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Ekiti hails Jesudunsin’s 372 UTME score, second highest in over 10 years

Esther Tomo
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Ekiti hails Jesudunsin’s 372 UTME score, second highest in over 10 years

EKITI State Government has celebrated one of its indigenes, Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin, following her outstanding performance in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), where she emerged as the highest scorer nationwide with 372 marks out of 400.

Her result was announced during the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB) 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions in Abuja, on Monday, May 11, placing her among the top performers since the introduction of the computer-based examination in 2013. She is ranked as the second-highest UTME scorer recorded in over a decade.

Jesundunsin, who sat for the examination in Ogun State, is seeking admission into the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to study Medicine and Surgery. Her subject breakdown reportedly includes 98 in English Language, 98 in Chemistry, 94 in Physics, and 82 in Biology.

She is closely followed in the 2026 rankings by Enwere Kingsley Ikenna from Imo State with 370, and Bamisile Ayomide Emmanuel from Ondo State with 369. Several other candidates also scored 368 and 367, reflecting intense competition in this year’s examination.

The ICIR reported that 2,243,816 candidates registered for the 2026 UTME, reflecting a 10.5 per cent increase compared to the number that registered in 2025.

Lagos State recorded the highest number of candidates for the year with 381,814 registrations, followed by Ogun with 137,156, Oyo with 122,662, Kaduna with 103,498, and the Federal Capital Territory with 102,961.

In a statement issued by the Ekiti State Government, on Tuesday, Jesudunsin’s achievement was described as a product of discipline, vision, and determination.

“Greatness is not built overnight. It is the result of discipline, vision, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin, an indigene of Ekiti State, has proven this truth by emerging as the top scorer in JAMB 2026 with an incredible score of 372/400.”

“Her ambition to study medicine at the University of Lagos is more than a personal dream. It is a reflection of the hope we hold for a new generation of leaders who will transform healthcare and society.”

Though the government did not announce a reward for the teenager; it described her performance as a source of pride for the state and an inspiration to students across the country.

According to a PUNCH’s report on Tuesday, the list of JAMB’s top scorers since 2013 is captured in the table below:

Serial No Year Candidate’s name  State of Origin Score
1 2026 Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin Ekiti 372
2 2025 Okeke Chinedu Christian Anambra 374
3 2024 Olowu Joseph Oluwasijibomi

 

Alayande David

 

Orukpe Joel Ehijele

 Ondo

 

 

Oyo

 

 

 

Edo

 367
4 2023 Umeh Kamsiyochukwu Nkechinyere Anambra 360
5 2022 Adebayo Eyimofe Oluwatofunmi Ekiti 362
6 2021 Monwuba Chibuzo Chibuikem Not disclosed 358
7 2020 Maduafokwa Egoagwuagwu Agnes Anambra 365
8 2019 Ezeunala Ekene Franklin Not disclosed 347
9 2018 Galadima Israel Zakari Borno 364
10 2017 Akingbulugbe Precious Ayomide State not disclosed 353
11 2016 Akenbor Adesuwa Osarugue (Edo) & Anonye Victory State not disclosed 359
12 2015 Ilukwe Lottachukwu Geraldine Not disclosed 332
13 2014 Onomejoh Princewill Not disclosed 299
14 2013 Olise Israel Chukwunalu Not disclosed 299

 

 

 

 

2026 Kurt Schork Awards open to journalists

Blessing OTOIBHI
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2026 Kurt Schork Awards open to journalists

THE Kurt Schork Memorial Fund (KSMF) invites freelance journalists, local reporters and news fixers from around the world to submit entries for the 25th annual Kurt Schork Awards in International Journalism.

The Awards recognise excellence and courage in reporting conflict, corruption, injustice and human rights issues, with winners receiving a $5,000 cash prize. The Committee to Protect Journalists reports the number of journalists killed in 2025 reached 93 – the second highest total since the records began. As levels of violence and intimidation against media professionals surge, this recognition remains as vital as ever.

