PDP Defection Gale: Govs Kefas, Diri Next

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October 14, 2025

More high profile defections are expected to hit the embattled Peoples Democratic Party , PDP, in the next few weeks, as two state governors, Agbu Kefas and Douye Diri of Taraba and Bayelsa states have perfected plans to join the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

According to sources who spoke with the magazine on Tuesday, it’s just a matter of time before the two PDP state governors dumped their current party for the APC.

The magazine had earlier reported the defection of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu state into the ruling party, ending months of speculations that he would dump the PDP under which he won the governorship election for APC.

Gov Diri Set To Defect — Gov Diri Of Bayelsa state

Announcing his defection on Tuesday, Governor Mbah stated that it was inevitable for him to continue to remain in PDP.

“Today, after a long reflection, we have made the decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the All Progressives Congress,” Mbah said.

He has since been presented with a membership card by the APC National Working Committee, NWC.

From all indications, Governor Kefas appears to be next governor to abandons the PDP for APC as plans have been perfected to that effect.

In a post he shared on his X handle on Tuesday, Imran Muhammad, a social media influencer and supporter of the APC and late President Muhammadu Buhari wrote that everything has been perfected to receive the Taraba governor into the APC, claiming that prominent leaders from the state, including Gen Theophilus Danjuma have thrown their weight behind the move.

Gen. Danjuma (rtd.) a former Defence Minister was instrumental to Governor Kefas’ election as the state chief executive, and is said to be supportive of President Bola Tinubu’s plan to return to office in 2027.

Muhammad wrote: “The Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, is set to defect from the PDP to the APC in November 2025 after the state local government elections. General TY Danjuma is now also fully aligned with President Tinubu.”

Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio had two weeks ago, revealed that more opposition governors were prepared to join the APC.

Speaking in his goodwill message at the presentation of a book titled: “Ten years of impactful leadership of the APC administration in Nigeria”, written by Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Senate President said the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is attracting opposition governors into the ruling party.

Akpabio, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, said: “Mr President, with what you have done in the last two years, get ready to receive more governors from the opposition parties.

“As I speak, there are several governors in Nigeria today ready to be received by you.

“The students, farmers and businessmen are all speaking on the various reforms you have brought into governance, which are now yielding results, in the overall interest and benefit of the people.

“If we say it, they will accuse us of rubber-stamping your achievements, but the beneficiaries are the ones talking about what you have done.”

President Tinubu inaugurated some projects as part of the event.

With the defection of Governor Mbah APC now has 24 out of 36 governors as members.

The Delta State governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno had earlier dumped the PDP for APC.

Edo Assembly Commission Investigates Clerk Over Age Falsification

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Ayodele Oni

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October 14, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Edo State House of Assembly Commission, has commenced investigation into an allegation that the Clerk of the Assembly, Audi Omogbai, falsified his age.

The investigation followed issues raised against the clerk to the effect that he altered his age to remain for a longer period in service.

This was contained in a petition signed by some staff of the Assembly and addressed to Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission.

In the petition, concerns were raised regarding the Clerk’s tenure and conduct.

The petitioners said the Clerk’s initial appointment dated back to 1993 and had exceeded the mandatory 30 years of service.

They alleged that the Clerk has surpassed the mandatory retirement age of 60 and accused him of obstructing investigation.

“The Clerk has allegedly withheld official file records, hindering investigations into these matters.

“We humbly request your intervention to investigate these allegations and take appropriate actions to maintain integrity and adherence to regulations within the Edo State House of Assembly.”

Report revealed that Omogbai has been invited for questioning.

In a letter by Chairman of the Commission, Sir, Ezehi Igbas, Omogbai was asked to appear before a three-Man Ad-hoc Committee for an interview session.

Ekiti Traders Cry Out Over Annual Increment Of Tax

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Ayodele Oni

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October 14, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Association of Traders and Shop Owners of King’s Market, (Erekesan), Ado Ekiti have appealed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji and relevant stakeholders to prevail on the management of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service to operate with human face and empathy.

But, the revenue generating agency has described the outburst of the traders as “politically motivated.”

The appeal of the traders and the shop owners was sequel to what they described as an obnoxious tax regime, multiple tax and arbitrary closure of their shops by the organisation.

A recent survey has ranked Ekiti among states which generate highest income from internally generated revenue.

The grievance of the traders is contained in a statement signed by Mrs Aremu, welfare, Mr Ayodele Denge, Treasurer and Mr Dickson Ndukuba Financial Secretary.

