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Gunmen Attack Oyo Immigration Office, Cart Away Rifle And Other Valuables

By
Enyosa Favour
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Armed gunmen have attacked a Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) office in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, making away with a firearm, ammunition, and other valuables during the raid.

The Oyo State Police Command confirmed on Wednesday that it has launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, which occurred on Tuesday night at the Immigration Service Passport Office located along the Ogbomoso–Ilorin Expressway near an NNPC filling station.

According to sources, the attackers struck while commercial activities were still ongoing at the nearby Ayanyan Cattle Market. During the invasion, officers on duty were reportedly overpowered and robbed of their weapons, although the exact number of firearms taken was not immediately known.

The attackers reportedly escaped under the cover of darkness after carrying out the operation.

In a statement issued in Ibadan, the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said: “Oyo State Police Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the attack on the facility of the Nigeria Immigration Service Passport Office in Ogbomoso, following an invasion by armed hoodlums on Tuesday, 2nd June 2026.”

He explained that preliminary reports indicated that around 8:45 p.m., the officer in charge of the facility raised an alarm after armed hoodlums breached the premises by scaling the rear perimeter fence.

“Upon receipt of the distress report, immediate reinforcement comprising operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit and surveillance teams was deployed to the scene for intervention and assessment of the situation.

“Findings from the preliminary investigation revealed that the assailants, numbering about five, gained access to the premises through the rear fence bordering a large expanse of bushland.

“The hoodlums reportedly attacked two Immigration officers who were on night duty, assaulting them with sticks and other dangerous weapons before making away with a G3 rifle assigned to the office, together with ammunition attached thereto.

“The suspects also carted away a mobile phone belonging to one of the officers on duty, a generating set, and a motorcycle battery before escaping through the same route used to gain access to the facility.

“The injured officers have received necessary medical attention and are currently in stable condition.”

The police spokesperson added that surveillance and tactical teams have intensified operations in and around the area, including searches of nearby bushes and suspected escape routes, to track down the attackers and recover the stolen items.

“Meanwhile, surveillance and tactical teams have intensified operations within and around the area, including the combing of adjoining bushes and likely escape routes, in a determined effort to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen firearms and other valuables.

“Intelligence assets and informants have been activated to generate actionable information capable of leading to the arrest of the suspects, while all relevant investigative and operational resources have been deployed to ensure a swift breakthrough in the case.

“The Command, in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service and other sister security agencies, is working assiduously to ensure the prompt arrest of the perpetrators and recovery of the stolen items.”

The statement further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, has directed all operational and intelligence units to deploy every available resource toward apprehending those responsible.

It added: “The CP and the State Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service have jointly constituted a collaborative task team to strengthen coordination and enhance efforts aimed at ensuring the arrest of all persons involved.”

The police chief also reassured residents of Ogbomoso and surrounding communities of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

“Useful information that could assist ongoing investigations may also be communicated through the Command’s emergency channels. All information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality,” the statement added.

Israel Strikes Southern Lebanon But Partial Truce With Hezbollah Appears To Hold

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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Israeli forces carried out a series of strikes across southern Lebanon this week, but a fragile U.S.-mediated arrangement aimed at preventing a wider escalation between Israel and Hezbollah appeared largely intact despite continued violence along the border.

The latest attacks came after U.S. diplomatic efforts helped avert a major Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold. Lebanese officials said Israel had agreed to refrain from attacking Beirut, while Hezbollah pledged through intermediaries to halt attacks on Israeli territory as part of a limited de-escalation understanding.

Despite that arrangement, Israeli aircraft and drones continued operations in southern Lebanon. Lebanese state media reported multiple strikes in areas near Tyre, Nabatiyeh and other southern towns, with casualties including civilians, medics and security personnel. Israel said the operations targeted Hezbollah positions, fighters and military infrastructure.

