Ondo Gov Announces End To Non Payment Of Salary, As Ondo Poly Holds Graduation Ceremony, 12 Years After

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October 25, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

After 12 years of inability to hold Convocation ceremony for its graduates, Ondo state Polytechnic, Owo, on Saturday held passing out ceremony for past students of the institution.

The last time the Polytechnic held graduation ceremony was in 2013.

Speaking at the combined ceremony, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, declared an end to the era of percentage salary payment in the state, assuring workers of his administration’s commitment to prompt and full salary payment across all state-owned tertiary institutions.

The Governor, speaking at the combined 12th–23rd convocation ceremony of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, where he announced that his government had cleared 10 months out of the 13-month salary arrears inherited from previous administrations and had approved the payment of the remaining three months’ arrears.

Governor Aiyedatiwa described the era of percentage salary as a dark and painful chapter in the history of the institution and the state workforce, saying his administration would never allow such hardship to resurface.

He said: “Let me first acknowledge and commend the late sage and visionary, Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, for his efforts at midwifing this institution.

“The Sunshine State and indeed Nigeria will forever remain proud of him. It gladdens my heart that today, there are several products of this Polytechnic who have distinguished themselves in various areas of human endeavour across the globe.

“We were visibly disturbed to learn that the last time this institution held a convocation was in 2013. I made it clear that it was unacceptable and directed that the situation be remedied immediately.

“While commending the Acting Rector and his management team for acting promptly, such must never be allowed to happen again.”

The Governor stated that upon assuming office as Acting Governor and later substantive Governor, the most daunting challenge confronting the polytechnic was the backlog of 13 months’ salary arrears.

“Realising that no meaningful teaching and learning could take place in a tertiary institution where workers are owed humongous salaries, our administration took decisive steps to address the challenge. In three separate instances, we approved and released Special Intervention Funds for the payment of outstanding salaries for three months.

“The State Government took another step by approving a substantial increase in the monthly subvention for the Polytechnic, as applicable to other state-owned tertiary institutions, effective from January 2024.

“To the glory of God, it is gratifying that Rufus Giwa Polytechnic now pays full salaries to its workers”, the Governor added.

Aiyedatiwa commended the patience and understanding of both students and staff, especially the three workers’ unions of the polytechnic, for opting for dialogue instead of strikes while the government worked on addressing the crisis.

He also acknowledged reports of alleged administrative injustices in the past and said the state had begun reviewing such cases to ensure fairness, justice, and equity.

The Governor reiterated his administration’s determination to reposition education in the state and challenged tertiary institutions to focus on producing job creators rather than job seekers.

Speaking on the planned transformation of the institution, the Governor reaffirmed his government’s promise to upgrading Rufus Giwa Polytechnic to a full-fledged University of Agriculture and Agro-Business, assuring that the implementation process was underway.

He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for infrastructural development support, while urging alumni, corporate bodies, and philanthropists to complement government efforts.

The Governor also encouraged all tertiary institutions in the state to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship to expand their internally generated revenue base.

In his remarks, the Acting Rector, Mr Olorunwa Adegun, commended the governor’s interventions, describing the period before his emergence as one of hopelessness and hardship.

“Before Your Excellency came on board, workers were owed 13 months’ salary arrears, and some received as low as five per cent. The hardship led to deaths and low morale among staff. But your intervention has changed the story.”

He listed the accreditation of 68 academic programmes, reopening of the staff schools, and funding of the long-delayed convocation as proof of the governor’s responsive leadership.

Truck Plunges Off Oshodi Bridge, Wreaks Havoc, As LASTMA Rescues Injured

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Akinwale Kasali

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October 25, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

The swift intervention of officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, averted what could have been a severe tragedy as a fully loaded truck plunged off the Oshodi Bridge on Saturday after suffering a brake failure.

The accident saw passersby and traders scamper for safety, leaving one person severely injured.

According to eyewitnesses, the six-tyre truck, marked AKD 135 YK, was reportedly conveying tonner printing materials when it lost control while descending from Oshodi-Oke inward Mile 2. The vehicle veered off the bridge and crashed into the terminal ditch below.

