By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Tinubu has approved the removal of the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Mr Saidu Mohammed.

He has also nominated Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Chief Executive of the agency, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

The announcement was contained in a State House press release issued on Wednesay by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the removal of Mr Saidu Mohammed as the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in the public interest,” Onanuga said.

According to the statement, the decision was taken in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and is aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Umar is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience across the energy, manufacturing and infrastructure sectors. He holds a degree in Accounting from Bayero University and is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

Pending Senate confirmation of the nominee, the most senior official in the NMDPRA will oversee the affairs of the authority in an acting capacity.

The Presidency thanked the outgoing chief executive for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours, while reiterating its commitment to appointing competent leadership in key regulatory institutions.

“The President remains committed to ensuring capable leadership in key regulatory institutions to advance energy security, sector reform, and sustainable economic growth,” the statement added.

The change in leadership at the NMDPRA followed the exit of its pioneer Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, who stepped aside in December 2025.

He was subsequently replaced by Saidu Mohammed, who assumed office as Authority Chief Executive of the NMDPRA.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal Government has declared Friday a public holiday to celebrate this year’s International Workers Day.

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this on behalf of the Federal Government.

A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani said the minister congratulated workers across the country on this year’s celebration.

“The Minister commended Nigerian workers for their hard work and dedication to national development. He noted that their efforts are essential for the nation’s growth and prosperity.

“He encouraged workers to embrace patriotism, productivity, and dedication to their duties. These qualities are crucial for sustainable development.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to supporting the welfare and security of all workers and creating a favorable environment for economic growth.

“While wishing workers a happy celebration, the Minister urged all Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding. He encouraged everyone to use this occasion to reflect on the importance of unity and hard work in building the nation”, the statement added.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Senator representing Yobe East Senatorial District, Musa Mustapha, has withdrawn from seeking a second term in the Senate and declared support for Governor Mai Mala Buni to contest for the seat in 2027.

Mustapha also announced his withdrawal from the race for the All Progressives Congress governorship ticket in Yobe State, pledging loyalty to the choice of party leaders on the state’s succession plan.

The lawmaker disclosed this in a statement on Thursday titled, “A Notice of Withdrawal from Any Contest and Endorsement of Our Leaders’ Decision.”

He said the decision followed a meeting of the Yobe APC Critical Stakeholders’ Forum held on April 23, 2026, at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Damaturu, convened by Buni and the Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam.

According to him, participants at the meeting unanimously agreed to support whoever the leaders present as their preferred governorship candidate.

“To exercise the spirit of integrity and responsibility, I hereby formally withdraw from the contest for the APC governorship ticket,” Mustapha said.

He also said, “Additionally, to make it explicitly clear, I am not contesting the senatorial ticket; rather, I will fully support our leader, His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, to contest the senatorial seat.

He expressed gratitude to Buni and Gaidam for giving him the opportunity to serve the state in various capacities, including Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Scholarship Board, commissioner on two occasions, and now senator.

“I will forever remain grateful to them for this rare privilege,” he said.

The senator also thanked his supporters and campaign team for standing by him, describing their encouragement as a source of strength.

He directed those operating social media platforms in his name to shut them down or convert them into channels for promoting APC candidates in Yobe State and beyond.

“This directive is to further unite the party and ensure its victory in the forthcoming elections,” he said.

Mustapha also urged those using his photographs or campaigning for him for any political office to stop immediately, saying a decision had been taken and he fully supports it.

He congratulated former Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Baba Mallam Wali, whom he described as the preferred choice of party leaders to govern the state.