The Sun Reporters

09/14/2025

Emir Sanusi: Nigeria Stuck on Tribe and Religion While Others Debate AI, Climate Change

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has criticized Nigeria’s leadership, saying the country has suffered from poor governance for too long. Speaking at the second Kano International Poetry Festival (KAPFEST) on Saturday, Sanusi lamented that Nigeria remains entangled in ethnic and religious divisions while other nations focus on pressing global issues.

He stressed that good governance is the only way to rescue Nigeria from its current state. According to him, “A nation rises and falls with the quality of its leadership, and Nigeria has endured ineffective leaders for a long time. In many cases, when you look at those in power, you wonder how we got here. Every day, the newspapers and legislature reflect petty debates and wasted time on irrelevant matters.”

Sanusi contrasted Nigeria’s political discourse with global conversations, noting that while other countries are addressing challenges like climate change and artificial intelligence, Nigeria is still debating ethnicity and religion—issues that dominated discussions as far back as the 1960s.

He urged young Nigerians to take charge of the nation’s future, arguing that with determination, they could replace the older generation currently in control. He also warned that the government’s reckless borrowing and spending habits could have damaging long-term effects on the economy.

Earlier, PWI Creative Director, Nasiba Babale, explained that this year’s KAPFEST, themed “Poetry in a Time of Crisis”, was organized to remind poets of their role in using art to advocate for peace amid the challenges facing Northern Nigeria.

09/11/2025

Tinubu Declares Hospital Blackouts a National Emergency, Promises Swift Action

Tinubu Declares Hospital Power Crisis a National Emergency

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described Nigeria’s persistent electricity shortages in hospitals as a life-threatening emergency, warning that constant power cuts in operating theatres, maternity wards, intensive care units, and laboratories have endangered patient safety for too long.

Speaking at the first National Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Power in the Health Sector in Abuja on Tuesday, Tinubu—represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume—stressed that fixing electricity in health facilities must now be treated as a top national priority.

“In surgical theatres, maternity wards, ICUs, laboratories, and emergency rooms across the country, power outages too often compromise safety, interrupt care, and cost lives. These outages cannot continue. Lives are at stake. We must act now,” Tinubu declared.

The President noted that solving energy challenges in hospitals is central to his Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on tackling energy poverty, decentralising power supply, and encouraging private sector participation. He explained that the government’s Energy Transition Plan and ongoing power sector reforms aim to deploy solar and hybrid systems to health facilities, attract private investment, and use blended financing in partnership with development agencies.

Tinubu also urged health institutions to adopt sustainable, community-owned energy systems rather than short-term fixes and challenged stakeholders to ensure the dialogue delivers measurable results. “This must not be a talk shop. It must produce actionable outcomes—policy alignment, hospital energy audits, mobilisation of green financing, and accountability frameworks,” he said.

Congratulating the Ministers of Health and Power for convening the dialogue, Tinubu pledged his full support. “The success of this initiative will not be measured by speeches but by uninterrupted power in hospitals, functional equipment, and renewed confidence in public healthcare,” he added.

Other speakers echoed the urgency. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, noted that reliable power and connectivity are crucial for health sector transformation. Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, citing a BudgIT survey, described unreliable electricity as the second biggest barrier to healthcare after funding gaps, warning that every blackout in hospitals puts lives at risk.

“This is the time to be innovative, adopt smart energy solutions, and strengthen our health system to deliver better outcomes,” Salako emphasised.

09/09/2025

Katsina Governor Opens Up on Ongoing Negotiations With Bandits

Katsina State Governor, Umar Radda, has confirmed that his administration is engaged in ongoing peace negotiations with bandits, despite previously distancing himself from such talks. He admitted that the truce has already brought a measure of stability to parts of the state.

Radda made the disclosure while launching an 18-month European Union–funded initiative titled Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience in Katsina, implemented by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and Mercy Corps. The project is designed to promote peace and socio-economic stability in Katsina and Zamfara states.

According to the governor, the approach is “community-owned, locally led, and culturally sensitive,” with active participation of women, youths, and persons with disabilities in its planning and ex*****on. He explained that through grassroots peace initiatives, crises have been resolved in four out of Katsina’s eight frontline local governments, while negotiations are ongoing in two others.

Radda also highlighted the devastating toll of banditry across communities such as Jibia, Batsari, Danmusa, Kankara, Safana, Sabuwa, Faskari, and Dandume—where schools remain closed, farms deserted, markets shut, and many families displaced after years of violence.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian military has distanced itself from any form of financial settlement with bandits. Speaking on Channels Television, Chief of Defence Operations, Maj.-Gen. Emeka Onumajuru, stressed that the Armed Forces do not support ransom payments, which he described as ineffective.

