Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • Repete Celebrates Aderemi Oseni’s Exceptional Leadership on Birthday

    Repete Celebrates Aderemi Oseni’s Exceptional Leadership on Birthday

    The APC Chieftain in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega popularly known as Repete, has joined eminent personalities, political leaders, associates, and well-wishers across Oyo State and beyond to celebrate the Lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Aderemi Oseni, on the occasion of his birthday anniversary.

    In a heartfelt congratulatory message made available to newsmen, Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega (Repete) described Hon. Aderemi Oseni as a distinguished parliamentarian, visionary leader, seasoned engineer, and an outstanding grassroots politician whose impactful representation and people-oriented leadership continue to inspire hope, development, and progress across his constituency.

    Repete noted that the celebrant has remained a shining symbol of dedication, excellence, loyalty, and purposeful service to humanity, stressing that his remarkable contributions to legislative advancement, youth empowerment, infrastructural growth, and community development have earned him widespread admiration and respect among the people.

    According to him, Hon. Aderemi Oseni’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the masses and his passion for sustainable development have continued to distinguish him as one of the most vibrant and result-driven lawmakers in the National Assembly.

    “Today, we celebrate not just a political leader, but a compassionate statesman, a bridge-builder, and a committed servant of the people whose life reflects humility, generosity, competence, and visionary leadership. Your dedication to the growth and progress of your constituency remains highly commendable and inspiring to many upcoming leaders,” Repete stated.

    He further prayed for greater wisdom, divine strength, sound health, long life, and more outstanding accomplishments for the federal lawmaker as he continues his service to humanity and national development.

    Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega (Repete) equally reaffirmed his admiration for the celebrant’s leadership style and prayed that the new age would usher in greater achievements, increased influence, and abundant blessings for Hon. Aderemi Oseni, his family, political associates, and supporters.

    The birthday celebration has continued to attract goodwill messages from political stakeholders, associates, supporters, and admirers who have described Hon. Aderemi Oseni as a dependable leader, seasoned legislator, and progressive-minded public servant committed to the advancement of the people and society at large.

  • Establish Ministry of Blue Economy in A’Ibom, stakeholders, EMR, urge Gov Umo Eno

    Establish Ministry of Blue Economy in A’Ibom, stakeholders, EMR, urge Gov Umo Eno

     

    By Dianabasi Effiong

    Uyo:  Stakeholders in the maritime and energy sectors in Akwa Ibom have called for the establishment of the Ministry of Blue Economy in the state to harness the untapped potential in the Blue Economy space.

    They made this known at a roundtable organised for members by the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Branch, in Uyo.

    According to the stakeholders, this will ensure a stronger institutional coordination since no fewer than 6,208 maritime firms now operate along the state’s coastline.

    According to a Maritime/Blue Economy expert, Mr Idongesit Antung, and other industry players, these companies, involved in several maritime-related operations, including offshore services, marine transportation, fisheries, oil and gas logistics, dredging, shipping support, and coastal commercial activities, need proper institutional coordination.

    They said that in spite of Akwa Ibom’s strategic coastal advantage (crisscrossed by rivers, cradled by the Atlantic Ocean) and the growing maritime investments, the absence of a dedicated ministry had hindered effective regulation, policy coordination, environmental monitoring, and data management within the sector.

    The stakeholders said that the lack of a specialised government structure could limit the state’s ability to fully harness economic opportunities available in the maritime industry, especially at a time when the Federal Government had intensified efforts to develop Nigeria’s blue economy through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, with, Adegboyega Oyetola, as the Minister.

    They pointed out that the ministry was established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to unlock the sustainable economic potential of Nigeria’s marine resources, shipping, and maritime sectors.

    According to the stakeholders, establishing a Ministry of Blue Economy will provide a coordinated platform for investment promotion, job creation, revenue generation, environmental sustainability, and collaboration with key maritime stakeholders and international investors.

    They also emphasised the need for improved safety standards and compliance measures to safeguard coastal communities and marine resources from the impact of poorly regulated operations.

    They called on the Akwa Ibom State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, to urgently initiate policies that would strengthen governance in the maritime sector and position the state as a leading player in Nigeria’s emerging blue economy space.

    In a related development the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Branch, berthed with Mr Ndifreke Harrison as the pioneer Chairman.

    Harrison pledged to anchor the newly constituted State Executive on a greater commitment, professionalism, unity, and responsible journalism in the coverage of the energy, maritime, blue economy, and environmental sectors within the state and beyond.

    He also promised to work collaboratively with members of the EXCO, stakeholders, industry players, government agencies, and development partners to strengthen the association and promote ethical, factual, and development-driven reportage.

