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Wike To Makinde: You Have Lost, I’m Coming For Oyo PDP

By
James Orji
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Seyi Makinde and Nyesom Wike
Seyi Makinde and Nyesom Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has declared war on his former political protege, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, saying he’s interested in the affairs the PDP in the state.
 
The Minister said on Monday during the 105th National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting in Abuja, that he’s prepared to wrestle the PDP in the country from those he described as vampires. 
 
Governor Makinde and Wike were once allies until they were torn apart by the leadership crisis rocking the PDP. 
 
There are two factions of the party, one controlled by the FCT Minister and the other by the Oyo state helmsman.
 
While speaking yesterday over the crisis the party is enmeshed, Wike said the Makinde group had lost the court battle, and that the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led Caretaker Committee he supports can now go ahead to run the affairs of the party based on the recent ruling of a  Federal High court in Ibadan.
 
The court had nullified the Taminu Turaki-led PDP supported by Governor Makinde and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohamed after it declared that the recent convention which produced it was illegal.
 
Wike said the court order has opened the floodgate for the Abdulrshmad Mohammed-led committee to go ahead with its plan of conducting a National Convention for the party, among order plan he and his group have for the PDP, including taking over the Oyo state chapter of the party.
 
“Let me declare my interest clearly: I am interested in the survival and success of this party. I am also interested in all the happenings in Oyo State PDP. That is all I am interested in,” Wike said affirmatively.
 
He stressed further that the  opposition to the Caretaker Committee has lost its legal ground, and that the committee should proceed to run the affairs of the state chapters of the party and the FCT, adding that the other faction has no option that to surrender because the “legal battle” has collapsed.
 
Wike: “Who will intimidate us to the end? Some of us, by the grace of God, do not see what anyone can threaten us with. The legal battle has collapsed. They have no option but to recognise the Caretaker Committee.
 
“They have no choice. We are waiting for the Caretaker Committee to give direction on the next steps especially to ensure that congresses already due are conducted, after which we move to the National Convention.”
Meanwhile , an aide of Governor Makinde, said on Tuesday in response to the FCT Minister’s remark that Wike’s plan to take over the PDP In the state cannot materialize. The aide, who spoke anonymously because he was not authorized to speak on the issue, said “we are waiting for him. We will tell him that Oyo state is not like any other states in the country, where Wike can do whatever he likes with the PDP “

Gov. Nwifuru Charges 90 Beneficiaries Of Foreign Scholarship Scheme To Remain Committed To Excellence

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gov Nwifuru sends 98 Ebonyi scholars to UK
Gov Nwifuru sends 98 Ebonyi scholars to UK

By Ayodele Oni

Ninety Indigenes of Ebonyi state have qualified for the state’s postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom, (UK), under the state scholarship scheme.

The beneficiaries are made to sign a bond to return to Nigeria and serve Ebonyi State for five years after their studies, as jobs would be available for them in institutions being established by the state government.

Governor Francis Nwifuru at the flagg office of the scheme on Monday, described the state’s overseas scholarship programme as a bold investment in human capital, saying the future prosperity of the state depends on deliberate commitment to youth development.

“This event is not just about boarding a flight; it is about destiny taking flight. It is about hope leaving the shores of Ebonyi State to soar into the future.”

He explained that the scholarship scheme is one of the most financially demanding interventions of his administration, second only to major infrastructure projects, noting that it faced strong opposition at inception due to economic pressures.

“There were voices calling for its suspension, arguing that resources should go to roads, hospitals and other pressing needs. But if we abandon investment in our youth, we mortgage the future of Ebonyi State.”

Nwifuru pointed out that the programme aligns with his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs, which places human capital development at the centre of governance.

“No society rises above the quality of its human resources,” he said, adding that Ebonyi would not be left behind among progressive states driven by knowledge and character.

Describing the initiative as deeply personal, the governor said the beneficiaries were being offered opportunities he and many others never had, stressing that leadership means making the path easier for the next generation.

He urged the students to act as worthy ambassadors of the state by remaining disciplined, focused and committed to excellence.

“Every naira spent on this scholarship is a collective sacrifice of traders, civil servants, artisans and taxpayers. Make every lecture and opportunity count.”

