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FCT Minister Wike Promises To Complete Road Project Abandoned 12 Years Ago

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nyesom Wike
Nyesom Wike. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory,

By Ayodele Oni

 

As weeks of projects commissioning are ongoing in the Federal Capital Territory,  (FCT), the Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike has promised to deliver another set of projects including the Inner Southern Expressway (Goodluck Jonathan Way) awarded in December 2014, and abandoned for 12 years in December.

 

Wike gave the promise in Abuja on Tuesday, after inspecting the project, along with the ongoing construction of the service carriageways of the Southern Parkway in Gaduwa District.

 

He stated that the 10-kilometre road project, awarded in 2014, began from the Southern Parkway to Ring Road II at Galadimawa, with five bridges.

 

According to him, the road was the only project, apart from the Apo-Karshi Road, awarded by previous administration that has not been completed by President Bola Tinubu administration.

 

He assured that the contractor would complete the remaining six out of the 10-kilometre road and hand it over by end of December, subject to availability of funds.

 

The minister described the road as a “major road” that would change the landscape of the FCT, if completed, adding that talks were ongoing with Ministry of Finance to make the needed funds available.

 

“So we’ll continue to dialogue with the Minister of Finance to see how we’ll be able to access the funds and pay off the contractor for it to finish that project.

 

“It is very, very key to us and that of course will change the entire landscape of the FCT.

 

“Apo-Karshi Road awarded in 2010 is almost completed. We were there yesterday,” he said.

 

Wike added that completing the projects would fulfill Tinubu’s promise to complete all projects awarded by precious administrations from 2010 to 2023.

 

“It will be a remarkable achievement for this administration to finish all projects awarded by previous administration so that we don’t have abandoned projects everywhere.

 

“So, it’s  a good development for us, continuity. So we’re happy with what we’ve done,” Wike said.

 

The minister also inspected the ongoing construction of two service carriageways of the Southern Parkway, spanning from Arterial Road S20 (Oladipo Diya Way) in Gaduwa District to Ring Road II.

 

The Southern Parkway serves as one of the most essential transportation corridors within Abuja’s southern development axis, linking multiple dense residential districts across Phases I to IV of the Federal Capital City.

 

“You know, this road was flagged-off during the inauguration of projects to celebrate Tinubu’s third year in office. We have to come and see what they’ve done.

 

“The contractor promised to hand over the project by end of December and I believe them.”

 

Reacting to the declaration by Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers that he has returned to the Rainbow Coalition and pledged complete loyalty to Tinubu’s re-election, Wike said “there is no sin in politics.

 

“If someone realises he made a mistake and decides to correct it, there is nothing wrong with that. What matters is recognising that you were on the wrong path and make the right decision”.

 

The Minister said he has welcomed Fubara back into the political fold, insisting that the governor had “no other choice” than to return to the political family that brought him to power.

 

Wike said Fubara’s decision to publicly align with his political camp was a step in the right direction, adding that the reconciliation would strengthen support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

 

“I said during my last media chat that he had no other choice but to return to the same political family that produced him,” he said.

Abia Govt Condemns Killing Of Citizen Chika Ibe By South African Police, Demands Justice

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Killing Of Citizen Chika Ibe By South African Police

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Abia State Government, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, called for a swift and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate death of Chika Ibe, a Nigerian national from Abia State at the hands of South African security agencies.

 

Ibe, who hailed from Lokpaukwu, in Umunneochi Local Council of Abia State was  killed by South African Police operatives on Wednesday, July 23, 2026.

 

According to a statement from Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media, disturbing videos circulating online showed police officers assaulting Ibe, with one of them allegedly using a polyethylene bag to suffocate him to death.

 

The Government emphasized that while the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident are still under investigation, it however insisted that footages from circulating video indicated a high level of cruelty that is condemnable in the strongest terms.

 

” In one of the videos ,Mr Ibe was heard shouting loudly “I am dying” yet ,the police officers remained unperturbed, until he stopped breathing”, Ekeoma stated.