In a statement by Adebayo Taofiq, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA officials arrived at the scene within minutes, rescuing a male victim who sustained serious injuries. The victim was quickly taken to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.

The driver of the truck was later apprehended and handed over to officers from the Makinde Police Station, Oshodi, for further investigation.

To prevent further accidents, LASTMA operatives cordoned off the area, redirected traffic, and supervised the removal of the wreckage. Traffic flow was restored shortly after the rescue operations.

Commending his officers for their swift and professional response, Bakare Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, praised their “gallantry and adherence to safety protocols,” noting that the agency remains fully alert to its mandate of safeguarding lives and property on Lagos roads.

He said the agency’s ongoing 24-hour traffic management operations are designed to ensure seamless vehicular movement, particularly during the ember months when road usage peaks and accident risks increase.

Oki disclosed that heavy-duty recovery trucks and mini vehicles have been strategically deployed across Lagos’s five administrative divisions, supported by more than 2,700 personnel positioned at key traffic corridors for rapid response to emergencies.

He reiterated LASTMA’s commitment to proactive traffic regulation, timely rescue operations, and continuous public enlightenment on vehicle maintenance and traffic discipline.

IPOB Raises Alarm Over Alleged Attack Of Kanu By DSS Operative

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Ayodele Oni

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October 25, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has claimed that there is a plot to assassinate its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, by a Department of State Services (DSS) operative, in custody.

The group claimed that part of the plot was an alleged attack of Kanu by one of the operatives assigned to him in custody.

In a statement released on Saturday and shared by Kanu’s wife, Uchechi Okwu-Kanu, IPOB alleged that one of the new DSS agents recently assigned to Kanu physically assaulted him inside the DSS headquarters in Abuja on Friday.

According to the group, the situation escalated to the point that other DSS officers had to intervene and forcibly drag their colleague out of Kanu’s cell after he was allegedly seen kicking and attacking the IPOB leader.

“Information reaching IPOB leadership this night is that one of the new DSS agents assigned to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu attacked him in the DSS headquarters with the intention to kill him.

“The situation led other DSS officers to physically drag their fellow officer out of Kanu’s cell as he was seen kicking him.”

IPOB described the incident as part of a broader plot to eliminate Kanu under the guise of a misunderstanding between him and DSS personnel.

The group condemned the alleged assault, warning that it would not tolerate any harm done to its leader, and demanded that the DSS ensure his safety and well-being while in their custody.

“The action of this DSS officer is unacceptable. The DSS must make sure nothing happens to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in their custody, unless they are ready for another confrontation with IPOB worldwide.

Ortom: I Will Remain In PDP, Going Nowhere

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James Orji

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October 25, 2025

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Former Governor of Benue state has urged his supporters to discountenance his rumoured plan to dump his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. He’s not leaving the party, Ortom assured some party members from the state on Saturday.

The members, under the aegis of PDP G-14 from across the 14 local government in the Benue North East and Benue North West senatorial districts, had paid a solidarity visit to the former governor, amid the leadership crisis rocking the party, and rumours that some key leaders in the party were bound to defect soon.

Ortom and other close allies of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike who has been fingered in the crisis, sources say, have already numbered their days in the embattled PDP, following accusations that they are working for the ruling All Progressive’s Congress, APC. .

Close sources in the party also confided that Wike and cohorts may be expelled from the party after the party’s National Delegate Convention next month, if they failed to leave the party voluntarily.

The Convention, where new National Executives of the party will be elected is slated for Ibadan, the Oyo state capital on November 15 and 16.

But, Ortom insists he’s going nowhere, promising to join other stakeholders in the party in the ongoing reconciliatory efforts to rebuild the party ahead the 2027 election, stressing that his rumoured plan to defect from the party is from some mischief makers.

“All the insinuations about me defecting are nothing but the work of mischief makers, let me assure you that there is nothing like that, rather we are going to work together and reclaim power in this state comes 2027,” he said.

The magazine reports that a court case instituted by some aggrieved members, is currently before a federal high court in Abuja, which analysts insist threatens the future of the embattled PDP.

The judge presiding over the case has slated October 31 as judgement day.

CBN Has Transformed The Economy-Govs

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James Orji

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October 25, 2025

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The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, has applauded the Central Bank of Nigeria for stabilizing the economy.

