Top 10 disturbing highlights from Tuesday’s Nigerian news

DDM News

1. Wike Cautions PDP Against Repeating 2023 Mistakes

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to repeat the mistakes of the 2023 elections.

Speaking during a media chat on Monday, Wike emphasized that the opposition party should not make the same error of zoning its presidential ticket to the northern region for the 2027 elections.

The political landscape in Nigeria is currently seeing intense discussions regarding the party’s strategy for future elections, and Wike’s statement marks a significant point in those debates.

His caution serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the PDP in the previous election cycle and the need for strategic adjustments to secure future victories.

Wike’s statement is not only a reflection of his personal political views but also a broader commentary on the direction the party must take to remain competitive in Nigerian politics.

The PDP’s handling of its leadership and zoning arrangement will likely be a key factor in determining the party’s success or failure in the upcoming elections.

As the opposition party works on rebuilding and redefining itself, Wike’s advice is seen as a pivotal moment in shaping that process.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) continues to monitor the evolving political dynamics as the PDP works on its future strategy.

2. Nigerian Air Force Prepares for 61st Anniversary Celebrations

In preparation for the Nigerian Air Force’s 61st anniversary celebrations, aerial display rehearsals are set to begin in Abuja and Lagos today.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the spokesman for the NAF, made this announcement in a statement on Monday.

The rehearsals are part of the buildup to the anniversary events scheduled for May 23, showcasing the prowess and readiness of the Nigerian Air Force.

The event is expected to highlight the achievements of the NAF and its contributions to national security.

The Nigerian Air Force has played a crucial role in safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and ensuring peace within the West African region.

Over the years, it has undergone significant upgrades in terms of equipment, training, and strategic partnerships.

The anniversary celebrations will also serve as an opportunity for the Nigerian Air Force to engage with the public and boost morale within its ranks.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) will continue to report on these developments as the NAF celebrates its legacy.

3. Boko Haram Attacks Nigerian Army Base in Borno

Tragedy struck the Nigerian military as suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked a base in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, killing an unspecified number of soldiers.

The attack occurred at the Forward Operation Base of the 153 Task Force Battalion around 3:00 am on Monday.

Local and security sources confirmed the attack, which comes amid ongoing security challenges in the northeast of Nigeria.

The incident highlights the continued threat posed by terrorist groups and their impact on military operations in the region.

Boko Haram has been a major security concern for Nigeria, particularly in the northern and northeastern regions, for over a decade.

Despite efforts by the Nigerian military to combat the insurgents, the group continues to carry out devastating attacks on both military and civilian targets.

The attack on the army base in Marte underscores the unpredictable nature of Boko Haram’s operations and the danger they pose to national security.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) will keep its audience updated on the security situation in the northeast.

4. Bukola Saraki Appointed Head of PDP Convention Committee

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has been appointed as the head of a seven-member committee tasked with fine-tuning the modalities for the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The announcement came after a closed-door meeting led by the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed.

Saraki’s appointment comes at a critical time for the PDP as it looks to reorganize its leadership and strategies ahead of future elections.

His leadership of the committee is expected to play a key role in the party’s efforts to regain public trust and strengthen its organizational framework.

The PDP is currently undergoing significant internal restructuring to position itself as a formidable opposition party for the next electoral cycle.

Saraki’s experience in Nigerian politics, particularly his time as Senate President, will likely influence the decisions and outcomes of the committee’s work.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) will provide coverage on the PDP’s efforts to restructure and its preparations for the 2027 elections.

5. Death of Former Bayelsa Military Administrator, Omoniyi Olubolade

A shadow of grief has fallen over the nation with the death of Navy Captain Omoniyi Caleb Olubolade (rtd), the former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State.

The Ipoti-Ekiti-born officer passed away on Sunday, May 11, in Apapa, Lagos.

Olubolade, who had recently celebrated his 70th birthday in November 2024, played a significant role in the governance of Bayelsa State during his tenure.

