The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disqualified Senator Ipalibo Banigo, who represents Rivers West, from participating in its senatorial primary scheduled for Monday.
Also barred from the exercise are former Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Tammy Wenike Danagogo; Ojukaye Flag Amachree; and businessman Tein Jack-Rich.
Conversely, the party cleared Senator Allwell Onyesoh (Rivers East), alongside Felix Obua, Barry Mwara and Osarosaka Ebenezer, to contest in the primaries.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the APC’s Rivers State Publicity Secretary, Chibuike Ikenga, urged aspirants and party members to take note of the screening outcome and comply accordingly.
The development follows the APC’s ongoing screening of aspirants ahead of its National Assembly primaries, part of early manoeuvrings toward the 2027 general elections. Party screenings are designed to determine eligibility based on internal guidelines, including loyalty, statutory requirements and compliance with nomination procedures.
In Rivers State, the exercise is unfolding amid longstanding intra-party tensions and realignments, with competing blocs seeking control of the party’s structure ahead of the polls. The disqualification of high-profile figures such as Banigo and Danagogo is likely to intensify political calculations within the party, particularly in the strategically important Rivers West senatorial district.
The APC has not publicly detailed the specific grounds for the disqualifications, but party officials insist the process was conducted in line with established rules.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to urgently investigate allegations that governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress diverted about N800 billion from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds for political and campaign purposes.
In a letter dated May 16, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP called on INEC to act “promptly, thoroughly, impartially, independently, transparently and effectively” in probing the claims, which it said raise grave concerns about political finance transparency and electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation also urged the commission to demand full disclosure from the APC and the affected governors on any contributions made to campaign funds, including the identities of donors and the lawful sources of such funds.
SERAP further called on INEC to collaborate with anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to ensure appropriate sanctions where breaches are established, including prosecution, fines and forfeiture of незаконous contributions.
The group asked the commission to initiate a comprehensive review of compliance with Section 91 of the Electoral Act 2022, particularly on limits, sources and disclosure of campaign financing by political parties and candidates.
According to SERAP, the allegations—reportedly linked to funding efforts for the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu—pose a direct threat to democratic governance and the credibility of future elections.
“The abuse of state resources for electoral advantage undermines democratic integrity and public trust,” the organisation said, noting that opaque political financing remains a major gateway for corruption and undue influence.
It stressed that Nigerians have a right to know who funds political parties and candidates, arguing that transparency is critical to ensuring free, fair and credible elections.
SERAP warned that large-scale public fiscal flows, weak transparency mechanisms and allegations of misuse of funds create sufficient grounds for INEC to activate its constitutional and statutory oversight powers.
Citing provisions of the Constitution and international treaties ratified by Nigeria, the organisation maintained that public institutions have a binding obligation to prevent corruption, ensure accountability and safeguard citizens’ right to political participation.
It added that any failure by INEC to enforce campaign finance regulations could erode public confidence in the electoral system and compromise the integrity of the 2027 polls.
SERAP gave the commission a seven-day deadline to act on its recommendations, warning that it would pursue legal action in the public interest if no response is received.
Amnesty International has raised fresh alarm over the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren by armed groups in northern and southern Nigeria, warning that the escalating attacks on schools are compounding the country’s education crisis.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the organisation described the incidents as “alarming,” noting that schools, children and entire communities were targeted within days.
According to Amnesty, no fewer than 82 schoolchildren were abducted between May 13 and 15, 2026, in separate attacks across Borno State and Oyo State.
The group said 42 pupils were kidnapped during attacks on schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas of Borno State on May 13 and 14. It added that another 40 children were abducted on May 15 after gunmen invaded communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The affected schools include Primary and Government Day Junior Secondary School (GDSS) Mussa, Local Authority School in Askira Uba, as well as Ahoro-Esinele and Community Grammar School in Oriire LGA.
Amnesty called on Nigerian authorities to take “immediate and decisive action” to investigate the incidents, ensure the safe rescue of the victims and strengthen measures to protect schools nationwide.
“The Nigerian authorities must take urgent steps to rescue the victims safely and adopt concrete measures to end the persistent targeting of schools and children,” the organisation said.
It noted that some of the victims were as young as two years old, warning that repeated attacks on educational institutions are forcing millions of children out of school.
