Coalition: Malami Dumps APC For ADC, Blames FG For Governance Failure

A former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and is now a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Malami announced his defection in a statement titled “To the Good People of Kebbi and Fellow Nigerians” shared on Wednesday via his official social media handle.

He said his decision followed “wide consultations and deep personal reflection,” stressing that it was not driven by personal ambition or grievance, but by “a deep love for our nation and concern for the hardship our people are facing daily. ”

“Nigeria is bleeding. Insecurity has taken over our homes, especially in the North. Banditry, kidnappings, and terrorism have become part of our lives, while the government prioritises politics over the safety of its citizens,” he said.

Malami also cited the country’s worsening economic conditions as a reason for his departure.

“Prices of basic food items have tripled. The poor can no longer feed their families. Jobs are disappearing. Young people are hopeless,” he lamented.

He further accused the Federal Government of abandoning good governance, alleging that “merit has been replaced with political patronage in critical appointments. ”

“Governance has been abandoned. Appointments, projects, and policies are now guided by political loyalty, not national interest. I cannot remain part of a system that watches in silence as Nigerians suffer and die,” he said.

READ ALSO: Coalition Members Enemies Of Nigeria, Will Take Country Backwards – ADC’s Kachikwu

On why he chose the ADC, Malami said the party represents “justice, inclusion, competence, and national renewal”.

He expressed optimism that, with the support of Nigerians, the party could help chart a new course for the country.

“I believe that through this coalition, and with the support of Nigerians, we can create a better future for our beloved nation,” he added.

He also assured the people of Kebbi State of his continued commitment to their welfare and political advancement, noting that his move to the ADC would help amplify their voices and better protect their interests.

Following the recent defection of three PDP senators—led by Adamu Aliero—to the APC, Malami is now considered one of the leading opposition figures in Kebbi State.

Earlier on Wednesday, members of a newly formed opposition coalition met at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, where they formally adopted the ADC as their operational platform for the 2027 general elections.

The coalition introduced former Senate President David Mark as interim national chairman and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim secretary, following the resignation of Ralph Nwosu.

Present at the meeting were key political figures, including Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Peter Obi (Labour Party), former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi, Dele Momodu, Senator Ireti Kingibe, and others from the PDP, SDP, and LP.

Insecurity: Yobe Govt, Military Shut Down Weekly Markets In Yobe East

About eight weekly markets in Yobe East Senatorial District have reportedly been shut down following renewed attacks by suspected Boko Haram insurgents across parts of the region.

Findings by Channels Television revealed that commercial activities were halted last week at Bumsa Market in Gulani Local Government Area, as well as Goniri, Gujba, and Katarko markets in Gujba Local Government Area.

Similarly, trading did not take place at Katarko Thursday Market and Kukareta Tuesday Market in Damaturu LGA, along with the popular Geidam Wednesday Market in Geidam LGA.

However, the Yobe State Government, in a statement issued through the Security Adviser to Governor Mai Mala Buni, Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam (Rtd), said only three markets—Katarko, Kukareta, and Buni Yadi—were affected by the temporary closure.

READ ALSO: Kano Govt Bans Scrap Imports From North-East After Deadly Explosion

“This is to inform the general public that Katarko, Kukareta and Buni Yadi weekly markets have been temporarily closed for operational reasons,” the statement read in part.

“This is to enable some proactive engagements and consolidate the successes recorded in the ongoing counter-insurgency operation in the state.

“This temporary measure became necessary to achieve some set targets to improve the security situation in the affected areas and the state in general. ”

The Security Adviser appealed for public cooperation, assuring that efforts are ongoing to hasten the operation and minimise the discomfort caused by the market closures.

Kano Govt Bans Scrap Imports From North-East After Deadly Explosion

The Kano State Government has announced an immediate ban on the importation of scrap materials from Nigeria’s Northeastern region following a deadly explosion that killed 15 workers at a scrap site in Gidan Karfe, located along the Eastern Bypass in Kano.

The decision was disclosed by the Kano State Commissioner for Internal Security, Ibrahim Umaru, during a meeting with the Scrap Dealers Association of Nigeria held in Kano on Tuesday.

According to Umaru, the tragic incident was linked to explosive devices that were unknowingly transported from the Northeast—a region long plagued by Boko Haram insurgency.

“It has become necessary for the state government to take this decision in order to avoid further loss of lives,” the Commissioner said. “The Northeastern states have been faced with Boko Haram insurgency for quite some time, and this has unfortunately led to some scrap dealers unsuspectingly moving explosive devices into Kano State. ”

READ ALSO: Kano Gov Renames Institute, Commission After Athletes Killed In Road Accident

FILE: Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, briefs journalists in Abuja on January 12, 2024.

He stressed that the state would work closely with the relevant agencies to monitor the movement of scrap materials and ensure the safety of residents.

In response, the Chairman of the Association of Scrap Dealers in Northern Nigeria,  Aminu Hassan, expressed the association’s support for the government’s action, while calling for capacity building for members to prevent similar incidents.

