Ondo Police Foils Kidnap, Robbery Attempts, Arrests Five Suspects

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Ayodele Oni

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November 6, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Police Command has foiled an attempted kidnap of a lady and arrested four suspects.

The Command also arrested a robbery suspect while trying to snatch a motorcycle in Akure.

Command’s spokesman Olusola Ayanlade explained that the kidnap incident occurred on the 4th of November, 2025, at about 6:30 p.m.

“A Good Samaritan notified the Police that four young men, driving an unregistered Toyota Camry (popularly known as Muscle Camry), had forcefully abducted a lady and were heading towards the Shoprite Roundabout in Akure.

“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, Police personnel from the Command immediately mobilized, strategically blocked the suspects’ route, and successfully intercepted the vehicle leading to the arrest of all four assailants and the immediate rescue of the victim.

“Subsequent investigation revealed that the victim, identified as Adebayo Oluwaseun, was abducted along Weluwelu Street, Ilekun, Oda, and was being taken to an unknown destination before the prompt intervention of the operatives.

“The timely coordination between the alert citizen and the rapid response of the Police proved pivotal in foiling what could have become another tragic case of abduction.

“In continuation of the investigation, the unregistered Toyota Camry (Muscle Camry) used by the suspects has been recovered as an exhibit, while all four suspects remain in custody as discreet inquiries continue to uncover further details surrounding the incident.

“The robbery incident occurred on 2nd November 2025 at about 8:00 p.m., when Mr. Omoniyi Elijah, a commercial motorcyclist, was attacked by two passengers who attempted to snatch his motorcycle.

“In the course of the struggle, one of the suspects, later identified as Ahmed Tijani, stabbed the victim multiple times with a knife.

“Despite the severe injuries inflicted, the victim’s courage and quick thinking in raising an alarm set in motion the chain of events that led to the police response.

“Acting swiftly on the distress call, officers of Oda Division, with the support of vigilant residents, moved in and apprehended Ahmed Tijani at the scene, while his accomplice managed to escape.

“The promptness of this arrest prevented what could have been a fatal outcome. The victim was immediately taken to the hospital for urgent medical care and has since been discharged on 4th November 2025, while the stolen motorcycle was recovered on 5th November 2025”

Tinubu Must Accept Trump’s Offer To Tackle Killings-Ex Presidential Aide

By

James Orji

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November 6, 2025

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A former Presidential aide, Laolu Akande has urged the federal government to stop denying the obvious fact that Nigerians are being killed in their numbers by terrorists, in the wake of the US Donald Trump warnings to intervene.

Akande, who served as an aide to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said Christians and Muslims are being killed by the terrorists, saying the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration must accept outside help to tackle the problem of insecurity in the country.

He spoke on Channels Television programme ‘Sunrise Daily’ on Thursday amid diviisions among Nigerians on the hardline position on the issue and the pushback by the federal government that the country is sovereign and cannot be intimidated by a foreign power.

The former presidential aide spoke following a remark on Wednesday by Dele Alake that President Tinubu inherited the problem form past administrations in the country, noting that the US leader’s position on the issue was contrary to the reality on ground. Alake said the motives of the terrorists killing Nigerians are more of political than religious, saying the criminals don’t consider religion when they kill their victims.

According to Akande, it’s a possibility that more Muslims are being killed considering that the terrorists operate in the northern part of the country predominant with Muslims, he however, stated that the federal government should align with Trump on how to end the menace rather than pushing back that the problem does not exist.

The magazine reported that President Trump warned that the use of military force can not be rule out if the terrorists could not be contained by the federal government, he also threatened to impose economic sanctions and stop aid to the country as part of his government measures to end alleged genocide against Christians in the country.

The US leader had since designated Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern”, which diplomatic s experts say will have far-reaching implications on the country.

Nigeria’s Minister To Trump: Tinubu Not Responsible For Christians Genocide

By

James Orji

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November 6, 2025

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Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals has reacted to the United States President Donald Trump’s recent remark on insecurity in the country, particularly the killings of Christians in some parts of the country, saying past leaders failed to tackle the problem.

Alake said terrorists Nigerians do no consider faith or creed when they carry out their devious act, saying the US leader’s position is contrary to “the reality on ground” in the country, adding that the killers has more of political undertone rather than religious motives.

The minister who spoke on Wednesday during a news conference hosted by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Wednesday in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

According to him, President Tinubu has taken critical steps to tackle insecurity in the country since he came to office in 2023, citing the recent rejig of the Service Chiefs as an example, noting that past administrations failed to take action on the issue.

