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Author: Promise Odejide

  • 3 Dead, Several Hospitalised as Rare Hantavirus Outbreak Hits Luxury Cruise Ship

    A rare hantavirus outbreak linked to the Dutch-flagged luxury expedition cruise ship, MV Hondius, has triggered international concern after at least three people died and several others tested positive across multiple countries.

    The vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, departed Ushuaia, Argentina, in early April for an Antarctic voyage before crossing the Atlantic toward the Canary Islands through routes including Saint Helena and Cape Verde.

    Health authorities say the outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, one of the few known variants capable of limited human-to-human transmission.

    Three deaths confirmed

    According to reports from global health agencies, at least eight cases have been identified so far, including five laboratory-confirmed infections and several suspected cases.

    Among the fatalities are a Dutch couple and a German national.

    The first victim, a Dutch man believed to be in his 70s, reportedly developed symptoms including fever, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhoea before dying onboard around April 11.

    His wife later died in South Africa, while a German woman also succumbed to the illness.

    One patient is currently said to be in critical condition in South Africa, while others are receiving treatment or recovering in hospitals across the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and South Africa.

    Passengers evacuated as investigations intensify

    The ship reportedly carried about 147 passengers and crew members from at least 12 nationalities, including Americans, Britons and Canadians.

    Around April 24, nearly 30 passengers disembarked in Saint Helena and travelled independently to various countries before extensive contact tracing began.

    Following growing concerns, three passengers were evacuated from the ship between May 6 and May 7 while the vessel was near Cape Verde.

    Two were hospitalised in stable condition in the Netherlands, while another asymptomatic passenger travelled to Germany.

    Authorities later cleared the ship to continue its journey toward Tenerife in the Canary Islands after no fresh symptomatic cases were reported onboard.

    Health agencies monitor possible transmission

    Investigators believe the outbreak may have started through exposure to infected rodents, possibly in South America or onboard the vessel, before limited human-to-human transmission occurred among close contacts.

    The Andes strain is considered unusual because most hantaviruses spread only through contact with rodent urine, saliva or droppings.

    Health experts stressed that the virus is not airborne like COVID-19 and currently poses a low risk to the wider public.

    Symptoms usually appear between one and eight weeks after exposure and can progress rapidly from flu-like illness to severe respiratory complications.

    Global response underway

    The World Health Organization (WHO), Africa CDC, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, UK Health Security Agency, US CDC and several national governments are now involved in monitoring and contact tracing efforts.

    Authorities in the United States are reportedly monitoring several passengers who returned to states including Texas, Georgia, California, Arizona and Virginia, although no active symptoms have been confirmed among them.

    Passengers and crew onboard the vessel were advised to use protective equipment, including masks, while investigations continue.

    Health experts maintain that there is currently no evidence of widespread community transmission or signs of a broader pandemic threat.

  • Senate Drama: Oshiomhole Demands Akpabio’s Resignation Over Leadership Rule Clash

    There was fresh drama in the Senate after Senator Adams Oshiomhole publicly called for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio following a heated clash over controversial amendments to the Senate Standing Rules.

    The confrontation, which unfolded during plenary on May 6, 2026, exposed growing tensions within the Red Chamber ahead of the 2027 political cycle.

    Controversial amendment sparks uproar

    The crisis began after the Senate amended portions of its Standing Orders, particularly Orders 4 and 5, to tighten eligibility for key leadership positions.

    Under the amendment, only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before an election would qualify to contest for positions such as Senate President, Deputy Senate President and other principal offices.

    The move effectively shut out first-term lawmakers and several incoming politicians believed to be eyeing leadership positions in the proposed 11th Senate.

    Critics within the chamber reportedly viewed the amendment as an attempt to protect certain political interests ahead of 2027.

    Akpabio, Oshiomhole clash during plenary

    Tension escalated when Oshiomhole repeatedly raised a point of order during the adoption of votes and proceedings, insisting that the records did not accurately reflect agreements reached during a closed-door session.

    Akpabio ruled him out of order, switched off his microphone and warned him against disrupting proceedings.

    “Senator Oshiomhole, for the last time, if you become unruly in this Senate, we will use the same rules to remove you from the Senate,” Akpabio reportedly said.

    Despite the warning, Oshiomhole persisted, leading to a tense exchange before other lawmakers intervened.

    Oshiomhole attacks Akpabio’s leadership

    Speaking after plenary, Oshiomhole criticised Akpabio’s handling of the amendment process and accused him of running the Senate in an autocratic manner.