His death marks the end of a notable chapter in Nigerian military and political history.

Many have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Olubolade for his contributions to both the military and civil life in Nigeria.

Olubolade was widely respected for his leadership and service, and his passing will be felt deeply within his community and beyond.

His legacy as a military officer and administrator in Bayelsa will continue to influence future generations.

6. President Tinubu Swears in New INEC and Code of Conduct Bureau Officials

On Monday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu swore in newly appointed commissioners for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as well as members of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the State House in Abuja, just before the commencement of the ongoing Federal Executive Council meeting.

The appointment of new officials to these crucial bodies is part of the ongoing restructuring efforts by the Tinubu administration.

This restructuring aims to strengthen key governance institutions ahead of future elections.

The INEC plays a central role in ensuring the integrity of elections in Nigeria, while the CCB oversees public officials’ compliance with ethical standards.

These appointments signal the administration’s commitment to improving transparency and accountability in the electoral process and public service.

The effectiveness of these new appointments will be closely monitored as the country approaches its next major electoral cycle.

7. ASUU Elects Chris Piwuna as National President

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has elected Professor Chris Piwuna, a Consultant Psychiatrist and Professor of Medicine, as its new national president.

Piwuna takes over from Emmanuel Osodeke, a Professor of Agriculture at the University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State.

His election comes at a time when the union’s leadership is crucial in navigating the challenges facing the Nigerian higher education sector.

Issues such as wage disputes, university funding, and academic freedom remain at the forefront of ASUU’s agenda.

Piwuna’s leadership is expected to focus on addressing these pressing issues while striving to improve the working conditions of university lecturers.

ASUU has historically played a pivotal role in shaping Nigerian education policy, and under Piwuna’s guidance, the union is likely to continue its advocacy for the improvement of higher education.

His appointment is seen as a critical moment for Nigerian universities, especially as they face numerous challenges both internally and externally.

8. NNPC to Resume Oil Drilling in Northern Nigeria

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), under the leadership of Group Chief Executive Bayo Ojulari, has announced that it will resume oil drilling activities in northern Nigeria.

This decision follows a hiatus of over two years after the previous administration under former President Muhammadu Buhari initiated the crude oil drilling project along the borders of Bauchi and Gombe States.

The resumption of oil drilling in the northern region is seen as an important move to diversify Nigeria’s oil production and enhance the nation’s energy capacity.

Oil drilling in the north has the potential to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s oil output and provide an additional source of revenue.

This move also represents an attempt to explore untapped energy resources in regions that have traditionally been less involved in the country’s oil industry.

The project aims to reduce the country’s dependency on oil reserves in the Niger Delta and create new economic opportunities for the northern states.

9. Edo Governor Petitions IGP and DSS Over Forgery Allegations

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi.

He has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Olorogun Ese Kakor, the President of the Neo Black Movement of Africa.

Kakor is accused of forging official government documents.

The governor’s petition highlights the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability within Nigerian political systems.

Forgery of government documents is a serious offense, and the petition underscores the state government’s determination to uphold the law.

Okpebholo’s action is a clear indication that the Edo State government is committed to tackling corruption at all levels.

The investigation into the allegations is expected to take center stage as security agencies work to address the issue.

10. Kidnappers Abduct Nigeria Immigration Officer in Benue

In a concerning development, gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Simon Agbo, at his residence in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State.

The abduction occurred on Sunday night, with Agbo taken away by the assailants while he was with his neighbors.

The relative of the victim who confirmed the incident to journalists on Monday expressed concern over the rise in criminal activities in the region.

The authorities have been urged to intensify efforts to rescue the officer and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Kidnapping for ransom has become an increasingly prevalent crime in Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt and northern regions.

This latest incident has sparked fresh calls for greater security measures and improved law enforcement in affected areas.

The Nigerian government and security agencies are under growing pressure to address the rising wave of kidnappings.

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