Obi Criticises Tinubu’s Kenya Comparison, Calls for Data-Driven Governance

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April 13, 2026

Presidential Candidate hopeful of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Peter Obi, has criticised recent remarks attributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suggesting that Nigerians should take comfort in being “better off than Kenya and other African countries.”

Obi, in a statement, argued that while the comment may have been intended to ease concerns over rising living costs and economic hardship, it risks downplaying the severity of Nigeria’s current socio-economic challenges.

He drew a parallel between such comparative statements and the biblical parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in the Gospel of Luke (18:9–14), which contrasts self-righteous comparison with honest self-assessment. He also referenced a similar caution in the Qur’an (53:32) against self-praise and arrogance.

According to him, downward comparisons among nations often serve as “a refuge rather than a remedy,” warning that leadership communication must be anchored on measurable realities rather than selective narratives.

Obi also recalled a past campaign-era remark attributed to President Tinubu, “Na statistics we go shop?”, arguing that such a disposition undermines the importance of data in governance.

Obi stressed that statistics remain essential tools for national planning and performance evaluation, noting that no country can achieve meaningful development without benchmarking itself against others using credible data.

Citing multiple development indicators, he argued that Kenya currently outperforms Nigeria in several key areas, including security, Human Development Index (HDI), GDP per capita, life expectancy, literacy levels, and electricity access.

He noted that Nigeria continues to face severe security challenges, ranking among the most terror-affected countries globally, while Kenya does not fall within the worst-affected group.

Available figures, he said, place Kenya’s HDI at about 0.630 (ranked 143 of 180 countries), compared to Nigeria’s 0.530 (ranked 164 of 180). Kenya’s GDP per capita is estimated at $2,200–$2,300, compared to Nigeria’s $807–$835.

Obi further cited poverty estimates indicating that about 63 percent of Nigerians live below the poverty line, compared to approximately 43 percent in Kenya. He also noted disparities in life expectancy—about 67 years in Kenya compared to 54 years in Nigeria—and literacy rates, estimated at 81–85 percent in Kenya and 62–65 percent in Nigeria.

Other indicators, according to him, include electricity access, out-of-school children figures, inflation trends, and currency stability, all of which he said favour Kenya over Nigeria in comparative performance.

He highlighted that Kenya has recorded more stable inflation rates of around 4.5 percent or lower in recent years, while Nigeria’s inflation has remained above 15 percent. He also pointed to sharper currency depreciation in Nigeria compared to Kenya over the same period.

Obi added that despite global pressures, Kenya has not experienced the same level of fuel price volatility as Nigeria in recent years.

He argued that these indicators demonstrate the need for more honest assessment of Nigeria’s situation, stressing that comparisons should be grounded in verified data and used as tools for accountability rather than consolation.

He concluded that Nigeria’s challenges require humility, responsibility, and urgent reforms aimed at addressing structural constraints to development.

Attempts To Link The Sultan To Benue State Security Challenges Threat To National Unity And Security – Sultanate Warns

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 13, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has dismissed as false, misleading and mischievous, a viral image online depicting the Governor of Benue State Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia genuflecting and appearing to be worshipping him.

He described the picture as well as the mischievous message that it sought to pass as AI-generated, and the handiwork of mischief makers out to stoke religious flame through misleading narratives.

The Source reports that the social media space has been inundated in the last couple of days with the image of the Benue State Governor genuflecting at the feet of the Sultan with accompanying commentary suggesting that Alia has continued to remain silent in the face of impudent and genocidal herdsmen attacks and killings of his people owing to his alleged subservience to the Caliphate.

But in a statement from his media team, and signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka ,the Sultan accused those behind the false image and rhetorics of attempting to ignite ethno-religious conflagration and division in the country.

According to the Media Team, the Sultan does not appear in the manner depicted in the circulated image.

The statement emphasized that Islamic religious teachings clearly frown at prostration before any human, noting that it is an act of worship reserved solely for Almighty Allah.

