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Speakership race: Doguwa Abandons G7, Steps Down For Abbas

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The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ado Doguwa, and five other aspirants have stepped down from the Speaker and Deputy Speakership race.

The aspirants announced their withdrawal at a meeting of members-elect under the auspices of the ‘10th Joint Task’ in Abuja on Wednesday night.

The speakership aspirants, Ado Doguwa (APC-Kano), Abdulraheem Olaoye (APC-Ogun), Makki Yalleman (APC-Jigawa) stepped down for Tajudeen Abbas (APC-Kaduna)

Also, the deputy speakership aspirants, Abiola Makinde (APC-Ondo), Francis Waive (APC-Delta), and Julius Ihonberev (APC-Edo) stepped down for Benjamin Kalu (APC-Abia)

The ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) had earlier endorsed Abbas and Kalu for the office of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively.

The endorsement was further strengthened by the Minority Party Forum, a group of about 70 members-elect, who announced their support for the duo.

Speaking on behalf of the speakership aspirants, Doguwa said they had come to join the Abbas/Kalu campaign, adding that they will support the party’s choice.

He said: “I want to say on behalf of these great men around me here, that we have individually and collectively decided to surrender our bid to become Speaker this time around.

“We have resolved to support our great party and the man they have chosen to be Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.”

Speaking on behalf of the deputy speaker aspirants, Ihonberev said the three of them wanted to be Deputy Speaker, believing that it will be zoned in their favour but it turned out differently.

The lawmaker said: “As loyal party persons, we decided to align with those that have been identified by the party

“The integration, capacity, and ability to carry people along, transparency and the energy to mobilise ideas that would change Nigeria for the better.

“We want to say we are absolutely, undilutedly in support of the ticket as announced by the party that Tajudeen Abbas will be our next Speaker and Benjamin Kalu will be the next Deputy Speaker.

“We want to assure you that we are prepared to do all it takes to ensure the success of this project.”

However, the Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, the Chairman Committee on Appropriation, Muktar Betara, the Chairman Committee on Water Resources, Sada Soli, Mariam Onouha, and Yusuf Gagdi are still in the race.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, on May 9, zoned the Senate Presidency of the 10th National Assembly to the South-South and the Speakership of the House of Representatives to the North-West.

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Troops Free 8 Abducted Wedding Guests in Kano

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Nigerian troops have successfully rescued eight wedding guests who were kidnapped earlier this week in Kano State, the military announced today.

The victims, all attendees of a wedding ceremony, were abducted by gunmen in a rural area on the outskirts of Kano metropolis. The attackers reportedly ambushed the convoy of guests returning from the event late at night.

Acting on intelligence and swift response, troops from the Nigerian Army conducted a coordinated rescue operation in the early hours of Wednesday. The eight hostages—five men and three women—were freed unharmed during the raid on the kidnappers’ hideout.

According to a brief statement from the Defence Headquarters, the operation also resulted in the neutralization of several suspected kidnappers, with others fleeing into nearby bushes. No military casualties were reported.

The rescued individuals have been reunited with their families and received medical checks. Authorities are continuing efforts to apprehend the remaining fleeing suspects and recover any looted items.

This rescue comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of northern Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom targeting social gatherings, travelers, and rural communities remain a persistent threat.

The military reiterated its commitment to intensifying operations against banditry and kidnapping syndicates across the region.

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Judge Withdraws from EFCC’s Case Against Ex-AGF Malami

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A Federal High Court judge has recused himself from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) high-profile case against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), citing personal reasons.

Justice Obiora Egwatu made the announcement in open court on Thursday, stating that he was stepping aside “for personal reasons and in the interest of justice.

”The matter involves the EFCC’s pursuit of interim forfeiture of properties allegedly worth over ₦213 billion linked to Malami, as well as related proceedings.

The case had earlier been assigned following an ex-parte order granted by another judge.

With the recusal, the file is expected to be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment to a new presiding judge.

The development marks the latest twist in the long-running legal action against the former minister, which continues to attract significant public interest.

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Man dies, wife injured as truck crushes car in Lagos

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A man lost his life while his wife sustained critical injuries on Thursday morning after a granite-laden truck overturned and crushed their Toyota saloon car at Eleko Junction along the Lekki–Ajah Expressway in Lagos State.

The incident was confirmed in a statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adebayo Taofiq.

Rescue teams from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and other first responders arrived at the scene, where the man was confirmed dead on the spot.

His wife was extricated from the wreckage with multiple injuries and rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment. Her condition remains critical, according to hospital sources.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and police have cordoned off the area to manage traffic and commence investigation.

Preliminary findings suggest possible speeding and brake failure on the part of the truck driver, who has been taken into custody for questioning.

This latest road crash adds to the growing concern over reckless driving and poor vehicle maintenance on Lagos roads, where heavy trucks frequently share space with smaller vehicles and commuters.

Authorities have appealed to motorists to exercise caution and adhere to traffic rules to prevent further loss of life. The identities of the victims are yet to be released pending family notification.

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