Alake: “From the actions taken so far; from the plethora of actions, if such were taken ten years ago, we probably would not be where we are today.eep Watching

“Ranging from the changing of security architecture, the top brass of our security agencies.

“The change in 2023, change again a few days ago; all these are to reinvigorate and re-inject new enthusiasm and impetus into the fight against insecurity.

“These are policies and actions emanating from deep exhaustive planning and strategising and they are yielding results.

“When you look at the last ten years and do a comparative analysis with the last two years, you will notice the tremendous efforts that this government has put in place and actions so far taken to stem the tide of insecurity.

“Everyone knows that there is no deliberate targeting of any religion or persecution. Sometimes, when these terrorists go to attack, they don’t do it based on religion, rather it is based on either economic or political reasons.

“Such do not reflect the reality on the ground.”

President Trump, the magazine recalls, had in a tweet threatened to impose economic sanctions, stop aids and use military force against the country if the federal government failed to stop alleged genocide against Christians.

TUC Rejects FG’s 15 Percent Petrol Tax

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

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November 6, 2025

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Festus Osifo- TUC President and Bola Ahmed Tinubu

The Trade Union Congress, TUC, has warned that the proposed 15 percent import duty on Premium Motor Spirit also known as petrol will compound the economic problems of Nigerians.

TUC National President Festus Osifo gave the position of the union on the issue while speaking on Channels Television programme “TUC Half Hour” on Wednesday , saying the union is currently studying the proposal to fully understands its implications on the economy.

According to him, the duty will likely increase the pump price of petrol considering that that the country currently imports over 70 percent of the product, as the local refinery have no capacity to meet local needs of Nigerians.

If the proposal is implemented by the government, the TUC President said the pump price of PMS could be as high as N970 per litre in Lagos, with more higher cost in other parts of the country.

He explained that the import duty on petrol is wrong at the time when the local refineries are not working, saying the Dangote Refinery in Lagos cannot produce what the country need, despite the fact that it’s not likely to be affected by the policy because it’s located within a Free Trade Zone, FTZ.

“The first impression was a no, no, no. Why are we imposing tax when our refineries are not producing?be | Punch

“The Dangote Refinery operates within a free trade zone, which means it already enjoys import duty waivers. So, if this 15 per cent duty applies to importers, they will simply transfer the cost to consumers, that’s the reality,” Osifo said.

The Tinubu administration had while announcing the policy recently disclosed that it’s part of the government’s strategy to protect local refiners and reduce the influx of cheaper imported products that threaten domestic refining investments.

Senate: NNPCL Fails To Account For $300bn Crude Oil Sales

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

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November 6, 2025

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The Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft in the Niger Delta says it has uncovered close to $300billion unaccounted for from crude oil sales by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPCL Limited.

The revelation was contained in a preliminary report submitted to the Senate on Wednesday by the chairman of the Committee, Senator Ned Nwoko.

The report noted that a forensic review of domestic crude proceeds and tax oil returns showed differentials, mismatches and unaccounted funds amounting to a staggering $22 billion.

Similarly, it uncovered a shortfall of $81 billion between receipts declared by the NNPCL and those recorded by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN for 2016 and 2017, a development that shocked the Senate.

Furthermore, the panel’s review of crude oil sales from 2015 to date, indicated that over $200bn in oil proceeds remained unaccounted for globally.

The report followed months of document reviews and public hearings, tracing the problem to faulty measurement systems, weak regulatory oversight, and poor coordination among government agencies.

The panel identified the use of unverified measuring instruments, lack of meteorological control, ineffective interagency collaboration, and uncoordinated enforcement mechanisms as major enablers of crude oil theft.

The panel also faulted the suspension of the Weights and Measures Department’s activities in the upstream sector under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, saying the decision undermined accountability and accurate measurement in crude oil operations.

In addition, it noted that the absence of a special court to prosecute oil thieves and the non-implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust Fund, HCDTF, under the PIA had contributed to persistent sabotage and theft in oil-producing areas.

The panel projected that the unaccounted domestic crude sales proceeds amount to about $300 billion, calling for urgent local and international tracking, tracing and recovery of stolen crude oil funds for the benefit of the country.

The committee appealed to the Federal Government to mandate the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission, NUPRC to enforce international crude oil measurement standards at all production sites and export terminals or restore the Weights and Measures Department to its former regulatory role.

