Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has made a bold declaration that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, no judge serving in the FCT High Court will be living in rented accommodation by the end of the President’s first tenure in 2027. Wike made this statement on Monday during the official flag-off of the design and construction of residences for FCT Heads of Courts. He stressed that this initiative will bring to a close the long-standing issue of judicial officers in Abuja living in rented quarters – a practice many have called embarrassing and inappropriate for…

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has raised the alarm over serious death threats coming his way, all because of his bold moves to clean up Nigeria’s troubled mining sector. Speaking through his spokesperson, Segun Tomori, the Minister said he has had to triple his personal security after he started revoking licences of operators who have been flouting mining regulations or sitting on government-issued permits without using them. But despite the threats, Dr. Alake says he’s not backing down. “We won’t tolerate defaulting licence holders. I have had to increase my personal security, but I remain undaunted,”…

In the midst of rising academic tension across Nigerian universities, the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has firmly distanced itself from the two-week warning strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). While ASUU announced the industrial action starting October 13, citing years of unfulfilled promises by the Federal Government, CONUA says it is staying out of the fray. The breakaway union is instead calling for calm, urging its members to continue their teaching and administrative duties. “We’re Not Part of the Strike” – CONUA Clears the Air President of CONUA, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, made it clear in…

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on young Nigerian girls to challenge outdated societal norms that teach them to accept shame and remain silent in the face of injustice. The Kogi Central lawmaker made the passionate appeal during a mentorship session held in Abuja to mark the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child. The interactive event, tagged “An Evening with Senator Natasha”, gathered over 50 young women from across the country for an evening of bold truth-telling, real talk, and renewed purpose. “We’ve been raised to wear the shame, carry the blame, and keep our mouths shut. That ends with…

Academic activities across Nigeria’s public universities have been brought to a halt yet again, as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) commenced a two-week warning strike starting today, Monday, October 13, 2025. This move follows the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government, which failed to meet key demands raised by the union. Speaking at a press conference at the University of Abuja on Sunday, ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna said the decision to withdraw services was taken after “no tangible progress” was made. “There is nothing on the ground to stop the implementation of the…

In what political analysts are calling one of the biggest defections in recent times, over 64,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and other opposition groups have officially dumped their parties and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). The massive political shake-up took place over the weekend in Jigawa, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – represented by Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, received the new entrants into the ruling party. Buni, speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, welcomed the new members warmly and assured them they would enjoy the same rights and privileges as…

The Senator representing Bauchi North in the National Assembly, Samaila Dahuwa Kaila, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing persistent internal battles and factional divisions as his reason for leaving. In a letter dated October 6, 2025, addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Tsokuwa/Kofar Gabar Ward, Katagum LGA of Bauchi State, Senator Kaila made it clear that the growing disunity in the party has made it hard for him to effectively represent his constituents in the 10th Senate. “The incessant internal squabble that has led to unnecessary factionalisation within the PDP is seriously affecting my ability to deliver…

As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to battle a wave of high-profile defections, Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, has come out swinging-branding those jumping ship as “cowards”. Mohammed made the fiery remarks during the inauguration of the media and publicity sub-committee for the party’s upcoming national convention, scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State on November 15. “Staying back to fight is what makes a man or woman. It’s an act of cowardice to leave because of one man or woman,” he declared to party faithful. Defections Shaking PDP Ahead of National…

At a gathering filled with hope, music, and political fire, Senate President Godswill Akpabio told young Nigerians not to lose faith in the country even in the face of hardship.  He charged them to become active players in the rebuilding of Nigeria, saying change begins with small acts of kindness and personal responsibility. The event, tagged “An Uncommon Evening with the Senate President,” held at the APC Youth House, Abuja, brought together vibrant youth leaders, stakeholders, and party loyalists under one roof. It was organised by APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel. Akpabio, while addressing the crowd, admitted that the…

Former foreign affairs minister, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, has raised alarm over claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria, warning that such accusations could trigger serious international consequences, including travel bans and visa restrictions for Nigerians. This comes amid growing noise from top U.S. political figures and commentators accusing Nigeria of persecuting its Christian population – a claim Akinyemi strongly contests. US Voices Growing Concern Over Nigeria A wave of strong-worded statements and proposals is emanating from Capitol Hill in Washington. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz recently introduced a bill to “protect persecuted Christians in Nigeria.” Another lawmaker, Riley Moore, pushed for urgent…