    The former Edo State governor reportedly called on Akpabio to resign, describing the process that led to the amendment as flawed and rushed.

    He also argued that lawmakers were denied the opportunity for extensive debate before the controversial changes were adopted.

    Senate reverses amendment

    Amid mounting backlash and constitutional concerns, the Senate later rescinded the controversial amendment and reverted to the previous rules.

    Lawmakers argued that parts of the new provisions could conflict with the 1999 Constitution, particularly Section 52.

    The development has further highlighted growing political tensions within the ruling APC and renewed speculation over succession battles ahead of the 2027 elections.

  • Isaac Fayose Slams Reno Omokri Over UK-Nigeria Petrol Price Comparison

    A fresh debate has erupted online after social commentator Isaac Fayose publicly criticised Reno Omokri over his recent comparison of petrol prices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

    Fayose reacted in a viral video circulating across social media, accusing Omokri of ignoring the realities of low wages and rising living costs in Nigeria.

    Fayose questions fuel affordability in Nigeria

    The businessman argued that comparing fuel prices in both countries without considering purchasing power was misleading.

    According to him, Nigerians earning the newly approved ₦70,000 minimum wage cannot comfortably afford petrol reportedly selling around ₦1,400 per litre.

    Fayose stressed that after deductions for feeding, rent, transportation and other expenses, many workers would struggle to buy enough fuel to sustain daily activities.

    ‘UK workers earn more’

    He also compared Nigeria’s wage structure with that of the United Kingdom, insisting that workers abroad earn significantly more despite paying higher fuel prices.

    Fayose said higher salaries and better living conditions in the UK make fuel purchases less burdensome for residents there.

    The social commentator maintained that focusing only on pump prices without considering income levels creates a false narrative about affordability.

    Fayose accuses Omokri of defending government

    During the emotional video, Fayose also accused Omokri of defending government policies in order to remain in favour politically following his recent ambassadorial appointment.

    He repeatedly questioned why Nigerians should continue paying high fuel prices amid worsening economic hardship and rising inflation.

    The criticism comes after Omokri claimed petrol costs in England had risen to about ₦3,200 per litre, arguing that fuel price increases are a global issue and not unique to Nigeria.

  • FG Warns Lagos, Rivers, 17 Other States Over Imminent Flash Flooding

    The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has warned that 19 states across Nigeria may experience flash flooding following heavy early rains.

    NiMet issued the advisory on Thursday, stating that dry and hardened soil surfaces could increase runoff and prevent rainwater from properly soaking into the ground.

    19 states listed in NiMet advisory

    The agency listed the affected states as Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kwara, Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Delta, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Ondo and Bayelsa.

    According to NiMet, the weather condition may trigger flooded roads, traffic disruptions, destruction of homes and farmlands, as well as damage to public infrastructure.

    The agency also warned of possible blocked drainage systems, power outages, telecommunication disruptions and increased risks of injuries and water-borne diseases.

    Residents advised to stay alert

    NiMet urged residents in vulnerable areas to clear blocked drainages and remain updated with weather and flood alerts.

    Motorists and pedestrians were also warned against driving or walking through flooded roads and waterways.

    “An informed community is a prepared community. Know the risks and act early,” the agency stated.

    FG had earlier raised nationwide flood concerns

    The latest advisory comes weeks after the Federal Government warned that over 14,000 communities across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory could face severe flooding in 2026.

    The earlier flood-risk alert included states such as Lagos, Rivers, Kogi, Benue, Bayelsa, Delta, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo and several others across the country.

    Authorities have now called on emergency agencies, state governments and relevant stakeholders to strengthen preparedness and response measures ahead of peak rainfall periods.

  • Carter Efe Challenges Wizkid to Celebrity Boxing Fight, Says Singer’s Son Should Watch

    Notable streamer Carter Efe has sparked fresh reactions online after publicly challenging Afrobeats star Wizkid to a celebrity boxing match.

    The challenge was made during a recent livestream featuring KCee and E-Money, where Carter Efe spoke about seeking a new opponent after his earlier bout with Portable.

    Carter Efe names Wizkid as next target

    During the livestream, Carter Efe insisted that Wizkid should be his next opponent, even adding a provocative twist involving the singer’s family.

    “The person I want to fight with now is Wizkid and I want his son, Boluwatife, to be there too. Let him come and collect the championship from me if he is man enough,” he said.

    The statement immediately triggered reactions across social media, with many describing it as controversial and unnecessary.

