The African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has urged Nigerians to weigh their options for the upcoming elections, contrasting what he described as economic hardship under President Bola Tinubu with potential prosperity under his party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Speaking to stakeholders during a gathering in Obigwe, located within the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers State, the former governor heavily criticized the Tinubu administration, arguing that the removal of the fuel subsidy has brought widespread suffering and insecurity.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Amaechi contrasted his own record in office—highlighting investments in infrastructure, free education, and healthcare—with what he termed the self-serving actions of subsequent leaders. Urging his supporters to mobilize and register new members as foot soldiers for the electoral contest, he claimed that Atiku has pledged to reinstate fuel and electricity subsidies if elected, which he suggested would lower commodity prices and alleviate poverty. Concluding his remarks, Amaechi bluntly told the electorate that they face a stark choice at the polls: re-electing President Tinubu and facing severe poverty, or casting their ballots for Atiku Abubakar to improve their financial standing.

Senator Shehu Buba, representing Bauchi South, has strongly refuted renewed accusations connecting him to banditry, asserting that these claims are politically motivated smear tactics engineered by his detractors. Speaking on Albarka Radio in Bauchi, the former Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence maintained that he has already petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over the matter, noting that four individuals have been apprehended in connection with the claims. The controversy escalated following a social media interview by influencer D English Alhaji Media, in which a local resident named Hassan accused the lawmaker of backing bandits and alleged that associates of notorious bandit leader Dogo Gide were taken to Abuja for specialized training facilitated by one of the senator’s aides. Buba countered that Hassan—whom he labeled the primary suspect—has fled to the Niger Republic and continues to launch online propaganda financed by his political rivals.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Police Command, through its spokesperson Nafiu Habib, stated that it has yet to receive a formal petition regarding these latest accusations and therefore has no official stance. Conversely, Mukhtar Gwarzo, a businessman and longtime political ally of the senator, has urged security and government agencies to launch a rigorous and impartial probe into the claims, emphasizing their gravity for national security. Gwarzo defended Buba’s character based on a relationship spanning over two decades, arguing that someone allegedly tied to banditry would not have been trusted with such a sensitive national security post in the National Assembly. Nevertheless, Gwarzo stressed that the senator should not be immune to accountability, calling on the Department of State Services (DSS) and relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate all aspects of the controversy. This current dispute builds upon prior scrutiny, including a September 2024 petition sent to President Bola Tinubu by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, which alleged that an aide to the senator facilitated the Hajj registration and funding of individuals suspected of involvement in banditry and kidnapping. When reached for comment regarding the status of the investigation, a DSS spokesperson indicated that the agency’s findings would be made public in due course.

The United States has greenlit a major potential arms package valued at $5 billion for Saudi Arabia, a move designed to bolster the kingdom’s airspace defense amid escalating geopolitical instability across the Middle East. Announced by the US State Department on Friday, the proposed transaction encompasses a wide array of military equipment, including advanced bombs and precision guidance kits. According to the State Department, these provisions are strategically intended to enhance Saudi Arabia’s airborne defense infrastructure, fortify domestic security against regional perils, and promote seamless tactical interoperability with United States military branches and fellow Gulf coalition partners.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