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Foreign: Faye Leads ECOWAS As Shettima Represents Tinubu

By
James Orji
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Senegal Faye

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima on Sunday departed the country to attend the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS holding in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Shettima is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the meeting, currently being attended by other Heads of State in ECOWAS, according to a statement issued by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha.

The meeting is  taking place at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, Freetown, today, July 19, 2026, the Nkwocha said, adding that the summit will focus majorly in promoting peace, democracy, regional integration and economic growth.

“Other leaders at the summit include Presidents Romuald Wadagni of Benin, José Maria Neves of Cabo Verde, Adama Barrow of The Gambia, John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, Joseph Boakai of Liberia and Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, as well as Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé of Togo,” Nkwocha, said in a post on X on Sunday.

The regional body had earlier elected Senegal’s President, Bassirou Faye, as the new Chairman , succeeding Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio.

Meanwhile,  Shettima has called on ECOWAS to intervene in the ongoing xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.

Speaking at the meeting yesterday, Shettima described the attacks as “Afrophobic” and urged ECOWAS to take a united stand against the violence, saying a strong message should be sent to the South African government that attacks on other Africans “is unacceptable.

“On Afrophobia, Nigeria condemns in strong terms the recent Afrophobic attack on its citizens and other fellow Africans in the Republic of South Africa, “As already mentioned by His Excellency, the President of Ghana, ECOWAS should present this matter before the next meeting of the Authority of the African Union to send a clear message that this type of behaviour is unacceptable,” Shettima said.

Adding that, “South Africa should be reminded that the freedom the country currently enjoys is due to the liberation efforts of African countries such as Nigeria.”

 

FIBA Congratulates New NBA President

By
James Orji
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Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya - NBA President
Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya

The International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA Nigeria has congratulated the new Nigeria Bar Association NBA President Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo- Okusanya, describing her as one of its own, saying she’s aware of the challenges facing women lawyers in the country and will fix it.

The magazine reports that Badjo-Okusanya emerged winner in the keenly contested NBA election on Saturday , despite the controversy that trailed the election.

She’s the second NBA President in more than three decades, following in the foot steps of Priscilla Kuye who assumed that position in 1991.

According to FIBA, the new NBA President is brilliant, resilient, with unshakable dedication to the legal profession in the country, saying her emergence is an ‘inspiration to women” and a proof that women can ‘shatter barriers” if given the opportunity.

“FIDA Nigeria proudly celebrates Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, one of our own, on her elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN); a crowning achievement born of brilliance, resilience, and unshakable dedication to the legal profession,” FISA said.

“This milestone is far more than a personal triumph; it is a beacon of inspiration to women in law and beyond. It reaffirms that with courage, excellence, and determination, women can shatter barriers and rise to the very pinnacle of the Bar, making history along the way.

“As she steps into this new chapter, adorned in silk, we are confident that Mrs Badejo-Okusanya will continue to embody the values of FIDA — justice, service, and dignity for women and children — while blazing a trail for the next generation of female advocates.”

Her Profile

Badejo-Okusanya started her legal career at Olaniwun Ajayi LP and became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the highest honour in the Nigerian legal profession, on 29 September 2025.

In 2007,  she was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant on Justice Sector Reform by former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, and seconded to the office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

She is a member of many legal  bodies including,  the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA), the African Arbitration Association, ArbitralWomen, the International Bar Association (IBA), the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and a Life Member of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA). She also serves on the Board of the Lagos Court of Arbitration, LCA.

She had served as Assistant Secretary of the NBA Lagos Branch; Delegate to the 2006 NBA Elections; Member of the NBA Lagos Branch Building Committee; Member of the Future of the Legal Profession Committee; Member of the Conference Investigation Committee; Alternate Chair of the 2023 Annual General Conference Planning Committee; and Chair of the 2024 Annual General Conference Planning Committee.

House Of Reps Cmte Meets Today On State Police Bill

By
James Orji
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Benjamin Kalu Okezie

The Special Ad-hoc Committee of the House of Representative on Constitution Review, chaired by Benjamin Kalu is likely to meet on Monday(today) to deliberate on the State Police Bill sent to the House last week by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The bill containing 26 clauses was sent to the lower house of Nigeria’s Legislature by the president to replace the one initiated by the  House, which has now been withdrawn.

