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APGA Suspends Senator Abaribe From Party Indefinitely

September 27, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

In a move that has surprised not a few, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Abia State Chapter, has slammed one of its few Senators with an indefinite suspension.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District, came under the hammer of the Party on Friday.

In a letter dated September 26, 2025, signed by the State Secretary, Pastor Peter Nduka, the Party said it has suspended Abaribe with immediate effect for, allegedly, engaging in anti-party activities which, the Party said, has exposed it to public ridicule.

Senator Abaribe’s letter of suspension entitled RE IMMEDIATE AND INDEFINITE SUSPENSION AS AN APGA MEMBER IN ABIA STATE reads:

“Pursuant to the resolution reached in the meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC), of our party held on the 26th day of September, 2023, at Umuahia, I am directed to formally notify you as follows:

“That you have been suspended indefinitely from APGA with immediate effect for Anti-party activities, an action which has exposed the Party to public ridicule.

“That your suspension shall stand, pending the hearing and determination of your case by a disciplinary Committee to be set up by the party.

“The party has equally notified all relevant institutions, including security agencies and the general public of this development.”

The Party, had, a couple of days ago, threatened Abaribe with disciplinary action if, within 24 hours, he failed to explain what it thought was his open romance with the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The Senator had, perhaps, apparently, ignored the ultimatum as, according to sources close to him, he had never indulged in anti-party activities, hence the suspension.

Abaribe, a friend of the State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, had a couple of months ago, to the discomfort of APGA, endorsed Otti for a second term in office.

A former Deputy Governor of the State under the first term of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu as the State Governor, Abaribe’s relationship with Kalu was very untidy. On exit from the office of Deputy Governor under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Abaribe contested for a Senatorial seat and won. He remains one of the longest serving Senators in the Country.

Abaribe, very vocal and blunt, however, defected to APGA from the PDP when the immediate past Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, who comes from same zone as him, decided to contest for same Senatorial seat under same PDP.

Abaribe, quit his position as the Senate Minority Leader, defected to APGA, and trounced Ikpeazu at the polls.

It is not known, yet, if APGA’s National body will approve of Abaribe’s suspension or void it just as it is not known if he would even be prepared to go back to the Party.

Fubara Sacks Pensions Board

Adesina Soyooye

September 27, 2025

Siminalayi Fubara - Governor of River State — Governor Similanayi Fubara

By Adesina Soyooye

The just reinstated Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has wielded his executive power.

In his first action since he resumed office on September 19, 2025, after serving his six months suspension imposed on him by President Bola Tinubu, Governor Fubara has sacked, with immediate effect, the State’s Pensions Board.

In a Special Government Announcement Friday, September 26th evening issued by the Head of Service, Mrs Inyingi Brown, the Governor transferred the functions of the Board to the office of the Accountant General of the State pending when he would reconstitute a new Board.

The statement reads: “The Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the immediate dissolution of the Rivers Pensions Board.

“Consequently, the office of the Accountant General of Rivers State, henceforth will handle the functions of the Board.

“Members of the defunct Board are, by this notice, advised to hand over all properties and assets of the Board in their possession to the Director of Administration of the Board.

“His Excellency, the Executive Governor, will, in due course, constitute a new Board to manage the affairs of Pensions.

Recall that the Sole Administrator of the State appointed by President Tinubu on March 18, 2025, former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, had dissolved the Boards and Commissions in the State while he held sway.

Ondo Seeks Inputs Of Stakeholders Into 2026 Budget

Ayodele Oni

September 26, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Government has restated its commitment to inclusive governance through continuous dialogue with citizens. with a view to incorporate their views into the 2026 Budget and long-term fiscal plans.

This approach forms part of the state’s vision to become one of Nigeria’s most developed through strategic budgeting, projects, and programmes.

Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Laolu Akindolire, announced this during the final phase of consultative meetings with stakeholders across the 18 Local Government Areas.

The engagement, which ended in Akure, focused on the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2026 Budget.

