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Police Kill Wanted Leader Of Gang Linked To Murder Of Imo Monarch

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nigerian Police

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Saturday,  announced the killing of the suspected ringleader of the gang linked to the  murder of Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, the traditional ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Council of Imo State.

 

Ekwueme was on April 10, 2026, ambushed and killed alongside five of his cabinet members while on their way to Owerri the Imo State capital.

 

Although preliminary findings had linked the incident to the activities of terrorist elements, the Police, last week, informed that they have discovered fresh facts concerning the development.

 

According to the Imo police Command, there are strong indications that the incident  may have been the handiwork of insiders believed to be privy to the intinerary of the Monarch.

 

The Police also announced the arrest of some suspects, including one Ezekwe David Destiny, the immediate past President General of the community, in connection with the incident.

 

The Imo police authorities also disclosed that a  known criminal suspect, Dioka Elumah, popular as “Acid” , who is at large is wanted over his alleged role in the murder of the traditional ruler and five of his Chiefs.

 

But  the Force Headquarters on Saturday declared that  Elumah has been gunned down by operatives.

 

According to Ani Iniedu the Force Police Public Relations Officer, Elumah died in a grueling battle with operatives who had been on his trail since being linked to the gruesome murder of the Monarch.

 

The wanted gang leader, according the  Force spokesperson, was neutralized by operatives of the Special Tactics Squad ,Force Intelligence Department STS-FID, during operations conducted between August 2, and 6, 2026.

 

Iniedu noted that the special operations were targeted at  members of the criminal syndicate linked to the killing of the traditional ruler.

 

“The operations culminated in the early hours of 6th August, 2026, when operatives located the hideout of a suspected gang kingpin, identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, alias “Acid” in Ohaji/Egbema.

 

“The suspect engaged operatives in a gun duel ,and sustained injuries during the encounter, which subsequently led to his death.

 

“The suspect was identified as an alleged leader of the criminal syndicate linked to the attack of 10th April, 2026, during which the Monarch and five others were killed along the Asa/Awara Road, Ohaji/Egbema, while returning to Owerri ,the spokesperson stated.

 

David Destiny the community’s immediate past President General, Martins Amadi, Lucky Azuodi and Fidelis Eluma had earlier been arrested by the Imo State Police authorities in connection with the incident.

“Their Only Source Of Recreation Are Their Wives” – Fayose Blames  Nigeria’s Population On Rural Men Retiring Early To Bed”

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Ayodele Fayose
Ayodele Fayose

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has attributed the astronomical increase in procreation in Nigeria, especially in rural communities, to lack of electricity supply.

 

At his  inauguration as the new Chairman of the Board of the  Rural Electrification Agency,REA, in Abuja on Friday, Fayose claimed that the near complete absence of alternative recreation centres and other outdoor social engagement facilities, occasioned by lack of power supply, have left rural folks with no other options than to retire to bed as early as the birds with their wives.

 

In a video posted by Arise News on Saturday, the former Ekiti State Governor insisted that the development has played a leading role in ballooning the population of the country over the years

 

For him, until this grossly inadequate power supply situation in rural communities is addressed, Nigeria will continue to battle a surge in its population

 

“Why don’t we address this issue of electricity? The people at that level (rural communities) have no alternative attraction. Nothing else matters to them . After 7 o’clock, it gets dark there.

 

“Everybody is engaging his wife. And the population simply becomes double. The simple problem is because there is lack of electricity.

 

“People go to bed early. Their mind is simply prepared that: well, if this is the only available recreation, let me remain here” he reasoned.

 

However, Fayose maintained that when the issue of rural power supply is addressed, it will encourage nightlife, and create alternative forms of recreation for residents.

 

“When we address this electricity, there will be nightlife. There will be recreation outside one’s wife”, Fayose added.

 

The Source reports that, Fayose who was a couple weeks ago appointed as Chairman of the Board of REA ,was on Friday sworn in together with other members by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe .

