The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

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  • I’ll Serve For One Term If Elected President – Peter Obi

    I’ll Serve For One Term If Elected President – Peter Obi

    Nigerian Democratic Congress presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his commitment to serve only a single term of four years if elected President of Nigeria, insisting that nothing would make him extend his stay in office.

    Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the banner of the Labour Party, and came third behind former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu, made the declaration in an interview.

    “I want to be a one-term president because of stability,” he said.

    “I would not stay a day longer than four years, even with a gun to my head.”

    The former Anambra State governor also used the interview to criticise the economic direction of the Tinubu administration, particularly issues around borrowing and the rising cost of living, arguing that Nigeria is currently facing one of its most difficult economic periods.

    Obi’s renewed pledge comes amid his continued alignment with opposition political movements. After joining a broader opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in June 2025, he repeatedly restated his intention to govern for only one term if elected in 2027.

    Speaking during a Twitter Space hosted by Parallel Facts on June 30, 2025, Obi said any southern candidate elected president in 2027 must be prepared to exit office on May 28, 2031, in line with what he described as an “unwritten power-sharing agreement” and Nigeria’s zoning principle.

    He also emphasised that the zoning arrangement, which rotates the presidency between the north and south, remains a political balance he has consistently supported.

    In a post shared on his official X account in August last year, Obi further defended his position by citing historical leaders who, according to him, demonstrated impactful leadership within short tenures.

    “One of the greatest American presidents, Abraham Lincoln, served only four years, yet his legacy endures. John F. Kennedy did not complete a full term, but his ideals still inspire,” he wrote.

    “In Africa, Nelson Mandela, revered globally as a symbol of justice and reconciliation, chose to serve only one term as president of South Africa despite immense public pressure to stay longer.

    “His decision was a deliberate act of leadership — a statement that power must serve the people, not the self.

    “Indeed, history shows that the longer many African leaders remain in power, the more likely they are to be corrupted by it.”

    Obi and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, had earlier exited the ADC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on May 3.

    Subsequently, on May 9, the NDC announced that its presidential ticket would be zoned to the southern region of the country ahead of the 2027 general election — a development seen as politically favourable to Obi’s long-standing regional support base. Arise News

  • Anambra Assembly Confirms 18 Commissioner-Nominees, Receives More Names From Soludo

    Anambra Assembly Confirms 18 Commissioner-Nominees, Receives More Names From Soludo

    The Anambra State House of Assembly has confirmed the 18 commissioner nominees earlier sent to the House by Governor Chukwuma Soludo on May 4, 2026.

    The list comprised second-term appointees such as the former Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, to oversee Information and Value Reformation; former Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike; and Commissioner for Lands, Prof Offonze Amuchiazu, SAN.

    The others confirmed during plenary on Wednesday are Chief Ugoji Amedu for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, and Dr Clem Aguiyi for Environment.

    Others include: Agriculture — Dr Ben Chuks Odoemena; Budget and Economic Planning — Mr Chukwukadibia Okoye; Education — Dr Ekene Ogugua; Finance — Mr Izuchukwu M. Okafor.

    Justice and Attorney-General — Barr. Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN; Local Government and Community Affairs — Barr. Vin Ezeaka; Petroleum and Mineral Resources — Prof. Charles Ofoegbu.

    Physical Planning and Urban Development — Barr. Chijioke Oseloka Ojukwu; Power — Engr. Casmir Chinenye Agummadu; Works and Infrastructure — Arc. Okey Ezeobi; Transport — Hon. Eddy Ibuzo; Women Affairs and Social Development — Mrs Esther Chinyere Onyekesi; and Youth Development and Sports — Mr Patrick Agha Mba.

    They were confirmed by the lawmakers, following the report presented by the screening committee, led by Hon. Noble Igwe (Ogbaru 1 Constituency).

    Before discharging the new commissioners from the plenary, the Speaker, Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, charged them to be prudent in the discharge of their duties.

    “If Anambra will be a destination, I want all of us to work together. It is a new beginning from today in the state. Leadership is a responsibility, as you assume office, it exists on the table.

    “Every decision you make, you must answer the question, how does it improve the lives of the people? You have to always make yourselves accessible to the people,” Udeze said.

    Responding on behalf of the other commissioners, Dr Law Mefor thanked the lawmakers and commended the governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, for finding them worthy of the positions.