The partial truce was tested further on Wednesday when the Israeli military reported intercepting rockets launched from Lebanon into northern Israel. Hezbollah later said it had fired rockets at an Israeli troop position, marking its first publicly announced cross-border rocket attack since agreeing to the de-escalation arrangement earlier in the week.

Israeli officials accused Hezbollah of violating the understanding. Israel’s ambassador to Washington, Michael Leiter, said Israel had agreed not to strike Beirut on the condition that Hezbollah cease attacks on Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli authorities were assessing the circumstances surrounding the rocket fire and warned that Israel would respond if attacks continued.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli military also announced it had intercepted what it described as a “hostile aircraft” that crossed into northern Israel from Lebanon. While officials did not directly attribute the drone to Hezbollah, the incident added to concerns that the situation could quickly deteriorate.

The conflict has remained active despite a broader ceasefire framework brokered by the United States in April. That arrangement temporarily reduced large-scale hostilities but failed to end fighting completely. Israeli forces have maintained operations in parts of southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah has continued attacks against Israeli military positions along the border.

According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, more than 3,500 people have been killed in Lebanon since the latest phase of the conflict began in March. Israeli authorities say Hezbollah attacks have killed dozens of Israeli soldiers and civilians during the same period.

Diplomatic efforts are continuing alongside the fighting. Lebanese and Israeli representatives met in Washington this week for U.S.-facilitated talks focused on border security, ceasefire arrangements and the future role of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope that the discussions would produce a framework for greater stability and security along the Israel-Lebanon border.

Regional tensions remain high as Iran has linked progress in its broader negotiations with Washington to an end to Israeli attacks in Lebanon. Tehran has warned that continued escalation could jeopardize ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing conflict across the Middle East.

For now, the limited understanding that halted direct Israeli strikes on Beirut appears to be holding, but continued clashes in southern Lebanon underscore the fragility of the arrangement. With both sides maintaining military pressure and accusing each other of violations, diplomats warn that the risk of a broader Israel-Hezbollah war remains significant.

Alleged Hostage-Taker Fatally Shot By FBI Agents In California

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

An alleged hostage-taker was fatally shot by FBI agents early Wednesday after a tense overnight standoff at a downtown Bakersfield office building that houses a Chase Bank branch, bringing a more than 15-hour hostage crisis to an end.

According to the Bakersfield Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the suspect was killed at approximately 4:20 a.m. local time during what authorities described as an officer-involved shooting involving FBI personnel. All hostages were safely rescued and none suffered physical injuries.

The standoff began shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday when police responded to reports of a bomb threat at a Chase Bank building in downtown Bakersfield. Authorities said the suspect barricaded himself inside the building with multiple hostages, triggering a major law enforcement response that included local police, FBI negotiators, SWAT teams, bomb squad units, Homeland Security personnel and federal agents.

The FBI later identified the suspect as Anthony Scott Searles-Harris, 41, who officials said had a history of violence and was a registered sex offender. Investigators have not yet disclosed a possible motive for the hostage-taking.

Authorities initially received information indicating that the suspect may have been carrying an explosive device. Local media reports cited law enforcement sources as saying the man claimed to have a bomb strapped to his body, prompting evacuations and extensive security measures across the downtown area. Investigators are still determining whether any viable explosive device was present.

During the lengthy negotiations, crisis response teams maintained contact with the suspect by telephone. Two hostages were released during the evening, while the remaining captives stayed inside the building throughout the night as negotiators sought a peaceful resolution.

The four-story building where the incident unfolded houses a Chase Bank branch and offices belonging to local government agencies, including a school district office. The standoff forced the closure of nearby streets and prompted lockdowns or evacuations at several public buildings, including City Hall and police headquarters.

Witnesses described a heavy law enforcement presence throughout the day and night as armored vehicles, tactical teams and emergency responders surrounded the area. Family members of those held inside gathered nearby while awaiting updates from authorities.