 

While appreciating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding him worthy for the position, the two term Ekiti State Governor promised to expand electricity supply to unserved communities across the country.

Benue Police Command Nabs Five Pakistanis Over Spurious Activities

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Police on Duty

By Ayodele Oni

 

Suspecting clandestine activities, the Benue State Police Command has detained five Pakistani nationals and recovered 35 mobile phones following their arrest during separate intelligence-led operations in Otukpo and Ugbokolo areas of the State.

 

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, who disclosed this in a statement, revealed that police operatives, acting on credible intelligence, arrested three Pakistani nationals on August 4, 2026, at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area.

 

The arrests, the Command said, are part of ongoing efforts to track down individuals suspected of involvement in activities that could undermine public safety and security across the state.

 

The Police further stated that two other Pakistani nationals were subsequently apprehended in a separate operation in the Ugbokolo area, where the operatives also recovered 35 mobile phones.

 

The suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting investigators with ongoing inquiries into their activities and the circumstances surrounding their presence in the State.

 

The suspects were identified as Younas Mohammad, 36; Ahmad Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46.

 

The Police said they were intercepted while attempting to board a vehicle to Adoka village.

 

“During preliminary questioning, the suspects stated that they were in Otukpo for the purpose of marketing cosmetics and mobile gadgets none of which were found in their possession,” the police said.

 

The Command noted that their explanation, activities and movements within the area were suspicious, “requiring more clarification.”

 

“In a separate operation on August 5, 2026, two other Pakistanis, Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25, were arrested at a local hotel in Ugbokolo following credible intelligence.

 

“The two claimed to be dealers in Android phones and a search of their belongings led to the recovery of 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro mobile phones.

 

“Further investigation and operational follow-up resulted in the recovery of an additional 23 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one Infinix Hot 60 phone, bringing the total number of recovered mobile phones to 35.”

 

The Police said the five suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi, where “discreet and comprehensive investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding their presence, activities and movements within the state.

 

“It is strongly suspected that the possession of those mobile phones is a decoy for their clandestine activities in the rural areas of the state, even more probable as they hardly speak or understand English.”

 

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the officers involved and members of the public whose information led to the arrests.

 

He appealed to residents to “remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the police.”

 

The Command further pointed out that the operations form part of its proactive, intelligence-led policing strategy aimed at identifying potential security threats and safeguarding lives and property across the state.

 

The Police added that it would continue to work with stakeholders and that the public would be updated as the investigation progresses.

Atiku Demads Transparent Investigation Into PFIPC Scandal, Insists Presidency Is Culpable

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Atiku Abubakar

By Ayodele Oni 

 

“Nigerians deserve to know who did what, who authorised what, and who opened the doors that made this possible”

 

Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has demanded that identity of public officials indicted by the interim report of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on fake Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal be made public.

 

 He made the position known in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.

 

 The former vice president also called for the full publication of the ICPC report, saying an interim report should not be used as a final declaration of innocence, while investigations into possible collaborators and related bank accounts were still ongoing.

 

Atiku further called on the National Assembly to conduct an open investigation into the scandal and broadcast the proceedings live.

 

He accused the Presidency of attempting to clear itself over the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal.

 

Atiku pointed out that the Presidency could not rely on the interim report of the ICPC as proof of its innocence.

 

He argued that the report raised questions about how the alleged fraud was allowed to operate within government offices.

 

Atiku said the ICPC report identified cases of negligence and alleged connivance by public officers in government processes that allowed the fake agency to operate.

 

According to him, the allegations went beyond the activities of one person, as the suspect was alleged to have forged a presidential appointment letter, created a fictitious federal agency, used government offices and opened bank accounts with forged legislative documents.

 

“If public officers were negligent, who are they? Who granted access to government offices? Who recognised this supposed Director General? Who enabled him to operate within the machinery of government?” Atiku asked.