Named in memory of American freelance journalist Kurt Schork, who was killed in 2000 while on assignment for Reuters in Sierra Leone, the Awards recognise the bravery of journalists who take great personal risk, often for little reward, to shine a light on the truth and hold power to account.

The three award categories, open to those reporting for print and online publications, recognise the media professionals that Kurt particularly admired.

The categories are: Freelance Award: recognising freelance journalists who travel to the world’s conflict zones, usually at great personal risk, to witness and report on the impact and consequences of these events; Local Reporter Award: recognising the often-overlooked work of journalists in developing nations, or countries in transition, who write about events in their homeland.

The awards include News Fixer Award, recognising the work of local journalists or experts, typically hired by foreign correspondents, whose guidance and local knowledge play an unsung but vital role in facilitating international coverage from difficult, dangerous or hostile locations.

Entrants for the Local Reporter and Freelance Awards must submit three articles each, published between June 01, 2025 and June 14, 2026. The judges will look for journalistic excellence in applicants’ submissions and evidence of determination and courage in obtaining their stories.

Deadline for application is June 14, 2026. Interested applicants can apply here.

AEDC fails to restore power to Abuja communities after 2-day outage plea

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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AEDC fails to restore power to Abuja communities after 2-day outage plea

RESIDENTS of Lugbe, Airport Road, Gaduwa and parts of Apo in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have continued to endure power outage after the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) announced a planned blackout for two days in the communities.

The ICIR reports that the AEDC had in a circular informed residents of the communities of a planned two-day outage scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and 10 respectively.

The company explained that the outage was at the instance of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCTA) to enable the relocation of critical electricity infrastructure along the 33kV feeders H21 and H23, as well as the 11kV feeder H1A in the Gaduwa District.

However, by Tuesday morning, many residents said power had yet to return to their communities, worsening living conditions amid intense heat and rising fuel costs.

A resident of Lugbe, Grace David, described the situation as frustrating and saddening, saying the lack of electricity had made life unbearable.

“We were promised light. This government promised us light. I believe Nigeria as a country can give its citizens 24-hour light. I don’t know why we don’t have light for the past two to three days now, it doesn’t make any sense. It’s very saddening,” she said.

According to her, residents had expected electricity supply to be restored quickly after the two days, noting that power had not been restored as of Tuesday morning. 

“We thought they would restore the light. Sunday passed, Monday passed, and now we still don’t know what is happening. I work online and I also run a business. How am I supposed to survive?” she asked. She further questioned the essence of paying taxes amid worsening services across different sectors of the nation’s economy.

“When I pay tax, I expect good roads, water and light. But now it feels like I’m just giving out money, and nothing is working for me,” she added.

Her frustration mirrors growing complaints of residents in Gaduwa and parts of Apo, who have been venting anger over poor electricity supply and repeated outages.

Linda Josephe, a resident of Gudawa said that the outage had disrupted her food business and cost her damages.

I have thrown spoiled food away and it’s collapsing my business. This is another failed promise by AEDC,” she said.

For many residents, the blackout has gone beyond inconvenience and is now affecting livelihoods.

Several X users criticised AEDC for failing to communicate clearly after the promised restoration date elapsed, while on other social media platforms, residents described repeated power outages in the nation’s capital and the country at large as “normalised suffering.” They llamented the effects on citizens’ health, businesses, and food storage, businesses.

“Here you said two days (Saturday and Sunday) and by 3:40pm Monday, power has not been restored in Lugbe. What’s going on?,” Oladipo Oyebode on X queried.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AEDC, Chijioke Okwuokenye, in response to The ICIR’s enquiries on the delayed restoration, acknowledged that the road construction project encountered technical complications during the relocation of transmission infrastructure.

“When you talk about construction, there are unique challenges that could occur. FCDA ran into complications in the execution of the tower relocation that they were doing. There were some complications. So, yesterday we joined them to help them resolve those complications. Project work is not a new project. There were technical complications,” he said. 

