MORNING NEWS
FIRST THE HEADLINES
Police Raise Alarm Over Drugs, Political Thuggery in Gombe
Senator Natasha picks forms, promises more opportunities
Anambra SDP to Receive 23 ADC Defectors, Says Chairman
Ex-PDP Spokesman Peretei Emerges NDC’s Pioneer Ondo Chairman
Russia Declares May 9 Truce, Threatens Attack if Ukraine Violates It
Arteta Warns Atletico of Arsenal ‘Beasts’ in Champions League
NOW THE DETAILS
The Nigeria Police Force in Gombe State on Monday raised alarm over the growing threat of drug abuse and political thuggery, describing both as “deeply interconnected dangers” undermining public safety and social stability ahead of elections.
The Commissioner of Police, Umar Chuso, gave the warning during a community engagement and sensitisation programme held at the Gombe International Hotel.
Chuso drew a direct link between substance abuse and violent crime, warning that both issues reinforce each other.
“Drug abuse and thuggery are deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Drug addiction often drives individuals into criminal activities, while criminal networks exploit drug dependency for recruitment and control,” he stated.
He also cautioned against the involvement of political actors in fuelling violence.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi) has officially thrown her hat into the ring for re-election in the 2027 Kogi Central Senatorial District, promising to build on her people-driven legacy of service, empowerment, and inclusive development.
While accepting her nomination forms on Tuesday, the senator expressed gratitude to her constituents for their unwavering support, citing “collective progress” and a “greater future” for Kogi Central as driving forces behind her decision.
The next phase of our representation will focus on expanding economic opportunities, strengthening education, improving healthcare access, and ensuring that every community in Kogi Central feels the impact of responsive governance,” she stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s re-election bid is expected to face stiff competition, particularly from former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, who has announced his intention to contest the seat on the APC platform.
The Anambra State chapter of the Social Democratic Party said it is set to receive no fewer than 23 aspirants who have defected from the embattled African Democratic Congress.
The Anambra State Chairman of the SDP, Prince Chinedu Ekwunife, stated this on Monday shortly after the party’s state congress held at the state secretariat in Awka.
Ekwunife said the SDP has been reinvigorated by its new leadership, adding that the party has commenced the establishment and activation of local government and ward structures across all 326 wards in the 21 local government areas of the state as part of its grassroots consolidation strategy.
He said the defections followed the leadership crisis within the ADC, which has left many of its National and State Assembly aspirants uncertain about their prospects of contesting the 2027 general elections on the party’s platform.
Former Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Kennedy Peretei, has emerged as the pioneer chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the state.
Chairman of the Congress Committee, Emmanuel Alli, while declaring the results, said the exercise was conducted in line with directives from the party’s national headquarters and reflected the collective will of members across the state.
Other elected officials include Ayodeji Joy as State Woman Leader, Samuel Olutosin as Organising Secretary, Owolola Adebola as Publicity Secretary, Asiwaju Bernard as Vice Chairman (South), and Olutubosun Isijola as Vice Chairman (North), among others.
The Congress held in Akure the state, saw 150 delegates from the 18 local council areas of the state ratify the emergence of the new executive council through consensus.
FOREIGN NEWS
Russia on Monday declared a unilateral ceasefire with Ukraine between May 8-9, when Moscow marks its annual World War II Victory Day commemorations, and threatened a “massive missile strike” on Kyiv if Ukraine violated it.
Russian President Vladimir Putin first proposed the truce last week, during a phone call with US counterpart Donald Trump.
Ukraine said last week it would seek details from Washington about the offer.
In accordance with a decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces, Vladimir Putin, a ceasefire has been declared from May 8–9, 2026 … We hope that the Ukrainian side will follow suit,” the Russian defence ministry said in a post on state-backed messaging app MAX
ON SPORT NEWS
Mikel Arteta expects Arsenal to play like “beasts” against Atletico Madrid as they aim to reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2006.
Arteta’s side earned a 1-1 draw in the semi-final first leg in Madrid last week, putting them in position to finish the job at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
The Gunners have never won the Champions League, with their only final appearance ending in defeat against Barcelona 20 years ago.
After losing to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals in 2025, Arteta said Arsenal are determined to go one step further this time.