 

He said the reported recommendation for sanctions against public officers whose negligence facilitated the alleged activities showed that the matter could not simply be treated as the work of a lone impostor.

 

“Nigerians deserve to know who did what, who authorised what, and who opened the doors that made this possible,” he said.

 

He was of yhe view that the call has become more important after the central figure in the controversy, identified as Mr Adeyemi, reportedly offered to appear before lawmakers and testify publicly.

 

“If the Villa is truly clean, it should be the first to welcome live television coverage. Let Nigerians watch, unedited, as the witnesses testify, and the evidence is presented under oath,” Atiku said.

 

He warned that anything short of a transparent investigation could increase public suspicion that powerful individuals were being protected.

 

“Transparency cannot stop where the trail enters the corridors of power. The Presidency cannot investigate itself into innocence.”

 

He urged the government to open the investigation to public scrutiny, put witnesses under oath and allow Nigerians to hear the evidence for themselves.

Beyond Letterheads: Why Enabling Acts Must Guide Public Investigations

By
The Source
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0
Abraham Amah

By Abraham Amah

 

The testimony reportedly given by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in relation to an alleged fake federal agency has generated considerable public interest and has equally raised important questions about institutional due diligence in the verification of public records. One aspect that stands out is the reported reliance on a letterhead bearing the names of certain individuals as purported members of the institution’s governing board. This aspect deserves careful scrutiny because the existence and composition of the governing board of any federal institution are matters regulated by law rather than by the contents of official stationery.

 

In Nigeria’s system of public administration, every federal institution derives its legal existence, powers, functions, and governance structure from its enabling Act or other valid legal instrument establishing it. Consequently, the first point of reference in determining whether an institution has a governing board should always be its enabling law. A letterhead, regardless of how professionally prepared, cannot create legal authority or substitute for statutory provisions.

 

It is equally important to appreciate that not every federal agency is established with a governing board. Several federal agencies operate under the leadership of a Director-General, Executive Secretary, or Chief Executive Officer, while policy supervision is exercised through the appropriate supervising ministry and the Federal Government. By contrast, commissions, statutory corporations, authorities, and certain government-owned enterprises are specifically established with governing boards or governing councils whose composition and functions are expressly provided for by law.

 

Examples of institutions whose legal frameworks provide for governing boards include the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, and the Nigerian Ports Authority. Their enabling statutes or applicable governance frameworks clearly define the existence of such boards, the qualifications of members, and the appointing authority. This illustrates the importance of distinguishing between different categories of public institutions instead of assuming that every federal body necessarily has a governing board.

 

Against this background, it is unfortunate if the FRSC relied principally on a letterhead listing certain persons as board members without first determining whether the institution’s enabling Act even provided for the existence of a governing board. Due diligence would ordinarily require investigators to verify such a fundamental issue through the relevant legislation and official government records before attaching evidential weight to the contents of a letterhead.

 

Furthermore, where uncertainty exists regarding the legal status or governance structure of a federal institution, it would have been prudent to seek clarification from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), which plays a central coordinating role in matters relating to the establishment of federal institutions, government appointments, and official administrative records. Such consultation would have strengthened the credibility of the verification process and minimized the possibility of avoidable procedural errors.

 

The reported inclusion of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a purported member of the governing board of a federal institution should, by itself, have prompted heightened scrutiny. Under Nigeria’s constitutional and administrative framework, the President is ordinarily the appointing authority for members of governing boards of federal institutions where such boards are provided for by law. Consequently, a document suggesting that the President himself serves as a board member of an ordinary federal institution would reasonably call for immediate verification rather than acceptance at face value.

 

If the reported facts accurately reflect what occurred, they raise legitimate concerns about compliance with established protocols of institutional verification. Public institutions entrusted with investigative or enforcement responsibilities are expected to apply the highest standards of diligence, objectivity, and legal verification before reaching conclusions. Verification should extend beyond the appearance of official documents to the statutory foundations upon which governmental institutions are created and governed.

