Home Blog Page 247

Wike Insisted Only Condition For Peace Is For PDP Not To Field A Presidential Candidate In 2027 – Sani Fmr Media Adviser To Fmr VP Sambo

0
Umar Sani,

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Peoples Democratic party PDP on Monday November 17 ,2025 gave an insight into the major reason that prolonged the crisis of confidence between the party and Nyesom Wike ,the Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister before his expulsion .

Speaking on an Arise TV programme Umar Sani, a chieftain of the party and former media aide to former Vice president Namadi Sambo, disclosed that Wike told the party  that the only condition for  peace is for the PDP not to field a Presidential candidate to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

According to Sani, Wike had insisted that unless the condition was met he will fight to the finish with the PDP.

“Wike gave the PDP the condition that it must not field a presidential candidate in 2027. He said that is the only condition that will bring peace , otherwise he will fight to the finish.

“That was what he said . So we decided not to wait till that point when we have to fight to the finish with Wike. The Party had to end the fight by expelling him”, Sani stated.

The Source reports that the PDP, at its just concluded National Convention held in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital, not surprisingly expelled Wike, former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, Samuel Anyawu the erstwhile National Secretary, and some other states and regional officials and chieftains of the party, citing anti-party activities as a major reason.

The FCT Minister has not hidden his support for the second term ambition of his boss , President Tinubu, and has equally sworn to go to any length to promote it .

Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister
Nyesom Wike

Expectedly, , Wike, leading other estranged members has since rejected the expulsion, and  described the Convention that  sacked him. as illegal.

He has vowed also to fight to the finish on account of his expulsion.

Kebbi: Bandits Invade Secondary School, Kill VP, Abduct Students

0
Gunmen - Kidnappers

By Ayodele Oni

The Vice Principal of a secondary school in Kebbi State was shot dead, while a yet-to-be ascertained number of students were abducted as armed bandits, early Monday morning, stormed the school

The incident happened at the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Report stated that the Vice Principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, was reportedly shot dead while trying to protect students from the attackers. This has plunged the school and surrounding communities into fear and grief.

The exact number of abducted students remains unknown, as authorities have yet to release official figures.

A resident, Murjanatu Hassan Gishiri, confirmed the attack. He described the assault as devastating and traumatic for the community.

“It is a heartbreaking tragedy that has thrown the entire region into deep fear and mourning,” she lamented.

Residents have continued to mourn Makuku whom they hailed as a dedicated educator who sacrificed his life to shield his students.

Security agencies are yet to speak on the incident, but locals are calling for urgent intervention from State and Federal authorities to rescue the victims and strengthen protection for schools and vulnerable communities across the region.

New 500 CNG Stations Will Eliminate Queues- FG

0
CNG Cars

The Federal Government is set to establish 500 Compressed Natural Gas refueling stations across the country within three years, as part of efforts to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to cleaner, cheaper fuels and ease pressure on petrol consumption.

The Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund and Chinese equipment manufacturer, Endurance Group, have agreed to set up 500 Compressed Natural Gas refueling stations across the country.

The investment, the Executive Director of the MDGIF, Oluwole Adama, said in a statement on Sunday is a testimony to the federal government’s plan to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to cleaner fuels saying this eliminate the long queues currently witnessed at existing CNG stations by expanding access to refueling points and improving logistics to ensure uninterrupted supply

The statement read, “The Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund concludes discussion with leading Chinese Manufacturer Endurance Group to make available 500 CNG refueling stations across Nigeria for the next three years.”

Adama said the talks resulted in an agreement to create a government-backed Special Purpose Vehicle, promoted by the MDGIF, Bank of Industry, Endurance Group, and Séquor Investment Partners, to drive the project.

According to him, the SPV, to be known as Compressed Natural Gas Auto Mobility Infrastructure Company, will “deploy 500 integrated CNG refueling stations; develop LCNG gas supply infrastructure; and provide CNG and LNG transportation trucks with truck-mounted cascades, forming a virtual pipeline across all states nationwide.”