Okwuokenye explained that power would be restored immediately the reconstruction is completed.

“I’m very hopeful that today the job should be completed because my team now has taken it over and they are trying to help FCDA complete it. Once the job is completed, it will be powered immediately. It’s just to reconstruct the line. Once the line is there, the power will be restored,” he added.

Beyond the current outage, Okwuokenye admitted that Lugbe, Airport Road and surrounding communities face deeper electricity infrastructure problems.

“Honestly, we are doing a lot. There is supposed to be a transmission station in Lube. There’s supposed to be another transmission station in Kuje, unless the transmission in those areas is completed, it’s going to be difficult to guarantee reliable power. However, things are already planned,” he said.

The MD said that AEDC was considering alternative interventions, including solar power projects, although such plans might take months before implementation.

“We are looking at installing solar plants to relieve the current challenges, but that could take about eight months. My hope is that by the first quarter of 2027, either through transmission upgrades or solar deployment, the issue can improve significantly,” he added.

 

Ogun student tops 2026 UTME with 372 marks as JAMB announces highest scorers

Mustapha USMAN
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Ogun student tops 2026 UTME with 372 marks as JAMB announces highest scorers

A CANDIDATE, Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin, has emerged as the overall top scorer in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), scoring 372 marks.

The result was contained in a list of top-performing candidates announced by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board(JAMB) during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja on Monday.

Owoeye, who sat for the examination in Ogun State but hails from Ekiti State, chose the University of Lagos (University of Lagos) to study Medicine and Surgery (MBBS).

The ICIR reports that 2,243,816 candidates registered for the 2026 UTME, representing a 10.5 per cent increase when compared with those who registered to write the examination in 2025.

Lagos State recorded the highest number of registrations for the 2026 edition with 381,814 candidates, followed by Ogun (137,156), Oyo (122,662), Kaduna (103,498), and the Federal Capital Territory (102,961).

Outside Nigeria, candidates also registered from Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Burkina Faso, the United Kingdom, Ghana, Gambia, and South Africa, though in small numbers.

The 2026 UTME was conducted across about 966 Computer-Based Test centres nationwide, with examinations split into four daily sessions to ease congestion and improve monitoring.

The board described the exercise as one of the most coordinated large-scale examinations in the country, involving extensive logistics, personnel deployment, and digital verification systems.

According to the released data, top candidates scored between 367 and 372, with their performance spread across various institutions of choice and states of origin.

The candidate with the highest score, Jesudunni, was followed by Enwere Kingsley Ikenna, who scored 370 and chose NILE University for Computer Science, and Bamisile Ayomide Emmanuel with 369, who opted for the Federal University of Technology, Akure (Federal University of Technology Akure) to study Software Engineering.

Other high scorers recorded 368 marks, including candidates who applied to institutions such as the University of Ibadan, University of Benin, Pan-Atlantic University, University of Port Harcourt, and ABUAD, with programmes spanning Mechatronics, Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics and Mechanical Engineering.

Several candidates scored 367 marks, with institutions including Covenant University and the University of Lagos also appearing among their choices.

Over one million candidates gained admission in 2025

JAMB also presented a breakdown of the 2025 admission exercise, showing that out of 2,007,312 applicants, 1,009,044 candidates were admitted into tertiary institutions nationwide.

The data, which was reported by Punch Newspaper, revealed that candidates scoring 250 and above enjoyed higher admission rates, with those in the 300+ category recording a 75 per cent admission rate.

However, the bulk of admissions came from candidates in the 160–199 score range, which accounted for nearly half a million successful admissions, reflecting variations in institutional cut-off marks and course demand.

Lower score bands, particularly 120–139 and 100–119, recorded significantly fewer admissions.

Military airstrike kills six children, others in Niger, DHQ reacts

Mustapha USMAN
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Military airstrike kills six children, others in Niger, DHQ reacts

At LEAST six children were killed during a military airstrike in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger, residents and local sources have told The ICIR.