 

According to the statement, the recent incident involving Ibe came just on the heels of the reported shooting of another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks by the same South African security operatives.

 

Citizen Chuks, according to the Abia State Government, is currently battling for his life owing to the serious gunshot injuries sustained.

 

“The Abia state Government joins the Federal Government in condemning this dastardly act . We recall with pain that in recent times, many Nigerians have either been killed, assaulted, or had their businesses looted in a wave of xenophobic attacks and targeted violence carried out by some South Africans.

 

“Nigerians in the diaspora deserve to live with dignity and safety, not in fear. We, therefore, demand as follows:

 

” That the demands by the Federal Government of Nigeria for immediate answers from the South African Government through a swift, transparent and independent investigation into the killing be done quickly.

 

” That the perpetrators of this heinous act must be identified, arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Anything short of justice will be a further insult to Nigeria and to the memory of this Abian and other Nigerians that had died in similar circumstances.

 

” That the Government of South Africa should immediately bring this carnage to a halt by genuinely calling its citizens to order.

 

“These attacks are a very sad commentary on Africans who are supposed to live as brothers and sisters”, the Abia State Government stated.

 

This is as the State Government, extended heartfelt condolences to the family , relations, and friends of the deceased.

 

The Source reports that over 98 Nigerians are believed to have been killed in similar controversial and dastardly circumstances in the last couple of years following the steady rise in xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African immigrants in South Africa.

 

Only recently, the Nigerian Government, as well as other African authorities were forced to repatriate several thousands of their citizens who had been victims of sustained violent attacks from South African citizens, while their security agencies cheered on.

Nigeria’s First Lady Supports Vulnerable Groups In Ondo With Food Items

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Oluremi Tinubu Pet Project

By Ayodele Oni

 

First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has intensified efforts to address hunger and child malnutrition through the establishment of community food banks and expanded food outreach programmes under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

 

The initiative, aimed at improving access to nutritious food and strengthening community support systems, was extended to Ondo State on Tuesday as vulnerable groups benefited from the RHI Social Investment Programme Food Outreach Scheme held in Akure.

 

Represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, Mrs Tinubu said the intervention is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s commitment to supporting vulnerable Nigerians and ensuring children have the opportunity to grow, remain healthy and thrive.

 

She pointed out that the Food Outreach Scheme was launched in March 2024 to provide food items to persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, thereby supporting their families and improving their well-being.

 

According to her, the programme was made possible through the commitment of two donors who provide two truckloads of food items to the Renewed Hope Initiative every month, allowing two states to benefit monthly.

 

She identified the donors as the Abdusamad Rabiu Africa Initiative and another donor who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that the consignment delivered to Ondo State was provided by the Abdusamad Rabiu Africa Initiative.

 

The First Lady explained that the Renewed Hope Initiative complements the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, by supporting Nigerians to pursue their aspirations irrespective of their circumstances or status, while addressing food insecurity and malnutrition.

 

She commended Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his commitment to the welfare and development of the people of the state.

 

She also praised the wife of the governor, Mrs Oluwaseun Esther Aiyedatiwa, for her dedication to the successful implementation of Renewed Hope Initiative programmes and support for vulnerable groups.

 

In his remarks, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the intervention as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to alleviating poverty and supporting vulnerable Nigerians.

 

The governor pointed out that the programme went beyond food distribution, describing it as a celebration of compassion, solidarity and a shared commitment to improving the lives of the less privileged.

 

He commended the Renewed Hope Initiative for its vision and dedication to identifying and addressing pressing needs within communities.

 

Governor Aiyedatiwa also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for supporting the initiative, saying it reflected the President’s commitment to reducing poverty across the country.

 

He reaffirmed the Ondo State Government’s loyalty and commitment to Federal Government programmes, noting that such initiatives had positively impacted the Sunshine State.