“The collaboration underscores the parties’ commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s transition to cleaner fuels by addressing infrastructure gaps across the country’s CNG value chain. Under this agreement, we will set up the Compressed Natural Gas Auto Mobility Infrastructure Company, which will be used to deploy 500 integrated CNG refueling stations, develop LCNG gas supply infrastructure, and provide CNG and LNG transportation trucks with truck-mounted cascades, forming a virtual pipeline across all states nationwide.”

Punch

How Charms Failed Four Armed Robbery Suspects In Ondo

0
Police on Duty

By Ayodele Oni

A gang of four suspected armed robbers in Ondo State, met their waterloo immediately after their return from where they had gone to fortify themselves with charms against any possible arrest.

Detectives from the Ondo State Police Command arrested all of them, Ifeoluwa Julius (M) and three members of his gang, all residents of Ogbese town, Akure North local government.

They are alleged to be behind series of kidnapping, armed robbery, and ritual-related offences in the area.

According to the spokesman of the state command, Olusola Ayanlade, “This group had long remained on the Command’s watch list due to mounting intelligence linking them to violent criminal activities within the area.

“Further intelligence revealed that the suspects had recently returned from a location where they procured criminal charms intended to fortify themselves for future criminal undertakings.

“Acting promptly on this credible intelligence, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit launched a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation on the outskirts of Ogbese town.

“This precise and strategic approach led to the successful arrest of the four suspects, demonstrating the Command’s resolve to proactively dismantle emerging criminal threats.

“In the course of the operation, several incriminating items were recovered from Ifeoluwa Julius, including: One expended cartridge, Fetish items, red and white cloth stained with blood.

“These recoveries aligned with the suspects’ subsequent confessions. During interrogation, Ifeoluwa Julius openly admitted to being a ritualist and confirmed, along with his gang members, their involvement in multiple kidnapping incidents within the Ogbese axis.

“He further disclosed that their recent trip was deliberately undertaken to acquire additional criminal fortifications to enhance their capacity for further nefarious activities.”

Also in another operation, oneAjayi Ademola Joseph, who allegedly obtained the sum of ₦23 million from Pastor Foluso Ajibobola of Akure under the false pretence of facilitating U.S. travel documents for his sister was apprehended.

The suspect reportedly absconded after collecting the funds, prompting the victim to formally petition the Command for intervention.

The suspect’s hideout in Ogun State was traced where he was subsequently arrested.

Fayose: A Brother’s Toxic Birthday Wishes To Elder Brother

0
Ayodele Fayose and His Brother

“You have betrayed all those who helped you in life, including our only sister  who sold her land in Lagos to enable you buy Governorship form”

By Adesina Soyooye

It has  been confirmed that former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, did not extend an invite to his younger brother, Isaac, to his high profile 65th birthday celebration in Lagos.

However, it did not stop Isaac, an activist, businessman, politician, social media influencer,  from extending birthday wishes to his elder brother,  former -Governor of Ekiti  State.

But what a birthday wish it was. What a toxic wish, obviously, not the type of wishes one expects on one’s birthday, especially, from a sibling.

Isaac Fayose began by dismissing his brother as a serial betrayer, selfish with no scruples. He said his former Governor-brother even condescended to betraying their own sister, the now late Bimpe Shireolu, who sacrificed and contributed to his becoming a Governor.

Their sister, Mrs Shoreolu, he disclosed, sold her land to purchase the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship ticket for Fayose in 2002. He also accused his brother of selfishness and of, also, betraying the Peoples Democratic Party.

Isaac Fayose wrote:

“A birthday message to my brother, Ayodele Fayose:  Happy 65th birthday. May God bless your new age. I pray as you enter this new age, the spirit of selfishness in you will disappear and

you can be a good man and turn a new leaf.

“You betrayed everybody that have been there for you.