The children were said to be among about 15 civilians killed during the incident that occurred in the early hours of Sunday, May 10, in Guradnayi, a village near Kusasu, where some villagers fleeing attacks by armed bandits were said to have taken shelter before the bombardment.

According to accounts gathered by The ICIR, several women were also among those killed after military aircraft targeted the suspected terrorist hideouts in the area.

Some of those injured during the attack have been admitted to a hospital in Erana, which is about ten kilometres away from the village. 

Although The ICIR has yet to get full details of the incident, gory videos and photographs obtained showed about six children burnt and lying lifeless, alongside other residents. The images also showed some survivors receiving treatment in hospital, including three children who were bandaged and placed on drips. 

The latest incident has revived concerns over accidental airstrikes in rural communities affected by insecurity, particularly in northern Nigeria, where residents have repeatedly reported civilian casualties during military operations.

Military denies targeting civilians, says 70 bandits killed

Reacting to the allegations, the Defence Headquarters denied deliberately targeting civilians and maintained that the operation was based on “credible and actionable intelligence” about armed bandits converging in parts of Shiroro.

In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja on Monday, the military said the Nigerian Army UAV Command carried out coordinated air interdiction operations between May 9 and May 10 across Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru villages in Shiroro LGA.

The military claimed that about 70 bandits were killed during the operation, especially in Kusasu, adding that surviving fighters were later seen evacuating bodies and retreating towards Zango on motorcycles.

According to the statement, the strikes were “precisely targeted at identified terrorist enclaves” and successfully disrupted planned attacks on nearby communities and security formations.

“In line with the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s (AFN) mandate to conduct operations to rout out all forms of insecurity in the country, on 9 May 2026, intelligence reports indicated the convergence of armed bandits at Lukupe Village in Shiroro LGA. Subsequently, on the 10 May 2026 between the hours of 1159pm to 6am, the Nigerian Army UAV Command, acting on intelligence, conducted multiple air strikes on different bandits’ locations including Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru villages all in Shiroro LGA of Niger State. Further reports from local sources confirmed that the aerial interdiction was precise on target at Kusasu, Katerma and Bokko. 

“It was gathered that about Seventy (70) bandits were hit and killed in Kusasu. Others were sighted gathering the remains of their colleagues for burial while others on about 200 motorcycles moved towards Zango. Another group from Bokko were also seen advancing towards Zango apparently to meet their colleagues and perfect their next plan of either retreating or attacking Sarkin Pawa, or the government/security infrastructure in Kuchi. Meanwhile, another group were also seen converging at Kopa, East of Mongoro, suggesting a possible plan to attack government/security infrastructure in Mongoro. The military took necessary steps to neutralise all these threats in a timely manner,” the DHQ said.

The Defence Headquarters further argued that residents in the affected communities had relocated to Sarkin Pawa before the strikes commenced, insisting that available intelligence contradicted claims that civilians were present at the targeted locations.

“It is particularly instructive that, well ahead of the aerial interdiction, all local civilian communities within the general area had, out of an abundance of caution, voluntarily relocated to Sarkin Pawa for their safety. This fact alone fundamentally undermines the claim that innocent residents were present in the strike zones at the time of the operation. 

“Post-strike intelligence assessments and verified reports from local sources further confirmed that the aerial interdiction was precise on target, with terrorists subsequently observed gathering the remains of their fallen colleagues for burial, while others, numbering over 200 and mounted on motorcycles, were sighted retreating in the direction of Zango,” the military added.

However, a resident from Erana (name withheld) maintained that civilians, including children, died in the bombardment, describing the military explanation as false and misleading.

Cut-off mark for varsity admission remains 150, says JAMB

Esther Tomo
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Cut-off mark for varsity admission remains 150, says JAMB

THE JOINT Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has maintained 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for admission into Nigerian universities for the 2026 academic session.

