News
Zamfara Governor issues fresh warning to bandits, says drop your weapons before it’s too late
Zamfara governor, Dauda Lawal has issued fresh warning to bandits in forest across the state to drop weapons before it becomes late for them.
The governor called for unconditional surrender of weapons, stating that his administration was willing to embrace peace.
Lawal stated this at the unveiling of a new facility that will serve as the headquarters for Operation Safe Corridor in the Northwest region.
In a statement issued by the Spokesman of the Governor, Sulaiman Idris, says “Operation Safe Corridor” was meant to provide a structured exit for repentant bandits through disarmament, de-radicalization, and reintegration into society.
The statement noted that to surrender was a window and an opportunity for repentant to return to normal life, insisting that Lawal’s administration will not succumb to banditry under any guise, even as the administration was committed to crushing bandits, if they continue to remain in criminal activities.
According to him, the initiative follows the success of a similar Operation Safe Corridor program in the Northeast, which successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated former Boko Haram fighters.
“This program will offer vocational training, psychological support, and ideological reorientation for those who choose peace,” the statement read.
Governor Lawal reiterated that his administration is fully backing the federal government’s efforts to restore security in Zamfara.
“For those willing to surrender their arms unconditionally, they are welcome. But for those who refuse, we will continue to take the fight to their enclaves until they are completely eliminated,” he declared.
The governor also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, and Major General EV Onumajuru for supporting the initiative and selecting Zamfara to host the Northwest headquarters of Operation Safe Corridor.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has lost its quest to remove the ally of Chief Nyesom Wike as the Supreme Court of Nigeria in the early hours of Friday affirmed Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary.
Anyanwn who was planted by Wike as the National Secretary of the PDP has been engrossed in legal battle as Wike, the former governor of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT is now loyal to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
In a unanimous judgment, the five member panel averred that the matters bordering on the leadership or membership of a political party is its internal affair and should not be the business of a Court, hence, the Court has washed off its hands in PDP affairs.
The court proceeded to set aside the decision of Appeal Court, Enugu Division which on 20 December 2024 affirmed the removal of Anyanwu by a Federal High Court in Enugu.
The Apex Court held the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to have heard the matter instituted by Aniagwu Emmanuel.
Anyanwu contested for Imo State Governorship on the platform of PDP in 2023, but failed to secure victory.
News
Emergency Rule in Rivers: Senators Dickson, Abaribe, Tambuwal walk out of Senate Chambers in protest
As the Nigerian Senate approved the emergency rule declared in Rivers by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senators Seriake Dickson, Enyinnaya Abaribe and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal walked out of Chambers in protest of Senate’s position.
Seriake Dickson representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District (PDP), Enyinnaya Abaribe representing Abia South Senatorial District (APGA) and Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal representing Sokoto South Senatorial District (PDP) were unhappy over the declaration of emergency that suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara out of office.
Senators Seriake Dickson and Aminu Tambuwal who was also a former Speaker of the House of Representatives are lawyers and said, the declaration was unconstitutional and would not have their support.
Notwithstanding, their objections, the Senate presided by the Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio through a voice vote overwhelmingly supported the president’s move, shutting down an open debate on the matter.
Senator Dickson expressed his gratitude to colleagues who supported his stance and acknowledged the presidency’s modifications to the original declaration. However, he emphasized that the introduced oversight mechanisms did not address the core constitutional concerns.
Dickson also criticized Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of attempting to silence opposition. “The Senate is a meeting of equals, and no lawmaker should be censored for speaking on national issues,” he stated.
The walkout by the three senators highlights the deepening divisions within the Nigerian Senate and raises concerns about the implications of the state of emergency on the country’s democratic institutions.
Rugby School Nigeria, the newest international school of the esteemed Rugby School Group, is set to open in September 2025 in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.
To celebrate this significant milestone, an exclusive launch event was held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos, attracting over 100 distinguished guests and key stakeholders from the education, government, business sectors, and diplomatic communities.
At the official launch event on March 19, 2025, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Jonny Baxter highlighted the significance of Rugby School Nigeria stating:
“Rugby School Nigeria exemplifies one of the best of UK-Nigeria collaborations, bringing another world-class British education institution to the heart of Lagos. Situated in the dynamic Eko Atlantic City, a symbol of Nigeria’s ambition and innovation, this school is poised to further shape future leaders in a rapidly evolving global landscape.”
Rugby School Nigeria will initially open its doors for Sixth Form students (ages 16-18) in September 2025, with boarding facilities set to be available from September 2026. The Senior School (ages 11-16) will launch in September 2026, offering a broad and engaging curriculum that prepares students for IGCSEs and future academic success.
Founding Principal of Rugby School Nigeria, Dr Adam England expressed his enthusiasm:
“Rugby School Nigeria will offer an exceptional education that nurtures both intellectual growth and character development guided by the Rugby School ‘Whole Person, Whole Point’ philosophy. Students will benefit from a comprehensive A-Level programme, preparing them for top universities worldwide, alongside the Rugby 360 programme, which fosters leadership, community engagement, and personal development.
Our state-of-the-art facilities will include science labs, creative arts spaces, and world-class sporting facilities.”
Founded in 1567, Rugby School is one of the world’s most prestigious UK boarding schools, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and character development. With established sister schools in Thailand, Japan, and now Nigeria, Rugby School continues to expand its global impact, offering transformative educational experiences to students worldwide.
Dr England added, “We are excited by the substantial interest we have already received, with numerous parents’ meetings taking place daily at our offices.”
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