RWGBLOG NEWS

The Abia State Government has announced a ban on the operation of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada, within the metropolitan areas of Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia. According to a press release issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, the ban was approved by Governor Alex Otti and will take effect from Monday, June 22, 2026. The government said the decision is part of efforts to strengthen security, improve public safety, ease traffic congestion, and promote a more organized transportation system in the affected urban centres. Commercial motorcycle operators have therefore been directed to stop operations within the designated metropolitan areas on or before the effective date. The government also stated that security agencies and other relevant enforcement authorities have been mandated to ensure strict compliance with the directive. It warned that any operator found violating the order would be arrested, while the motorcycle invo...

Ireland has deported 42 South African nationals who were found to be living in the country illegally, with all of them arriving in Johannesburg on Friday aboard a chartered flight.  The group consisted of nine men, 18 women, and 15 children, with the minors deported alongside their families as units. They had departed Dublin Airport on Thursday afternoon before landing in South Africa the following morning.  Reports from The Irish Times on June 19, 2026, also revealed that two of the deported individuals had prior criminal convictions while residing in Ireland.  Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, commented that while most South Africans in the country are living there legally, the government remains committed to enforcing immigration laws.  He stressed that the Irish immigration system must stay “rules-based and robust”, adding that deportations and other enforcement measures are necessary to maintain order and public confidence in the syste...

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Olaka Nwogu, winner of the Rivers South East Senatorial District bye-election held on Saturday. The Returning Officer for the election, Professor Rosemary Ogu, announced the result at the collation centre located at the Khana Local Government Secretariat in Bori, Rivers State. According to the final declaration, Olaka Nwogu of the PDP secured a total of 46,961 votes to emerge victorious in the keenly contested poll. He defeated his closest opponent, Osarokaka Ebenezer Erewari of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who polled 1,647 votes. The PDP candidate, a known ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was officially returned elected after the final collation of results.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the APC as the winner of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.  Announcing the results in the early hours of Sunday, the Returning Officer, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, said Oyebanji secured 319,224 votes to defeat PDP candidate Oluwole Oluyede, who polled 40,543 votes, and ADC candidate Dare Bejide, who scored 12,872 votes.  According to INEC, 384,940 voters were accredited, with 375,777 valid votes recorded. A total of 6,332 votes were rejected, bringing the overall votes cast to 382,109.  The election, held across Ekiti’s 16 local government areas, was largely peaceful, although there were reports of BVAS-related challenges and allegations of irregularities in some locations. INEC stated that all 2,445 polling units opened for voting, with over 92 percent commencing operations before 8:30 a.m.  PDP candidate Oluyede alleged that BVAS issues prevented many vote...

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the termination of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in South Africa, citing concerns over the country’s handling of issues affecting its white minority.  According to reports, the U.S. State Department said South Africa failed to address several concerns raised by Washington before the decision was made. These included the country’s Black Economic Empowerment policies, which U.S. officials argued do not provide exemptions for American companies, as well as what they described as inadequate condemnation of racially charged rhetoric such as the controversial “K+ll the Boer” chant.  The State Department also criticized South Africa’s Expropriation Act of 2024, expressing concerns that it could allow property seizures without fair compensation or due process. Washington further urged Pretoria to prioritize rural crime and allocate more resources to tackling attacks in farming communi...

The Federal Government has said the administration of President Bola Tinubu never promised quick fixes to Nigeria’s numerous challenges, stressing that its focus remains on long-term, sustainable development.   Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the remark while representing President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of a newly completed seven-kilometre access road and bridge bypassing the second runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.  According to Akpabio, the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is centered on strategic policies aimed at delivering lasting progress rather than temporary solutions. He said the government remains committed to improving citizens’ quality of life through practical infrastructure projects.  “When we came into office, we did not promise you miracles that would appear from thin air. We promised you structural, calculated, and deliberate progress,” Akpabio declared.  He further stated: “We promise a renewed...

Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Prince Kabari Op-Agara Akeeyor VII who was seeking to Represent the people via the platform of the ADC has reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing what he described as political justice, fairness, and democratic inclusion for the people of Bori Urban, Ogoniland, and the Rivers South-East Senatorial District through legal means. In a statement issued on behalf of the senatorial hopeful, Prince Kabari disclosed that the suit challenging issues surrounding the Rivers South-East Senatorial By-Election remains pending before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, under Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/87/2026. According to the statement, the court directed that the substantive matter be heard after all defendants and respondents were duly served with the Motion on Notice. With service now completed, the case has been scheduled for hearing. The statement noted that the substantive issues raised in the suit remain before the court and are yet to be determined. Prin...