According to the statement, the people lamented that they have been suffocated with the yearly Increment in Income Tax Rate especially between 2024 and 2025.

They explained that the annual tax leveled on them, increased by more than 400 percent, despite several meetings held with management of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue at Oke -Ori-Omi Branch, where they presented the challenges and constraints of the traders to them, but all to no avail.

The traders noted that some traders who paid N16,000 in 2024 were awarded N75,000 in 2025, describing such development as unacceptable.

The statement reads:”We have started receiving threat messages from the body in charge of Revenue in Ekiti State under the leadership of one Madam Ireti to lock up our shops where we earn our daily living, forgetting the fact that we are

currently weigh down by multiple taxes and levies from various government departments, which are duplicated out of proportion, creating unnecessary financial pressure on us.

“We therefore call on the Government of Ekiti -State, the Ministry of Commerce and the internal Revenue to urgently intervene and address the aforementioned challenges.

“We the entire traders in Oja-Oba Erekesan Ado – Ekiti are standing to say ‘Enough of extortion.’ We can no longer breathe,’ Reduce the tax rate to a bearable level.”

Reacting, the Chairman of Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service, Olaniran Olatona described the clamour as a politically motivated noise directed to discredit the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

He explained that the Agency has not enforced any tax policy in the last eight months, urging the concerned traders to visit his office for further clarification.

“Let them come to my office. If they have been given any tax liability that is small, let them write a letter to the office of the chairman because it’s a lie.

“We have not done any enforcement in almost eight month. So what is the noise about? It’s a lie. And if they know that they have been overbilled, I will refer it to the audit department.

“If they have been overbilled in it, then another branch of my agency will look into it. Some of these things are politically motivated, which the Governor and everybody is aware of.

“So whatever they are saying is politically motivated, and it’s not extreme. By the time the primaries are done, everybody’s eyes will be clear again.”

Amnesty International Advises President Tinubu To Reverse Clemency For Criminals

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Ayodele Oni

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October 14, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Global human rights watchdog, the Amnesty International, has observed that the recent clemency and pardons granted by the President Bola Tinubu to individuals convicted of human rights crimes, drug trafficking, illegal mining, have the potential of undermining the rule of law,

Amnesty International warned that the move risks entrenching impunity and denying justice to victims.

President Tinubu had granted sweeping clemency and posthumous pardons to a total of 147 convicts, inmates and deceased Nigerians, including Maryam Sanda, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Sir Herbert Macaulay, Major General Mamman Vatsa, Professor Magaji Garba, and dozens of illegal miners, drug convicts, and white-collar offenders.

The gesture, which the Presidency described as a mark of “compassion, justice, and national healing,” was recommended by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

In a statement, The human rights body stated that “Amnesty International is deeply concerned by the clemency and pardons granted by the government of President Bola Tinubu to some persons convicted of human rights crimes, as the pardons for these crimes prevent reparations for victims.”

The organisation faulted the process and intent of the government’s clemency exercise, accusing authorities of prioritising perpetrators over victims of abuse.

“The way and manner Nigerian authorities carried out the exercise seemed to prioritise the perpetrators instead of access to justice and effective remedies for the victims.”

According to Amnesty International, the decision could have far-reaching consequences for accountability and the rule of law in Nigeria.

“The actions of the government have the potential of undermining the rule of law, preventing the emergence of the truth, the determination of guilt or innocence by a court and reparations for victims, as well as entrenching impunity for human rights crimes,” the group warned.

The human rights body urged President Tinubu to reverse the decision and ensure that justice remains central to the government’s approach to reconciliation and accountability.

“President Bola Tinubu should reconsider his government’s pardons for those convicted of human rights crimes, uphold and ensure the rights of the victims and their families,” Amnesty International added.

According to the State House statement signed by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, 175 names were originally considered, but 147 ultimately received mercy through pardon, commutation of death sentences to life imprisonment, or sentence reduction.

Finally, Gov Mbah Joins APC

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 14, 2025

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After weeks of speculations, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu state has finally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Mbah officially announced his defection on Tuesday thus ending his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, under whose platform he won the election in 2023.

“Today, after a long reflection, we have made the decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the All Progressives Congress,” the governor said.

Earlier on Monday, all the members of the state executive council in the state, including commissioners and Advisers dumped the PDP for the APC in a momentous occasion that ended over 26 years of PDP control of the Coal City as Enugu state is widely known.

The governor has since been presented with a membership card by the the National Working Committee, NWC, of the APC .