Instead, he pointed to the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) programme under Operation Safe Corridor, currently active in Gombe and Zamfara states. The initiative, coordinated with the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the National Security Adviser, is aimed at rehabilitating repentant criminals who surrender their weapons, undergo profiling, and renounce violence. Those found guilty of serious crimes, however, face prosecution.

09/06/2025

Enugu Govt Dismisses Sujimoto CEO Ogundele’s Viral Video, Alleges N5.7bn Fraud

The Enugu State Government has accused Olasijibomi Ogundele, Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, of orchestrating a “premeditated fraud” that allegedly cost the state nearly N6 billion.

In a statement released on Friday by Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo, the government explained that Ogundele was awarded a contract worth over N11.4 billion on July 2, 2024, to build 22 Smart Green Schools within six months. The state paid him N5.76 billion—representing 50 percent of the contract sum—to accelerate the projects.

However, instead of delivering quality work as specified, Ogundele allegedly engaged unqualified workers, produced substandard construction, and ultimately abandoned the sites. According to the government, “none of the structures met the required integrity standards,” and Ogundele subsequently disappeared, ignoring invitations for meetings, project briefings, calls, and messages.

The government also noted that although Ogundele had presented a bond from Jaiz Bank for the contract, he received the funds through a Zenith Bank account linked to his company, making it impossible to hold Jaiz Bank accountable. This, it said, demonstrated his clear intention to defraud from the outset.

Following the collapse of talks, the government petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). A joint inspection by EFCC and state officials in May 2025 revealed that little to no real work had been done on the sites, with some projects showing no proper excavation.

Meanwhile, the EFCC has declared Ogundele wanted for alleged fraud and money laundering. In a viral video, Ogundele dismissed the accusations and promised to present himself to the anti-graft agency.

The state government, however, maintains that he abandoned the project and misused public funds. It has since reassigned the school projects to new contractors and pledged to recover “every penny fraudulently taken from Ndi Enugu.

06/21/2025

BREAKING: Armed Herdsmen Strike Again in Benue, Just 48 Hours After Tinubu’s Visit

A youth corps member currently serving in the Wannune community, Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State, described a scene of utter panic as residents fled into nearby bushes to escape an attack by armed herdsmen. The assault occurred just 48 hours after President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the state, which was aimed at addressing escalating insecurity.

Eyewitnesses told SaharaReporters on Friday evening that the assailants set houses and properties ablaze, leaving destruction in their wake and forcing residents to abandon their homes.

“It’s terrifying—everyone is running into the bushes,” the corps member said in a distress message, appealing to Nigerians for prayers and urging security agencies to intervene swiftly. “The herdsmen are wreaking havoc right now.”

This new wave of violence raises fresh doubts about the effectiveness of President Tinubu’s recent visit and the directives he issued to combat insecurity in the region.

During his trip, Tinubu met with local stakeholders and instructed the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff to apprehend those behind recent killings. His visit followed the tragic massacre in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, where an estimated 200 people lost their lives.

The Yelewata incident drew national outrage, with many questioning the federal government’s capacity to safeguard its citizens. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also criticized Tinubu’s visit, describing it as a “political performance” lacking genuine commitment to solving the crisis.

“True leadership is about compassion and solidarity with the people in times of grief, but the visit was overshadowed by political posturing,” Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, remarked.

The renewed attack in Wannune underscores the persistent security threats facing Benue State and the urgent need for lasting solutions. Citizens and advocacy groups have called on the government to address the root causes of the violence and implement decisive actions to protect lives and property.

05/07/2025

VDM is OUT!

https://thesun.com.ng/news/breaking--vdm-is-finally-out

05/06/2025

https://thesun.com.ng/news/breaking--efcc-reveal-why-they-arrested-verydarkman

EFCC and VDM Arrest

05/05/2025

**EFCC Confirms Arrest of Social Media Activist VeryDarkMan Following Multiple Petitions, Plans Court Charges Soon**

Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of popular social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), following several petitions lodged against him.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale told BBC News Pidgin on Monday that Otse was taken into custody to respond to a series of allegations from various complainants. When asked whether the arrest was related to Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), Oyewale clarified that the complaints came from different individuals and that the agency was duty-bound to address them. He also revealed that the EFCC intends to charge the activist in court.

“We arrested him to respond to several allegations from petitioners. He’ll be released once he meets bail conditions, and we’ll take the case to court as soon as possible. We are law-abiding,” Oyewale said.

The Take It Back (TIB) Movement has condemned the arrest, demanding Otse’s immediate and unconditional release. According to the group, he was apprehended on Thursday, May 2, 2025, just after leaving the GTBank branch in Area 3, Garki, Abuja, where he had gone with his mother and a colleague to address unauthorized withdrawals from his mother’s account.

