Cross River flood warning has intensified after Bassey Otu appealed to the Federal Government for urgent intervention over recurring floods affecting communities across Cross River State.   According to Channels Television, the governor said annual flooding has become a major ecological threat, warning that the damage now extends beyond homes and farms to broader environmental risks.   Otu spoke during a visit by National Emergency Management Agency Director-General Zubaida Umar and a delegation involved in the 2026 National Flood Preparedness and Awareness Campaign.   He said several projects originally designed to reduce flooding in the state, including drainage systems and water diversion channels, were left incomplete, worsening the situation for vulnerable communities.   “Flooding has continued to confront our state year after year, and it is already common knowledge that Cross River remains one of the high-risk states in the country,” Otu said.   The governor added that planned dam and drainage infrastructure had not been fully delivered, despite earlier engagements with relevant authorities dating back to 2019.   NEMA confirmed that Cross River is among states expected to face severe flooding in 2026, with high-risk local government areas listed as Abi, Akamkpa, Calabar Municipality, Calabar South, Etung, Ikom, Odukpani, Obubra and Obanliku.   Umar said the agency had deployed technical teams to vulnerable communities and was working with traditional rulers, religious leaders and emergency responders to improve awareness and preparedness ahead of the peak flood season.   She noted that while flooding may not be entirely prevented, early warning systems and stronger coordination can reduce losses to lives and livelihoods.

National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the elevation of 12 judges to the Court of Appeal, in a move aimed at filling vacancies caused by retirements and previous promotions across the judiciary.   The recommendation was made during the council’s 111th meeting chaired by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun and has been forwarded to Bola Tinubu for approval, according to a statement by the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe.   Those listed for elevation include Justice Emeka Nwite, Justice James Kolawole Omotosho, Justice Yakubu Mohammed, Justice Abodunde Oluwatoyin and Justice Ajuwa Raphael, alongside seven others.   The council said the appointments are intended to strengthen the courts and improve justice delivery nationwide. It also approved the appointment of Christine Ende as a High Court judge in Benue State and nominated two Kadis for the Sharia Court of Appeal in Katsina State.   The NJC extended the tenure of Justice Ijeoma Agugua as acting chief judge of Imo State for another three months to allow completion of the process for appointing a substantive chief judge.   In disciplinary actions, the council upheld the compulsory retirement of eight judges from the Imo State judiciary after rejecting their appeals over age falsification findings. It said the judges failed to present fresh evidence to overturn the sanctions imposed at its 109th meeting.   However, the NJC reinstated Justice T. I. Nze after reviewing new evidence it described as authentic.   The council also suspended Justice Ibrahim D. Shekarau and Justice Edward A. E. Okpe for one year without pay over separate findings of judicial misconduct, including breach of due process and denial of fair hearing.

Global pop star Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats singer Burna Boy have released “Dai Dai”, the official song for the FIFA World Cup 2026.   According to Punch Newspapers, the song was announced on Friday, with Shakira confirming the release on social media and telling fans that the tournament excitement had already begun.   FIFA said the track is available on major streaming platforms through Sony Music Latin and will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative targeting $100 million in donations by the end of the tournament.   The governing body said proceeds from the single will go toward improving children’s access to education and football opportunities worldwide. FIFA also said Shakira would donate her royalties from the track, while Sony Music would match the first $250,000 raised.   “Dai Dai” carries themes of resilience, ambition and unity. The lyrics reference several football icons, including Pelé, Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Mohamed Salah.   The release marks Shakira’s return to the World Cup stage after her previous tournament hits, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) and La La La.   It is also Burna Boy’s first official World Cup song appearance and the second time a Nigerian artist has featured on a FIFA tournament soundtrack, after Davido appeared on Hayya Hayya (Better Together).   FIFA also announced that Rema will headline the opening ceremony in Los Angeles on June 12, while Shakira is scheduled to co-headline the final halftime show on July 19, the first halftime performance in World Cup history.

Bola Tinubu has urged members of All Progressives Congress to avoid violence and internal division as the ruling party begins its nationwide primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.   In a statement reported by Channels Television, the president told aspirants, delegates and party leaders to conduct themselves peacefully and ensure the exercise reflects fairness, sportsmanship and internal democracy.   Tinubu said the primaries, which began with House of Representatives contests and will conclude with the presidential primary on May 25, 2026, are vital to the party’s future and cohesion.   He cautioned against a return to what he described as “do-or-die” politics, saying electoral contests should not be treated as a zero-sum game. According to him, where consensus candidates cannot be agreed, members should still approach the primaries as one political family and preserve unity.   The president also reminded contestants that both victory and defeat are part of democratic competition. He advised winners to avoid gloating and urged unsuccessful aspirants to accept results in good faith and prepare for future opportunities.   Tinubu praised ongoing efforts by APC leaders to reach consensus in some contests, noting that such arrangements, where accepted, could reduce tension and prevent rancour among party members.   He further directed governors and other senior party leaders to provide equal opportunities for all contestants, warning against bias or sentiment during the selection process.   The president also renewed his call for greater participation of women and young people in party politics, asking delegates and leaders to give them stronger consideration during the primaries.   Tinubu warned the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to limit their role strictly to maintaining peace and order during the exercise.   He expressed confidence that the APC would emerge stronger after the primaries and wished all aspirants success in the process.