The consultations brought together student groups, civil society organisations (CSOs), NGOs, community-based organisations (CBOs), trade unions, professional bodies, private sector representatives, women and youth groups, vulnerable populations, and traditional institutions.

Sessions were held in five zones, with traditional rulers, community leaders, local government chairpersons, and student bodies participating.

Administrative Secretary of the Budget Office, Pastor Stephen Aworere, explained that the initiative was a deliberate move by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration to democratize the budget process.

“This engagement has helped the government ascertain the most pressing challenges faced by the people, thereby allowing us to focus on real solutions,” Aworere said.

At the Akure session, the Commissioner for economic planning and budget, Laolu Akindolire explained that the state was working on a more realistic and streamlined 2026 budget.

He linked this shift to the poor performance of the 2025 budget, which was affected by non-disbursement of funds from foreign development partners.

He said: “When we looked at the 2025 capital budget, it was just too unrealistic. A capital budget of N433 billion—how do you fund it?

“That’s why we’re preparing a more realistic budget for 2026, targeting 70–80% performance by focusing only on revenues we are confident will come in.”

The 2025 Budget stood at N698.6 billion, with capital expenditure at N433.6 billion and recurrent expenditure at N222.2 billion.

Akindolire stressed that future budgets would no longer rely heavily on development funding, which he described as “clumsy and unreliable.”

“We’re now focusing on realistic funding sources. If additional support comes from development partners, it’s welcome—but it will no longer form the base of our planning.”

He also highlighted agriculture, human capital development, security, and SME support as key focus areas.

“Agriculture will be well funded. Food security is a top priority for this administration. We are also focusing on human capital development, security, and SME support as key drivers of economic growth.”

He added that security remained non-negotiable. “You can’t go about your business or send your children to school if the environment isn’t secure. Security will continue to be a major focus.”

Aworere revealed plans to introduce vocational and technical training into the secondary school curriculum, adding that “Students will graduate with both O’Level certificates and skills certification in areas like plumbing, welding, bricklaying, and electrical work.

“The aim is to make them self-reliant even without going to university.”

Dangote Refinery: Sacked Employees Are Saboteurs, 3000 Nigerians Working For Us

Tosin Olatokunbo

September 26, 2025

Dangote Refinery says some of its employees sacked on Wednesday were found to be sabotaging the company, saying the action was necessary to protect the interests of Nigerians and Africans whose interest the refinery is serving.

The management of the $20 billion Lagos refinery disclosed this on Friday in a statement amidst reports that it has sacked a large number of its workforce who joined PENGASAN.

The company said it will not fold its arms while some employees are sabotaging its business, insisting that what it did was to show those involved in the sabotage the way out of the company.

It stressed that there are still over 3000 Nigerians currently in its workforce, saying the recruitment of professionals has been a regular exercise in the company.

The statement read: “This exercise is not arbitrary. It has become necessary to safeguard the refinery from repeated acts of sabotage that have raised safety concerns and affected operational efficiency.

“The foregoing decision was taken in the best interest of the Refinery as result of intermittent cases of sabotage in the various units of the Refinery with dire consequences on human life and related safety concerns.

“We remain vigilant to our internal systems and vulnerabilities to ensure the long-term stability of this strategic national asset. It is imperative to protect the refinery for the benefit of Nigerians, our partners across Africa, and the thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on it.

“Over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work actively in our Petroleum Refinery, at present. Only a very small number of staff were affected, as we continue to recruit Nigerian talent through our various graduate trainee programmes and experienced hire recruitment process.

“We recognise and uphold internationally accepted labour principles, including the right of every worker to freely decide whether or not to join a union. Our commitment to workers’ rights is unwavering.

“The Dangote Petroleum Refinery exists to serve Nigerians, to strengthen Africa’s energy independence, and to create decent, sustainable jobs. We will continue to work in partnership with our employees, regulators, and stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of safety, transparency, and accountability.”

The magazine had earlier reported that Festus Osifo, PENGASAN and TUC President insisted that the sacked workers be recalled.