    He assured that they would not disappoint the people of the state in their new positions.

    Meanwhile, Prof Soludo has sent a second batch of nominees to the Assembly for confirmation.

    The additional commissioner nominees are Arc. Henry Arinze – Commissioner-designate for Housing; Mr Nonso Chukwuma Ebonwu – Commissioner-designate for Commerce; and Dr Ezeaka Augustine Uwaeme – Executive Secretary, Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA). Sun

  • Police arrest two suspected ATM card swappers in Enugu

    Police arrest two suspected ATM card swappers in Enugu

    Operatives of the Enugu State Command of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Central Police Station (CPS), on May 11, 2026, at about 10:50 a.m., rescued and rearrested two male suspects from an angry mob after they were allegedly caught engaging in ATM debit card swapping and fraud at a commercial bank on Okpara Avenue, Enugu.

    The suspects were identified as Onyeka Timothy, 34, and Philip Chima Nwankwo, 32.

    In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly swapped the ATM debit card of a female victim while pretending to assist her in carrying out a transaction at the ATM point.

    The victim reportedly raised the alarm, leading to the immediate arrest and assault of the suspects by an angry mob before police operatives swiftly intervened, rescued, and rearrested them.

    A TVS tricycle allegedly used in carrying out the criminal activity and the victim’s swapped ATM debit card were recovered from the suspects, who reportedly confessed to the crime.

    The police said the suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

    The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining efforts against all forms of financial and cyber-related crimes in the state.

    He also urged residents to desist from taking the law into their hands by assaulting suspects, but instead hand them over to the police for lawful investigation and prosecution.

  • EERC Downgrades 59 Feeders in Enugu over Poor Power Supply

    EERC Downgrades 59 Feeders in Enugu over Poor Power Supply

    Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission, EERC, has announced the downgrade of 59 feeders under the franchise of the MainPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited.

    MainPower is a subsidiary of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, which services customers in Enugu State.

    EERC attributed the action to MainPower’s failure to meet the threshold of minimum hours of power availability, especially for Band A customers, despite charging them Band A tariff.

    It could be recalled that the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, in November 1, 2020 categorized electricity users into Bands.

    It incldued: Band A: Minimum of 20 Hours; Band B: Minimum of 16 Hours; Band C: Minimum of 12 Hours; Band D: Minimum of 8 Hours and Band E: Minimum of 4 Hours

    However, there has been an outcry by electricity users in Enugu over the inability of the Disco (MainPower) to meet the electricity supply target, necessitating EERC’s intervention in line with its statutory powers.

    The public notice, signed by the Commission, said the downgrade would remain in place until power supply improved on such feeders.

    Providing background to the decision, EERC said it arose following persistent complaints from electricity consumers in Enugu State, particularly Band A customers.

    Their complaints were regarding the drastically reduced hours of supply.

    Consequently, the EERC said it conducted a technical and safety audit of major injection substations operated by MainPower.

    “In addition, the Commission continued its routine monitoring of MainPower’s feeder performance through its online platform, the Electronic Design and Manufacturing International (EDMI) Multidrive Manager.

    “The findings from the Commission’s field inspection and the online monitoring platform corroborated customers’ complaints that MainPower had failed to deliver the expected hours of supply as required under the Service-Based Tariff (SBT) regime.

    “The SBT framework was introduced to ensure that customers pay for electricity commensurate with the quality and hours of availability of the supply received.

    “The public is hereby notified that the Commission has directed MainPower to downgrade all fifty-nine (59) affected feeders, as listed in the Commission’s directive, to their appropriate service bands immediately,” it disclosed.

    EERC, however, hinted that upon request by MainPower, it may approve the upgrade of any of the downgraded feeders “once it is verified that the feeder met the threshold of minimum hours of availability in the preceding month in line with the SBT framework”.

    Some of the feeders downloaded include: 9th Mile Industrial 11KV, downgraded from Band A to Band C; Abakaliki Road 11KV, downgraded from Band A to Band C; Abakpa 1 11KV, downgraded from Band A to Band C; Abakpa 2 11KV, downgraded from Band A to Band C; Abakpa 3 11KV, downgraded from Band B to Band C; Amorji 11KV, downgraded from Band B to Band D; Nsukka Township, from Band B to D; Presidential, from A to C; UNEC from A to D; University of Nigeria Nsukka from A to D and Government House from A to E.

