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Gombe 2027: PDP Says APC  Jittery Over Pantami’s Emergence As  Gov. Candidate

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Professor Isa Pantami
Isa Pantami

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Embattled Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has reignited another controversy with the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Gombe State Politics as the 2027 Governorship Election in the State gathers momentum.

 

The PDP alleges that the emergence of Isa Pantami as its Governorship Candidate has sent jittery to the spines of the APC.

 

The PDP, in a statement issued by the State Public Relations Officer, Abdulkadir Ahmad, dismissed claims by the APC that Pantami remained a member of the ruling party, describing the assertion as indicative of “ignorance of the Electoral Act and our party’s constitution.”

 

It would be recalled that the APC Publicity Secretary in Gombe State, Moses Kyari, raised concerns over Pantami’s alleged failure to resign his membership of the party before clinching the PDP Governorship ticket.

 

The opposition party maintained that Pantami had fulfilled all constitutional and legal requirements to become a member of the PDP and that it possessed documentary evidence of his resignation from the APC.

 

“We wish to categorically state that Professor Pantami is a bona fide member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), having duly complied with all the constitutional and legal requirements for membership of our party,” the statement partly read.

 

According to the PDP, it has in its possession “all relevant documents confirming his resignation from his former party, acknowledged by his then Ward chairman.”

 

The PDP urged the APC to concentrate on preparations for the forthcoming general election rather than what it termed distractions.

 

The party added that the APC still had the opportunity, within the electoral process, to make decisions regarding its candidature if it believed its candidate could not effectively compete against Pantami.

 

The Party reaffirmed its commitment to pursue issue-based campaigns and offer credible leadership to the people of Gombe State.

Allegations Of Signature Forgery: Senate Moves Against Oshiomole

By
Ayodele Oni
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Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole
Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, has insisted that processes which led to suspension of Kogi Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, were done transparently.

 

Adaramodu, Senator representing Ekiti South  however, assured that allegations of signature forgery made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) on the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi central) will be reviewed.

 

Adaramodu,  in an interview with The cable, said: “The Senate will take a cursory look at either extraneous, spontaneous or intentional comments from any senator appropriately.”

 

Oshiomhole had alleged that the names of at least three senators were improperly included on the Senate Committee report that recommended the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.

 

According to Oshiomhole, several lawmakers whose names appeared on the report told him they neither signed the document nor endorsed its recommendations.

 

However, the Senate spokesperson said: “We are going to review any statements made by him (Oshiomhole).

 

“The senate will take a cursory look at either extraneous, spontaneous or intentional comments from any senator appropriately.

 

“We are going to look into it. We will take a stand and everyone will know where we stand. But we can say no senator has reported that his or her senator was forged during the Natasha matter.

 

“It was debated on the floor of the senate openly at the plenary in the full glare of every Nigerian and even the international audience, and so nothing to hide.

 

“All Nigerians knew where we stood then on the issue of Natasha… that she ran foul of the senate’s orders. And we are orderly because we are bounded by orders of the senate.”

 

On the Independence of the senators, he said: “Nobody will say that he or she was coerced or somebody’s signature was forged; that has never happened in the senate and it cannot happen. It has never happened.

 

“Senators are independent-minded people. We are mature men and women. And if you have any infraction against anybody, that person can, without any advocate from anywhere, that person will show it.”

“I Can Lay Down My Life For Release Of Oriire School Children, Teachers” – Gov Makinde  … Reveals Army Lt’s  Death In Rescue Effort

By
Ayodele Oni
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Seyi Makinde
Governor Seyi Makinde

By Ayodele Oni

 

Ongoing efforts to free abducted Oriire school children and their teachers in Oyo state have continued to record casualties.

 

Governor Seyi Makinde has announced that a lieutenant of the Nigerian Army was recently killed in the ongoing efforts to rescue the kidnapped Oriire school children and teachers.

 

He made the disclosure while addressing protesters led by activist and social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), in Ibadan .

 

On Friday, May 15, gunmen suspected to be members of a Boko Haram faction attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area (LGA), abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers, including the principal of one of the affected schools.

 

At the time, a joint rescue operation by soldiers, police and local vigilantes was disrupted after they encountered improvised explosive devices planted by the attackers, ⁠leaving several wounded.

 

Those injured ⁠received treatment.

Days later, one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed in captivity.

