President Bola Tinubu has confirmed plans to establish state police across Nigeria and urged calm in Kano amid political tensions, while the All Progressives Congress appears likely to retain Prof Nentawe Yilwatda as national chairman and Dr Ajibola Basiru as national secretary ahead of its national convention.
A United States Congress panel has submitted a detailed report on alleged genocide in Nigeria to the White House, and the Federal Government has defended Executive Order 9 on oil revenue safeguards amid legal debate.
In the Federal Capital Territory, the African Democratic Congress candidate and Obidient Movement have rejected results of the Abuja Municipal Area Council polls, the police in Ogun have denied arresting a rape victim, the Minister of the FCT cancelled 485 land titles after failed authenticity checks, and lawyer, Femi Falana, has criticised the public holiday declared for the FCT polls.
Here are the top stories this morning, among others:
Tinubu confirms state police plans, urges calm in Kano
President Bola Tinubu confirmed the Federal Government’s plans to establish state police across Nigeria as part of efforts to enhance internal security.
Speaking at an interfaith Ramadan Iftar in Abuja with governors and senior officials, Tinubu urged political actors and residents of Kano Stat3 to remain calm amid ongoing tensions in the state.
He reiterated that state police would not be postponed and emphasised the need for unity, noting that Nigeria had emerged from recent economic uncertainties and required inclusive approaches to governance.
Convention: APC may settle for Yilwatda, Basiru
Sources within the ruling All Progressives Congress say the party may retain Prof Nentawe Yilwatda as national chairman and Dr Ajibola Basiru as national secretary at its upcoming national convention scheduled for March 27–28.
Party stakeholders and governors are reportedly engaging in consultations to build consensus around the pair ahead of formal adoption, as the APC seeks continuity in its leadership structure.
Alleged genocide: US Congress panel submits Nigeria report to Trump
The United States House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs have submitted a joint report to the White House, detailing findings and recommendations on addressing alleged genocide and persecution of Christian communities in Nigeria.
The submission follows fact-finding missions and hearings conducted by the panels in the US, examining testimony, security data and the humanitarian situation in several Nigerian states.
The document is now before the White House for further consideration.
Oil revenue row: Presidency defends Tinubu’s Executive Order
The Federal Government has defended President Tinubu’s Executive Order 9, which aims to safeguard and enhance the collection of oil and gas revenues accruable to the Federation.
In a statement, the Director-General of the Budget Office said the order was constitutional and urged critics to seek judicial clarity if they disagreed.
Legal experts remain divided over aspects of the directive and its implications for fiscal administration and revenue control.
FCT polls: ADC candidate, Obidients reject results
In Abuja, the African Democratic Congress candidate for the Abuja Municipal Area Council chairmanship and supporters from the Obidient Movement have rejected the results of the recent area council polls.
They alleged irregularities, intimidation and manipulation of figures during the conduct of the elections.
The development has added to growing discontent over what critics describe as credibility issues in local government elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
ICPC yet to act on El-Rufai’s bail application, says aide
An aide to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, says the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has not yet responded to his bail application in connection with the alleged ₦432bn probe.
The aide stated that El-Rufai’s legal team is awaiting communication from the anti-graft agency regarding the application, which was filed as part of ongoing proceedings tied to the investigation.
Police refute arresting rape victim in Ogun
The Ogun State Police Command has denied reports that it arrested a rape victim following an outcry on social media.
In a public statement, the police clarified that the victim was not taken into custody, explaining the circumstances surrounding the case and reacting to misinformation circulating about the incident.
The command’s response sought to reassure the public and correct the narrative around its handling of gender-based violence cases.
Wike cancels 485 Abuja land titles after failed authenticity checks
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory approved the cancellation of 485 land titles in Abuja after they failed verification during comprehensive checks by the Department of Land Administration and the Abuja Geographic Information Systems.
The affected titles were deemed inauthentic following the review, prompting the ministerial directive aimed at curbing fraudulent land practices in the nation’s capital.
Again, Falana hits Wike over public holiday for FCT polls:
Senior lawyer and human rights advocate, Femi Falana, has agaon criticised the decision to declare a public holiday for the Federal Capital Territory area council elections, saying it set a problematic precedent and raised questions about the use of public resources.
Falana’s comments were part of a broader reaction to the administration’s handling of the polls and related directives affecting civil services.
