCPC's actions, including instructing MultiChoice to halt its price increase, infringed upon the company's right to a fair hearing and seemed to be selectively aimed. He rejected the FCCPC's claim that MultiChoice held a dominant market position, deeming it untenable. 'The use of services like those offered by the plaintiff is optional and not vital. Nigeria can function without them,' he stated. The judge further asserted that MultiChoice operates within a non-regulated sector with numerous competitors, and there was no evidence presented to the court indicating that its pricing was excessive. He concluded that MultiChoice's services are optional and not essential, and that the FCCPC's role is limited to investigating and reporting to the President, who possesses the authority to act under Section 88 of the Act. Justice Omotosho cautioned that efforts to impose price controls by regulatory bodies without proper legal foundation could dissuade investors and negatively impact the economy. The court reiterated that while the FCCPC may investigate market practices, it lacks the power to enforce price controls without the necessary legal authority.

The Head of the Labour Party, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, Criticizes Governor Otti and His Group, Calling Them Content Creators.

Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, a prominent member of the Labour Party, has criticized Dr. Alex Otti and his supporters for their disregard for the Labour Party's constitution and their blatant defiance of the decisions made by the national executive council (NEC) of the party. Dr. Okeke characterized the actions of the party's sole governor and his uninformed followers as mere content creation, stemming from the unlawful activities aimed at destabilizing the party and ousting the duly elected National Chairman, Bar Julius Abure, who was appointed in a convention that adhered to the party's constitution, INEC guidelines, and the Electoral Acts. While acknowledging Gov. Otti's capabilities as a governor, Dr. Okeke labeled him a poor representative of the party, noting that Otti's political history has been marked by factionalism, dating back to his time in the APC in 2022. Dr. Okeke pointed out that the NEC of the Labour Party consists of 172 members, with the governor and his deputy being the only two elected officials as per the party's constitution. He expressed concern over the governor leading such a futile initiative, especially considering he was the chairman and sponsor of the Nnewi convention that elected the party's National Working Committee (NWC). Furthermore, Dr. Okeke questioned the legitimacy of the illegal committee in Umuahia that appointed Nenadi Usman as a caretaker committee member, despite her not being affiliated with the Labour Party. He described the governor's actions as content creation, suggesting that this path may lead to irreparable divisions if those inciting discord and factionalism do not take steps to reconcile. 'Our Governor, HE. Alex Chioma Otti, is a commendable governor but a poor party member, and it is important to recognize that this issue did not originate with the Labour Party. In 2022, Alex Otti was part of the APC in Abia, where his faction was engaged in content creation with his Abia Arise group, ultimately resulting in his loss of the Abia ticket. He hurried to Abure, pleading and vowing to offer anything if the party granted him the ticket. In September of the previous year, two members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), the governor and his deputy, convened a yam festival meeting in Umuahia, where they appointed a woman, not affiliated with the Labour Party, as the caretaker committee Chairperson. They proceeded with this action fully aware that only the National Chairman of the Labour Party has the authority to convene an NEC meeting through the National Secretary. They recognize that the NEC comprises over 172 members, which is why I assert that they are merely fabricating content. Nenadi Usman, their chairperson, is not recognized as a member of the Labour Party by its national leadership. Alex Otti, through his deputy, presided over the Nnewi Convention and provided partial sponsorship for it. At what point did the governor realize that the convention he chaired was no longer legitimate? They are merely content creators. Which section of the Labour Party constitution grants a governor of Abia the authority to act as the National Chairman of the Labour Party? Their caretaker committee Chairperson went to an inexpensive hotel in Abuja to suspend a National Chairman who is currently at the National Party headquarters in Abuja, which is yet another instance of content creation. A woman, not affiliated with the Labour Party, is suspending the National Chairman of the Labour Party? This is yet another fabrication. She accused Abure of corruption, labeling him an EFCC customer, while he has never held a federal government position nor been summoned by the EFCC. She has been requested to provide the party with details regarding the plea bargain with the EFCC. As a former Minister of Finance and manager of the Good Luck Campaign fund, the party claims she is the epitome of corruption. Abure’s name is the one listed on the INEC website, and rightly so. She is imploring INEC to include her name, and I question what constitutional process led her to this position. The Labour Party elects its Chairpersons through Conventions, not through New Year’s festivals. They asserted that Abure's term has lapsed. I would like to inquire of Otti, which term are they referring to? On March 27, 2024, in Nnewi, Anambra State, you presided over a Convention that granted Bar Julius Abure a four-year mandate, set to conclude in 2028. Therefore, which term has actually expired? Nenadi's committee has claimed that the public does not support Abure, and she convened an NEC meeting in a modest hotel in Abuja, attended by merely 25 suspended elderly individuals. The public stands with Abure; he exemplifies the Supreme Court's directive to adhere to the constitution of your party. She questions why the police have not apprehended Abure. To this, I would respond that the police are not content creators like your group. Alex Otti and his associates are generating narratives, but regrettably, he is merely repeating the errors made in Abia.