Moreover, it recommended that the government provide security agencies with modern surveillance technology and equipment, including unmanned aerial vehicles, to strengthen monitoring of oil facilities and detect theft and leakages in real time.

The panel called for the establishment of a Maritime Trust Fund to support the development and maintenance of maritime infrastructure, training and safety operations, as well as the creation of a special court to promptly prosecute crude oil thieves and their collaborators.

The Nwoko panel advised the immediate implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust Fund (HCDTF) to reduce community sabotage and promote inclusion in the management of oil resources.

Besides, the committee expressed concern over the growing number of abandoned and poorly decommissioned oil wells across the Niger Delta, which it said were leaking oil and gas into the environment and polluting communities.

The report recommended that such wells be ceded to the NUPRC for handover to modular refineries to increase crude availability for local consumption and reduce vandalism.

Nigerian Tribune

PDP Convention: Anyanwu Kicks Against BOT Intervention

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

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November 6, 2025

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Samuel Anyanwu, the factional National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has rejected the peace overtures by the party’s Board of Trustees, BOT, to reconcile the two factions in the leadership crisis rocking the major opposition party in the country.

The magazine reports that the Adolphus Wabara-led BOT had met on Wednesday in Abuja, the nation’s capital where it set up a six-member reconciliation committee to resolve the leadership crisis rocking the party.

The BoT, named Ambassador Hassan Adamu (North-East) to head the reconciliation committee, with a representative from each of the six geopolitical zones of the country.

Other members are Mike Oghiadomhe (South-South), who doubles as the Secretary of the committee; Chief Ugochukwu Okeke (South-East); Senator Zaynab Kure (North-Central); Prince Onyinlola Olagunsoye (South-West); and Dr Lubna Mohammed Gusau (North-West).

The intervention came after last week’s suspension and counter- suspension by the two factions involved in the leadership crisis, one led by Umar Damagun and the other led by Mohammed Abdulrahman .

The two factions are claiming control of the party’s National Working Committee, NWC following last Friday’s judgment of the Abuja High Court which stopped the National Convention of the party slated for Ibadan, the Oyo state Capital next week.

Another ruling from an Oyo state High Court, which ordered the Damagun-led NWC to go ahead with the Delegates Convention has further polarized the party, so much so that it’s no longer clear which of the factions is now in charge.

During its meeting to intervene in the leadership crisis yesterday, the BOT urged the two factions to sheathe their sword to enable the Trustees resolve the problem, even though the BOT said there was no going back on the Ibadan Convention in line with the state’s court ruling.

Reacting to the BOT, Anyanwu described its action as a nullity, saying he was supposed to be invited into the meeting as a member.

“What took place today was a meeting of friends and associates.

“Any BoT meeting without my presence is a nullity. The letter of the PDP is with me. Since I was not there and I was not invited, what took place was not a BoT meeting”, Anyanwu said.

The PDP national scribe also reiterated the judgment of the AbujaH igh Court which stopped the National Convention, noting that the ruling of the Oyo High court on the issue cannot stand, because it’s not superior to the one given by Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja High court last week.

Meanwhile, the BOT in the communique issued yesterday after the emergency meeting aligned with the Oyo state high court ruling, saying it “ solidly stands with” the Damagun-led NWC.

Part of the communique, reads: “The BoT solidly stands with and commends the Amb. Iliya Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC), the PDP Governors Forum, the National Convention Organising Committee and other critical Organs of the Party for their collective roles in stabilising our Party, especially as we progress towards the conduct of the Elective National Convention scheduled to hold on the 15th and 16th of November 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital.

“The BoT welcomes the ruling of the Oyo State High Court, presided over by Justice A L Akintola which affirmed the Constitutional right and liberty of our Party to manage its internal affairs including holding our 2025 Elective National Convention as scheduled. This landmark ruling is a victory for Democracy, Rule of Law and political development in our country.

“The BoT, however, expresses worry over the recent developments within our ranks that have caused understandable concerns. The tensions, misunderstandings, and regrettable incidents that have played out in public including the invasion of our National Secretariat are not reflective of the ideals and character of the PDP.

“As the conscience of the party, the BoT cannot and will not take sides but remain focused on safeguarding the integrity of the PDP and ensuring dialogue over discord. The decision for reconciliation is not as a sign of weakness but as a demonstration of maturity and responsibility.

“Against this backdrop, the BoT sets up a high-powered committee to immediately reconcile all conflicting sides and restore unity of purpose in our party as we head to the Elective National Convention in Ibadan.”