“Many abducted children and teachers are never released by their abductors. The constant threat of abduction is compelling children to abandon education,” the statement added.
The organisation also accused authorities of failing to adequately investigate previous abductions and prosecute perpetrators, leaving victims and their families without justice or effective remedies.
Amnesty maintained that the inability of authorities to guarantee the safety of citizens amounts to a violation of Nigeria’s obligations under the Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, urging stronger accountability and protection of vulnerable communities.
Pep Guardiola has put any hint of celebration on hold after Manchester City’s FA Cup triumph, insisting his players will not so much as have a beer as they refocus on the Premier League title race.
City completed a domestic cup double with a 1-0 win over Chelsea at Wembley, adding the FA Cup to their earlier Carabao Cup success against Arsenal. Yet the manager’s attention has already shifted to the final week of the league season.
“Home. Not even one beer,” Guardiola said after the final. “Next Monday, after Aston Villa, we’re going to celebrate it properly — with the women’s team, with a parade in Manchester.”
City face a decisive trip to Bournemouth before hosting Aston Villa on the final day, with Guardiola chasing another league title to crown the campaign. He framed the run-in as a fitting send-off for departing senior players John Stones and Bernardo Silva.
“Especially for John and Bernardo, who are leaving in two games,” he said.
“Hopefully we can arrive at the last day with the chance to fight for the Premier League and give them the best possible tribute.”
Silva, the club captain, is set to end a nine-year spell at the Etihad Stadium, while Stones departs after a decade of service.
Preparations for the final were far from smooth, with Guardiola revealing a disrupted journey to London following rail delays caused by a fire near Nuneaton. “The travel was a nightmare — it took six hours to arrive,” he said.
There was, however, no disruption to City’s focus. The message from Guardiola is clear: the party can wait. The title cannot.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released a list of House of Representatives aspirants disqualified from participating in its forthcoming National Assembly primaries, with Rivers State emerging as one of the hardest hit.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party said the affected aspirants were deemed “not cleared” following its screening exercise conducted across several states ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While the disqualifications cut across Ondo, Bauchi, Ebonyi and Kogi states, Rivers recorded the highest number of affected aspirants, raising concerns about internal party dynamics in the oil-rich state.
Rivers dominates disqualification list
In Rivers State, four aspirants were barred from contesting:
Air Commodore John Azubuike Opara (rtd) (Port Harcourt Federal Constituency)
Hon. Anderson Allison Igbiki (Okrika/Ogu-Bolo Federal Constituency)
Awaji Imombek D. Abirite (Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency)
Hon. Boma Goodhead (Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency)
The development positions Rivers as a focal point in the party’s screening outcome, with political observers likely to scrutinise its implications for the APC’s structure and cohesion in the state.
In Ondo State, multiple aspirants across constituencies were disqualified, including Hon. Adefisoye Tajudeen, Olusegun Victor Ategbole and others.
Bauchi and Ebonyi recorded single disqualifications, while Kogi also had one aspirant marked “not cleared.”
The party, however, did not provide specific reasons for the disqualifications, stating only that the exercise followed “established procedures and guidelines.”
“The screening exercise was conducted by the Party’s Screening Committees in line with established procedures,” the statement noted.
Elsewhere, the APC recorded progress and setbacks in its primary processes. In Katsina State, Jamila Mani emerged winner of the primary for Mani/Bindawa Federal Constituency.
However, in Adamawa State, the exercise was disrupted in several areas, including Girei, Yola North and Yola South, where party members reportedly waited for hours due to the absence of officials.
The screening outcome marks a critical stage in the APC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the Rivers situation likely to shape political alignments and contestations within the party in the coming months.
As the world marks the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child on Saturday May 16th, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.
In a press release and signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr.(Mrs) Ibinabo Ogolo to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.
Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes,” must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.
Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, President, Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association.
“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side,” Barrister Harry stated.
“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now,” he said.
He emphasized that being ‘head of the home’ is about stewardship, not power. “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”
The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.
To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programs where older men guide younger ones.
The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene. “A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community,” Harry said.
The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.
International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.
Manchester United have confirmed Michael Carrick as their permanent head coach, bringing an end to months of uncertainty over the leadership at Old Trafford.