    “Our administration will focus on capacity building, media visibility, advocacy for the Establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Blue Economy, professional welfare of members, and strategic partnerships that will position EMRN as a respected voice in the energy and maritime sector.”

    The newly unveiled state executive council of the group also resolved to build a united, vibrant, and impactful association that would contribute meaningfully to national development through credible journalism and informed public discourse.

    *The newly inaugurated State Executive Council of EMR, A’Ibom Branch*

    State Chairman – Ndifreke Harrison; Vice Chairman – Etim Ekpima;
    Secretary – Mabel Ekanem; Treasurer – Josephine Ekpa;
    Financial Secretary – Deborah Young;
    Assistant Secretary – Ofonime Honesty;
    Public Relations Officer (PRO) – Nsikak Julius;
    Welfare Officer – Unyime Ekwere, KSJ; and
    Ex-Officio Member – Elder Dianabasi Effiong.

    The group’s Advisors included all stakeholders in the Energy and Maritime/Blue Economy sectors.

  • DSS accuses El-Rufai’s family of inciting public against judiciary

    DSS accuses El-Rufai’s family of inciting public against judiciary

     

    The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday accused the family of former Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of allegedly inciting public opinion against the judiciary over the ex-governor’s detention and bail conditions.

    DSS’ lawyer, Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, made the allegation before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, shortly after the case was called for trial continuation.

    Aladedoye told the court that relatives of the former governor had repeatedly used social media and press engagement to portray the prosecution and security agencies as persecuting the defendant.

    He cited an incident on May 15 where one of El-Rufai’s wives allegedly arrived at the ICPC’s facility with cameramen and began livestreaming and claiming that her husband was being denied food and access to family members.

    The senior lawyer further alleged that a popular politician also published claims, suggesting El-Rufai could be harmed in custody, forcing security operatives to move him to DSS custody to avoid further controversy.

    According to the prosecution, the situation escalated when members of the defendant’s family, including two wives and a son, reportedly went to the DSS headquarters with journalists and publicly criticised the court’s bail conditions.

    Aladedoye argued that rather than pursue their grievances through legal channels, the family resorted to media campaigns capable of undermining public confidence in the judiciary.

    He, therefore, urged the court to caution the defendant and his family against further public attacks, insisting that the matter before the court was a criminal prosecution and not a political persecution.

    Responding, defence counsel, E. E. Ekere, said he was unaware of the allegations raised by the prosecution.

    Ekere submitted that El-Rufai should not be held responsible for comments made outside the courtroom.

    He, however, said that the defence team would advise the ex-govenor’s family members and sympathisers to exercise restraint.

    Justice Abdulmalik, while reacting, stated that she pays no attention to social media narratives.

    The judge, who stated that issues circulating online should remain outside courtroom proceedings, directed that the trial should continue.

    The prosecution counsel then called the 1st prosecution witness (PW-1), identified as APC, to continue his evidence.

    Aladedoye then tendered a silver flash drive and a certificate of compliance through the witness, which were admitted as Exhibits B and B1 respectively.

    The judge directed that the video recording of interview granted by El-Rufai, which is saved in the flash drive be played in the open court.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the former governor is being prosecuted over alleged breach of national security.

    El-Rufai, who was arraigned on April 23 for allegedly intercepting the phone conversations of the telephone line of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, pleaded not guilty to the five-count further amended charge.

    Details later

  • Sokoto: Wamakko, Ajiya, Dambuwa secure APC senatorial tickets 

    Sokoto: Wamakko, Ajiya, Dambuwa secure APC senatorial tickets 

    Sen. Aliyu Wamakko, former NNPC Chief Financial Officer, Alhaji Umar Ajiya and Sen. Danbaba Dambuwa have secured the All Progressives Congress senatorial tickets.

    This paved the way for Wamwkko to seek a fourth term in the Senate during the 2027 general election.

    Wamakko, a former governor of Sokoto State, emerged unopposed through an affirmation process conducted by APC members from the eight local government areas of the senatorial district.

    Speaking after his affirmation, he expressed appreciation to party members for the confidence reposed in him.

    He described the exercise as a major milestone in the political history of Sokoto State and Nigeria at large.

    He expressed satisfaction with the growing support enjoyed by the APC across the country, stressing that he remained committed to serving the people.

    Wamakko commended the peaceful conduct of the primary elections across the state.

    He said the exercise demonstrated the party’s commitment to unity and internal democracy, urging other states to emulate Sokoto State.

