General News
Diri Vows Fresh Crackdown on Drug Dens in Bayelsa, Orders More Demolitions
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to intensify the crackdown on illicit drug centres and criminal hideouts across the state, warning that more structures linked to criminal activities will be demolished.
The governor issued the warning on Thursday during the 42nd State Security Council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa, following last weekend’s demolition of a notorious drug den known as “Aboki Quarters” in Yenizue-Gene.
The structure was pulled down by a joint security task force after reports of widespread drug peddling and criminal activities in the area.
Diri disclosed that he personally authorised the demolition after security reports highlighted the scale of unlawful activities taking place there. He commended security commanders, including the Commissioner of Police, the Brigade Commander of 16 Brigade, and the Director of the State Security Services, for what he described as a swift and coordinated operation.
The governor, however, revealed that displaced occupants of the demolished site had reportedly relocated to another nearby location. He directed security agencies to intensify surveillance around the new area and ensure appropriate action is taken.
He stressed that his administration would not tolerate the proliferation of shanties serving as centres for drug abuse and criminal operations, particularly those endangering vulnerable youths.
While reiterating his tough stance on crime, Diri clarified that the demolition exercise was not targeted at non-indigenes. He maintained that Bayelsa remains one of the most peaceful and welcoming states for residents and business owners from across the country.
The governor also condemned recent cult-related violence that resulted in the deaths of three persons and ordered security agencies to apprehend those responsible.
At the meeting, the Deputy High Commissioner of the British High Commission, Gill Lever, briefed the governor on the progress of the “Brighter Futures” initiative; a crime prevention and youth empowerment programme supported by the British government in partnership with Bayelsa and three other states.
Lever said the programme, which has run for three years, focuses on reducing cultism and illicit drug use at the grassroots level while equipping vulnerable young people with vocational skills to help them build sustainable livelihoods.
She commended the state government’s commitment to security and youth development, noting that over 200 youths have received training and starter packs to begin self-reliant ventures.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Alfred Nimizigha, said the programme has exceeded expectations and has particularly strengthened agricultural and vocational skills development among youths in the state.
Oluremi Tinubu has commended the people of the Itsekiri people and other residents of Delta State for maintaining peace, unity and purposeful development.
The First Lady made the remark during a visit to the Olu of Warri Palace where she addressed the Itsekiri nation in appreciation of their cultural cohesion and communal harmony.
Speaking largely in the Itsekiri language, Mrs. Tinubu said she was proud to communicate in her mother tongue, noting that love and mutual respect among the people have strengthened unity despite the community’s relatively small population.
She urged Nigerians to embrace national unity, stressing that peaceful coexistence is essential for the country’s progress.
“God is not foolish for bringing us together,” she said, adding that the simultaneous observance of religious fasts by Muslims during Ramadan and Christians during Lent symbolises shared humanity.
The First Lady also praised traditional rulers in the area, including the Ogiame Atuwatse III, for promoting peace, unity and exemplary leadership among their people.
Speaking at the event, Sheriff Oborevwori, who attended with his wife Tobore Oborevwori, described the First Lady as a role model and a “sweet mother” who promotes inclusiveness.
The governor expressed appreciation that Mrs. Tinubu had visited Delta State three times since assuming office, describing the visits as a demonstration of love and commitment to national harmony.
He also referenced international recognition of the First Lady, noting praise reportedly received during a prayer gathering in the United States involving Donald Trump.
The Olu of Warri thanked the First Lady for the visit and pledged continued support for the federal administration.
Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has firmly denied ever meeting disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, telling lawmakers she has no recollection of any interaction with him and no knowledge of his crimes.
Clinton made the declaration on Thursday during a closed-door deposition before the House Oversight Committee in Chappaqua, New York.
In a written statement issued during the session, she said she never boarded Epstein’s private jet, visited his properties, or had any encounter with him.
The testimony comes amid renewed congressional scrutiny over Epstein’s connections to powerful political and business figures before his 2019 jail death while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges.
Political Tensions Rise
Clinton accused the Republican-led committee of attempting to deflect attention from President Donald Trump and his past social relationship with Epstein.
She also criticized the Trump administration, alleging it weakened a State Department office tasked with fighting global sex trafficking.
The deposition briefly stalled after a photo of Clinton during the session surfaced on social media. According to her adviser Nick Merrill, the image violated committee rules. Conservative commentator Benny Johnson posted the photo, claiming it was taken by Republican Representative Lauren Boebert.
Contempt Threat Forced Testimony
Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, had initially resisted appearing before the panel. They agreed to testify only after lawmakers initiated contempt proceedings.
Bill Clinton is expected to face questioning on Friday.
Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer dismissed claims that the probe is politically driven, noting that some Democrats had also supported calling the Clintons to testify.
“No one is accusing the Clintons of wrongdoing at this point,” Comer said, adding that the panel wants clarity on any potential contact with Epstein, his involvement in the Clintons’ charitable initiatives, and possible links to Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently imprisoned.
Comer said transcripts of both interviews will be released publicly.
Democrats Demand Broader Accountability
Representative Robert Garcia, the committee’s ranking Democrat, countered that the investigation should not stop with the Clintons. He called for testimony from Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who has acknowledged visiting Epstein’s private island years after cutting ties with him.
Garcia also accused the Justice Department of withholding portions of nearly three million Epstein-related documents recently made public. He claimed the missing records include allegations from a woman who accused Trump of sexual abuse when she was a minor.
In Washington, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats would review unredacted materials and urged the Justice Department to safeguard all related records.
The department has stated it is reviewing whether any documents were improperly withheld and has warned that some released materials contain unverified or sensational claims.
Authorities have not charged Trump with any crimes connected to Epstein. The two were known to have socialized in the 1990s and early 2000s before Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
Comer said the committee has not uncovered evidence implicating Trump.
While Bill Clinton has acknowledged flying on Epstein’s private jet several times after leaving office, he has denied any misconduct and expressed regret over the association. Comer also stated that Epstein visited the White House 17 times during Clinton’s presidency.
Recently released documents have further highlighted Epstein’s links to prominent figures across politics and business, including Lutnick and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
General News
Breaking: INEC Announces New Dates for 2027 General Election, Reschedules Osun Governorship Poll
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable for the 2027 general election and adjusted the schedule for the 2026 Osun State governorship election following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
The commission disclosed this in a statement issued late Thursday by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
According to the revised timetable, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
The adjustment follows the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022, which previously guided electoral timelines, and the introduction of new statutory provisions under the 2026 law.
The commission explained that the review was necessary to ensure compliance with the updated legal framework governing pre-election and electoral activities.
Under the new schedule, political party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the exercises, will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.
Presidential and National Assembly election campaigns will commence on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for governorship and state assembly elections will begin on September 9, 2026.
INEC reiterated that all campaigns must end 24 hours before election day and urged political parties to strictly adhere to the approved timelines, warning that the commission would enforce compliance.
The commission also confirmed that preparations for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already begun but stated that outstanding activities would now be conducted in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
INEC stressed that the revised timetable aligns with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and called on political parties and stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections.
“The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility,” the commission said, urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening the country’s electoral process.