According to the Media Team, the nature of the image in the video makes the entire video not only false, but also fundamentally inconsistent with the Sultan’s faith and principles.

“The Media Team of the Sultan of Sokoto has been alerted to a misleading post circulating across WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms , titled ‘leaked photo of Governor Hyacinth Alia worshipping the Sultan of Sokoto.’

“The content attempts to introduce divisive religious and ethnic narrative into the ongoing security challenges in Benue state.

“We wish to categorically state that the image in question is fake, likely Al-generated, and deliberately crafted to misinform the public.

“It is also a mischievous ,and dangerous attempt to associate the revered leadership of Muslims in Nigeria, particularly the Sultan of Sokoto, with issues unrelated to his office or person.

“The accompanying commentary falsely alleged religious bias and attempts to inflame tensions by linking the Sultan to the crisis in Benue state.

“Such claims are not only baseless ,but constitute a serious threat to national unity and security.

“These actions reflect a pattern of disinformation designed to invite division and undermine peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.

“As custodians of the image and public communications of the Sultan of Sokoto, who also serves as the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs ( NSCIA) , Chairman of the National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria ,Co-Chairman of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council ,and Co-President of the World Religions for Peace, New York, we condemn these acts in the strongest terms”, the Sultanate statement reads in part.

The Media Team emphasized that the Sultan has for nearly two decades been unflinchingly committed to the promotion of peace, interfaith harmony ,and national cohesion.”

It, therefore, warned that all orchestrated efforts to tarnish the examplary legacies of the Sultan must be rejected by all well-meaning Nigerians.

The Sultan called on the Federal Government and all relevant security agencies to take decisive actions against the spread of disinformation, as well as setting machineries in motion for the arrest and prosecution of the promoters of the harmful content.

Imported Petrol Is Cheaper

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James Orji

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April 13, 2026

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Tankers Waiting At Petrol-depot Depot to Load

The Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria has faulted claims that imported petroleum products are cheaper than locally refined fuels, arguing that price differences stem from quality disparities and not efficiency, while accusing the World Bank of failing to make a like-for-like comparison.

The association’s Publicity Secretary, Eche Idoko, who spoke in an interview with The PUNCH, said local refineries were disadvantaged by premium crude pricing and unfair benchmarking against blended imported products.

In a now-deleted report, the World Bank Group had stated that Dangote’s petrol price was higher than imported ones, asking the Federal Government to allow fuel importation. Reacting in an interview with our correspondent, Idoko maintained that the World Bank was not fair with his comparison.

According to him, petroleum products imported into Nigeria are blended and are of low quality compared to locally produced ones.

He added that many imported fuels were blended to meet minimum regulatory specifications, making them cheaper but not directly comparable to fully refined local products.

“What is the quality, what is the process of producing some of these imported products? Some of the products that have been imported are blended products that are coming from Kazakhstan and the Far Eastern European countries. They blend just to get the parameters that they need in this country. And then they bring it in.

“In terms of quality, they would not compete with the quality that we produce from our refineries here. And of course, it also dovetails with the fact that blending is cheaper than refining. So, those are factors that would make those prices cheaper,” he stated.

Idoko said any comparison must account for product specifications such as density, flash point and pour point, noting that different fuel grades attract different prices.

“The World Bank has failed to tell us what the density was, what the flash point was, what the pour point was, and all those things about these products. They should also give a comparison because not all products are the same. There are different grades of PMS. There are different grades of diesel. And as different as they are, so also are the prices. So it’s not okay to just say the price of petrol produced in Nigeria is higher than the price of imported petrol. How do you grade the two of them?” he asked.

He insisted that unless identical grades were compared, conclusions about price competitiveness would be misleading. “When you are speaking of two different grades of fuel, then you are not being fair to the local refinery. So I think those are the factors that the World Bank will have to spell out when they are doing their comparison. It has to be apple with apple and not apple with pear or apple with orange,” he said.