“I remember 23 years ago. In 2002, my sister, late Bimpe Shoreolu, sold her land in Maryland in Lagos for you to buy PDP ticket when you didn’t have money anymore. N3 million. She sold her land to give you the three million to go and pay PDP to get the ticket.

“Everybody that helped you in life to be where you are today, you betrayed everybody.”

He, also disclosed that not one of the  former Governor’s siblings Ayodele’s siblings from same mother was  present during his birthday.

According to Isaac the former Ekiti governor did not invite his mother.

He urged his brother to learn from the oneness in renowned families like the Adelekes, Yar’Aduas, and Uzor Kalus. They are together, he noted.

Accusing the former Governor of betraying the PDP, Isaac said:

“All your PDP political family in Ekiti, you betrayed everybody. You betrayed everybody. You betrayed your siblings. You betrayed your mother. You betrayed even our late sister.

“My brother, life is not about being relevant all the time. Look at Adeleke family, look at Orji Uzor Kalu family, look at Yar’Adua family. They stood together. They grow together. They move together.

“But you believe once you are okay, everyother person can go. Even late Buruji Kashamu that gave you close to N2 blllion for your second term election, you betrayed the guy immediately you got to power.

“Even Arthur Eze that gave you about $3 million for your election, you have not been there to say thank you. My brother, selfishness is a sin.

“As you have turned 65, I hope and believe you will turn a new leaf and change from being selfish.

“I know people will say why is he talking to his brother like this? If you have a brother that has done what he has done to us,, you will be very sad and more bitter than us.”

National Convention: PDP Will Soon Expire, Wrote Own Obituary- APC

0
APC Chairman Yilwada

The Lagos State Chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC says the opposition PDP has been damaged beyond redemption as the party is now headed for extinction. The PDP will soon become irrelevant in the political affairs of the country, the APC said in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo.

His remark comes on the heels of last week PDP National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, in the quest by some leaders of the embattled party to salvage what is left of it.

Recall that the late Vincent Ogbulafor, a former PDP National Chairman had vowed many years ago, that the party will rule the country for 60 years. As it’s, the party which ruled the country from 1999 and 2015 is seriously battling for its life, as contending groups are in a stiff battle for its soul.

This is more so after watchers of politics in the country contented that the last weekend National Delegates Convention has left the party more polarsied than it had earlier being expected.

Two factions led by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike have clashed over the control of the party, with suspension n and counter-suspension in the mix.

According to the Lagos APC, the PDP has gone deeper into crisis after the Convention saying with the current situation, the once dominant political party in the country cannot recover, and is headed for a total collapse.

To underscore the seriousness of the current crisis, the APC said delegates from 13 states stayed away from the Convention, stating that PDP has become a “collapsing” building that cannot be salvage by any ‘architect”.

Oladejo: “When a party’s own delegates choose absence over association, the diagnosis is clear: the patient is not just unwell; it is clinically unresponsive.”

“To compound the tragedy, the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to monitor the event put a final seal on the exercise in futility.

“When the nation’s electoral umpire declines to acknowledge your convention, what remains is nothing but a political gathering stripped of legitimacy, relevance, and meaning.”

He said the PDP has become a problem for the nation’s nascent democracy by failing to tackle its problem successfully, saying the party will soon expire.

According to him,  “Rather than confront its deep-rooted failures, leadership rot, ideological emptiness, and years of humiliating electoral defeats, the PDP again demonstrated why Nigerians have decisively moved on.

“what should have symbolised renewal instead confirmed that the party is fast approaching its political expiration date.

”The PDP has now become a danger to our nascent democracy – not because it is strong, but because it has failed woefully to provide the vibrant, responsible, and constructive opposition that can add value, strengthen accountability, and present Nigerians with a viable alternative.

“A democracy without credible opposition is weakened; and the PDP, in its current comatose state, offers nothing but noise without substance.

“As we continue the countdown to the 2027 National Elections, the events ahead promise to be interesting as this comatose, leaderless, and rudderless opposition party navigates nominations for elective positions. Without unnecessarily pre-empting the outcome, it is indeed an endgame.