NUJ Urges FG To Fix Dilapidated Roads In South West

The Source

September 26, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone B, comprising all the States in the South West has appealed to the Federal Government to fix the dilapidated roads in the zone

Rising from its periodic meeting in Ado Ekiti, the union particularly mentioned Ado-Aramoko-Itawure- Ilesa Road; Akure-Ilesa- Ibadan Road; Ibadan-Abeokuta road; Ado Ekiti -Ikare Akoko road; which are now becoming death traps.

The meeting, presided over by the Vice President, Zone B, Ronke Samo, was attended by chairmen and secretaries of all South West State Councils of the NUJ.

In a communique, signed by Abdulrazak Alege, Zonal Secretary, the NUJ B zone

appealed to the six governors in the South West States to partner with journalists across the zone towards ensuring adequate publicity of their programmes and policies, as well as fostering understanding between them and the citizens.

It noted that the media, as the fourth estate of the realm, deserves more government’s attention and therefore enjoined state governments across the Southwest to prioritise the welfare of journalists, especially revamping facilities at public media organisations.

The Zone frowned at indiscriminate use of the Cybercrime Act against journalists, leading to the arrest and detention of a number of journalists across the country lately.

It asserted that the media remains the voice of the people and it must not be gagged under any guise.

The Zone commended Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, for the infrastructural development, which his administration has provided for the people of the state.

The South West leaders of the union noted that the tour of some projects in the state availed them first-hand knowledge of some of the giant strides of the governor.

They urged Ekiti people to ensure the tempo is sustained. The Union therefore described the governor as focused and dedicated to the development of Ekiti State and her people.

“Retiring Civil Servants Recruit Their Children From Behind, Block Others From Coming In” – Gov Kefas

Akinwale Kasali

September 26, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has debunked the claim that the State’s Civil Service is populated by ghost workers.

The Governor dismissed the claim that ghost workers are draining the State Treasury, insisting that the real problem lies with improperly engaged staff.

Governor Kefas disclosed this while fielding questions from journalists on Friday at the EXCO Chambers, TY Danjuma House, Jalingo.

The Governor said the ongoing biometric verification exercise was aimed at sanitising the payroll to ensure only legitimately employed staff are paid.

He said, “I am convinced that there are workers who are not properly employed, but they are not ghosts.

“There are two categories of this: Some names appear on paper, but the people do not exist; others appear and disappear. So, we want to pay those actually working and clear pension liabilities.

“Another issue is that some senior civil servants at the point of exit from the service will employ their children and relatives through the back door. This situation is making it difficult for people who are graduates, but don’t have connections, to get a job, and I am determined to give people equal opportunities because there are so many people who are qualified but have no connections. People must not get jobs through connections.”

He noted that the exercise would stop wastage and free resources for genuine workers and retirees.

“I can’t eat anybody’s money. That is the essence of the verification. We want to ensure things are done properly,” he added.

Speaking on Education in the State, Kefas admitted the State faces daunting challenges due to unreliable data, noting that Taraba has about 3,000 primary and 500 secondary schools with dilapidated facilities.

He, however, pledged to mobilise teachers, parents and government to fix infrastructure, beginning with repairs of roofs, supply of chairs and construction of classrooms.

“My plan is to meet with Headteachers and principals. I will release funds to teachers and mobilise parents and government to repair roofs, supply chairs and begin construction of new classrooms,” he said.

Kefas also charged journalists to act as independent monitors of government projects across the 16 local government areas.

“As journalists, you must organise yourselves as monitoring teams,” he urged. “When we give money for projects, you should monitor execution so that stakeholders, parents, teachers, and government can be held accountable,” he added.

Reacting to criticism of political appointees, Kefas described much of it as perception, but warned against sabotage.

He recalled an incident where a transformer at the Presidential Lodge in Jalingo was allegedly vandalised by workers.

Addressing the issue, the Governor said, “I don’t want to be harsh, but when I investigate and find wrongdoing, people will be held accountable,” he stated.

