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Peter Obi Calls For Tinubu’s Resignation, Alleges Failure In Governance And Leadership

By
Enyosa Favour
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Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to resign, citing what he described as a “monumental failure in governance” and worsening conditions across the country.

Obi made the demand in a statement posted on his X account on Monday, drawing comparisons with the recent resignation announcement by former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. According to him, the development highlights the importance of accountability and responsibility in public office.

The former Anambra State governor argued that Starmer’s decision to step down amid public dissatisfaction over economic challenges and unmet promises offers valuable lessons for democratic leadership.

Obi recalled that before becoming president, Tinubu had repeatedly urged former President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over issues relating to insecurity and economic hardship.

“Before 2015, our President on several occasions championed the call for the then President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over economic hardship and insecurity affecting Nigerians. During the Chibok school kidnapping incident, he demanded the immediate resignation of President Jonathan, arguing that the government had failed in its most fundamental duty of protecting lives,” Obi stated.

He also referenced several promises Tinubu made during the 2023 presidential campaign, particularly those concerning electricity supply, anti-corruption efforts and improved welfare for Nigerians.

“During the 2023 election campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made several promises, including improved electricity supply. He also challenged the electorate not to vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver on those commitments—particularly in providing stable power, fighting corruption, and improving the welfare of Nigerians,” the former Anambra State governor stated.

According to Obi, the situation in the country has deteriorated since Tinubu assumed office, with key sectors experiencing setbacks rather than improvements.

“At present, however, these conditions have worsened. Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased. Similar concerns are reflected across other critical sectors such as security, infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts, all of which have regressed. We are in the worst possible condition,” he said.

Obi maintained that the current state of affairs requires accountability from the nation’s leadership and urged the president to step down.

“I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance. Such a gesture would help enthrone a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility, rather than further entrenching impunity.

“It would also send a powerful message that public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement, and help build a society in which future leaders understand that failure carries consequences. Only by ending the culture of impunity can we secure a better future for the society our children will inherit in a New Nigeria that is possible,” Obi noted.

The former presidential candidate further stressed that accountability and responsible leadership remain essential to strengthening democratic institutions and rebuilding public confidence in governance.

Messi Becomes World Cup’s All-Time Leading Scorer

By
Emenike Agu
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It is fast becoming a Golden Boot race for the ages.

Lionel Messi leads the way with five goals from two games. Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are second in the standings with four goals each.

This is only the second time in World Cup history where three players have scored four or more times after two matches – and the first since since 1954.

It was another extraordinary few hours of goalscoring from some of the best forwards football has seen.

Messi was up first – breaking the World Cup goals record with a double for Argentina against Austria. 

Mbappe responded in kind with two goals in France’s weather -delayed victory against Iraq on his 100th international appearance.

And it was Haaland’s turn soon after, scoring twice as Norway beat Senegal to qualify for the last 32. Not a bad start to his own World Cup career.

Anything one can do, the others can do better. It has that feel about it at the moment – and this is before Harry Kane has the chance to add to his opening-day double as England face Ghana on Tuesday.

There is a growing sense we are seeing something special as the world’s best set records tumbling on the sport’s biggest stage.

French football expert Julien Laurens told BBC Sport: “With the big stars, they want the ball all the time.

“I guess part of it is that they’re not just chasing the Golden Boot, a handful of them are chasing the all-time record too.”

Records fall on ‘superstar day’

This tournament started with Germany’s Miroslav Klose top of the all-time World Cup goalscoring charts with 16 goals.

Two games in and 38-year-old Messi now leads the way with 18 goals from 28 World Cup games, having scored all five of Argentina’s goals so far at this edition.

But Mbappe isn’t far behind.

The Frenchman has pulled level with Klose, scoring 16 goals in as many matches, and will have his sights set on becoming the first striker to win multiple Golden Boots – as will Kane – and eclipsing Messi’s total.

Laurens said: “We thought it could be the Kylian Mbappe show again because of the incredible record he is chasing, now owned by Lionel Messi.”

And how long before we are talking about Manchester City’s scoring phenomenon Haaland with the record in his sights? It won’t be by the end of this tournament – but if he keeps up his current rate he will be in the mix in the future.

The 25-year-old is just the sixth player to score multiple goals in each of his first two World Cup appearances – and has a remarkable tally of 59 goals in 52 Norway appearances.