The Federal Government has warned that it may review the operations of South African-owned businesses in Nigeria if persistent x+nophobic att@cks and hara§§ment of Nigerians in South Africa continue. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, issued the warning on Thursday while addressing concerns over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa and ongoing efforts to assist citizens willing to return home. She said Nigeria had consistently pursued diplomatic solutions and exercised restraint despite repeated incidents involving its citizens, but noted that the country could be forced to explore other options if the situation remains unresolved. According to the minister, more than 120 South African companies currently operate in Nigeria without facing discrimination, hara§§ment, or thr+ats to their businesses. “There are over 120 South African companies operating in Nigeria. Nobody is asking them to provide proof of identity, and nobody is taking over their busin...

Following alleged unguarded communications from Sokoto prison where its leader, Nnamdi Kanu is serving his jail term, the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the indefinite suspension of the Office of its Leader and the position of the Director of Radio Biafra, appointing a Director of State to administer the organisation.  A statement by one of its officials, Chikadibia Edoziem said the resolution was taken after a meeting of the Directorate of State on Wednesday June 17, 2026 where it reviewed recent statements that have caused unnecessary arrests and death of IPOB members and innocent citizens in the Southeast.

Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has been acquitted of all six bribery charges brought against her in the United Kingdom, ending a high-profile corruption trial that lasted several years. A jury at Southwark Crown Court in London on Wednesday found Alison-Madueke not guilty of five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery after more than 46 hours of deliberation. The former minister, who served under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan from 2010 to 2015, had consistently denied the allegations throughout the trial. British prosecutors alleged that Alison-Madueke, 65, enjoyed a “life of luxury” funded by oil and gas industry figures seeking lucrative contracts in Nigeria’s petroleum sector. The accusations formed part of a long-running investigation launched by UK authorities more than a decade ago. However, Alison-Madueke maintained that she never accepted bribes and argued that she did not have direct influence over...

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that he is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice if it would secure the release of the 46 pupils and teachers abd¥cted in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.  Speaking on Tuesday while addressing protesters led by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan, Makinde assured residents that Oyo State would not witness a tragedy similar to the Chibok schoolgirls’ abd¥ction.  The protest was organised over rising insecurity and the continued captivity of the schoolchildren and their teachers.  “Let me make it very, very clear, Oyo State is not Chibok and we will not be Chibok,” the governor said.  Makinde revealed that security personnel involved in the rescue efforts had made significant sacrifices, including the d+ath of a Nigerian Army lieutenant in recent operations.  Expressing his commitment to the victims’ freedom, he...

Medical doctor Dr. Rasheed Abassi has sparked conversation online after sharing his views on mast¥rbation, popularly known as “so@py,” during an appearance on the Morayo Show.  The discussion began when the panel addressed what unmarried men and women can do to maintain their s+xual health before marriage. While acknowledging that some religious beliefs oppose mast¥rbation, Abassi argued that medical science views the issue differently.  “There is nothing wrong with soapy for men,” he said. “There is a study that came out for men over the age of 50; we actually get more benefits when you do mast¥rbation once in a while.”  When the speaker pointed out that mast¥rbation contradicts Christian teachings and should not be publicly encouraged, Abassi responded that scientific recommendations are based on evidence rather than religious considerations.  “The scientific community is very mindful of this,” he said. “That does not stop them from going away from fact...

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered a stay of execution of the judgment that directed the INEC to deregister the ADC and four other political parties. In a unanimous decision on Tuesday, a three-member panel led by Justice A. B. Mohammed condemned Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja for flouting a May 22 order that directed him to suspend proceedings before him, describing his conduct as the gravest form of judicial misconduct. “The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution,” the panel held. The appellate court went further, invoking a Supreme Court precedent to characterise Justice Lifu’s conduct in the harshest terms available to it. “The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is the highest form of judicial impertinence,” the panel declared, adding that the Sup...

Troops of the Nigerian Army with the support of the Nigerian Air Force have successfully rescued Mrs Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar and former Director Defence Information, who was abducted by bandits alongside her husband a few weeks ago. The rescue operation followed intensified search-and-rescue efforts conducted by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA. During sustained offensive operations and pressure mounted on the criminal elements, troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga Village, leading to the successful recovery of Mrs Abubakar. In the course of the encounter, the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing due to the overwhelming pressure from advancing troops. Mrs Abubakar was immediately evacuated and is currently receiving medical attention at a military hospital, where she is responding to treatment.  The leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to ensuring her full recovery and is providing...

