Author: Drum Africa Correspondent
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Saturday, said that the defection of Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress will benefit the South South region. Eno had on Friday joined the APC, taking with him 31 local government chairmen and all the lawmakers, with three commissioners resigning in protest against the move. While congratulating Eno, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Okpebholo commended his colleagues’ bold and courageous decision to align with the progressive ideals and national vision of the APC. This move, he noted, demonstrates…
President Bola Tinubu has reacted to the passing of veteran highlife musician and folklorist Mike Ejeagha, extending his heartfelt condolences to the late artist’s family, friends, and countless admirers. In a statement released on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Ejeagha as “one of Nigeria’s greatest folklorists, songwriters, and musicians in the Igbo language.” Tinubu hailed Ejeagha for his contributions to the preservation and promotion of Igbo traditions through music, saying the artist’s unique storytelling style inspired generations and upheld cultural heritage. “May the spirit and values of Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s music…
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday, advocated a single term of five or six years for elected political office holders across all levels of government in Nigeria, against the current double term of four years each. He made this known while playing host to Muslim faithful, alongside traditional rulers and political office holders in his Ikolaba private residence in Ibadan, the state capital, shortly after the Eid-el-Kabir prayers. The delegation was led by the state Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal. Others included the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; former state Deputy Governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman, Taofeek…
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress. He made this known during an official announcement on Friday in Uyo, the state capital. The governor said the decision followed “three months of wide consultation” with critical stakeholders across the state. Eno expressed his gratitude to the PDP for their support during his tenure, stating that it was time for him to make a progressive move. The governor said he decided to join the APC, citing his admiration for President Bola Tinubu and the need for Akwa Ibom…
A former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mohammed Uwais, has died at the age of 89. A family source, who confirmed Uwais’ death, said the retired jurist died on Friday, June 6, 2025, in Abuja. Preparations were said to be underway for his funeral prayer and burial. Born on June 12, 1936, Justice Uwais served as the Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 until his retirement in 2006. After retiring from the Supreme Court, he was appointed by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to lead the Electoral Reform Committee, where he played a key role in efforts to…
Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, says steps “to stabilise governance and revive the economy of Rivers” are underway. The governor spoke through Nelson Chukwudi, his chief press secretary, in a message to commemorate the Eid-el-Kabir celebration. Fubara urged Muslims in the state and across the world to reflect on the values of sacrifice, obedience and faith as they celebrate. “The festival commemorates the deep devotion of Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command,” the statement reads. “It is observed globally with solemn prayers, animal sacrifices, and the sharing of meat with family, friends,…
A federal judge has temporarily blocked an executive order from President Donald Trump that would have barred Harvard University from enrolling international students. Judge Allison Burroughs issued a restraining order preventing the implementation of the policy, citing the potential for “immediate and irreparable injury” to the university. The ruling came just hours after Harvard filed an amended lawsuit on Thursday, accusing the Trump administration of retaliating against the institution for exercising its First Amendment rights. The Trump administration argued that the ban, which was to last six months, was necessary for national security and accused Harvard of failing to address…
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed insinuations that some power brokers are influencing the governance of President Bola Tinubu. Wike said this at the 2025 OAU Distinguished Personality Lecture in Ile-Ife, the Osun State capital, on Thursday, where he delivered the keynote lecture at the event. “He has shown that he has the courage. Under Tinubu, there is nothing like cabal. This is a president that is in charge,” he said. The minister stated that all former Nigerian presidents, including Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, were not bold enough to remove the petrol subsidy…
In the spirit of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, on Thursday donated rams, bags of rice, and other food items to the Muslim community in Abia State. Presenting the items to the Muslim faithful led by Sarki Shehu Bello in Bende, Bende Local Government Area of the state, Hon. Kalu urged them to use the occasion to spread love to the indigent and put a smile on their faces. He promised never to relent in championing the cause and welfare of his people by spreading the dividends of democracy. Wishing them…
Bill Gates, chairman of the Gates Foundation, says the amount spent by the Nigerian government on its healthcare sector is “too small” to address endemic challenges. Speaking at a media roundtable on Wednesday, Gates said high maternal and child mortality rates will not reduce if healthcare investments are not ramped up. The billionaire philanthropist said he had spoken to President Bola Tinubu about the need to increase the country’s health budget. According to him, while he understands that the government faces many tradeoffs in public expenditure, boosting investments in healthcare are crucial. “Well, the amount of money Nigeria spends on…