 

The governor reiterated his administration’s political support for President Tinubu, declaring that Ondo State had already endorsed the President for the 2027 presidential election.

 

“We have already declared Ondo State for Tinubu 2027 and we remain unwavering in our resolve to deliver en masse in the Sunshine State for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term,” he added.

Nobody Can Intimidate Me Into Accepting Muslim-Muslim Ticket –  Vatsa, APC Chieftain

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Hon Jonathan Vasta

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

“You don’t go to Church and sing choruses and dance with then but when it comes to appointments you marginalise them” – Vatsa

 

Former Niger State Commissioner for Information, and founding member of the All Progressive Congress, APC,  Hon Jonathan Vast,  has commended the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani for restoring religious balance  in the  governance space of the State by the selection of a Christian running mate ahead of the 2027 polls.

 

This is as the APC chieftain vowed never to back down on his opposition to the APC Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.

 

The source reports that for years, the political landscape of Kaduna state had been defined by a somewhat unwritten political charter in which the two dominant religions – Islam and Christianity share the two most important positions in the state( Governor and Deputy Governor)

 

However, the equation was disrupted throughout eight-year tenure of immediate past Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai ,who, for the first time since the advent of the present democratic arrangement in 1999, opted for a Muslim-Muslim ticket, a development that unsettled not a few observers.

 

But at an interactive session with the media, Vatsa, a Christian faithful from Niger State, applauded Governor Sani for his decision to pick a Christian from Southern Kaduna, as his running mate.

 

“I want to commend Governor Uba Sani for this singular gesture towards the Christian community in Kaduna state” Vatsa stated.

 

However, the former Niger State Commissioner for Information , Culture and Tourism, remained adamant about his opposition to the decision of the APC to retain  its controversial 2023 Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 polls.

 

Vatsa had, last week, Wednesday, July 22, 2026, publicly berated the retention of Vice president Kashim Shettima as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 general elections.

 

He categorically described the repeat of the 2023 Muslim -Muslim ticket by President Tinubu and the APC as a  “serious mistake and insensitive”

 

According to him, whoever advised the president and the APC to repeat the Muslim-Muslim ticket for the forthcoming elections does not mean well for the president and the party , adding that the situation in 2023 is different from what is on the at the moment

 

“With the current situation in the country, and the insinuations of Christian genocide all over the world about Nigeria, nobody expected the president to repeat this arrangement.

 

“Nobody can convince the Christian community in the country to vote for APC in 2027 where other political parties have Christians as their Presidential  or Vice presidential candidates . It will be difficult” he added.

 

While reaffirming his earlier stand on the contentious Muslim-Muslim ticket, Vatsa at his media briefing, vowed never to succumb to any acts of intimidation, harassment, and or arm-twisting.

 

“I stand by my earlier condemnation of the same-faith ticket at the Federal level and in Niger state. These decisions are politically insensitive and unacceptable.

 

“Even if you don’t like the messenger, you should take the message. You don’t go to Church to sing choruses and dance with Christians and when it comes to appointments or elective offices, you marginalise them”, Vatsa asserted .

 

He emphasized that no  blackmail, intimidation and harassment will make him to change his position on the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket both in Niger state and at the Federal level.

WAFCON 2026:  Super Falcons Gun For Victory Against Malawi, As Thief Who Stole Them Blind In Hotel Is Arrested

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Super Falcons

By Akinwale Kasali

 

As the Super Falcons file out against Women’s Africa Cup of Nations,  WAFCON, debutants, the ‘Scorchers’ of Malawi at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday night, what is expected from them by their teeming fans is to record a resounding win against their opponent.

 

Recall that at the last WAFCON Championship, the Super Falcons, dubbed the most successful Women’s team on the African continent and one of the best in the world came from behind to snatch the crown from the hands of Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses, with a 3-2 win in a memorable Final.

