Gov. Aiyedatiwa Using Taxpayers’ Money To Fund Illegal LCDAs – Akoko Group

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April 9, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Akoko Development Group (ADG), has accused Ondo State Government of unlawful continued funding of the Local Council Development Authorities,(LCDA) despite their nullification by the Court.

The Group also chided Government for presentation of the LCDAs to a National Assembly committee for recognition, appointment of chairmen and councillors, as well as the provision of official vehicles to officials of the disputed councils.

This was contained in a communiqué signed by its President, Remi Omosowon at the end of its 228th meeting, in which it expressed concern over the persistent infrastructural deficit and worsening insecurity across the four local government areas in Akokoland.

The group also condemned what it termed the deliberate disobedience of a valid court judgment by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa regarding the creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

ADG recalled that on June 20, 2024, Adegboyega Adebusoye of the Ondo State High Court nullified the establishment of 33 LCDAs created under a 2023 law signed by the late former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

The court held that the creation of the LCDAs was unconstitutional, null and void for failing to comply with Sections 7 and 8 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and restrained the government from taking further action on them.

According to the group, leaders from the four Akoko local governments made several efforts to engage the governor, urging him to comply with the court’s decision.

It noted that Governor Aiyedatiwa had promised to address the matter after the December 2024 gubernatorial election, which he later won.

However, the group expressed disappointment that the promise was not fulfilled despite follow-up visits, letters, and appeals.

The group maintained that such actions are illegal, unconstitutional, and a direct affront to the rule of law, stressing that no individual is above the Constitution.

It further described the governor’s conduct as a deliberate affront to the people of Akoko and a sign of disregard for the judiciary, noting that such treatment is unprecedented in the history of Ondo State.

The communiqué further alleged that although the state government filed a notice of appeal, it failed to diligently pursue the process, describing the move as a ploy to delay justice, while continuing actions contrary to the court’s ruling.

It warned Ondo State Government, declaring that there is a limit to what it described as growing impunity in governance, particularly as it affects the Akoko region.

The group lamented that the area has been left exposed to banditry and kidnapping, leaving residents in fear and uncertainty.

“The gentility of a tiger is not an expression of timidity,” the communiqué stated, signaling the group’s readiness to take decisive action.

Consequently, the ADG announced its decision to return to court to seek fresh orders compelling the governor to comply with his oath of office and adhere strictly to the earlier judgment.

The group also placed the Governor and the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice on formal notice of its intended legal action.

INEC Chairman: Senator Moro Accuses ADC Of Over-heating The Polity

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 9, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Following the call for the immediate resignation of Prof. Joash Amupitan, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Chairman by opposition Party, African Democratic Congress, ADC, the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, on Thursday accused the Party of mischief and unnecessarily heating up the polity.

Moro warned that such calls could further heighten political tension in the country.

The former Minister of Interior said this while speaking in an interview on Arise Television. He cautioned against the continuous escalation of political tension through protests and public agitation.

The Senator who represents Benue South Senatorial District stated that the demand was not new in Nigeria’s political history and should not be seen as the ultimate solution to electoral disputes.

He said: “If you are a very good student of Nigerian political history, you will know that this is not the first time a political party has insisted or demanded that the Chairman of the electoral umpire should resign. I don’t think that is the ultimate.

“Assuming, without conceding, that the INEC Chairman resigns today, who is going to midwife the 2027 election? If you are saying that the INEC Chairman is biased, the concomitant implication is that the electoral body is no longer capable of conducting the election.

“So because he is accused of misinterpreting, he should resign. I don’t believe in that. And I don’t believe in the constant raising of the political temperature of this country by this constant protest.”

He criticised what he described as the continuous heating up of the polity through protests, noting that recent demonstrations have largely been driven by the ADC despite the party being just one of several parties in the electoral process.

“You saw the protest yesterday by members of the ADC. The ADC is just one political party out of the 19 that are participating in the electoral process in Nigeria. And so if you look at the protests that have been going on, it’s all about ADC. If they want to unseat President Tinubu, Fine, it’s their legitimate right. But is that how to go about it?

“If you say they misinterpreted the pronouncement of the court, status quo ante bellum, lawyers have given different interpretations. They say maintain the status quo as it was before the crisis. What is the misinterpretation there? Don’t forget that the various political actors in ADC are in Court for various reasons.