“We urge the state government to provide proper training to scrap dealers so that we can identify and avoid moving dangerous items,” Alhaji Hassan said. “Our association has already issued a directive to all members to stop bringing scrap materials from war-affected areas. ”

The explosion at Gidan Karfe sent shockwaves through the city, with eyewitnesses describing scenes of chaos and destruction.

Nigeria To Deploy Teachers, Doctors, Others To Caribbean Countries

Nigeria is set to deploy skilled professionals, including teachers, doctors, and agriculturists, to Saint Lucia and other Caribbean nations under a newly signed Technical Manpower Assistance (TMA) Agreement.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the initiative is part of broader efforts to deepen South-South cooperation and reconnect with the African diaspora in the Caribbean.

The agreement was formalised in Castries, Saint Lucia, with Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC), signing on behalf of Nigeria.

Janelle Modeste-Stephen, Acting Permanent Secretary at Saint Lucia’s Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs, signed on behalf of the Caribbean nation.

Describing the agreement as “a great achievement,” Yakub noted that it reflects President Bola Tinubu’s directive to deploy technical aid to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

“This is an outstanding achievement, just days after Mr President’s directive to deploy technical aid to Saint Lucia and the wider OECS,” Yakub was quoted as saying.

The statement noted that, under the agreement, Nigerian professionals will serve as volunteers for two years, with Nigeria covering their allowances and logistics, while Saint Lucia and other host nations provide accommodation and local support.

READ ALSO: Saint Lucia Confers Knighthood On Tinubu For Promoting Africa-Caribbean Unity

Yakub emphasised the diplomatic and cultural significance of the move, stating, “These students who will benefit from the scholarship will have a chance to reconnect with their roots and heritage. ”

The deployment aligns with President Tinubu’s recently unveiled 4D foreign policy—Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography—which seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s global influence through strategic partnerships.

Since the inception of the current administration in May 2023, Yakub revealed that over 300 professionals have been deployed to countries across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.

“Since my appointment in August, we’ve deployed volunteers to Liberia, Sierra Leone, Jamaica, and other African nations. This programme was nearly dormant, but Mr President revived it with his strong foreign policy vision,” he noted.

Yakub disclosed that additional deployments are ongoing, with four nurses scheduled to depart for Jamaica and six medical doctors set to leave for Grenada on 9 July.

Discussions are also underway with Belize, the Dominican Republic, and the Director-General of the OECS to create a regional framework for further technical cooperation.

The TAC initiative has also shown potential beyond development assistance.

Yakub said, “Jamaica has formally requested 400 experts, who are willing to pay. Instead of importing labour from Asia, they want Nigerian professionals. We are exporting Nigeria’s human capital with dignity, creating opportunities for our people, and reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership across the Global South.

“One of our volunteers in Jamaica popularised Adire (Yoruba fabric design), which has become so popular that Jamaicans now produce it locally, calling it ‘Jadire’. They even export it to the United States. ”

President Tinubu addressed the Saint Lucia parliament on Monday, June 30, 2025.

President Tinubu has been on a state visit to Saint Lucia since Saturday as part of a two-nation tour of the Caribbean and South America.

On Monday, he addressed a special joint sitting of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly, where he announced a new scholarship scheme for OECS students to study in Nigerian universities from the next academic year.

He also proposed visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports.

Yabatech Ex-Student Denied Access To School

Due to his hairstyle, an ex-student of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) was denied access to the campus.

The ex-student was prevented from entering the compound by a security operative at the school’s gate entrance, according to a viral video.

Although it was unclear exactly why he was denied entry due to the above-mentioned problem.

READ MORE: Oyo Commissioner Oyo, Renaming The Polytechnic Ibadan After Olunloyo Stands

YABATECH is known for its strict rules for acceptable dress code, hairstyles, and accessories, as well as its reputation for being intolerant of inappropriate attire.

Additionally, the institution has not made any comments.

Watch the video by clicking here.

Court Convicts Social Media Influencers For Naira Abuse In Oyo

Two social media influencers, Bukola Rufai and Abdulateef Jimoh, have been found guilty by justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court for using naira notes.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Dele Oyewale, the head of media and publicity, stated in a statement that the convicts were charged with a joint one-count mutilation by the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the EFCC.

According to the charge, “You Bukola Arike Rufai and Abdulateef Ayinde Jimoh did match on Naira Notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria on or about September 25, 2024 in accordance with Section 21 (3) of the Central Bank Act 2007 and are guilty of an offense as per Section 21 (1) of the same Act.”

They pleaded “guilty” when the charge was brought, and the prosecution’s attorney, Lanre Suleiman, requested that the court find them guilty and sentence them accordingly. The court was instructed by the defense attorney, O. D. Ajadi, to temper justice with mercy, citing the pair’s history of first-degree retribution and remorse.

Justice Agomoh gave both offenders a 50 000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) option of fine each and found them guilty without a sentence.