Police Raise Alarm Over Drugs, Political Thuggery in Gombe
Senator Natasha picks forms, promises more opportunities
Anambra SDP to Receive 23 ADC Defectors, Says Chairman
Ex-PDP Spokesman Peretei Emerges NDC’s Pioneer Ondo Chairman
Russia Declares May 9 Truce, Threatens Attack if Ukraine Violates It
Arteta Warns Atletico of Arsenal ‘Beasts’ in Champions League
NOW THE DETAILS
The Nigeria Police Force in Gombe State on Monday raised alarm over the growing threat of drug abuse and political thuggery, describing both as “deeply interconnected dangers” undermining public safety and social stability ahead of elections.
The Commissioner of Police, Umar Chuso, gave the warning during a community engagement and sensitisation programme held at the Gombe International Hotel.
Chuso drew a direct link between substance abuse and violent crime, warning that both issues reinforce each other.
“Drug abuse and thuggery are deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Drug addiction often drives individuals into criminal activities, while criminal networks exploit drug dependency for recruitment and control,” he stated.
He also cautioned against the involvement of political actors in fuelling violence.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi) has officially thrown her hat into the ring for re-election in the 2027 Kogi Central Senatorial District, promising to build on her people-driven legacy of service, empowerment, and inclusive development.
While accepting her nomination forms on Tuesday, the senator expressed gratitude to her constituents for their unwavering support, citing “collective progress” and a “greater future” for Kogi Central as driving forces behind her decision.
The next phase of our representation will focus on expanding economic opportunities, strengthening education, improving healthcare access, and ensuring that every community in Kogi Central feels the impact of responsive governance,” she stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s re-election bid is expected to face stiff competition, particularly from former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, who has announced his intention to contest the seat on the APC platform.
The Anambra State chapter of the Social Democratic Party said it is set to receive no fewer than 23 aspirants who have defected from the embattled African Democratic Congress.
The Anambra State Chairman of the SDP, Prince Chinedu Ekwunife, stated this on Monday shortly after the party’s state congress held at the state secretariat in Awka.
Ekwunife said the SDP has been reinvigorated by its new leadership, adding that the party has commenced the establishment and activation of local government and ward structures across all 326 wards in the 21 local government areas of the state as part of its grassroots consolidation strategy.
He said the defections followed the leadership crisis within the ADC, which has left many of its National and State Assembly aspirants uncertain about their prospects of contesting the 2027 general elections on the party’s platform.
Former Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Kennedy Peretei, has emerged as the pioneer chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the state.
Chairman of the Congress Committee, Emmanuel Alli, while declaring the results, said the exercise was conducted in line with directives from the party’s national headquarters and reflected the collective will of members across the state.
Other elected officials include Ayodeji Joy as State Woman Leader, Samuel Olutosin as Organising Secretary, Owolola Adebola as Publicity Secretary, Asiwaju Bernard as Vice Chairman (South), and Olutubosun Isijola as Vice Chairman (North), among others.
The Congress held in Akure the state, saw 150 delegates from the 18 local council areas of the state ratify the emergence of the new executive council through consensus.
FOREIGN NEWS
Russia on Monday declared a unilateral ceasefire with Ukraine between May 8-9, when Moscow marks its annual World War II Victory Day commemorations, and threatened a “massive missile strike” on Kyiv if Ukraine violated it.
Russian President Vladimir Putin first proposed the truce last week, during a phone call with US counterpart Donald Trump.
Ukraine said last week it would seek details from Washington about the offer.
In accordance with a decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces, Vladimir Putin, a ceasefire has been declared from May 8–9, 2026 … We hope that the Ukrainian side will follow suit,” the Russian defence ministry said in a post on state-backed messaging app MAX
ON SPORT NEWS
Mikel Arteta expects Arsenal to play like “beasts” against Atletico Madrid as they aim to reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2006.
Arteta’s side earned a 1-1 draw in the semi-final first leg in Madrid last week, putting them in position to finish the job at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
The Gunners have never won the Champions League, with their only final appearance ending in defeat against Barcelona 20 years ago.
After losing to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals in 2025, Arteta said Arsenal are determined to go one step further this time.