“Governor Makinde Has Not Informed Me Of His Presidential Ambition” – Udom Emmanuel, Fmr. Gov Akwa Ibom

Suleiman Anyalewechi

September 26, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State ,Udom Emmanuel, has sad that some political forces with some hidden agenda may be behind the purported Presidential ambition of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

He maintained that he is not aware of the quest by the Oyo State Governor to contest for the Presidency in 2027.

At an interactive session with the Media in Abuja, the formee Akwa Ibom State Governor, stated that as a friend, close political ally, and fellow trusted and loyal Peoples Democratic Party PDP, member, Governor Makinde has not informed him that of his interest in running for the country’s Presidency in 2027.

“Governor Makinde is my friend, a former colleague, and one of the strong leaders of the PDP to which I belong. I can say on my honour that Seyi has never told me he is running for President.

“If we are as close as we are, and he hasn’t told me, then, I suspect that people are just using that slant as a means of blackmail to either prevent him from continuing to champion the rebuilding process of our Party, or to sow seeds of discord between him and the President.

“It is normal that anybody who desires to contest for any political office will undertake consultations to get the support of people. But my friend Seyi has not reached out to me or anyone that I know on that matter”, Emmanuel stated.

The Source reports that Governor Makinde, who, alongside four other PDP Governors – Nyesom Wike of Rivers State , Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, and Dr Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State aligned with President Bola Tinubu of the rival All Progressive Congress, APC, to truncate the 2023 Presidential ambition of their fellow PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has, of recent, been touted as one of those interested in flying the party’s Presidential flag in 2027.

Similarly, he has for whatever reasons, seen as taking an opposite route in the festering crisis rocking the once political behemouth since after the 2023 general elections.

In what a few have come to perceive as a mere stage-managed action, the Oyo state Governor and the Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, have found themselves on different sides of the rebuilding processes of the Party, with speculations rife that Makinde will be vying for the Presidency as one way of smoothening the way for his big brother, President Tinubu’s second term in office.

However, former Governor Emmanuel, remained adamant about the commitment and loyalitty of Makinde to the PDP cause .

“What I know, and I am certain of, is that he (Seyi) is a true party man, who like many of us in the PDP, is totally committed to the resuscitation of the party that offered us a platform for political recognition and service to our people.

“We cannot just abandon the party. It is morally wrong to do so. We run a mult-party democratic structure which must be nourished to stability.

“There will always be a ruling party and opposition parties and we must imbibe the spirit of political tolerance that helps to consolidate democracy in nations where it is practised, which Nigeria is one”, Emmanuel noted .

The former Akwa Ibom State Governor, also, explained that his low political profile since leaving office in 2023, is in tandem with his resolve to leave the stage for his predecessor.

“I had promised at the twilight of my administration that when I leave office I will leave the stage for my predecessor and retreat to my private life and engagements, and that is exactly what I have done .

” I have returned to my private life. But that doesn’t mean that I have left or retired from politics . Afterall, I still relate with and share ideas with my leaders at different levels, especially Governors who ask for my opinion on diverse matters relating to public governance .

“I believe that there is time for everything. That is what the Holy Book says. So, there is time for business, I mean everything has its time and I am abiding by that principle. Emmanuel added.

Court Rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s Transfer To National Hospital, Orders NMA To Assess Health Status

Akinwale Kasali

September 26, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

“On submission of NMA’s assessment of his health status, the Court would decide whether Kanu is fit to stand trial or not, and whether the DSS has adequate facilities and personnel to take care of his health issues”

The appeal by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, detained leader of the Indigenous Peoples Of Biafra, IPOB, for a transfer to the National Hospital Abuja over the alleged deterioration of his health seems to have fallen flat – temporarily, for now.

Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, on the orders of the Court, has been agitating for a transfer to the National hospital for a proper attention to his health, insisting he was down with a couple of serious health challenges including with his heart and kidney.