The decision was taken on Monday, May 11, during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions held in Abuja, where education stakeholders, including the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, and heads of tertiary institutions, were in attendance.

According to JAMB, the resolution followed a voting process involving vice-chancellors present at the meeting. The board noted that after deliberations, the consensus was to retain the existing benchmark for university admissions.

This means that candidates who score 150 and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) remain eligible for consideration into universities across the country for the 2026/2027 academic session.

However, institutions are still expected to determine their individual departmental cut-off marks, which may be higher, depending on the competitiveness of courses and available spaces.

THE ICIR earlier reported that the Federal Government announced that UTME would no longer be a requirement for candidates seeking admission into colleges of education in Nigeria.

The minister of education disclosed the policy at the JAMB’s 2026 Policy Meeting.

Under the new arrangement, applicants into colleges of education for Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes were no longer required to sit for the UTME. The policy also extended to candidates applying for Education and Agriculture-related non-engineering courses in colleges of education and polytechnics.

However, the minister clarified that candidates were still expected to meet basic entry requirements, including possession of the required O’Level results and participation in JAMB screening for proper documentation.

He further explained that prospective students would need at least four credits in their O’Level examinations to qualify for admission into NCE programmes.

Alausa stated that the decision was introduced to ease pressure on JAMB and simplify the admission process for students pursuing non-university education pathways.

65 aspirants linked to Fubara screened out in Rivers APC primaries

Mustapha USMAN
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65 aspirants linked to Fubara screened out in Rivers APC primaries

THE All Progressives Congress (APC) has screened out 65 aspirants, including former factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Victor Oko Jumbo, from participating in the party’s state assembly primaries ahead of the 2027 elections in Rivers State.

According to Daily Trust, many of the disqualified aspirants are believed to be politically aligned with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while aspirants linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, scaled through the screening process.

The newspaper reported that the APC screening committee cleared 33 aspirants after reviewing their credentials and confirming that they satisfied the conditions required by the party to contest in the primaries.

A document said to contain the outcome of the exercise was reportedly signed by the chairman of the committee, Muraina Ajibola, alongside three other members.

The list of those cleared to participate in the primaries include; Maol Dumle, ​Major M. Jack, Nwabochi Frankline, ​Ofiks K. Christopher, ​Enemi Alabo George, ​Tonye Smart Adoki, Tekenari W. Granville, Azeru Opara, Igwe Obey Aforji, ​Opuende Lolo Isaiah, Ukalikpe Napoleon, ​Hope Ugwumadu, ​Kenneth Minimah, ​Justina Aniton Okorji, ​Onyema Rex Nwankwo, ​Jumbo Soparagha, Wami Solomon, ​Gift Esede Ali, ​Ejekwu Chisa Nathan and ​Peter E. Abbey.

Others include; ​Loolo Bulabari Henrietta, ​Barida Alice Samuel, ​Ohanuna Bright, ​Kue Yeghene Nwankwo Chimezie C., ​Emeji Gloria Chika, ​Ejekwu, Ezebunwo Leslie, ​Okpokipou Peters, ​Arnold O. Davids, Gerald C. Oforji, ​Amadi Promise Amadi, ​Opuene Thompson Atekebo and ​Amakri Awowari.

Among those denied clearance was Chijioke Ihunwo, a former chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area and Fubara’s known ally.

The report noted that 98 aspirants obtained nomination forms and appeared before the screening panel at the APC secretariat in Port Harcourt during the weekend exercise.

The ICIR reported on Sunday, May 10, that Fubara hurriedly left the Abuja venue of the APC screening after appearing before the screening exercise.

Fubara declined to speak with journalists after leaving the venue, responding “No comment” when asked about the outcome of the screening exercise and the political situation in Rivers State.

The development comes amid growing political tension in Rivers State following Fubara’s prolonged rift with his predecessor, Wike, over the control of the state’s political structure. 