 

The incident has attracted widespread outrage on social media and triggered protests demanding the release of the victims.

 

Hundreds of protesters led by VDM had  marched through major roads in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, before converging on the Government House.

 

Addressing the demonstrators, Makinde said security agencies are conducting a delicate operation aimed at securing the victims’ release without casualties.

 

He also assured concerned Nigerians that the Oriire abduction will not become another Chibok scenario.

 

The 2027 presidential hopeful disclosed that a Nigerian army lieutenant was killed during ongoing operations to rescue the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo state.

 

He, however, did not disclose details of the operation that resulted in the death of the army officer.

 

The governor stated that “First, let me make it very, very clear: Oyo state is not Chibok, and it will not be Chibok.

 

“We have lost men, even soldiers, officers. I can confirm to you that a lieutenant in the Nigerian army was killed a few days ago.

 

“So if you ask me, if you ask me, can I sacrifice myself for those children to come out, I will do it. I have lived a good life. I’m almost 60. It doesn’t matter. My own father died at 76.

 

“What we want to do is. This is Oyo state. They know that this is not Chibok, and our children will never be in the same situation as the Chibok children.

 

“We’re doing everything possible, including what you’ve suggested. But if there’s potential for needless loss of lives…We’ve lost a teacher already.

 

“If we can avoid losing more, we will avoid losing more. But if we get to the point that certain people have to be sacrificed, including myself, we will do it.”

 

Speaking during a protest aimed at pressuring authorities to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers, VDM urged Governor Makinde not to be intimidated by the kidnappers, insisting that criminals thrive when fear takes hold.

 

He warned that if terrorists are allowed to operate unchecked, they could eventually impose levies on farmers in Oyo state as a condition for accessing their own farmlands.

Dangote Offers Automatic Employment To 30 FUTO Students

By
Ayodele Oni
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Aliko Dangote
Aliko Dangote

By Ayodele Oni

 

Prospect for employment has been sealed for 30 students of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), upon graduation.

 

The gesture of automatic employment opportunities is coming from the world acclaimed businessman, Aliko Dangote.

 

He announced the gesture following an educational tour of the Dangote Refinery and Fertilizer Plant in Lagos, by the students, led by the institution’s Vice-Chancellor,  Prof Mrs. Nnenna Oti.

 

Prof Oti disclosed the development in an emotional message shared on social media, revealing that the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, personally offered the students employment, after being impressed by her integrity and contributions to national development.

 

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the 30 students participated in a three-day industrial tour of the Dangote Refinery and Fertilizer Plant from June 14 to June 16, 2026.

 

Announcing the unexpected gesture, Prof. Oti wrote: “Alh. Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group of Companies, just called and offered the 30 FUTO students I took on tour of his refinery and fertilizer plant in Lagos automatic employment on graduation.”

 

She stated that Dangote explained that the offer was made in recognition of her unwavering integrity and selfless service to Nigeria and humanity.

 

“He said this is to honor my integrity and national service to Nigeria and humanity,” she added.

 

An overwhelmed Prof. Oti described the development as a remarkable honour and a fitting reward for years of dedicated service in academia and nation-building.

 

Expressing gratitude to God, she wrote:

“What a God! What an honor!! What a glorious way to bow out! What else can I ask for? Lord, to you alone be all the glory.”

 

The announcement has since generated excitement among members of the university community, students, alumni, and well-wishers, who have praised both Prof. Oti’s leadership and the Dangote Group’s commitment to youth empowerment and talent development.

 

The gesture is expected to further strengthen industry-academic partnerships and provide opportunities for young Nigerian graduates to gain valuable employment and practical experience in one of Africa’s largest industrial establishments.

Idoma Youths Reject Scolastica Bem-Sor’s Designation As First Lady

By
Ayodele Oni
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Scolastica Bem-Sor
Hon. Scolastica Bem-Sor

By Ayodele Oni

 

The office of First Lady, though not constitutionally recognized, has drawn Benue-based socio-cultural group, the Ochetohak’idoma Youth Wing Worldwide against Governor Hyacinth Alia, as the group insisted that the wife of the Deputy Governor should occupy the ceremonial role.

 

The group position followed the designation of Hon. Scolastica Bem-Sor as the First Lady of Benue state by the governor.

 

Alia, as a Catholic Priest has no spouse to occupy the position, reserved for governors’ wives.