“The political persons you saw there left their various political parties and say that they are adopting ADC as their platform to unseat the President. So if you want to adopt a platform, do you go to take over the platform? Instead of going through the process and exonerating themselves, they are on the streets,” he argued.

It would be recalled that INEC and ADC have been at loggerheads following the delisting of key ADC figures, including David Mark; ADC National Chairman and the Party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, citing compliance with a court order directing the commission to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the case before a trial court.

ADC has, however, raised alarm, alleging that there is a calculated plot to impose a one-party state ahead of the 2027 general elections, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, of using INEC to weaken opposition parties.

Delta Has Untapped 3,000 Electricity Megawatts – Consultant

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Ayodele Oni

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April 9, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Delta State has an installed electricity generation capacity of about 3,000 megawatts, which remains untapped.

The Managing Director of Power Acumen Consulting, Engr. Matthew Edevbie said Delta State with this in stock and contributions from areas such as Okpai, Ughelli and Sapele, the state shockingly, relies on less than 200 megawatts from outside for power generation.

He spoke during a high level meeting of the state with the management of Power Acumen Consulting Ltd (PACL), Detail Solicitors and Nigeria Infrastructure Bank (NIB) at Government House, Asaba.

Engr. Edevbie pointed out that the flagship vision of “Light Up and Industrialize Delta State Initiative” was not just a power project, but an integrated development strategy, saying “electricity is the foundation.

While saying Delta State must develop its own power grid, he stated that the state was not lacking in power generation capacity; what the state needs is control over transmission and distribution within its territory.

“By building our own grid, we can harness existing power, distribute it efficiently, and ensure reliability.

“Encouragingly, recent regulatory developments now make it possible for states to establish independent transmission systems.

“This means Delta State can build, operate, and recover investments in its own grid over time—turning infrastructure into a long-term economic asset,” he added.

Engr. Edevbie assured that with proper coordination, partnerships, and regulatory alignment, the state can achieve 24 hours electricity supply in Warri and Asaba before the end of the year.

Earlier, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving stable and reliable electricity supply in the state through strategic partnerships with reputable energy experts.

The governor said his administration was intensifying efforts to address longstanding gaps in electricity supply in the state through strategic partnerships, policy reforms, and targeted infrastructure development under its “Light Up To Industrialize Delta State Initiative.”

According to him, while the state has recorded progress in infrastructure, healthcare, and education, sustainable power supply remains critical to unlocking broader economic growth and development.

The governor, who commended the management of Power Acumen Consulting Ltd for what he described as a “brilliant and insightful presentation,” noted that the engagement reflects the government’s resolve to work with competent partners capable of delivering measurable results.

He stated that a joint technical team comprising representatives of the state and PACL will be established, adding that the team would be tasked with the responsibility of developing a clear roadmap and actionable framework for 24/7 power supply in the state.

“We do not want to act blindly. We need a well-structured plan that will guide our decisions and ensure long-term success,” he added

The governor pointed out that his administration has strengthened institutional capacity by appointing experienced professionals to oversee the energy sector, expressing confidence that the combination of strong leadership and strategic collaboration will yield positive results.

FG Counters CSOs: Nigeria Not On Brink Of Collapse; Challenges Are Being Tackled

By

James Orji

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April 9, 2026

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Mohammed Idris - Minister of Information and National Orientation

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris says Nigeria is stable and on the path of growth contrary to suggestions that the country is collapsing. Nigeria, is not on the brink of collapse, the minister said yesterday.

Idris spoke on Wednesday at the 81st General Assembly and 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, BON yesterday in Abuja.

The minister was reacting to recent assertion by some civil society , CSO groups in the country, to the effect that Nigeria is gradually collapsing due the some challenges facing the country, including economic and security problems, which they said the government has failed to tackle head on.

But the minister described such fears to be unfounded, asserting that the country is making steady progress, as the government is making serious efforts to address the problems “decisively”.

According to him, the security challenges are being tackled, citing the sustained military actions against terrorists and bandits in some parts of the country.

Idris: “I want to unequivocally refute the insinuation that Nigeria is on the brink of collapse. On the contrary, we are daily exhibiting resilience and tackling our security and economic challenges more decisively,” he said.