    “For all of us aspiring to lead under the APC platform, we must remember that leadership is about service to humanity and the electorate, not the acquisition of wealth,” he cautioned.

    Wamakko also commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Ahmed Aliyu for their continued commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians.

    Earlier, APC national delegation leader, Hadi Ukhashatu, said the affirmation process was conducted in line with the party’s constitutional provisions, which allow for elections, consensus, or affirmation of candidates.

    Ukhashatu praised APC members in Sokoto State for the peaceful conduct displayed throughout the exercise.

    In a related development, the APC senatorial tickets for Sokoto South and Sokoto East were secured by Danbaba Dambuwa and Umar Ajiya, respectively.

    Dambuwa, who lost to Sen. Aminu Tambuwal of the ADC in the 2023 election, is seeking a return to the Senate for a third term if elected in 2027.

    Meanwhile, Ajiya will be contesting for the senate seat for the first time in the 2027 general election.

  • 2027: CLO Urges Political Parties to Conduct Credible, Transparent Primary Elections

    2027: CLO Urges Political Parties to Conduct Credible, Transparent Primary Elections

    2027: CLO Urges Political Parties to Conduct Credible, Transparent Primary Elections

    The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) has made patriotic and passionate appeal to all political parties participating in 2027 General Elections to protect internal democracy and restore public trust through credible and rancour-free party primaries.

    The Chairman of CLO in Anambra State, Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, made the call in Enugu on Tuesday while speaking on need for citizens to participate in various political parties primary elections that would determine future candidates of the parties.

    Ezekwueme noted that credible primaries are the foundation of legitimate elections devoid of manipulation, exclusion, favoritism, god fatherism and violence.

    He said that poorly conducted and manipulative party primary weakens electoral process and citizens lose faith and confidence in democratic institutions.

     

    The chairman called on political party faithful to reject violence, vote buying, intimidation and nepotism as “without free, fair, credible primary election, there won’t be credible General Elections”.

    “For our hard earned democracy to strive and stand the test of time, party leaders must discard with great disdain anointed, favorite and king makers chosen candidates to the detriment of interest of members of the political parties.

    “It is existential reality and irrefutable truth that flawed primaries lead directly to post-election disputes, low voter turnout, bad governance and instability.

    “CLO calls on political parties leaders to desist the temptation of encouraging aspirants to buy expression of interest and nomination forms when they have endorsed anointed candidates.

    “When a politician is convinced he lost election in a free, flawless and fair contest,he will accept it in good faith,” he said.

     

    According to him, it is of prime importance to note that credible primary will reduce avoidable litigations, bickering, anti-party activities, distrust and change of political parties.

    Ezekwueme noted that the oppressed is as evil as an oppressor when he remains silence, adding that those who are morally grounded hardly accept such injustices.

    “Worst when an aggrieved aspirants complain over such monumental injustices, he will be expelled for anti-party activity for agitating for justice and transparency.

    “When they failed, refused and neglected to upholds justice and truth yet want victim of such injustices, exploitations and extortions to accept, it is imaginable.

    ‘It is unfortunate to subject aspirants to unnecessary waste of time, talent, treasure and possessions. and expect them to abhor and condole such injustice without protest,” he said.

    The chairman urged political parties to help sustain democracy by reducing drastically price of expression of interest and nomination forms as well as electioneering campaigns expenditures.

  • Senator Lamido Explains Decision Not to Seek Re-election

    Senator Lamido Explains Decision Not to Seek Re-election

    Senator Lamido Explains Decision Not to Seek Re-election

    The Senator representing Sokoto East Senatorial District, Ibrahim Lamido, has explained why he will not seek re-election to the National Assembly, stating that the office of a senator lacks the executive authority needed to tackle the growing insecurity affecting his constituency.

    Speaking during an interview with the newsmen in Sokoto, Lamido said his ambition to contest the governorship election was driven by the desire to directly address the worsening security situation in parts of Sokoto East.

    According to him, the people of his constituency had consistently urged him to seek executive office, believing that only a governor possesses the powers and resources required to confront the security challenges facing the area.

    “I wanted to contest for governor because of the insecurity affecting my people. As a senator, I do not have the executive powers needed to address the situation effectively,” he said.

    Lamido, however, lost the governorship ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Mannir Dan’iya, following the party’s consensus arrangement.

    Despite the setback, the lawmaker pledged his loyalty to the party and promised to work for its victory in the 2027 general elections.

    “I will remain in the ADC and support the candidate who emerged. Politics, for me, is not about personal gain but about serving my people,” he stated.

