Author: Hamza Rufai

THE President of MAAUN Group of Universities, Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, has described the death of former Voice of America correspondent and ace journalist, Saleh Shehu Ashaka, as a monumental loss not only to the media industry but to the nation at large. Professor Gwarzo said the late Ashaka lived a life of impact and service, dedicating his career to upholding the ethics and professionalism of journalism. According to him, the deceased was a committed journalist whose work earned him widespread respect across Nigeria and beyond. “Saleh was not just an outstanding journalist but also a philanthropist who touched many lives.…

THE Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, on Sunday opened up on his decision not to contest the 2027 governorship election in Bauchi State, saying he stepped aside after deep reflection despite mounting pressure and repeated calls from supporters urging him to join the race. News Point Nigeria reports that Pate disclosed this in a 10-minute video message delivered in Hausa and circulated on social media, where he explained that he arrived at the decision after deep reflection and extensive consultations. Citing national service as the major reason for stepping aside, the minister said he still has significant contributions…

THE House of Representatives Committee on Infectious Diseases has called for tighter coordination and stricter oversight in the implementation of donor-funded health programmes as it intensifies an investigation into the utilisation of about $4.6bn received by implementing organisations between 2021 and 2025. News Point Nigeria reports that the funds, largely provided by the Global Fund and the United States Agency for International Development, were meant to support Nigeria’s fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria and other infectious diseases. According to the committee, the investigation is aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and value for money amid concerns over duplication of responsibilities among…

THE African Democratic Congress (ADC) has released its timetable for the conduct of the 2026 primary elections, outlining key dates for the sale of nomination forms, screening of aspirants, primaries, and its special national convention. In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the timetable reflects ADC’s commitment to internal democracy, orderliness, and strict compliance with electoral guidelines. According to the schedule, the sale of nomination forms will run from May 5 to May 10, 2026, while submission of completed forms is fixed for May 11 to May 13, 2026.…

THE Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Buba Galadima, has hinted at an imminent political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, revealing that former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso would announce a new political platform on Monday. News Point Nigeria reports that Galadima disclosed this on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement in Abuja, amid growing uncertainty surrounding opposition coalitions and political alignments ahead of the next presidential election. Although he did not disclose the name of the platform, sources close…

THE National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the adoption of 112 as the national emergency number at all levels and across relevant agencies. It is part of measures to strengthen Nigeria’s emergency lifeline and build a unified and coordinated national response to emergencies. News Point Nigeria reports that NEC also approved the establishment of a multi-agency implementation committee and programme coordination led by the Office of the Vice President and the National Communications Commission (NCC). The approval was part of decisions taken at the 157th meeting of the NEC held virtually and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima. Shettima said…

THE Senate has announced Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo (Gombe North, PDP) as the new Chairman of the Senate Public Accounts Committee, replacing Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). News Point Nigeria reports that, in line with Senate tradition, the Public Accounts Committee is chaired by a lawmaker from the opposition party. The announcement was contained in a statement issued by Dankwambo’s spokesman, Malam Farouk Yarma, who said the decision was confirmed during plenary. According to the statement, the appointment forms part of the Senate’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its oversight functions and enhance…

A COMMISSIONER of police, Eloho Ekpoziakpho, has told a Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, that investigations into the alleged fraudulent withdrawal of $6.23 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revealed that the payment was made with the approval of former CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele. News Point Nigeria reports that Ekpoziakpho, who testified as Prosecution Witness 14, PW14, before Justice Hamza Mu’azu, stated this while giving evidence in the ongoing trial of Emefiele on an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, and conspiracy to obtain by false pretence. The witness, a…

THE Federal Government has declared Friday, May 1, 2026, a public holiday in observance of this year’s International Workers’ Day. The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the government, as he extended congratulations to Nigerian workers. In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, on Thursday, the minister commended workers across the country for their dedication and contributions to national development. He emphasised that the efforts of Nigerian workers remain central to the nation’s growth and prosperity, urging them to continue upholding the values of patriotism,…

THE President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has formally declared the Ondo South senatorial seat vacant. News Point Nigeria reports that the declaration follows the recent appointment of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Making the announcement during Tuesday’s plenary, the Senate President noted that the vacancy takes immediate effect, in line with constitutional provisions. Senator Akpabio further directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organise a by-election to fill the vacant seat within the next 30 days. Under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Senate is required to notify the electoral umpire…