PDP Factional NEC Suspends Party’s National Convention

By

Ayodele Oni

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November 5, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Factional Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP), Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, has announced the suspension of the forthcoming National Convention, which was earlier scheduled for Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.

The Acting Chairman, alongside the suspended factional National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, and some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) disclosed this at a press briefing on wednesday.

He informed the public that the PDP had received the Certified True Copy of the recent Judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja delivered by Honorable Justice James Omotosho in Suit FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025.

Members of the factional NEC are all loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike.

Wike had, earlier, described the order of the Oyo state High Court directing the National Chairman of PDP, to go ahead to conduct the party’s National Convention as a ruse.

The Acting Chairman pointed out that “we are pleased to confirm that our esteemed National Legal Adviser, Ajibade K.A. (SAN), has provided a thorough legal opinion on the implications of the judgment.

“In strict adherence to due process and our commitment to fairness, we have filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal to seek further judicial clarification and interpretation in the overall interest of our party, our members, and Nigerian democracy.

“Consequently, having lodged an appeal and in line with our responsibility to uphold the rule of law, the PDP hereby suspends and cancels the proposed Ibadan National Convention pending the decision of the Court of Appeal.

“Any continuation with the proposed convention at this time would amount to a violation of the rule of law and shall not be condoned.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission was a party to the Suit and is fully aware of the judgement of the Federal High court.

“Nevertheless, we have dimmed it necessary and responsible to formally communicate our position to the commission. Accordingly, we have notified INEC to suspend the National Convention in strict compliance with the directive contained in the judgement.”

On the judgement of Oyo High Court given a go ahead order for the convention, Mohammed stated that “We are also aware of an ex-parte order recently issued by a High Court in Oyo State.

“While we await the Certified True Copy of the said order, we reiterate that an ex-parte order cannot override a subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court. We shall continue to act only in accordance with valid judicial authority and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“As a responsible, law-abiding, and democratic institution, the PDP remains unwavering in its commitment to the rule of law, constitutional governance, and internal party democracy.

“Our actions will continue to be guided by legal advice, by respect for our members, and by our duty to protect the integrity of our party.”

SE Entrepreneurs Lament Unfavourable Govt Policies At GPS, Host Minister

By

The Source

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November 5, 2025

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By Ingram Osigwe

Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, CFA on Saturday, November 1st, 2025, met with South east business entrepreneurs, professionals, captains of industry and merchants at the maiden Government- Private Sector Dialogue Sries (GPS) for the Southeast.

The event held at Radisson Blu, Isaac John Street, Ikeja Lagos. The theme of the Dialogue was Finance and SME Growth Round table.

The GPS roundtable was aimed at bringing together stakeholders from both the Federal and Lagos State Government alongside Community Representatives to discuss concerns, identify bottlenecks and agree practical next steps on access to finance and enterprise.

The event also featured a grand reception in honour of the Minister by the Southeast business community in Lagos.

Earlier, as part of her high- impact engagements in Lagos, Dr. Uzoka- Anite had upon arrival, paid a courtesy visit to the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Speaking at the GPS, the Minister extolled the entrepreneurial and can- do- spirit of the Igbo and assured that the President Bola Tinubu administration was committed to ensuring the economic growth of the South east.

Her words: “The Igbo spirit of enterprise is legendary. From Onitsha and Aba to Alaba and Balogun, your story is the story of Nigeria’s economic dynamism- built on resilience, hard work, and faith. Yet, today’s conversation asks us to look beyond survival toward influence, strategy and alignment”

Urging the South east business chiefs to be abreast of government business policies, the Minister said: “When business leaders ignore policy, others write the rules that shape their profit, logistics, taxes and access to opportunity. This platform is designed to change that- to bring government closer to the people, to listen, and to act”.

According to her, the Tinubu administration was committed to partnership with the private sector, pointing out that the renewed hope agenda of the administration was not just a policy but social contract to rebuild the Nigerian economy.

Dr. Uzoka- Anite explained that the various economic reforms of the federal government were groundwork for stability and inclusive economic growth.

The Minister assured the business leaders that ” the federal government values the contribution of the South east entrepreneurs and remains committed in positioning the region as a hub of manufacturing, trade, and export”.

In his submission, the substantive Minister for Finance, Wale Edun who made a surprise and brief appearance at the GPS long after the event had gone underway reiterated the federal government’s efforts to pull the economy from the doldrums. He assured the South east businessmen of federal government’s support at all times.

