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President Tinubu Signs Bill To Extend Implementation Of 2026 Budget To December

By
Ayodele Oni
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President Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

 

President Bola Tinubu has signed into law the Appropriation (Amendment) (No.4) Bill, 2025, extending the implementation period of the 2025 budget from September 30, 2026 to December 31, 2026.

 

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, (Information and Strategy) disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

 

According to the statement, the assent followed the amendment’s swift passage by both the Senate and the House of Representatives on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

 

The extension gives Ministries, Departments and Agencies more time to complete ongoing capital projects.

 

It ensures that funds already appropriated are fully put to work for Nigerians, without disrupting critical programmes.

 

The President commended the leadership and members of the National Assembly for their prompt consideration of the bill, a further sign of the cooperation between the Executive and the Legislature in the service of the nation.

Wike Stakes Political Future On Tinubu’s Victory, Says: “I Will Resign As Minister If President Loses In Rivers, FCT”

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister
Nyesom Wike

By Ayodele Oni

 

Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has staked his political career on the 2027 presidential election results, vowing to step down from his ministerial position if President Bola Tinubu loses the 2027 presidential election in Rivers and the FCT.

 

Wike ​‌‍​‌‌​‍⁠⁠‌⁠⁠‌‍​⁠⁠‌‌​made the promise in Abuja on Wednesday during a meeting with members of Apo mechanics and traders over their planned relocation to the informal sector in Wasa by end of the year.

 

The minister, who rallied the Apo mechanics and traders into his cross-party Rainbow Coalition, declared that his continued stay in cabinet hinged entirely on delivering electoral victory for the president in FCT and his (Wike’s) home state

 

Setting a firm countdown to the 2027 polls, the minister stressed that he operates on practical performance and accountability.

 

“The presidential election is on January 16, 2027. By January 17, 2027, I will announce my resignation as FCT minister should the president lose in Rivers and the FCT.”

 

Explaining his position to the crowd, the former Rivers governor argued that losing either territory would signify a failure of his performance and leadership.

 

“FCT is where I work. Rivers is my state. If I cannot deliver where I work, then I’m not worthy to be here.

 

“It means that whatever good thing I’ve been doing right here is meaningless. If I lose here, I shouldn’t be in that position. I’m a practical person. If I lose FCT, I have no business being the minister. ​‌‍​

 

“If I go back to my state and the president cannot win, then why am I shouting about president, president, president when I cannot win?

 

“If I don’t deliver this, remove me here. I will accept it,” he said.

 

Outlining his electoral roadmap for the capital, Wike disclosed that his Rainbow Coalition, a broad, cross-party political alliance, was being consolidated across the territory.

 

“Let us be clear on direction: for the presidency, it is Bola Tinubu! For the Senate, Philip Aduda. He is a man of the people, unlike those who only appear on television,” the minister said.

 

He called on members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), other political parties and residents of the FCT to unite behind the shared slate.

 

Directing the leadership of the Apo mechanics and traders to rally grassroots mobilisation, Wike urged them to bring out all residents, family members and non-indigenes connected to the Apo business ecosystem to vote.

 

He assured the mechanics and traders that they would be relocated by the end of the year.

 

In response, leaders of the Apo trading community lauded the minister for addressing long-standing infrastructure deficits and pledged their full backing for Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

 

Chief Chimezie Efe, Chairman of the Apo Traders Association, highlighted the economic impact of recent infrastructure developments, specifically referencing the newly-dualised Apo road.

 

“The road is so useful to us. It made our customers come close to us. In fact, since the road was built, our business has been moving well.

 

“Honorable minister, sir, I give you a promise that the entire members of the Apo Traders Association have agreed that our votes go to APC,” he said.

 

Also, Mr Chinedu Nweke, Coordinating Chairman of the Apo Mechanics and Traders Unity Forum, commended the minister for breaking a cycle of unfulfilled promises by past administrations.

 

“Before now, we had seen many ministers. They come and go with empty promises and end up doing nothing.

 

“You are the only minister we know because in the past, it was only on radio and television that we used to hear and see FCT ministers.

 

“But you have visited us several times and interacted with us. This shows you are truly a grassroots politician.

 

“The road dualisation and progress on our long-pending relocation to Wasa are dreams come true.

