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16 Taraba PDP Lawmakers Defect To APC …Assembly Workers Down Tool

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Taraba Lawmakers

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Ahead of the formal defection of the  Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, to the All Progressive Congress, APC, 16 Peoples Democratic party, PDP, members of the State Legislative body, on Monday, November 17, 2025 announced their resignation from the party.

This is as the State’s chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN began an indefinite industrial action to press home its demands.

The Source reports that Governor Kefas is billed to be received into the APC fold on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

The erstwhile PDP Governor  had officially disclosed his resignation from the PDP on Saturday November 15 2025 while interacting with the media during an inspection tour of the stadium.

He emphasized that the decision to defect to the ruling party at the centre was taken in the overall interest of the people of the State.

“On the 19 of November, 2025, I will, officially, transition from the PDP to the APC. This movement is about the destiny of the people of Taraba State, and we are expecting many visitors for the ceremony”, Gov Kefas stated.

Announcing the resignation of the State Lawmakers and their subsequent defection to the APC  during Monday’s plenary, the Speaker Rt Hon John Kizito Bonzina, informed that the decision was sequel to the lingering leadership and internal crises bedeviling the PDP at the National level.

Rt Hon Bonzina stated that the actions of the Lawmakers are in conformity with the provisions of Section 109 of the Constitution which permits the defection of Lawmakers to other parties in the event of division in their original parties.

According to the legislators, the festering squabble which has seen the party split into two factions has brought about uncertainty and confusion, making it unwise and unsafe for them to continue to retain their membership.

The House members noted that their decision was also reached after wide consultations with their constituents.

Like the Governor, the Lawmakers stated that the interests of their constituents and those of the entire state also played a significant role in their decision to join the APC.

Most of the defecting House members who spoke expressed the apprehension and fear that the  present crisis rocking the PDP has the dangerous potentials of leading to its eventual extinction.

The Legislators separately and collectively insisted that their continued membership of the PDP may endanger their political future, hence the decision to move on.

However, the defection of the legislators is coming just as the House of Assembly workers on Sunday night commenced a strike  action over the non-implementation of financial autonomy for the Legislative arm of the Government and the failure of the authorities to implement the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure CONLESS.

In a statement jointly issued by Hamidu Buba and Timothy Enganya, Chairman and Secretary respectively, PASAN directed all members in the employ of the State Legislative body to proceed on an indefinite strike, pending when all the issues at stake will be resolved.

The Union, however, indicated its willingness to explore peaceful options in bringing the matter to an end.

“I Am Interested In Governing Kebbi State” – Malami, Fmr AGF & Min For Justice

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Abubakar Malami

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The immediate past Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, Monday morning November 17, 2025 announced his intention to contest Kebbi State Governorship race come 2027.

The Source reports that the former Minister under the  late President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration has, of recent, been locked in a battle of wits with the Kebbi State authorities mainly over his rumoured interest in challenging Governor Nasir Idris for the State’s top job.

About two months ago ,his vehicular convoy was attacked on the street of Birni-Kebbi, the State capital, allegedly by supporters and sympathizers of the ruling All Progressive Congress APC in the State.

Malami himself had pointedly accused Governor Idris and his supporters of being behind the attack which left many people injured and, several vehicles damaged.

Governor Idris and the APC officials had distanced themselves from the attack, and instead blamed Malami for masterminding series of politically motivated violent activities in Kebbi state owing to his ambition to govern the state at all cost.

Speaking in an interview with the DCL Hausa, Malami said he has accepted the call by the good people of Kebbi state to throw his hat into the ring in 2027

“I have agreed to contest ,and there is no retreat. God willing, we are going to win because we have the support of the People of Kebbi State.

“INEC guidelines do not allow us to begin any form of mobilization yet, but I assure you that when the time comes, you will see that we have the support of the people of Kebbi state” Malami stated .

Malami a chieftain and one of the founding leaders of the emerging opposition Coalition platform the African Democratic Congress ADC  slammed the APC-led administrations both at the  Federal and State levels for inflicting on the people untold hardship through misgovernance and anti-people policies .

He emphasized that the overriding  reason for his decision to join the gubernatorial race is to free the people from the economic chain that has been tied around them .

According to him, as an agrarian state, many farmers have been forced out of their farms owing to insecurity ,and harsh economic situation in the land .

He pledged to offer the people a new lease of life through purposeful leadership.

All things being equal, the former Minister of Justice is expected to pursue his political ambition on the platform of ADC.

In 2023, he had mobilized to run for same seat, but later withdrew from the race to concentrate on his Ministerial duties. Malami is married to one of Buhari’s daughters.