The CORAN spokesman also clarified that blending was not illegal but typically produced lower-grade fuels that cost less. “Blending does not mean adulterated fuel. No, not necessarily. As I said, in products, you have grades. So the higher the grade, the higher the price.

“And then when you’re looking at the grade, you’re looking at the level of emissions. So if I’m refining and my emissions are more environmentally friendly, it will definitely be more expensive because it takes a higher level of refining. But if it’s not, then it means it’s a lower grade, so the price will be lower.

“So I’m not saying blending is bad. I think that the misinformation is that, when you blend, it’s like something illegal. No, it’s not illegal. But it doesn’t give you the grade in terms of quality as the one that has gone through the full reforming process. It won’t give what the one who went through a standard catalytic reformer and reforming process will give you. The refined one will be different from what a blended product will give you,” he stated.

The Punch

Trump Tackles Pope Leo: You Became Catholic Pontiff Because Of Me

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James Orji

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April 13, 2026

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President Donald Trump of the United States, US has lashed out at Pope Leo XIV for criticisng him over his attacks on Iran and Venezuela, saying the Catholic Pontiff is a rookie when it comes to foreign policy.

The US leader criticized Pope Leo in a post he shared on the Truth Social, a social media platform promoted by him. The Pope is from the US, the first from the country to have mounted that position in the Catholic church history.

Formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, the first American-born pope in the history of the Catholic Church, was elected on May 8, 2025. Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955, he is an Augustinian friar who previously served as a missionary and bishop in Peru, holding dual U.S. and Peruvian.

His relationship with President Trump has not been very rosy, as they share different political differences, particularly when it comes to global affairs.

The Pope had recently differed with President Trump on the ongoing war between US/ Israel and Iran, as the Catholic leader insist that the war is unnecessary, saying it has been trailed by human deaths.

But Trump differ with him, saying the Pope does not understand international politics, accusing him of being “weak’ and uninformed about “foreign policy”.

Trump said he disagreed with the Pope on the Iran nuclear programme as well as the US capture of President Maduro of Venezuela last year by US forces. The former Venezuelan leader is now standing trial in the US for multiple charges.

President Trump said he finds it unfathimable that the Pope is criticising him for performing his duty as US President, urging Leo to focus on his job as a pontiff instead of dabbling into politics, adding that Leo would not have been the leader of catholics globally if not for his help.

He said, “Pope Leo is weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy. He talks about ‘fear’ of the Trump administration, but doesn’t mention the fear that the Catholic Church, and all other Christian organisations, had during COVID when they were arresting priests, ministers, and everybody else, for holding church services, even when going outside, and being ten and even twenty feet apart. I like his brother Louis much better than I like him, because Louis is all MAGA. He gets it, and Leo doesn’t.

“I don’t want a pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon. I don’t want a pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela, a country that was sending massive amounts of drugs into the United States and, even worse, emptying their prisons, including murderers, drug dealers, and killers, into our country. And I don’t want a pope who criticises the president of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected, in a landslide, to do, setting record low numbers in crime, and creating the greatest stock market in history.

“Leo should be thankful because, as everyone knows, he was a shocking surprise. He wasn’t on any list to be pope and was only put there by the church because he was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump. If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican.”

Meanwhile, the magazine had earlier reported that the diplomatic talk brokered by Pakistan to end the war in the middle east, ended last week in Islamabad, the country’s capital without Washington and Tehran reaching an agreement, amidst fear globally that the two week ceasefire could end without any truce between the parties.

Amidt the deadlock, President Trump, on Sunday, ordered the US Navy to blockade the Strait of Hormuz as Iran tightens grip on the maritime passage way.

Atiku Demands Accountability For Civilians Death Over Borno-Yobe Airstrike

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 13, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the death of over 30 people in a Military Airstrike that struck the popular weekly market between Gubio and Geidam areas Saturday evening.

The Nigerian Air Force airstrike struck Jilli Market along the Borno–Yobe border, which left several civilians dead.