 

“The road dualisation you did has indeed improved economic activities of Apo Mechanic Village, and we are grateful. Whichever way you direct us, we follow you,” he affirmed

Uzodimma Tasks Auditors-General On Accountability, Public Trust

By
The Source
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Auditor Generals Meeting in Imo

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has charged Auditors-General across the country to uphold professional independence, integrity and accountability in the management of public resources.

 

Uzodimma gave the charge on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, while addressing participants at the 55th Biennial Conference of the Body of Federal and State Auditors-General held at Rockview Hotel, Owerri.

 

Welcoming delegates to Imo State, the Governor said the theme of the Conference: “Safeguarding Public Resources and Enhancing Citizens’ Trust: The Strategic Role of Auditor-Generals,” was particularly important to efforts to restore citizens’ confidence in government.

 

He stressed that public funds belonged to the people, adding that auditors had responsibilities beyond examining financial records to ensuring that government expenditure delivered value to citizens.

 

“Public resources belong to the people. Government only holds and manages those resources on their behalf,” Uzodimma said.

 

The Governor cited a payroll verification exercise carried out in Imo State, which he said uncovered irregularities including multiple payments, fictitious or non-existent employees and individuals who had left the public service but remained on the payroll.

 

According to him, the exercise enabled the State to save substantial public funds.

 

He said auditors must go beyond identifying financial irregularities by ensuring that appropriate corrective measures were taken, urging auditors to maintain their independence and ask difficult questions whenever public resources were improperly managed.

 

He, however, noted that audit queries should be regarded as requests for explanations and clarifications rather than acts of confrontation.

 

The Governor disclosed that Imo State enacted its Audit Law in June 2021 as part of efforts to strengthen the financial independence and institutional capacity of the State Audit Office.

 

He also called for continuous professional development for auditors, particularly in view of the increasing digitization of government financial transactions.

 

According to him, accountability is a shared responsibility involving the executive, legislature, accounting officers and auditors.

 

Uzodimma urged public officials to remain conscious of their responsibility as custodians of resources held in trust for the people.

 

Earlier, the Chairman of the Body of Federal and State Auditors-General and Auditor-General for Ondo State, Sir Sunday Adegoke, commended the Imo State Government for what he described as strides in social and infrastructural development.

 

Adegoke also praised the administration for its digital transformation initiatives, including the Imo Digital City and Digital Learning Centre. He said the developments reflected the State government’s efforts to modernise public governance and improve service delivery.

 

The Chairman called for stronger collaboration among audit institutions and other stakeholders to promote accountability, transparency, prudent management of public resources and citizens’ trust in government.

 

The Auditor-General for Imo State, Sir Azubuike Iwuajoku, expressed appreciation to Governor Uzodimma for providing the resources and enabling environment for the Conference to hold in the State.

 

Iwuajoku said the Conference would provide participants with an opportunity to exchange ideas, examine best practices and strengthen auditing practices across the country.

 

He said the deliberations would reinforce auditors’ commitment to transparency, accountability and good governance, with the ultimate objective of translating the outcomes into reforms capable of improving governance at all levels.

 

The General Secretary of the Body of Federal and State Auditors-General, Dr Garba Dutse, also commended the Imo State Government for hosting the Conference.

 

Dutse thanked Governor Uzodimma, the host Auditor-General, Sir Iwuajoku, members of the Local Organising Committee and other participants for their support towards the success of the event.

 

He also acknowledged the contributions of colleagues and security agencies, reaffirming the body’s commitment to promoting accountability, transparency and sound public financial management in Nigeria.

 

The event attracted top government officials and critical stakeholders.

Alleged Coup Plot: General Court Martial Shifts Ruling On Admisibility of Statements

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Coup Plotters in Court

By Ayodele Oni

 

For the fourth time, the military has again postponed the ruling of the General Court Martial, (GCM) sitting over the alleged coup plot case involving some military officers accused of attempting to overthrow the administration of President Bola  Tinubu.

 

The ruling, which was earlier scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, has now been rescheduled for Monday, October 5, 2026.

 

In a notice issued to members of the court and other concerned parties, the military said the sitting earlier adjourned to Wednesday has been postponed.

 

“The GCM sitting earlier adjourned to Wednesday, 30 September, 2026, has now been postponed to Monday, 5 October, 2026.

 

“The new sitting is scheduled to commence at 10am at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, Abuja.”

 

The notice, signed by Major M.U. Ardo, the Liaison Officer, did not state the reason for the postponement but expressed regret over any inconvenience caused.