Carrick, 44, who had been in interim charge since January, has signed a multi-year deal understood to run for two years with the option of a further 12 months. The appointment follows a sustained upturn in results after the departure of Ruben Amorim earlier this year.
The former United midfielder has overseen a marked improvement in form, winning 10 of his 15 matches in charge across all competitions. That run has lifted United to third in the Premier League and secured qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Senior figures at the club, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, are reported to have backed Carrick strongly, with co-owner Jim Ratcliffe giving final approval after talks this week.
Carrick’s deep ties to United weighed heavily in his favour. During a playing career spanning more than a decade at Old Trafford, he made 463 appearances and won multiple major honours, including the Champions League and several league titles under Alex Ferguson.
After retiring, Carrick moved into coaching, later taking charge of Middlesbrough before returning to United’s backroom staff. His familiarity with the club’s structure and dressing room dynamics has been viewed internally as a stabilising factor during a period of repeated managerial change since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
Support from within the squad has also proved significant. Club captain Bruno Fernandes is among senior players understood to have endorsed the appointment, while Carrick’s coaching team — including Jonathan Woodgate — is expected to remain intact.
In his first remarks after being confirmed, Carrick said he was “honoured and excited” to take the role on a permanent basis.
“This club means everything to me,” he said. “We have momentum now, and I can’t wait to build on it with the players and staff.”
United face Nottingham Forest on Sunday as Carrick begins preparations for a full season in charge, with expectations heightened by a late surge that has reshaped the club’s campaign.
A coalition of Nigerian civil society organisations has expressed deep concern over the controversy surrounding a defamation judgment reportedly secured by officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), warning that the situation poses serious risks to judicial transparency, civic freedoms and democratic accountability.
In a joint press statement dated May 11, 2026, the groups faulted the growing public debate over the judgment despite the absence of the Certified True Copy (CTC) and full text of the ruling at the time reactions began to circulate.
According to the organisations, such a development raises fundamental questions about due process, procedural fairness and institutional responsibility within Nigeria’s justice system.
They stressed that under Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the right to fair hearing extends beyond courtroom proceedings to include transparency, access to judicial decisions and the opportunity to exercise appellate rights.
The coalition also cited Sections 39(1) and 22 of the Constitution, noting that freedom of expression and the duty of the media and civic actors to hold government accountable are essential pillars of a democratic society.
Referencing international frameworks, the groups pointed to Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which guarantee the right to receive and disseminate information.
They noted that the African Commission has consistently held that any restriction on civic expression must meet the tests of legality, necessity and proportionality.
The statement further decried the delay in releasing the Certified True Copy of the judgment, describing timely access to court decisions as central to the administration of justice.
“Without access to the judgment, litigants are unable to properly assess their legal position, pursue appeals or engage responsibly in public discourse,” the statement read.
The organisations warned that such delays could undermine public confidence in the judiciary, weaken transparency in judicial administration and erode trust in democratic institutions.
They also cautioned against what they described as the growing use of defamation suits and coercive legal measures against civil society actors involved in anti-corruption and public accountability advocacy.
According to them, the right to appeal is a fundamental component of the justice system and should not be misconstrued as disobedience to judicial authority.
The coalition called for the immediate release of the Certified True Copy of the judgment, respect for constitutional and international human rights obligations, and greater restraint in public commentary on judicial matters lacking full disclosure.
They further urged authorities to safeguard civic space and protect public-interest advocacy from intimidation or misuse of legal processes.
The statement concluded that Nigeria’s democracy depends not only on electoral processes but also on adherence to the rule of law, judicial integrity and the protection of civic freedoms.
Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, has disclosed that no fewer than 6,800 families have benefitted from the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) programme in the state, underscoring the growing reach of the social intervention scheme.
Fubara made the disclosure on Thursday during the distribution of food items to vulnerable groups at Government House, Port Harcourt, as part of the Social Investments Programme of the RHI, the pet project of Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
Wife of Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, at the podium delivering her address at the occasion on Thursday.
She explained that beyond food distribution, the initiative has expanded its support to include local and international scholarships, agricultural funding and other social investment programmes aimed at improving livelihoods.
According to her, the RHI has continued to provide critical support through women empowerment schemes, assistance to petty traders, interventions for persons living with disabilities and care programmes for the elderly.