Atiku described the incident as tragic and raised concerns about the protection of civilian lives during military operations.

The incident reportedly left traders and residents in panic as explosions rocked the busy trading centre.

The NAF has confirmed conducting precision airstrikes in the Jilli axis as part of ongoing counter-insurgency operations under Operation Hadin Kai on April 11, 2026.

It stated that the strikes targeted terrorists’ locations and resulted in the neutralisation of Boko Haram militants.

However, the military has not publicly addressed civilian casualties or confirmed any strike on the market itself.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Sunday, Atiku said the incident represents a broader failure in the country’s security operations.

“The Jilli market airstrike that killed scores of innocent traders is not just tragic, but a devastating failure that must outrage every conscience.

“While targeting insurgents, innocent Nigerians were once again reduced to collateral damage. How long will citizens remain unsafe both from terrorists and from the very operations meant to protect them?”, he wrote.

He compared Nigeria’s situation with a recent United States military operation, saying significant resources were deployed to protect a single life.

“Just a few days ago, the United States deployed over 150 aircraft and spent an estimated $300 million to rescue just one pilot in Iran, even destroying equipment worth over $100 million each to protect a single life. That is the value they place on one citizen.

“Here at home, we must ask: what is the value of Nigerian lives? This demands urgent review, accountability, and decisive action to prevent a recurrence,” he added.

“My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families and affected communities. Nigeria must uphold its duty to protect its citizen. That is the ultimate essence of National Security,” he said.

He, however, extended condolences to families affected by the incident.

US Preaches Transparent Legal Processes To Tackle Terrorism As Nigeria Names Newspaper Publisher Sponsor

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Ayodele Oni

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April 13, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government of Nigeria has named a Newspaper Publisher, Tukur Mamu, as one of the sponsors of Terrorism.

The FG had, a couple of days ago, named 45 people and organizations as sponsors of Terrorism.

Mamu, Publisher of Desert Herald was one of them.

Mamu first came into national attention after the unprecedented attack on an Abuja-Kaduna train in 2024 which resulted in the killing of a number of people and the abduction of scores. Thereafter, Bama acted as a go-between for the terrorists and the families of the victims. His home became a clearing house for the delivery of hundreds of millions of Naira to the terrorists until he ran into trouble with security agencies which suspected his actions. The ante was raised when he was arrested in Saudi Arabia on his way to perform a religious obligation along with his way.

Presently, he is under prosecution by the Department of State Services, DSS.

Last week, the Federal Government began the prosecution of suspected terrorists by arraigning 500 of them, and at the end of day, 386 of them were jailed. Others are pending.

This ongoing trial and conviction of the suspects found guilty of terrorism charges have attracted commendation from the United States (US) government.

The US has, based on that, lauded President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government of Nigeria for its efforts to tackle terrorism and strengthen the judicial process in the country.

In a statement shared on X on Sunday, Massad Fares Boulos, US Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, acknowledged the Nigerian government’s commitment to accelerating terrorism-related trials and addressing long-standing delays in the courts.

He noted that the recent conviction of 386 Islamist militants marked a significant step towards accountability and justice.

He further highlighted the importance of timely and transparent legal processes in combating extremism and reinforcing public confidence in judicial institutions, while stressing that adherence to the rule of law remains vital for national security and long-term stability.

The statement reads, “The United States commends the Nigerian government for its strong commitment to expediting trials addressing terrorism and related crimes.

“We welcome the convictions of 386 Islamist militants in cases that had previously faced significant delays in the courts, and we recognize this as an important step toward accountability and justice.

“We believe that timely and transparent legal processes are critical in confronting extremism and reinforcing public trust in judicial institutions.

“Upholding the rule of law remains essential to ensuring the safety, stability, and long-term security of all Nigerians, and we support continued efforts to strengthen judicial efficiency and fairness across the country.”

The development comes a day after the Federal Government released a list of 48 individuals and groups allegedly linked to terrorism financing in Nigeria.