 

Ultimately, this matter underscores a broader lesson for public administration in Nigeria. Institutional credibility is strengthened when investigations are anchored on enabling statutes, official government records, and established administrative procedures rather than assumptions drawn from documents whose legal authenticity or authority has not been independently confirmed. Adherence to due process, respect for statutory governance frameworks, and meticulous verification remain indispensable to preserving public confidence in governmental institutions and ensuring that justice is not only done but is manifestly seen to be done.

Elder Amah, a frequent commentator on national  issues writes from Umuahia, Abia State.

National Emergency: Coalition Of Lawmakers Demands Immediate Reconvening Of NASS

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
House of Reps Members

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

“It is an abdication of our duties to be on recess when there are critical national issues to look into and discuss”

 

A Coalition of concerned members of the House of Representatives has called for the immediate reconvening of the National Assembly for the purpose of  addressing what it described as issues of urgent national importance.

 

The Federal Legislators said it is completely unwise for the National Assembly to remain on recess, and unconcerned in the face of some existential challenges confronting the country.

 

In a statement on Friday captioned “Nigeria’s Democracy is Nosediving”, and jointly signed by its leader Hon Awaji-Inombek Dagome Abiante (NDC ,Rivers State), Hon Abubakar Yahaya Kusada ( APC Katsina state,) and Hon Mansur Musa Jega (ADC Kebbi state), the group  flayed the continued National Assembly’s recess amidst critical national issues requiring legislative intervention.

 

This is as the group insisted that theirs is a multi-political party platform conceived for the purpose of retrieving the country from the brink, through a stout defence of constitutional democracy, legislative independence, accountability and rule of law.

 

The concerned Lawmakers emphasized that they are neither an opposition Coalition, nor a political pressure group, but a collection of patriotic and concerned group dissatisfied with the steady erosion of critical democratic institutions and governance structure in the country.

 

“Our membership cuts across political parties, regions and ideological differences. We are neither an opposition platform, nor an instrument of any political interest.

 

“We are Legislators increasingly alarmed by the direction of Nigeria’s democracy and the growth tendency of public institutions to subordinate the Constitution ,due process and the welfare of citizens to political convenience”, the group explained.

 

The Coalition expressed deep concern over what it described as the “steady nosediving of democracy and democratic institutions in the country.”

 

Particularly, the Lawmakers pointed to repeated incidents of constitutional violations, worsening insecurity, chronic budget under-implementation, allegations of off-budget expenditures and deepening economic hardship among some of the issues that must be urgently addressed if the country is to be pulled out from the principice.

 

The group insisted that the National Assembly members, remaining on recess amidst these mounting problems is akin to abdicating their constitutional responsibilities.

 

Referencing the controversial approval of the March 25,2025 Rivers state emergency rule by voice vote, and the hurriedly passed police bill, the coalition accused the National Assembly of enabling impunity and erosion of democratic arrangement in the country.

 

The concerned Lawmakers alleged that the number of votes officially recorded during the passing of the above cited cases (state police bill and Rivers state emergency rule) were far more than the number of legislators present.

 

“The Constitution cannot be altered by presumption, impoverisation or undisclosed voting arrangements. Democracy is endangered when a state of emergency can be approved through an unverifiable voice vote ,and the Constitution can purportedly be altered through WhatsApp messages.

 

“State police may be desirable, but a desirable reform must still be established through a lawful process”, the law makers stated.

 

The Concerned Legislators similarly expressed shock and disbelief that the National Assembly members have continued to stand aloof in the face of what they called “recurring failure” in the implementation of duly Appropriation Acts.

 

According to them, repeated incidents of budget rollovers and persistent delay, and even failure to release funds for capital projects have all undermined legislative oversight functions, stunted growth, and development, as well as undermining fiscal discipline.

 

This is as the Coalition called for a comprehensive implementation reports for the 2024 ,2025 ,and 2026 budgets , alongside details of funds so far released to various ministries and MDAs for capital projects.

