On April 5, the Anambra State Labour Party Will Hold its Primary Election for Governor.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party has designated April 5, 2025, as the date for the primaries to select the party's candidate for the upcoming governorship election in Anambra State. A statement issued by the National Secretary of the party, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, outlines that the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2025 gubernatorial primaries in Anambra State will begin with the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms on Monday, February 10, 2025. Additionally, the sale of delegate forms is set to commence on March 20, 2025. In light of this announcement, all prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the National Headquarters of the Labour Party to obtain the guidelines for the party primaries and other pertinent information. SIGN: Obiora Ifoh National Publicity Secretary Labour Party 04/02/2025

Nigerian Police Arrest Abuja School Explosion Survivor Following Hospital Discharge

The Nigerian police have apprehended Abba Saidu, one of the individuals affected by the recent explosion at the Almajiri Tsangaya Modern School located in the Kuchibuyi community of Kubwa, Abuja. Reports indicate that Saidu was taken into custody shortly after his discharge from the hospital, where he was being treated for injuries sustained during the explosion. The incident, which took place at the Tsangayar Sani Uthman Islamic School in the Bwari Area Council, was allegedly triggered by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) introduced by three individuals from Katsina who purported to be Islamic educators. The explosion resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including a young boy whose remains were discovered in a disfigured state, while another person sustained critical injuries. Saidu, who suffered severe injuries, was initially treated at Kubwa General Hospital before being transferred to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital in Gwagwalada due to the seriousness of his condition. He remained hospitalized for approximately one week before being discharged. However, his elder brother, Salisu Dungu, disclosed that police officers had been surveilling him throughout his hospitalization. “I stayed with him for several days before asking my brother, Nura, to take care of him. Later, I was informed that the police had taken him to their office in Life Camp and subsequently moved him to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID),” Dungu informed journalists. Dungu expressed his concerns regarding Saidu’s ongoing detention, noting that he has already spent nearly two weeks in police custody. According to Saidu, the explosion occurred when one of the deceased victims, Harisu Lawan, discovered the device while searching for sweet potatoes in a nearby field. In a related development, Iliya Shuaibu, the father of another injured victim, Fauziyya Ilyasu, criticized the police's management of the situation. He also mentioned that the proprietor of the school, Adamu Hashimu, has been in custody since the incident took place. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement concerning Saidu’s arrest or the ongoing investigation into the matter.

Nigeria Acts After a New Ebola Outbreak in Uganda Claims One Life.

In response to a recent outbreak of Ebola in Uganda, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has enhanced surveillance protocols at the nation's entry points. Last week, Uganda's Ministry of Health reported the emergence of the Ebola outbreak, confirming one fatality and monitoring forty-four individuals who had been in contact with the infected person. In light of this situation, the NCDC issued an advisory stating: "There are currently no reported cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria. Nevertheless, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in partnership with relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Partners through the National Emerging Viral Hemorrhagic Diseases (EVHD) Technical Working Group, is actively monitoring the situation and has implemented measures to bolster our preparedness in the country," remarked the agency’s Director-General, Jide Idris, in a statement on Sunday. "These measures include updating our EVD emergency contingency plan, increasing surveillance particularly at entry points, and enhancing diagnostic capabilities for EVD testing in designated laboratories located in cities with international airports, as well as at the National Reference Laboratory. Furthermore, all laboratories that conduct Lassa Fever testing can be mobilized to increase testing capacity if necessary." "There are vaccines and treatments available for certain strains of the Ebola virus. The vaccine approved for the Zaire species (EBV) is not presently accessible in the country but can be procured from the WHO Afro; however, it does not provide protection against the Sudan virus." "Timely identification, patient isolation, initiation of supportive care, implementation of infection control measures in healthcare settings and households, contact tracing and monitoring, along with safe burial practices, can significantly reduce morbidity and the likelihood of mortality."

How Suspected Herdsmen Kill-ed Numerous People When They Entered a Community in Ebonyi

On Sunday, suspected herdsmen launched an assault on the Amegu Nkalaha Community located in the Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, resulting in an undetermined number of fatalities and the destruction of numerous homes. SP Joshua Ukandu, the spokesperson for the Ebonyi State Police Command, confirmed the incident to Channels Television, indicating that police personnel have been dispatched to the affected area. In his statement, Ukandu acknowledged the attack and mentioned that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the exact number of casualties. "Yes, an attack took place, and the police are actively addressing the situation. The command is still in the process of determining the exact number of individuals who lost their lives in this incident," he remarked. Ifeoma Agwu, the chairperson of the Ishielu local government area, also verified the occurrence of the attack, noting that efforts to recover the bodies and transport them to the morgue are currently underway, which complicates the ability to provide an accurate count of the deceased at this time. "We are in the process of taking the victims' remains to the mortuary. I cannot provide further details at this moment. More information will be shared later," she stated. While the motive behind the attack is still being examined, some residents have speculated that it may be linked to the recent killing of cattle owned by herdsmen in the vicinity. A community member, who requested anonymity, alleged that the cattle were killed by individuals associated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in the nearby forest. The source further indicated that tensions have escalated within the community following the cattle killings, and that local stakeholders are making efforts to avert potential retaliatory violence.

