Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that Nigeria is in safe and capable hands under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging Nigerians to support his re-election to ensure continuity of reforms and national development. Fubara made the statement on Thursday in Port Harcourt while officially declaring open the meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council, where monarchs from the 17 southern states gathered to deliberate on issues bordering on unity, security, and economic growth. The governor said the Tinubu administration has recorded visible progress in economic recovery and infrastructure development, including ongoing coastal road projects, despite the challenges confronting the country. He stressed that leadership continuity is important for sustained development, noting that “it is not ideal to change the goalposts in the middle of the game.” Fubara called on leaders and stakeholders across the southern region to strengthen unity and work together toward common goals, adding that the gathering of monarchs further reflects Rivers State’s peaceful nature and readiness to host key national engagements. Earlier, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who chairs the Southern Traditional Rulers Council, explained that the meeting was organised to promote peace and deepen unity among the southern states. He described the council as a symbol of Nigeria’s diversity, pointing out that more than 400 dialects are spoken across the southern region, yet the gathering reflects unity in diversity. The Ooni noted that the Port Harcourt meeting is the fourth in the series, following earlier sessions held in Imo, Ogun, and Lagos States. He added that the council provides a platform for traditional rulers to discuss shared values, common interests, and strategies for supporting the Federal Government in tackling security and economic challenges. He further stated that although participation is voluntary, it remains important for repositioning the southern region and the country at large. The meeting attracted prominent monarchs from the South-South, South-East, and South-West, including the council’s co-chairman, Obi of Obinugwu, Eze Cletus Illomuanya, and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, among others.

By: Naija prime media on April 23, 2026 / comment : 0

Fubara made the statement on Thursday in Port Harcourt while officially declaring open the meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council, where monarchs from the 17 southern states gathered to deliberate on issues bordering on unity, security, and economic growth.

The governor said the Tinubu administration has recorded visible progress in economic recovery and infrastructure development, including ongoing coastal road projects, despite the challenges confronting the country.

He stressed that leadership continuity is important for sustained development, noting that “it is not ideal to change the goalposts in the middle of the game.”

Fubara called on leaders and stakeholders across the southern region to strengthen unity and work together toward common goals, adding that the gathering of monarchs further reflects Rivers State’s peaceful nature and readiness to host key national engagements.

Earlier, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who chairs the Southern Traditional Rulers Council, explained that the meeting was organised to promote peace and deepen unity among the southern states.

He described the council as a symbol of Nigeria’s diversity, pointing out that more than 400 dialects are spoken across the southern region, yet the gathering reflects unity in diversity.

The Ooni noted that the Port Harcourt meeting is the fourth in the series, following earlier sessions held in Imo, Ogun, and Lagos States. He added that the council provides a platform for traditional rulers to discuss shared values, common interests, and strategies for supporting the Federal Government in tackling security and economic challenges.

He further stated that although participation is voluntary, it remains important for repositioning the southern region and the country at large.

The meeting attracted prominent monarchs from the South-South, South-East, and South-West, including the council’s co-chairman, Obi of Obinugwu, Eze Cletus Illomuanya, and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, among others.

Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval for $516.3m Deutsche Bank Loan for Sokoto-Badagry Highway

By: Naija prime media on April 23, 2026 / comment : 0

The request was contained in a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and was read on the Senate floor during Thursday’s plenary session.

According to the letter, the proposed loan is to be sourced from Deutsche Bank and will be used to finance the already approved borrowing plan for the Sokoto-Badagry 1,000-kilometre Super Highway project.

President Tinubu urged the Senate to treat the request with urgency to enable quick approval and implementation.

Following the presentation of the letter, Senate President Akpabio referred the request to the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts for further legislative review.

The committee has been mandated to consider the proposal and submit its report within one week.

Cross River Govt Confirms Single COVID-19 Case, Denies Reports of 10 New Infections

By: Naija prime media on April 23, 2026 / comment : 0

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, made this known on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, describing the circulating reports as false and misleading.

“I want to use this opportunity to tell Nigerians that the information that has gone around that 10 more cases have been identified in Cross River is not correct; we have only one case,” Ayuk stated.

He explained that the confusion likely came from the identification of 10 contacts linked to the confirmed case, which some people may have wrongly interpreted as 10 new infections.