The forum said in communique issued on Friday that the Yemi Cardoso-led CBN has restored price stability and reposed investors confidence through its mirco- economic policies.

The NGF held its meeting yesterday in Abuja, the nation’s Capital where it commended the apex Bank for its collaboration with other fiscal agencies, resulting in the sustainable growth and fiscal sustainability at the sub-national level.

The AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq- led NGF made the commendations after the Forum was briefed by the Deputy Governor in charge of Economic Policy, Dr Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, on recent monetary policy measures designed to strengthen macroeconomic stability in the country.

According to the CBN Deputy Governor, such measures include inflation control, ongoing recapitalization exercise to strengthen commercial banks and other Financial Institutions, OFI, unification of the forex marker, among others.

The Forum said collaboration between the CBN and other relevant agencies must continue in other to strengthen the economy and for the benefits of Nigerians.

“The Forum underscored the importance of continuous collaboration between monetary and fiscal authorities to safeguard economic recovery, strengthen the financial system, and enhance citizens’ welfare,” the Forum said.

Nnamdi Kanu Sues President Tinubu to Court

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Adesina Soyooye

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October 25, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, detained Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, has in a fresh fresh suit sued the Federal Government.

This time, Kanu, who has been in detention since June 2021 when he was brought back from Nairobi, Kenya, is seeking a permanent termination of his prosecution in Court.

One of the reasons for which Kanu is asking for a discontinuation of his trial at a Federal High Court Abuja, presided over by the Honourable Justice James Omotosho, is, he said, because he had since been discharged by the Court of Appeal. A continuation of husband trial is now, according to him, a “fragrant violation of the rule of law.”

Kanu’s suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, highlighted four defects in his continued prosecution.

He argued:

“These four defects — contempt of appellate authority, failure to take judicial notice of repeal, denial of fair hearing, and reliance on forgery — are all ex facie recordi and strike at the root of jurisdiction.

“Each of these defects is independently fatal; cumulatively, they render the entire trial incompetent and void”, the suit added.

Kanu argued that the Federal Government remains in flagrant contempt of a subsisting appellate judgment which had in the past, discharged him.

“By the Doctrine of Appellate Finality, that order terminated the trial absolutely” he opined.

“Until it was set aside by the Supreme Court (after fourteen months), it remained binding in praesenti and enforceable ex debito justitiae. See Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu (1986) 1 NWLR (Pt.18) 621; Rossek v. ACB Ltd (1993) 8 NWLR (Pt.312) 382.

“A contemnor cannot invoke the equitable discretion of a lower court while continuing in disobedience — ex turpi causa non oritur actio.”

Kanu also argued that he had been denied fair hearing, in violation of Section 36(6)(b)&(c) of the 1999 Constitution and Article 7(1)(c) of the African Charter.”

Kanu also argued that: “after four years in solitary detention, I was allowed only three hours of monitored consultation with counsel in the courtroom on the eve of entering his defence in a capital case.

“That is not fair hearing — it is judicial perversity”.

Another defect Kanu pointed out, is the reliance on what he dismissed as a forged medical report with which the Court ruled him fit to stand trial. The ruling, Kanu declared; “rests upon a forged medical report dated 23 September 2025”.

He pointed out that Court’s order which directed the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, to examine him was made on 26 September 2025, and the “purported report” issued three days earlier.

Kanu emphasised that “no such examination ever occurred”, and asserted that “reliance on that fraudulent document vitiates the ruling”.

He cited Madukolu v. Nkemdilim (1962) 2 SCNLR 341, and said: “where any condition precedent to jurisdiction is absent, the entire proceedings are a nullity.”

Finally, and based on the defects he pointed out, he urged the Court ”to declare these proceedings void and to terminate the trial forthwith in obedience to the rule of law.”

ADC to Tinubu: “Tell Nigerians Why You Sacked Service Chiefs”

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Adesina Soyooye

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October 25, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

President Bola Tinubu has been asked by the African Democratic Congress to be honest and disclose to Nigerians why he sacked his Service Chiefs honest with Nigerians on the real arguing that it was ” a sudden and rather abrupt change in the leadership of the Nigerian military”.