Former Scotland striker Ally McCoist told ITV: “In terms of natural footballing ability, Messi is out in front, with Kylian Mbappe probably in second. But in front of goal Haaland is as good as it gets.

“It is impossible to compare these players. Harry Kane is a better all-round footballer than Haaland as well.

“But in terms of putting the ball in the back of the net, Haaland is probably the best out there. When it comes to finishing, he takes some beating.”

Ex-England midfielder Karen Carney added: “It was a superstar day. Messi stole the show, but what performances from Mbappe and Haaland as well. Let’s hope Harry Kane can get in on the act on Tuesday.”

Andy Burnham Sworn In As MP As Keir Starmer’s Resigns

By
Enyosa Favour
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Andy Burnham has officially been sworn in as a Member of Parliament, a development that comes shortly after Keir Starmer announced his resignation as British Prime Minister and Labour Party leader.

The political transition has generated strong reactions among voters in areas where Labour has recently lost ground to Reform UK, with many residents expressing support for Starmer’s departure while remaining uncertain about what Burnham’s emergence could mean for the future.

In West Bromwich town centre, residents shared their views following Starmer’s resignation. The area reflects the broader political challenges facing Labour after Reform UK made significant gains in recent local elections.

Last month, Sandwell Council shifted from Labour control to Reform UK, ending Labour’s 47-year dominance in the local authority.

For Labour to retain power at the next general election, analysts believe the party must regain support in communities like West Bromwich.

Among those welcoming Starmer’s exit was resident Dave Holmes, who said the former prime minister’s policy reversals had undermined public confidence in his leadership.

“About time. He’s useless. He says one thing then changes his mind,” Holmes said.

“He’s bad, I don’t like him. I’ve not seen much integrity from him. But it’s not good to keep changing the prime minister. Let them have their five years.”

Another resident, Mandy Wood, described the resignation as positive news but expressed doubts about whether it would lead to meaningful political change.

“It’s brilliant,” she said.

“But nothing is going to change. I don’t like Labour, I don’t like Keir Starmer. His policies, he’s just turn around, turn around all the while.”

Others were sceptical about Burnham’s potential leadership prospects despite his growing influence within the Labour Party.

Sara Guest said: “We need a total change of government. He’s a weak leader but I don’t think Andy Burnham is going to be any better to be fair. In some ways we think he’s going to be worse, as he’s even more to the left than Keir Starmer is.”

Burnham’s return to Westminster and his swearing-in as an MP have strengthened speculation about his future role within Labour, particularly as the party begins the process of selecting a new leader following Starmer’s resignation.

With Labour facing increasing competition from Reform UK and growing voter dissatisfaction in some traditional strongholds, the leadership contest is expected to shape the party’s direction ahead of the next general election.

Court Orders Sowore Remanded In Kuje Prison Pending Hearing

By
Enyosa Favour
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Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings in his ongoing trial.

The court issued the order on Monday after considering developments surrounding Sowore’s application challenging the revocation of his bail.

In a brief ruling, Justice Umar directed that Sowore remain in custody pending the hearing and determination of his motion seeking a stay of execution of the court’s earlier decision revoking his bail and issuing a bench warrant for his arrest.

The judge also dismissed an application previously filed by Sowore requesting that he withdraw from the case over allegations of bias.

Following the ruling, Justice Umar adjourned the matter until June 24 for the hearing of the application seeking a stay of the bail revocation order and the bench warrant.

The motion was filed by Sowore’s new counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN.

Background to the Bail Revocation

Justice Umar had on June 16 revoked the bail earlier granted to Sowore after the activist and former presidential candidate failed to appear in court for the continuation of his trial.

The decision followed an oral application by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinkolu Kehinde, SAN.

In addition to revoking the bail, the court issued a bench warrant authorising Sowore’s arrest.

Charges Against Sowore

The DSS is prosecuting Sowore over allegations that he made false claims against President Bola Tinubu.

According to the prosecution, Sowore referred to the President as “a criminal” in posts published on his X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts.

The case is expected to continue on June 24 when the court hears arguments on the application seeking to suspend the enforcement of the bail revocation order pending further proceedings.

Ibadan Gridlock As Protesters Demand Release Of Abducted Oyo Schoolchildren and Teachers

By
Enyosa Favour
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Traffic was brought to a standstill at the busy Iwo Road axis of Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Monday as protesters barricaded the popular roundabout in a demonstration against rising insecurity and the continued captivity of abducted schoolchildren and teachers.