She noted that Thursday’s outreach alone directly impacted over 1,800 families.
Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof (Mrs) Ngozi Odu, delivering her address at the occasion on Thursday.
“Today’s outreach programme is another practical demonstration of compassionate leadership and people-centred governance. At a time when many families are facing economic challenges, initiatives such as this remind our people that they are not forgotten,” she said.
Fubara added that the programme represents “hope, care, dignity and support” for vulnerable households, stressing that government remains committed to policies that improve citizens’ welfare.
“True development is not only measured by infrastructure, but also by the extent to which lives are positively impacted,” she said.
She expressed appreciation to Oluremi Tinubu for initiating the programme and acknowledged the support of the RHI office in Rivers State, as well as the wives of governors from about 20 states who attended the event.
L-R: Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof (Mrs) Ngozi Odu; Wife of Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara; Wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mrs Salamatu Gbajabiamila and Dr Betta Edu, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and representative of Sen. Oluremi TINUBU, Nigeria’s First Lady, at the event on Thursday.
In her remarks, the First Lady, represented by former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, commended Fubara for her commitment to the successful implementation of RHI programmes in the state.
Tinubu explained that the Food Outreach Scheme, launched in March 2024, targets persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, providing essential food support to households in need.
She disclosed that the initiative is sustained through the support of two major donors who supply two truckloads of food items monthly.
“Our goal at the RHI is to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which aims to support all Nigerians to thrive and fulfil their goals irrespective of their condition or status,” she said.
Tinubu further revealed that the scheme has now reached 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with Rivers State becoming the 26th beneficiary.
A coalition of international scholars and policy experts will, from May 15 to 29, convene for a three-part webinar series to interrogate the complex intersection of energy security, resource wealth and the global transition to renewable energy.
The series, titled “The Politics of Power: Energy Security, Resource Wealth and the Global Energy Transition,” is organised under the CIFAL Global Network and UNITAR, with sessions hosted by leading academic institutions across Australia, Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Scheduled to hold over three consecutive Fridays at 9:00 a.m. (Nigeria time), the webinars will explore how countries can balance economic prosperity with the urgent need for a just and sustainable energy transition.
The opening session on May 15 will be hosted by CIFAL Newcastle in collaboration with the University of Newcastle. Discussions will focus on Australia’s strategic position as a major coal exporter and the challenges of transitioning towards cleaner energy sources.
Speakers for the session include Lara Eadie, a specialist in sustainability and regional development, and Paul Ebert, an authority in energy systems and infrastructure.
The second webinar, slated for May 22, will shift attention to Nigeria’s energy landscape. Hosted by CIFAL Nigeria at Rivers State University, the session will examine how Africa’s largest oil producer can navigate the dual challenge of sustaining economic growth while expanding domestic energy access amid declining global reliance on fossil fuels.
Panelists include Prof. Augustine A. Ikein, a Fulbright postdoctoral fellow and Professor Emeritus at the Federal University Otuoke; Prof. Kingsley Okpara,an expert in Environmental Pollution of the Institute of Geosciences and Environmental Management(IGEM), Rivers State University; and Dr. Uduak Akpan,a postdoctoral researcher at SOAS University of London,whose work spans Africa’s economic transformation and energy sector, including experience at the African Development Bank.
The final session on May 29 will be hosted by CIFAL Surrey in partnership with the University of Surrey. It will broaden the conversation to global governance, resilience and the geopolitical dimensions of energy transition.
Speakers include Dr. Amelia Hadfield, Director of CIFAL Surrey; Mustafa Demir, an expert in international governance; and Prof. Mahmoud Shafee, noted for his research on risk and sustainability in global energy systems.
Organisers said the series is designed to bring together diverse global perspectives to unpack one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century — achieving energy security while ensuring economic stability and advancing a fair transition to renewable energy.
Participants who attend all three sessions will receive a certificate of participation from the CIFAL Global Network/ UNITAR while recordings will be made available to registered attendees.
The organisers urged stakeholders, policymakers, academics and industry players to take advantage of the forum to engage with emerging ideas and contribute to shaping the future of global energy systems.
Register now and be part of the conversation.https://uonewcastle.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Y2W4u2qMSc6UHP_7Gbd9EA#/registration