Earlier, Chairman of the Ebonyi State Scholarship Board, Chaka Nweze, said the selection of beneficiaries was based strictly on merit, with a minimum requirement of Second Class Upper (2:1), prioritising candidates with a CGPA of 3.0 and above.

Nweze disclosed that 47 scholars are travelling immediately, while 43 others are awaiting visa clearance following initial rejections by the UK Visas and Immigration, adding that the governor’s intervention had resolved the issues and all 90 would eventually depart.

Ifunanya: Nigeria  Happened To Her, And It Can Happen To Any Of Us

By
The Source
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Gospel Singer Ifunnaya Nwangene

In reaction to the tragic death of 25-year old Ifunanya Nwangene after she was bitten by a snake in her Abuja house because no hospital she was taken to had the right anti-venom to give her, former First Lady of Ondo State, Dr Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, PhD, mourns the fate that befell the young lady, and concludes that Ifunanya was killed, not by a snake bite, but by the Nigerian system.

She wrote:

“It is heartbreaking to lose a young, gifted soul like Ifunanya Nwangene. A rising star full of promise, gone, not because snakebites are new, but because our system failed her.

“Across the world, snakebites are medical emergencies that are routinely treated. People survive. Antivenom is stocked. Protocols exist. Ambulances run. Referral systems work.

“But in Nigeria, in 2026, a young woman was taken from hospital to hospital while time slipped away because life-saving antivenom was unavailable.

“Let us be honest with ourselves: the snake did not kill Ifunanya, Nigeria did. This is not an isolated tragedy. A few weeks ago, Chimamanda Adichie lost her son to alleged negligence in a private hospital.

Countless unnamed Nigerians die daily from treatable conditions such as malaria and asthma.

“We have reached a breaking point. Nigeria must choose life.

“If we do not raise our voices now, we are complicit in the next preventable death.

“Rest in peace Ifunanya.

May your passing awaken a nation.”

Interim Forfeiture Of 57 Properties: Fmr. AGF Malami Seeks Vacation Of Court Order

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Abubakar Malami

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former Attorney General and Minister former Justice Abubakar Malami on Monday February 2,2026 asked a Federal High Court Abuja to vacate the interim order  granted against  57 property listed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFFC for forfeiture to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The Source reports that an Abuja Federal High Court, presided over by vacation Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite had, on January 6,2026, while ruling on an ex-parte motion brought before it  by the EFCC ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 Properties valued at about N213 billion, and  allegedly linked  to Malami, his wife and son.

Consequently, Justice Nwite directed the publication of the interim order in a national daily calling for interested persons to show cause, within 14 days why the said properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The 57 choice properties which  according to the anti-corruption agency are scattered across three States of Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi and the Federal Capital Territory FCT Abuja are suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

But in a counter motion on notice filed on his behalf by Joseph Daudu, SAN, the immediate past Attorney General and Minister of Justice ,argued that the interim order of forfeiture was wrongly obtained, as the prosecution did not avail the court all the necessary facts needed by the court before exercising its discretion.

He, therefore, prayed the court to vacate the order, insisting that the proceedings leading to the interim forfeiture order amount to an assault on his fundamental right to own property, his presumption of innocence until find guilty and his right to live in peace with his family.

In the motion on notice filed on January 27, 2026, Malami is seeking among others “an order of the Honourable Court vacating , setting aside and or discharging the interim order(s) of the Honourable Court made on the 6th of January ,2026 against the respondent/applicant’s ( Malami’s) properties listed as Nos 9,18,and 48 in the schedule of properties attached to the interim order of forfeiture of 6th January 2026 ,the said properties having been duly declared in the respondent’s asset declaration forms throughout his tenure as a public officer ,and No 48 is held in trust for the Estate of Late Khadi Malami Nasarawa.

” An order of this Honourable Court restraining the EFCC’ ,acting by itself or through its servants, agents, and proxies from interfering with the respondent/applicant’s ( Malami’s ) properties in issue or disturbing the respondent/applicant’s ownership, possession and control thereof in the course of purportedly giving effect to the order of this Honourable Court made on the 6th of January 2026.

Specifically, Malami in his application, argued that three  assets listed as Nos 9 and 18 ,and in the schedule for the interim forfeiture of 57 Properties are not linked to prima facie evidence of unlawful activities having been declared in his asset declaration forms filed with the Code of Conduct Bureau CCB in 2019 and 2023.