The protesters, led by the human rights advocacy group Take It Back Movement, converged on the area around 10 a.m., causing significant gridlock and disrupting movement along one of the city’s busiest routes.

The demonstrators are calling for urgent action to tackle insecurity across Nigeria and demanding the immediate release of the 39 schoolchildren and teachers who were abducted in Oyo State.

Speaking during the protest, the National Coordinator of the Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the demonstration was part of an ongoing campaign launched by the organisation following the abduction of the pupils and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State in May.

According to him, “We will continue to protest for the release of all abducted victims until they are free. We believe that government officials are in the comfort of their rooms and offices while innocent 46 students and their teachers are languishing in the kidnappers’ den.

“We are demanding freedom for all captives in the North, South, West and East of Nigeria.”

Sanyaolu criticised political leaders for focusing on preparations for the 2027 elections while insecurity continues to threaten the lives of citizens across the country.

He added, “We will not be sitting until 2027. By that time, we won’t even know how many will be alive. So that is why we are at the heart of Ibadan in Oyo State, where the abduction took place. The state and federal governments must act or they will continue to witness mass action.”

The protest drew attention from commuters and residents, with demonstrators carrying banners and placards bearing messages calling for an end to kidnappings and improved security measures nationwide.

The abduction of the schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State has continued to generate concern among residents and civil society groups, who have repeatedly urged authorities to intensify efforts to secure their release and address the growing security challenges facing the country.

Ex Justice Minister Jailed 25 Years Over Martial Law Attempt

By
Enyosa Favour
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A South Korean court has sentenced former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae to 25 years in prison for his role in former president Yoon Suk Yeol’s short-lived and controversial declaration of martial law in 2024.

The Seoul Central District Court found Park guilty of involvement in an “insurrection,” according to a recording of the court’s verdict shared online.

Yoon’s late-night declaration of martial law in December 2024 lasted only about six hours before lawmakers rushed to the National Assembly and voted to overturn it during an emergency session.

The former president has since been convicted of leading an insurrection and remains in detention while appealing a life sentence.

Earlier this month, Yoon was also handed a 30-year prison term after being found guilty of sending drones to North Korea in an attempt to “manufacture a national crisis” that could justify the imposition of martial law.

Prosecutors said Park convened a meeting of justice ministry officials in the early hours following the declaration and reviewed prison capacity in preparation for the possible arrest of anti-government figures.

“Due to the actions of the defendant, the country nearly faced a situation in which the people’s fundamental rights and the basic order of liberal democracy could have been violated,” presiding judge Lee Jin-gwan said on Monday.

The judge further stated that as justice minister, Park “ignored the various opinions that had been raised at the meeting regarding the illegality of the Dec 3 insurrection.”

Prosecutors had requested a 20-year sentence, arguing that Park had “reduced the law to a tool of insurrection in his abuse of power and posed a challenge to the rule of law.”

Although Park had been standing trial while free, he was taken into custody immediately after the court delivered its verdict.

Yoon’s surprise late-night televised announcement of martial law plunged South Korea into one of the most significant political crises in its recent history. The declaration sparked nationwide protests, unsettled financial markets, and caught major allies, including the United States, off guard.

Several senior officials linked to the failed martial law move have also received lengthy prison sentences.

Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is currently serving a 15-year prison term, while former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min was sentenced to nine years in prison.

Last week, former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun received a three-year jail sentence for disclosing classified military information connected to the insurrection.

Meanwhile, Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon Hee, is serving a four-year prison sentence for stock manipulation and bribery offences unrelated to the martial law controversy.

The convictions mark another chapter in the legal fallout from the failed martial law declaration that shook South Korea’s political landscape and led to the downfall of one of the country’s most controversial administrations.

Ebola Outbreak In Eastern Congo Passes 1,000 As Deaths Rise

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have confirmed that an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the country’s east has surpassed 1,000 recorded infections, with the death toll now reaching 254, as efforts to control the spread continue to face major obstacles.

According to the country’s Ministry of Health, a total of 1,003 confirmed cases have been recorded since the outbreak was declared on May 15 in Ituri province. Officials also report that 100 people have recovered, while at least 365 patients remain in hospitals or isolation centres receiving treatment.

The outbreak, which is linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has been described by health authorities as extremely difficult to contain, with concerns that the true number of infections may be significantly higher than confirmed figures suggest. Officials warn that the peak of the outbreak may still lie ahead.