Police Confirms Abduction Of 25 Females Students Of Fed. Govt. Girls’ Schools In Kebbi

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Police Officer

By Ayodele Oni

Kebbi State Police Command has commenced rescue efforts of students of Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area. The students were abducted early Monday by suspected Bandits.

This command also put the figure of those abducted  at 25 female students. Sadly,  the Vice Principal of the school was shot dead, allegedly, while trying to protect the students from their abductors.

The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, confirmed on Monday that a combined team of additional police tactical units, military personnel, and vigilantes had been deployed immediately.

“They are currently combing nearby forests and possible escape routes in an effort to rescue the students and arrest the perpetrators.”

He, also, revealed that the incident occurred around 4 a.m. when the armed bandits stormed the school, shooting sporadically.

Police tactical units stationed in the area engaged the attackers, but the bandits had already scaled the fence and taken the students from their hostel.

Abubakar explained that the Vice Principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, was shot dead during the assault, while a security guard, Ali Shehu, sustained an injury to his right hand.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

He appealed to residents to remain calm, stay vigilant, and continue cooperating with security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.

Initial reports from school officials indicated that the armed men invaded the school around 1 a.m., using coordinated tactics.

They shot the Vice Principal as he attempted to resist and injured a security guard before fleeing towards neighbouring Zamfara State with the abducted students.

Dan Agbese, Co-founder, Newswatch Magazine, Dies

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Dan Agbese

By Adesina Soyooye

A co- founder of Newswatch Magazine,  Mr Dan Agbese, has passed on. Agbese, a veteran Journalist, and one of the pillars of modern Nigerian journalism, according to family sources, reportedly, passed on in Lagos, Monday, November 17, 2025.

A prolific writer, author and columnist, Agbese co-founded Newswatch Magazine in 1985 with late Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Yakubu Mohammed.

He was a former Editor of Nigerian Standard, Jos, New Nigerian Newspapers, Kaduna and General Manager, Radio Benue.

Agbese held degrees in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Lagos and Columbian University, New York, respectively.

Born on May, 20, 1944, into the Agila Royal Family, Okpowo Local Government Area of Benue State, he preferred to be addressed simply as “Mr.” instead of Prince

He passed on at the age of 81 years.

Wike Insisted Only Condition For Peace Is For PDP Not To Field A Presidential Candidate In 2027 – Sani Fmr Media Adviser To Fmr VP Sambo

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Umar Sani,

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Peoples Democratic party PDP on Monday November 17 ,2025 gave an insight into the major reason that prolonged the crisis of confidence between the party and Nyesom Wike ,the Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister before his expulsion .

Speaking on an Arise TV programme Umar Sani, a chieftain of the party and former media aide to former Vice president Namadi Sambo, disclosed that Wike told the party  that the only condition for  peace is for the PDP not to field a Presidential candidate to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

According to Sani, Wike had insisted that unless the condition was met he will fight to the finish with the PDP.

“Wike gave the PDP the condition that it must not field a presidential candidate in 2027. He said that is the only condition that will bring peace , otherwise he will fight to the finish.

“That was what he said . So we decided not to wait till that point when we have to fight to the finish with Wike. The Party had to end the fight by expelling him”, Sani stated.

The Source reports that the PDP, at its just concluded National Convention held in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital, not surprisingly expelled Wike, former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, Samuel Anyawu the erstwhile National Secretary, and some other states and regional officials and chieftains of the party, citing anti-party activities as a major reason.

The FCT Minister has not hidden his support for the second term ambition of his boss , President Tinubu, and has equally sworn to go to any length to promote it .

Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister
Nyesom Wike

Expectedly, , Wike, leading other estranged members has since rejected the expulsion, and  described the Convention that  sacked him. as illegal.

He has vowed also to fight to the finish on account of his expulsion.

Kebbi: Bandits Invade Secondary School, Kill VP, Abduct Students

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Gunmen - Kidnappers

By Ayodele Oni

The Vice Principal of a secondary school in Kebbi State was shot dead, while a yet-to-be ascertained number of students were abducted as armed bandits, early Monday morning, stormed the school

The incident happened at the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Report stated that the Vice Principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, was reportedly shot dead while trying to protect students from the attackers. This has plunged the school and surrounding communities into fear and grief.

The exact number of abducted students remains unknown, as authorities have yet to release official figures.

A resident, Murjanatu Hassan Gishiri, confirmed the attack. He described the assault as devastating and traumatic for the community.

“It is a heartbreaking tragedy that has thrown the entire region into deep fear and mourning,” she lamented.

Residents have continued to mourn Makuku whom they hailed as a dedicated educator who sacrificed his life to shield his students.

Security agencies are yet to speak on the incident, but locals are calling for urgent intervention from State and Federal authorities to rescue the victims and strengthen protection for schools and vulnerable communities across the region.