Since 1999 after Nigeria returned to constitutional democracy, PDP has been in firm control of the state but that dominance ended on Tuesday with the state chief executive moving into the ruling party in the country, the APC.

Afenifere, Arewa Think-Thank Back Tinubu’s Policies

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Ayodele Oni

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October 13, 2025

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Arewa Think-Thank visits Pa Reuben Fasonroti

By Ayodele Oni

Some leaders from the Northern part of Nigeria have stressed the need for inter-regional collaboration and support to move the country forward.

The leaders, under Arewa Think-Tank, a prominent Northern socio-political group, spoke on Monday when they visited the leader of Pan Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, at his Akure residence to discuss the unity of the federation.

The delegation, led by Mohammed Alhaji Yakubu appreciated the Yoruba leader for presenting President Tinubu to manage the affairs of the country, emphasising on the successes recorded by the administration.

The leader of the delegation explained that if the scorecard of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government is considered, Nigerians would need to give him a second term mandate without much Ado.

He, therefore, declared that the Northern leaders are in support and committed to President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Mohammed Alhaji Yakubu said, “We want to congratulate you in advance for your birthday, for reaching the age of 100. We know what that means. And in our own way, we are making a special arrangement to storm Akure by the grace of God when the time comes.

“So we are here today to renew our relationship with the Southwest, to reassure the Southwest that the North will stand by President GCFR(sic) Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“And we want to also thank you, sir, for the Southwest to have given us a Nigerian president who has a vision, who has a mission, who has been doing well in the last two years.

“We are also here to present to you his mid-term scorecard, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s impressive mid-term scorecard. We are very sure and very hopeful that he will take us to the Promised Land.

Oba Olu Falae, who responded on behalf of Afenifere said: “From what you said, it is clear that the West and the North have been working together for the peace, progress and unity of this country.

“We thank God now that we have a civilian president who has demonstrated, first, his understanding of the problems of Nigeria and the courage to deal with those problems.

“We all knew that our subsidy was benefiting a gang of people who became billionaires at our expense. But they persuaded us that it was in the interest of the masses that we should stay.

“No government in the past dared to touch it. But Tinubu had the courage, and he did it.

“Secondly, I was horrified that Nigeria had about six different exchange rates. If you want to import raw materials, you’ve got a rate. If you want to subscribe to a professional society abroad, you’ve got a rate. If you are going on pilgrimage, you’ve got a rate.

“No country with multiple exchange rates is ever going to make it or attract investments from abroad because people want to be certain what the exchange rate will be, first, when they’re investing, and second, when they’re repatriating.

“Again, no government dared to touch those exchange rates. Tinubu had the courage and he removed them.

“When he did so, many people screamed and shouted because it was painful. The price of petrol went up about N4,000 to N1, 200 and the price of everything went up. It was a terrible, terrible hard time. But what he did was necessary.

“But we thank God things are getting better now. The price of food is down, and I am a farmer. This time last year, a Dyna truck full of cassava tubers was N450,000. Today, it’s N150,000.

A “congo” of “Garri” when we announced the policy was N1,500. Today, it’s N700. Those who are doing publicity for him (President Tinubu), I don’t know what they are doing. These are the things they should be letting the nation know. This is not a theory.

“A “Congo of rice then was N3,500. Today, it’s N1,500. So, basic food items and food, apart from accommodation, is the most important items. So, despite the very drastic decisions, the economy is getting better.”

Uzodimma Advocates Constitutional Roles For Traditional Rulers

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The Source

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October 13, 2025

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Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has canvassed the constitutional formalisation of the roles of traditional rulers to strengthen the institution for the diverse responsibilities before it.

He said the agitation by traditional rulers for constitutional recognition is not a privilege but that of clarity for the role they are already playing for the stability of the communities and the nation at large.

The governor spoke in Lagos on Monday while presenting the keynote address at the meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria ( NCTRN).

He noted that the theme of the meeting: THE TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION: THE IMPERATIVE OF ITS INCLUSION IN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA, was not only appropriate, timely and necessary, but reflects the reality that “traditional rulers across the country continue to carry out responsibilities that are essential to the stability, cohesion, and governance of our communities ”

Uzodimma said that such responsibilities, which are largely formal but acknowledged, should now have a legal backing in the constitution.

According to him, the absence of a constitutional role for traditional rulers is a gap that ought to be filled, saying it was a failure that should be immediately rectified.

Said he ‘ I believe the time has come to make it right, and not necessarily by creating a new role but by giving legal status to what already exists ”

Uzodimma described the traditional institution as very unique in the architecture of power, attracting the best of the nation from politics, law, the military, and the academia.