The list, published on Saturday by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee, identified suspects believed to be supporting terrorist activities across the country.

Some of those named were reportedly connected to organisations such as the Indigenous People of Biafra and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Supreme Court To Hear ADC, PDP Appeals Tuesday

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 13, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has scheduled hearing for Tuesday April,14, 2026, an appeal filed by the factional National Chairman of the opposition Coalition platform the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Senator David Mark, challenging the Court of Appeal’s verdict on the internal and leadership crisis rocking the party.

The source reports that the Appallate Court had, on March 12, 2026, in its ruling on Mark’s appeal against an application filed by factional leader, Bala Nafiu Gombe, at an Abuja Federal High Court, ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the motion on notice at the trial court.

The Court of Appeal also ordered parties to return to the trial court for the continuation of proceedings in the Nafiu Gombe’s suit challenging the Mark-led national leadership.

The Apex Court also has fixed same Tuesday for the hearing of the appeal filed by the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee NWC of the Peoples Democratic party, PDP, against the Court of Appeal judgment of March 9, 2026, nullifying its Ibadan National Convention, and recognizing the Nyesom Wike-backed Abdulraham Mohammed-led leadership of the party.

Mark, in his appeal, is seeking the Apex Court’s order nullifying the Appallate Court’s verdict ordering the resumption of proceedings in the suit filed by Nafiu Gombe at the trial court ,as well as for parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the motion on notice before the trial court.

The Mark-led national leadership is also seeking an order of the Supreme Court restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC from executing the Appallate court’s ruling on parties maintaining the status quo ante bellum.

Similarly, Mark is praying the apex Court for an order of stay of execution of the Court of Appeal judgment, pending the hearing and determination of his motion on notice before the court.

In his application, Mark is also seeking the Supreme Court’s order compelling the INEC to continue to recognize his leadership as the ADC’s authentic NWC pending the final determination of his motion on notice.

The Mark’s ADC leadership attempt at securing similar reliefs at the trial court was dismissed by Honourable Justice Emeka Nwite, prompting it to approach the Court of Appeal.

In the same vein, Honourable Justices James Omotosho and Peter Lifu of Abuja Federal High Courts had earlier ruled to nullify the Ibadan National Convention of the PDP where the Turaki national executive committee emerged.

The Turaki national executive committee, in its two appeals, are challenging the Court of Appeal rulings affirming the trial court’s judgment nullifying the Ibadan National Convention of the PDP.

Dabiri-Erewa: Obidients Are ‘Monsters’, Will Cause Obi’s’ Downfall’

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James Orji

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April 13, 2026

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Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has lashed out at the Obidient Movement, the group supporting former Labour Party, Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi presidential ambition describing them as monsters.

Dabiri Erewa made the remark on series of posts, on Sunday, saying their actions are capable of marring the presidential ambition of Obi, a former governor of Anambra state.

The former LP Presidential candidate is among top politicians in the country eyeing the nation’s top job next year, as President commander-in-chief.

Obi had in 2023 contested the presidential election under the LP but lost to incumbent, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He recently declared his intention to run again under the African Democratic Congress, ADC platform, and the Movement has reiterated his support for him, saying Presidency or nothing for the former governor.

But not a few Nigerians have also accused the Obidients of social media bullying of opponents of the former governor, calling on Obi to call them to order to save his political ambition.

The NiDCOM Chairman spoke amidt last week’s remark by Presidential Spokesman, Daniel Bwala that the ‘Obidients’, a group rooting for Obi to become Nigerian’s president in 2027 are only loyal to him and not to the country.

According to Dabiri- Erewa, the behavior of the Movement is capable of marring Obi’s political future, and his chances to become Nigeria’s leader in the future.

The Movement, the NiDCOM chairman stated may become Obi’s downfall and undoing politically, calling on the former Anambra helmsman to call them to order.

