🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Dele Momodu criticizes 'bullying' of Atiku Abubakar, recalls Peter Obi's 2019 vice presidential ticket
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Media entrepreneur Dele Momodu has criticized what he calls the "bullying" of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, noting that Peter Obi was his running mate in 2019. Momodu stated on X that it was "extremely sad" that Atiku, who selected Obi for the vice presidential ticket, is now being targeted, suggesting it might be the work of "fake OBIDIENTS and agent provocateur." During an X Space discussion, Momodu addressed the 2023 presidential election, regional voting, and internal opposition politics. He questioned the narrative that Obi was denied victory, pointing to strong results in Obi's traditional support base. Momodu also commented on the challenge of building nationwide political support, stating that "Northerners will not die for any southern candidate," a remark that drew criticism. He defended Atiku's political relevance, describing him as experienced and resilient, and noting his second-place finish in the last election. Momodu suggested the next electoral cycle could be decisive for Atiku's political future. He also cautioned against political hostility and online abuse, urging civility among supporters and stressing the need for respectful political engagement, including towards President Bola Tinubu. Momodu affirmed his continued support for Atiku despite criticisms.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe World Health Organization has identified Nigeria as one of the countries contributing significantly to global hepatitis-related deaths in 2024. Viral hepatitis B and C, responsible for 95% of these deaths, caused 1.34 million fatalities in 2024, with 1.8 million new infections annually. Ten countries, including Nigeria, accounted for 69% of hepatitis B-related deaths, while another set of ten countries, also including Nigeria, made up 58% of hepatitis C-related deaths. Despite a 32% decline in new hepatitis B infections and a 12% fall in hepatitis C-related deaths globally since 2015, progress is uneven. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus noted that while elimination is achievable with political commitment and financing, many remain undiagnosed and untreated due to stigma, weak health systems, and unequal access to care. In 2024, an estimated 287 million people lived with chronic hepatitis B or C. Africa accounted for 68% of the 0.9 million new hepatitis B infections, yet only 17% of newborns in the region received the hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine. Less than 5% of chronic hepatitis B patients and about 20% of hepatitis C patients have received treatment, despite effective therapies. Liver cirrhosis and liver cancer were the leading causes of the 1.1 million hepatitis B and 240,000 hepatitis C deaths in 2024. The WHO emphasizes the need for expanded vaccination, wider testing, improved treatment access, and stronger prevention to meet 2030 targets.
The National Emergency Management Agency NEMA Lagos Operations Office, in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, has received 181 Nigerian returnees from Tripoli, Libya. The returnees arrived on April 27, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, aboard an Air Buraq Airline flight. This repatriation was part of the ongoing Assisted Voluntary Return programme, facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration IOM in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria. The group included 159 adults 64 males, 95 females, 12 children 5 males, 7 females, and 10 infants 6 males, 4 females. Upon arrival, the Nigeria Immigration Service conducted biometric registration and documentation. The returnees received immediate humanitarian assistance, including food, water, medical care, ambulance services, luggage handling, logistics support, counseling, and coordination services, in line with the Federal Government's commitment to safe and dignified returns.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission FCCPC has reminded airlines that passengers are entitled to care, including refreshments, communication support, and in some cases, accommodation, during flight delays or cancellations. Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, stated on Channels Tv that these provisions are part of consumer protection obligations for airlines. He explained that refreshments are due for delayed flights, and after further delays, airtime should be provided. The level of care increases with the duration and severity of the disruption, with airlines expected to reasonably support stranded travelers. Abrupt cancellations after long waiting periods may require additional support, such as transport and accommodation, especially if the airport is far from the city. Ijagwu emphasized that each case is assessed based on specific circumstances, including delay duration and airline actions. This FCCPC stance follows increasing passenger complaints about delays, rescheduling, and cancellations at Nigerian airports. Recent incidents at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport left passengers stranded due to rescheduled flights without transport or overnight accommodation. This situation is linked to the rising cost and scarcity of Jet A1 aviation fuel, which has significantly impacted airline operations. The Airline Operators of Nigeria had previously warned of a potential shutdown due to the surge in aviation fuel prices. The Minister
Must ReadThe National Bureau of Statistics NBS reported that the average retail price of petrol in Nigeria increased by 22.55 percent from N1,051.47 in February to N1,288.54 in March. On a year-on-year basis, the price rose by 2.13 percent from N1,261.65 in March 2025 to N1,288.54 in March 2026. Anambra state recorded the highest average retail price at N1,441.22 per litre, while Lagos had the lowest at N1,162.71. The North-East zone experienced the highest average price at N1,336.50, and the South-West recorded the lowest at N1,232.46. Similarly, the average retail price of diesel increased by 16.05 percent month-on-month, from N1,420.17 per litre in February to N1,648.08 in March. Year-on-year, diesel prices rose by 3.05 percent from N1,599.30 in March 2025 to N1,648.08 in March 2026. Ebonyi state registered the highest average diesel price at N2,262.29 per litre, while Kogi had the lowest at N1,383.40. The South-East zone had the highest diesel price at N1,730.14, and the North-Central zone recorded the lowest at N1,593.11. Economist Mr. Opeyemi Alabi attributed these increases to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, specifically mentioning the US-Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which have disrupted global energy supply chains and driven up Brent crude oil prices. He noted that these rising fuel costs are increasing transportation expenses and putting pressure on individuals and businesses, potentially leading to higher inflation across Nigeria.