The Executive Bill is seeking to amend Sections 84(4), 89(2), 121(3b) by inserting a new subsection (3c), 124(4), 129(2), 153(1), 157(2), 158(1), 160 by inserting immediately after subsection (2) a new subsection (3), 197(1), 201(2) and 204 of the 1999 Constitution.

The president is also seeking the  amendment of Chapter VI Part III of the 1999 Constitution, deletion and substitution of Section 214, 215, 216, Second Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, Part I of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, Part III of the 1999 Constitution, Part III of the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, Section 318(1), respectively.

According to the details provided by the president, it’s expected that these sections of the 1999 Constitution will be amended to create a dual policing system, with the Federal Police Service retaining responsibility for federal policing, while states will be expected to establish and operate their respective police services to oversee their own police.

The Bill also provides for the creation of State Police Service Commissions to oversee the appointment, discipline and administration of personnel at the state level.

According to the legislative framework provided by the president, the bill seeks to preserves the Federal Police Service as the default police service in any State until a State Police Service is lawfully established and certified operational, and preserves the continuing federal policing role in every State and in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

“The Bill establishes constitutional guardrails for civilian control, human rights, national minimum standards, independent police service commissions, intergovernmental cooperation, criminal information systems, firearms control, and exceptional federal intervention in State policing in cases of breakdown, serious incapacity, national security threat, or egregious abuse,” according to the details provide in the legislative framework sent the House by the president.

On July 14, President Tinubu sent the State Police Amendment Bill to the House of Representative, saying the proposed framework was aimed at addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges through a more responsive and efficient policing structure.

“This Bill builds on the significant work already done in this regard by the House of Representatives and incorporates additional safeguards to ensure that the creation of a dual policing structure to address our nation’s evolving national security challenges can be achieved quickly and effectively to the benefit of all Nigerians,” Tinubu said.

Proposed N50,000 Fine: Christian Groups Frowns At Bill Criminalizing Preaching In Commercial Buses

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Preaching inside Bus

By Akinwale Kasali 

 

The proposed N50,000 fine in the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Act, seeking to criminalise preaching in commercial vehicles has been opposed by Christian organisations. They warned that it could violate Nigerians’ constitutional rights to freedom of religion and expression.

 

The groups, including the Christian Council of Nigeria, CCN, and the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, OAIC, also urged President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent to the bill and called for broader consultations before it becomes law.

 

Recall that the Senate had, last week, passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes a ₦50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.

 

If eventually signed into law, offenders could face a ₦50,000 fine, six months imprisonment or both.

 

Following this development, the Christian Council of Nigeria said it was deeply concerned by the inclusion of preaching among activities prohibited in commercial buses.

 

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Rev. Evans Onyemara, the council said it supported measures aimed at improving road safety but insisted that such efforts should not erode constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.

 

“The Christian Council of Nigeria fully supports every genuine effort aimed at improving road safety and reducing accidents on our highways. Respect for traffic regulations saves lives and should be encouraged.

 

“While the objective may be to reduce distractions, the inclusion of preaching alongside hawking and trading raises legitimate concerns about freedom of religion and expression as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Onyemara said.

 

According to the Council, commercial buses have, for decades, provided opportunities for Christians to share brief messages of hope, repentance, encouragement and prayers with willing passengers.

 

It argued that any attempt to restrict such activities should undergo careful constitutional scrutiny.

 

The Council also faulted the proposed ₦50,000 fine for hawkers, describing it as a punitive response to the country’s worsening economic challenges.

 

It further argued that many Nigerians resort to street and mobile trading because of widespread poverty, unemployment and economic hardship.

 

The Council also believes that imposing heavy fines on people engaged in hawking fails to address the deeper issues of poverty, unemployment and economic hardship confronting millions of Nigerians. Poverty should not be criminalised,” the statement said.

 

The CCN urged the Federal Government to adopt alternative measures, including designated trading areas, reasonable restrictions where necessary and sustainable economic empowerment programmes instead of punitive sanctions.

 

It also appealed to the President, the National Assembly and other stakeholders to subject the legislation to wider public consultation before it is signed into law.