    Other affected areas included Emene, Topland, Ugwuoye, Chime Avenue, Achi, Amechi, Ibagwa, Ugwuogo, Ugwuaji, Okwe, NOWAS, Coca Cola, Coal Camp, Dhamija, among others.

  • Alexx Ekubo’s Family Officially Confirm His Passing, Cause of Death

    The family of Alexx Ekubo has announced the passing of the actor following a battle with advanced metastatic kidney cancer.

    In a statement released by the family on the late actor’s verified Instagram account, he was said to have died at Evercare Hospital after a brief but courageous battle with the illness.

    “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, son, brother, and friend, Alexx Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke.

    “After a brief but courageous battle, Alexx passed away at Evercare Hospital due to complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.

    “Throughout this difficult journey, he bore his pain with remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and enduring hope, believing that one day his testimony would be shared with the world,” the statement read.

    The family appealed for privacy and prayers during the mourning period.

    “During this deeply painful time, we humbly ask for privacy and prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul, and for all who mourn this immense loss.

    “Further details regarding funeral arrangements and other family matters will be communicated in due course.

    “We sincerely thank everyone for the love, support, prayers, and understanding extended to the family throughout this period,” the statement added.

  • DHQ debunks report of civilian deaths in airstike in Zamfara

    DHQ debunks report of civilian deaths in airstike in Zamfara

    The Defence Headquarters has dismissed reports claiming civilians were killed during a military airstrike on Tumfa market in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara, insisting there is no verified evidence of civilian casualties from the operation.

    The military was reacting to reports by AFP and rights groups alleging that dozens of people died after missiles struck the market on Sunday.AFP, quoting a community leader identified as Garba Ibrahim Mashema, reported that at least 72 persons were killed in the attack, with some bodies allegedly “blown beyond recognition.”

    Amnesty International had also claimed that the death toll exceeded 100, adding that several injured victims were receiving treatment while one affected village reportedly buried about 80 people at once.

    However, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, rejected the claims, maintaining that the strike specifically targeted terrorist elements.

    According to him, the operation was carried out based on “multi-sourced intelligence” which confirmed the presence of high-profile militant leaders at the location.

    “No credible, substantiated evidence of civilian casualties has been established through any official assessment or independent verification,” Onoja said.

    The Defence Headquarters added that the operation was conducted in line with international humanitarian law and operational procedures guiding military engagements.

    Onoja admitted that the nature of the strike made immediate casualty verification difficult, but disclosed that preliminary post-strike findings showed that “several terrorists were neutralised” during the operation.

    The incident has continued to generate concern amid rising military offensives against armed groups operating across parts of northern Nigeria.

  • Again Nigeria Fails To Meet OPEC Production Quota

    Again Nigeria Fails To Meet OPEC Production Quota

    Nigeria has again failed to meet its 1.5 million bpd crude oil production quota approved by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

    In its National Liquid Hydrocarbon Production Report released on Tuesday, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) disclosed that average daily crude oil production hovered around 1.4 million bpd, representing about 99 per cent of the OPEC quota.

    In contrast, total production, including condensates, stood at about 1.6 million bpd in April.

    The development comes amid sustained efforts by the Federal Government and industry operators to ramp up production to 2 million bpd to boost revenue, strengthen foreign exchange earnings, and support the implementation of the 2026 budget.

    The report indicated that Nigeria has yet to consistently meet its OPEC quota for crude oil production, while total output also remained below the 1.84 million bpd benchmark adopted in the 2026 budget.

    The latest data mean Nigeria remained below its OPEC allocation for the ninth straight month since July 2025.

    The NUPRC document showed that combined crude oil and condensate production peaked at 1.85 mbpd during the month, while the lowest output stood at 1.46 mbpd. The April figures are an appreciable improvement compared to March, when oil output was 1.55mbpd.

    The country’s oil production has struggled for years due to crude theft, pipeline vandalism, ageing infrastructure, and underinvestment in the upstream sector.

    Although output improved marginally in April compared to March, it was still insufficient to meet the country’s OPEC target.

    Nigeria’s crude production in March was 1.38 mbpd.

    While there was a 69,000 bpd increase from the 1.31 mbpd recorded in February, the figure is still 117,000 bpd below the OPEC quota.

    The figures for February indicated a month-on-month decline of 146,000 barrels per day, widening the country’s shortfall from its OPEC production allocation.