The confirmed COVID-19 case involves a Chinese national who arrived in Nigeria from China on March 17 before travelling to Calabar for work. The individual reportedly began experiencing symptoms and tested positive on April 17.

Ayuk revealed that the patient initially received treatment at a private facility but was later transferred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital due to a lack of improvement.

“He is currently being kept and managed effectively at the isolation centre in Calabar. He is doing well, and he is getting better on a daily basis,” the commissioner said.

He further noted that all persons who had close contact with the patient have been identified and placed under observation.

“People who have a close relationship with him have been listed, and we are monitoring them closely for at least 14 days,” he added.

According to Ayuk, the state has already activated emergency response measures to prevent possible spread, stressing that the government is treating the situation with seriousness.

“It’s an outbreak, and for us, as far as COVID-19 is concerned, when you have a case, it’s a risk to the whole, so we are not taking it lightly,” he said.

He confirmed that the state’s emergency operations centre has been activated, alongside surveillance and risk management teams, with response structures also put in place at the local government level.

2027: Labour Party Chair Says It’s Too Late for Peter Obi to Return and Contest

By: Naija prime media on April 23, 2026 / comment : 0

Usman made this known during an interview on Prime Time on Arise Television on Wednesday, explaining that electoral regulations and party procedures would prevent such a move if the party’s membership register has already been closed.

According to her, once the party shuts its register and submits its electronic membership list to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at least 21 days before primaries, no new entrant can be registered to participate in the process.

“It will be too late for him to come back. Once we close the register 21 days before primaries and submit the e-register to INEC, you can’t just come in from behind the door for us to register you and for you to contest,” she said.

Despite her remarks, Usman acknowledged Obi’s major influence in strengthening the Labour Party during the 2023 elections, admitting that his political appeal attracted many supporters and members into the party, including herself.

She revealed that she was among those who joined the Labour Party because they believed in the principles of fairness and equity which Obi represented.

Usman also explained that her decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was influenced by dissatisfaction with the party’s refusal to zone its presidential ticket to the South.

She maintained that it was unfair for the PDP to leave the ticket open at the time, especially when there were expectations that power should rotate to the southern region.

Looking ahead, Usman said the Labour Party would recommit itself to its original ideology of social justice and equal opportunity, adding that Governor Alex Otti of Abia State reflects the kind of leadership the party stands for.

She described Otti as a strong representative of the party’s values and praised his performance as the party’s only serving governor.

Usman further urged Nigerians—especially activists, unionists, and reform-minded citizens—to participate in politics by contesting elections rather than remaining on the sidelines.

“If you think you’re an activist and you have something to offer Nigeria, come and contest elections, because you cannot change from outside,” she said.

FBI Hunts Nigerian Woman Who Vanished After Romance Fraud Sentencing in U.S.

By: Naija prime media on April 22, 2026 / comment : 0

U.S. authorities disclosed this in a statement issued by the Department of Justice, confirming that Hall—an Atlanta-based permanent resident—was ordered to report to the Bureau of Prisons on March 25, 2026, but failed to comply.

Hall was sentenced in January 2026 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering, in connection with a coordinated scam operation that targeted vulnerable victims, mostly older women.

Although she was allowed to remain free on bond pending incarceration, investigators said Hall disappeared shortly before her surrender date. Authorities revealed that her last known location was Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on March 24, 2026, where her electronic monitoring device stopped transmitting.

Hall had reportedly told her probation officer that she would travel to Minnesota to report to prison. However, airline records showed she never boarded the scheduled flight. Further investigation into her phone records suggested she may have travelled instead toward Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., raising suspicion that she intentionally fled.

Prosecutors said Hall operated alongside her co-conspirator, Kenneth G. Akpieyi, in a romance scam scheme involving elaborate online deception. The pair allegedly posed as prominent personalities—including military generals, philanthropists, and business executives—to lure victims through platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

Victims were later encouraged to continue communication via encrypted messaging applications such as WhatsApp, where the suspects built fake romantic relationships and convinced them to send money under false claims including medical emergencies, business opportunities, and charitable causes.

Court documents indicated that Hall used a company, Le Beau Monde LLC, to help launder funds obtained from the scam. She admitted responsibility for defrauding victims of $851,207, while Akpieyi was linked to losses exceeding $3.5 million. Akpieyi was convicted after trial and is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence.