“The PDP’s internal disarray has already written a preface to its political obituary – the rest is merely a matter of time.”

PDP: George Slams Gov Fintiri, Says Wike, Others Deserved What They Got

0
Bode George

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Bode George has slammed Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa state of insincerity regarding the suspension of some leaders of the party, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Recall that Chief George moved the motion for the expulsion of the FCT Minister and others accused of working against the interests of the party, last week end.

George, a member of the Board of Trustees of the party and former Deputy National Chairman (South) said the Adamawa helmsman was present when the decision to expel Wike and others was taken at the national Convention of the party that took place in Ibadan, Oyo state capital last weekend.

Having been part of the decision making that led to the expulsion, it was wrong for the governor to turn around to criticize the action taken against the leaders for alleged anti-party activities.

Fintiri had said after the expulsion that the action will furter polarise the party, which he said is supposed to be reconciling angry members through various peace building efforts.

Apart from Governor Fintiri who criticsed the expulsion of the minister of the FCT and co. From the party, Governor Gabriela Muftaug of Plateau state has also asserted that he’s not in support of the action.

But George informed the Nigerian Tribune that the expulsion was supported by the majority of the party, while Fintiri was ‘seated’ at the National Convention that took place between 15 and 16 November wondering why the governor turned around to criticise the action taken by the party’s delegates.

The former Military Administrator, MILAD, of Ondo state stressed that those expelled got what they deserved because that were working against the interest of the party, by working for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election.

George: “The action resonated well with delegates. It received their acceptance as they took it as a major step towards instilling sanity in the party. By our Constitution, the Convention is the highest organ. If Governor Ahmadu Fintiri was opposed to it, why didn’t he say it there? He was seated there. Does it mean that the people of Adamawa are with him? The party isn’t owned by any individual. The delegates have said ‘enough is enough’. The people expelled can’t be bigger than the party. They started the crisis in the party and it was spreading like cancer

“They were undermining the party and breaking its rules. The PDP has its ways of resolving disputes. Going to court shouldn’t be the first option. You must explore the party internal resolution mechanism. They have told us that they were going to work for Tinubu. Will Tinubu have accepted that from anybody in APC? They were doing damage to the party interest.”

Apart from Wike, those expelled from the party include former Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state, Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secreatry of the party, Imo State PDP Chairman Austine Nwachukwu; his Abia State counterpart, Amah Nnanna, and PDP South-south Zonal Secretary, Turnah George.

Others affected included the National Organising Secretary, Umaru Bature; National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade; Mao Ohuabunwa, factional BoT chairman, and Dan Orbih from Edo State.

The FCT minister is leading a group in the party, which is currently in a serious legal battle to take over its affairs. The group had last week expelled Umar Damagun and other members of the National Working Committee, NWC appointing an interim National Chairman.

Lt. Yerima: Police Dismisses Assassination Attempt on Naval Officer Who Stood Up To Wike

0
Navy Lt Ahmed Yerima

By Adesina Soyooye

In a swift action to calm rising tension, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Command, has dismissed the viral story that Navy Lt. Ahmed Yerima escaped an assassination attempt.

Lt. Yerima, recall, is the young Navy Officer who stole the hearts of not a few Nigerians by his composure, discipline and courage when he stood up to the FCT Minister, Nyesom  Wike, who tried to bully him, called him a fool,  and asked him to shut up, when, acting on orders, the Lt refused access to Wike and his demolition squad, to a building project of a retired Chief of Navy Staff.

Wike had stormed the site to bulldoze the project when he met a stiff resistance mounted by the Navy. Frustrated, he descended to the use of foul language and choice words on the Officer. Wike called the officer a fool, and asked him to shut up. But the Officer simply replied: “I will not shut up. I am not a fool Sir. I am an officer. I have integrity.”

