ADC will continue to be your nightmare, Dino Melaye replies Tinubu

Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has declared that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will continue to pose a serious political challenge to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Melaye made the remarks in Abuja during a press conference organised by the National Forum of Legislators within the ADC, where he criticised the current administration over insecurity and economic management.

According to him, the ADC’s growing coalition would remain a source of concern for the President because of what he described as worsening national conditions.

“Tinubu doesn’t care, and the whole world is watching to see what they will do,” Melaye said, lamenting the state of insecurity across the country.

He also questioned the Federal Government’s borrowing pattern, drawing comparisons with the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Melaye claimed that Nigeria’s debt profile has risen sharply despite the removal of fuel subsidies, challenging authorities to account for how borrowed funds have been utilised.

“With subsidy, Buhari borrowed N87 trillion in eight years. Without subsidy, Tinubu so far in three years borrowed N167 trillion. I want anybody to show me what we have done with that money,” he said.

The former lawmaker further alleged irregularities in the award of a major infrastructure project, claiming it was granted without competitive bidding. He also criticised what he described as inappropriate conduct relating to national honours and judicial matters.

Melaye accused the President of making statements capable of influencing the judiciary, particularly regarding ongoing disputes involving the ADC. He argued that no court had declared the party’s convention illegal, insisting that any such pronouncement should be left to the courts.

The Kogi ex-lawmaker dismissed suggestions that the opposition was merely attempting to intimidate the President, insisting instead that the ADC would intensify its political challenge.

“Saying that we want to scare him shows that he’s already scared—and really, we are going to scare him; we will continue to scare him,” he added.

10 things to know about Oba Femi, Nigerian WWE rising star

Nigerian powerhouse Oba Femi has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in WWE, especially after his stunning WrestleMania debut against Brock Lesnar.

Here are 10 key things to know about the fast-rising star:

1. He shocked Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania

Femi announced himself on the global stage with a dominant win over Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42, defeating the veteran in under five minutes in one of the night’s biggest moments.

2. His real name is Isaac Odugbesan

Behind the ring persona, Oba Femi was born Isaac Odugbesan, a name that reflects his Nigerian heritage.

3. He is proudly from Lagos, Nigeria

Femi was born and raised in Lagos, where his athletic journey first began before moving abroad to pursue further opportunities.

4. He was a top shot put athlete

Before wrestling, Femi excelled in track and field. He competed in shot put and won SEC Indoor titles in 2021 and 2022 while in the United States.

5. He studied in Nigeria and the US

He started at the University of Lagos before transferring to Middle Tennessee State University and later the University of Alabama, where he completed his college career.

6. WWE discovered him through its NIL programme

Femi joined WWE in 2021 via its “Next in Line” programme, designed to recruit elite athletes into professional wrestling.

7. He dominated in NXT

Before moving to the main roster, Femi built a strong reputation in WWE’s developmental brand, winning titles and establishing himself as a dominant force.

8. He is unbeaten on the main roster

Since his call-up in early 2026, Femi has maintained an undefeated record, quickly rising through the ranks.

9. His finishing move is “Fall From Grace”

Femi’s signature move is a powerful sit-out powerbomb known as “Fall From Grace,” a finisher that has already become feared among opponents.

10. He has already set his sights on Roman Reigns

After his WrestleMania triumph, Femi sent a message to Roman Reigns, hinting at a potential title challenge and signaling his ambition to reach the very top.

Aiyedatiwa suspends union activities at Ondo Poly

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered the immediate ‘suspension of all union activities’ at the state-owned Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), as part of efforts to restore stability in the institution.

The directive was conveyed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the institution’s spokesman, Mr Olumide Olugosi, and made available to journalists in Akure.

In the copy of the statement obtained by The Nation, the decision followed recent developments within the polytechnic, prompting government intervention to ensure normalcy in both academic and administrative operations.

“In line with the government’s directive, Management wishes to inform members of the polytechnic community that the activities of staff unions within the institution have been suspended until further notice,” the statement read.

Although the union leaders in the polytechnic have kicked against the governor’s directive, describing it as ‘draconian.’

However, the statement added that the leadership of the affected unions has also been suspended from official engagements pending further administrative review.

The management further directed all staff to resume their duties immediately, stressing that the measure was necessary to safeguard the academic calendar and maintain order within the institution.

“The Management of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, has directed the immediate resumption of academic and administrative duties by all staff following the intervention of the Ondo State Government in the ongoing industrial situation within the institution.

“This follows directives issued by the Ondo State Government under the leadership of the Governor, Hon. (Dr.) Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, aimed at restoring normalcy and ensuring the continued smooth operation of the Polytechnic,” the statement added.

It also warned that the “No Work, No Pay” policy would be enforced in line with extant Public Service Rules, noting that salaries of staff who fail to comply with the directive would be affected.

The management emphasised that the measures are aimed at restoring stability, ensuring institutional continuity, and safeguarding the academic calendar.

All staff members are hereby directed to resume their official duties immediately in compliance with the Government’s directive.

