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Ganduje: PDP members joining APC because their party is gasping for breath

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Hama Media
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National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has said that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is struggling to stay afloat due to the performance and growing influence of the ruling party,Daily Trust reports.

Speaking at the APC National Summit held Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Ganduje expressed confidence in the APC’s chances of winning the upcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) elections, attributing it to the party’s political strategy and momentum.

According to Ganduje, internal conflicts and ongoing defections have weakened the PDP. “The party is now gasping for breath—that’s why many of its members are joining the APC,” he stated.

ALSO READ: Dangote refinery says MRS, Ardova have reduced petrol prices across Nigeria 

He also noted that the APC currently governs 22 out of Nigeria’s 36 states, and hinted that another governor is expected to defect to the party soon.

Reflecting on the APC’s performance in recent off-cycle elections, Ganduje said the party is actively preparing for the upcoming Anambra election and other future contests. He added that recent victories in post-2023 elections are an indication of the party’s growing strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dangote refinery says MRS, Ardova have reduced petrol prices across Nigeria 

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Hama Media
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Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from ₦890 to ₦875 per litre in Lagos,TheCable reports.

In a statement released on Thursday, the refinery said the price cut would be implemented nationwide through its distribution partners. These partners include MRS, AP, Heyden, Optima, Technoil, and Hyde filling stations.

ALSO READ: One-Party State: We didn’t force anyone to join APC – Tinubu

According to the statement, petrol will now be sold at ₦875 per litre in Lagos and ₦885 in other parts of the South-West. In the South-East, South-South, and North-East regions, the price has been adjusted to ₦905 per litre, while in the North-West and North-Central, it will be sold at ₦895.

This development follows a previous reduction on May 12, when the refinery lowered its ex-depot price of petrol to ₦825 per litre. The following day, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited also announced a price cut at its retail outlets in Abuja.

One-Party State: We didn’t force anyone to join APC – Tinubu

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Hama Media
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed concerns that his administration is steering Nigeria toward a one-party system, arguing that individuals have the right to choose their political affiliations,Daily Trust reports.

Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Summit held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu remarked, “It is only one party that is ruling.” He added that the APC is currently driving the aspirations of the nation.

Addressing those considering leaving other parties, the President said, “The country belongs to all of us—hold on to it. For those talking about a one-party system, it’s one party that is leading. You can’t blame people for leaving a sinking ship when there are no life jackets.”

ALSO READ: Trump Gov’t Blocks Harvard Varsity From Enrolling International Students

Tinubu emphasized that no one should be forced to remain in a political party they no longer believe in, affirming that the APC is open to welcoming more Nigerians who wish to join the ruling party.

“They say this party is a failure,” he continued, “but through your perseverance, we’ve endured. We are the Progressives, and we will keep moving forward. Keep working hard—I listen to you, not them.”

Urging party members to remain committed, Tinubu concluded, “We have a chance to make Africa great. For those I cannot appoint to political positions right now, be patient—you’ll be proud to be part of this party.”

Trump Gov’t Blocks Harvard Varsity From Enrolling International Students

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Hama Media
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The Trump administration has officially blocked Harvard University from enrolling international students, according to a report by CNBC on Thursday,leadership reports.

This move marks a significant development in the ongoing legal dispute between the Ivy League institution and the federal government.

In a letter obtained by The New York Times, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem informed Harvard that its certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program had been revoked, effective immediately.

ALSO READ: After EFCC Alert, PremiumTrust Bank Neutralises Unauthorised Access To Database

Noem had previously warned the university in April that its authorization to admit international students depended on adherence to federal immigration laws. At that time, she indicated that noncompliance could result in the loss of certification.

After EFCC Alert, PremiumTrust Bank Neutralises Unauthorised Access To Database

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Hama Media
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PremiumTrust Bank Reaffirms Strong Cybersecurity Following Foiled Attack

PremiumTrust Bank has reassured its customers, stakeholders, and the broader public of the strength and resilience of its cybersecurity infrastructure, following a recent alert issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding a foiled cyberattack,leadership reports.

In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by the Company Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, Chukwuemeka Nwaogu, the bank confirmed that an attempt by cybercriminals to breach its systems was swiftly identified and neutralized by its Internal Information Security and IT Surveillance Teams. This was made possible through real-time monitoring and advanced security protocols.

“The incident was immediately escalated to the relevant law enforcement authorities,” the statement read. “This led to the prompt intervention of the EFCC, whose actions resulted in the arrest and prosecution of the suspects involved.”

ALSO READ: 2025 Hajj: 79% of Nigerian Pilgrims now in Saudi Arabia  –…

PremiumTrust Bank expressed deep appreciation to the EFCC for its swift and professional response in not only thwarting the cyberattack but also pursuing the perpetrators and their accomplices. “We commend the EFCC’s dedication to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system,” the bank stated.

The individuals involved, who are currently facing trial at the Federal High Court in Lagos, were stopped before they could execute their malicious intent. According to the bank, this outcome serves as clear validation of the vigilance, effectiveness, and robustness of its cybersecurity measures.

