The Ministry of the Interior has announced Friday, July 3, 2026, as the day to be observed as Republic Day, a statutory public holiday.

Although Republic Day falls on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, President John Dramani Mahama has, by Executive Instrument (E.I.) and in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act, 2001 (Act 601), as amended, declared Friday, July 3, 2026, as the official day for nationwide observance.

In a statement dated June 24, 2026, and signed by the Sector Minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the Ministry urged the public to take note and observe the holiday accordingly.

“The general public is hereby informed that Friday, 3rd July 2026, marks Republic Day, which is a statutory public holiday.

“However, in view of the fact that 1st July 2026 falls on a Wednesday, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana, has, by Executive Instrument (E.I.), in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601), as amended, declared Friday, 3rd July 2026, as Public Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country,” the statement said.

The Delta state government has dismissed as untrue reports by some online newspapers that former governor Emmanuel Uduaghan had passed on.

Media aide to governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta state, Mr Ossai Ovie in a statement on his facebook page said he spoke with the daughter of the ex governor Miss Orode Uduaghan who told him that the father is alive.

His statement titled : “Former governor uduaghan is alive – death rumor false

“I have just seen reports circulating online claiming that the former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, is dead.

“Some people have been reaching out to me asking “Ossai Ovie Success is the news real “?

“I immediately reached out to his family to confirm.

“I spoke directly with his daughter Orode Uduaghan on the phone, and she confirmed that the news is false.

“Dr Uduaghan is alive.

“I am disappointed at those who spread such false information without verification.

“Spreading fake news about someone’s death is cruel, irresponsible, and causes unnecessary pain to the family and millions of Deltans who hold him in high regard.

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“I urge the public to disregard the rumor and avoid sharing unverified information. Let us show respect for life and for our leaders.

Dr. Uduaghan is fine and not dead “

Some online media last night posted that the former governor was dead. But the statement from Mr Success, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor has calmed nerves across the state.

Alhaji Muhammadu Mai Barga Besse, the former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Koko/Besse Local Government Area, reportedly died while in the custody of kidnappers after approximately two months in captivity.

His death has raised significant concerns regarding the escalating security situation in northern Nigeria, particularly in Kebbi State, where incidents of kidnapping and bandit attacks have been increasingly prevalent.

Mai Barga Besse was abducted alongside a close associate during an attack by armed men believed to be bandits in the Koko/Besse area.

Initially, the incident did not receive widespread media attention; however, apprehensions regarding their safety intensified in recent weeks as it came to light that both individuals were facing severe health issues while being held captive.

Before his death, a concerning video emerged online, featuring the former APC chieftain and his associate making a plea for urgent assistance from family members, political figures, community leaders, and government authorities.

In this emotional video, the victims appeared frail and fatigued, describing their dire living conditions in the forest and the deterioration of their health.

The late APC chieftain reportedly lamented that both men had become seriously ill while in captivity. He also expressed fears that continued delay in efforts to secure their release could lead to tragedy.

Sadly, those fears have now become reality.

Sources familiar with the matter said the former party leader could not survive the difficult conditions in the kidnappers’ den, where victims were allegedly forced to endure hunger, sickness and long movements through remote forest areas.

His associate, who was abducted alongside him, was also said to have suffered severe health complications during captivity.

The death of Mai Barga Besse has thrown his family, political associates and residents of Koko/Besse into mourning.

Several residents described him as a respected political figure and community leader who played a significant role in grassroots politics in Kebbi State.

Many Nigerians have also taken to social media to express grief and anger over the incident, with renewed calls for stronger action against banditry and kidnapping across the country.