Malami also contended that property 48, as listed in the schedule of forfeiture is presently being held in trust for the estate of his late father, Kadi Malami.

The former AGF, therefore, submitted that the Honourable Court erred in granting the order of interim forfeiture, which were lawfully acquired before appointment into public office, and were duly declared with the Code of Conduct Bureau as legitimate assets.

“The interim order of forfeiture was obtained by manifest exaggeration, malicious inflation of the value of the assets, and unreasonable and incompetent valuation deliberately manipulated to mislead the Court, negatively affecting its discretion in granting an order based on manipulated facts and conclusions deliberately cooked up by the applicant/respondent (EFCC).

“That there is no prima facie evidence placed before the Honourable Court by the applicant/respondent ( EFCC) to warrant the properties linked the defendant ( Malami) to be liable for forfeiture to the Federal Government of Nigeria”, the former AGF contended .

Ondo @ 50:  Olanipekun Reminds SW Region Political Power Is Transient

By
Ayodele Oni
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Wole Olanipekun SAN

By Ayodele Oni

Legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN  has reminded people of the South West that political power at the centre would not remain in the region indefinitely.

Olanipekun, who was chairman of the Ondo State at 50 Public Lecture, charged Yoruba elders and leaders to rise above complacency and take deliberate, passionate steps towards the development and long-term security of the South-West.

Olanipekun, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, spoke on Monday, at the public lecture held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome), Akure, as part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee of the creation of Ondo State.

According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a son of the South-West, would not be at the helm of national affairs forever, noting that another region would most likely assume power by 2031.

He stressed that leaders and elders of Yorubaland must therefore act with urgency, foresight and unity, warning that failure to do so could be costly.

“A stitch in time saves nine,” he said, urging elders to speak out rather than remain docile in the face of pressing regional and national challenges.

The legal luminary described development, progress and evolution in Yorubaland as a collective responsibility that required courage, strategic thinking and sustained engagement beyond partisan interests.

In his remarks, Olanipekun described former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, as a “living legend,” advising the incumbent Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to tap from Mimiko’s wealth of experience, particularly as he remains the only surviving civilian governor of the state.

He also lamented that another former governor, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua, had not been duly recognised for his landmark contributions to Ondo State’s progress.

Olanipekun recalled that Olumilua consistently referred to Ondo State as “our Canaan,” stressing that it was his vision, courage and determination that laid the foundation for the state’s current status, recognition and wealth as one of Nigeria’s oil-producing states.

Tracing the historical process, Olanipekun explained that the achievement was the product of teamwork and strategic engagement during Olumilua’s administration.

He said the late governor mandated his deputy, Dr Olusegun Agagu, the then Commissioner for Health, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, and himself, as Attorney-General of the state, to vigorously pursue the recognition.

According to him, when the documents were first presented, Chief Clement Akpamgbo, SAN, a native of Anambra State and then Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, insisted that Imo and Abia states be included to strengthen the agitation before it could receive federal approval.

Fresh documentation was subsequently prepared to include his request and submitted, making the recognition a reality in principle.

However, Olanipekun noted that the process stalled when General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida stepped aside in August 1993, leaving the recognition largely on paper.

He added that the team later went to Abuja, and engaged the Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, and reached an agreement which culminated in Shonekan’s pronouncement during a visit to Ondo State that the state had officially become one of Nigeria’s oil-producing states.

Earlier in his keynote address, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described the Golden Jubilee as both a milestone and a mirror for reflection on the past, honest assessment of the present and deliberate planning for the future.

The governor said the public lecture, titled “Ondo State: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” was not merely ceremonial, but intellectual and visionary, aimed at shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for generations yet unborn.

He paid tribute to the Chairman of the lecture, Chief Olanipekun, as well as the Keynote Speaker, Mrs Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Energy, and the Distinguished Guest Lecturer, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, describing their participation as timely and deeply relevant to Ondo State’s developmental discourse.

Reflecting on the state’s history since its creation in 1976, Aiyedatiwa said Ondo State was established to bring governance closer to the people, unlock development potential and nurture human capital anchored on strong moral values.

He recalled the state’s agrarian roots in cocoa, oil palm, timber, fishing and trade, as well as the role of communal labour, integrity and respect for authority in sustaining social order.