    Old tensions resurface

    The challenge also appears to reopen old grievances between both personalities.

    Carter Efe had previously released a tribute song titled Machala in honour of Wizkid but later accused the singer of not acknowledging or supporting him after the project.

    Wizkid, however, has consistently remained silent on the matter and has not publicly responded to any of Carter Efe’s claims over the years.

  • Peter Obi Stops Airport Fight, Calms Drivers During Heated Parking Clash

    Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has stirred reactions online after a video surfaced showing him intervening in a dispute between two drivers at an airport.

    The incident reportedly happened while Obi was leaving the airport and noticed two men engaged in a heated confrontation over parking and vehicle clamping.

    Obi steps in to restore calm

    According to eyewitness accounts shared online, the former Anambra State governor immediately instructed his driver to stop after noticing the argument.

    “Without hesitation, Peter Obi instructed his driver to stop. He stepped out of the vehicle, approached them calmly, and pleaded with them to embrace peace instead of conflict,” a witness stated.

    The intervention reportedly helped de-escalate the situation and prevented further tension at the scene.

    Video sparks reactions online

    The viral clip has generated mixed reactions across social media, with supporters praising Obi’s calm approach and willingness to engage directly with ordinary Nigerians.

    Others described the gesture as another example of his hands-on public style.

    Not his first public intervention

    This is not the first time Obi has been seen carrying out similar acts in public spaces.

    In December 2025, he was spotted directing traffic during a major gridlock in Anambra State, where he stood on the road helping motorists navigate congestion.

    Months earlier, he also attracted attention after serving food to attendees at an event in Imo State.

    At the time, critics described the act as political branding, but Obi explained that many of the less privileged guests requested that he personally serve them.

  • Senate Reverses Controversial Rule Amendment After Oshiomhole-Akpabio Clash

    The Senate on Thursday reversed its earlier amendment to key sections of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 after concerns emerged that the changes could conflict with the 1999 Constitution.

    The reversal followed a heated controversy that had rocked the red chamber over eligibility rules for principal leadership positions.

    Senate retreats after constitutional concerns

    Lawmakers rescinded the amendments to Orders 2(2) and 3(1), restoring the previous provisions.

    The earlier amendment had restricted principal offices to senators serving at least a second term, effectively shutting out potential contenders in the incoming 11th National Assembly expected to commence in June 2027.

    Among those believed to be affected were Senators Adams Oshiomhole, Hope Uzodimma and Kabiru Marafa.

    Oshiomhole, Akpabio clash over amendment

    The controversy intensified on Wednesday after Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole clashed during plenary.

    Oshiomhole repeatedly attempted to raise a point of order while Akpabio was reading the Votes and Proceedings, prompting warnings from the Senate President.

    At one point, Akpabio threatened to order Oshiomhole out of the chamber if he continued disrupting proceedings.

    Despite the tension, the Senate initially went ahead with the amendment.

    Senate Leader moves rescission motion

    During Thursday’s plenary, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion to reverse the changes, arguing that fresh constitutional reviews revealed possible conflicts with Section 52 of the Constitution.

    “Certain provisions introduced under Order 2 Subsection 2 and Order 3 Subsection 1 may give rise to constitutional inconsistencies,” he said.

    Bamidele added that the Senate retained the authority to revisit and correct earlier decisions in order to protect parliamentary integrity.

    Barau backs reversal

    Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, described the motion as necessary and straightforward.

    “This is just for us to go in conformity with the constitution,” Barau said.

    He commended the Senate Leader for quickly identifying the issue before it escalated further.

    Oshiomhole faults rushed process

    Reacting after the reversal, Oshiomhole criticised the process that led to the initial amendment.

    “The way we rushed the rules because certain people wanted certain things concluded is one flaw to this process,” he said.

    He urged the Senate to allow more robust debates before taking major decisions in the future.

    Bamidele, however, cautioned senators against turning legislative proceedings into unnecessary drama, insisting that disruptions during previous sittings overshadowed important parliamentary business.

  • Bello El-Rufai Dumps APC for ADC as Reps Announce Fresh Wave of Defections

    Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    The development was formally announced on Thursday during plenary at the House of Representatives.

    Speaker reads defection letters

    Speaker Abbas Tajudeen disclosed that Bello El-Rufai joined the ADC alongside two lawmakers from Kaduna State.

    They include Reps Umar Ajilo and Suleiman Yahaya Richifa, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The announcements were made as part of official communications at the resumption of plenary.

