
Minister of Works David Umahi stated that former presidential candidate Peter Obi does not pose a political threat to President Bola Tinubu or the All Progressives Congress APC. Speaking on ARISE Television, Umahi claimed Obi "cannot even face" him, let alone the President. He described Obi's political influence as "AI politics" and asserted that neither Tinubu nor the APC is concerned. Umahi also criticized Obi's tenure as Anambra State governor, questioning his moral authority to call for President Tinubu's resignation, citing alleged failures in infrastructure, industry, and contractor payments during Obi's governorship. Furthermore, Umahi accused members of the "Obidient movement" of intolerance, alleging that critics face insults, threats, and lawsuits. He challenged the movement to debate him on infrastructure and the Tinubu administration's reform agenda, insisting the government's performance is robust. Regarding the economy, Umahi acknowledged inherited structural challenges, arguing that economic recovery takes time and that the administration's reforms are beginning to show results, justifying a second term for President Tinubu.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.

Richard Agulu, a former Zenith Bank employee and third prosecution witness in the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele, stated he had no direct dealings with Emefiele regarding the alleged unlawful acquisition of a 753-unit housing estate in Abuja. Agulu, currently with the Nigerian Communications Commission, admitted during cross-examination that while he testified to disbursing over N1.6bn linked to Emefiele, he did not receive funds directly from him or witness him handing over money. He explained that he received funds through Emefiele's personal assistant, Eric Ocheme, and that instructions attributed to Emefiele came via Ocheme. Agulu confirmed he did not have Emefiele's phone number and never spoke with him directly. The defense sought to tender Agulu's statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC to refresh his memory, which was admitted by the court after initial objections from the prosecution were withdrawn. Agulu had previously testified in January that he disbursed more than N1.6bn on Emefiele鈥檚 instructions through Ocheme, depositing cash into accounts belonging to Ifeabigo Integrated Services before transferring about N1.6bn to MG Properties Limited between 2020 and 2022. Emefiele faces an eight-count charge from the EFCC concerning the alleged unlawful acquisition of the housing estate and concealment of funds, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
Must ReadThe Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited NNPC Limited has reduced its operating costs by $3.4 billion through an aggressive contract restructuring and optimization program, according to Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari. This achievement was highlighted during the presentation of the company鈥檚 one-year performance scorecard at the 25th NOG Energy Week in Abuja. The cost savings were made without slowing operations, demonstrating a focus on efficiency to deliver value to the Federation and investors. Ojulari reported a six percent increase in crude oil production to 569.7 million barrels year-on-year and an 8.1 percent rise in gas production to 2,576 billion standard cubic feet. The company's contribution to government revenue increased by 21.8 percent to N19.5 trillion. Nigeria's crude oil production has reached approximately 1.71 million barrels per day, the highest in five years, with NNPC Exploration and Production Limited achieving a record 365,000 barrels per day. The long-term target is to raise crude oil production to two million barrels per day by 2027 and three million barrels daily by 2030. Gas production is projected to increase from about 7.62 billion cubic feet per day this year to 10 billion cubic feet daily in 2027 and 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030. These improvements are attributed to enhanced operational stability and infrastructure recovery, with crude export terminals recording an average recovery factor of 98 percent between April 2

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FAO has begun distributing seedlings, livestock feed, and fertilizers to 210,000 conflict-affected farmers in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. The distribution, launched in Maiduguri, Borno State, aims to help 30,000 households produce their own food, generate income, and rebuild livelihoods. The intervention, supported by the governments of Norway, Switzerland, and Japan, includes 163 metric tonnes of improved seeds, 238 metric tonnes of NPK fertilizer, 375 metric tonnes of livestock feed, 118,000 poultry pullets, 3,000 goats, and 116 metric tonnes of Tom Brown. Dr. Hussein Gadain, FAO Nigeria Country Director, stated that the initiative also focuses on long-term solutions like irrigation cluster farms, solar-powered irrigation systems, and climate-smart agricultural practices. He highlighted that years of conflict have exacerbated challenges in the region, with 6.38 million people in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states projected to face severe food and nutrition insecurity during the June-August 2026 lean season. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, represented by Secretary to the State Government Bukar Tijani, commended the FAO's intervention and encouraged farmers to plant, reaffirming the state's commitment to food security.