 

The group warned that the executive cannot be allowed the luxury of choosing the laws to obey or implement.

 

“An Appropriation Act is law, and the Government cannot choose which laws to obey. We, therefore, demand a comprehensive budget implementation report, full disclosure of capital releases, reconciliation of revenues against expenditures authorised by the National Assembly ,and appropriate constitutional action where deliberate non-implementation is established”, they stated.

 

The concerned legislators also expressed concern over observed and reported cases of extra-budgetary expenditures allegedly amounting to over two percent of the nation’s GDP equivalence.

 

According to them, about N8.83 trillion was said to have been  deliberately omitted from the country’s recent official budget. The group insisted that the report needs to be urgently investigated by the National Assembly.

 

They described as totally unacceptable a situation whereby Government officials will be demanding sacrifices from the people , while at the same time indulging in reckless expenditures and lavish lifestyle.

 

“This administration cannot demand sacrifice from Nigerians, while public expenditure remains opaque. Every Naira spent by Government belongs to the Nigerian people.

 

“Budgetary opacity is not merely an accounting problem’ it is a threat to constitutional Government, public trust, and Nigeria’s economic survival.

 

“We, therefore, call for an independent forensic audit of all reported off-budget expenditures”, the Lawmakers demanded.

 

While expressing disappointment over the worsening security challenges in the country, the concerned Legislators urged the leadership of the National Assembly to cut short the ongoing recess and reconvene so that members will address these pressing national problems.

 

“The National Assembly is not merely an institution for passing Executive Bills and approving requests from the presidency.

 

“It is an independent arm of Government,  constitutionally empowered to represent the people, defend the constitution, appropriate public funds, conduct oversight, and hold the Executive accountable.

 

“At moments of national difficultly, Parliament must be present”,the Coalition declared.

COAS Warns Soldiers Against Substance Abuse, Stresses Mental Health

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu

LBy Akinwale Kasali

 

Lt. Gen, Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, COAS,  has advised personnel in the Nigerian Army to avoid substance abuse, stressing sound mental health.

 

The Army Chief said this is essential for achieving operational objectives as they continue the fight against banditry and insurgency in the country.

 

He added that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, should not be seen as a sign of weakness, rather, it should be seen as a battle injury of the mind that requires proper attention and support.

 

Shaibu, represented by the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General John Lar, stated this during a four-day sensitisation seminar held at the Headquarters of 4 Special Forces, Doma, Nasarawa State.

 

He said: “I want to reiterate that post-traumatic stress disorder is not a sign of weakness; it is a battle injury of the mind. We are committed to providing the necessary support system, early intervention and professional counselling to help our warriors transition successfully from trauma to triumph.”

 

He warned that substance abuse among troops would not be tolerated, describing it as a major threat to combat readiness, unit cohesion and operational effectiveness.

 

“I urge Commanders at all levels to intensify the fight against this menace within our barracks and formations,” he said.

 

The seminar, titled “Transformational Leadership, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Drugs/Substance Abuse,” was organised by the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation.

 

Shaibu said the programme was designed to build trust, inspire troops through shared vision and empower personnel to adapt to unpredictable operational environments.

 

He added that the initiative was part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to sensitise junior and mid-level officers on effective leadership practices and values required for successful command.

 

“The seminar focuses on three very critical pillars of modern military operations: transformational leadership, management of post-traumatic stress disorder and the devastating effects of drugs and substance abuse,” he said.

 

Shaibu said the changing nature of security threats facing the country requires a professional, resilient and psychologically sound military force.

 

Urging the junior and mid-level commanders to embrace transformational leadership, the COAS said it was essential as not only giving orders but also inspiring, mentoring and caring for the welfare of their subordinates.

 

He also commended troops for their loyalty and commitment, particularly their efforts in tackling security challenges in North Central Nigeria.