 

Similarly, the Organisation of African Instituted Churches called on Tinubu not to assent to the bill in its current form.

 

In a statement issued by its President, Israel Akinadewo, the association argued that equating peaceful religious preaching with commercial hawking was inappropriate.

 

“OAIC considers it insensitive and inappropriate to equate the peaceful proclamation of the Gospel with commercial hawking.

 

“While recognising the need to ensure safety and order on Nigerian roads, the Association maintains that preaching is a constitutionally protected exercise of the rights to freedom of religion and freedom of expression, and should not be treated as a criminal or commercial activity, Akinadewo said.

 

The association maintained that preaching in commercial buses has remained a legitimate means of spreading messages of faith, hope, repentance, morality and peaceful coexistence.

 

The OAIC urged the National Assembly to review the contentious provisions of the bill through wider consultations involving religious organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders.

 

“The Association therefore respectfully calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to assent to the Bill in its present form.

 

“We also urge the National Assembly to review the relevant provisions through broad consultations with religious bodies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to ensure that public safety is promoted without undermining the constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and expression,” the statement added.

 

The association, however, reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and responsible religious conduct, urging Christian preachers to carry out evangelism in a manner that respects public order while calling on the government to safeguard the constitutional freedoms guaranteed to Nigerians.

Imported Fuel Behind Price Volatility – Independent Marketers

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Fuel pump Price

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, has called on the authorities to urgently review the import licence regime within the industry. It noted that the astronomical prices of imported petroleum products appears to be driving volatility in the system.

 

The IPMAN’s national spokesperson, Chinedu Ukadike, urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority NMDPRA to reassess the policy of importing fuel as, according to him, prices of imported petroleum products are far higher than local supplies.

 

He expressed shock and surprise  that the system has strangely allowed imported fuel to be sold at about N 1,350 per litre, a price far above local supplies from the Dangote Refinery.

 

He emphasized that such price disparity between imported fuel and local supplies has been at the root of price volatility and general uncertainties within the industry.

 

He expressed serious concern that the development has resulted in continued pump price inflation with its attendant strain on the already weak Nigerian currency, as well as the country’s foreign reserve.

 

While insisting that NMDPRA reviews its policy on  issuance of import licences, the IPMAN called for the prioritisation of local supplies over imported products.

 

Specifically, the IPMAN spokesman called for more official support for Dangote Refinery and other local refining outlets as well as activating regulatory measures to control the influx of what he described as  “questionable quality of imported products, which are also more expensive.”

 

Such interventions he noted, will ensure stability in the industry and prevent the erosion of the modest gains so far made in the domestic supply chains.

 

According to him, the IPMAN, as a body, has closely-monitored the system, and has come to the unfortunate conclusion that a loose import licence regime has been the major driver of the volatility being experienced in the industry of late.

 

Ukadike particularly wants the Federal Government, through the NMDPRA, to reassess the situation with regard to price volatility, the import licence regime, and the sale of petroleum products in dollars with a view to enforcing sanity.

 

He emphasized that the noble idea of granting import licences for the purpose of bringing in fuel from outside the country to complement local supplies, thereby stabilizing prices, has been completely defeated.

 

The IPMAN spokesperson expressed serious concern that some companies involved in the importation of fuel are being allowed to peg their fuel at N1,350 ,per litre far higher than what locally refined supplies are being sold , including Dangote Refinery.

 

According to him, if the essence of issuing the import licences is to checkmate and stabilize domestic prices of petroleum products, there is no need to continue to allow into the country products of questionable quality and higher prices.

 

Further speaking, Ukadike alleged that the landing cost of imported petroleum products are about 20 percent higher than supplies from Dangote Refinery, a development which he insisted makes the fuel importation policy counterproductive and exploitative.

Iyabo Obasanjo Demands Election Campaign Refund From Yayi

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Iyabo Obasanjo and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola - YAYI
Iyabo Obasanjo and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola - YAYI

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Iyabo Obasanjo, Ogun State Governorship Aspirant under the All Progressives Congress, APC, before her defection to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has demanded a refund of the expenses she incurred during her Governorship Campaign before the Party chose Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popular as Yayi, as its Consensus Governorship Candidate for the 2027 Election.