 

The Atlas Lionesses of Morocco is targeting a third successive Final appearance with two silver medals from the previous two, spanked Kenya Harambee Starlets by four unreplied goals on Sunday as the championship kicked off, and Cup-holders Nigeria felt it was a message sent to them that the battle for the trophy will be much tougher this time.

 

Today’s clash against the Malawians is an encounter between authority and ambition, with the Super Falcons the overdogs against the Scorchers who will be playing their first-ever match in the Women Africa Cup of Nations finals, but who have the reverred Chawinga sisters – Tabitha and Temwa – capable of turning a match on its head in a matter of seconds.

 

Malawi Coach, Lovermore Fazili has told his team to put their losses to Morocco’s Lionesses and Ghana’s Black Queens in friendly matches over the past 13 months, but have also drawn with highly-rated Zambia (who possess Barbara Banda, Grace Banda and Rachael Kundananji), and made short work of Angola in their final qualifying fixture for this tournament.

 

Fazili also has defenders Ireen Khumalo, Olivia Phikani and Benadetta Mkandawire, midfielders Rose Kadzere, Letticia Chinyamula and Faith Chinzimu, and forwards Vanessa Chikupira and Deborah Henry among others, who are capable of making the night tough for the Super Falcons.

 

The Super Falcons is however not perturbed as Head Coach, Justine Madugu, who led the Falcons to their successful Mission X in 2024 insists his team of winners will not under-rate the debutants.

 

“We have huge respect for all our opponents,” Madugu said at Monday’s pre-match press conference in Rabat.

 

“Every team that qualifies for this tournament deserves commendation and a lot of respect. Yes, they are debutants, but they are a very good side. We don’t take anything for granted. Everybody is coming here with a purpose and a mission, so you don’t undermine or underestimate what anybody can do.

 

“We are here for the defence of the WAFCON trophy and the team is fully ready and set to go. We will stick to our gameplan and our mission.”

 

The champions will be led out by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, an effervescent attacking midfielder, with perennial Africa’s best goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, who plays in the WSL in England with Brighton Hove and Albion, defenders Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Rofiat Imuran and Tosin Demehin, midfielders Deborah Abiodun and Halimatu Ayinde, and forwards, Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Asisat Oshoala also likely to start.

 

If the above are the starters, Nigeria’s bench will in itself be intimidating, with England-based goalkeeper, Comfort Erhabor, defenders Christy Ucheibe, Glory Ogbonna, Sikiratu Isa and Shukurat Oladipo, midfielders, Toni Payne and Jennifer Echegini, and forwards, Gift Monday, Omorinsola Babajide and Folashade Ijamilusi capable of forming another champion team.

 

The match will kick off at 9pm Morocco time (same time in Nigeria).

 

Meanwhile, the Moroccon Police has announced the arrest of a Suspect who confessed to stealing cash belonging to several Super Falcons players at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco.

 

The arrest came few days before Nigeria’s opening match against Malawi at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON 2026 Championship.

 

The Police has stated that the suspect is expected to return all the stolen money while criminal proceedings are set to follow.

 

The incident occurred on the final day of the team’s training camp in Casablanca before the Super Falcons relocated to Rabat for their Group C matches.

 

Nigeria opened their WAFCON 2026 camp on July 15 in Mohammedia, a coastal city in Morocco, before moving to Rabat on Saturday, where they will be based throughout the group stage.

 

Super Falcons Midfielder, Esther Okoronkwo revealed on social media that she, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Michelle Alozie and captain Rasheedat Ajibade were among the players who had cash stolen from their hotel rooms.

 

According to Okoronkwo, more than $1,000 was taken during the incident. She also accused the hotel staff of failing to properly address the matter when the players reported the theft.

 

“We started talking to them and they don’t have answers. They also started being disrespectful,” Okoronkwo said while warning members of the public against patronising the hotel.