    The senator also disclosed that all the aspirants who contested for the party’s governorship ticket had accepted the outcome of the consensus process in the interest of party unity.

    “We were ten aspirants, and the remaining nine have all accepted the decision reached by the party,” he added.

  • Enugu Govt is committed to supporting initiatives enhancing transportation safety – Gov. Mbah

    Enugu Govt is committed to supporting initiatives enhancing transportation safety – Gov. Mbah

    Enugu Govt is committed to supporting initiatives enhancing transportation safety – Gov. Mbah

    Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State says the state is committed to supporting initiatives that enhance transportation safety and improve mobility while safeguarding the lives of citizens.

    Mbah gave the commitment on Monday while declaring open the 2026 National Workshop For Driving School Proprietors and Instructors, being organised by Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Driving School Standardisation Programme (DSSP).

    The two-day workshop is being attended by driving school proprietors and instructors from three states, which included: Cross River, Ebonyi and Enugu States.

    Represented by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Mr Tochukwu Ekwegbo, the governor said that the government would continue to collaborate with FRSC and other stakeholders in implementing safety policies and programmes.

     

    Mbah noted that the government and her transport ministry would strengthen road safety culture and improve transportation systems across our communities through huge road infrastructure investment and policies/programmes.

    He said, “Let me emphasise that effective driver education is not only about licensing; it is directly linked to national productivity, economic growth and internal security.

    “A well-trained driving population enhances the efficiency of logistics and supply chains, supports safe movement during national assignments, and reduces disruptions caused by road traffic incidents.”

    The governor urged all participants to take advantage of the workshop, engage actively, share knowledge, and adopt innovative approaches that would elevate the standards of driver training in Nigeria.

     

    He noted that by strengthening professionalism among driving school proprietors and instructors, the country could collectively reduce road traffic crashes, preserve lives, and build a safer road environment for all.

    Earlier, the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Mr Shehu Mohammed, said that the modern approach to driver education emphasised competency-based training, which goes beyond simply teaching individuals how to operate vehicles.

    Represented by FRSC Assistant Corps Marshal in-charge of DSSP, Mr Felix Theman, the corps marshal noted that the corps was focused on producing drivers who possess the right knowledge, attitudes, risk perception, and safety consciousness.

    He said, “Driving schools are not only centres for driver training; they are also important economic enterprises that contribute to employment generation, skills development, and national economic growth.

     

    “By promoting scalable and sustainable enterprise models, the Corps aims to ensure that Driving Schools operate as professionally managed institutions capable of delivering high-quality driver education while remaining economically viable.”

    Speaking, Enugu State Coordinator of FRSC Special Marshals, Comrade Anthony Orji, urged state governments to handle over issuance of learners permit to driving schools and provide mote driving range for driving practical drills.

    In a welcome address, Sector Commander of FRSC in Enugu State, Mr Franklin Agbakoba, represented by his Second-in-Command, Deputy Core Commander, Kyrian Okolo, urged participants to ask questions, share experience and connectivity.

    The workshop, which is themed: “Professional Driver Education Through Innovative Training Models, A Pathway to Improving Road Safety in Nigeria”, is being attended by 58 driving school proprietors and instructors.

  • 7 Soldiers, one civilian Killed in Lakurawa Ambush in Sokoto

    7 Soldiers, one civilian Killed in Lakurawa Ambush in Sokoto

    Suspected Lakurawa terrorists have killed seven soldiers in an ambush at Runji village, about 10 kilometres from Illela town in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    The incident, according to local sources, occurred on Saturday evening last week as the troops were returning from a military operation against a Lakurawa hideout.

    Residents said the soldiers had launched an assault on the terrorists’ camp using three military vehicles, an operation believed to have inflicted heavy casualties on the armed group.

    A source familiar with the development said one of the military vehicles developed a mechanical fault while the troops were heading back to their base in Illela, forcing some of the soldiers to stop by the roadside to repair it.

    “The terrorists had apparently mobilised and trailed the soldiers to retaliate for the earlier attack on their camp,” the source said.

    He added that the assailants stormed the area on about 30 motorcycles, with each motorcycle carrying three heavily armed fighters.

    “They met the soldiers where the faulty vehicle was being repaired and a fierce gun battle ensued for some time,” the source added.

    Another account, however, said seven soldiers and one civilian were killed during the ambush.

    “The soldiers had abandoned the faulty vehicle and were walking back to their base with the aid of an unnamed civilian who mastered the terrain very well when the Lakurawa ambushed them, killing seven soldiers and their civilian guide,” the source said.

