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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Deputy President of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Comrade Oladejo Ebenezer Akinwole, has congratulated the former General Secretary of the Union, Comrade Joseph Iranola Akinlaja, on his 76th birthday.

In a statement, Oladejo commended Akinlaja’s remarkable contributions to democracy, good governance, and the pursuit of an egalitarian society through his tireless advocacy for workers’ rights.

He said: “Warm congratulations to a former Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and former General Secretary of NUPENG on his 76th birthday. We pay special tribute to Comrade Akinlaja for his unwavering commitment to democracy, good governance, and the development of a free and open society. A valiant fighter for the masses and a strong grassroots mobiliser, he has consistently worked in the interest of the ordinary Nigerian.”

Oladejo described Akinlaja as a groundbreaking labour activist and charismatic leader who fought relentlessly for improved working conditions and better living standards for Nigerian workers.

He further noted that as a former federal lawmaker representing Ondo East and West Federal Constituency, Akinlaja championed numerous impactful projects, particularly for youths, senior citizens, and vulnerable groups, leaving behind enduring legacies of quality representation.

Highlighting the respect Akinlaja commands, Oladejo pointed out that youths in Ondo State sponsored his birthday celebrations, describing him as Nigeria’s boldest reformer whose courage and results-driven leadership continue to inspire trust.

Praying for God’s continued blessings, Oladejo wished Akinlaja many more years of good health, wisdom, and strength to keep contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.

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Hon. Dr. Olotu Akpodiete JP has formally petitioned the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] House of Representatives Primary Election Appeal Committee, challenging the outcome of the U3 Federal Constituency primary held on 28th May 2026.

In the petition, Dr. Akpodiete is contesting both the participation of Engr. Davis Ejiro Emerhi Emarayo in the election and the conduct of the primary in Ughelli North and Udu Local Government Areas.

Dr. Akpodiete alleged that Engr. Emarayo is a member of multiple political parties simultaneously, including the National Democratic Party [NDC], African Democratic Congress [ADC], All Progressives Congress [APC], and the PDP. He stated that Emarayo attended NDC/Obi Movement meetings shortly before the primary election, a development he said violates the PDP Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 as amended.

“The issue of Engr. Emarayo’s multiple party membership extends beyond internal party concern. It poses a significant threat to the electoral fortunes of PDP in the forthcoming general election and risks invalid nomination, litigation, and prejudice to the party,” the petition read.

On the conduct of the election, Dr. Akpodiete cited over-voting and electoral irregularities in Ughelli North and Udu LGAs. He claimed that the votes recorded in those areas exceeded the number of duly registered party members submitted to INEC on 8th May 2026, rendering the declared results questionable.

He urged the Appeal Committee to review the results using the INEC-verified register of eligible voters, disqualify Engr. Emarayo on grounds of ineligibility, and declare him, Dr. Akpodiete, as the duly nominated candidate of the PDP for Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency.

“I remain a loyal and committed member of the PDP and have contributed to the development of the party across Delta State, especially in the U3 Federal Constituency,” he said.

Dr. Akpodiete expressed confidence that the Appeal Committee would give the petition urgent consideration in the interest of justice, fairness, and the integrity of the party.

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By Emmanuel Agaji

It was another gory night as residents of Byazhin Across, behind the Catholic Church, a suburban settlement in Byazhin around Kubwa a satellite town in the FCT Abuja went through hell in the hands of gunmen.

It was gathered the dare devil kidnappers attacked the community, raided homes and abducted four people all male, an Idoma man that goes by the name “50” and a Yoruba man known as Akin, an 11years old boy Delight and the name of the last person is currently unknown.

A security vigilante personnel who goes by the name, Shaibu Yerima was not so lucky a he was hacked to death by the attackers who murdered him in cold blood as his lifeless body was dumped along the road.

The circumstances and details of the attack remains sketchy but residents of the community said the attack occurred at the early hours of today of 4th of June as the armed kidnappers who may have been laying siege around the bushes surrounding the area before pouncing on the community moving from house to house and picking the occupants.

Unfortunately the 11 years old boy, Delight was not so lucky when the kidnappers appeared at his home which he occupied with his father who was as at the time of the invasion was not at home, when he was taken away.

It is not the first time this incident is happening as the community has witnessed several such attacks in the past that ended up with the payment of ransom to the kidnappers to secure the release of the victims.

As at the time of filling this report members of the community and communities around Kubwa Across are living in perpetual fear not knowing when the next attack will occur.

There have been several pleas to the police and members of the armed forces to mount security post in the area to secure lives which is the primary responsibility of government but these has met deaf ear from all the relevant authorities.