Here are the stories that drove conversation today:

178 reps-elect endorse Gbajabiamila for speaker

Supporters of Femi Gbajabiamila say 178 newly elected members of the house of representatives have endorsed him for speakership The incoming lawmakers endorsed Gbajabiamila during a meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

Gbajabiamila is the current majority leader of the house and is favoured by both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Muhammadu Buhari to become speaker in the ninth assembly.

Ganduje sacks permanent secretaries 

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano on Thursday relieved all Permanent Secretaries in the state of their duties with immediate effect.

In a statement signed by the Kano State Head of Service, Muhammad Awwal Na’iya on Thursday, the action is in line with the present administration’s resolve to vigorously implement the reform initiatives embarked upon by the government.

Return home and face security challenges – PDP tells Buhari

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to end his “private visit” abroad and immediately return home to face the deteriorated security situation in the country.

In a statement by its spokesman Kola Ologbondiyan on Thursday, the PDP said it was completely unacceptable for President Buhari to “practically” abandon his responsibilities, as the Commander-In-Chief, at least for now, to pursue “unexplained” private matters in foreign lands.

Court adjourns Adeleke’s eligibility case to May 8

The court of Appeal sitting over the case eligibility of Senator Ademola Adeleke in the September 2018 governorship election has been adjourned till May 8, 2019.

The appeal court on Thursday adjourned the case to enable it to hear Senator Adeleke’s appeal alongside that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Saudi Arabia release another Nigerian arrested over drug trafficking

Saudi Arabia’s government has released a Ibrahim Abubakar, a Nigerian arrested over alleged drug trafficking.  Friday Akpan, an acting spokesperson for the ministry of foreign affairs had earlier announced that Abubakar would be released soon

However, the confirmation of his release was announced on Thursday by Bashir Ahmad, media aide to President Muhammadu Buhari.