The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, on Wednesday warned that the scale of insecurity across different parts of Nigeria poses a major threat to the conduct of free and fair elections. Amupitan made the remark during a visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, in Abuja, as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections. He said the prevailing security challenges, including violence and threats to electoral processes, could undermine credible polls if not properly addressed. Amupitan said, “In Nigeria, our electoral system has placed numerous challenges over the years, ranging from malpractices to threats of violence, vote trading that undermine the confidence of the electorates. “These challenges not only affect the outcome of our elections, but also pose significant risks to our national security. Thus, it is imperative that we address these concerns with utmost seriousness and resolve. In this regard, I would like to emphasise the importance of the proactive security measures. “The scale of insecurity across the various parts of Nigeria presents a threat to the conduct of the fair election. It is essential that we carry out total security risk analysis ahead of the election and this will enable us to identify potential flashpoints and deploy appropriate strategies to mitigate risks, thereby safeguarding voters, electoral officials and the integrity of the electoral process.” According to him, such measures would help identify flashpoints and enable the deployment of strategies to safeguard voters, electoral officials and the integrity of the process. Amupitan noted that elections scheduled for January 16, 2027 (presidential) and February 6, 2027 (governorship and state assemblies) require strong collaboration between INEC and security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police, which leads electoral security operations. He added that ongoing electoral activities, including party congresses and forthcoming primaries under the Electoral Act 2026, further heighten the need for proactive security planning. The INEC chairman also highlighted upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as well as several by-elections across the country, describing them as critical tests for Nigeria’s democracy. On humanitarian concerns, Amupitan drew attention to Internally Displaced Persons camps across the country, insisting that displaced citizens must not be disenfranchised. “I also want to draw attention to several IDP camps that are scattered all over Nigeria. Let me say that it is their right to also vote, and they must not be disenfranchised. “As the electoral body, we are doing everything to ensure that all those in IDP camps are given the conducive environment to exercise their franchise, and also the people with disabilities. So therefore, we commend all these people, categories of persons, persons in IDP camps, as well as persons with disabilities to the IG for special attention and care,” he said. Responding, the Inspector-General of Police assured that the Force would adopt intelligence-led deployment and preventive policing strategies to address emerging threats such as political violence, arms proliferation, cyber manipulation, and attacks on electoral infrastructure. Disu said the police had commenced nationwide threat assessments and intelligence mapping, and would work closely with other security agencies to ensure adequate protection of electoral personnel, materials and facilities. He also pledged strict enforcement of electoral laws, warning that offenders involved in vote-buying, ballot snatching, voter intimidation and destruction of electoral materials would be arrested and prosecuted. The police chief further emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration, real-time intelligence sharing, and training of personnel to ensure professionalism and public confidence in the electoral process. He said, “I assure you that the police will enforce electoral laws firmly and professionally. I want to repeat that again. We will ensure that we enforce electoral laws firmly and we do it professionally. “I want to emphasise that individuals involved in ballot matching, vote buying, voter intimidation, destruction of electoral materials, violent destruction of polls or attack on electoral officials will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the laws.” On the IDP, the IG said, “You mentioned the issue of people in the IDP camp. We have noted that they are in our plans. People with disability have been taken into cognisance and special plans have been put in place for them.”

Petroleum product marketers and retailers have hinted at a possible fresh petrol price drop as Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, partners with Chinese firms to restart Port Harcourt and Warri refineries. THENEWSCREDIT reports that after a long wait, NNPCL on April 30, 2026, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sanjiang Chemical Company and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co., Limited, to support the completion of Port Harcourt and Warri refineries. Recall that in May last year, the Port Harcourt refinery was shut down for scheduled maintenance. Since then, the state-owned refinery, together with Warri and Kaduna, has remained closed despite gulping around $18 billion and $25 billion on rehabilitation for the last two decades. Dangote Refinery, a private-owned plant in Lagos, became the lifeline. While debate on the sustainability of the Nigerian refineries has remained critical, the Bayo Ojulari-led NNPCL’s recent move with Chinese firms leaves more expectations in the minds of stakeholders and Nigerians. This becomes more important as the over two months old Middle East crisis leaves Nigeria and global economies in a precarious state. The ripple effect of the Iran-United States-Israel war has made crude oil and domestic petrol prices double. Checks by THENEWSCREDIT showed that Brent AND West Texas Intermediate stood at $112 and $104 per barrel, respectively, as domestic fuel rose to between N1,364 and N1,380 per liter from around N800 per liter in Abuja. Increased petrol prices have pushed transportation costs up in Nigeria in the last two months, further worsening the economic hardship for many Nigerians. Speaking on the development, the national president of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, said the restart of Nigerian refineries with NNPCL and Chinese firms’ MoU implementation would boost in-country refined product refining, adding that higher competition of local refined petroleum products will shoot down the prices. “What we know is that the more refined products we get from any country, the higher the competition, driving down the price of any refined product, whether it’s PMS, AGO, aviation petrol, or any other. So it’s a good project. “It’s been a long time coming, but now it’s there, so we are happy that this has happened,” he told THENEWSCREDIT. Give incentive to Nigerians, marketers — IPMAN tells FG On his part, spokesperson of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Chinedu Ukadike, while noting that the restart of Nigerian refineries is most important at this time, urged the Nigerian government to roll out incentives for Nigerians and marketers to cushion the impact of petrol price volatility. “Provide incentives for motorists and also marketers in terms of funding. At that level marketers will reduce their prices at the pumps. “Again, the Nigerian government refineries should be restarted to be able to boost in-country refining,” he told THENEWSCREDIT.

