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PDP defends Governor Makinde's "Operation Wetie" remarks, accuses APC of misinterpretation
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP has defended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde's recent comments referencing the historical "Operation Wetie" crisis, asserting that his remarks were a caution against political excesses rather than a call to violence. This defense comes amid heightened political tensions leading up to the 2027 general elections. In a statement released on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP accused the Federal Government and the All Progressives Congress APC of deliberately misinterpreting Governor Makinde's speech, delivered at the Opposition Political Parties National Summit in Ibadan on Saturday. The PDP clarified that Makinde's use of history served as an advisory to the Federal Government, the APC, and other national institutions regarding the potential for crisis resulting from their actions. The party argued that only a "guilty aggressor" would interpret the remarks as a threat. Governor Makinde, who hosted the summit attended by prominent opposition figures, had referenced the violent political events in the old Western Region. The APC had criticized these comments as a veiled threat. However, the PDP maintained that Makinde was merely warning about the consequences of poor governance and political repression, highlighting how "insatiable political greed and avarice" combined with public frustration could lead to widespread unrest. The PDP further alleged that current political developments mirror past crises,
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Nigerians in Diaspora Commission NiDCOM has received Mrs. Busola Alale, a Nigerian returnee from Cairo, Egypt, following her rescue from human trafficking and labor exploitation. Mrs. Alale arrived in Lagos on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, and was received by Mr. Dipo Odebowale, Head of NiDCOM Lagos Office. Her return was facilitated by Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun, wife of a former Ogun State Governor, who covered all expenses. Mrs. Alale recounted her experience as a domestic worker in Cairo, detailing excessive working hours, often from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 a.m. the next day, and being moved between multiple employers. She also alleged that the agent who facilitated her travel collected all her earnings. Before traveling, she ran a frozen foods business that collapsed, prompting her to seek opportunities abroad, which she now deeply regrets due to deceptive promises. She advised Nigerian youths, especially young women, to be cautious of lucrative job offers abroad, particularly domestic work, which may lead to exploitation. Mrs. Alale thanked Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner in Cairo, Ambassador Adesoye, for their help. NiDCOM reiterated its warning against irregular migration and unverified foreign job offers, urging Nigerians to seek proper guidance and verify employment opportunities through official channels. The commission also emphasized the need to expose and arrest traffickers.
The All Progressives Congress APC has called on key opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, to accept responsibility for the internal crisis within the African Democratic Congress ADC. APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, stated on Channels Television's "Politics Today" that opposition actors destabilized the ADC and mismanaged the aftermath. Morka accused "Atiku Abubakar people" of hijacking the ADC, treating existing members with disdain, and bungling their legal case. He questioned why these prominent figures, who have held high offices, are unwilling to take responsibility for their internal crisis and instead blame the APC. Morka's remarks follow a political summit in Ibadan where opposition leaders discussed presenting a single presidential candidate in the next general election to counter the APC. However, the ruling party maintains that the opposition must resolve its internal divisions, particularly within the ADC, before it can mount a credible challenge.
BreakingMali's military rulers are confronting a security crisis following coordinated nationwide attacks by jihadist fighters and separatist rebels. These attacks resulted in the death of the defense minister and the reported capture of a key northern town by rebels. There has been no public statement or sighting of junta leader General Assimi Goita since the offensive began. The synchronized attacks by the Azawad Liberation Front coalition and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims targeted multiple areas across the country. Analysts consider these attacks the most significant challenge to Mali's rulers since the March 2012 offensive. Defense Minister Sadio Camara, along with his second wife and two grandchildren, died in a car bomb attack on his home in Kati. A government statement confirmed Camara's death while fighting attackers and announced a national funeral. Fighting continued in several areas, including Kati, Kidal, Gao, and Sevare. Tuareg rebels claimed Kidal was "totally" under their control after an agreement allowing Russian Africa Corps forces to withdraw. The FLA also stated it had taken positions in the Gao region. These attacks are the worst since the junta seized power in 2020. The international airport near Bamako resumed operations after heavy fighting. The opposition Coalition of Forces for the Republic stated that Mali is "in danger." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the violence and called for international support. The European Union al
The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, "Michael," directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, the pop star's nephew, opened at number one at the North American box office this weekend, earning $97 million. Industry analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research noted this as a record-shattering opening for a musical biography. While the film has strong audience approval and is seen as a feel-good, nostalgic appreciation, critics have given it weak reviews, with many feeling it is superficial and avoids complicated aspects of Jackson's life, including allegations of sexual misbehavior. Globally, the film has already grossed nearly $220 million. Other top-performing films at the North American box office included "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" in second place with $21.2 million, bringing its global total to over $775 million. "Project Hail Mary" secured third place with $13.2 million, and "Lee Cronin’s The Mummy" was fourth with $5.6 million. "The Drama" took fifth place with an additional $2.6 million, reaching a global total of $80 million.