Nigeria News (Standard)
Zamfara Group Moves to Sue Minister Matawalle over Certificate Allegations
Concerned citizens accuse former Zamfara Governor of using vocational certificate for elective office; legal action imminent
Concerned citizens accuse former Zamfara Governor of using vocational certificate for elective office; legal action imminent
A political storm is brewing in Zamfara State as the Zamfara State Concerned Citizens (ZSCC) announced plans on Monday to take legal action against the Minister of State for Defence and former Governor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, over alleged irregularities in his educational qualifications. The group made its position known through a statement issued by its leader, Musa Abdullahi, in Kaduna.
According to Abdullahi, ZSCC is challenging Matawalle’s use of a certificate reportedly obtained from the Vocational Training Centre, Bunza, for his previous governorship bid and current ministerial appointment. The group alleges that the said certificate does not meet constitutional requirements for public office holders at state or federal level. “We have concluded consultations and are preparing to approach the court to test the validity of these credentials,” Abdullahi stated.
This development comes amid growing scrutiny of public officials’ academic backgrounds in Nigeria, with similar cases having resulted in court actions and political setbacks for some politicians. ZSCC said their move is motivated by a desire to uphold transparency and accountability in governance within Zamfara and beyond. “Public office is a position of trust that demands honesty, transparency and strict compliance with the law,” Abdullahi added.
At the time of filing this report, Matawalle had not publicly responded to the allegations. The Minister, who represents Zamfara (North-West), served as Governor under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before decamping to the All Progressives Congress (APC). As at Monday evening, calls seeking comment from his aides were not returned.
Legal experts say if the matter proceeds to court, it could set a precedent for future eligibility screenings across Nigeria’s political landscape. Stakeholders are watching closely as the case may affect both upcoming appointments and electoral contests in Zamfara State.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Minister Ekpo Orders Increased Cooking Gas Imports as Nigerians Question Reliance Despite Vast Reserves
Federal Government blames forex volatility and logistics for high LPG prices; citizens urge focus on domestic supply
Federal Government blames forex volatility and logistics for high LPG prices; citizens urge focus on domestic supply
The Federal Government has directed gas marketers to ramp up imports of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, to address supply shortages and rising prices across Nigeria. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, announced the move on Monday in Abuja, following widespread complaints from households struggling with higher energy costs.
Ekpo explained that recent spikes in cooking gas prices were driven by foreign exchange volatility, logistics challenges, and inadequate infrastructure within the country. He stated that marketers had received clear instructions to increase imports in the short term while government works on longer-term solutions to stabilise supply and prices. The directive comes as many Nigerians grapple with climbing food and transportation costs, making affordable cooking gas a pressing concern nationwide.
The government’s decision has drawn sharp reactions from citizens, who questioned why a nation with over 200 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves still needs to depend on imports. Many took to social media to express their frustration. “In a country where we have more gas reserves than oil, a nation is saying people should import? What happens to opening up more LNG plants across the country for this thing to be in abundance?” one user wrote. Another added: “If we have a large reserve and we export more than 942 billion scf and yet the minister’s solution is to import instead of cut export and increase what’s available for consumption… this isn’t a renewed hope, Nigeria is screwed.”
Despite these criticisms, Ekpo maintained that government policies are focused on ensuring local supply remains a priority. He emphasised that factors such as rising international LPG prices and infrastructural bottlenecks have limited domestic availability but assured that new gas projects—such as those from Seplat Energy—are expected to boost local supply and help moderate prices in the coming months.
Stakeholders in the oil and gas sector have long highlighted issues like inadequate processing facilities and poor transportation networks as obstacles preventing Nigerians from fully benefiting from the country’s vast gas wealth. The government insists that domestically produced LPG will continue to serve local demand first before exports are considered. Meanwhile, concerns persist that further price hikes may force more Nigerians to revert to firewood or charcoal for cooking—a trend with serious health and environmental implications.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Oshiomhole’s Suspension Claim on Akpoti-Uduaghan Proven False After Fact Check
Recent review finds Senator Oshiomhole’s statement on Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged suspension has no factual basis
Recent review finds Senator Oshiomhole’s statement on Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged suspension has no factual basis
A recent fact check has revealed that the claim made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole regarding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is untrue. The issue came to light in Abuja on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, after Oshiomhole reportedly stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan had been suspended by her party.
The statement, which circulated widely on social media and various news platforms, was subjected to scrutiny after stakeholders and party officials questioned its authenticity. Investigations showed there was no official communication from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at either state or national level confirming any suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
This development is significant as it highlights the increasing trend of misinformation within Nigerian politics, especially in Kogi State and across the North-Central zone, where political rivalry remains intense. False claims of suspension or expulsion can impact public perception and disrupt legislative activities.
Neither the PDP Kogi State chapter nor the party’s National Working Committee released any statement supporting Oshiomhole’s assertion. Party officials maintained that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan remains an active member in good standing. Efforts to reach Oshiomhole for clarification were unsuccessful at press time.
Observers have called for more responsible communication among political actors to maintain public trust and ensure accurate information flows to citizens. The incident underscores the need for fact-checking in Nigeria’s political discourse, especially ahead of future elections.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Saint Helena’s Jonathan Confirmed as World’s Oldest Living Land Animal at 194 Years
Guinness World Records recognises Seychelles giant tortoise, brought to Saint Helena in 1882, as oldest chelonian ever recorded
Guinness World Records recognises Seychelles giant tortoise, brought to Saint Helena in 1882, as oldest chelonian ever recorded
Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise residing at Plantation House on Saint Helena island, has been officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living land animal at an estimated age of 194. The announcement was made on Monday following fresh archival reviews and shell measurements confirming Jonathan’s maturity upon arrival in 1882.
According to historical records, Jonathan was transported from Seychelles to Saint Helena in the South Atlantic as a gift to the island’s governor. While no birth certificate exists due to the era, scientists conservatively estimate his hatching year as around 1832, based on photographs and his size when he arrived. In 2022, local authorities marked December 4th as his symbolic birthday. Jonathan has now outlived 31 governors of Saint Helena and features on the territory’s five-pence coin.
Jonathan’s longevity is remarkable even by tortoise standards and places him as a living witness to nearly two centuries of global history, including the reigns of eight British monarchs and forty United States presidents. He was already alive before the invention of the telephone or electric lightbulb, and during events such as the American Civil War. Residents of Saint Helena regard him as part of their cultural heritage.
Despite being blind and lacking a sense of smell due to old age, Jonathan remains active under the supervision of his longtime veterinarian Joe Hollins. He enjoys sunbathing on warm days and burrows into grass clippings for warmth during colder periods. A few years ago, a decline in his health led to the introduction of a specialised weekly diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which has since improved his condition.
With Jonathan continuing to thrive at Plantation House, conservationists say his story offers hope for efforts to protect endangered species worldwide. Local officials maintain regular veterinary care and public awareness campaigns about animal welfare on Saint Helena.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/jonathan-worlds-oldest-tortoise-2026061716510189921
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