Fubara, a 51-year-old trained accountant and River State former Accountant-General, emerged governor in 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform before later defecting to the APC in December 2025.

His administration became engulfed in a bitter political crisis that led to a split in the Rivers State House of Assembly and a fierce power struggle with Wike.

In March 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state and suspended Fubara alongside members of the state House of Assembly. He restored the governor and the state lawmakers after six months. 

FG cancels UTME for colleges of education, introduces drug tests for secondary schools

Esther Tomo
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FG cancels UTME for colleges of education, introduces drug tests for secondary schools

THE FEDERAL Government has announced that Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) would no longer be a requirement for applicants seeking admission into colleges of education in Nigeria.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, a doctorate holder, disclosed the new policy on Monday, May 11, during the 2026 Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) held in Abuja.

Under the new arrangement, candidates applying for admission into colleges of education to obtain Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes will no longer be required to sit for the UTME. The policy also affects candidates applying for Education and Agriculture-related non-engineering courses in college of education and polytechnics.

However, he explained that candidates must still meet basic admission requirements, including possessing the required O’Level results and undergoing JAMB screening for proper documentation.

According to the minister, prospective students will only need at least four credits in their O’Level examinations to qualify for admission into NCE programmes.

Alausa said the decision was introduced to reduce the administrative pressure on JAMB and make admission processes easier for students seeking non-university education pathways.

The announcement came as the Federal Government also unveiled a new policy requiring compulsory drug tests for students in secondary schools across the country in response to growing concerns over substance abuse among teenagers.

The directive is contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria for secondary schools.

Under the policy, newly admitted students will undergo drug screening during admission, while returning students will also be tested periodically, at least once every academic session.

The government said the policy is aimed at creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning in the institutions by reducing the negative effect substance abuse has on the mental health and academic performance of students/learners.

Schools are expected to partner with approved federal and state health facilities to conduct the tests and other related procedures.

The guideline stated that “all new students/learners shall be subjected to drug tests and other measures approved by the schools/learning centres at the point of entry.”

It also warned against possession or use of narcotic drugs and other controlled substances without approval from school authorities.

“All students/learners are prohibited from using or being in possession of narcotic drugs, controlled drugs or substances of abuse without approval from the school authority,” the policy stated.

The guideline, however, noted that students using controlled medication for medical reasons must declare them through their parents or guardians during admission.

The policy introduced a three-stage intervention process for students who test positive during screening.

Students who test positive for the first time will receive counselling and treatment recommended by the school.

“Persons found to be positive to drugs shall undergo the initial intervention and treatment, which shall include counselling as might be found appropriate by the school authority,” the document stated.

Students who test positive again will be referred to professionals for additional treatment and care.

Where repeated interventions fail, affected students may be temporarily removed from the school environment to undergo rehabilitation.

The policy stated that “if found to be positive again, such a student shall be temporarily suspended from the school environment to take treatment from a professional and undergo rehabilitation that might be found appropriate by the professional.”

The policy also makes counselling compulsory before and after every drug screening exercise.

According to the guideline, “pre-test counselling is the guidance given before a person undergoes a drug integrity test. It aims to prepare the individual, clarify expectations, reduce anxiety, encourage cooperation and build trust.”

It added that “post-test counselling happens after results are available, regardless of whether the test is positive or negative. The goal is to support the individual to accept the result and link them to the right help.”

To enforce the rules, schools are expected to establish disciplinary committees headed by administrators.

The document further stated that violent incidents connected to substance abuse, including fighting and physical assault, “shall be reported to the law enforcement agents.”

Students who refuse treatment or rehabilitation procedures may also be temporarily separated from school “until he/she is found to be stable.”

The development follows increasing concerns from stakeholders in the education and health sectors over the growing rate of drug abuse among adolescents and its impact on academic performance, discipline, mental health and safety in schools.