While most Nigerians have hailed the officer, a few has condemned him, (mainly for keeping guard at a private concern), the officer has the full support of his bosses, serving and retired, as well as two of Wike’s Ministerial colleagues.

However, not a few Nigerians were jolted Monday morning when news emerged on the social media that Lt Yerima had just escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja.

According to the viral news item, Yerima noticed two unmarked vehicles trailing him from NIPOCO Filling Station, along Gado Nasko Road, Kubwa, Abuja.

On noticing them, according to  the story, the Navy officer found a way to out-maneuvre them.

However, to stem the anxiety and tension, the

FCT Police Command

has quickly dismissed reports of any  attempted assassination attempt on

Lt.  Yerima  as entirely false.

The Police said the false alarm is capable of causing  public panic.

SP Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, in a statement Sunday night, said that for clarification purposes, there is

no record or report

of an attack on the naval officer anywhere within the Abuja metropolis.

She said: “The Command wishes to categorically state that no such incident has been reported or recorded anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory. The public is advised to disregard this false information and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic.”

Tinubu Laments High Rate Of Graduate Unemployment

0
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu  has lamented the rate of graduate unemployment in the country urging  universities administrators to ensure that the curriculum is in tune with the demands in the  jobs market.

the president made the remark  during the 36th Convocation Ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, Ondo State, where he was represented by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu,.

According to Tinubu, there has been a sharp rise in the number of graduates entering the job market, saying the curriculum should be designed in a such a way that graduates are not only employ themselves, but employers of labour, adding that the government alone cannot create the required jobs in the country.

On the government’s part, Tinubu stated it will promote policies that strengthen education, promote research funding, and foster collaborations between universities and industries, which he said will enable graduates in the country to contribute their own quota to the national growth.

Tinubu: “While it is agreed that the government alone cannot provide job opportunities directly for the teeming graduates of our higher educational institutions, the government will continue to create an enabling environment for investments and businesses to thrive; this administration recognises the critical role of science, technology, and innovation in our national development.

“We are, therefore, committed to policies that strengthen education, promote research funding, and foster collaborations between universities and industries.

“We are also pursuing the digital economy agenda, renewable energy initiatives, and infrastructure development, all of which open new opportunities for your graduates to contribute meaningfully to national growth and development.”

According to checks, Nigeria produces about 600,000 university and polytechnic graduates annually. This number is a significant factor contributing to the country’s high youth unemployment, as the number of graduates significantly exceeds the number of available formal jobs, analysts say.

They noted that the annual output contributes to a large pool of young people seeking employment, but the number of formal jobs created annually is significantly lower.

Nigeria Booted Out Of 2026 FIFA World Cup As Super Eagles Flop

0
Super Eagles
Super Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

The dream of Nigeria’s Super Eagles playing at the 2026 FIFA World has been dashed by the Leopards of Democratic Republic of Congo in the final of the CAF World Cup Playoffs.

After a 120-minute  1-1 draw of pulsating football action, the game resulted to a penalty shootout during  which the Super Eagles lost three spot kicks to give the Coach Sébastien Desabre led DR Congo a 4-3 victory.

With this result, the Super Eagles has failed to appear in two consecutive World Cup tournament. The Nigerian flag will not be hoisted at 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the trio of United States of America, Canada and Mexico.

The Nigerian side started the game brightly with a strike from Frank Onyeka that was deflected into the DR Congo net.

The Nigerian side pushed forward to add to the tally but they failed to convert their chances to any meaningful end.

The Congolese  got back into the game following a strike from Elia Meshack, after a poor defending by Wilfred Ndidi.

The Super Eagles were dealt a big blow at half time as their forward, Victor Osimhen was replaced after an injury.

The exit of Osimhen saw the DR Congo team grow into the game and dictated the game for the entire second half and the entire 30 minutes of extra time.

During the penalty shootout, Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon and Oluwasemilogo Ajayi lost their spot kicks.

Though, Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, saved two spot kicks, it was not enough to save his team  the DR Congo team which won 4-3 on penalties.