He posited that neither the medical facility at the DSS nor the medical team, was capable to handle his case. He alleged that his blood was drawn and sent to a South African facility.

He, therefore, requested to be transferred to a private ward at the National Hospital.

But Justice James Omotosho in a ruling on that request, ordered the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, to set up an eight to 10- man team to assess Kanu’s health status and, even, determine if he is fit enough to stand trial.

The team should also determine if the facility and medical personnel at the DSS Medical Centre are capable of taking care of Kanu’s alleged health issues.

Justice Omotosho ordered that the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital should make the team as a member. The team, the Judge said, must also include a Cardiologist and a Neurologist.

Omotosho also said the team is free to use the DSS medical facility or any other hospital of its choice for the assessment.

The Judge made the order after reviewing the submissions by Kanu’s Lawyer, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, and the Federal Government’s Lawyer, Asiwaju Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN.

He asked that the result of the assessment be brought to Court within eight days.

Kanu had, a few days ago, alleged that the FG would release him only when it is sure he would die as soon as he is released.

The IPOB Leader has been in custody since 2021.

Court Rules IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu, Has Case To Answer… Ordered To Open Defence

The Source

September 26, 2025

By Charles Igbo

A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, September 26, 2025, ruled that the Leader of the Indigenous Peoples Of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has a case to answer.

The Honourable Justice James Omotosho struck out the no-case submission by Kanu and ordered him to open his defence.

The Federal Government had dragged Kanu to Court and preferred charges against him which included, among others, treasonable felony.

Kanu leads IPOB, a group agitating for an independent State of Biafra which, according to it, would include all Igbo-speaking areas of Nigeria.

The ruling dismissing his no- case submission came after the Federal Government closed its case against Kanu having presented witnesses and evidence(s).

Kanu arrived the Court, Friday, alongside his Lawyer, Kanu Agabi, SAN, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, escorted by operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS.

The Federal Government’s legal team is led by Asiwaju Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN.

Not a few people had hoped, and wished, that the Federal Government would use the window offered by the no-case application filed by Kanu, and set him free.

A couple of times, Kanu had either been granted bail or set free by Courts, but that had not happened as the Federal Government appealed such rulings.

Friday’s ruling means that Kanu’s real trial and defence would now start in earnest.

Kanu has been under the custody of the Federal Government and facing prosecution since his rendition from Nairobi, Kenya in 2021.

All efforts for a political solution to his case had fallen through, the promise by, especially, late President Muhammadu Buhari to release him after a passionate appeal by Igbo Elders notwithstanding.

A number of organizations, including Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, had, also, appealed for his release a number of times but in vain.

“I Have Not Written Any Letter To APC, Or Any Party For The Purpose Of Defecting” – Kwankwaso

Suleiman Anyalewechi

September 26, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, in the 2023 general elections, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has vehemently denied writing any letter to the All Progressive Congress, APC, expressing the desire to return to its fold.

The Source reports that an APC Chieftain ,Joe Igbokwe, had on Wednesday September 24,2025 claimed that the former Governor of Kano state has written to the party leadership expressing his willingness to rejoin the APC , alongside Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf.

But in a statement issued on Friday September 26, the leader of the Kwankansiya Movement , categorically denied ever writing to the APC or any other party seeking to join.

“We have been alerted to some online statements suggesting that we have submitted a letter of intent to join a political party in the country.

“We would like to clarify that we have not made any such submission to any party.

“The public is, therefore, advised to stay informed of any further information regarding our matter through the established official channels”, Kwankwaso stated

The NNPP Presidential Candidate, of late, has been locked in a seemingly unending discussions with President Bola Tinubu on the possibility of his joining forces with the APC.

Only a few days ago, Senator Kwankwaso had publicly admitted fancying the idea of defecting to the ruling party at the centre, but with a caveat: to do so only on his own terms.

His open declaration and series of meetings both directly and indirectly with the President and APC National leadership tended to accentuate speculations and permutations about his possible defection to the party ahead of the 2027 polls.

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