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the selection of former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi , as the party’s Vice-Presidential candidate for the 2027 general election alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar . According to a statement signed by the party's National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the decision followed extensive consultations with party leaders, coalition partners, youth and women groups, and representatives from all geopolitical zones. The ADC stated that Amaechi’s emergence as the vice-presidential nominee came after his strong performance in the party’s presidential primaries, where he finished as runner-up and garnered significant support from members across the country. The party described the Atiku-Amaechi ticket as a strategic partnership that brings together two experienced political figures with the capacity to address Nigeria’s economic, security, a...

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a major policy shift, confirming plans to restrict social media access for children under 16, in a video shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.  In the statement, he said the decision was driven by growing concern from parents and evidence of the harmful effects of social media on children  He warned that modern childhood is increasingly shaped by technology in ways that can negatively affect wellbeing: “Kids have to find their feet in a world that changes so quickly, where technology intrudes into every area of their lives.”  Starmer cited feedback from thousands of parents who believe social media is harming children’s mental health and daily routines: “Thousands of parents say their children are addicted to social media… trapped in a cycle of endless scrolling that displaces play, sleep, and time with the family.”  Announcing the policy, he stated: “The government has decided to ban social medi...

At a time when many people have lost faith in finding genuine love on social media due to the numerous controversies surrounding relationships and marriage, a Rivers State-based nurse, Blessing Uebari, has shared her remarkable journey of finding her life partner on Facebook. According to Blessing, what began as a simple friend request blossomed into a lifelong commitment and a beautiful marriage. "Everything started on Facebook. We met on Facebook. Just a friend request which I accepted has turned into forever," she said. She further explained how a casual conversation between herself and her now-husband gradually developed into a meaningful relationship built on love, trust, and mutual understanding. Blessing noted that their union followed all the necessary traditional and marital processes, culminating in their wedding ceremony. Recounting their journey, she revealed the key milestones in their relationship: - Relationship began: December 25, 2025 - Engagement...

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reiterated his opposition to the continued detention of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that no one should be arrested simply for expressing their views. Speaking in Washington, Obi said he sees no justification for Kanu’s detention and urged authorities to embrace dialogue rather than repression when dealing with agitators. “I have said this repeatedly, there is no reason for detaining Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. You cannot arrest somebody just because the person is speaking on radio,” Obi stated. Drawing from his own experience in politics, the former Anambra State governor argued that criticism and name-calling are not criminal offences. “I am a politician, people have been calling me names, it’s not an offence,” he said. Obi extended his position to all separatist and political agitators across the country, saying engagement remains the most effective way to address grievances and preserv...

A woman has stirred controversy online after making a shocking statement about what she believes is the most memorable gift a woman can give a man. According to her, no man deserves her financial support, insisting instead that the "best gift" she can offer a man is an infection because, in her words, "he will never forget you for it."  "No man deserves my money. The best gift I can give to a man is an infection. That's what all men deserve," she reportedly stated. She further alleged that after discovering her ex-boyfriend had been unfaithful, she deliberately contracted multiple infections and passed them on to him as an act of revenge. The statement has since generated mixed reactions online, with many people expressing concern and condemning the idea of intentionally spreading infections.

After SpaceX raised a record $75 billion in its IPO, Musk’s net worth shot up to top $1.1 trillion when the stock began trading Friday, putting him in an economic class of his own. Combined with his holdings in electric vehicle maker Tesla, as well as other investments and assets, Musk's net worth is now estimated at about $1.1 trillion. Musk's stake in the rocket and satellite company alone is now estimated at a staggering $690 billion, but it's also a life-changing moment for thousands of workers at the company who hold equity. Investors who watched Musk help turn Tesla into an automotive giant are now betting he can do the same in space and artificial intelligence, as SpaceX launches the largest IPO in history.