“Our systems performed exactly as designed—detecting, blocking, and escalating threats without compromising customer data or trust,” the bank noted. “We remain fully committed to safeguarding our customers’ information and deposits through a world-class, multilayered security framework.”

PremiumTrust Bank also reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing investment in cutting-edge cybersecurity tools, including real-time analytics, AI-powered threat detection, and continuous staff training. The bank further encouraged customers to adopt safe digital banking practices and stay alert.

“Thank you for your continued trust and loyalty,” the statement concluded.

2025 Hajj: 79% of Nigerian Pilgrims now in Saudi Arabia  – NAHCON

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Hama Media
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The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it has successfully airlifted 32,549 pilgrims, representing 79.1% of the total intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj exercise,Daily Trust reports.

A statement by NAHCON’s Assistant Director Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, said the achievement was made through 79 flights operated since the commencement of the airlift operations on May 9, 2025.

Daily Trust reports that 42,000 Nigerians are expected to participate in the annual pilgrimage from the government quota.Usara added that many states including Adamawa and Plateau, had concluded their airlift operations, while those with only one flighteach will complete their operations on Wednesday.

  •  “Jigawa State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are also expected to complete their pilgrim airlift today. Kwara State, with 137 pilgrims remaining, will conclude by joining a Kano Max Air flight this afternoon.”

ALSO READ: Politicians, soldiers among Boko Haram informants – Zulum

  • Meanwhile, Benue pilgrims will join intending pilgrims from the South-South section to undertake a combined and only flight from the region on May 23rd, marking the last phase of the airlift for the area.
  • “Importantly, no flight cancellations have been recorded since the airlift began. However,  deliberate minor delays were arranged to allow for the proper clean-up and decongestion of hotels in Madinah especially with the surge in arrivals.
  • “Such cleanup procedures are standard operational routines following vacation of rooms during the Hajj season. This goes unnoticed during initial airlift periods but cause misinterpretations at peak periods when a higher number of pilgrims are on the ground, requiring immediate turnover.
  • “NAHCON thanks the Nigerian intending pilgrims and entire communities for their goodwill, patience and prayers, and reaffirm the Commission’s resolve to ensure a smooth Hajj for every pilgrim.”

Politicians, soldiers among Boko Haram informants – Zulum

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Hama Media
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Borno State Governor Accuses Military Officers, Politicians of Aiding Boko Haram

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has alleged that some military officers, politicians, and community members are acting as informants and collaborators for Boko Haram terrorists,Daily Trust reports.

In an interview on News Central’s Breakfast Central, Zulum pledged to take decisive action against those undermining his administration’s efforts to combat insurgency in the state.

“We have informants and collaborators within the Nigerian Armed Forces, among politicians, and within our communities,” the governor said. “Our response will be to significantly strengthen our intelligence network and deal with these saboteurs ruthlessly.”

Zulum emphasized that defeating terrorism requires more than military force alone. “We must go beyond kinetic solutions. Socio-political and economic strategies—what I call non-kinetic measures—are essential in addressing the root causes of insurgency,” he explained.

He also expressed concerns about individuals among the over 300,000 former insurgents who have surrendered, warning that some may relapse. “It’s possible a few may return to the bush. Insurgency cannot be defeated by corrective measures alone,” he noted.

The governor criticized the Nigerian military’s lack of adequate equipment, pointing out that insurgents often possess superior technology. “The army doesn’t have the necessary tools on the ground to effectively counter the insurgents,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Zulum commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for supporting peace-building initiatives in the region. “I appreciate the military’s contribution to our non-kinetic efforts,” he said.

He also urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize grassroots intelligence and professional military advice in addressing the insurgency. “We must avoid politicizing insecurity. The President needs to listen to those who understand the realities on the ground and can offer sound advice,” Zulum stated.

He concluded by announcing plans to immediately deploy a forest guard to further bolster security efforts.

Court Remands 3 Suspected Killers Of Man In Adamawa Prison

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Hama Media
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Court Remands Three Over Alleged Murder of Thomas Godwin Zamfara in Adamawa

A Chief Magistrate Court in Yola, Adamawa State, on Monday ordered the remand of three suspects in a correctional facility over the alleged murder of one Thomas Godwin Zamfara,leadership reports.

The accused—Godwin Chakukuyada, Ibrahim Bakari, and Danlami Ali—were arraigned for allegedly participating in the killing of Zamfara. A fourth suspect, identified as Stephen Peter, remains at large.

The trio face charges of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, offences punishable under Sections 60 and 191 of the Adamawa State Penal Code Law, 2018 (as amended).

ALSO READ: South-east reps demand JAMB registrar’s resignation, fresh 2025 UTME

According to the First Information Report (FIR) presented in court, the deceased was ambushed while traveling from Fadama Rake to Kala’a by a group of violent political thugs, allegedly sponsored by the son of a well-known philanthropist. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects brutally assaulted Zamfara, rendering him unconscious. He was later rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Hong, where he was pronounced dead by a medical doctor.