    Another resident of Illela, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said at least six soldiers were initially confirmed dead at the scene, while the body of another soldier was later discovered in a nearby bush, bringing the death toll to seven.

    “We saw seven corpses at the scene, and another body was found the following day,” he said.

    Security sources also confirmed the attack, stating that the bodies of the slain soldiers had been evacuated to Sokoto.

    A government official in the area further disclosed that a senior military officer, said to be a lieutenant in the Nigerian Army, was among those killed in the ambush.

    The spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, and the Special Adviser on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman, declined to comment on the incident.

    However, a senior military officer confirmed that six soldiers were killed in the incident.

    “Yes, we recorded a regrettable casualty over the weekend around Ilela. However, immediate tactical reinforcements have been deployed to the area, while aggressive intelligence-led operations are ongoing to track and neutralise the terrorists responsible.

    “In line with military tradition, we cannot disclose the identities of our fallen heroes until their next of kin have been duly notified.

    ” We therefore urge the media to respect the privacy of the affected families and refrain from publishing unverified casualty figures. Instead, attention should be focused on the sacrifices and commitment of our troops,” the officer said.

  • Senate Primaries: Surulere APC members endorse Sanni for second term

     

     

     


    A cross session of some delegates seating on granite as a result of insufficient chairs during Lagos Central Senatorial primary election held at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on Monday

     

     

    Senate Primaries: Surulere APC members endorse Sanni for second term
    Lagos, May 18, 202,  Members of All Progressives Congress(APC)in Surulere on Monday endorsed Sen. Eshilokun Sanni to represent Lagos Central Senatorial District for another term in the 2027.
    The endorsement took place on Monday during the primary election held at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
    The largely peaceful election saw many party faithful trooped out in large numbers to show support for the lawmaker,who is serving his first term.
     Party members, from 12 wards,waited for hours before the process began.
    Officials said the delay was due to verification procedures, but accreditation and voting proceeded smoothly once started.
    Seating was insufficient for the delegates. While some chose to stand, others sat on granite stones to show solidarity.
    The presiding officer, Mr Sesan Olarenwaju, said that 3,962 party members were accredited for the exercise and that all of them voted to affirm Sanni as candidate.
    “A total of 3,962 accreditations were recorded, and 3,962 votes were also cast. The results for the six wards under Surulere Constituency I are as follows:
    Akinhanmi/Cole: 389
    Yaba/Ojuelegba: 410
    Igbaja/Stadium: 477
     Shitta/Ogunlana: 345
     Adeniran Ogunsanya: 497
     Iponri/Eric Moore: 356
    “For Surulere Constituency II, which also comprises six wards, the votes were:
     Coker: 268
    Aguda: 268
     Orile: 232
    Itire: 225
     Ijesha: 245
     Ikate: 250,”he said.
     He said the results of all  the local governments under Lagos Senatorial district would be compiled and announced later.

    A group picture of delegates at Teslim Balogun Stadium waiting to cast their votes for Senator Eshilokun Sanni
    He commended the large turnout,saying it reflected commitment to the party and support for Sanni.
    Speaking after the election, the Senatorial District Officer for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Gbenga Oyebode, commended party members for endorsing Sanni.
    Describing Eshinlokun as a performer,Oyebode said the senator had executed and initiated several constituency projects across Lagos Central,including solar street lights across five local government areas.
    He said that Sanni had also rehabilitated roads and was presently constructing primary health centres in Itire-Ikate area of Surulere Local Government Area.
    He further noted that Sanni was rehabilitating Evans Square, installing transformers in Apapa Local Government, and constructing a 750-seater hall at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, ,among other projects,to impact lives.
    Oyebode said that beyond legislative duties, the senator had been actively involved in numerous other projects, both completed and ongoing, aimed at improving the living standards of constituents and fostering sustainable development across Lagos Central.
    The State Woman Leader of Ndi-Igbo in APC Lagos, Princess Obiageli Onu, described the election in Surulere as successful.

    She noted that party faithful came out in large numbers and commended party members for supporting the senator for a second term.

     

    According to her, the outcome reflects the confidence people have in his leadership.

    She further described the senator as “a man of the people” who understands his responsibilities.

     

     

    Onu said Sanni’s track record and approach to representation had earned him widespread acceptance among his constituents.

     

     

    Another party member , Hon. Babatunde Parker-Davies, expressed strong support for the senator .

     

    He described him as a true man of the people and the preferred choice of residents.

    He stated that the widespread support was the reason for the massive turnout during the election.

     

    “Despite the heavy rainfall and the fact that the election took place at the start of a new working week, supporters still turned out in large numbers,” he said.