    Nigeria recorded a marginal improvement in January, when production rose from 1.422 mbpd in December 2025 to 1.46 mbpd. The rebound was short-lived as output fell significantly in February 2026.

    Earlier data from NUPRC had also shown that crude oil production weakened from 1.436 mbpd in November 2025 to 1.422 mbpd in December, before recovering slightly in January.

    In 2025, Nigeria’s crude oil production fell below its OPEC quota in nine months of the year, meeting or slightly exceeding the target only in January, June, and July.

    Nigeria opened 2025 strongly, producing 1.54 mbpd in January, about 38,700 barrels per day above its OPEC allocation.

    However, production slipped below the quota in February at 1.47 mbpd and weakened further in March to 1.40 mbpd. Channels TV

  • Fire guts shops, goods in Kwara market

    Fire guts shops, goods in Kwara market

    A major fire outbreak has destroyed several shops at the popular Mandate Market in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

    The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, threw the bustling market into confusion.According to Daily Trust, traders and residents struggled to contain the inferno before the arrival of firefighters.

    Several shops with goods worth several millions of naira were gutted in the fire.

    Speaking on the incident, the Babalola of Mandate Market, Alhaji Murtala Tambaruku, told Daily Trust that traders lost goods worth several millions of naira in the disaster.

    According to him, many affected traders were left devastated, with some collapsing after discovering the extent of the destruction.

    “Several properties were destroyed running into several millions of naira. Some of the traders fainted and we are talking about those selling rice, vegetable oil, drinks, drugs and gadgets. One of the rice sellers just got over five million naira supply yesterday and everything is gone.

    “The walls and the shops were completely razed without the affected traders salvaging anything”, he said.

    Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Fire Service said it received a distress call at about 4:44am and immediately deployed firefighters to the scene.

    According to the Fire Service, the affected section formed part of a market housing over 200 shops, out of which 24 shops were razed by the fire.

    The agency attributed the severity of the destruction to a late emergency call, noting that the fire had spread extensively before firefighters arrived.

    “Nevertheless, the gallant firefighters of the Kwara State Fire Service displayed exceptional courage and professionalism in combating the inferno and successfully averted further destruction across the market,” the agency’s spokesperson, Hassan Adekunle, said.

    According o him, preliminary investigation by the Fire Service revealed that the blaze was caused by a power surge.

    “The fire was said to have started from a shop dealing in phone accessories and phone charging services before spreading to adjoining shops where foodstuffs and other goods were stored,” he said.

    He added that the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, later visited the scene at about 10am to sympathise with the victims and inspect the extent of the damage.

    “During the visit, he met with leaders of the market associations and reassured them of the agency’s support.

    “He also urged traders and market operators to prioritise fire safety measures, including the installation of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire alarms and electrical protection devices,” he noted.

    Adekunle submitted that fire service reminded market leaders about its annual fire safety sensitisation programmes across markets in the state, stressing the need for traders to comply with safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences.

  • Kogi Gov approves N18m transport support to corps members

    Kogi Gov approves N18m transport support to corps members

    Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has urged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to the state to uphold discipline, unity, loyalty, and peaceful coexistence throughout their service year.

    Ododo gave the charge on Tuesday during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Orientation Course held at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Asaya, Kogi State.

    Represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, the governor advised the corps members to remain law-abiding and integrate peacefully with their host communities, noting that such conduct would earn them acceptance and support during their stay in the state.

    The Deputy Governor was accompanied by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Hilary Ojoma Egwudah; Director General, Kogi State Community Watch and Ancillary Matters, Hon. Muhammed Nasiru Alfa; Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment and Civil Service Matters, Hon. Aboh Ibrahim; and Hon. Alilu Yakubu, among others.

    Ododo commended the corps members for their exemplary conduct during the three-week orientation exercise, describing their display of discipline, teamwork, and patriotism as encouraging signs of a successful service year.

    He explained that the orientation programme, which featured Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED), sports, drills, drama, and talent exhibitions, was designed to prepare participants for productive and self-reliant living after national service.

    The governor also encouraged the corps members to fully embrace the SAED programme and participate in post-camp entrepreneurship training to acquire practical skills capable of reducing unemployment and promoting national development.

    Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to security, Ododo assured the corps members that the state government would continue to prioritise the safety and welfare of residents and corps members serving in Kogi State.