“Management further notes that the “No Work, No Pay” policy will be enforced in accordance with extant Public Service Rules, and salaries of staff who fail to comply with the directive to resume duty will be affected accordingly.

“These measures, Management emphasises, are aimed at restoring stability, ensuring institutional continuity, and safeguarding the academic calendar of the Polytechnic,” it said.

While reaffirming its commitment to continued engagement with relevant stakeholders, the institution urged all staff to cooperate in the overall interest of the polytechnic.

The polytechnic management reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace, order, and a conducive environment for teaching, learning, and administrative excellence.

Reacting to the directive, a member of ASUP, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said the union would resist every attempt by the government to silence their voice.

“It is surprising that the governor will wake and ally with the management to suspend union activities. This is a draconian decision. We reject it and we shall resist every attempt to silence our voices for demanding what is right,” he said.

The development is believed to be connected to the lingering industrial dispute in the polytechnic over minimum wage-related issue, which had disrupted activities in recent times.

The workers of the polytechnic, under the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) had been raising concerns over the failure of the Governor Aiyedatiwa led administration to implement the minimum wage for them.

The polytechnic staffs had been demanding staff for the payment of the N70, 000 National Minimum Wage.

Last week, the governor constituted a five-member committee to review the implementation of the new minimum wage for polytechnic staff.

The committee, chaired by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Olaolu Akindolire, and announced by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, was set up following a series of engagements with the institution’s management and labour unions over the harmonisation of salary structures.

NANS kicks as abductors of UNIJOS student demand N30m

The National Association of Nigerian Students has condemned the abduction of a student of the University of Jos, John Arum, who was reportedly abducted while travelling to Kaduna, with the abductors demanding a ransom of N30m.

The NANS National President, Olushola Oladoja, in a statement on Tuesday, expressed outrage over the incident, describing it as a reflection of the deteriorating security situation in the country.

NANS said disturbing evidence of the student’s captivity had surfaced in the public domain, showing the conditions under which he is being held and the inhumane treatment meted out to him.

The association stated that the slow response of the authorities towards the student’s plight has also raised concerns.

“It is disturbing and highly challenging to acknowledge that such inhumane treatment can be meted out by one human to another.

“However, what is more perplexing is the apathy and weak response of our security institutions and local authorities at the state and federal levels,” the statement read.

Oladoja described the incident as a reminder of the growing insecurity in Nigeria, particularly the vulnerability of students to criminal activities, and called for urgent intervention by relevant authorities to address both the immediate situation and the broader security challenges facing the country.

He continued, “The horrifying incident that has happened to John is yet another reminder of the steady and unacceptable decline in the safety and security of Nigerian citizens, especially students.

“No Nigerian student should have to endure such acts of wickedness, cruelty, and dehumanising experience, just as no family should be left in anguish due to negligence.

“Silence, delay, or half-measures in moments when decisive action is required only embolden perpetrators and deepen public despair.”

NANS demanded the immediate deployment of intelligence and security resources to secure Arum’s safe release, as well as regular updates to the public on efforts being made, while issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government and the Plateau State Government.

He also called for intensified measures to address the rising cases of kidnapping, abduction, and killings across the country.

“As an organisation, our demands are clear, and failure to meet them within the stipulated timeframe will compel Nigerian students to embark on a nationwide solidarity protest and shutdown of socio-economic and academic activities,” the statement warned.

Oladoja concluded that the association would not remain silent while students continue to face threats to their safety, urging authorities to take decisive action.

Tragedy in Bayelsa as medical doctor dies after giving birth to triplets

A medical doctor, Dr Ere Ogbachi, has died after developing complications following the delivery of triplets in Bayelsa State.

Her death was confirmed in a Facebook post on Wednesday by her brother, Meshack Sintei, who disclosed that she was moved to the Intensive Care Unit of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where she died at about 2:45 am on April 14, 2026.

The family said complications began shortly after the successful delivery, leading to her emergency transfer to intensive care.

“She successfully gave birth to triplets at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital in Okolobiri… complications arose that eventually forced us to rush her to the Intensive Care Unit in FMC Yenagoa,” the statement said.

The family noted that medical personnel battled to save her life at the ICU as her condition worsened rapidly.

“We watched her struggling to live, we watched her gasping for breath, we watched how the team of doctors and other experts in FMC kept trying their best to revive her,” it stated.

They added that her oxygen saturation levels dropped significantly during the emergency response.

“The SpO2 machine in the ICU began reading downwards from 70 to 50 and then to 0,” it said.

Sintei described the loss as devastating, noting that she was a committed medical professional and a new mother of triplets.

“It was a painful experience… my beloved sister died at exactly 2:45 am on April 14th 2026. A generation has been lost, and the Sintei family mourns,” he said.

He added that she “was a fighter to the end,” while appreciating the support received from friends and well-wishers.

Until her death, Dr Ogbachi was a wife, mother of triplets, a medical doctor, registrar at NDUTH, member of the Nigerian Medical Association, and an alumna of Niger Delta University.