The President sacked his service chiefs majority of whom he appointed in 2024.

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, posited that the party was worried that the change came a few days after a rumoured coup plot.

He said: “While we acknowledge that the President, as the Commander-in-Chief, reserves the power to make such changes as he may deem fit, we are somewhat concerned that this change is coming in the wake of widespread rumours of an attempted coup.

“We reiterate our earlier view that the reactions of government to the dangerous rumour have veered between deliberate obfuscation and outright confusion in a matter that required crystal clarity.

“We note that nearly all the Service Chiefs that have been removed were appointed only 28 months ago, with the current Chief of Defence Staff himself appointed just a year ago as Chief of Army Staff.

“We also note that this kind of decision has serious and far-reaching implications for stability within the ranks and therefore could not have been taken without strong reasons.

“Our position remains therefore that the Federal Government owes Nigerians a categorical explanation about what truly happened.

“As an opposition political party, our interest remains the stability of our country and our democracy. In the light of developments in our neighbourhood of Chad and the Sahel States, we are gravely concerned.

“Without prejudice to what might have happened in recent weeks, it is obvious that the Tinubu administration is distracted. Insecurity continues to spread with terrorist groups staging a comeback in some parts of the country, while bandits reign supreme in other parts. But this is not the reason the government is changing the Service Chiefs. Instead, the administration’s attention appears fully focused on regime politics rather than securing the lives of Nigerians.

“This action of near wholesale change in the leadership of the country’s military, if anything, will only further promote rumours and conspiracy theories.

“We, therefore, reiterate our earlier position that the Federal Government must address the issue transparently and reassure Nigerians that our democracy is not under threat.”

The change of guards took most Nigerians unawares.

Peter Obi Says Hon. Justice Margaret Obi Not His Wife, Celebrates Her

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The Source

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October 25, 2025

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The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed delight over the appointment of Mrs Margaret Obi as a High Court Judge in England and Wales .

In a post shared on his verified X handle on Friday, the former governor of Anambra State hailed the elevation as historic, noting that Mrs Obi has become the first African-born person to be appointed to the High Court in England and Wales.

He wrote: “I warmly congratulate Mrs Margaret Obi on her well-deserved appointment as a High Court Judge in England and Wales.

“By the elevation, Mrs Obi makes history as the first African-born High Court Judge in England and Wales.

“Her remarkable journey from solicitor to the Bench, with over 27 years of legal practice and seven years of judicial service, stands as a testament to hard work, integrity, and professional excellence.”

Obi further clarified that, despite the similarity in their names, Mrs Margaret Obi is not his wife.

He explained: “Due to the similarity in name, Mrs Obi is often mistaken for my wife, but for clarity, she is not. It’s also necessary to note that my wife, from inception, officially identifies herself as Mrs Margaret Peter-Obi.”

The former Anambra governor added that Mrs Obi’s achievement underscores the excellence and potential of Nigerians making global strides, urging the nation to create an environment where such success can also thrive at home.

“Her achievement once again highlights the outstanding potential of Nigerians who continue to excel globally when given the right environment to thrive. We are challenged by the remarkable attainments of Nigerians in other climes to build a nation that fosters such excellence within our own borders,” he stated.

Obi Calls For Port Decentralzation, Lists Benefits

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The Source

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October 24, 2025

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The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has advanced reasons why Nigeria’s seaports should not be concentrated in Lagos.

Reacting to the approval of N1.5 trillion for the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Ports all in Lagos, Obi said in his X handle titled “The Imperative of Diversifying Port Development in Nigeria” that the blue economy all over the World is better when decentralised.

Writing on the x handle on Friday, Obi said, “I have noted the Federal Government’s recent approval of $1 billion (₦1.5 trillion) for the modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island Ports in Lagos. While any effort to improve efficiency and embrace technology in our maritime sector is commendable, such an initiative must be guided by accountability, transparency, and equity for all Nigerians. However, this development once again exposes a longstanding concentration of our port development only in Lagos.

“Nigeria’s infrastructure investment remains excessively concentrated in Lagos, often at the expense of other strategic ports such as Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne. If fully developed, these ports could enhance productivity, drive trade, create jobs, and open new economic corridors that would lift millions out of poverty across the federation.