CCTV footage of the arrest, now circulating widely online, has triggered public outrage, with many seeing it as a deliberate move to silence a vocal critic of government and institutional abuse.

In a statement signed by Lagos State Coordinator Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek (Scotty Aluta), the TIB Movement described the arrest as unlawful and preplanned, accusing both the EFCC and GTBank of being complicit in what they termed a misuse of power.

The group also expressed deep concern over the disappearance of Otse’s mother, who has been missing since the incident and whose whereabouts remain unknown.

“This is not the first time Mr. Otse has been targeted for speaking out against injustice and corruption,” the statement noted. “We strongly condemn the illegal arrest and continued detention of VeryDarkMan. His case is part of a worrying trend of using state security forces to intimidate and suppress dissenting voices.”

04/27/2025

FCT Minister Pledges to Close Illegal Hospitals Following Pregnant Woman’s Death During Surgery

Despite the availability of free registration for pregnant women under the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), many continue to seek care from unsafe and unlicensed clinics.

The recent death of a pregnant woman following a caesarean section at an unregistered facility in Abuja has prompted the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to order a crackdown on illegal medical centres. In a statement released on Saturday by Lere Olayinka, the Minister’s media aide for Public Communications and Social Media, Wike declared that anyone found operating or working in an unregistered health facility will now face arrest and prosecution.

This decision comes after 35-year-old Chekwube Chinagorom was brought dead to Asokoro District Hospital following surgery at Afolmi Hospital, an unregistered private clinic in Durumi.

The statement emphasized that while free enrollment into the FHIS is available for vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, many still resort to unsafe clinics. “Through the FHIS, pregnant women can access a range of free services via Primary Health Care Centres as part of the Basic Minimum Package of Health Services,” Olayinka said.

He also noted that hospitals in areas such as Gwarinpa, Nyanya, Abaji, and Kuje have been upgraded to Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care centres, providing free caesarean sections. Pregnant women were urged to make use of these facilities rather than risk their lives with unqualified personnel.

An investigation by the Private Health Establishments Registration and Monitoring Committee (PHERMC) found that Afolmi Hospital was not officially registered. During an inspection, only one staff member, Mr. Simon Elisha Godiya, a Junior Community Health Extension Worker, was present. Godiya reported that the surgery had been performed by a certain Murtala Jumma, assisted by an unidentified individual. Attempts to contact Jumma were unsuccessful.

Shortly after PHERMC officials arrived, officers from the Nigeria Police Durumi Divisional Headquarters joined the scene, and the case was handed over for further investigation. The PHERMC team was also asked to formally report the incident at the police station.

The Nigeria Police are now working to identify those responsible for the surgery, verify their credentials, and uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Chekwube Chinagorom at the unregistered facility.

04/22/2025

Top UK Fully Funded Scholarships Expiring in April 2025

As the application windows for major UK fully funded scholarships like the GREAT Scholarships at the University of Manchester and the Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship at the University of Nottingham close in April 2025.

04/14/2025

Eedris Abdulkareem: Tinubu Might Be a Good Dad to Seyi, But He’s the Worst President Nigeria Has Had

Eedris Abdulkareem Slams President Tinubu Over Nigeria’s Worsening State, Defends Controversial Song Amid Ban

Veteran Nigerian hip-hop artist and activist, Eedris Abdulkareem, has launched a fierce critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration during a recent interview on Rubbin’ Minds, a programme aired on Channels TV. The musician, known for his bold political commentary, spoke extensively about his latest song Tell Your Papa, which has sparked widespread reactions, drawn heavy criticism, and led to an official broadcast ban.

The track, which takes aim at Tinubu’s government, accuses it of mismanaging the country’s economy and failing to address critical issues. Abdulkareem stated that while Tinubu might be a good father to his son, Seyi, he has been, in his view, the worst president Nigeria has ever had.

Referencing a video of Seyi Tinubu campaigning for his father and praising his leadership, Abdulkareem commented, “Seyi kept repeating how great his father is, but he should’ve remained silent—it would have served him better. He doesn’t understand what Nigerians are going through.”

Abdulkareem added, “If he really wants to understand life in Nigeria, he should try travelling without security—from Yaba to Benin—on a public bus. Let him see what the average citizen experiences.”

The rapper emphasized that his song wasn’t a personal attack on Seyi Tinubu, but a response to the younger Tinubu’s public defense of his father’s administration. “If Seyi hadn’t spoken out, I wouldn’t have responded,” he said. “The song isn’t insulting—it’s a reflection of Nigeria’s harsh realities.”

He went on to highlight failures in the Tinubu government’s policies, stating: “They deceived us about the fuel subsidy, promised a stronger naira, a better economy—but everything has worsened. Inflation is out of control, electricity tariffs have gone up, and insecurity is rising.”

