• Super Admin
• 07 Mar, 2026

1. 'I'm Aware Of The Implications Of Working For Tinubu' - Daniel Bwala Addresses Interview Controversy The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has asserted that seeking praise from men was never part of the deal regarding his decision to work for his principal. Bwala made the statement following the outrage that marred his interview on Al Jazeera's "Head to Head" programme, anchored by Mehdi Hasan. Naija News reports that Bwala, during the interview, denied knowledge of some negative occurrences in the country. The interviewer said the security situation in the country is now worse, asking Bwala if the government is proud to hear that Nigeria is now the fifth deadliest country in the world. Responding, Bwala said, "I acknowledge the fact that we have insecurity in Nigeria, we began to see back-to-back attacks in Nigeria after the Christian genocide narratives." The presidential spokesman also claimed that no country in the world is free from security crises. Bwala was also uneasy and embarrassed when questioned about his past criticism of Tinubu and his decision to work with the ruling party, which has generated controversy and criticism among Nigerians and political elites. However, in a statement via his 𝕏 handle on Saturday, Bwala maintained that promoting and defending Tinubu is done with ease and joy. Tinubu's aide also clarified that, in a prior conversation before the interview, Mehdi Hasan failed to mention plans to challenge his past because he would have prepared his response. According to Bwala, the majority of those criticising the interview are naysayers, members of the opposition and their sympathisers, adding that he is unbothered. A report claims that some members of President Bola Tinubu's cabinet may be planning to resign to pursue their political ambitions in their home states. According to Punch, at least four cabinet members are already positioning themselves for state-level contests, particularly where incumbent governors will complete their constitutionally allowed two terms in 2027. Among those being mentioned are Adebayo Adelabu (Minister of Power), Muhammad Pate (Minister of Health and Social Welfare), Yusuf Tuggar (Minister of Foreign Affairs) and the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently revised the electoral timetable, setting party primaries between April 22 and May 20. By law, holders of appointed offices must resign before the primaries. Barring any last-minute change of plans, Adelabu is expected to resign his appointment in the coming weeks to vie for the Oyo governorship ticket under the All Progressives Congress. The minister is believed to be preparing for another shot at the Oyo State governorship race after he was defeated by Governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2023. The aforementioned publication reported that interested individuals are already jostling for the ministerial seat. An aide of the minister, Femi Awogboro, confirmed his intention to contest for the state governorship seat. Awogboro said President Tinubu had yet to direct the minister to resign his appointment for his governorship ambition. Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party and ex-Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has formally obtained his membership card of the African Democratic Congress in his home state. Naija News reports that the registration took place on March 6, 2026, at Obi's ward in Agulu, Anambra State. The event followed the flag-off of the party's membership mobilisation, registration and revalidation exercise in the state. The exercise was launched alongside the inauguration of the Anambra State ADC committee at the Hollywood Event Center in Awka. Obi participated in the grassroots registration process and received his party membership card after the state-level launch. The former Anambra governor officially defected to the ADC on December 31, 2025, during an event held in Enugu as part of a broader opposition coalition effort. His move to the party is seen as part of ongoing efforts by opposition figures to build a united political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections. Party leaders in Anambra State have reported a significant increase in membership since Obi joined the ADC. According to them, the influx includes former Labour Party supporters and some lawmakers who have aligned with the new opposition coalition. Popular Nigerian businessman, Isaac Fayose, has mocked presidential aide, Daniel Bwala, over his interview on Al Jazeera's "Head to Head" programme, anchored by Mehdi Hasan. Naija News reports that during the interview, Bwala had denied knowledge of some negative occurrences in the country. The interviewer said the security situation in the country is now worse, asking Bwala if the government is proud to hear that Nigeria is now the fifth deadliest country in the world. Responding, Bwala said, "I acknowledge the fact that we have insecurity in Nigeria, we began to see back-to-back attacks in Nigeria after the Christian genocide narratives." The presidential spokesman also claimed that no country in the world is free from security crises. Reacting to the interview via his official Facebook page, Fayose said no one can defend the Nigerian government without looking stupid. He asserted that defending the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is a difficult job, adding that Nigeria is one of the countries with the most wicked politicians. A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has condemned the attack on the Ubima Ward secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Naija News reports that thugs invaded the secretariat located in the community of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and set it on fire. Reacting to the development in a statement on Saturday, Eze described the action as undemocratic and called on security agencies to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. He recounted how Amaechi was expected in his ward on Friday for his official membership registration with the party at the ADC secretariat when a gang of political thugs invaded the facility. Eze blamed the incident on President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. He asserted that the attempt to stop Amaechi from registering in his hometown shows the duo is afraid of him. Former presidential candidate and ex-Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has said he will challenge the recently passed Electoral Act 2026 