In their various contributions the South east business leaders lamented unfavourable government policies targeted at them including high cost of clearing of containers in the Nigerian ports as against lower rates in neighboring countries, unwarranted seizures of already cleared goods by the Federal Operation Units (FOU) of Customs, undue business advantages given to Chinese businessmen in Nigeria. excessive and unnecessary Customs and police checkpoints along Lagos- Ore-Benin- Asaba expressway where Igbo businessmen moving their containers to the South east are mindlessly extorted among other policies they say adversely affect their businesses.

Lady (Dr.) Adaora. O Chukwudozie, Chairman Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, South East Zone and Chairman keystone bank Plc , in her contribution expressed delight that “the GPS and reception afforded Southeast businessmen in Lagos the opportunity to celebrate their daughter and sister, fellowship with her in her moment of national assignment and rob minds with her on issues bordering on Southeast businesses and economic growth”

The Keystone Chairman and Coordinator of the three-part event however, urged the federal government to remove all bottlenecks that hamper manufacturing and economic growth of the Southeast.

Various federal government agencies and parastatals that made presentations at the GPS include NAFDAC, FIRS, Bank of Industry, NEXIM, NOTAP, SEC, NEPC, Customs, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, among others.

The event was attended by a number of notable South east industrialists and businmen and women.

Osigwe, a strategic Communications and Public engagement expert, is the MD of Fullpage Communications Ltd. He lives in Lagos

Insecurity: Nigeria Will Continue To Reach Out To Int. Community On Various Efforts – Min. For Info

By

Ayodele Oni

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November 5, 2025

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Mohammed Idris - Minister of Information and National Orientation

By Ayodele Oni

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris has said that the administration will continue to keep abreast the international community on efforts Curtail insecurity in the country

The minister pointed out that President Bola Tinubu remains calm despite threats by the United States, (US) President Donald Trump over the security situation in Nigeria.

In an interview shortly after meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the minister stated that the President continues to be committed to efforts at making Nigeria safer for all Nigerians, irrespective of tribes, religions or any kind of differences.

Idris said: ‘Mr President is calm. He is looking at the whole situation; he is looking at the ways and means of ensuring that the international community understands what we have been doing.

‘Only last week or two weeks ago, Mr. President, in his own desire to rekindle the security architecture of the country, reinvigorated the hierarchy of the armed forces.

A new Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs were appointed. Now, this is all the issues that came out of the United States. So, that tells you that Mr. President has been working assiduously to ensure that Nigeria is a country that remains safer for all Nigerians to live in.

“We are looking at all the issues, and we don’t want to overheat the discussions. But work is ongoing, and we have also opened channels of communication so that the international community will understand what Nigeria has been doing better.

“Also what we intend to further do to ensure that whatever concerns that there are, either domestically here or from the international community, are answered.”

On what to further do to douse tension among the religious groups in the country, the minister said that the administration continue to engage religious leaders.

Obasa’s Son, Abdulganiyu Becomes Agege LG Chairman As Tunde Azeez Resigns

By

Akinwale Kasali

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November 5, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

Abdulganiyu Vinod Obasa, Son of Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has become the Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government following the resignation of Hon. Tunde Azeez, popular as Disco.

Azeez had resigned his position due to prolonged illness that has kept him incapacitated with Abdulganiyu, who was his Vice, attending functions and filling the vacuum in his absence.

Azeez submitted his resignation letter to the Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chapter and copied the Local Government.

Since his swearing-in as the Chairman of the Local Government, he has embarked on medical leave.

Azeez, in the letter read by the Leader of the house, Adeshina Haruna, stepped down from his role as Chairman of Agege Local Government due to persistent health challenges that had significantly impacted his ability to discharge his duties after assuming office.

Obasa’s son was unanimously voted on Wednesday by the lawmakers as the new Chairman of Agege Local Government after Azeez’s resignation letter was read and approved by the Lawmakers during a session in the council.

The Lawmakers argued that the decision to vote Obasa’s son unanimously was due to his contribution to the development of Agege since assuming office and the need to avoid leadership vacuum in the Council.

It would be recalled that there were issues in Agege Local Government when Abdulganiyu indicated interest in running for the Chairmanahip position in the LG, leading to protest from a section of Agege Residents and Political Stakeholders who said it was impossible for the Father to be the Speaker of the State Assembly, with the Son also given the Chairmanship Ticket.

He stepped down for Azeez who won the Primary and picked him as his Vice Chairman.

Due to the health challenges of Azeez, Abdulganiyu has been running the affairs of the LG.