Nigeria News (Standard)
Osun APC Ex-Lawmakers Urge IGP to Block Alleged Adeleke Push for Police Commissioner Redeployment
Forum raises alarm over suspected thugs in Osun ahead of August governorship poll; calls for security agency investigation
Forum raises alarm over suspected thugs in Osun ahead of August governorship poll; calls for security agency investigation
Former members of the Osun State House of Assembly under the All Progressives Congress (APC) have called on Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, to resist reported efforts by Governor Ademola Adeleke seeking the redeployment of the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan. The ex-lawmakers issued this appeal during a press briefing held in Osogbo on Thursday, expressing concern over alleged political interference ahead of the 15 August governorship election.
Addressing journalists, Honourable Timothy Owoeye, immediate past Speaker and spokesperson for the forum, claimed that Governor Adeleke and unnamed state government officials were making backdoor moves to have Commissioner Gotan transferred out before the crucial poll. Owoeye asserted that these manoeuvres posed a threat to neutrality and security in Osun during the election period.
The forum also alleged that suspected thugs had started arriving in Osun State, purportedly sponsored by ruling party interests. Owoeye charged security agencies to investigate these claims, warning that such activities could lead to violence against APC members and supporters if not urgently addressed. “We are deeply concerned by reports suggesting Governor Adeleke and some individuals within government are dissatisfied with the activities of the Commissioner of Police because he refuses to do their bidding,” Owoeye said at the press conference.
The group urged the Inspector General and other heads of security agencies to maintain their current deployments and resist any pressure to transfer officers perceived as impartial. They further warned that any attempt to influence security arrangements before the poll could undermine public confidence in both the process and outcome.
As at press time, government officials from Osun could not be immediately reached for comment on these allegations. The development highlights growing political tension in Osun ahead of next month’s election, with both APC and PDP stakeholders closely monitoring moves around security agency deployments.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Peter Obi Files ₦5bn Defamation Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo in Abuja Court
Legal action by Labour Party presidential candidate marks escalation in political tensions ahead of 2027 elections
Legal action by Labour Party presidential candidate marks escalation in political tensions ahead of 2027 elections
Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has filed a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit against Nollywood actor and lawyer Kenneth Okonkwo. The suit was lodged at a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, marking a significant legal move in the ongoing political rivalry between both men.
Obi’s legal team initiated the proceedings after alleging that Okonkwo made statements deemed injurious to Obi’s reputation. The details of the alleged defamatory remarks were not disclosed in open court, but sources familiar with the case said the statements were published on social media platforms and widely circulated among political stakeholders. Okonkwo, who is a known supporter of opposition parties and an active commentator on national issues, has yet to publicly respond to the lawsuit.
The development comes as political actors across Nigeria intensify positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections. Peter Obi remains an influential figure within the Labour Party, particularly among young voters and urban professionals. Observers say that this legal action could set a precedent for how high-profile politicians respond to criticism and perceived attacks on their character in the digital era.
As at press time, neither Obi nor Okonkwo had issued official statements regarding the case. However, legal analysts noted that defamation suits involving large monetary claims are rare among frontline politicians in Nigeria, raising questions about its potential impact on future political discourse. Efforts to reach Kenneth Okonkwo for comment were unsuccessful.
The Federal High Court is expected to set a date for preliminary hearings in the coming weeks, with both parties likely to present evidence regarding the alleged defamatory content. Political analysts predict that the outcome could influence how public figures engage with critics ahead of major electoral contests.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Nigerian Medical Association Dismisses Claims of Magical Genital Theft Nationwide
Doctors warn against panic and mob attacks, urge public to seek scientific explanation for alleged incidents
Doctors warn against panic and mob attacks, urge public to seek scientific explanation for alleged incidents
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has firmly dismissed recent claims circulating in various parts of the country about so-called magical genital theft, describing them as baseless and unscientific. The association made its position known on Thursday, calling on Nigerians to avoid spreading false information that could lead to public unrest or violence.
According to the NMA, no credible medical evidence supports allegations that individuals can lose their genitals through mystical or supernatural means. The association’s statement follows reports from several communities where accusations of genital disappearance have sparked panic and, in some cases, led to physical assaults on alleged perpetrators.
The NMA explained that these claims are not new in Nigeria, often surfacing during periods of heightened social anxiety or uncertainty. The association stressed that such rumours have no foundation in established medical science and warned that mob actions based on unfounded beliefs could result in serious injury or loss of life.
“We appeal to all Nigerians to remain calm and report any suspicious incidents to the nearest health facility for proper evaluation,” the NMA said in a statement signed by its national officers. The group further cautioned traditional leaders and community heads against encouraging vigilante justice or spreading unverified stories.
The association advised security agencies to investigate any reported cases thoroughly while ensuring that suspects are not subjected to unlawful treatment. The NMA reaffirmed its commitment to educating the public on health issues and urged citizens to rely on medical professionals for accurate information rather than resorting to superstition or hearsay.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Minister Pate Launches Comprehensive Health Sector Overhaul in Abuja, Highlights COVID-19 Grant Impact
Federal government says Global Fund investments have boosted health security and oxygen supply nationwide
Federal government says Global Fund investments have boosted health security and oxygen supply nationwide
Minister of Health, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, on Thursday announced a major transformation drive for Nigeria’s health sector at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja. Speaking at the National Close-Out Meeting on COVID-19 Response Mechanism Investments, organised by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and Global Fund partners, Pate said government is prioritising stronger health security, improved services, and expanded access for citizens.
According to the minister, funds deployed through the Global Fund COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C19 RM) have played a significant role in strengthening surveillance and laboratory systems across the country. He noted that investments have also improved Nigeria’s health security architecture and enabled the expansion of oxygen systems in hospitals, which he described as critical for protecting essential services and saving lives during the pandemic.
Pate stated that these interventions are part of a broader government agenda to unlock the healthcare value chain and deliver better population health outcomes. He emphasised that ongoing reforms aim to address longstanding gaps exposed by COVID-19, including inadequate infrastructure and limited emergency response capacity. “We are committed to building a resilient system capable of responding to current and future challenges,” Pate said at the event.
He further highlighted that collaboration with international partners such as NACA and Global Fund has helped Nigeria expand its laboratory network and improve data-driven disease surveillance. While acknowledging progress made so far, Pate called for sustained investment from both public and private sectors to consolidate gains achieved under the C19 RM grant. No opposition response was available as at press time.
The Ministry of Health says it will continue to work with development partners to strengthen Nigeria’s health system post-pandemic, focusing on universal healthcare coverage and robust emergency preparedness nationwide.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria-pursuing-comprehensive-health-sector-transformation-pate/
Peter Obi Files ₦5bn Defamation Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo in Abuja Court
Nigerian Medical Association Dismisses Claims of Magical Genital Theft Nationwide
Minister Pate Launches Comprehensive Health Sector Overhaul in Abuja, Highlights COVID-19 Grant Impact
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