By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has firmly dismissed speculation regarding a preferred successor or favoured candidates for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a crucial All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting in Maiduguri on Monday, Zulum declared that he has neither endorsed nor promised any elective position to any aspirant.

“I have no candidate for any position, and I do not know who will succeed me,” the governor stated. “I have entrusted the choice of leaders to Almighty Allah, in line with the democratic will of party members and the people of Borno State.”

He cautioned party leaders and members against spreading divisive rumours and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring a fair, transparent, and just process in the upcoming party congresses. Zulum stressed that the integrity of the internal electoral process is essential to the APC’s unity and future success in the state.

Additionally, the governor advocated for the emergence of fresh individuals in party positions, urging stakeholders to allow new faces to rise through a democratic process. He noted that such renewal would strengthen the party’s grassroots base, promote inclusivity, and enhance internal cohesion.

The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials including; the acting governor, Umar Usman Kadafur; former governor Maina Ma’aji Lawan; APC Deputy National Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori; State APC chairman, Bello Ayuba; Members of the House of Representatives, and other senior party and government officials.

Daily Trust

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The National Industrial Court in Abuja has issued an order compelling striking workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to suspend their industrial action immediately.

The order was granted on Tuesday following an interlocutory injunction filed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration against the leadership of the workers’ Joint Union Action Committee.

Presiding Judge, Justice E.D. Subilim, ruled that while the case constituted a legitimate trade dispute, the workers’ right to strike is not absolute. He emphasized that once a dispute is formally referred to the National Industrial Court, any ongoing strike must cease pending the court’s final determination.

“An order of interlocutory injunction is hereby granted, restraining the defendants and their representatives from further embarking on any industrial action,” Justice Subilim stated. “This order shall remain in force pending the determination of this suit.”

The suit (NICN/ABJ/17/2026) names the Union Chairman, Rifkatu Iortyer, and Secretary, Abdullahi Umar Saleh, as defendants. It seeks to restrain the union and its members from any form of industrial action, picketing, or lockout.

The court has adjourned the hearing of the substantive suit to March 23, 2026.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Troops from Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have uncovered and dismantled an illegal arms manufacturing facility in Agwatashi, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The discovery was confirmed in a statement on Monday by Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer for the JTF OPWS.

While conducting a routine patrol from the Forward Operating Base in Idadu, troops identified a concealed location suspected of housing illegal weapons production. Upon the approach of security forces, several individuals fled the scene.
One suspect, identified as 26-year-old Baba Ogar from Arusu Village in Kokona LGA, was apprehended after attempting to hide in a tree.

Items Recovered are: six (6) locally fabricated pistols; assorted tools and instruments used for weapons manufacturing; The sum of ₦40,500, and One mobile phone.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the facility served as a production hub supplying firearms to criminal networks operating within and beyond the region.
The apprehended suspect is currently in custody. Investigations are ongoing to track down his fleeing accomplices.

The Force Commander of OPWS, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance, and sustained operational efforts that led to the discovery. He urged them to maintain momentum and continue employing intelligence-driven operations to dismantle criminal networks across the Joint Operations Area.