    As part of measures to support them, the governor announced the release of ₦10,000 each to the 1,807 corps members as transportation support, amounting to about ₦18 million.

    He further appreciated the management of the NYSC for its contributions to nation-building through youth development initiatives.

    Earlier, the Kogi State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Chris-Moneke Chika Tochi, congratulated the corps members on the successful completion of the orientation course and advised them to accept their postings in good faith while remaining security-conscious.

    She also commended the Kogi State Government for its support towards the success of the orientation exercise, particularly the repair of damaged camp facilities and welfare assistance provided to the corps members.

     

  • Enugu Govt, Police Nab Woman for Allegedly Beating Stepdaughter to Death

    Enugu Govt, Police Nab Woman for Allegedly Beating Stepdaughter to Death

    The Enugu State Government and the Police have moved against a stepmother, Mrs. Ogechi John, for alleged child homicide.

    Mrs. John, who hails from Oderiko in Ikwo LGA of Ebonyi State, was arrested by the police on Monday morning for allegedly beating her stepdaughter, Miss Ogechi Amanda John, aged 9, to death at their Nchatancha residence in the Emene area of Enugu metropolis.

    Neighbours reported that the event allegedly occurred around 3pm on Sunday, noting that the late Miss Amanda had been a victim of constant and ruthless maltreatment at the hands of her stepmother.

    Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Enugu State, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, has expressed the state government’s anger over the incident, saying it would not relent until justice is done.

    “It is on record that the Governor Peter Mbah Administration has zero tolerance for any form of child abuse, let alone child homicide. So, we swung into action on learning about this tragedy to ensure that the suspect was arrested.

    “But it doesn’t end there. We will be pressing for thorough and expedited investigation to ensure that justice is not just done, but done really fast.

    “Nobody should take another’s life and certainly not the life of any child in Enugu State. We condemn it in totality,” she stated.

  • FEC Approves NRIDF To Drive Nigeria’s Innovation Agenda

    FEC Approves NRIDF To Drive Nigeria’s Innovation Agenda

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the establishment of National Research and Innovation Development Fund (NRIDF), in a landmark move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s research, science, technology and innovation ecosystem.

    According to a press release issued by Pauline Sule, Head, Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, the NRIDF will be overseen by a seventeen member National Council on Research and Innovation to be chaired by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology will serve as the Vice Chairman, alongside other members as proposed.

    The National Research and Innovation Development Fund will operate under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST), which will coordinate and provide institutional oversight for its implementation.

    Welcoming the historic development, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, expressed delight over the approval, describing it as a major breakthrough in the Federal Government’s commitment towards building an inclusive, sustainable and innovation-driven economy towards a $1 trillion GDP in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

    According to the Minister, although the approval marks a significant milestone, the Fund will still undergo necessary legislative, administrative and operational processes before full implementation and disbursement can commence.

    Dr. Udeh noted that when fully operational, the NRIDF is expected to provide strategic funding support for researchers, innovators, technology developers and startups across the country. He added that the initiative would boost local research capacity, promote commercialization of research and innovation, strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, and position Nigeria more competitively within the global knowledge and technology economy.

  • Improve service quality or face sanctions – FG warns telcos

    Improve service quality or face sanctions – FG warns telcos

    The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has asked telecommunications to improve service quality, warning that defaulters would face regulatory action.

    Tijani, who spoke on Sunday, stated that operators are now functioning in a more stable and market-driven environment and have returned to profitability after reforms by the federal government to stabilise the sector.

    He said, “This is important as it means operators now have both the capacity and the resources to fix outstanding issues within their networks and improve the quality of service delivered to Nigerians.

    “Let me therefore be clear, the conditions required for improved service delivery have now been established.

    “It is now the responsibility of telecom operators such as MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, and T2 to take all necessary steps to resolve network challenges and deliver the level of service Nigerians expect.”

    Speaking further, the minister disclosed that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been fully empowered to monitor operators, enforce service standards, and ensure compliance across the industry.

    Tijani said the government would rely on the NCC’s periodic reports and feedback from Nigerians to track improvements in network performance.

    “Going forward, we expect to see clear and measurable improvements in call quality, data performance, and coverage. Where operators deliver, it will be recognised.

    “Where they do not, the Commission is expected to take appropriate regulatory action.

    “Nigerians should begin to see improvements in the quality of service and get the value that they paid for now, and in the future,” he added.