Following the fatal shooting, officers entered the building and secured the scene. Police said all remaining hostages were found unharmed and later received medical evaluations as a precaution.

A spokesperson for JPMorgan Chase said the company was cooperating fully with investigators and that its primary concern was the safety of employees, customers and members of the community.

The shooting remains under investigation, a standard procedure in incidents involving law enforcement use of force. Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances that led FBI personnel to open fire.

The incident marks one of the most significant hostage situations in California this year and has renewed attention on law enforcement responses to armed standoffs involving potential explosive threats. As investigators continue reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses, officials say additional information will be released in the coming days.

Oyo Assembly Rejects Negotiation With Kidnappers, Calls For Intensified Rescue

By
Enyosa Favour
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The Oyo State House of Assembly has rejected calls for the state government to negotiate with bandits responsible for the abduction of teachers and students during the coordinated attack on Ahoro-Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.

Instead, lawmakers urged security agencies to strengthen ongoing rescue efforts and intensify operations aimed at securing the release of all victims still being held captive.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance presented by the member representing Oriire State Constituency, Johnson Ogundele, during plenary on Wednesday after the House resumed from the Eid-el-Kabir holiday.

The motion, titled “Urgent Need for the Executive Arm of Government Through Its Security Architecture to Proactively Nip in the Bud the Spike and Recurring Bandit Attacks on Oriire Communities Since the Beginning of 2026 and to Intensify Rescue and Manhunt Operations to Secure the Release of the Abductees of the Recent Attack on Esinele, Oyo and Yawota Communities,” focused on the worsening security situation across communities in the local government area.

While presenting the motion, Ogundele recalled the attack on Ahoro-Esienle, Oyo and Yawota communities, where armed bandits reportedly invaded schools during academic activities, killing a teacher, a student and a commercial motorcyclist, while abducting several pupils, students and teachers.

He noted that Oriire had experienced a series of security breaches since the beginning of the year, including an attack on the National Park Service office in Oloka village where five forest guards lost their lives.

“Let me use this period to commend Governor Seyi Makinde for his swift response, deployment of security operatives, rescue efforts and personal visit to the affected communities.

“I want to equally urge the state government to intensify support for security agencies and establish a permanent military base within and around vulnerable communities and forest corridors in the area,” he said.

The lawmakers also called on the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the State Universal Basic Education Board to immediately carry out security assessments of schools located near forests and border communities.

According to the Assembly, “The Assembly also urges the government to expedite the installation of solar-powered security lights, perimeter fencing and CCTV cameras in vulnerable schools and to develop a comprehensive Safe School Emergency Response Protocol for public and private schools across Oyo.”

The House firmly rejected suggestions that government should negotiate with the kidnappers.

“The Assembly equally rejects suggestions and calls that the state government should negotiate with the bandits who abducted teachers and students during the coordinated attack in a community in Oriire Local Government Area of the state on Friday, May 15, 2026.”

Supporting the motion, Majority Leader Sanjo Adedoyin renewed calls for the establishment of state police, urging the Federal Government to remove obstacles hindering its creation.

Adedoyin argued that recent rescue operations highlighted the limitations faced by conventional security agencies in navigating dense forest areas, forcing them to depend heavily on local vigilantes and operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun Corps.

Other lawmakers also weighed in on the debate. Olubisi Oluranti praised the efforts of Governor Makinde and security agencies but stressed the need for increased security deployment to vulnerable communities.

Gbenga Oyekola blamed part of the security challenge on the poor management of vast forest reserves under federal control, noting that many of the areas lacked adequate security presence despite reports of mining activities and helicopter movements.

Babajide Gabriel called for comprehensive reforms of Nigeria’s security system and appealed to the state government to recruit more personnel into the Amotekun Corps. He also criticised attempts to politicise the insecurity crisis.

Dawood Olalere warned that kidnapping was no longer limited to remote forest communities, citing the reported abduction of the sister and two sons of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, in Ibadan as evidence that the threat was spreading to urban areas.