The Federal Government has urged closer cooperation between the media, public institutions and other stakeholders to confront the rising spread of disinformation and misinformation. It described the challenge as a growing threat to public trust and national cohesion. The call was made on Monday in Abuja by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during the 2026 World Press Freedom Day event held at Radio House. This was disclosed in a statement by Idris’s media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, on Monday. The minister said, “This administration has prioritised collaboration with media stakeholders and international partners to promote responsible journalism, counter disinformation and misinformation.” Idris reaffirmed the government’s support for press freedom, stressing that it remains a constitutionally guaranteed right that must be protected while being exercised responsibly. “The Federal Government fully recognises press freedom as a fundamental right and remains committed to fostering an environment where the media can operate freely, safely, and responsibly, in accordance with democratic principles and the rule of law,” he stated. He explained that under President Bola Tinubu, the government has taken steps aimed at improving openness in governance and expanding public access to information. According to him, these efforts include greater engagement with the media, enforcement of the Freedom of Information Act, and the strengthening of public communication channels. The minister also referenced Nigeria’s collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in setting up the International Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja, which he described as an important initiative for strengthening critical thinking and responsible information use. “This pioneering initiative reflects our commitment to strengthening media and information literacy, empowering citizens to engage with information critically, and promoting responsible communication in the digital age,” the minister added. He further called on journalists to remain committed to ethical reporting, professionalism and fairness, noting that press freedom must be balanced with accountability. “The true test of press freedom lies not in our declarations, but in our actions, how safely journalists can do their work, how truthfully information is shared, and how responsibly it is consumed,” he said. In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Binyerem Ukaire, said the occasion provided an opportunity to deepen cooperation among stakeholders in the media and information space. “This gathering reflects our shared commitment to strengthening press freedom and fostering a more informed and inclusive society. “It provides an opportunity for constructive engagement on how best to advance a media environment that is both free and responsible,” she said. She noted that the rapid growth of digital platforms has intensified the spread of false information, making coordinated institutional responses more urgent. “The expansion of digital platforms has introduced new complexities that require coordinated institutional responses, especially in addressing misinformation and strengthening public trust,” she noted. Ukaire added that the ministry would continue to support dialogue, partnerships and professional standards within the media sector. The Federal Government restated its commitment to working with local and international partners, the media and civil society to strengthen an information ecosystem that supports democracy, unity and sustainable development. The event was attended by the Inspector General of Police, represented by FPRO, DCP Anthony Placid; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, represented by Director of Protocol M. O. Chukwuka; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council, Dilli Ezughah; Head of UNESCO Abuja Office, represented by the Head of Communication and Information Sector, Yachat Nuhu.