He noted that given the enormous responsibility of the traditional rulers in peace mediation, conflict resolution, and custodians of tradition and culture, they out to be more respected through a constitutional role.

But he urged them to remain non-partisan to preserve their integrity, especially when it comes to politics.

Tracing their previous roles in the First Republic and comparing them to what currently obtains in some African countries, the Imo State Governor, totally supported their push for a more defined role in the constitution.

” I assure you that if this matter comes before the National Assembly or requires support at any level in government, I will stand with you without hesitation,” he submitted.

He commended them for turning out in ther large numbers from different parts of the country,for the meeting,,declaring that the institution they represent ‘ is alive,strong and ready to lead where it must”.

ASUU Strike: FG Directs University VCs To Implement No Work, No Pay Rule

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Ayodele Oni

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October 13, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

True to its threat, the Federal Government has directed Vice-Chancellors of all federal universities to strictly implement the “No Work, No Pay” policy against lecturers who are not discharging their official duties.

The directive was issued through a circular dated October 13, 2025, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.

The circular, seen by reporters on Monday, was also copied to key government stakeholders, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Pro-Chancellors of federal universities, Accountant-General of the Federation, Director-General of the Budget Office, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

According to the circular, the Federal Ministry of Education expressed dissatisfaction over reports of the continued industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU), despite repeated calls for dialogue, stressing that government would no longer tolerate non-compliance with extant labour laws.

“In line with the provisions of the Labour Laws of the Federation, the Federal Government reiterates its position on the enforcement of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy in respect of any employee who fails to discharge his or her official duties during the period of strike action,” the circular reads.

The minister directed all vice-chancellors of federal universities to immediately conduct a roll call and physical headcount of all academic staff in their institutions.

He also instructed them to submit a comprehensive report indicating staff members who are present and performing their official duties, and those absent or participating in the strike.

Alausa further directed that salary payment for the period of work stoppage be withheld from those who fail to perform their duties.

He clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics, who are not part of the strike, are exempted from the directive and will not face any salary deductions.

The minister also tasked the NUC to monitor compliance with the directive and submit a consolidated report to the ministry within seven days of receiving the circular.

“Please, treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in national interest,” Alausa urged the university heads.

Rivers Gov Fubara Appoints Anabraba As SSG

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Ayodele Oni

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October 13, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Tammy Danagogo, who served as Secretary to the State Government, first under Nyesom Wike, and later, under Siminalayi Fubara, has been dropped.

This follows the appointment by Governor Fubara, of Benibo Anabraba as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG).

This was contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Honour Sirawoo, who stated that the new SSG is about now taking his oath of office at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt

Anabraba, who previously served as the Minority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly representing Akuku-Toru Constituency II, is taking over from Tammy Danagogo.

Danagogo had held the position since the second term of former Governor Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT) and continued through the first two years of the Fubara administration until the declaration of emergency rule.

Kwara Gov. Gives Families Of Security Personnel Killed By Bandits N180 Million

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Ayodele Oni

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October 13, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

As succour to the bereaved families, Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has presented cheques worth N80 million to families of forest guards and vigilantes that were killed in recent encounters with kidnappers in Babanla, Oke Ode, and Eleyin communities of Ifelodun and Isin local government areas.

In a similar move, the Governor also announced N100 million financial support for the families of security volunteers in Edu and Patigi who were ambushed and killed in July, while confronting kidnappers terrorising their communities.

Speaking in Ilorin during the cheque presentation, AbdulRazaq paid tribute to the deceased as heroes who sacrificed their lives for the safety of others.

“It was an unfortunate incident. They died in active service to protect our people. The government cannot but sympathise with the families.

“We will continue to support them and ensure that our state remains safe. The military has already moved in with full force, and we’ll keep working closely with all security agencies to flush out these criminals.”

The Governor’s gesture was applauded by community leaders and local government chairmen present at the event, including Alhaji Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa, Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority; and Alhaji Femi Yusuf, Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area.

They described the support as a compassionate intervention that will ease the burden of the bereaved families while also boosting the morale of other security volunteers across the state.

In a related development, the state government has provided additional logistics support—such as fighting equipment and motorcycles—to forest guards and vigilante groups in high-risk areas.

The move, according to the government, is aimed at strengthening community security operations and complementing the efforts of conventional security agencies in tackling kidnapping and related crimes.

Governor AbdulRazaq reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens, stressing that the government will continue to empower security outfits and stand by those defending their communities.