THE All Progressives Congress (APC) has released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, adjusting key dates for screening, primaries, appeals, and other internal party processes. The party also published designated bank accounts for the purchase of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms. The notice, sent to News Point Nigeria on Monday, was signed by the National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, and separately confirmed by the National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka. According to the party, the timetable was prepared in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the…

THE Nigeria Revenue Service has dismissed a widely circulated infographic alleging that the Federal Government introduced a new vehicle tax set to take effect from July 1, 2026, describing the claim as false, misleading, and without any official backing. News Point Nigeria reports that the agency said the viral material, which has gained traction across online platforms, directed owners of private, commercial, and corporate vehicles to pay a levy through unspecified channels, including online platforms and approved banks, without clearly stating any applicable tax rate. According to the NRS, the infographic also attempts to mislead the public by referencing Federal…

THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has increased the fee for the issuance or replacement of debit and credit cards from N1,000 to N1,500, as part of a revised guide to bank charges for financial institutions. News Point Nigeria reports that the adjustment was contained in a circular released on Thursday titled “Guide to Charges by Banks and Other Financial Institutions,” with the apex bank stating that the new fee will take effect from May 1 and applies to standard ATM cards issued by banks and other regulated institutions across the country. Under the updated framework, the regulator clarified that…

A FEDERAL High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) lack the authority to impose fines on motorists over third-party motor insurance without first obtaining a court order. News Point Nigeria reports that the judgment was delivered by Justice Hauwa Yilwa in a suit filed by activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, against the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the FRSC. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/291/2025, sought judicial clarification on the extent of the powers of law enforcement agencies in enforcing compliance with motor vehicle insurance laws. In…

THE All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced that the sale of nomination forms for aspirants seeking to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections will commence on Saturday, April 25, 2026, as part of its revised timetable and schedule of activities. News Point Nigeria reports that the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Durosinmi Meseko, disclosed this while addressing journalists after the 186th meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC), noting that the updated timetable supersedes all previously released schedules and has already been communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Meseko, who addressed the press alongside the National…

THE Senate on Wednesday called on the Federal Government to consider sweeping emergency measures, including the possible suspension of political activities in eight frontline states, as insecurity continues to worsen across parts of the country. News Point Nigeria reports that the call, reflecting growing concern within the National Assembly over renewed insurgent offensives, followed a point of order raised during plenary by the lawmaker representing Bauchi Central, Abdul Ningi. Raising the alarm, Ningi stressed that insecurity was a national issue that should not be dismissed simply because lawmakers sit in Abuja. “Mr President, we cannot continue to think that because…

SENATOR Tony Nwoye has been appointed as the new minority whip of the Senate following a series of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC). News Point Nigeria reports that Nwoye, who represents Anambra North Senatorial District, was unanimously chosen by the Senate minority caucus to assume the position. His emergence comes after his predecessor, Senator Osita Ngwu, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on Wednesday. In a letter read on the floor of the Senate by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Ngwu said his decision was informed by his desire to align with Enugu State…

THE Senate has directed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, and other service chiefs to carry out a comprehensive operational and logistical audit following recent attacks on military formations in Benisheikh and Monguno, Borno State. News Point Nigeria reports that the resolution, passed during plenary on Wednesday, mandates an in-depth review of the circumstances surrounding the assaults, including an assessment of equipment adequacy and adherence to rules of engagement. Lawmakers also called on the Armed Forces to address any gaps identified in the course of the audit. The Senate also urged the military to investigate allegations of…

A FRESH wave of defections swept through the House of Representatives on Tuesday as lawmakers realigned across party lines in what appears to be early positioning for the 2027 general elections. News Point Nigeria reports that at the resumption of plenary after the Easter break, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, read out a series of defection letters, reflecting a growing fluidity within Nigeria’s political space. He dismissed concerns that the trend signalled an attempt to edge the country toward a one-party system, insisting instead that it underscores democratic freedom. “This is to show the country that no party is stiffled.…

THE Birnin-Kudu Old Boys Association has expressed deep sorrow over the death of its former president and ex-Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Galadima, who passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026, after a prolonged illness. According to a press statement sent to News Point Nigeria by Mahmud Ibrahim Kwari, National Publicity Secretary of BIKOBA, the late Galadima died at the age of 78. He was the fourth president of the association, having served two consecutive terms between 1993 and 1997, and was a member of the 1971 class chapter. Reacting to his passing, the President of BIKOBA, Ja’afar…