A man once shared a personal experience with me. He said he met a wealthy woman through a mutual friend shortly after returning from abroad, at a time when he was struggling to find his footing financially. The lady wasted no time inviting him to her base in Abuja, offered him accommodation in her house, and promised to “fix” him job-wise. He said that before he knew what was happening, he had spent about two years in her house with no source of livelihood. He also said that the worst part of his ordeal was getting to the gate (when she had left for work) only to find out that it was locked from the outside. One day, he called someone to help him break the lock from outside. Immediately, he received a call from the lady, asking what he was trying to do and threatening to send soldiers if he tried any “further nonsense.” He said two things became very clear to him that day: There were cameras in the house, which he didn’t know about. He had become a prisoner of love. So, he began to devise means of escape. Unfortunately (or fortunately?), his mother died around that period, and he told her he would be attending the burial and even asked her to come along. He said it was the invitation he extended to her and the assurance that they would return together that made her relaxed enough to let him go. She explained that work wouldn’t permit her, and he travelled alone. He said that immediately after his mother’s burial, he left the country again and changed his phone number. He swore that his life (even if he was flipping burgers) was far happier abroad. He does not believe that he walked into that situation with his eyes wide open. Any man who has not conditioned himself to rather become a wood picker (not demeaning, please) than place his economic hope in a woman will have unpleasant surprises waiting for him down the line. The man who has the capacity to pull his economic weight in marriage but is not doing so will have himself to blame. Don’t become that man whose wife always calls one ex or another for favours, because most of those favours will be repaid in kind. The easiest man for a woman to yield to is the one who always has her back economically. Many married women are now involved in sugar daddy affairs. Some of them say it is the feeling of being catered for that makes it enjoyable. I don’t know how capable any man expects the woman who puts food on his table to see him! How does a man reduce himself to the point that if a woman doesn’t bring food home, he is unable to feed himself, and without her pay cheque, his bills cannot be paid? Even if she earns more, your economic efforts should still be felt in that home. The calibre of men I find most pathetic are those with no source of income who, rather than roll up their sleeves to change their economic narrative, are busy searching for a comfortable woman to marry. Men should beware of women who are willing to marry them at all costs. Experience has shown that woe may follow if it turns out that you are not even worth all that trouble. A real man should reject (with all his being) the reality of any woman carrying him economically; whatever is left of the man in you may never recover from that ordeal. It is simply pathetic for any man to be busy looking for a rich woman to marry instead of developing himself and building his own economic strength. Do you really need to be told that you can never be a man in the eyes of a woman who knows you cannot provide for yourself unless she gives you? The most important natural assignment that qualifies you as a real man is your ability to put food on your own table, not the activities of your third leg. It is okay to blame the economy, but is the woman putting food in your mouth operating in a different economy? When some men complain about the unbelievable excesses of their women, I bluntly tell them to go and reclaim the self-dignity that laziness has cost them. Do you know that what sustains some men is the food that other men (sleeping with their wives) put on their table? The worth of a real man is hard to miss, and women think twice before crossing certain lines with a man who is worth his weight in gold.

Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has revealed that she no longer attends physical church services on Sundays, citing discomfort over constant media attention. In a video shared on her snapchat handle on Sunday, the actress was seen preparing breakfast for her children and getting them ready for church when she addressed her absence from in-person services. “Do not ask if I am going to church. I am not going to church. Anytime I go to church, it is me that they take picture of. I will join online,” she said. Akindele, who is known to attend the Celestial Church of Christ, suggested that frequent attention from media teams and congregants has made it difficult for her to worship without distraction. Her comments have since generated mixed reactions on social media, with users debating whether the attention she receives in church settings justifies her decision. A user, ‘deola. (#deyola_a), questioned the practice, writing, “Funke Akindele said she’s stopped going to church because the camera is always on her whenever she’s in church. But why do the media team do this? They do this a lot in Harvesters too. Why?” Another user, Jura (#pikaj007), suggested she consider other churches with less focus on celebrities, noting that some congregations are more accustomed to high-profile worshippers. However, Promise Ben (#promise_ben10) disagreed with her stance, arguing that public attention is not limited to church settings and questioning her reasoning. Other users backed the actress, including LARRIEISGOOD (#larrieisgood), who said distractions from people taking photos of celebrities during services can affect genuine worship. Similarly, HANDAYA (@HANDINO_) criticised media teams for excessive coverage of individuals during services, urging them to allow people focus during worship. Another user, BLAZE (@dontplaywblaze), said they could relate to her experience, noting that they had also stepped back from physical attendance due to similar distractions. Despite stepping back from physical attendance, Akindele maintained that she would continue to participate in church services online.