398 Cases Recorded, 16 Dead, As Bauchi State Govt Declares Cholera Outbreak

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Cholera Outbreak in Lagos

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Bauchi State  Government has officially declared an outbreak of cholera across the State.

 

 According to the official document dated August 1, 2026 six local Councils were declared the worst hit.

 

According to the  document entitled “Declaration of Cholera Outbreak in Bauchi State” signed by Sani Dambam ,the State Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, the State had  recorded about 398 confirmed cases as at July 31, 2026.

 

The figures, it added,were recorded in 13 local councils , with Toro ,Alkaleri, Kirfi ,Ganjuma, Bauchi and Tafawa Balewa as the worst affected.

 

The Commissioner  revealed that about 16 deaths have so far been confirmed, representing about four percent of fatality rate.

 

“Following an increase in reported cases of Acute Watery Diarrhea AWD ,and laboratory confirmation of cholera cases, the Honourable Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, based on the recommendation of the State Epidemiology Team and the Public Health Emergency Operation Centre, has officially declared a cholera outbreak in the state.

 

“This declaration is made in line with the International Health Region ( 2005), the National Preparedness and Response, and the established public health emergency management procedures of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare”, the document stated.

 

The Commissioner emphasized that the declaration is in accordance with the extant rules, and guidelines of the World Health Organization WHO and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention NDC.

 

He noted that the confirmation of six PCR- positive Cholera cases, in addition to the increasing number of suspected cases in some local councils, satisfies the epidemiological and laboratory conditionalities needed for an official declaration of a cholera outbreak in the State .

 

According to the documents, while  Toro local council has recorded the highest cases of 231, Bauchi and Tafawa Balewa Councils have 14 cases each.

 

Alkaleri and Kirfi Local Government Areas have also recorded 46 cases each .

 

This is as the Commissioner informed that the Bauchi State Government had activated all available emergency response measures to address the situation.

Ortom Debunks Claim Of Replacing Aondoakaa As Benue PDP Governorship Candidate

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Samuel Ortom

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Samuel Ortom, a former Benue State Governor and leader in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the State, has denied any plot plot to remove Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, as the PDP Governorship Candidate in the forthcoming 2027 Election.

 

The former Governor dismissed the story as false and misleading, stating that at no point has there been any discussion with other Party leaders to replace Aondoakaa with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, Pius Akutah.

 

Debunking the information in a statement issued by his Media Assistant, Zege Terhide, Ortom said the report circulating on social media was a “mischievous” distortion of a recent meeting involving prominent Benue stakeholders.

 

Ortom explained that he, alongside the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, and the PDP Governorship Candidate, Aondoakaa, met with prominent Benue sons, including Chief Simon Shango, Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher, Dr. Pius Akutah, Emmanuel Ameh and Dr. Matthias Byuan, as part of ongoing consultations aimed at building a broad strategic alliance among Benue stakeholders for the overall interest of the state.

 

He said at no point was there any plot or plan to remove the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, as PDP Gubernatorial Candidate.

 

“At no time during the meeting was the replacement of Chief Aondoakaa as the PDP governorship candidate discussed, contemplated or placed on the agenda,” Ortom said.

 

He described attempts to give the meeting a different interpretation as mischievous, stressing that political consultations across party lines were normal in a democratic environment. “It is, therefore, mischievous for anyone to take a legitimate meeting of Benue leaders and manufacture an entirely different motive for it,” he said.

 

He also maintained that consultations and engagements involving political actors and stakeholders should not automatically be interpreted as secret conspiracies, particularly when such engagements are motivated by the larger interest of the people.

Michael Aondoakaa
Michael Aondoakaa

“Political consultations and engagements across party lines are neither strange nor secret conspiracies, particularly when they are driven by the larger interest of the people,” he stated.

 

Speaking further, Ortom put to rest speculation over the PDP governorship ticket, declaring unequivocally that Aondoakaa remains the party’s duly nominated candidate for the 2027 governorship election in the state.