in court, citing concerns that some of its provisions could affect the conduct of the 2027 general elections. Obi made the disclosure in Awka during the flag-off of the membership mobilisation, registration and revalidation exercise of the African Democratic Congress in Anambra State. The former Labour Party presidential candidate said he believed some aspects of the law could influence the electoral process and therefore require judicial interpretation. He indicated that legal action would be taken to clarify the provisions before the next general elections. Obi also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral in its conduct of elections and to avoid interfering with the internal affairs of political parties. "A referee does not determine the rules, choices or line-up of players in teams or clubs," he said. He urged the electoral commission to focus strictly on its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and credible elections. During the event, Obi encouraged members and supporters of the African Democratic Congress across Anambra State to register at their respective wards and mobilise others to join the party. The Nigerian Police Force has removed Assistant Commissioner of Police, Benjamin Hundeyin, as the Force Public Relations Officer and replaced him with Deputy Commissioner of Police, Anthony Okon Placid. Although the police authorities have yet to make an official announcement, sources at the Force Headquarters in Abuja confirmed to Premium Times the development. According to the sources, Placid has been appointed to take over the position of Force Public Relations Officer, which traditionally requires an officer of the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police. Hundeyin, who previously served as the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command before his appointment as Force PRO, assumed the national role in September 2025. Sources also disclosed that the police hierarchy has created a new department, the New Media Office. Chief Superintendent of Police Ali Giwa has been appointed to head the newly created unit. Naija News reports that the development comes after Hundeyin declared that the new Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, will not be subjected to any form of emotional blackmail. Hundeyin maintained that IGP Disu will remain professional and won't be goaded into taking any needless action. He also insisted that no officer is above the law and anyone found wanting will be dealt with. Long queues have begun to resurface at filling stations selling cheaper petrol, as motorists scramble to buy Premium Motor Spirit below ₦1,000 per litre. A market survey conducted on Saturday morning showed that motorists, including private car owners and commercial drivers, thronged MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations, particularly along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway, where petrol is currently sold for ₦937 per litre. Naija News reports that the development comes amid a fresh increase in petrol prices by several marketers following rising global crude oil prices and a recent price adjustment by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. According to Channels Television, checks revealed that while motorists crowded MRS stations selling at ₦937 per litre, many other filling stations along the same corridor had already adjusted their pump prices above ₦1,000 per litre. For instance, Eterna Plc was selling petrol at ₦1,040 per litre. Similarly, Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited and Fatgbems Group raised their prices to ₦1,030 per litre. At Mobil filling stations, petrol was slightly cheaper but still above the ₦1,000 mark, selling at ₦1,025 per litre. Despite the rush for cheaper fuel, queues were noticeably heavier at the MRS station in Alapere, where motorists lined up in long rows waiting to purchase the product. The Lagos State Government has warned Nollywood actress Sarah Martins to desist from cooking and distributing food on public roads in the state, cautioning that she risks arrest and prosecution if she continues the activity. The warning was issued on Saturday (today) by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a public statement addressed directly to the actress. Wahab acknowledged the charitable intent behind the actress's outreach to vulnerable residents but stressed that cooking or trading on public infrastructure such as roads, walkways and medians violates the state's environmental and public order regulations. In the statement, the commissioner said the government recognised the philanthropic motive behind Martins' actions but insisted that such activities could not be carried out in public spaces. The commissioner noted that the actress had previously been cautioned over a similar incident but had resumed the activity. He therefore urged Martins to discontinue the practice and instead channel her humanitarian efforts through approved platforms and locations. An Iranian state television presenter has called the women's national football team "wartime traitors" after the players stood silently during the national anthem before their Asian Cup match against South Korea. Mohammad Reza Shahbazi, a presenter for the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, said the players must face severe consequences for refusing to sing the anthem. His comments appeared in a video that spread rapidly across social media. "Let me just say one thing: traitors during wartime must be dealt with more severely. Anyone who takes a step against the country under war conditions must be dealt with more severely. Like this matter of our women's football team not singing the national anthem, these people must be dealt with more severely," Shahbazi said. Naija News gathered that the players remained silent when the anthem played before their 3-0 loss to South Korea on Monday. They sang and saluted three days later, only to lose 4-0 to Australia. According to recent developments, Iran is playing in the tournament while war intensifies at home. US and Israeli forces launched airstrikes over the weekend that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a conflict that has entered its 8th day. The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO), the global players' union, urged the Asian Football Confederation and FIFA to protect the Iranian team after Shahbazi's threats. Source: https://www.naijanews.com/2026/03/08/top-nigerian-newspaper-headlines-for-today-sunday-8th-march-2026/