According to him, salaries remain low, transportation and food costs are soaring, and power supply is still unreliable. “People are starving, farmers can’t access their land, and now the government is pushing GMOs instead of focusing on real food security,” he lamented.

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) recently banned Tell Your Papa, labeling it “objectionable” and in violation of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code’s standards on public decency. The ban was confirmed in a memo dated April 9, 2025, signed by NBC official Susan Obi.

Abdulkareem, however, was unfazed by the censorship. “It’s not the first time my song has been banned—it only brings more attention to it. Why silence a song that speaks the truth?”

He also revealed he had been approached with an alleged bribe to withdraw the song. “Someone claiming to be an honourable said they planned to offer me N200 million to stay quiet. I’ve been in this game too long. I’m not for sale,” he said.

The artist stated that his motivation isn’t wealth or popularity, but a genuine desire for a better Nigeria. He advocated for restructuring through a return to regional governance and a cleanup of the judiciary. “We need leaders who will rewrite the constitution and allow regions to control their resources,” he said, citing recent political unrest in Rivers State as an example of abuse of federal power.

When asked if he’s ever felt pressure to abandon activism, Abdulkareem responded firmly: “I’m content. I live well with my family, we’re raising our children. I even have a farm in Jos—but terrorists have taken it over. That’s the Nigeria we’re living in.”

He called out celebrities and influencers who support the government for personal gain, saying, “Shame on those who keep silent while Nigerians suffer. You collect blood money while pretending all is well.”

Abdulkareem reflected on the enduring impact of his classic protest song Nigeria Jaga Jaga, calling it the country’s unofficial second national anthem. “That song will remain relevant until Nigeria truly changes,” he said.

He described the ban of Tell Your Papa as a clear attempt to stifle dissent and free speech, arguing that the current administration is quick to silence truth. “This government is one of the most insensitive and vindictive we’ve ever seen,” he declared.

According to him, the track simply sheds light on Nigeria’s deepening economic crisis, rising poverty, and the administration’s inability to deliver on its promises. “In less than two years of Tinubu’s presidency, things have drastically worsened. Every Nigerian sees it—regardless of ethnicity, religion, or party—except the few benefitting from the system.”

This isn’t Abdulkareem’s first clash with the authorities. His 2004 protest hit Jaga Jaga, which condemned corruption under President Olusegun Obasanjo, was also banned by the NBC. Yet it became a rallying cry for youth activism across Nigeria.

He concluded, “It’s no wonder we’ve made little progress as a country. Only the truth can heal this nation—and I’ll keep telling it.

04/12/2025

Ibas Accused of Undue Favoritism, Unlawful Acts by Ex-Rivers Official Following Wike’s Cousin’s Appointment

Former Omuma LGA Chairman Accuses Rivers Sole Administrator of Bias, Illegality

Promise Reginald, the former chairman of Omuma Local Government Area, has leveled serious accusations against the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.), alleging misconduct, bias, and undemocratic actions in the ex*****on of his duties.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Reginald claimed that Ibas has deviated from the core purpose of his appointment—promoting peace—and instead acted with impunity, failing to engage all political stakeholders in the state.

He accused the Sole Administrator of dismantling the existing local government structure and installing a new leadership in the Local Government Commission, notably appointing a close relative of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. According to Reginald, these actions reflect partisanship and a lack of transparency.

“The Sole Administrator appears to be working for one political faction alone,” he said. “What we are witnessing in Rivers State is the complete erosion of democracy. The Administrator was meant to foster peace, but he has gone far beyond his mandate.”

Reginald added that Ibas initially gave hope by engaging with traditional rulers and local government heads, but quickly shifted course, taking unilateral decisions that undermined the authority of the elected state government.

He criticized the dissolution of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and the appointment of individuals to oversee local governments, questioning the legitimacy of such moves. “Who provided those names? By law, the Sole Administrator has no authority to conduct elections or make such appointments,” he said.

He further warned that such actions could provoke unrest. “This is provocation designed to trigger resistance, which could be used to justify chaos. Let the world know: the Sole Administrator does not have the legal mandate to do what he’s doing.”

Reginald also questioned the ethics of appointing the FCT Minister’s cousin to a key position, saying it sends the wrong message about fairness and impartiality.

He emphasized the need for the Sole Administrator to engage both political camps—the Governor’s and the FCT Minister’s—in dialogue and reconciliation, urging him to stay true to the mission of restoring peace in the state.

It should be noted that Vice Admiral Ibas was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in March, following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Since then, his tenure has been met with strong criticism, with many accusing Nyesom Wike of influencing the crisis and alleging that President Tinubu is enabling his political ally’s agenda in the state.