One of the biggest challenges facing responders is contact tracing. Authorities say they have only managed to trace about 55% of known contacts, leaving a large gap in efforts to track and contain further transmission. More than 35,000 people are believed to have had contact with infected individuals, but many have yet to be followed up.

Health experts also say the origin of the outbreak remains unclear, with the so-called “patient zero” still unidentified. This has made it difficult to establish how and when the outbreak began, further complicating containment efforts.

The situation in eastern Congo has been worsened by ongoing insecurity in the region. Armed conflict involving rebel groups, including the Allied Democratic Forces, has disrupted access to affected communities, forcing many residents to flee and limiting the reach of health workers. Overcrowded displacement camps and constant population movement have also increased the risk of further spread.

Officials and international health experts have warned that the outbreak is still growing faster than response efforts, with the full scale of the crisis yet to be determined as containment operations continue under difficult conditions.

Cape Verde Capturing Hearts At The World Cup As Dream Of Knockout Stage Grows

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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Cape Verde are quickly emerging as one of the standout stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with their fearless performances putting them within touching distance of a historic place in the knockout rounds.

The island nation had already stunned observers earlier in the tournament by holding Spain to a draw in their debut match, a result that came against a side ranked significantly higher in the world standings. They followed that up with another impressive display on Sunday, drawing 2-2 with Uruguay in a match that further strengthened their growing reputation.

Against Uruguay, Cape Verde once again showed a blend of attacking confidence and defensive discipline. They pressed forward with intent, created meaningful chances, and showed resilience under pressure from a two-time World Cup-winning side. Their performance was highlighted by moments of quality, including a stunning long-range free-kick and a composed finish that helped them earn a valuable point.

The result has left Cape Verde in a strong position in their group, sitting level on points with Uruguay and still firmly in contention for qualification. With one match remaining against Saudi Arabia, their fate remains in their own hands as they chase a place in the Round of 32.

Much of the attention around Cape Verde has also focused on their remarkable rise as a footballing nation. With a population of just over half a million, the team continues to defy expectations against far more established opponents. Their performances have drawn widespread praise for their energy, creativity and fearlessness on the world stage.

Beyond the results, the team has captured global attention for their spirit and style of play. Their ability to compete against top-tier opposition has made them one of the most admired debutant stories in recent World Cup history, with growing belief that they can take the next step into the knockout rounds.

As the group stage approaches its decisive final round, Cape Verde’s journey remains one of the tournament’s most compelling narratives. A victory in their last game could confirm a historic progression and further cement their status as one of the World Cup’s most surprising and inspiring teams.

2026 FIFA World Cup: Teams Through To Round Of 32 And Countries Eliminated

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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The race for the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is gathering pace, with several nations already securing their places in the Round of 32, while others have seen their campaigns come to an early end after two group matches.

With one round of group-stage fixtures still to be played for many teams, only a handful of nations have mathematically qualified or been eliminated. Several heavyweight sides remain on course to progress, while qualification battles in most groups are still wide open.

Countries That Have Qualified For The Round Of 32

Three teams have officially booked their places in the knockout stage after winning their opening two group matches.

Mexico

Co-hosts Mexico became the first nation to qualify for the Round of 32 after recording victories over South Africa and South Korea. Their six-point haul guarantees a top-two finish in Group A and also secures top spot in the group before the final matchday.

United States

The United States followed Mexico into the knockout rounds after defeating Paraguay and Australia. The Americans lead Group D with six points and cannot be overtaken by enough teams to lose their qualification place. Their final group fixture against Türkiye will have no bearing on their progression.

Germany

Germany also sealed qualification after back-to-back victories over Curaçao and Ivory Coast. Their 2-1 win over the Ivorians, combined with Ecuador’s draw against Curaçao, confirmed the Germans as Group E winners with one game to spare.

Countries Eliminated From The Tournament

Three teams have already been knocked out after suffering two defeats in their opening group matches.

Tunisia

Tunisia became the latest nation to be eliminated after a 4-0 defeat to Japan. Having previously lost 5-1 to Sweden, the Carthage Eagles remain without a point and can no longer finish in the qualification places in Group F.

Haiti

Haiti’s hopes ended following a 3-0 defeat to Brazil after opening their campaign with a 1-0 loss to Scotland. The Caribbean side are rooted to the bottom of Group C with no points and cannot recover despite having one match remaining.

Türkiye

Türkiye also exited the competition after consecutive defeats to Australia and Paraguay. The European side have failed to collect a point in Group D, leaving them unable to qualify for the knockout phase.