She wrote: “Peter Obi has actually raised monsters. By God’s grace, Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win the 2027 elections. When it’s the turn of the South East and perhaps it falls on him, I hope he realises that these Obidients could ironically become his downfall. He needs to call them to order,”

In a follow up post, the NiDCOM boss said she cannot be intimidated to silence, accusing the Obidients of “toxic behaviors.”

“This is my personal account. You can hack it again if you wish. So because I’m a public official, I should remain silent in the face of what I consider toxic behaviour?” she stated

Bwala, the magazine recalls, had last week accused the Movement of being unpatriotic, saying they will do anything to undermine the security of the country.

He said: “I know the environment I come from; it’s an environment where there exists a species of ‘Trojans’ of social media called the ‘Obidient,’ who do not care about the national interest or the security of Nigeria and will do everything possible to achieve the aim of their hero, no matter the cost,” he stated.

Olubadan: Ibadan Indigenes Warn Fayose To ‘Shut Up’; ‘Take Your Politics Elsewhere’

By

James Orji

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April 13, 2026

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Rashidi Ladoja - Olubadan — Rashidi Ladoja, Olubadan.

Ibadan indigenes, under the aegis of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII have called on a former governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose, to ‘shut up’ over his recent comment, to the effect that Governor Seyi makinde of Oyo state is planning to dethrone the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja.

The CCII CCII President-General, Ajeniyi Ajewole, made this known in a statement released by the council’s Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide yesterday, saying there is no iota of truth in the suggestion of the former governor.

According to the CCII, the former Ekiti helmsman is just trying to cause disaffection and distrust among the people of the state by making such a provocative statement, capable of inciting violence in the state.

The CCII said Governor Makinde is a true indigene of Ibadanlan and would not contemplate the removal of Oba Ladoja, saying the people of the city will not tolerate any plan by outsiders to set the state on fire.

Fayose had on Sunday, in a post he shared on his verified X handle alleged that Governor Makinde is plotting to remove the revered traditional ruler over recent political realities in the state, saying the state government will first issue a query to Oba Ladoja “this wee” before the very act of removing him is done

Fayose: “I heard reliably that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is plotting the removal of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

“The plot is to commence this week, with a government query to be issued against the Olubadan, citing his absence at the failed coronation of High Chiefs in Ibadanland two weeks ago, and other allegations.”

But Ajewole warned Fayose to stop peddling lies about any rift between Oba Ladoja and Governor Makinde because there’s nothing of such, adding that the governor and the traditional ruler are notable indigenes of the ancient city, saying the indigenes will not take it lightly with anyone trying to destabilize the city through careless political comments, noting that Fayose is only misleading his readers with such remarks.

“Ibadanland would not tolerate external attempts to destabilise its peace through careless political rhetoric. The allegation lacked credibility and should be disregarded by the public,” the CCII said in the statement.

“Matters relating to the Olubadan stool follow a well-established process that cannot be altered by political speculation.”

“Fayose should not inflame the polity in Ibadan and the state in general with reckless and unverified statements. We advise him to keep his mouth shut and take his divisive politics elsewhere rather than dragging Ibadan into unnecessary controversy.

“Our own Governor Makinde is a true son of Ibadanland who would not do anything to undermine the institution of Olubadan. He is not in the same class and mould with Fayose who is ready to do anything for political gains,” the CCII said.

Meanwhile, the state government, on Sunday, dismissed Fayose’s claim, describing it as unfounded, describing Fayose’s remark as a blatant lie and political falsehood.

The state’s Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, who denied the claim, said the state government has no such intention, saying Fayose is a known peddler of falsehood.

“The source of the information is a machine of serious falsehood, and it has been displayed once again. It is a lie. It is not true. It is a falsehood meant to achieve a warped end,” Oyelade said.

Also, the media aide to Olubadan, Adeola Oloko, described the statement credited to Fayose as a baseless rumour, describing the alleged rift between Governor Makinde and Olubadan as a wishful thinking by the former governor.