“Around the world, countries that have decentralised port development are reaping immense economic benefits. Vietnam operates over 300 ports — from Haiphong in the north to Da Nang in the centre and Ho Chi Minh City in the south — ensuring nationwide connectivity. Indonesia boasts about 111 commercial ports distributed across its territory to guarantee balanced access to trade. South Africa maintains eight major seaports — from Durban and Richards Bay on the Indian Ocean to Cape Town and Saldanha Bay on the Atlantic — reflecting a vision of maritime inclusion. Egypt runs about 15 commercial ports along both the Mediterranean and the Red Sea coasts; Morocco has about 14 ports open to international trade, including Casablanca, Tangier Med, and Agadir, distributed along its Atlantic and Mediterranean shorelines; and Algeria operates about 10 commercial ports spread across its extensive Mediterranean coast. Even Ghana, with only two major ports — Tema and Takoradi — ensured they are geographically decentralised on opposite ends of its coastline.

“These nations have grasped a simple truth: no country seeking to maximise its blue economy concentrates all maritime activities in a single city. “Decentralisation reduces congestion, improves logistics, enhances national security, and promotes balanced economic growth. In Nigeria, however, more than 70 per cent of port activities are still concentrated in Lagos, burdening the city with chronic congestion, high demurrage costs, environmental degradation, and delays that discourage investors and inflate the cost of goods nationwide. “Developing other ports is, therefore, not merely an infrastructural necessity but a national imperative. Revitalising Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne would decongest Lagos, reduce shipping costs, attract investment, create employment, and stimulate regional economies.

“As one who understands the critical link between infrastructure, trade, and national growth, I believe that a truly national blue economy must carry every region along. Beyond physical infrastructure, reform must also address corruption, reduce bureaucracy, and embrace technology to create a seamless, paperless port system that enhances turnaround time and global competitiveness. If prudently managed, the Lagos modernisation project could become a model for broader maritime transformation — a reference point from which similar development radiates across the nation.

“Now more than ever, Nigeria must rebuild with fairness, guided by equity, integrity, and a clear vision to transform our nation from one of consumption to one of production and shared prosperity.

A New Nigeria is POssible ”

E-sign

Ibrahim Umar

POMR Spokesman

October 24, 2025.

Nigerians Present Ask For 55 New States, 278 LGs Before Committee On Constitutional Amendment

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Ayodele Oni

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October 24, 2025

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Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin — Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin

By Ayodele Oni

The National Assembly committee on constitutional amendment is confronted with requests for the creation of 55 new states and 278 additional local councils as it commenced deliberations on far-reaching amendments.

Ismail Mudashir, spokesman for the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau, who disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, stated that the committee is currently holding a two day retreat in Lagos.

Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to delivering “people-centred and timely” amendments to the constitution.

Barau, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, urged lawmakers to work towards fulfilling their promise of transmitting the first set of amendments to the state Houses of Assembly before the end of the year.

“It has been a long journey to bring the Senate and the House of Representatives’ Constitution Amendment proposals that cut across several sections and deal with different subject matters.

“We have been in this process for the past two years, engaging our constituents, critical stakeholders, institutions, civil society organizations and interest groups in town hall meetings, interactive sessions and public hearings, harvesting and synthesizing views and perspectives which has ultimately culminated to what we have here today, 69 bills, 55 state creation requests, two boundary adjustments and 278 local government creation requests.”

Barau noted that members are expected to resolve these issues and make recommendations to both chambers, expressing optimism that progress could be achieved within the two-day session.

“It is not going to be a simple task to achieve within two days, but I believe we can do it, especially as we have promised Nigerians that we will deliver the first set of amendments to the State Houses of Assembly before the end of this year.”

While stressing the need for patriotism and unity in the review exercise, Barau—who also serves as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament—urged participants to avoid divisive tendencies.

“We are seated here as one committee. There should be no ‘we’ and ‘them’; we should be guided by the interests of Nigerians. I wish all of us a very fruitful deliberation and hope for recommendations that will meet the approval threshold of the provisions of Section 9 of the Constitution,” he said.