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A son of late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), Isyaka Rabe, has broken his silence regarding the condition of his late father while in captivity and the mystery surrounding how the family received his remains.

He made the clarification while speaking in an exclusive interview with Deutsche Welle (DW).

Isyaka debunked the narrative put forward by authorities, stating that his father had no history of diabetes or high blood pressure, contrary to the claims publicly attributed to the Katsina State Government.

When questioned about the circumstances under which the family recovered the late general’s body, Isyaka revealed that the family was completely kept in the dark by official channels.

“When I announced the time for my father’s funeral prayer, many people began asking how the body was recovered. I told them I did not know and that they should direct such questions to the government,” he stated.

He added that while only God knows the actual cause of his father’s death, reports suggesting he died from standard health complications are inaccurate, pointing out that many believe the retired general was killed by a venomous animal.

“Some people believed the late General might have died from a snake bite, based on the last video released by the kidnappers,” he said.

He further dismissed rumours about his mother’s return by confirming that she still remains in the forest.

“Take it from me, our mother is still in captivity. She has not been released,” Isyaka clarified.

The late general and his wife were abducted by bandits on May 30, 2026, along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in the Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, with the officer subsequently dying in custody.

Following the incident, the Katsina State Government announced that he passed away from complications related to diabetes and hypertension.

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By Gloria Ikibah

Members of the House of Representatives have been summoned to an emergency sitting scheduled for Monday, June 15, as lawmakers move to consider a further extension of the implementation period for the capital component of the 2025 budget.

The notice, issued by the Acting Clerk of the House of Representatives, Ibrahim Sidi, informed lawmakers that the emergency session would commence at 11:00 a.m. in line with the provisions of the House Standing Orders.

“I am directed to inform all Honourable Members of the House of Representatives that an Emergency Sitting of the House will be held on Monday, 15th June 2026 at 11:00 AM pursuant to Order Five, Rule 2(2) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives.

“The purpose of the Emergency Sitting is to consider the Appropriation (REPEAL and Enactment) Act, 2025 (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2026 to further extend the implementation of the Capital aspect of the Budget from 30th June to 30th September 2026”, he said.

If approved, the extension will provide Ministries, Departments and Agencies with an additional three months to complete and fund capital projects captured in the 2025 fiscal framework.

The notice also urged lawmakers to accord the session the highest level of importance given the significance of the legislation before the House.

“All Honourable Members are required to take note and accord the Sitting priority attendance, please”, it added.

The emergency sitting comes as the National Assembly continues efforts to ensure the effective execution of capital projects and prevent disruptions to ongoing government programmes across the country.

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By Gloria Ikibah

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), Mark Okoye, on the occasion of his 40th birthday, commending his contributions to public service and leadership in national development.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy),Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, the President celebrated Okoye’s milestone birthday and acknowledged what he described as an impressive record of service spanning more than a decade.

Before assuming leadership of the South-East Development Commission, Okoye held several strategic positions in Anambra State, including Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency. He also served as Special Adviser to the Governor before later becoming Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development Partners.

The President used the occasion to recognise Okoye’s achievements in public office and his commitment to advancing development initiatives.

The statement read: “President Tinubu acknowledges Okoye’s dedication, resilience, and passion for service, and encourages him not to relent in his efforts to manage the South-East Development Commission and deliver on its mandate.”

The statement noted that the President views young leaders as critical to Nigeria’s future and expressed confidence in the capacity of the country’s emerging generation of public servants.

Tinubu also praised Okoye’s professional conduct throughout his years in government service.

“As a youth-centric leader, the President states that, with Okoye and many other innovative young people in his administration, the nation’s future remains promising.

“The President celebrates Okoye on this milestone and commends his 14-year unblemished record in public service.”
The President joined family members, friends and associates in celebrating the SEDC chief executive, offering prayers for his continued wellbeing and success.

“President Tinubu joins family, friends, and well-wishers in wishing Okoye a happy 40th birthday, good health, and renewed strength as he continues his service to the nation”, he added.