Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has faulted the police for stopping a planned meeting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders in Kaduna, describing the action as a violation of the Constitution. The meeting was scheduled for Thursday, barely a week after suspected thugs attacked an opposition gathering in the state. During that incident, political leaders from ADC, PDP, SDP, NNPP, and LP were assaulted with cutlasses and clubs, leaving several people injured and properties destroyed. Many had blamed the police for failing to act. Speaking at a press conference in his Kaduna residence, El-Rufai said the ADC…

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for failing to appoint ambassadors nearly two years after assuming office. Akinyemi described the situation as “unusual” and said the president owes Nigerians a clear explanation. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday, the former minister said the absence of ambassadors undermines Nigeria’s foreign relations and sends the wrong signal to other nations. “I think the President owes us really an explanation. There must be something there, and that makes it difficult for me to explain. Well, it’s not my job to explain. It’s the…

The Ebonyi State government has placed a ban on graduation ceremonies for pre-nursery, nursery, and primary school pupils in the state. Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary), Donatus Ilang, announced the decision in Abakaliki, saying only students completing JSS3 and SS3 will be allowed to hold graduation ceremonies. “Graduation ceremonies are exclusively reserved for pupils and students who have successfully completed basic education (JSS3) and Senior Secondary (SS3). In view of the above, pre-basic (kindergarten/nursery) and Primary 6 are banned from holding graduation ceremonies forthwith,” Ilang stated. He explained that the move is part of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s ongoing education…

Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, says banditry would be history in the state if he had direct control over security agencies. In a viral video, the governor lamented that despite equipping security operatives with 150 new vehicles, he cannot command them since they only take orders from Abuja. “I swear to Allah, there was a time I shed tears,” Lawal said in Hausa. “Wherever bandits are, we know. I can show you on this phone their exact location. But without authority to give directives, nothing can be done. If I had that power, this issue will end in two months.”…

The Federal Ministry of Environment has issued a flood alert to 14 states, warning that 43 locations may experience heavy rainfall that could trigger flooding between September 4 and 8, 2025. The warning was released on Thursday by the ministry’s National Flood Early Warning Centre and signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department. Flooding has remained one of Nigeria’s toughest environmental challenges, displacing families, destroying farmlands, and spreading waterborne diseases. In recent years, climate change and poor drainage infrastructure have made many communities more vulnerable during the rainy season. According to the…

Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has dismissed reports of an impending face-off between lawmakers and Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, insisting that the Speaker enjoys the full confidence of members. Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Agbese described Abbas as “the best in providing quality leadership, attending to members’ welfare and supporting constituency development.” The Benue lawmaker, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, stressed that there is no rift within the House, contrary to speculation. According to him, “the confidence of members in Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen is not negotiable and unwavering.” He noted that since taking office,…

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has advised Nigerian doctors to remain in the country and build their careers rather than travelling abroad to take up caregiver jobs. Oborevwori made the appeal on Tuesday in Asaba when the Delta chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), led by its chairman Dr. Israel Agadaigho, paid him a courtesy visit. The governor praised doctors who have continued to serve despite the “japa” wave, noting that his administration was investing heavily in the health sector. “It is better for our doctors to work in Nigeria and earn their respect than to go abroad and…

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) says there is still no progress in its talks with the Federal Government, raising fresh fears of another strike. ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, told reporters on Tuesday that despite pressure from students, parents, and lecturers, the government has made “no concrete move” to resolve the issues. “As it stands, there is no update. Nothing has changed,” he said. The Abuja Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Prof. Al-Amin Abdullahi, also voiced frustration, saying members are losing patience with the Tinubu administration. He hinted that a strike could be imminent if the government continues to…

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, on his 59th birthday. In his congratulatory message, Kalu commended Vice President Shettima’s passion and dedication to the growth and development of Nigeria, citing his remarkable tenure as Governor of Borno State and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He noted that Vice President Shettima’s strides in governance, leadership, and legislative contributions have continued to inspire many, adding that his legacies speak profoundly of his deep commitment to public service. The Deputy Speaker wished…

The Lagos State Government has warned celebrities, influencers, and residents against giving money to touts on the streets, saying the act fuels insecurity and worsens environmental problems. Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said people who hand out cash to miscreants may think they are being kind, but they are in fact encouraging lawlessness. According to him, the handouts embolden the boys to remain on the streets, multiply, and make enforcement more difficult for the government. He stressed that Lagos can only tackle the menace if residents cooperate by refusing to patronise street urchins. “The public must support…