On the economic front, the minister stated that recent indices, such as increase revenues, reforms in the non-oil and oil sectors, and transparent economic management by the government has strengthened investors confidence in Nigeria, saying the government is making hard decisions for the betterment of the country.

“Nigeria’s foreign reserves are strengthening, investor confidence is improving and reforms in both the oil and non-oil sectors are expanding revenue streams. These decisions, though difficult, are stabilising public finances and creating a more transparent economic environment,” the minister said.

Some CSOs in the country, including ActionAid Nigeria, BudgIT Foundation, Centre for Democracy and Development, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, Yiaga Africa and Amnesty International Nigeria, had on Tuesday in Abuja, the nation’s capital warned in a statement, that the current problems facing the country, such as insecurity, economy, poverty and others are pushing the country into imminent brink.

“Nigeria is on the brink of collapse. We, the undersigned Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), acting as non-partisan advocates for democracy, human rights, and good governance, issue this urgent plea for responsible leadership and collective action to save our nation from escalating insecurity, rising poverty, and moral decay in public life,” the statement read in part.

US Orders Its Non-Emergency Embassy Staff to Leave Abuja

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Adesina Soyooye

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April 9, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

In a troubling action which emphasise the worsening security situation in Nigeria, the United States of America, USA, has ordered its non-essential staff to leave Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital Territory.

The order stems from what the US sees as Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.

This information was disclosed by the

State Department in a notice on Wednesday.

It reads:

“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorised non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation,” the notice read.

The State Department, also encouraged Americans to reconsider going to Nigeria due to risks including kidnappings and other crimes. It listed 23 States, mostly in the North and South-East where it discouraged Americans from stepping into because of violence, terrorism, banditry and kidnappings.

Abia ADC Disowns Norman Obinna, Pledges Loyalty To Mark-led National Leadership

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 9, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Chapter of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has distanced itself from the activities of, and claims by, Don Norman Obinna, a self-acclaimed chairman of the party in the State.

This is as the party expressed its unalloyed loyalty and support for the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee NEC of the ADC .

The Source reports that the internal and leadership crisis rocking the ADC was somewhat escalated on Tuesday , April 7, with Obinna leading a few other self-acclaimed State chairmen of the party in declaring support for the action of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC in withdrawing recognition for the Mark-led ADC NEC.

The group, at a media briefing in Abuja, also, proclaimed a non-existent Dumebi Kachukwu-led NEC as the authentic and recognised leadership of the ADC .

The Obinna-led State Chairmen’s position followed INEC’s announcement last Wednesday April 1, 2926, of its decision to discontinue the recognition of the Mark-led national leadership, citing a subsisting Court of Appeal judgment ordering parties in the leadership tussle to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice before an Abuja Federal High Court.

But rising from its emergency meeting on Wednesday, the Abia State caucus of the party dismissed Obinna’s claim to the Chairmanship of the party as not only false and misleading but, also, mischievous.

In a communique read after the caucus meet held at the Party’s State Headquarters in Umuahia, the state capital, ,Chief Uko Nkole, leader of the Caucus declared that Obinna lacks the authority to speak and or act for the Abia state chapter of the ADC .

Reaffirming Kanu O. Kanu as the Acting State Chairman of the Party, the caucus described Obinna’s claim to the party’s leadership as not only unlawful, but an assault on rule of law.

According to the caucus, Obinna was on December 3, 2025 restrained by an Abia State High Court from parading himself and acting as the ADC Chairman in the state .

“His (Obinna’s) actions amount to a violation of Party discipline ,and contempt of a valid court order.

“Any meetings, directives, or public engagements conducted by him in the name of the party are null and void’, the caucus stated.

The party urged members of the public, security agencies, relevant authorities and stakeholders to treat any statements, activities and actions associated with Obinna as the chairman of Abia ADC ,as not only false ,but mischievious and deceptive.

While reaffirming its unwavering loyalty to the Mark-led national leadership, the caucus expressed its commitment to the unity, discipline and respect for the leadership of the ADC at all levels .

According to the caucus, the position of the Abia State chapter is in tandem with the party’s South East Zonal Disciplinary Committee report of September 25,2025 which clarified Obinna’s status .

CBN Changes BVN Rules; What Customers Must Know

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James Orji

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April 9, 2026

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The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN has notified bank customers of its plan to effect some changes to the Bank Verification Number, BVN. The Yemi Cardoso-led apex bank said the updated changes will affect how customers log in, switch devices, and manage their banking details.