BREAKING: Gov. Alex Otti And Five Others Are Suspended by the Labour Party.

The Labour Party has indefinitely suspended Dr. Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, along with five other individuals, due to alleged activities contrary to the party's interests. Trustbase News reported last Friday that the party's National Executive Council had established a disciplinary committee tasked with investigating Otti and others, with a mandate to present their findings within two weeks. Following the report's submission, the NEC convened on Wednesday, May 6, and announced the suspension of Governor Alex Otti, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, Hon. Amobi Ogah, and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi. A press release regarding this matter stated: 'Labour Party imposes indefinite suspension on Otti, Senator Nwokocha, Kingibe, Sowumi, and Ogah, while challenging Nenadi to address her plea bargain with the EFCC.' It is noteworthy that on May 2, 2025, the NEC of the Labour Party formed a five-member Disciplinary Committee, led by Deputy National Chairman Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, alongside Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the National Secretary, and three additional members, to investigate allegations of anti-party conduct involving Governor Otti and other party members. The Disciplinary Committee has completed its investigation and submitted its report to the party leadership. The National Executive convened on May 7, 2025, and after thorough discussions, ratified the recommendations made by the Disciplinary Committee, resulting in the indefinite suspension of the aforementioned party members from all party activities, effective immediately. 1. Dr. Alex Otti 2. Senator Ireti Kingibe 3. Senator Darlington Nwokocha 4. Hon. Victor Afam Ogene 5. Hon. Amobi Ogah 6. Hon. Seyi Sowunmi As a result of this suspension, the aforementioned former party members will no longer represent the party in any capacity. All relevant institutions, including the Nigeria Governors Forum, the National Assembly, INEC, and various security agencies, are hereby informed. It may astonish Nigerians and party supporters that Nenadi Usman's name was notably absent from the list of suspended members. We have consistently stated that Nenadi Usman is not a member of the Labour Party, as she does not hold a membership card. We acknowledge her affiliation with the Obidient Support group, which has been actively supporting the party's 2023 presidential candidate. Consequently, we will not impose any sanctions on her due to her non-membership. Furthermore, we are aware that Ms. Usman recently appeared on a widely broadcast event, alongside a former governor of Kaduna state, to join another political party, where she pledged her allegiance. This raises questions about her true loyalties. The party leadership is also perplexed by Ms. Usman's comments regarding corruption, given her own history as a prominent figure associated with corrupt practices. Nigerians are already informed about the various EFCC cases against her, and we expect Ms. Usman to clarify her situation regarding her Plea Bargain with the EFCC, as well as the properties she allegedly forfeited. She should also provide explanations regarding the acquisition of her radio station in Kaduna, her numerous properties across Nigeria and abroad, her companies in Cameroon, and her plantations. Nenadi Usman lacks the ethical standing to initiate any investigations or to discuss corruption. The financial records of the party are in order, and it is noteworthy for the public that the party's audited accounts have been made available. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as the regulatory authority, engaged external auditors to review the party's finances, resulting in a favorable report that praised the party for its financial transparency. It is documented that, among the political parties in Nigeria, the Labour Party's financial records have been recognized as among the most exemplary. Furthermore, the party has taken a definitive stance regarding coalition discussions, reiterating its disinterest in any proposals from individuals or groups seeking to form a coalition or merger. As previously mentioned, the advocates of such coalitions lack the necessary capacity, character, and competence to facilitate such a political arrangement. These individuals have struggled to manage a single political party; thus, it is implausible that they could effectively oversee a coalition of multiple parties with diverse interests. The Labour Party is committed to contesting the 2027 general election independently, and no further discussions on this issue will be considered. SIGN Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim National Secretary Labour Party.