Heavyweights Close To Qualification

A number of football heavyweights are in strong positions heading into the final round of group matches.

Brazil and Morocco lead Group C with four points each, while the Netherlands and Japan occupy the top two spots in Group F.

Spain sit atop Group H with four points, while Uruguay and Cape Verde remain in contention behind them. Canada and Switzerland also share the lead in Group B on four points apiece.

Elsewhere, Egypt top Group G with four points, while France, Argentina, England, Colombia and Norway have all made positive starts and remain firmly in contention to reach the Round of 32.

Qualification Race Remains Open

Although only three teams have officially progressed and three have been eliminated, the majority of groups remain finely balanced.

Under the expanded 48-team format, the top two teams in each of the 12 groups qualify automatically for the Round of 32, alongside the eight best third-placed teams. As a result, many countries still have realistic hopes of advancing, with the final round of group-stage fixtures set to determine most of the remaining knockout places.

Why JAMB Scrapped Affiliated Degree Programmes In Colleges Of Education

By
Enyosa Favour
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0

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially ended admissions into affiliated degree programmes offered by Colleges of Education across Nigeria, introducing a major change to the country’s teacher education system.

The decision, contained in JAMB’s newly released NCE/ND Agric Registration Guidelines for the 2026/2027 academic session, effectively makes the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) the only entry route into Colleges of Education.

Under the new policy, JAMB stated that “no admission into any affiliated programme in any College of Education from 2026/7 Session.”

The Board further declared that direct admission into 100 and 200 levels in Colleges of Education would no longer be permitted.

“With effect from 2026/7 Session, no admission into 100 or 200 Level is allowed into any College of Education. All entrants are through NCE,” the Board stated.

The move brings an end to a long-standing arrangement that allowed Colleges of Education to offer degree programmes through affiliations with conventional universities.

Why Did JAMB Scrap Affiliated Degree Programmes?

The decision appears to be part of efforts to reinforce the NCE as the foundational qualification for teacher education in Nigeria.

For years, affiliated degree programmes enabled students to earn university degrees while studying in Colleges of Education through partnerships with universities. However, the new policy places renewed emphasis on the NCE pathway, making it the compulsory route for all fresh entrants into Colleges of Education from the 2026/2027 academic session.

By ending admissions into affiliated degree programmes and stopping direct entry into 100 and 200 levels, JAMB is effectively restructuring admission processes within Colleges of Education and standardising entry requirements across the system.

The Board also stressed that all admissions into Colleges of Education would now begin through the NCE programme, reinforcing its role as the primary qualification for teacher training.

What Happens to Candidates Already Seeking Admission?

To ease the transition, JAMB outlined several options for candidates who had already applied for affiliated degree programmes through Colleges of Education.

For Direct Entry candidates, the Board said affected applicants may change their institution at no cost, transfer to the parent university affiliated with the degree programme, or allow their second-choice institution to become their first choice for admission processing.

“A candidate may choose to be moved to the parent university to which the Degree programme is affiliated,” the Board said.

Candidates were also given until June 22 to complete any changes to their admission choices.

For UTME candidates seeking admission into affiliated Colleges of Education, JAMB provided three alternatives: change institution, elevate a second-choice institution to first choice, or migrate to the NCE programme.

“The candidate may be moved to the NCE programme of the institution, on the understanding that the choice of the College of Education indicates an interest in pursuing the NCE qualification,” JAMB explained.

The Board added that candidates who choose the NCE option would be required to obtain an O’Level verification code from the appropriate examination body and pay a ₦700 registration fee through the JAMB portal.

JAMB also warned that any candidate who opts for the NCE route and is recommended for admission would have any existing UTME or Direct Entry admission process suspended.

“Anyone who chooses NCE and s/he is proposed/recommended, would have any ongoing UTME/DE process suspended,” the Board stated.

Conclusion

JAMB’s decision marks the end of affiliated degree admissions in Colleges of Education and represents one of the most significant reforms in Nigeria’s teacher education sector in recent years.

By making the NCE the sole entry route into Colleges of Education, the Board is redefining how teacher training institutions admit students while reinforcing the NCE as the foundation for teacher education in the country.

The policy is expected to affect thousands of prospective students and institutions, but JAMB has provided transition options for affected candidates while directing Colleges of Education, registration centres and its officials nationwide to ensure full compliance with the new guidelines.

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