Uzodimma Seeks Global Support For Imo Medical City, Partners ANPA On Knowledge Transfer To State’s Medical Personnel

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The Source

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April 12, 2026

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Imo Medical City — From left: President of Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas, Dr. Cliff Eke, member, Dr. Ngozika Nwaneri, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, his wife, Chioma, and the Imo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Egu, during the inauguration of the ANPA 2026 Medical Week at the Banquet Hall, Government House Owerri... Sunday, April 12, 2026

Governor Hope Uzodimma has unveiled plans to establish a world-class Medical City in Imo State, seeking international collaboration to transform the State into a hub for quality and affordable healthcare.

Specifically, the Governor has indicated the readiness of Imo State government to partner members of the Association of Nigeria Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) to train the personnel of the Ministry of Health and related agencies on transfer of contemporary medical knowledge and skill for the purpose of domesticating same and making healthcare delivery easily accessable by the people.

Speaking at the inauguration of the ANPA Medical Mission to Imo State, held at the Banquet Hall of Government House Owerri, on Sunday, April 12, 2026, the Governor said the initiative forms part of a broader 25-year development agenda aimed at reducing medical tourism and attracting global investment.

“We want to reverse the trend where our people travel abroad for treatment. Instead, we aim to make Imo a destination for medical solutions,” he stated.

Uzodimma commended the visiting medical team from the United States for their humanitarian efforts, urging a shift from short-term outreach to long-term partnership. “Medical missions are commendable, but sustainable healthcare requires stronger collaboration,” he said.

He stressed the importance of training as a key component of the mission, noting that equipping local health workers and residents with emergency response knowledge and skills could significantly reduce preventable deaths.

The Governor also highlighted reforms in the health sector, including the establishment of a Central Drug Distribution System to eliminate fake drugs and improve standards of care.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to healthcare development, Uzodimma said Imo offers a conducive environment for investment, with ongoing infrastructure upgrades and policy support.

He urged the visiting professionals to partner with the State in building a resilient healthcare system, expressing optimism that the relationship would yield long-term benefits.

Governor Uzodimma invited the visiting medical practitioners to be “ambassadors of Imo,” as the State is on the rise in ways that will be a win win situation for her and her partners.

President of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), Dr. Cliff Eke disclosed that the group’s ongoing medical outreach in Imo State is aimed at building sustainable healthcare systems rather than offering short-term interventions.

Dr. Eke described the programme as part of the broader Diaspora Health Initiative (DHI), conceived to harness the expertise of Nigerian health professionals abroad.

He noted that over 120 volunteer healthcare professionals, including surgeons, dentists, nurses, pharmacists and specialists across multiple disciplines, had travelled from the United States and the United Kingdom to participate in the exercise.

“ANPA (2026) Week is more than a Medical Mission. It focuses on knowledge exchange, skills transfer and capacity building, alongside free medical and surgical services,” he said.

Dr. Eke explained that the initiative was inspired by the need to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, expressing hope that such missions would eventually become unnecessary. “Our greatest hope is that one day medical missions will be rare, because the system has become self-sustaining,” he added.

He disclosed that activities for the week include complex surgeries, health screenings, and training programmes such as basic life support and newborn care.

According to him, the outreach, valued at over $500,000, underscores the diaspora’s commitment to supporting healthcare delivery in Nigeria through collaboration with local institutions and government agencies.

The Group had earlier in the day joined Governor Uzodimma to worship at the Government House Chapel where the Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Gilbert Alaribe preached on humanity’s need for God’s mercy as the Catholic Church celebrated the Feast of Divine Mercy.

Present at the event were the wife of the Governor, Barr Chioma Uzodimma, the Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Hon Nkiru Onyejiocha, former Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Henry Ikoh, Deputy National Women Leader of All Progressives Congress, Hajia Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim; Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Dr. Kalu Uche and other members of the clergy.

Traditional rulers, Local Government Council Chairmen, Imo APC executives, captains of industries, opinion leaders, stakeholders as well as members of the Imo State Expanded Executive Council were present at the event.