New 500 CNG Stations Will Eliminate Queues- FG

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CNG Cars

The Federal Government is set to establish 500 Compressed Natural Gas refueling stations across the country within three years, as part of efforts to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to cleaner, cheaper fuels and ease pressure on petrol consumption.

The Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund and Chinese equipment manufacturer, Endurance Group, have agreed to set up 500 Compressed Natural Gas refueling stations across the country.

The investment, the Executive Director of the MDGIF, Oluwole Adama, said in a statement on Sunday is a testimony to the federal government’s plan to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to cleaner fuels saying this eliminate the long queues currently witnessed at existing CNG stations by expanding access to refueling points and improving logistics to ensure uninterrupted supply

The statement read, “The Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund concludes discussion with leading Chinese Manufacturer Endurance Group to make available 500 CNG refueling stations across Nigeria for the next three years.”

Adama said the talks resulted in an agreement to create a government-backed Special Purpose Vehicle, promoted by the MDGIF, Bank of Industry, Endurance Group, and Séquor Investment Partners, to drive the project.

According to him, the SPV, to be known as Compressed Natural Gas Auto Mobility Infrastructure Company, will “deploy 500 integrated CNG refueling stations; develop LCNG gas supply infrastructure; and provide CNG and LNG transportation trucks with truck-mounted cascades, forming a virtual pipeline across all states nationwide.”

“The collaboration underscores the parties’ commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s transition to cleaner fuels by addressing infrastructure gaps across the country’s CNG value chain. Under this agreement, we will set up the Compressed Natural Gas Auto Mobility Infrastructure Company, which will be used to deploy 500 integrated CNG refueling stations, develop LCNG gas supply infrastructure, and provide CNG and LNG transportation trucks with truck-mounted cascades, forming a virtual pipeline across all states nationwide.”

Punch

How Charms Failed Four Armed Robbery Suspects In Ondo

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Police on Duty

By Ayodele Oni

A gang of four suspected armed robbers in Ondo State, met their waterloo immediately after their return from where they had gone to fortify themselves with charms against any possible arrest.

Detectives from the Ondo State Police Command arrested all of them, Ifeoluwa Julius (M) and three members of his gang, all residents of Ogbese town, Akure North local government.

They are alleged to be behind series of kidnapping, armed robbery, and ritual-related offences in the area.

According to the spokesman of the state command, Olusola Ayanlade, “This group had long remained on the Command’s watch list due to mounting intelligence linking them to violent criminal activities within the area.

“Further intelligence revealed that the suspects had recently returned from a location where they procured criminal charms intended to fortify themselves for future criminal undertakings.

“Acting promptly on this credible intelligence, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit launched a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation on the outskirts of Ogbese town.

“This precise and strategic approach led to the successful arrest of the four suspects, demonstrating the Command’s resolve to proactively dismantle emerging criminal threats.

“In the course of the operation, several incriminating items were recovered from Ifeoluwa Julius, including: One expended cartridge, Fetish items, red and white cloth stained with blood.

“These recoveries aligned with the suspects’ subsequent confessions. During interrogation, Ifeoluwa Julius openly admitted to being a ritualist and confirmed, along with his gang members, their involvement in multiple kidnapping incidents within the Ogbese axis.

“He further disclosed that their recent trip was deliberately undertaken to acquire additional criminal fortifications to enhance their capacity for further nefarious activities.”

Also in another operation, oneAjayi Ademola Joseph, who allegedly obtained the sum of ₦23 million from Pastor Foluso Ajibobola of Akure under the false pretence of facilitating U.S. travel documents for his sister was apprehended.

The suspect reportedly absconded after collecting the funds, prompting the victim to formally petition the Command for intervention.

The suspect’s hideout in Ogun State was traced where he was subsequently arrested.

Fayose: A Brother’s Toxic Birthday Wishes To Elder Brother

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Ayodele Fayose and His Brother

“You have betrayed all those who helped you in life, including our only sister  who sold her land in Lagos to enable you buy Governorship form”

By Adesina Soyooye

It has  been confirmed that former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, did not extend an invite to his younger brother, Isaac, to his high profile 65th birthday celebration in Lagos.

However, it did not stop Isaac, an activist, businessman, politician, social media influencer,  from extending birthday wishes to his elder brother,  former -Governor of Ekiti  State.

But what a birthday wish it was. What a toxic wish, obviously, not the type of wishes one expects on one’s birthday, especially, from a sibling.

Isaac Fayose began by dismissing his brother as a serial betrayer, selfish with no scruples. He said his former Governor-brother even condescended to betraying their own sister, the now late Bimpe Shireolu, who sacrificed and contributed to his becoming a Governor.