 

Hon. Scolastica Bem-Sor is a prominent political figure in Benue State.

 

She serves in the administration of Governor  Alia because the Governor is unmarried, Hon. Bem-Sor functions in the ceremonial capacity typically associated with the Office of the First Lady.

 

The group made its position known in a statement, arguing that established protocol and constitutional convention should guide the recognition of the state’s foremost female representative.

 

Addressing recent public discussions surrounding the designation of Bem-Sor as First Lady, the group maintained that the office is traditionally reserved for the spouse of the elected governor.

 

According to the group, Governor Hyacinth Alia, being a Catholic priest and unmarried, does not have a spouse to occupy the position.

 

It therefore argued that, in such circumstances, the wife of the Deputy Governor should assume the responsibilities associated with the office.

 

“In the absence of a Governor’s spouse, standard governmental and ceremonial protocol across Nigeria recognizes the wife of the Deputy Governor as the next-ranking female representative of the state.

 

“She is therefore the appropriate person to serve in the capacity of First Lady for official functions, state events, and advocacy initiatives,” the statement said.

 

The group further warned against action, it said could be interpreted as political nepotism, arguing that appointing an individual outside established protocol could create unnecessary division and distract from governance.

 

It called on the Benue State Government, political stakeholders, and the media to respect institutional precedence by according the wife of the Deputy Governor the recognition and responsibilities of the First Lady.

 

The Benue State Government has yet to officially respond to the group’s position.

CBN To Banks, Fintechs: Disclose Real owners Of Your Business

By
James Orji
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Yemi Cardoso - CBN Governor

Nigeria’s Central Bank has directed commercial banks, fintechs, and other payment service providers in the country  to disclose their Ultimate Beneficial Owners, UBO in line with regulatory framework in  the sector.

Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) refers to the real person or persons who ultimately own, control, or benefit from a company, asset, or legal entity, even if their ownership is held indirectly through other companies, trusts, or nominees.

In simple terms, a UBO is the actual human being behind a business or investment, regardless of the  complexity in its  ownership structure.

The Yemi Cradoso-led CBN latest measures  to bank is contained in a circular dated June 15, and signed by CBN’s Director, Payments System Supervision Department, Dr. Rakiya Yusuf.

Banks, fintechs and other digital  payment solutions companies are expected to comply fully with the directives by January 1, 2027, the apex bank said.

According to the apex bank,  the measure is aimed at promoting transparency, reduce market concentration risks in the country’s payment system, even as analysts insist that the latest measure is a timely intervention by the CBN in its ongoing efforts to restructure the nation’s growing digital payment system.

The measures, analysts also insist comes amid  rapid expansion of electronic payments in the country , and increasing dominance of a few players across critical segments in the sector, which has heightened concerns over operational dominance and dependence, ownership transparency among key players in the ecosystem.

According to them, CBN is also trying to use the latest measures to strengthen governance standards in the sector, as well as ensure that the growth in the payment system does not create risks capable of threatening  the nation’s financial system, saying recent development in the nation financial sector has revealed “ rapid growth in electronic payments, increasing adoption of digital financial services, and the emergence of operators with substantial market presence across key payment activities.

“While these developments have supported innovation, efficiency, and financial inclusion, they have also raised concerns relating to market concentration, operational dependence, systemic importance, transparency of ownership structures, and the localisation of critical payment data.

“Accordingly, the CBN hereby issues this circular to improve transparency through beneficial ownership disclosure, address concentration risk, promote a fair, competitive, and resilient payments ecosystem.

“The circular further aims to safeguard the integrity of the Nigerian payments system and ensure the localisation of payments transaction data within Nigeria,” the CBN said.

As President I will Negotiate With Bandits, Others

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

As the debate over the propriety or otherwise of whether the government should negotiate with non- state actors such as bandits and other violent groups who have taken up arms against the country, persists, the Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC, Peter Obi says he will engage in peaceful talks with those of them ready to lay don their arms if he becomes president.

Obi spoke amid the controversy that has trailed the decision of   the Borno state Government to reintegrate dozens of former Boko Haram members into the society as part of its rehabilitation and de-radicalisation programme.

A total of 720 former Boko Haram fighters were captured under the programme, including 992 women and 2,050 children after undergoing rehabilitation at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra state is one of the presidential hopeful in the country challenging the incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidency.