    More lawmakers switch parties

    The Speaker also confirmed the defection of Kamilu Ado, a Kano lawmaker, from the ADC to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Similarly, Rep Joshua Obika, representing AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the FCT, resigned from the APC and joined the NDC.

    Reasons behind defections

    The lawmakers cited internal crises and uncertainty within their former parties as key reasons for their decisions.

    The latest moves reflect ongoing political realignments ahead of future elections, with shifting alliances across major parties.

  • Tinubu Approves Fani-Kayode’s Redeployment to South Africa After Germany Posting Drama

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the redeployment of former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to South Africa.

    The development follows earlier reports linking his initial posting to Germany with diplomatic concerns.

    Fani-Kayode counters rejection claims

    In a post shared on his X handle, Fani-Kayode dismissed claims that he was rejected by the German government.

    He insisted that he personally declined the Germany posting and formally requested a redeployment.

    “It gives me pleasure to announce that Mr. President has approved my posting as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa,” he wrote.

    Why he chose South Africa

    Fani-Kayode explained that his decision was based on personal preference and strategic considerations.

    According to him, he had spent most of his life in Europe and preferred a new diplomatic experience in Africa.

    “I was not comfortable with Germany for personal reasons and would rather serve in South Africa, a country I have never been to and have great interest in,” he stated.

    He also cited shared political and ideological alignment with South Africa, as well as its economic position on the continent.

    Approval process revealed

    The former minister said he submitted a formal request for redeployment to the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar.

    He noted that the minister reviewed his reasons and forwarded the request to the president, who approved it.

    Background and political ties

    Fani-Kayode served as Minister of Aviation under former President Olusegun Obasanjo and has remained a vocal supporter of Tinubu.

    He was previously prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over forgery-related charges but was later discharged and acquitted by a Lagos court.

  • Jonathan Speaks on 2027 Presidency After Supporters Storm Abuja Office

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said he will take time to consult before deciding whether to contest the 2027 presidential election, following fresh calls for his return to active politics.

    He spoke on Thursday in Abuja after a group of supporters visited his office, urging him to join the race ahead of the next general elections.

    Pressure Mounts as Supporters Make Case

    The supporters gathered at Jonathan’s office to persuade him to re-enter the political arena, pointing to his experience and past contributions to democratic growth in Nigeria and across Africa.

    They insisted that his leadership record and global democratic engagements make him a strong candidate for 2027.

    “Presidential Race Is Not a Game”

    Responding to the calls, Jonathan acknowledged the appeal but stressed that running for president requires serious reflection.

    “Presidential race is not a computer game, but I heard you, and I will consult widely,” he said.

    He also appreciated the group for the visit, noting that their concerns had been clearly received.

    Focus on Patriotism and National Stability

    Jonathan used the moment to highlight the role of patriotism in nation-building, warning against actions that undermine national interest.

    “It’s only patriotic citizens that build their nations. Unpatriotic citizens will destroy their nation and take the money elsewhere,” he said.

    He stressed that Nigeria’s progress depends on citizens who are committed to protecting and developing the country.

    Peace, Credible Elections Top Priority

    The former President identified peace as Nigeria’s most urgent need, especially as the country prepares for future elections.

    “The key thing we need in this country is peace,” he said, urging young Nigerians to promote unity and stability.

    He added that credible elections remain critical, warning that flawed processes could discourage capable individuals from entering politics.

    “Because if we don’t have peaceful and credible elections, most good citizens will not want to get involved in politics,” Jonathan stated.

    Youth Participation in Democracy

    Jonathan called on Nigerian youths to stay actively engaged in the electoral process, particularly through voting.

    He said young people hold the key to shaping the country’s political future and must not withdraw from democratic participation.

    “You as young people must continue to be fully involved in the electoral processes, especially your right to vote,” he said.

    Lessons from Africa and 2015 Transition

    Drawing from his post-presidency role, Jonathan noted that he has observed elections in over 14 African countries, reinforcing the importance of peaceful democratic transitions.

    He also referenced Nigeria’s 2015 election, where he lost to former President Muhammadu Buhari, marking the first time an incumbent president conceded defeat.

    The peaceful handover of power on May 29, 2015, remains a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.

    Looking Ahead to Future Generations

    Jonathan emphasised the need to build a Nigeria that serves future generations, urging leaders and citizens to think beyond immediate gains.

    He said the country must prioritise long-term development to secure a better future for younger Nigerians and generations to come.