He called for better equipment and weapons for Amotekun operatives, arguing that locally made arms were insufficient against heavily armed criminal groups.

Following deliberations, the House adopted several resolutions, including a call on the Federal Government and relevant defence agencies to establish a permanent military base in Oriire Local Government Area.

Lawmakers also urged the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA) to provide trauma counselling, psychosocial support and relief materials for affected families, while encouraging traditional rulers, community leaders and local government authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering and community policing efforts.

The Assembly further directed its Committee on Security and Strategy to visit Oriire Local Government Area to assess the situation, engage stakeholders and recommend urgent legislative measures.

Speaking after the debate, Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin reiterated the Assembly’s opposition to negotiating with kidnappers and terrorists, warning that such a move could encourage more attacks.

While acknowledging the pain and anxiety of families whose loved ones remain in captivity, he urged residents to continue supporting security agencies and government efforts aimed at securing the victims’ release.

Ogundoyin maintained that negotiating with criminals would send the wrong message and potentially strengthen their operations, insisting that the priority should remain sustained security actions, intelligence-driven operations and coordinated rescue missions.

He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting policies and initiatives that would improve security across Oyo State and prevent future attacks on schools and communities.

Malawi To Repatriate Citizens From South Africa

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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Malawi has announced plans to repatriate its nationals from South Africa following reports of escalating attacks on African migrants in parts of the country.

According to a statement from Malawi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the repatriation programme will apply only to citizens who have formally requested assistance. Authorities said further details would be released once logistical arrangements are completed.

The move comes amid growing concern over xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, where immigrants are often blamed for unemployment and other economic challenges.

Recent reports indicate that tensions have intensified, with anti-immigrant groups issuing a June 30 deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country, heightening fear among migrant communities.

Other African countries have also begun taking action in response to the situation. Mozambique reported that five of its citizens were killed in violence in Mossel Bay over the weekend, while Ghana said it had repatriated hundreds of its nationals in recent days.

South Africa’s government has condemned the violence and pledged to take action against those responsible. President Cyril Ramaphosa told parliament that while addressing illegal immigration remains a priority, it must not be pursued through violence, xenophobia, or vigilantism.

South Africa, the continent’s most industrialised economy, remains a major destination for migrants from neighbouring countries seeking employment opportunities, as well as for refugees fleeing conflicts in regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as regional governments coordinate responses to protect their citizens abroad and manage rising tensions.

Atiku Calls For Independent Investigation Into Emeka Ike Voter Data Leak

By
Enyosa Favour
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Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has demanded an independent and transparent investigation into the unauthorised disclosure of the voter registration details of Nollywood actor Emeka Ike.

The controversy began after Lere Olayinka, an aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, shared screenshots on X showing details of Ike’s voter registration transfer from Imo State to Abuja.

Olayinka published the information, which appeared to have been obtained from a restricted administrative portal of the Independent National Electoral Commission, while questioning the actor’s qualification to contest for a House of Representatives seat in Abuja following his participation in recent primary elections.

The post sparked widespread criticism, with many Nigerians alleging that Olayinka may have gained access to a password-protected system intended solely for INEC officials.

Responding to the controversy on Tuesday, INEC denied reports of a major security breach or external hacking of its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database.

The commission explained that the unauthorised disclosure resulted from the misuse of legitimate internal credentials by personnel involved in the ongoing voter registration exercise.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said INEC’s admission that sensitive voter information was accessed and released without authorisation raises serious concerns that must be fully addressed.

According to him, the electoral body owes Nigerians clear answers on how confidential voter data ended up in the possession of political actors.

He also insisted that INEC must go beyond issuing public statements and make the findings of its investigation available to Nigerians in the interest of transparency and accountability.

“INEC’s statement has moved this issue beyond conjecture. The Commission has now confirmed that voter information was accessed through credentials assigned to personnel participating in the ongoing CVR exercise and that such information was released without authority,” he said.