He made the remark while featuring on BlackBox, an interview programme hosted by television personality, Rufai Oseni on Tuesday.

The presidential candidate said he will adopt a “balanced approach’ in tackling the current security challenges in the country, citing the United States as one of the countries, where former criminals have turned a new leaf after the were given a second chance.

As part of his efforts to unite the country, if he win the 2027 election, Obi said “anybody who wants peace, I will talk with him; I will negotiate with him. Anybody who wants war, we will go to war.”

He said the criminals who are ready to abandon their evil ways must be given another chance, saying such approach has worked in other countries.

Obi: “I once visited a university in America where the entire faculty are people who came out of prison.

“From the dean to the registrar, professors spent years in prison for one offence or the other.

“So, if you say you want to change and be part of this new Nigeria we are talking about, we have reached a point where we have to tell ourselves the truth.”

The magazine reports that Nigerians have been split on whether the government should negotiate with terrorists and other non-state actors who have taken up arms against the country at one time or the other.

Those who oppose the policy claimed, for instance, that some repentant Boko Haram terrorists have been caught in battle against security agencies, months after they have been forgiven by the government.

NDC Insists Obi, Kwankwaso Must Sign Anti-Defection Agreement

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC says the reason why it compelled candidates, seeking to represent the party in the 2027 election, including Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso  to sign a binding anti-defection agreement is to prevent mass defection from the party after the election.

The party said the decision is aimed at protecting its electoral mandates after next year’s election, saying the party is trying to avoid a situation when, candidates, after wining the election will dump it for another party, adding that it has learnt a good lesson from what happened to the Labour Party, LP after the 2023 election.

NDC National Chairman, Moses Cleopas made the clarification in Abuja, the nation’s capital on Tuesday during the unveiling of the Party’s Policy at the party’s national secretariat.

According to him, the decision was reached during a National Executive Committee, NEC, saying the policy  will strengthen party discipline and ensure elected officials remain loyal after the election.

He said experience in the country has shown that some candidates who were sponsored by some political parties, and won, later dump such parties after wining the election, thereby weakening their base.

For instance, the NDC National Chairman said the LP would have remained strong among political parties in the country if those that won election under its banner in 2023 did not abandon the party for another political party, particularly the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

“People contest elections and win under political parties, but after getting elected, they suddenly abandon the platform that gave them the opportunity. This has become a major challenge in our democracy,” Cleopas said.

Adding that “If those elected officials had remained in the Labour Party, the party would have been much stronger today. These are the realities that make it necessary for political parties to put safeguards in place.”

Recall that LP was among the top three political parties in the country after the 2023 election, as its candidates won some seats in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly across the country.

Most of the candidates later dumped the party for other politcal parties.

 

Deregistration Of Five Parties: Justice Lifu Committed Judicial Rascality – Court Of Appeal, Orders Stay Of Execution

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Judiciary and Court

By Ayodele Oni

 

Reprieve has come for the five political parties ordered by the Honourable Justice Peter Lifu to be  deregistered by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC.

 

On Monday, Justice Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, had surprisingly ordered INEC to deregister the five political parties and stop them from participating in all upcoming elections, including the 2027 General Elections.

 

But the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja in a unanimous decision on Tuesday, ordered the stay of execution of the judgment which directed INEC to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party and three other political parties.

 

In the decision, the three-member panel, led by Justice A. B. Mohammed, berated Justice Peter Lifu, for flouting an order it made on May 22, which directed him to suspend proceedings before him.

 

The appellate court held that Justice Lifu’s action amounted to an affront on the hierarchy of courts.

 

It held that the lower court’s action was “the highest form of judicial impertinence,” stressing that the Supreme Court previously held that a Judge who acted in such manner “is unfit for the bench as it amounts to judicial rascality.”

 

“Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This Court has supervisory authority over the trial Court.

 

“The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this Court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution.

 

“This court has the duty to invoke its powers in ensuring that its orders are made.

 

“Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This court has supervisory authority over the trial court. This court has the duty to invoke its powers in ensuring that its orders are obeyed.

 

“The application for stay of execution is hereby granted. The enforcement of the judgment is stayed,” the panel ruled.

 

Earlier in the proceedings, INEC told the court it was stunned by Justice Lifu’s decision to deliver the judgment, disclosing that the commission only learnt of the ruling through media reports rather than any official notification.