2027: Anxiety grows as Fubara snubs media interview after APC screening

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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2027: Anxiety grows as Fubara snubs media interview after APC screening

RIVERS State Governor Siminalayi Fubara turned down media interview after he appeared before the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship screening committee at the Plateau State Governors’ Lodge in Abuja on Sunday, May 10.

Fubara hurriedly left the venue and reporters could not confirm whether he scaled through the screening exercise like some of his contemporaries seeking re-election on the party’s platform as preparations for the 2027 polls are in full swing.

When journalists attempted to ask him questions on the outcome of the exercise and his political future ahead of the 2027 elections, he said, “No comment,” and refused to entertain further questions.

Fubara appeared before the APC Governorship Screening Committee chaired by the party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, a professor.

The development comes amid growing political tension in Rivers State following Fubara’s prolonged rift with his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over the control of the state’s political structure.

Fubara, a 51-year-old trained accountant and River State former Accountant-General, emerged governor in 2023 unde the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform before later defecting to the APC in December 2025.

His administration became engulfed in a bitter political crisis that led to a split in the Rivers State House of Assembly and a fierce power struggle with Wike.

In March 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state and suspended Fubara alongside members of the state House of Assembly b

efore he was later reinstated in September 2025.

Sunday’s screening has further intensified speculations over the APC governorship ticket in Rivers State, especially as other aspirants linked to both the Fubara and Wike camps have also appeared before the screening panel.

Sowore takes ‘Save Jabi Lake Park’ campaign to Omakwu’s church in Abuja

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Sowore takes ‘Save Jabi Lake Park’ campaign to Omakwu’s church in Abuja

HUMAN rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Sunday met with the Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, Sarah Omakwu, in Wuye, Abuja, and vowed to challenge the alleged takeover of the city’s Jabi Lake Park.

Addressing the church, Sowore accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of taking over land meant for public infrastructure, including hospital.

The ICIR reported that during a media chat on Wednesday last week, Wike ordered a crackdown on abandoned and poorly developed areas surrounding Jabi Lake, calling the situation an eyesore that is unbefitting of Nigeria’s capital city.

Wike’s directive followed a viral video in which Omakwu appealed with the minister to “leave Jabi Lake for Nigerians,” warning against developments that could restrict public access to the recreational hub.

The minister revealed that plots of land around the lake, originally allocated for high-end projects, had remained undeveloped for years and were filled with makeshift structures.

“For 15 years, nothing happened. We cannot continue like that. If you are not ready to develop, we will take back the land and give it to those who are serious,” the minister warned

Addressing Omakwu’s church on Sunday, Sowore called on the city’s residents to defend public spaces from what he described as greed, land grabbing, and the destruction of public heritage.

The activist said he decided to visit the church after hearing Omakwu publicly pray against the alleged takeover of the park, urging Nigerians to combine prayers with action and confront whatever they perceive as poor policies from government.

“The reason I came here today was the message I saw from Pastor Sarah about Jabi Lake,” he said, adding, “She was praying that Wike should not take Jabi Lake from us. Those of us who understand the purpose of parks, God has answered her prayer. And the prayer for me is that we are all called upon to save the park. Sometimes God answers your prayers, but you must also get off your knees,” he said. 

Since President Bola Tinubu appointed him as the FCT minister in 2023, Wike has revoked hundreds of plots of lands whose owners allegedly failed to meet certain obligations, including payment of ground rents. The minister has also severally revoked plots of lands with structures that allegedly failed to comply with the city’s master plan.

The ICIR reported recently that under Wike’s watch, the FCTA converted a large parcel of land originally designated for hospital and allocated it to a private developer, Full Moon Estate Developers Ltd, for a residential project.

The land, identified as Plot 546, Cadastral Zone B03, Wuye District, Abuja, covers 3.171 hectares, located directly opposite the Wuye Ultra-Modern Market and adjacent to the Wuye Police Station. Reports show that the entire site has been fenced with barbed wire, while construction activities by the developer are already underway.

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