 

Both parties had clashed on Sunday over her demand for a refund of the expenses she incurred during her governorship campaign.

 

Yayi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, had, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Kayode Odunaro, that Iyabo Obasanjo had recently claimed she left the APC for the PDP because he reneged on a promise to refund her campaign expenses.

 

The Senator described the alleged demand as insulting, saying it showed that the former Commissioner for Health, who has since defected to the PDP and emerged as the party’s Ogun Central senatorial candidate for the 2027 election, was interested in the state’s treasury rather than public service.

 

Yayi made this assertion while addressing the Council of Iyalajes and Babaalajes (market leaders) in Remoland over the weekend at his senatorial office in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area.

 

Yayi stated that Obasanjo’s alleged demand showed that her entry into the 2027 Governorship race was an investment she intended to recover rather than a mission to serve the people.

 

“Their intention is driven by personal interest and not the interest of Ogun State. Their intention is clear. They don’t mean well for our dear state. They are bitter. They are looking for the state purse.

 

“One of them said I offended her. She said I reneged on promises. She said she joined the governorship race and failed and wanted me to refund her expenses. That I should refund her dollars and naira. Did I ask her to join the governorship race?”, he queried.

 

Speaking on his visit to her, Yayi said it was part of consultations and reconciliation efforts with party members because he regarded her as a respected Ogun indigene who was interested in governing the state, but later discovered that her interest was personal.

 

“Asking me to refund you or pay back what you have expended on this electioneering campaign is insulting to me. Now you left the party. You left the party not because the party has wronged you. You left the party because you were offered money.

 

“You are not a party person. You just want to cash in. And you are being paid. You don’t mean well for Ogun State. They are there in their numbers looking for the purse of Ogun State,” Adeola said.

 

He further alleged that after failing to secure what she wanted from him and the APC, Obasanjo turned to the PDP governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, in pursuit of similar personal benefits.

 

He added that the time would come to reveal more details, saying her own public comments were sufficient to expose what he described as her political dishonesty.

 

Addressing the legal challenge against his emergence as the APC Governorship Candidate, he alleged that his political opponents were behind the suit.

 

He maintained that those challenging his candidacy would fail because they faced more fundamental legal hurdles.

 

“Based on existing legal provisions and court judgments, politicians who defected to another political party after May 10, 2026, are not qualified to contest the forthcoming election.

 

“We all know when these people left the APC for the PDP. By law, anyone who crossed over after May 10, 2026, is only wasting his or her time. We are waiting for them,” he said.

 

He however dismiss the chances of the PDP, saying itcurrently had no valid legal standing as a political party.

 

“I make bold to say they don’t exist for now. They still have two factions that are still in court and no one is recognised. It can go either way in the days ahead,” he said.

 

Following the statements of Yayi, Iyabo Obasanjo has  described him as “a liar” who lacked integrity.

 

She queried why he allegedly continued to call her and later offered her money to remain in the APC if he considered the request for a refund insulting.

 

She disclosed that during their last meeting, her political team made three requests, but Adeola neither fulfilled any of them nor got back to her.

 

The epidemiologist said, “My supporters asked the senator for three things. The first is the Senate seat, the second is the refund of what I spent and the third is inclusion of my people in his campaign.

 

“I told him that whatever he comes back with of these demands, I will explain them. He did none of the three demands and didn’t even speak to me again until he tried to call me after I left the party. He called and I didn’t pick up and offered me money.

 

“If he thought it was insulting, why did he now offer money to me not to leave the party? He has no integrity and is a liar.

 

“The three people that made the requests are…. I made no demands and I told him he didn’t have to do it all, but he should let me know what he would do,” she said.

 

Recall that the former Commissioner for Health (2003–2007) and Senator representing Ogun Central (2007–2011) had in January 2026 returned to active politics when she registered as an APC member in Ward 11, Ibogun, Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, throwing the hat into the Ogun State Governorship Race under the APC, but the failure of getting the ticket, with Yayi been picked as the Party Consensus Candidate led to her exit and resignation from the Party, as she cited rejection, maltreatment and lack of respect from its leadership in a letter dated May 31.