 

INEC’s lead counsel, Mr Haliru Mohammed, told the panel that the commission had been aware of the appellate court’s May 22 order restraining the lower court from delivering the judgment, which had originally been reserved for June 5.

 

“We were not aware of any notice from the court regarding the delivery of the judgment. We only saw it as breaking news in the media.

 

“We therefore do not oppose the application of the appellant to stay the execution of the judgment,” Mohammed submitted.

 

The Commission also aligned itself with the notice of appeal filed by the affected political parties.

 

Counsel for the ADC, Mr Shuaibu Aruwa, SAN, told the Court that Justice Lifu communicated the judgment’s delivery to the party via WhatsApp, a disclosure that drew visible reactions from the Bench.

 

Aruwa described the lower court’s conduct as an invitation to anarchy and urged the Appellate court to invoke its disciplinary jurisdiction under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution to sanction the judge.

 

“The action of the trial judge calls for swift and extraordinary measures from this court. We have come to the stage where this court should press the reset button,” Aruwa submitted.

 

“We urge this court to take disciplinary steps by immediately suspending that judgment. This court has the power to protect its own integrity. We pray this court suspends the judgment immediately without further delay,” he added.

I Have No Link To Seized N4bn Gold Bars – Senator Yari

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

Former Governor of Zamfara State, and Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District at the National Assembly Abdulaziz Yarr, has strongly debunked claims linking him to the  over N4 billion worth of raw gold bars intercepted at the Malam Aminu Kano Airport, Kano.

 

The Source reports that one Ali Baffa, an employee of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, was on Monday, apprehended by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, while attempting to smuggle the gold bars out of the country.

 

The suspect, according to the anti-graft Commission, was alleged to have carefully concealed the raw gold bars totaling about 22.2 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of over  N4,400,000,000 in his trousers, hoping to beat the airport’s hordes of security check points, and operatives.

 

While the suspect, and his identified accomplices are currently cooling their heels in the EFCC detention facility pending conclusion of investigations and prosecution, speculations have been rife allegedly linking Senator Yari, whose State Zamfara is believed to be harbouring significant reservoir of the rare gold bars, to the seized item.

 

But in a statement from Hon Abdullahi Abdulkarim Tsafe, his Chief of Staff, the Senator described such claims as not only false and malicious, but reckless and politically motivated with the aim of damaging his hard earned reputation.

 

In the statement captioned *”False and Malicious Attempt to Link Senator Yari to Alleged Gold Seizure”*, the former Zamfara State Governor also vowed to take legal action against anyone identified to be behind the unfounded, and misleading reports on him.

 

“Our attention has been drawn to a malicious, reckless and politically motivated publication seeking to link the Distinguished Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, to the recent seizure of gold bars by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.

 

“We wish to state categorically ,and without any equivocation that Senator Abdulaziz Yari has absolutely no connection whatsoever with the matter being sensationally reported by some online platforms and their sponsors.

 

“The publication is false, defamatory, mischievous, and clearly designed to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of Senator Yari ,who has remained one of the most influential political figures in Nigeria, and steadfast supporter of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

“It is instructive that while the EFCC publicly identified individuals arrested in connection with the incident, nowhere in its statement was Senator Yari named as a suspect or person of interest”, Hon Tsafe stated.

 

Senator Yari in the statement accused political adversaries of desperately looking for all conceivable avenues to drag his name to the mud.

 

“We are fully aware of the individuals ,and interests behind this latest round of propaganda. These are elements who have become increasingly uncomfortable with Senator Yari’s growing stature, political relevance, national acceptance ,and cordial relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

“Having failed repeatedly in their efforts to diminish his standing through legitimate political means, they have now resorted to weaponization of falsehood , blackmail, and media manipulation.

 

“Let it be clearly stated that Senator Yari will not be distracted by these acts of political brigandage. He remains focused on delivering quality representation to the people of Zamfara West and contributing to national development”, Hon Tsafe added.

 

The statement further indicated that Senator Yari has directed his legal team to immediately set in motion all necessary machineries towards initiating legal proceedings against all individuals and organizations linked to the malicious publications against him.

 

“Those responsible for these evil and defamatory lies will be compelled to substantiate their claims before the appropriate judicial authorities”,  the statement further reads .

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