One-Term: Oshiomhole Slams Obi’s Desperation

By
James Orji
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0
Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has dismissed Peter Obi’s pledge to transform Nigeria within a single four-year term if elected president in 2027, describing the promise as unrealistic and a reflection of political desperation.
The former Edo State governor made the remarks during an appearance on TVC’s Beyond the Headlines, where he questioned both Obi’s credibility and his capacity to deliver on his campaign promises.
According to him, Obi has failed to demonstrate consistency in his political career. He recalled that the former Anambra State governor had once vowed never to leave the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) out of respect for the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, only to abandon the party immediately after completing his tenure.
“The Peter Obi who governed Anambra is not the Peter Obi Nigerians are seeing today,” Oshiomhole said, arguing that the former governor had become “a political wanderer.”
He also took aim at Obi’s business background, insisting that his experience as a trader does not equip him for the long-term planning required to govern a country as complex as Nigeria.
“Traders think in the short term. They are not wired for long-term projections like manufacturers and investors,” Oshiomhole argued, adding that Obi’s business activities were centered on importation rather than local production.
He further alleged that Obi’s business model “exports jobs and imports unemployment,” claiming it runs contrary to the industrial growth Nigeria needs.
Defending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Oshiomhole said the President inherited a deeply troubled economy but had shown the courage to implement difficult reforms aimed at putting the country on a stronger footing.
He likened Tinubu’s economic policies to a painful but life-saving surgical operation, insisting that while the reforms have imposed short-term hardship, they are beginning to produce positive results.

You Must Produce Phantom PFIPC DG On Wednesday – Reps Committee Tells IGP

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Olatunji Disu - IGP
IGP Olatunji Disu

By Ayodele Oni

 

The House of Representatives Committee investigating the activities of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) on Monday resumed sitting with a directive to the Inspector-General of Police ( IGP), to produce the self-acclaimed Director-General of the organisation, Adeyemi Adeniyi, before it on Wednesday.

 

The directive was issued during the resumed investigative hearing at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, as lawmakers intensified their probe into the alleged operations of the organisation.

 

Representing the Inspector-General of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police Bashir Abdullahi, appeared before the committee and was instructed to ensure Adeyemi’s appearance by noon on Wednesday to assist lawmakers in their investigation.

 

The committee is examining how the PFIPC, despite allegedly lacking legal backing, secured office accommodation in Phase III of the Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja, and received a budgetary allocation of ₦1.32 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

 

The directive followed the Nigeria Police Force’s confirmation of aspects of its criminal investigation, including petitions from the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President alleging that Adeyemi falsely presented himself as the Director-General of both the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.

 

Committee Chairman, Yusuf Gagdi, said Adeyemi’s appearance had become necessary given the gravity of the allegations and the institutions implicated.

 

“This committee clearly needs the suspected DG to appear before it. People’s names are involved. People’s integrity is involved. Institutional names are involved. Institutional integrity is involved.

 

“It is not an option now. We will need him here to confirm some documents in a way that will not undermine our investigation and enable us to submit our report on time,” Gagdi said.

 

The committee subsequently directed its clerk to formally communicate its resolution to the Inspector-General of Police, ordering that Adeyemi be presented before lawmakers by 12 noon on Wednesday.

 

Earlier, ACP Abdullahi informed the committee that the police had already filed an eight-count charge against Adeyemi before the Federal High Court following investigations conducted last year.

 

“The Nigerian Police Force investigated part of this case late last year and filed eight-count charges before a Federal High Court. The case is ongoing,” he said.

 

He disclosed that the suspect had been arrested and arraigned but declined to provide details that could prejudice the ongoing investigation and court proceedings.

 

The police, however, confirmed that on October 17, 2025, the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President petitioned security agencies over allegations against Adeyemi, leading to investigations and criminal charges bordering on conspiracy and fraud.

 

Investigators also confirmed receiving another petition alleging that Adeyemi falsely presented himself as Director-General of both the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.

