Atiku Abubakar warns Federal Government against endangering opposition leaders, calls for Peter Obi's safety
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress in the 2027 election, has cautioned the Federal Government against actions that could endanger opposition leaders. He emphasized that the safety of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi is a constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian state. Atiku also called for the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, asserting that all Nigerians are entitled to due process and equal protection under the law, regardless of political affiliation. In a statement issued in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku stated that democracy thrives when opposition figures can exercise their constitutional rights without fear. He argued that a democratic system's strength is measured by the protection afforded to those outside power. Atiku expressed concern over the presidency鈥檚 response to Obi鈥檚 recent public comments, urging the government to address issues with restraint and facts rather than personal attacks. He maintained that political criticism should not be treated as hostility against the state and accused the government of focusing on political battles instead of addressing pressing security and economic challenges like poverty, hunger, insecurity, corruption, and kidnapping. Atiku urged the Federal Government to prioritize rescuing Nigerians in captivity and to apply the same urgency to tackling i
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President Bola Tinubu has requested the Senate to consider and pass the National Senior Secondary Education Commission Amendment Bill, 2026. This request was conveyed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Thursday's plenary. The proposed amendment bill, approved by the Federal Executive Council on April 30, 2026, aims to strengthen the administration and governance of public senior secondary education across Nigeria. According to President Tinubu, the legislation is designed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Senior Secondary Education Commission and improve the governance of senior secondary education. He stated that this amendment aligns with his administration's commitment to building stronger educational institutions to improve learning outcomes and support national development. The President appealed to the Senate for accelerated consideration of the bill. Following the request, Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business for legislative processing, directing the committee to list it for further action and report back within one week. The National Senior Secondary Education Commission was established to coordinate public senior secondary education development, improve standards, and support states through policy coordination, funding interventions, and quality assurance. The proposed amendment is expected to further strengthen the commission's legal framework and operational capacity.
American rapper Cardi B and Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye were seen together at Paris Fashion Week, attending the Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture Show and the Messika presentation. Videos of their interactions, including Okoye assisting Cardi B to her seat, circulated widely on social media platforms like TikTok and X. Cardi B's red outfit at the Haute Couture Show was also noted. Their joint appearances led to online speculation regarding their relationship, though neither has commented publicly, and there is no verified evidence of a romantic involvement. Okoye, who plays for Udinese in Italy's Serie A and the Super Eagles, has been gaining attention for his fashion appearances and social media presence in addition to his football career. The 26-year-old, born in D眉sseldorf, Germany, made his debut for Nigeria in 2019 and has played for Sparta Rotterdam, Watford, and Udinese.
Must ReadThe Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in 600 deaths, according to updated figures from the World Health Organization. This comes shortly after the death toll exceeded 500. The WHO, using data from Congolese health authorities, indicates 1,759 confirmed Ebola cases since the outbreak was declared in mid-May. The outbreak has also affected Uganda, which has reported two deaths and 20 cases, with 17 patients recovering. The case fatality rate in the DRC is approximately 34 percent. Additionally, 285 patients have recovered, and 304 suspected cases are under investigation. While four provinces in northeastern DRC are affected, Ituri Province remains the epicenter. The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there are no approved vaccines or licensed treatments. A clinical trial was launched on July 2 to evaluate two potential therapies, the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir, individually and in combination. Ebola is a highly infectious viral disease spread through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials. The DRC declared its 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15 following deaths in the conflict-affected Ituri Province.