“That admission alone should concern every Nigerian.

“What Nigerians want to know is simple: how did information that resides within a restricted electoral database find its way into the hands of political actors and their associates?

“The fact that there was no external hack does not diminish the gravity of the incident.

“If anything, it raises even more troubling questions about internal controls, institutional safeguards, and the possibility of political interference.

“The Nigerian people deserve to know the complete chain of custody. Who accessed the information? Who requested it? Who received it? How did it leave INEC’s custody?

“And why did the trail lead directly to political actors associated with a serving minister who has repeatedly made unusually confident pronouncements about the outcome of a future election?”

Atiku maintained that only a thorough, independent investigation would help restore public confidence in the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system and clarify the circumstances surrounding the release of the actor’s voter registration information.

Macron And Kagame Inaugurate Rwanda Genocide Memorial In Paris

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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French President Emmanuel Macron and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have jointly inaugurated a new memorial in Paris dedicated to the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, marking a symbolic moment in relations between the two countries.

The memorial, unveiled on Tuesday along the banks of the River Seine, honours the estimated 800,000 people—mostly ethnic Tutsis—killed between April and July 1994 during one of the darkest episodes in modern African history.

Speaking at the ceremony, Macron said the memorial placed the genocide “at the heart of our capital and our history,” describing it as the result of a long effort to confront historical truth and memory.

The French president has in recent years sought to rebuild relations with Rwanda, which had long accused France of complicity in the genocide. In 2021, Macron acknowledged France’s responsibility in the events leading up to the killings, stating that the country bore a “serious and overwhelming responsibility” for failing to recognise the scale of the impending violence. However, he stopped short of issuing a formal apology.

That acknowledgment followed the findings of a commission established under Macron, which concluded in 2021 that France had been influenced by colonial-era perspectives and had failed to adequately anticipate the genocide.

The newly inaugurated memorial, named “L’Archive,” was designed by Portuguese artist Grada Kilomba. It features two black steles engraved with tributes to the victims of the genocide and serves as a permanent site of remembrance in the French capital.

The joint appearance of Macron and Kagame underscores a continued diplomatic thaw between France and Rwanda after decades of strained relations over France’s role during the genocide.

While Kigali has previously demanded full accountability from Paris, recent years have seen both governments take steps toward reconciliation, including official visits and historical reassessments.

The memorial is expected to serve not only as a place of remembrance but also as a symbol of evolving cooperation between the two nations.

US Imposes Sanctions On Armed Group Commanders Over Eastern Congo Conflict

By
Enyosa Favour
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The United States has imposed sanctions on senior commanders of rival armed groups operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, citing their alleged roles in fuelling a conflict that continues to destabilise the region despite ongoing international mediation efforts.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the US Treasury Department announced sanctions against John Imani Nzenze, an intelligence chief and commander within the M23 rebel movement, and Gustave Kubwayo, a commander of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Hutu militia linked to perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

The sanctions are the latest move by Washington as it seeks to pressure armed actors into supporting peace initiatives aimed at ending years of violence in eastern Congo.

Announcing the measures, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration of President Donald Trump remained committed to restoring stability in the region.

“President Trump has been clear that there is an urgent need to resolve the horrific conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the United States is committed to peace and prosperity in the region,” Bessent said.

He added that continued attacks by armed groups were worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis while threatening broader regional stability and international interests.

The conflict in eastern Congo has intensified in recent years, with the M23 rebel group seizing territory across parts of North and South Kivu provinces. The United Nations has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23 fighters, allegations that Kigali has consistently denied.

On the opposing side, the FDLR remains active in eastern Congo and has long been regarded as a security threat by Rwanda due to its historical links to individuals involved in the 1994 genocide.

The sanctions freeze any assets held by the designated individuals within US jurisdiction and prohibit American citizens and entities from conducting transactions with them.