According to the apex bank, the change is part of the ongoing efforts to tighten digital banking services in the country, also curb fraud in the sector, and is effective May 1, 2026.

10 key changes customers must know:

Mobile banking apps will be restricted to one device at a time.
Logging in on a new device will automatically log out the previous device.
Switching devices will require additional verification before access is granted.
Suspicious BVNs will be placed on a 24-hour watchlist.
Banks may temporarily restrict or freeze accounts linked to flagged BVNs.
Customers can only change their BVN-linked phone number once.
The rule targets SIM-swap fraud and unauthorised access.
Only individuals aged 18 and above can enroll for a BVN.
Minors must operate accounts under a guardian.
Transactions on newly activated devices will be capped at ₦20,000 within the first 24 hours.

Senator Marafa, Fmr Coordinator Of Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Accuses INEC of Partisanship

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Ayodele Oni

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April 9, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

A former coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Organisation in Zamfara State, Senator Kabiru Marafa, has faulted the current composition of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), amidst calls for the resignation of the commission’s chairman, Pro Amupitan.

Senator Marafa alleged that Nigeria’s electoral body the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is no longer neutral as it is largely dominated by members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that such a situation could threaten the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

Marafa, who represented Zamfara Central in the Senate, made the claim during an interview, where he spoke on the current political climate and preparations ahead of the next presidential poll.

The former lawmaker also questioned the neutrality of INEC, stating that he no longer has confidence in the electoral body. He argued that although Nigeria has strong electoral laws, the problem lies in how those laws are implemented

He declared: “How can I have confidence in INEC? I don’t know the kind of people… The law establishing INEC provides that anybody that is to be appointed into the umpire must be neutral, non-partisan.”

He said the alleged recent appointments into INEC are against the law – which clearly states that officials of the commission must be non-partisan.

Opposition Parties led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been leading calls for the resignation of Prof Amupitan accusing him of partisan.

According to Marafa, there are growing concerns that the ruling party is positioning itself to dominate the political space without opposition.

He warned that any attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state would fail, insisting that the country’s size and diversity cannot support such a system.

Speaking on the situation, he said: “The situation is confused, and I think politicians today didn’t learn any lessons over the years.”

Marafa expressed worry that the actions of political actors could destabilise the system if not properly handled, noting that Nigeria’s population and political complexity make it impossible for any single party to control everything without resistance.

He said: “You cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, railroad a country of nearly 300 million people into just one political party. It just cannot work.”

Marafa insisted that, contrary to this requirement, many of those currently occupying key positions in the commission are politically affiliated. He said this has made it difficult for the body to act independently in sensitive matters.

He added: “But what we have today—everybody knows that it is card-carrying members of political parties that are being appointed into positions of authority in INEC.”

He further criticised the commission’s handling of internal party matters, especially its position on the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

According to him, the commission’s interpretation of legal directives in the matter raises questions about its impartiality.

Marafa also took a swipe at the ruling party, accusing it of trying to avoid a competitive election despite its control of several states and key government institutions.

He described the situation as “unfortunate and laughable,” noting that a party with such influence should not fear opposition.

He questioned the election timetable being proposed, arguing that the long gap between party primaries and the general election does not make political sense.

On the issue of political loyalty within INEC, Marafa declined to name specific parties but maintained that those appointed often align with the interest of those in power.

He said: “But the bottom line is, regardless of their political parties, they are going to dance to the music of he that appoints them.

“In all these things, anybody that tried to play God, God always has a way of showing human beings that God is God and human beings are human beings,” he said

Tinubu: Why I didn’t Commission Sanwolu’s Projects

By

James Orji

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April 9, 2026

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained why he did not personally commission some projects initiated by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu.

The president, on Wednesday, was represented at the commissioning of key projects delivered by Governor Sanwo olu by Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. The projects include the Opebi Link Bridge, the five-storey Lagos State Geographic Information Service (LAGIS) Building and Lagos Multi-Agency Building, both in Alausa.

According to the president, he chose to be absent at the events because he was attending to the security problems facing the country.

The president made the remark through his Special Adviser on Public Communications and Orientation, Sunday Dare, who spoke on Channels Television programme, Politics Today on Wednesday.