Reacting to Hall’s disappearance, U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle criticized her actions, describing her failure to surrender as a direct violation of the law and court authority.

Authorities warned that if Hall is apprehended and convicted for failing to surrender, she could face an additional prison sentence of up to 10 years, to be served consecutively with her current term. She may also be fined up to $250,000.

The FBI has launched a manhunt and is urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.

The case highlights increasing concerns over transnational fraud operations using digital platforms to exploit unsuspecting victims, leaving many financially and emotionally devastated.

Blessing CEO Apologizes to Nigerians Over Health Controversy, Promises Full Transparency and Refunds

By: Naija prime media on April 22, 2026 / comment : 0

Popular Nigerian media personality and entrepreneur, Okoro Blessing N, widely known as Blessing CEO, has issued a heartfelt public apology to her supporters and Nigerians following the growing controversy surrounding her health situation.

In an emotional statement released to the public, Blessing CEO expressed deep regret over what she described as the “unnecessary drama, embarrassment, and controversy” that has trailed her health condition in recent days.

“I want to start by saying I am sorry, very sorry to my loved ones, fans, well-wishers, and to all Nigerians,” she stated. “I am sorry for the unnecessary drama, embarrassment, and controversy surrounding my health issues. I want to genuinely apologize.”

Blessing CEO, who has remained in the spotlight over the years for her outspoken personality and lifestyle updates, assured Nigerians that she did not fabricate her health claims. She emphasized that her intention was never to mislead the public but admitted that the situation may have been poorly handled.

She also pledged to embrace full transparency going forward, promising to officially share medical documentation including scan results and biopsy reports, in order to clear doubts and carry her audience along on her recovery journey.

“Going forward I will carry everyone along, just like I carried you all during my liposuction and BBL journey,” she said. “Please be patient with me. I did not lie about my health issues.”

Blessing CEO further appreciated Nigerians for their concern, prayers, and goodwill messages, noting that she remains grateful for the love shown during this difficult time.

In response to concerns raised by some Nigerians regarding financial contributions made towards her medical care, Blessing CEO also announced that she is ready to refund those who request their donations back.

“And to the well-meaning Nigerians who want refund of their contributions, please kindly send us a WhatsApp message or DM, attaching your receipt and account number. You will get a refund,” she added.

The public apology has sparked mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians commending her for addressing the issue directly, while others have called for swift follow-through on her promise of transparency and refunds.

As the situation unfolds, Blessing CEO has asked the public to remain calm and patient, assuring everyone that she will provide all necessary proof and updates regarding her health status.

Supreme Court Reserves Judgment in ADC Leadership Battle Ahead of 2027 Elections

By: Naija prime media on April 22, 2026 / comment : 0

The apex court, acting in line with timelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for electoral preparations, had earlier ordered an accelerated hearing of leadership disputes affecting several political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and ADC.

On Wednesday, the Court heard arguments in the ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC.

Court documents show that the case, marked SC/CV/180/2026, pits a faction aligned with former Senate President David Mark against another led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, in a dispute that has deepened uncertainty within the party ahead of expected political realignments.

Also present at the proceedings was the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.

The Supreme Court is expected to decide whether to uphold or overturn earlier rulings that questioned Mark’s leadership, including decisions that led INEC to remove officials aligned with his faction from its official records.

The dispute comes amid weeks of escalating tension within the party. SaharaReporters had earlier reported that a planned national convention organised by the Bala-led faction in Abuja collapsed, as the venue was left empty with no delegates or party officials in attendance.

This development raised questions about the faction’s organisational strength and legitimacy.

Counsel to the party, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), had previously disclosed that the apex court granted accelerated hearing on the matter, directing parties to file briefs within strict timelines.

According to him, the appeal by Mark seeks, among other reliefs, a stay of execution of the Court of Appeal judgment and an order restraining INEC from acting on it pending final determination.

“Well, the issue before the court fundamentally is whether this is a matter the court can even adjudicate on,” Okutepa had said, hinting at the constitutional questions embedded in the dispute.

Despite the high stakes, the senior advocate declined extensive comments, insisting that the matter remains strictly within judicial consideration.

With proceedings still ongoing and no ruling yet delivered, uncertainty continues to trail the ADC’s leadership, leaving party members and political observers awaiting what could be a defining judgment.