Their sister, Mrs Shoreolu, he disclosed, sold her land to purchase the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship ticket for Fayose in 2002. He also accused his brother of selfishness and of, also, betraying the Peoples Democratic Party.

Isaac Fayose wrote:

“A birthday message to my brother, Ayodele Fayose:  Happy 65th birthday. May God bless your new age. I pray as you enter this new age, the spirit of selfishness in you will disappear and

you can be a good man and turn a new leaf.

“You betrayed everybody that have been there for you.

“I remember 23 years ago. In 2002, my sister, late Bimpe Shoreolu, sold her land in Maryland in Lagos for you to buy PDP ticket when you didn’t have money anymore. N3 million. She sold her land to give you the three million to go and pay PDP to get the ticket.

“Everybody that helped you in life to be where you are today, you betrayed everybody.”

He, also disclosed that not one of the  former Governor’s siblings Ayodele’s siblings from same mother was  present during his birthday.

According to Isaac the former Ekiti governor did not invite his mother.

He urged his brother to learn from the oneness in renowned families like the Adelekes, Yar’Aduas, and Uzor Kalus. They are together, he noted.

Accusing the former Governor of betraying the PDP, Isaac said:

“All your PDP political family in Ekiti, you betrayed everybody. You betrayed everybody. You betrayed your siblings. You betrayed your mother. You betrayed even our late sister.

“My brother, life is not about being relevant all the time. Look at Adeleke family, look at Orji Uzor Kalu family, look at Yar’Adua family. They stood together. They grow together. They move together.

“But you believe once you are okay, everyother person can go. Even late Buruji Kashamu that gave you close to N2 blllion for your second term election, you betrayed the guy immediately you got to power.

“Even Arthur Eze that gave you about $3 million for your election, you have not been there to say thank you. My brother, selfishness is a sin.

“As you have turned 65, I hope and believe you will turn a new leaf and change from being selfish.

“I know people will say why is he talking to his brother like this? If you have a brother that has done what he has done to us,, you will be very sad and more bitter than us.”

National Convention: PDP Will Soon Expire, Wrote Own Obituary- APC

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APC Chairman Yilwada

The Lagos State Chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC says the opposition PDP has been damaged beyond redemption as the party is now headed for extinction. The PDP will soon become irrelevant in the political affairs of the country, the APC said in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo.

His remark comes on the heels of last week PDP National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, in the quest by some leaders of the embattled party to salvage what is left of it.

Recall that the late Vincent Ogbulafor, a former PDP National Chairman had vowed many years ago, that the party will rule the country for 60 years. As it’s, the party which ruled the country from 1999 and 2015 is seriously battling for its life, as contending groups are in a stiff battle for its soul.

This is more so after watchers of politics in the country contented that the last weekend National Delegates Convention has left the party more polarsied than it had earlier being expected.

Two factions led by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike have clashed over the control of the party, with suspension n and counter-suspension in the mix.

According to the Lagos APC, the PDP has gone deeper into crisis after the Convention saying with the current situation, the once dominant political party in the country cannot recover, and is headed for a total collapse.

To underscore the seriousness of the current crisis, the APC said delegates from 13 states stayed away from the Convention, stating that PDP has become a “collapsing” building that cannot be salvage by any ‘architect”.

Oladejo: “When a party’s own delegates choose absence over association, the diagnosis is clear: the patient is not just unwell; it is clinically unresponsive.”

“To compound the tragedy, the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to monitor the event put a final seal on the exercise in futility.

“When the nation’s electoral umpire declines to acknowledge your convention, what remains is nothing but a political gathering stripped of legitimacy, relevance, and meaning.”

He said the PDP has become a problem for the nation’s nascent democracy by failing to tackle its problem successfully, saying the party will soon expire.

According to him,  “Rather than confront its deep-rooted failures, leadership rot, ideological emptiness, and years of humiliating electoral defeats, the PDP again demonstrated why Nigerians have decisively moved on.

“what should have symbolised renewal instead confirmed that the party is fast approaching its political expiration date.

”The PDP has now become a danger to our nascent democracy – not because it is strong, but because it has failed woefully to provide the vibrant, responsible, and constructive opposition that can add value, strengthen accountability, and present Nigerians with a viable alternative.

“A democracy without credible opposition is weakened; and the PDP, in its current comatose state, offers nothing but noise without substance.

“As we continue the countdown to the 2027 National Elections, the events ahead promise to be interesting as this comatose, leaderless, and rudderless opposition party navigates nominations for elective positions. Without unnecessarily pre-empting the outcome, it is indeed an endgame.

“The PDP’s internal disarray has already written a preface to its political obituary – the rest is merely a matter of time.”