The president spoke following the reactions that have trailed his absence at the events, as some analysts insist that his absence may have been informed by the political realities in the state, including that Tinubu and the state governor may not be in good terms at the moment.

Those in this line of thought pointed out the fact that the president commissioned some projects in neighbouring Ogun state just a few days ago. So, why did he shun the one in Lagos, where he was once a governor, and considering that he’s the political godfather of the state, they queried.

Also, close watchers of the Tinubu’s presidency suggest that the president may have skipped the events because of some health issues.

Reacting, Dare said the president’s could not attend the Lagos events because he was receiving briefings over the security situation in the country, saying Tinubu priority is to ensure that the country is safe.

“The President prioritised national security developments over the event,” Dare said, adding that Tinubu has been “busy with state matters” since he left Abuja last week, stressing that the security situation in the country requires the president’s attention.

“Yes, the president is in Lagos, and I’m sure beyond the pictures, you know that the president has been busy with state matters.

“You will know the last 10 days, right from the attack in Jos, we’ve seen the developments.”

Dare said Tinubuhad been “busy taking constant briefs” and “has to prioritise when it comes to state matters, especially security”.

He further explained that the president remained actively engaged with security agencies, and was “monitoring development, working with the intelligence community, and taking constant security briefs.”

Meanwhile, President Tinubu has described the projects as life changing , affirming Governor Sanwo Olu’s alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of his adminsitrationo build a modern nation for Nigerians, adding that the governor has put the people of the state first by building such projects. .

“The Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge is more than an infrastructure; it is a bridge to opportunities. In a busy city like Lagos, vehicular movement is more than just commuting; it is associated with the city’s economic wellbeing. When traffic flows, productivity improves. When time is saved, businesses grow. When access is made easier, living standards get improved,” Tinubu said.

“Thank You For Fighting For Us”, Girl-child To Obi At Protest Ground

By

The Source

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April 9, 2026

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A seven-year-old girl approached Peter Obi at the protest ground, offering a heartwarming moment amid the serious atmosphere. The gathering was meant to express frustration with how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were affecting democracy, and it was definitely a powerful show of unity.

The tension in Abuja was palpable, but suddenly, the noise around the political figures faded for a moment. Excitement filled the air as prominent leaders like Rabiu Kwankwaso, Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Rafiu Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, and of course, Peter Obi arrived with their supporters.

As always, Peter Obi had a unique touch that brought a human element to the charged event. While he was weaving through the crowd of signs and hopeful faces, a small girl, about seven years old, slipped away from her parents. She didn’t have a banner or shout slogans—her only goal was to meet and connect with Obi.

With the pure enthusiasm that only kids have, she darted past security and hugged Obi tightly, pressing her face against his shirt. This unexpected moment surprised the aides, but Obi calmly motioned for them to give the little girl space. He quickly shifted from his focused political demeanour to the gentle warmth of a caring figure, bending down to her level on the street of Maitama, Abuja.

“What’s your name, my daughter?” he asked, his voice soft through the surrounding noise.

The girl, glowing with excitement, whispered her name and said she had seen him on the news. When Obi asked what she wanted to say, her heartfelt reply was, “Thank you. For fighting for us.” She mentioned she was currently on holiday from school and hoped for a positive change. This interaction momentarily captivated everyone around, drawing attention to the sweet exchange.

It was striking to see how deeply current events affected even young children. Obi held her tiny hands and took a full minute just to chat with her, momentarily putting aside the rush of cameras and his packed schedule. He encouraged her to stay in school, listen to her parents, and assured her that today’s struggle to ensure kids like her wouldn’t have to protest in the future.

As the girl was led back to her emotional parents, Obi watched her for a moment longer, his expression reflecting a mix of pride and concern.

In a day filled with divisions and complex political discussions, that brief hug served as a beautiful reminder of the “human angle” that’s often overlooked: behind every political movement are children wishing for a bright and fearless future.

The appearance of that little girl in such a lively setting felt like a meaningful sign from above—an encouraging message for a man who has dedicated so much of his own resources to help those in need. His political mission is deeply rooted in lifting people out of poverty because everyone deserves a chance at a better life in a country blessed with abundant resources. A new Nigeria that is possible will make a protest unnecessary for the generation of this girl child.

E,-sign.

Ibrahim Umar
POMR SPOKESMAN
APRIL 8 2026