The governor highlighted notable progress recorded over the years, including the transition from primary production to value addition and industrial processing, citing projects such as the Sunshine Free Trade Zone, Golden Ceramics Industrial Plant, the Ethanol Plant in Ore and the Ondo Deep Sea Port.

He added that tourism was being repositioned as a growth driver through investments in the coastline, eco-tourism assets and cultural heritage, while deliberate investments in education, skills acquisition and youth empowerment remained central to his administration’s agenda.

Aiyedatiwa stressed that development was a collective responsibility, calling on citizens at home and in the diaspora to contribute through entrepreneurship, innovation, community service and civic engagement, noting that diaspora engagement was strategic for accelerated development, knowledge transfer and global competitiveness.

Looking ahead, the governor outlined a vision of an inclusive and ethically grounded Ondo State driven by economic diversification, technology, innovation, human capital development and strong institutions.

Fed. Govt. Arraigns 9 Suspects In Connection With 2025 Killings Of Over 200 Yelwata Residents

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Yalwata attacks

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Nine suspected masterminds of the gruesome Yalwata attacks ,and killings were on Monday February, 2, 2026, arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The suspects who are facing a 57 count charge bordering on alleged arson, wanton destruction and killings were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik. The Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi SAN, is leading the prosecution.

The suspects pleaded not guilty after the charges were read to them through an interpreter.

According to the charge sheet, the suspects are being accused of separately and collectively masterminding the orgy of violent attacks and killings in Yalwata Community ,in Guma Local Government Area of Benue state in June 2025, during which over 200 people were killed, several homes razed, and hundreds of others displaced.

The Federal Ministry of Justice  had, on Sunday, February 1, 2026, in a statement issued by Kamarudeen Ogundele, spokesperson for the Attorney General of Federation SGF  informed that the arraignment of the suspects followed a painstaking investigation and collaboration by all relevant Government agencies.

The statement also assured of the unwavering commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to the protection of lives and properties of law-abiding citizens.

According to Ogundele, the prosecution of the suspects, after a thorough investigation of the attack is a testimonial to the Federal Government’s resolve not to gloat over the activities of enemies of the country acting under any guise.

“The administration of President Bola Ahmed is committed to the protection of the lives and properties of all as enshrined in the constitution” the Justice Ministry stated.

The Source further reports that the June 2025 Yelwata attacks believed to have been carried out  by suspected killer herdsmen  provoked widespread indignation and global condemnation owing to its large scale human carnage.

Mixed Reactions Trail Death Of Promising Gospel Singer, Ifunnaya Nwangene

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Gospel Singer Ifunnaya Nwangene

By Akinwale Kasali

The news surrounding the circumstances that led to her demise came as a shock to many of her colleagues, her Amemuso Choir Group, her teemings fans and admirers.

For the Abuja-Based Music Talent, Ifunnaya Nwangene, to have been bitten by a snake on her bed was unbelievable to many and triggered mixed feelings.

For Lekan Onaolapo, a Journalist and fan of the deceased, the death goes beyond the ordinary.

According to him, “This is spiritual, it is not ordinary. There are many questions begging for answers, How did the snake get into the house?

“How on earth will a snake go into her room, climb the bed and bite her when the house is not surrounded by bush. This goes beyond the physical.

“The life of such a promising young lady cut short. It is really disheartening”, he stated.

Christiana Aneke, a former roommate of ‘Nanyah’  at the University, paid tribute to the Singer on Facebook.

She stated that the pathetic Medical report stated the nation led to her friend’s death.

“Nigeria has happened to her, my cute roommate.

“Nanyah has a good character, she often cared for her and showed concern whenever she finds one moody.

“My Ifu, so it’s till we meet to part no more?😭😭😭 “Nigeria happened to my cute roomie..My UNEC CONNECT When Ifunanya Nwangene sees me moody she doesn’t hesitate to ask me if I’m alright. She tries not to offend you and if she does she doesn’t hesitate to apologise…she is just too cute in every way❤️💐

😘. “I know you are happily welcomed where you are right now because heaven just gained an angel.”

The 25-Year Old R&B Singer with the stage name, Nanyah was Saif to have bitten by a Snake at her residence in the early morning of last Saturday.