Neither Nzenze nor representatives of the Rwandan government immediately commented on the sanctions. Congolese authorities also did not issue an immediate response.

The move comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts led by Washington to broker a lasting peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In December, the two neighbouring countries signed an agreement in Washington as part of a broader US-backed initiative aimed at reducing tensions and encouraging greater Western investment in the mineral-rich Great Lakes region.

However, hopes for a breakthrough were quickly tested when M23 rebels advanced into a strategic city near the border with Burundi just days after the signing ceremony, marking one of the most significant escalations in the conflict in recent months. The rebels later withdrew following diplomatic pressure from the United States.

Eastern Congo remains one of Africa’s most volatile regions, with numerous armed groups competing for control of territory and valuable mineral resources. The violence has displaced millions of people and contributed to one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.

US officials said the latest sanctions are intended to support ongoing peace efforts by increasing pressure on armed leaders accused of perpetuating the conflict and undermining regional stability.

While Washington continues to pursue diplomatic engagement between Congo and Rwanda, analysts say the success of any peace process will depend largely on the willingness of armed groups on the ground to halt hostilities and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Two Killed During Protests Over Ebola Treatment Centre In Kenya

By
Enyosa Favour
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0

Two people have been killed during protests in central Kenya over plans by the United States to establish an Ebola isolation facility at a military base near the town of Nanyuki, according to reports from local residents and family members.

The deaths occurred amid demonstrations against the proposed treatment centre at Laikipia Airbase, approximately 140 kilometres north of the capital, Nairobi. Protesters took to the streets on Monday, blocking roads, burning tyres and clashing with security forces who responded with tear gas.

One of the victims has been identified as 27-year-old Charles Mang’aro Mwangi. His family said he was not participating in the protests and was shot while going to visit a friend after returning from work.

According to his mother, Joyce Wangari, her son was simply walking along the road when he was struck by gunfire.

“He was not part of the protests. He did not carry stones and was not throwing anything at the police. He was just on the road, minding his own business when he was shot,” she said.

Mwangi was taken to hospital by friends but later died from his injuries. His family said they have not received any official explanation from the authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.

The second victim was reportedly brought to the hospital by soldiers and was already dead upon arrival. While authorities have yet to identify the man publicly, reports indicate that both victims sustained gunshot wounds.

The exact circumstances surrounding the two deaths remain unclear. Kenyan authorities have not officially commented on the fatalities, while a police spokesperson told Reuters he was unaware of any deaths linked to the demonstrations.

The unrest stems from a controversial proposal by the United States government to establish a 50-bed Ebola isolation and treatment centre at Laikipia Airbase. The facility would be staffed by American medical personnel and intended to treat US citizens affected by the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A US official said Kenya was selected because of its strategic location and the limited medical evacuation capabilities available elsewhere in the region. The official added that Americans requiring treatment could be transported to the facility by air when necessary.

The proposal has generated significant public concern in Kenya, with critics warning that hosting Ebola patients could expose local communities to potential health risks despite assurances from authorities.

Although Kenya has not recorded any Ebola cases, opposition to the plan has grown among civil society groups, health professionals and government oversight bodies.

Last week, Kenya’s High Court temporarily halted the opening of the facility after a rights organisation filed a case arguing that the project posed “grave and imminent risks” to public health. On Tuesday, the court extended the suspension order and directed the government to disclose further details about the proposed centre.

Speaking publicly on the issue for the first time, President William Ruto defended the agreement, saying Kenya had taken every necessary precaution to protect its citizens.

According to the president, the arrangement followed a request from the United States government and reflected the longstanding partnership between the two countries.

“When President Donald Trump asked Kenya to support them by having a centre in Laikipia Airbase, I gave the approval because it was an agreement with friends who have walked with Kenya for 30 to 40 years,” Ruto said.

He urged Kenyans not to politicise the Ebola issue and insisted that the government was acting responsibly.