The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has established a specialised Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, in all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory as part of fresh efforts to tackle rising insecurity across the country. The directive, which takes effect from May 2, 2026, is aimed at strengthening rapid response to serious crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, and cult-related violence. According to police authorities, the new unit will operate as an intelligence-driven strike force, designed to respond swiftly to violent incidents while improving coordination among commands nationwide. According to Nigeria Newsdesk, a senior police official explained that the move is part of ongoing reforms to reposition the force for better efficiency and professionalism. As part of the restructuring, existing non-specialised tactical teams at state levels are to be disbanded and absorbed into the new unit. “The unit is designed to serve as a specialised and rapid response force against violent crime nationwide,” the source said. In implementation of the directive, selected commanders have been invited to Abuja for operational briefings, while in Bayelsa State, CSP Chris Nwaogbo has been appointed to head the unit. The IGP also ordered the upgrade of police forensic laboratories and digital intelligence systems, including improvements to the national criminal database to support investigations with modern technology. In addition, the Police Mobile Force is to be refocused strictly on riot control and violent crime response, with personnel withdrawn from non-core duties such as VIP escort. The IGP warned officers attached to the new unit to operate strictly within the law, stressing the need for professionalism and respect for human rights at all times. The development is said to be essential amid growing concerns over insecurity in various parts of the country, with the police leadership pushing reforms aimed at restoring public confidence and improving safety.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has shared a personal and humorous anecdote about a “rapture scare” he experienced, using the story to warn couples against the danger of going to bed with unresolved conflicts. Addressing congregants during the May 2026 Holy Ghost Service at Redemption City, the octogenarian cleric emphasised that the uncertainty of the timing of the rapture should be a primary motivation for maintaining peace within the home. Recounting an incident during a trip to the United States, Adeboye described the moment he woke up in the middle of the night and could not find his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, on the bed. “I woke up, looked to my side, and my wife wasn’t there. I thought she had gone to the toilet,” he said. After checking the ensuite toilet and another one in the sitting room, only to find them empty, he said panic began to set in. He continued, “I went to the sitting room because there’s another toilet there. The toilet there was empty, so I used it. Then I came back, and my wife was still not in bed. Ah, what is she doing? So I went to the toilet in the bedroom, and she was not there. “I went back to the living room, and I checked the door. The door was locked from the inside. Ah.” “I sat on the bed, and I was trembling,” the cleric confessed. “In the cold air-conditioned room, I was sweating. Oh, God, you mean she’s gone, and I’m left behind. Almighty God, what have I done? Why have you left me behind?” he said. According to him, the scare lasted until the Holy Spirit reminded him that his wife had not actually accompanied him on that trip to America. “Thank God for the Holy Spirit. When all of a sudden I remember on that particular trip, she didn’t come with me,” he said. While the story drew laughter from the congregation, Adeboye used the anecdote to drive home a point about marital reconciliation. He cited the biblical prophecy that during the rapture, “two shall be in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.” “That is one of the reasons why I don’t go to bed with any unresolved issue between my wife and me,” he explained. “I don’t want God to come and take her away and leave me on the bed.” Adeboye, who has been married since 1967, told the audience that he remains on a “honeymoon” because “under no circumstance will I go to bed without settling with my wife.” “The sun must not go down on your wrath,” the cleric warned couples. “Ask members of my family,” he concluded. “They will tell you the last prayer I pray every night is: ‘Lord, if you return before tomorrow morning, don’t leave us behind.`” THENEWSCREDIT reported earlier that Adeboye had shared a set of marital guidelines for young men and women, warning that marrying for beauty alone or ignoring practical foundations could lead to a “deep trap.” He was also reported to have stated that Nigeria’s next president, ahead of the 2027 general elections, has already been determined by God, and that divine will ultimately prevail.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has shared a set of marital guidelines for young women, emphasising financial stability and the suitor’s character over religious performance. In an address during the May edition of the Holy Ghost Service, the cleric emphasised that spiritual discernment and domestic competence must outweigh physical attraction and social status. “No matter how religious the brother may be, or how well he prays in tongues, ask him: ‘Have you a job?`” Adeboye said. Citing Genesis 2, he noted that God gave Adam a job before giving him a wife. “Job first, wife later. If he has no job, how is he going to take care of the family? The Bible made it clear that any man who cannot provide for his own home is worse than an infidel.” Why my tenant attacked her daughter with Knife - Lagos Landlord0:00 / 1:01 “If he says I am a contractor, ask him to give you evidence of the contract he had executed before. Otherwise, you will be the contract,” Adeboye added. Warning against “sweet-tongued” men, he quoted Proverbs 29:5 regarding the dangers of flattery. He also humorously recounted his own “bad boy” days before being born again to illustrate how deceptive romantic poetic expressions can be. The cleric concluded by telling women to “pin down” potential suitors on the issue of holiness. He warned that if a man claims to be a child of God but struggles with the commandment “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” the woman should flee. “If he does not believe in holiness, run,” Adeboye said. THENEWSCREDIT reports that while addressing the men during the service, Adeboye warned against being blinded by physical appearance, cautioning that a lack of prayer could lead a man to inadvertently “choose a demon” because of outward beauty. He also urged men not to marry a woman who cannot cook, uses “excessive makeup,” and demands a wedding ceremony that would lead to debt. Adeboye reportedly told church workers that Nigeria’s next president, ahead of the 2027 general elections, has already been determined by God, stressing that the outcome of the election is beyond human influence, and that divine will ultimately prevail.