Royal News

Author: Nurat Adedokun

  • United Manager Amorim: “It’s Not Just Onana, It’s Everyone”

    United Manager Amorim: “It’s Not Just Onana, It’s Everyone”

    Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has defended goalkeeper Andre Onana following his side’s shock Carabao Cup defeat to League Two outfit Grimsby Town on Wednesday.

    United were eliminated at Blundell Park after losing on penalties, but Onana’s performance came under scrutiny after two costly errors in normal time. The Cameroonian was beaten at his near post for Charles Vernam’s opener before completely misjudging a corner that allowed Tyrell Warren to head home a second for the hosts.

    Despite the criticism, Amorim insisted the blame should not be pinned on his goalkeeper alone, stressing that the entire team underperformed.

    “With all due respect, when you play against a fourth-division team, it is not the goalkeeper, it is everything,” Amorim said after the match. “It is the environment, it is the way we face the competition. We know that at the moment, everything people will pay attention to will be everything. It is going to be massive, every detail.

    “We showed that performance today, so my players spoke, for me, really loud.”

    The result means Grimsby progress to the next round, while United face mounting pressure after another disappointing cup exit.

  • AC Milan Join Premier League Clubs in Race for Uche

    AC Milan Join Premier League Clubs in Race for Uche

    AC Milan, Leeds United, and Crystal Palace have joined the race to sign Getafe midfielder Christantus Uche.

    The 22-year-old was initially close to joining Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier in the transfer window, but the move collapsed after his representatives raised sporting and financial concerns. The setback has now opened the door for other European clubs to make a move.

    Getafe are reportedly open to selling Uche as they seek to ease financial constraints.

    Uche enjoyed a breakout campaign in La Liga last season after joining from Ceuta, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in midfield. He has continued his fine form this season, contributing one goal and one assist in just two league appearances.

    With his profile rising, interest from Serie A and the Premier League is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as Getafe weigh up offers.

  • Activist Urges Oborevwori to Shun Lavish Delta Anniversary Celebration

    Activist Urges Oborevwori to Shun Lavish Delta Anniversary Celebration

    Human rights activist, Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, has cautioned Governor Sheriff Oborevwori against turning Delta State’s 34th anniversary into what he described as “lavish and unnecessary celebrations.”

    In an open letter to the governor, Agberen argued that the anniversary should serve as a moment of sober reflection on the “subpar performance” of successive governments and the hardship faced by ordinary citizens.

    He urged the administration to focus on policies that would improve the welfare of residents through industrialization, job creation, and food security.

    “Industrialization and manufacturing companies are the sole means of achieving a safe and prosperous state,” Agberen stated in a letter sent to our correspondent in Warri. “They will facilitate food provision for impoverished families, thereby reducing crime rates and poverty levels, as hunger is a primary contributor to insecurity and other societal issues.”

    He lamented what he described as decades of poor governance in Delta State, pointing to weak healthcare delivery, lack of youth empowerment, absence of industrial development, poor road infrastructure, and limited opportunities for foreign investment.

    “There is no better way to demonstrate concern for the future of Delta State than to underscore the dire circumstances faced by the majority of its indigenous population,” he added.

    Despite his criticism, Agberen congratulated the state on its 34th anniversary and urged citizens to remain vigilant in holding leaders accountable while hoping for genuine transformation.

  • Abia Bans Multiple Textbooks for One Subject in Schools

    Abia Bans Multiple Textbooks for One Subject in Schools

    The Abia State Government has directed publishers supplying textbooks to schools to separate workbooks from the main textbooks, in order to ensure the books can be reused by other pupils.

    The directive was announced by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Goodluck Ubochi, during a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the ministry in Umuahia.

    Ubochi also cautioned schools against recommending multiple textbooks for a single subject, describing the practice as a financial burden on parents. He reminded participants that Governor Alex Otti had declared free and compulsory education at the primary and junior secondary school levels, urging compliance with the policy.

    The commissioner further stressed the importance of standard examinations, noting that the Primary Six School Leaving Assessment Test (PSLAT), Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for JSS3, and the mandatory SS2 examination before WAEC registration remain government requirements.

    On child welfare, Ubochi condemned the practice of children hawking or loitering during school hours. He disclosed that Education Marshals have been directed to apprehend parents and guardians of defaulters, while advising families to enroll their children in school.

    He assured stakeholders that government plans are underway to address manpower gaps in the education sector through future teachers’ recruitment.

    The meeting was attended by representatives from WAEC, NECO, ANCOPPS, NUT, PTA, publishers, LGA education secretaries, NASU, and top officials of the ministry.

  • Sowore’s Trial: Activists Vow Solidarity Court Occupation

    Sowore’s Trial: Activists Vow Solidarity Court Occupation

     


    The President of De-Advocates for Justice Human Rights Organisation (AJ), Comrade Israel Joe, has urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to end what he described as a personal vendetta against human rights activist Omoyele Sowore.

    In a statement issued in Warri, Joe condemned the move by the police to demand details of Sowore’s bank accounts, calling it an attempt to silence dissenting voices in the country.

    He warned that his organisation, alongside other civil society groups, would occupy the court in solidarity with Sowore on the day of his trial, stressing that the action would either affirm justice or reflect the collective will of the people.

    “This is an antique of the ruling class to silence dissenting voices, especially that of a patriotic activist, nationalist, Pan-African journalist, and businessman in the person of Comrade Omoyele Sowore, through a counter-productive court process,” Joe said.

    Recalling his own experience, Joe noted that he faced similar intimidation when he led the #EndHardshipProtest in Delta State, during which police attempted to scrutinize his financial records.

    “I was detained for hours while the police scrambled for my financial records to implicate me. However, they found none,” he added.