Despite the court order suspending the project, military aircraft have reportedly continued operating at the airbase, leading some observers to suggest that preparations for the facility may still be ongoing.

The controversy has intensified debate over public health safety, national sovereignty and Kenya’s role in responding to international health emergencies, with the future of the proposed Ebola treatment centre now resting on the outcome of ongoing court proceedings.

APC Governorship Candidate Kingsley Chinda Officially Resigns

By
Enyosa Favour
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0

The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, has formally resigned from his leadership position and officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, announced Chinda’s resignation and defection during plenary on Tuesday as lawmakers resumed legislative activities following a four-week recess.

The break had enabled members of the National Assembly to return to their constituencies and participate in their respective political parties’ primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The announcement officially puts an end to weeks of speculation over Chinda’s political future after he took part in the APC governorship primary in Rivers State without publicly announcing his resignation from either the PDP or his position as Minority Leader.

Details contained in his resignation letter showed that he stepped down from the leadership position with effect from April 23, 2026.

In the letter addressed to the Speaker, Chinda expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as leader of the opposition caucus in the House.

“I formally tender my resignation from the position of Minority Leader of the House of Representatives with effect from the 23rd day of April 2026.

“It has been a profound honour and privilege to serve in this capacity, representing the collective interest of the minority caucus and contributing to the legislative work of the House.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to evolve under your leadership and alongside distinguished colleagues in advancing democratic governance and national development.

“I remain fully committed to my duties as a member of the House. I will continue to support the work of the legislature in every way possible,” the letter read.

Despite the significance of the development, Chinda was absent from Tuesday’s plenary session when the Speaker formally informed lawmakers of his resignation.

PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported that the Rivers politician participated in the APC governorship primary without making a formal declaration of his defection on the floor of the House.

The publication also contacted the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP faction aligned with Nyesom Wike, who confirmed that Chinda had resigned his membership of the PDP before purchasing the APC governorship nomination form and contesting in the party’s primary election.

However, before the House proceeded on recess, no official announcement of his resignation or defection had been made during plenary, sparking debates within political and legislative circles.

The controversy was heightened by the fact that Chinda occupied one of the highest-ranking opposition positions in the House of Representatives.

Critics questioned whether he could continue to serve as Minority Leader after leaving the party that nominated him for the role.

Responding to those concerns, House spokesperson Akin Rotimi had earlier clarified that Chinda properly notified the House leadership of his resignation before lawmakers embarked on recess.

According to Rotimi, the Speaker’s office received Chinda’s resignation letter, noting that there is no constitutional or parliamentary requirement mandating such letters to be read during plenary.

“Chinda actually sent his resignation. The leadership of the House and the office of the Speaker duly received that letter. The House has been on recess since,” Mr Rotimi said.

He further explained that while lawmakers often announce defections publicly during plenary, the practice is based largely on parliamentary convention rather than legal obligation.

“It is not a constitutional provision, it is not a provision of the Electoral Act, and it is not in the House rules that it is compulsory that a resignation letter from a party should be read on the floor,” he said.

Rotimi also noted that resignation from a political party is primarily an internal party matter handled at ward and local government levels.

He maintained that concerns regarding whether Chinda improperly retained the office of Minority Leader could only be fully addressed once the House resumed from recess.

Tuesday’s formal announcement has now settled the issue, confirming that Chinda has officially relinquished both his membership of the PDP and his role as leader of the opposition caucus in the House of Representatives.

His exit marks one of the most significant political realignments in the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 elections, given his influence within the PDP and his prominence as a leading opposition figure.

Attention is now expected to shift to the PDP caucus in the House as consultations begin on selecting a new Minority Leader to fill the vacancy created by his resignation.

Chinda joins a growing list of prominent politicians from Rivers State who have recently aligned with the APC as political realignments continue to reshape the state’s political landscape ahead of the next election cycle.

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