 

“Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, remains the duly nominated governorship candidate of the PDP in Benue State for the 2027 election,” Ortom declared.

 

He said the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice enjoys the confidence and support of the PDP leadership and members across the state.

 

He also expressed confidence in Aondoakaa’s ability to provide effective leadership if elected, citing his experience, competence and understanding of the challenges facing Benue.

 

He said Aondoakaa had the capacity to reposition the state and provide purposeful leadership, particularly in the areas of security, economic recovery and sustainable development.

 

He therefore warned those responsible for circulating the alleged replacement story to desist from spreading what he described as fabricated narratives capable of causing confusion within the PDP and among supporters of its governorship candidate.

 

“Political journalism and commentary must be anchored on facts, not conjecture, deliberate falsehood or the attribution of imaginary motives to legitimate engagements,” he cautioned.

 

Ortom urged PDP members, supporters of Aondoakaa and the people of Benue State to disregard the report and remain focused on the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

 

He stressed that the alleged misinformation would not distract the PDP leadership from its efforts to build what he described as a formidable coalition of Benue people capable of providing the state with a credible alternative in 2027.

Osun State’s Accounts: Accord Party Insists On Resignation Of EFCC’s Chairman

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Ola Olukayode - EFCC Chairman

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Accord Party has called on the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  Mr Ola Olukayode, to resign from office. The party insists that his obviously partisan decision to freeze the accounts of the Osun state Government has  greatly undermined the credibility of the anti-graft agency.

 

The Source reports that the EFCC had,  on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, ordered  First Bank to freeze the accounts of the Osun State Government , including salary account of workers citing fears over diversion of public funds, and ongoing investigation as major reasons for its action

 

However, following the widespread indignation and condemnations that greeted the action, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday waded in with a directive to the EFCC to immediately reverse the freezing order .

 

The President noted that while he is not averse to the Commission discharging its statutory responsibilities, he, however, faulted the timing which came just days before the August 15,2026 off-circle Governorship polls in Osun.

 

The Election is mainly a straightforward contest between the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke who is flying the flag of the Accord Party, and the All Progressive Congress APC.

 

Not a few had impugned partisan motives into the EFCC’s action, insisting that the Commission may have been on a mission to aid  APC victory through the frustration of Governor Adeleke’s Government.

 

At a media briefing on Friday  in Abuja, the National Chairman of the Accord Party, Chief Maxwell Mgbudem, while commending President Tinubu for his swift intervention, however,  insisted on the resignation of the EFCC Chairman.

 

According to him, should the Commission’s Chairman fail to honourably resign his appointment, the President should not hesitate to sack him as that will be the only way to restore public confidence and trust.

 

He accused the anti-graft agency and its Chairman of acting outside its constitutionally guaranteed powers when they decided to freeze the accounts of a subnational of Federation without requisite court order.

 

“The EFCC Chairman should toe the path of honour and tender his resignation. If he fails to resign, then president Tinubu should sack him immediately to restore the integrity of the anti-graft agency”, Mgbudem stated.

 

Further speaking, the Accord Party Chairman emphasized that President Tinubu’s timely intervention assisted in preventing what he said could been a serious constitutional crisis.

 

This is as he passionately appealed to security agencies , and other critical democratic institutions to remain neutral and professional in the discharge of their duties ahead of the Governorship polls in Osun state.

 

The party deplored what he it perceives as unjust and indiscriminate profiling , intimidation , harassment and arrest of its members in Osun state, with many of them detained in Abuja , Nasarawa and Osun states.

 

He expressed serious concern that over 60 of Accord Party chieftains , members and supporters have so far been arrested following police crack down on the party ahead of the election.

 

Mgbudem alleged that such unwarranted clamp down has raised serious concern about the prospect of the election being free ,fair and credible.

 

The party, therefore, called on President Tinubu and security agencies to intervene and ensure the release of its ,as well as ensure that institutions charged with the conduct of the election remain neutral.

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