    Joe described the police actions as vindictive and counterproductive, warning that such tactics only strengthen the resolve of activists committed to justice and good governance.

  • 2027: Amaechi Vows to Challenge Tinubu on ADC Platform

    2027: Amaechi Vows to Challenge Tinubu on ADC Platform

    Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared that Nigerians are fed up with President Bola Tinubu’s administration and its policies.

    Speaking in an interview with the BBC on Thursday, Amaechi said the government’s approach has left citizens dissatisfied nationwide.

    “Whether the government wants to conduct credible elections or not, one thing is certain—time is up. Nigerians are tired because no one is happy under Tinubu, not even in Rivers or across the South,” he stated.

    Amaechi also accused the president of making lopsided appointments, alleging that even within the Yoruba ethnic group, many feel excluded.

    “Tinubu only rewards a few close associates, while the majority remain neglected,” he said.

    The former governor of Rivers State, now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has consistently criticized Tinubu since the formation of the opposition coalition. He earlier vowed to contest the ADC presidential ticket and challenge Tinubu in the 2027 election.

  • APC Insists on Open Democracy, Rejects Vote Buying Claims

    APC Insists on Open Democracy, Rejects Vote Buying Claims

    The National Organizing Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sulaiman Argungu, has dismissed allegations that the ruling party engages in vote buying, insisting its electoral victories are a result of grassroots mobilization and purposeful leadership.

    In a video interview with Symfoni TV, Argungu said the APC operates on the principles of open democracy, not financial inducements.

    “We encourage our party members and candidates to mobilize voters rather than buy votes. We don’t give money to anybody; we believe in open democracy,” he stated.

    He explained that the decision of APC National Chairman to personally lead campaigns across states was a deliberate move to inspire confidence and demonstrate leadership, which contributed to the party’s recent wins, including in Kano State.

    Argungu added that he monitored election activities from the APC Situation Room and received reports confirming there were no cases of malpractice, aside from minor issues in Anambra State, which he said were promptly addressed.

  • El-Rufai Rules Out 2027 Senate Bid, Backs Credible Leaders

    El-Rufai Rules Out 2027 Senate Bid, Backs Credible Leaders

    Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has reaffirmed that he will not contest for the Senate or any other elective office in 2027, insisting that his political comeback is solely to support the emergence of credible leaders at state and national levels.

    El-Rufai made the remarks on Wednesday while receiving a group of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youths who defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna.

    “This is a government that does nothing but lie every day. Everyone’s conscience tells them the truth. I am not contesting for anything; I don’t want to go to the Senate,” he said.

    The former governor explained that although he had planned to retire from partisan politics after leaving office, recent political developments compelled him to return.

    “When I finished my tenure as governor of Kaduna, my intention was to rest. But given the way things have turned out, I believe we must play our part to bring about better leadership. That is why we are back in politics,” he added.

    El-Rufai, who served two terms as governor and was once Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has repeatedly stressed that he is not seeking elective office.

  • Police Warn Against Social Media Violence After Kano Arrests

    Police Warn Against Social Media Violence After Kano Arrests

    The Kano State Police Command has arrested two suspected thugs who were seen brandishing dangerous weapons in viral social media videos.

    Police spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday. He identified the suspects as Mohammed Isma’il, popularly known as “Linga,” and his accomplice, Sani Abdulsalam, also called “Guchi.”

    According to the police, the suspects were apprehended in Dala Quarters during an intelligence-led operation after videos of them mobilizing youths and inciting violence surfaced online.

    “During the arrest, a sword and two clubs were recovered from the suspects,” Kiyawa said. “These individuals have been posting videos of themselves on TikTok and Facebook wielding dangerous weapons and threatening peace in the community.”

    The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, who ordered the operation, warned that the command would not tolerate the use of social media to promote violence or criminal activity.

    “Anyone found posting videos of themselves with weapons or engaging in acts of thuggery will be arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” the commissioner stated.

    The command further urged parents and guardians to caution their children against crime and reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property.

    Police authorities also commended residents of Kano for providing information that aided the arrests, encouraging continued collaboration.

    “We appreciate the cooperation of the public in providing credible information. Citizens should continue to report suspicious activities through our emergency numbers,” the statement added.

    The arrest is the latest in a series of police crackdowns on violent gangs in Kano, where authorities say social media platforms are increasingly being used to glamorize thuggery and intimidate residents.

  • Over 50 Bandits Killed as Troops Repel Attack in Niger

    Over 50 Bandits Killed as Troops Repel Attack in Niger

    Security forces have killed more than 50 bandits and rescued kidnapped victims during a joint operation in Kumbashi village, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

    The operation, carried out on Tuesday, followed an attempted invasion by about 300 armed men who targeted a Department of State Services (DSS) camp in the area. According to security sources, operatives of the DSS and the Nigerian Army engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat after heavy losses. Several others were said to have fled with gunshot wounds.

    Seven kidnapped victims and rustled cattle were also recovered during the operation.

    Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji, commended the security agencies, describing the operation as a major step forward in efforts to curb banditry in the state.

    The incident comes just days after DSS operatives arrested Abubakar Abba, leader of Mahmuda, a notorious terror group, in Wawa, Niger State — an arrest seen by analysts as a significant breakthrough in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.

    Residents of Kumbashi expressed relief following the operation, noting that it has renewed confidence in the ability of security forces to protect communities long troubled by armed groups.

    Banditry has been a persistent security challenge in Niger State and other parts of northwestern Nigeria, where criminal gangs carry out raids, kidnappings, and cattle rustling. Authorities say recent coordinated offensives are part of a wider strategy to dismantle these networks and restore security across affected regions.