During the hearing, the prosecution, led by Inspector Ali Emmanuel, requested the court to read the charges to the defendants to allow them to enter their pleas. All three pleaded not guilty.

Presiding over the matter, Chief Magistrate Uwani Danladi ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody to allow the police to conclude their investigation, especially as one suspect remains at large.

The case file has been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for review and legal advice.

The court adjourned the case to June 19, 2025.

South-east reps demand JAMB registrar’s resignation, fresh 2025 UTME

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Hama Media
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South-East Reps Demand JAMB Registrar’s Resignation, Call for 2025 UTME Cancellation

The South-East caucus in the House of Representatives has called for the resignation of Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), following widespread technical failures during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME),TheCable reports.

The lawmakers are also demanding the complete cancellation of the 2025 UTME, urging JAMB to conduct a fresh nationwide examination between July and August.

ALSO READ: Tussle over VC deepens in Katsina Varsity as aspirant writes Minister

Background

JAMB released the results of the 2025 UTME on May 9. Data revealed that over 78 percent of candidates scored below 200 out of a possible 400, sparking public outrage and protests over the credibility of the exam process.

Following an internal review, JAMB admitted a significant technical error had occurred. At a press conference held in Abuja, Oloyede disclosed that the results of 379,997 candidates were affected due to server-related issues in Lagos and South-East zones, which disrupted the upload of candidates’ responses during the first three days of the exam.

JAMB attributed the issue to one of its technical service providers and announced that affected candidates would be allowed to retake the examination between May 16 and 19.

The revelation led to a wave of criticism and emotional reactions across social media. The House of Representatives has since launched an investigation into the matter.

South-East Lawmakers React

In a statement released on Monday, the South-East caucus of the House of Representatives said the five South-East states were among the hardest hit by the “score distortions.”

“Over the week, we exercised restraint, awaiting meaningful remedial action from JAMB. However, what has been offered falls woefully short of the expectations of our constituents,” the statement read.

The lawmakers acknowledged Oloyede’s openness in admitting JAMB’s fault but described the agency’s response as “knee-jerk” and inadequate.

They criticized JAMB for giving affected candidates less than 48 hours’ notice to retake the UTME — a directive that clashed with ongoing WAEC examinations in many cases. The short notice, they said, led to poor turnout and further confusion among already stressed students.

“The outcome has been heart-wrenching for students and parents, and agonisingly shambolic, to say the very least,” the caucus added.

They argued that the flawed examination process has denied students from the South-East equal educational opportunities and called for a full cancellation of the 2025 UTME across the country.

“In addition, we demand the immediate suspension of all officials responsible for JAMB’s digital operations and examination logistics,” the statement continued. “Though the Registrar is said to be a good man, leadership must come with accountability. We, therefore, call on Prof. Ishaq Oloyede to resign his position to allow for a comprehensive investigation and correction of this national embarrassment.”

The statement was signed by Hon. Igariwey Enwo, leader of the South-East caucus in the House of Representatives.

Tussle over VC deepens in Katsina Varsity as aspirant writes Minister

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Hama Media
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The controversy surrounding the selection process for the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina State, has taken a new turn,Daily Trust reports.

Last week, Daily Trust reported that tensions flared after the university’s governing council released a shortlist of candidates for the Vice Chancellor position. Some of the aspirants criticized the selection process, accusing the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Prof. Armayau Bichi, of influencing the outcome.

Investigations revealed that FUDMA, established in 2010 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, has faced recurring disputes over the appointment of Vice Chancellors.

In a recent development, one of the candidates, Prof. Rasheed Hamzat, sent a three-page petition to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, alleging that the selection committee violated key appointment guidelines.

ALSO READ: Sunday Umeha, LP rep, defects to APC, says ruling party brought…

In the letter, obtained exclusively by our correspondent, Hamzat claimed the committee disregarded two major requirements: a minimum of 10 years of professorial experience and an age limit of 64 years at the time of assuming office.

“I wish to draw your attention to this issue. The guideline is very clear regarding the qualifications for the Vice Chancellor,” the letter reads in part. “It stipulates that the appointee must be a professor with at least 10 years of experience. Additionally, the individual must not be more than 64 years old at the time of assuming duty.”

“Despite this, the Governing Council of Federal University Dutsin-Ma blatantly ignored these criteria in its advertisement. This means that even a professor with less than one year of experience could be deemed eligible,” he added.

Prof. Hamzat, who is a professor of Agriculture, also raised concerns about the composition of the selection committee, arguing that it contravenes established guidelines for the appointment of a Vice Chancellor.

“As a result of these irregularities, six candidates were shortlisted, many of whom do not meet the required qualifications,” he said. “In fact, some of them have less than three years of professorial experience, which goes against both the official guidelines and the directive of the Honourable Minister.”

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