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adeboye, has said that Nigeria’s next president ahead of the 2027 general elections has already been determined by God. Speaking during a workers’ meeting at the Redemption City on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Saturday, Adeboye said the outcome of the election is beyond human influence, insisting that divine will will ultimately prevail. He said, “The next president has already been decided by God who owns the universe. It is not something we can determine by human effort alone. The will of God will be done.” Adeboye cautioned Nigerians against anxiety over political developments, adding that God remains sovereign over the nation’s future. “I never said we should not be involved in politics, but we must understand that God has the final say in the affairs of men,” he said. Adeboye urged citizens to remain prayerful and peaceful as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections. “We should do our part, but we should also keep on praying and trust God. That is what is satisfying to me,” he added. The cleric also reacted to comments credited to activist Omoyele Sowore, who described him, Bishop David Oyedepo and Pastor William Kumuyi as “fathers of Christians in Nigeria.” Adeboye dismissed the description, saying he does not consider himself a father of all Christians in the country. He stressed that leadership of the Christian community in Nigeria rests with the Christian Association of Nigeria, whose president represents Christians nationally. “Sowore said that we are not the fathers of Christians but we are denominational fathers. He is very correct. I don’t want to be father of all Christians in Nigeria. I’m satisfied with being the father of the Redeemed Christian Churh of God. That’s enough assignment for me. “I have never wanted to be the father of all Christians in Nigeria. The CAN President is the father leader of Christians in Nigeria.” Adeboye also addressed claims on social media alleging that the RCCG is an extension of the ruling All Progressives Congress, rejecting the allegation. He added that the church has consistently spoken on national issues affecting citizens, including economic hardship. Nigerian current events The cleric further stated that if the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria were to call for a peaceful protest over governance issues, he would participate, stressing that his position is based on principle rather than politics. “I have protested before during the Goodluck Jonathan administration,” he said. Adeboye also noted that politicians are welcome to attend services at the camp, but emphasised that they would not be allowed to speak or mount the altar for the purpose of campaigning.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday declared a national emergency on insecurity and poverty, describing them as major threats to jobs, productivity, and national stability. Addressing thousands of workers and labour leaders at Eagle Square, the president said decent work cannot thrive in an environment plagued by fear and economic hardship. His remarks aligned with the global May Day theme centred on the Decent Work Agenda championed by the International Labour Organization. Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Tinubu acknowledged that insecurity and poverty remain “significant obstacles,” but maintained that his administration is addressing them with urgency. He highlighted the launch of the Community Protection Guards Initiative, which he said has recruited 45,000 young Nigerians to strengthen community security while creating employment opportunities. The president also outlined key interventions under his Renewed Hope Agenda, including expanded cash transfers reaching 15 million vulnerable households and lifting an estimated 7.5 million Nigerians out of poverty. He added that major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline have generated more than 600,000 jobs nationwide. On workers’ welfare, Tinubu said the government has implemented a new national minimum wage, cleared pension arrears, and reintroduced gratuity payments from January 2026. He further noted that over 800,000 informal sector workers have been enrolled in the micro-pension scheme, while small businesses continue to benefit from a N200 billion MSME support fund. He said: “There cannot be decent work where workers fear for their lives, where wages cannot feed a family, or where insecurity disrupts farms, factories, markets, and other economic activities. These hydra-headed challenges, the government notes, have been treated as a national emergency due to their impact on productivity, livelihoods, and the confidence of both workers and employers. “The administration also acknowledged that insecurity and poverty remain major obstacles to building a peaceful Nigeria where citizens can ‘sleep with their eyes closed,’ and to achieving the Decent Work Agenda as envisioned by the International Labour Organization. “It stressed that the agenda is not merely an international framework but a national imperative, aligned with its vision of a country where hard work is rewarded, opportunities are accessible without discrimination, and every citizen can reach their full potential. “Despite the challenges, the government assured that it is not relenting in its efforts. “It said it is confronting the issues through deliberate, coordinated, and sustained actions, backed by targeted policies and the resilience of security personnel, some of whom have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.” Addressing labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, the president called for sustained dialogue and restraint in industrial disputes. “Strike should be the last resort, not the first,” he said, urging collaboration to achieve lasting reforms. Tinubu also commended security forces for their role in safeguarding economic activities, noting that improved safety is directly linked to job creation and national growth. Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, the president said Nigeria remains on track to overcome insecurity and reduce poverty, pledging a future where “decent work is not a privilege for a few, but a reality for all.”