 

 She however rejoined the PDP where she was given the Ogun Central Senatorial Ticket

 

 relocated to the United States in 2011 after losing her re-election bid.

Ooni Of Ife Bereaved, Loses Elder Brother

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Revered Monarch of the Yoruba Race, the Oonirisa of Ife, HRH Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II,  is bereaved.

 

He has lost his immediate elder brother, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi to  death.

 

The death of Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi was announced on Sunday in a statement issued by the Ooni of Ife Leadership Colloquium, where they paid glowing tribute to his life, achievements and contributions to business and society.

 

The statement reads:

“It is with profound sadness that we received news of Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi’s passing, leaving family, friends, associates and countless admirers mourning deeply.”

 

The Late Prince was described by the Group as a respected businessman who served as Chairman of Primewaterview Limited, noting that he earned widespread admiration for his leadership and accomplishments in the corporate world.

 

The statement reads further, “Prince Adetunji was widely recognised for his integrity, vision and unwavering commitment to excellence, qualities that won him the respect of business associates, colleagues and emerging entrepreneurs”.

 

The Group further stated that the resilience, humility, generosity and strong dedication to purposeful service, the late Prince depicted during his lifetime was exemplary, adding that his death represents a significant loss to the Ogunwusi family, Nigeria’s business community and the country’s traditional institution.

 

“Our heartfelt condolences are extended to the Ooni of Ife with sincere prayers for divine strength,” the statement reads.

 

The organisation, however, expressed sympathy to members of the Ogunwusi family, friends, associates and colleagues of the deceased, praying that they find strength and comfort during the period of bereavement, as it also added that Prince Adetunji’s impact on commerce, leadership and community development would remain a lasting legacy that would continue to inspire future generations.

 

“May Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi rest in perfect peace, while his remarkable legacy continues inspiring generations with dignity, honour, compassion, wisdom and excellence”.

Reno Omokri To Peter Obi: “God’s Blessings Are Upon You …We Recognise Your Contributions Towards Enlivening Participatory Democracy”

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Reno Omokri and Peter Obi

By Adesina Soyooye

 

In a rare act, Reno Omokri, Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Mexico, has poured praises on Peter Obi and wished God’s blessings upon the Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.

 

Omokri also lauded Obi for his positive contributions towards Nigeria’s democracy.

 

Omokri said all that and more in his congratulatory message to Obi on his (Obi’s) 65th Birthday, Sunday, July 19.

 

He described Obi as a politician who has helped strengthen democratic participation in Nigeria.

 

His words: “Here is wishing Mr Peter Obi a happy birthday on his 65th birthday, today, Sunday, July 19, 2026.

May God bless you with long life in good health.

 

“My family and I celebrate with you even as we thank God for His blessings bestowed on you. We rejoice with you when you rejoice, and recognise your contributions towards enlivening participatory democracy.

 

“Scripture says, ‘Iron sharpens iron’, and you embody that. By being active in the political process, you have helped sharpen your followers, making them more conscious and engaged in the democratic life of Nigeria. For that, you have my admiration.

 

“And as this day only comes once in a year, it is perhaps the aptest desire of mind that the rest of your days shall be the best of your days, and that the Creator continues to increase you in wisdom as you increase in years.

 

“With malice toward none, with charity for all, I say once again, happy birthday, sir, and may this day put you in a good way, such that you say at the end of the day that you had a hey day! Best regards.”

 

Omokri, a former admirer of Obi, who had praised him to high heavens, suddenly turned 360 degrees against him, criticising, everything and anything Obi.

 

Ironically, he, same way, turned around to become number one supporter and defender of now President Bola Tinubu, a man he has called all kinds of derogatory names.

Ahead 2027 Poll: Ekiti PDP Gov. Candidate Oluyede, Says Tinubu Still Needs To Work Hard

By
Ayodele Oni
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Wole Oluyede during Ekiti Election

By Ayodele Oni

 

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the June 20, Ekiti State election, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has remarked that the outcome of June 20 governorship election in the state is not an assurance that President Bola Tinubu will win the state during next year’s election.

 

Oluyede, in a statement on Sunday, reaffirmed his personal support for Tinubu’s re-election, but called for aggressive grassroots mobilisation, sustained voter engagement and wider political inclusion, warning that the presidential election would present a different political landscape.