 

According to the police, the suspect allegedly used the purported office to obtain accommodation within the Federal Secretariat, sought approval to recruit about 300 personnel, attempted to secure a ₦1.3 billion allocation in the 2026 Appropriation Act for the non-existent agency, and planned to organise a World Investment Summit under the platform of the council.

 

A dramatic moment during the hearing came when the committee compared signatures on documents allegedly issued from the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President with authentic official correspondence obtained by the police.

 

Asked whether the signatures matched, ACP Abdullahi replied, “They are not the same.”

 

The committee said the discrepancy strengthened suspicions that official State House documents had been forged.

 

Gagdi disclosed that investigators had identified about 29 allegedly forged documents, including purported approvals from the State House, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Ministry of Finance and several other government institutions.

 

He noted that representatives of many of the affected agencies had already appeared before the committee and disowned the documents attributed to their offices.

 

While assuring that the House investigation would continue independently, Gagdi said the committee had deliberately avoided compelling the police to disclose information capable of compromising ongoing criminal investigations, adding that its final report could recommend further action by relevant security agencies.

Kano: NDC Battles To Keep Hanga, Gaya After They Met Tinubu

By
James Orji
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0
Senator Kabiru Gaya
Senator Kabiru Gaya

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC is making a desperate bid to retain two of its most influential figures in Kano—Senator Rufai Sani Hanga and former Governor Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya—as mounting speculation links both politicians with a move to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
The anxiety within the opposition party followed the appearance of Hanga and Gaya alongside Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin during a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting came shortly after the APC National Chairman reportedly paid separate visits to the homes of the two politicians, fueling widespread reports that their defection is imminent.
Although neither Hanga nor Gaya has publicly declared plans to leave the NDC, the party admits it is increasingly concerned by the unfolding political drama.
Kano NDC Chairman Hussaini Isah Mairiga described the reports as disturbing, saying the party would regard the departure of either man as a major setback.
“The reports are everywhere, and we also saw them visiting President Tinubu. While they have not officially informed us of any intention to defect, the developments suggest there may be substance to the speculation,” Mairiga said.
He appealed to the two party stalwarts to reconsider any planned defection and instead engage the party leadership to resolve whatever grievances they may have.
“If we have offended them in any way, let us sit together and discuss it. We urge them to have a rethink because they remain highly valued members of our party,” he said.
Mairiga also disclosed that Senator Hanga had recently voiced concerns over his treatment within the party, but noted that NDC leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso deliberately chose not to respond immediately, preferring to allow tempers to cool before initiating dialogue.
Despite the visible courtship by the APC, the NDC insists that both Hanga and Gaya remain members of the party and maintains that their recent interactions with leaders of the ruling party should not yet be interpreted as confirmation of defection.

Presidency Tears Into Obi, Defends Tinubu’s Political Trajectory

By
James Orji
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0
Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has launched a scathing attack on Peter Obi, describing the former Anambra State governor’s recent interview on Channels Television as a public relations disaster that failed to revive his 2027 presidential bid.
In a post on his X account on Monday, Onanuga said Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), had hoped the television appearance would re-energise his political fortunes but instead triggered widespread criticism.
According to Onanuga, he watched only about 30 minutes of the interview before switching off, claiming Obi made several false assertions that drew negative reactions from viewers.
One of the key issues raised during the interview was Obi’s attempt to equate his political journey with that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after he was questioned about frequently changing political parties. Onanuga rejected the comparison, insisting that Tinubu’s political career has been marked by ideological consistency, unlike Obi’s.
Tracing the President’s political history, Onanuga said Tinubu entered partisan politics through the Social Democratic Party (SDP), under which he won election to the Senate. He noted that following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Tinubu became a prominent figure in the pro-democracy movement, resisting military rule, enduring detention, and eventually going into exile, where he continued campaigning for the restoration of democracy.
He added that Tinubu returned to Nigeria in 1998, joined the Alliance for Democracy (AD), and was elected governor of Lagos State in 1999. Despite internal crises within the AD and political pressure from the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Tinubu retained his seat in the 2003 governorship election.
Onanuga further recalled that Tinubu later championed the formation of the Action Congress (AC), which evolved into the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) before becoming one of the major blocs that merged to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013.
Drawing a sharp contrast with Obi’s political career, the presidential aide said the former Anambra governor was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) but later defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he became Atiku Abubakar’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election.
He argued that while Tinubu remained within the same progressive ideological family throughout his political journey, Obi repeatedly switched political parties, making any comparison between the two leaders misleading.