The brother of the singer, Emy Kaybaba narrating the incident said that the singer had woken up when she felt a sharp pain, only  discovered that she has been bitten by snake.

He said that he was not at the scene of the incident, but they were communicating via phone with the deceased as he ordered that a tourniquet should be tied to prevent the snake venom from spreading, and she was immediately rushed to the hospital.

He disclosed that the first hospital she got to at Lugbe did not have anti-venom, so they proceeded to another hospital.

Emy Kaybaba said that on getting to the second hospital, they untied the tourniquet, despite, Nanyah’s protest, but she was administered drip.

Her health was said to have deteriorated before she gave up.

He, however, alleged negligence on the part of the hospital.

Though the late singer died at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, it is however unclear where the alleged negligence is coming from.

But debunking the claims of Nanyah’s Brother as regards negligence, the FMC, Abuja, Management commiserated with the family over the loss, but stated that every medical step was taken.

Dr. Boku Mufutau, Head of Clinical Services,  FMC, Abuja, said that the Medical Staff acted promptly and professionally while attending to the deceased.

It also added that emergency care was administered, that included: Resuscitation,  Intravenous Fluids, Intranasal Oxygen and Polyvalent Snake Anti-Venom.

“She was given the best treatment and all standard emergency protocol.

“She was to be transferred to the Intensive Care Unit when her health was deteriorating before she gave up the ghost”, Muftau stated.

Reacting to the incident, popular online doctor, Aproko Doctor, said that late Ifunanya did not d!e from the snake bite but from actions after the incident.

In a video he shared online, Aproko Doctor said late Ifunanya went to two different hospitals for anti-venom to be administered on her but that both hospitals turned her back as they had no anti-venom in store.

‘’I am sure you have heard the story of the lady who was bitten by a snake and she d!ed. Its a very sad story especially when you think about it but the what if I tell you its not the sake that k!lled her.

“Snakes bite people everywhere whether in the bush, city, India, other countries. Snakes b!te people but they do not d!e like this. They do not d!e just because they went to two seperate hospitals and they look them straight in the eye and told them ‘we do not have antivenom’.

“In a country where snakes live…in 2026..not 1980 or 1970… 2026.”

He said what is more shocking is that Nigeria has a particular antivenom developed for Nigerian snakes.

‘’It’s caled Echitab. The question is why was this anti-venom not in the fridges of the hospitals she went to?

Simply because we have forgotten the basics. Our politicians have forgotten flyovers where ambulances don’t exist. We are focusing on building ‘ultramodern hospitals’ when the primary healthcare centers which is the first point of call in any functioning country should be. Rather than focus on those ones, they would rather want to do a  big project, cut ribbons and everybody is going to clap for them simply because they are trying to focus on the next election rather than the lives of the people they are supposed to save”, he said

Tributes has, however, continued to pour in by netizens on several Social Media Platforms as regards her death.

Stefany Onyia said: “Christiana, our Ifu is gone.”

Anita Onyekachi Ikande said: “Chai! She was your classmate, may her soul rest in peace.”

Anne Okorotie said: “Chai. “So sad. “May her soul rest in peace.”

Modupe Florence Adenegan said: “She may be gone but she will never be forgotten.”

Ruth Alabi said: “I knew it that I know this lady from UNEC! “Kai!!! “May God comfort her family and loved ones that she’s left behind.”

Police Move To Stop FCT NLC’s Peaceful Protest

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigerian Police

By Ayodele Oni

Following escalating tension, the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Police Command has advised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT Council, to reschedule its planned peaceful protest slated for Tuesday.

The Command explained that this is in the interest of public safety and security.

The Command confirmed awareness of the planned protest, noting that while it fully recognizes and respects the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest, emerging security concerns necessitate caution.

In a press statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed that intelligence reports available to the Command indicate plans by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest for purposes inimical to public peace and security.

According to the statement, the potential infiltration poses a serious risk of a breakdown of law and order within the Federal Capital Territory if the protest proceeds as scheduled.

“In view of the overriding interest of public safety, the FCT Police Command respectfully appeals to the organizers of the planned protest to consider rescheduling the activity to a later date and time,” the statement read.

The Command explained that the appeal is aimed at preventing possible security breaches, while also safeguarding the rights of other residents to safety, freedom of movement and the conduct of lawful daily activities within the FCT.