BREAKING: Tinubu Gives His Approval for the Federal University of Environmental Technology to be Established in Rivers.

President Bola Tinubu has officially enacted the legislation for the creation of the Federal University of Environmental Technology in Ogoni, Rivers State. This announcement was made by Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, through his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday. He stated: “I am delighted to inform Nigerians that President @officialABAT has approved the bill for the establishment of the Federal University of Environmental Technology, Ogoni, in Rivers State. It is crucial to emphasize that the Renewed Hope administration under President Bola Tinubu is dedicated to rectifying past injustices and establishing institutions that will prevent future instances of segregated development.”

To Keep the Southwest Safe From Bandits, Yoruba Rulers Employ Traditional Methods.

In response to the infiltration of bandits, as well as members of Boko Haram and ISWAP in the South-West region, local monarchs have announced the activation of traditional methods to enhance security in the area. The traditional rulers have also pledged to prevent the South-West from becoming a refuge for bandits or insurgents. When inquired about the measures being implemented to combat the escalating insecurity and the influx of bandits, the Chairman of the Council of Chiefs in Ondo State, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, the Deji of Akureland, indicated that they are offering traditional support to tackle these security challenges. Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Michael Adeleye, the monarch stated: “The recent influx of bandits into certain areas of the South-West, as highlighted by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, underscores the military's commitment to eradicating banditry from the nation, with their efforts beginning to show positive outcomes. “Nevertheless, in light of the recent reports regarding their potential movement into the South-West, I must assert that this region will not serve as a sanctuary for any bandit groups displaced from the northern territories. “The traditional institutions are collaborating with the South-West Governors to ensure the safety of our region. We are also engaging with all our Olus and Chiefs in the forest reserve areas to monitor for any unfamiliar individuals and to ensure that their communities do not harbor such persons. Additionally, in a conversation with Vanguard, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Olori Faboro, remarked that while Ekiti has remained peaceful, concerns about invasion are primarily propagated through social media. Oba Faboro noted: “We have implemented sufficient measures, including the presence of Amotekun, and approximately a year ago, the Governor established the Agro Marshall to patrol our agricultural areas. The incidence of kidnapping has significantly decreased compared to over a year ago. “The police have been performing admirably. I do not endorse the narratives circulating on social media.” Emphasizing the necessity for ongoing collaboration between governmental authorities and traditional leaders to address the issue of insecurity, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, remarked, “We must remain vigilant. The Federal Government should maintain continuous communication with traditional rulers to combat this menace. We are familiar with the rural areas, the terrain, and the local populace.” Similarly, the Okere of Sakiland, Oba Khalid Olabisi, indicated that measures are being implemented to mitigate the influx of bandits and to prevent an escalation of insecurity within his jurisdiction. In a telephone interview with Vanguard, Oba Olabisi stated, “We have formed community vigilance groups to observe and report any suspicious activities, thereby fostering a culture of awareness among residents.” Furthermore, the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North local government area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, expressed that under the current Constitution of Nigeria, traditional rulers lack the authority to address insecurity effectively. He urged the government to take necessary actions to ensure the safety of their territories. Oba Akinyemi noted, “Given the porous nature of the nation’s borders, it is imperative for the government to alert all security agencies stationed at the borders.”

Notwithstanding the PDP Governor's Forum's Endorsement of Ude-Okoye, Sen. Anyanwu Returns to his Position as National Secretary.

The internal leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified, as Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the contested National Secretary, has returned to the party’s National Headquarters despite the endorsement of Sunday Ude-Okoye as the party’s secretary by the PDP Governors’ Forum. The PDP Governors’ Forum, under the leadership of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, confirmed Ude-Okoye as the National Secretary on Friday, citing the ruling of the Appeal Court and directing the National Working Committee to act in accordance with the judgment. Nevertheless, Anyanwu disregarded this endorsement and proceeded to the PDP National Headquarters at Wadata Plaza, where he immediately resumed his duties. This incident marks the latest chapter in a series of events that have plunged the PDP into a state of internal discord. The party has been grappling with significant rifts, particularly regarding the position of National Secretary. The South East zone had put forward Ude-Okoye as a replacement for Anyanwu, who had been selected as the party’s candidate for the governorship election in Imo State. The situation escalated dramatically on January 27, 2025, when the Court of Appeal in Abuja issued a restraining order mandating Anyanwu to retain his position until a final ruling from the Supreme Court. Tensions heightened further when Anyanwu's supporters forcibly removed Ude-Okoye from a Board of Trustees meeting, necessitating security intervention to restore order. The leadership crisis within the PDP has been further complicated by criticisms directed at Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman, who succeeded Iyorchia Ayu following his court-ordered removal. The ongoing internal strife has raised concerns regarding the party's capacity to present a cohesive front in anticipation of the 2027 elections.