Ondo Assembly Warns Gov. Aiyedatiwa Not To Meddle In Impeachment; Gov. Says He’s Trying To Ensure Peace

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Executive and Legislative arms in Ondo State are engulfed in brickbats over moves by lawmakers to impeach the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji.

 

The crisis rocking the State House of Assembly has deepened as lawmakers pushing for the removal of  Oladiji insisted that the impeachment process would continue despite alleged intervention by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

 

The Governor has, however, insisted that he remains committed only to the maintenance of peace, law and order in the State.

Reacting to claims by some lawmakers that the governor had been reaching out to members to halt the impeachment process, the government described the allegations as unfounded and misleading.

 

The legislators had since last week given Oladiji till last weekend to resign or be impeached.

 

The lawmakers, through the spokesperson of the Assembly, Mr Olatunji Fabiyi, said 21 members had already signed the impeachment notice against the Speaker, stressing that the decision to change the leadership of the House remained unchanged.

Olamide Oladiji - Ondo House of Assembly Speaker
Olamide Oladiji, Speaker, Ondo House of Assembly.

Fabiyi alleged that Governor Aiyedatiwa had been reaching out to some lawmakers to withdraw their support for the impeachment move, arguing that the matter was strictly within the constitutional powers of the legislature.

 

He said the lawmakers had no disagreement with the governor, but were only seeking a change in the leadership of the Assembly.

 

“I have the opinion that the governor is calling some members that they should backpedal on the issue of impeachment. It is exclusively a private affair of the House. It’s not an executive affair,” Fabiyi said.

 

The Assembly spokesperson questioned the reason behind the governor’s alleged intervention, insisting that the executive arm should not interfere in the affairs of the legislature.

 

He maintained that the lawmakers’ action was not targeted at Aiyedatiwa, but against the leadership of the Assembly, adding that they had lost confidence in the current Speaker.

 

“We have made it very clear to Mr Governor that we don’t have anything against him other than we don’t want our leadership.

 

“There is no reason why somebody should continue to perpetrate himself over us when we don’t want him again,” he said.

 

The Governor’s camp maintained that the executive has no constitutional role in the internal proceedings of the legislature, stressing that members of the House are free to carry out their legislative responsibilities without any form of interference from Governor Aiyedatiwa.

 

According to the Camp, “Mr. Governor has absolutely nothing to do with whatever is happening in the House of Assembly. He has not prevented any member from carrying out his or her constitutional and legislative responsibilities.”

 

The government further stated that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s overriding concern is the sustenance of peace and political stability in Ondo State, rather than becoming involved in the leadership crisis rocking the Assembly.

 

It noted that the governor respects the principle of separation of powers and would not interfere in the affairs of the legislative arm of government.

 

“The governor’s interest is to ensure peace, law and order prevail across the state. He is not stopping lawmakers from performing any of their legitimate constitutional duties.

 

“The House of Assembly is an independent arm of government, and its members are at liberty to discharge their responsibilities in line with the provisions of the Constitution and the House Rules,” the reaction added.

 

The government urged political actors and members of the public to refrain from dragging the governor into matters that are strictly within the jurisdiction of the legislature, insisting that any attempt to link him to the Assembly’s internal crisis is unnecessary and capable of heating up the political atmosphere.

 

It reiterated Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to good governance, constitutional democracy and harmonious working relationships among the three arms of government, while expressing confidence that members of the Assembly would resolve their differences through lawful and democratic means.

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