The Police Command reassured residents of Abuja of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property.

It urged members of the public to continue to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the collective effort to maintain peace, law and order across the Federal Capital Territory.

The NLC and Trade Union Congress, (TUC) had planned a solidarity protest in support of the striking members of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) on Tuesday.

All the affiliates and state councils of the NLC and TUC in FCT are to participate in the solidarity rally scheduled to hold at the premises of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in Abuja.

A statement jointly signed by Ag. General Secretary of NLC, Comrade Benson Upah and Secretary General of TUC, Comrade General NA Toro said, “the rally is to publicly affirm that an injury to one is an injury to all, and that the Nigerian labour movement will not abandon its own”.

The two labour centres said: “In furtherance of our earlier communication conveying the unwavering solidarity of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) with members of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), we restate, clearly and without ambiguity, our total commitment to this struggle.

“We once again urge JUAC members to remain steadfast, resolute, and courageous in the defence of their rights and dignity.

“This is a struggle rooted in justice, fairness, and respect for labour rights and must be pursued with unity of purpose and an unbreakable spirit.”

Both labour centres reaffirmed their full support for striking workers of the FCT, who are aggrieved over non-remittance of National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions to the appropriate authorities in line with the pension Reform Act 2014 (as amended) and non-remittance of pension fund deductions.

NLC and TUC warned that there will be no retreat and no surrender in the face of intimidation, repression, or attempts to wear out workers through hardship and fear.

Osun Assembly Rises In Anger, Says Fmr Gov. Oyetola Disbursing LG Fund To Officials Whose Tenure Has Expired

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Adegboyega Oyetola
Adegboyega Oyetola

By Ayodele Oni

Assembly cites Constitution, vows to recover all illegally disbursed funds

The Osun State House of Assembly has raised the alarm over alleged continued tampering with local governments’ funds by the immediate past Governor of the state, Gboyega Oyetola.

The assembly also fumed over continued stay in office by chairmen and councilors, whose tenure expired since October, last year.

Addressing a press conference in Osogbo, the assembly maintained  that

“The House can not watch, while actions that undermine the rule of law, democratic governance, and the welfare of the people at the grassroots continue unabated.

“The  legislative authority, or the power of the State House of Assemblies to make laws regulating Local Government administration, financial controls, and accountability, are expressly recognised under Section 7 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The Financial Autonomy granted  the local governments by the Supreme Court does not negate section 7 of the constitution.

“The House notes with grave concern that individuals whose elections were nullified by courts of competent jurisdiction, and whose self-awarded tenure has since expired by effluxion of time on 22,  October 2025, continue to unlawfully occupy Local Government Secretariat and interfere with Local Government finances.

“These individuals have no legal mandate. They are not recognised by law, by the courts, or by the Constitution. Their continued presence in Local Government councils is illegal and must not go on unchecked.”

On disbursement of councils’ fund, the assembly alleged that “Mr Gboyega Oyetola, a nephew to President Tinubu, has no constitutional, statutory, or moral authority to control Local Governments funds, issue instructions on Local Government funds, influence banks, or direct security agencies in respect of Local Government administration.

“Being related to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria confers no legal power to interfere in the affairs of Osun State Local Governments. Nigeria is governed by laws, not family ties.

“The House is particularly alarmed by credible information that huge sums of Local Government funds have been paid under the directive of Mr Gboyega Oyetola.”

These include “N25m payment to each of the 30 illegal APC chairmen; N12m payment to each of  the 30 illegal APC  Vice Chairmen; N10m payment to each of the 332 APC Councilors; N130m each, to selected traditional rulers in Osun State and N13B legal fees payment to Layonu and co, lawyers representing the illegal chairmen and councilors. 15% of deposited funds is N13B.

“Please note that local governments funds are being used illegally to pay lawyers who represented the APC chairmen and Councilors in their private capacities. The lawyers were not engaged by the local governments.

“Please ask Mr Gboyega Oyetola why he authorised the sum of N13B to be paid to Layonu and co (private lawyers) from local governments funds. This is criminal and this House will demand the refund of every kobo from UBA

“Meanwhile, NOT one naira has  been paid  in the last 12 months as salaries of local workers by these illegal APC chairmen.”

These include Primary School Teachers,

Nurses and other Healthcare Workers, Local Government Civil Servants, Traditional Rulers Not favored by Gboyega Oyetola  and Retirees.