 

“The APC cannot rely on assumptions. Every election must be fought afresh and every vote must be earned afresh.

 

“If President Tinubu is to secure an overwhelming victory in Ekiti in 2027, the work must begin now through genuine grassroots mobilisation and meaningful engagement with the people,” he said.

 

The PDP Flagbearer explained why he withdrew his petition challenging the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, insisting that his decision was borne out of statesmanship and the broader national interest rather than any political compromise.

 

Oluyede, who had earlier commenced the process to challenge the election at the tribunal, withdrawn his petition and foreclosed the governorship contest in the interest of the state.

 

He dismissed widespread speculation that he accepted financial inducement to discontinue the case, declaring that neither President Bola Tinubu, Governor Oyebanji, the All Progressives Congress (APC), nor any individual offered him money in exchange for withdrawing the petition.

 

“I did not collect a kobo from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the APC or anybody else. I did not sell my mandate. My integrity is not for sale,” he said.

 

The PDP chieftain maintained that although he still believed the governorship election fell short of the standards of a free, fair and credible poll, his decision to withdraw the case followed extensive consultations with his family, legal team and political associates, as well as careful consideration of the country’s political future.

 

According to him, the tribunal process was intended to scrutinise the conduct of the election, particularly allegations of voter inducement, intimidation, accreditation challenges and discrepancies involving the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), while also defending the mandate of the over 40,000 Ekiti voters who supported his candidacy.

 

Oluyede, however, stressed that prolonged litigation would not ultimately serve the larger national interest, saying he chose to move on without abandoning his concerns over electoral integrity.

 

He also debunked claims that Governor Oyebanji’s post-election visit to his residence, accompanied by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, was linked to any political settlement.

 

He described the meeting as a reconciliation visit centred on Ekiti’s development and the welfare of some of his supporters arrested during the election.

 

Looking beyond the governorship poll, Oluyede urged political actors, particularly supporters of President Bola Tinubu, not to interpret the APC’s victory in Ekiti as a guarantee of success in the 2027 presidential election in the state.

 

Oluyede also reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP, describing the party as “alive and formidable” in Ekiti despite its internal challenges, and pledged that his political movement would remain a significant force in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.

Adamawa Govt Increases Monthly Pension To N50,000

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri

 

By Ayodele Oni

 

From paltry N4,000 as monthly take home by pensioners in Adamawa state, a new lease of life has come following an increment of over 1,000 for them in a new package announced by the state government.

 

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri approved a new minimum monthly pension of ₦50,000 for retired civil servants, bringing an end to decades of complaints over the state’s lowest pension payment of ₦4,000.

 

The governor announced the development during a live appearance on the Hausa programme Taba Kidi Taba Karatu aired on the Adamawa Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Yola.

 

Fintiri described the previous minimum pension as an injustice that had persisted for many years, saying his administration considered it necessary to correct the situation in recognition of the sacrifices made by retired public servants.

 

According to the governor, the increase is part of his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of pensioners and ensuring that retirees enjoy a more dignified standard of living after years of service.

 

He noted that the decision reflects the government’s appreciation for the contributions of retired civil servants and complements ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare of both active and retired workers across the state.

 

The new minimum pension represents a substantial increase of ₦46,000, translating to a 1,150 per cent rise from the previous minimum monthly payment of ₦4,000.

 

For years, pensioners in Adamawa State have lamented the low pension, arguing that the amount had become grossly inadequate in the face of rising living costs and inflation.

 

The issue has remained a major concern for retirees, many of whom have repeatedly appealed to successive administrations for an upward review of their monthly entitlements.

 

Although the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Adamawa State chapter, Mohammed Sali, could not be reached for comment, he had, about a month ago, disclosed that the state’s least-paid pensioners had been receiving ₦4,000 monthly for over two decades.

 

The announcement is expected to bring significant relief to thousands of retirees in the state, particularly those at the lower end of the pension scale who have struggled to meet basic needs under the previous payment structure.

 

The latest adjustment also aligns with broader efforts by state governments across Nigeria to review workers’ salaries and pension benefits in response to current economic realities and the increasing cost of living.

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