Port Harcourt, Nigeria – A commercial motorcyclist, commonly known as an okada rider, has been killed by suspected motorcycle thieves in Port Harcourt. The victim, who had been missing for a prolonged period, was later found d€ad with his remains already decomposed to sk€letal form. According to reports, the man was apprehended and m¥rd€red by individuals believed to be involved in motorcycle theft. His body was discovered after an extended search by family and friends. No arrests have been reported so far.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to the nation despite its challenges, declaring that citizens are free to criticise and disagree with his administration but should never lose faith in Nigeria. In his Democracy Day broadcast on Thursday, Tinubu called on young Nigerians to see the country as their future and contribute to its growth rather than seeking opportunities abroad. “Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here. Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship,” he said. The President also charged the National Assembly, Judiciary, media and civil society organisations to continue serving as guardians of democracy, while commending the armed forces, police, intelligence agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community heads for promoting peace and national unity. “To our National assembly, Judiciary, the Press and civ...

The House of Representatives has approved the State Police Bill, marking a significant step toward decentralising Nigeria’s policing structure amid growing concerns over insecurity across the country. The resolution was adopted during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, with 289 lawmakers voting in support of the proposal. One lawmaker voted against it, while the Speaker abstained from voting. The House had dedicated the session to considering and voting on the bill following the recent rise in k+llings, kidn@ppings, and b@nditry in several parts of the country. Proceedings were briefly disrupted when Kaduna lawmaker Bashir Zubairu raised an objection, arguing that members had only received the report prepared by the House Committee on Constitution Review earlier in the day and had not been given sufficient time to study its contents. Addressing the chamber, Zubairu said, “Mr Speaker, this document was only made available to lawmakers in the...

An Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo has sentenced a pastor, Apostle Williams Okon Bassey, to 49 years imprisonment for raping and impregnating his teenage daughter.  Hon. Justice Bassey delivered the judgment on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.Bassey, of Mount Zion Lighthouse Full Gospel Church, Uyo, was arrested at his residence on Ibanga Street on November 7, 2019. Police paraded him alongside four other men, Nsikan Udo, Iniobong Moses, Saviour Ukpong and Festus Etuk, who were also arrested for rape and incest.The victim revealed that her father started having s3xual intercourse with her at age 13. The continuous sexual assault led her to become pregnant on three different occasions and the pregnancies were aborted by her mother. She added that her father always demanded sex from her before paying her school fees or meeting her needs. Bassey confessed to the crime but claimed the assault started when his daughter was 16. “I called my daughter to come and scratch my ...

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said the state’s economic ambition is not to rival Lagos as a mega city within the next 15 years but to position itself as a viable alternative destination for businesses and investors. Speaking on Tuesday at the Invest Lagos 3.0 forum, Otti stressed that Nigeria’s economic growth should not be concentrated in Lagos alone, arguing that other states must develop their economies to ease pressure on the nation’s commercial capital. The governor commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for creating a platform that allows states to showcase their investment potential. “It takes a lot of selflessness to invite other states to take advantage of a platform to market themselves, and I assure you I will not demarket you as I market myself,” Otti said. While acknowledging Lagos’ status as Nigeria’s commercial hub, Otti said the country’s development would benefit from the emergence of additional economic centres. “Lagos is a mega city. If ...

The Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) has asked the Managing Director of the commission, Mark Okoye, to provide a breakdown of how the N16.6 billion received from the 2025 budget was utilised. The committee, chaired by Orji Kalu, in a meeting with the management and staff of the agency on Tuesday at the National Assembly, queried claims that it spent N153 million to rent a one-room liaison office in Abuja, as well as an additional N2.5 billion categorised as “implied expenditure”. According to the lawmakers, they found that the spending details provided by the SEDC were unclear, and expenditure records unsubstantiated. They asked the management to properly account for how funds released from the federal budget were utilised, insisting that full justification must be provided for every naira spent so far. Kalu, in particular, told the SEDC Managing Director, Mark Okoye, that findings obtained by the committee indicated that the Central Bank of ...

 INEC has removed the names of Ahmed Yayari and Daniel Woyengikuro from its portal as PDP National Treasurer and National Financial Secretary, respectively, replacing both names with Odeyemi Mackson Oladiran and Eyim Donatus Henry as the new executives. Ahmed and Daniel are part of the Makinde-backed Turaki faction while Odeyemi and Eyim are members of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike's faction, which is also the recognised faction of the PDP. INEC had earlier recognised the FCT Minister's faction by putting the names of Abdulrahman Mohammed as the National Chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary, but had left the names of Ahmed Yayari and Daniel as part of the executives, a situation which created confusion. With the recent update on its portal, all executives of the PDP on INEC's portal are now aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.