“Even more disturbing are reports before this House that plans are allegedly underway to disburse another N50B

(Fifty Billion Naira) of Local Government funds for political purposes, disguised as project funds, while governance at the grassroots continue to suffer.

“This House will not tolerate the diversion of public funds meant for salaries, healthcare, education, and community development into private  hands to fund the election of a particular politician in Osun State.”

The assembly accused the United Bank of Africa, (UBA) of complicity in the illegal disbursement of local government fund in the state.

“The Osun State House of Assembly formally places on record that it has written repeatedly to banks, including the United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), clearly educating them on the law.

“Under extant Osun State laws and regulations governing Local Government administration, only career officers duly appointed under the Local Government Service Commission, including Directors of Finance and Directors of Administration and General Services, are lawful signatories to Local Government accounts.

“Politicians elected as, Chairmen, Councilors, treasurers, or political appointees are forbidden from being signatories to Local Government accounts.

“Any bank that releases Local Government funds on the instructions of unauthorised persons, regardless of who issued such instructions, acts unlawfully and exposes itself and its officers to criminal liability.

“Illegal disbursement of public funds is fraudulent. It is not banking practice. It is not political discretion. It is a crime.

“The House therefore warns the United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) in very clear terms that all illegal disbursements of Osun State Local Government funds, whether purportedly authorised by Mr Gboyega Oyetola or any other individual, will be fully recovered  and treated as deliberate complicity in a financial crime.

“All the funds that UBA has disbursed so far with the alleged illegal instructions of Mr Gboyega Oyetola is a GIFT to  Mr Oyetola and cannot be deducted from Osun State Local Government Accounts.

“The international community, financial regulators, and institutional partners are hereby put on notice.  If UBA Plc continues on this path, it risks reputational damage and legal consequences that go far beyond Osun State and Nigeria.

“No bank that claims global standards should be associated with the unlawful handling of public funds or the undermining of democratic institutions.”

The House lauded Governor Ademola Adeleke “for the extraordinary sacrifice made over the past 12 months in ensuring that, Primary School Teachers, Nurses, Other Healthcare Workers, and Local Government Civil Servants, continue to receive salaries despite the illegal withholding of Local Government allocations by UBA Plc on the alleged instructions of Mr Gboyega Oyetola.

“That a State Government had to shoulder this burden for 12 months is evidence of responsible leadership. However, such sacrifice must not become an excuse for criminal diversion of funds meant for salaries of Osun State Local Governments.

“Osun State belongs to its people. The welfare of nurses, teachers, health workers, local government Civil Servants, traditional institutions, and ordinary citizens must never be sacrificed on the altar of politics.

“The law is the law. No individual is above it. No bank is immune from it. No political interest can override it. This is supposed to be a Democracy, where nobody is above the law. Mr Gboyega Oyetola should not be allowed to carry on as if he is above the law in Osun State.

“This House stands firmly with the people of Osun State. We will defend democracy. We will defend the rule of law. We will defend the sanctity of public funds. And we will not retreat until this illegality ends and justice prevails.”

Troops Eliminate Boko Haram Deputy Commander, Abu Khalid in Sambisa Forest

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Soliders on Duty

By Akinwale Kasali

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East,  Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded another significant operational success with the neutralisation of a top Boko Haram/ISWAP leader Abu Khalid, identified as the Second-in-Command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest.

The neutralization of Abu Khalid came alongside 10 other terrorists during a night operation in Borno State.

This is coming barely 24 hours after troops eliminated the notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, troops of Sector 1, in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) on Operation DESERT SANITY, made contact with terrorists at the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area during night offensives at about 11:00 p.m.

Abu Khalid was a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy, coordinating operations and logistics in the Sambisa axis.

Following the successful engagement, troops recovered five (5) AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted logistics and food items, as well as huge medical consumables.

There was no casualty recorded among the Nigerian troops during the operation.

Troops’ morale remains high as clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle and other known hideouts of Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North East region.

The Joint Task Force (North East) reaffirms its commitment to sustaining the tempo of operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised ,  lasting peace and economic stability  are restored to the region.

The Military High Command commended the troops for their sacrifices and dedication in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in the North East region, urging them to sustain the operational tempo.

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