 

The latest development marks the fourth time the ruling has been deferred, further delaying a decision in the military trial.

 

The ruling is expected to determine the admissibility of statements allegedly obtained from some of the accused officers, following a trial-within-a-trial conducted by the court.

 

Defence lawyers had challenged the admission of the statements, alleging that some of the accused officers were coerced by officials of the Defence Intelligence Agency, ( DIA), into making or reproducing statements they said contained false information.

 

During the trial-within-a-trial, the defence argued that the statements did not meet legal requirements for admissibility, alleging that lawyers or witnesses selected by some of the accused officers were not present when the statements were taken.

 

The defence also questioned the absence of video recordings showing the officers writing their statements in the presence of their chosen witnesses, as required under relevant provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

 

The lawyers further alleged that some of the officers were not properly cautioned or adequately informed of their rights before making the statements.

 

The prosecution, however, presented evidence seeking to establish that the statements were made voluntarily and without improper pressure.

 

Some of the accused officers gave contrary testimony, alleging that they were subjected to coercion, intimidation, inducement and physical abuse during their detention.

 

According to evidence presented before the court, some officers alleged that they were made to believe that reproducing particular statements would facilitate their release.

 

They further claimed that some statements had already been prepared by intelligence officials and that they were compelled to copy or sign them, despite allegedly having no knowledge of certain matters contained in the documents.

 

Some of the accused officers also told the court that they did not personally originate or write the statements attributed to them, alleging that they were forced to reproduce pre-written documents containing claims or admissions they considered false or unrelated to their knowledge.

 

The General Court Martial is presided over by Air Vice Marshal H.I. Alhaji of the Nigerian Air Force.

 

The proceedings are being conducted at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess in Asokoro, Abuja.

 

The court’s decision on the admissibility of the disputed statements is expected to determine whether the evidence can be relied upon in the ongoing proceedings.

Again, Pantami Picks Gombe PDP Guber Ticket

By
James Orji
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Professor Isa Pantami
Isa Pantami

A former Minister of Communications has again emerged as the 2027 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate in Gombe state. His candidacy was annouced by the party on Tuesday, a week after a high court ruled that he couldnot represent the party in next year’s governorship election.

The court which ruledon his legibility ordered the PDP to conduct a fresh governorship candiadte to fly the party’s flag in the 2027 gubanatorial election.

Following the primary conducted by the PDP yesterday,the party annouced that the former minsiter defeated other cndidates, to emerge as the party’s canddate after scoring 2,054 votes. His closest rival in the primary election,  Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki scored 389 votes, acording to the result announced by the chairman ofthe Governorship Primary Election Committee, Johnbull Tiemlong Shekarau, whosaid the primary election held on Tuesday across the 114 wards across the 11 LGAs of the state.

Pantami while accepting the victory called on all the PDP stakeholders, inthe state including Mailantarki to work with him for the party’svictory next year.

The former minister was a memeber ofthe All Progressives Congress, APC before joining the PDP to pursue his governorship ambition.

FHC Orders Wike’s Son, Jordan, To Produce American Passport Over Alleged Untidy Land Deal

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nyesom Wike son

By Ayodele Oni

 

Hearing resumes on Wednesday at a Federal High Court, FHC, Abuja in a land deal involving Jordan Wike, son of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike

 

The FCT High Court sitting in Maitama had on Tuesday, ordered Jordan, a Lawyer, to produce his American international passport before the court.

 

Justice Sylvanus Oriji made the order  during the resumed hearing of a suit filed against Jordan by Safwan Garba GY and GY Global Oil and Gas Nigeria Ltd.

 

The claimants, through their counsel, Hamza Dantani, had applied for the defendant to produce the passport after he told the court during cross-examination that he travelled out of Nigeria on Sept. 26, 2025 using his American passport.

 

The suit, marked CV/008/2026, followed allegations by the claimants that they first met Jordan in London and subsequently developed a relationship.

 

According to the claimants, they later met Jordan in Abuja and approached him for assistance in facilitating the acquisition of land in the Federal Capital Territory.

 

They alleged that Jordan assured them that he could facilitate the acquisition of 30 hectares of land in Katampe and another 30 hectares in Guzape.

 

The claimants further alleged that Jordan demanded $2.1 million as facilitation fees, with $2 million allegedly meant for his father, the Minister, and $100,000 for himself.

 

They claimed that the money was delivered on Sept. 26, 2025, in the presence of Adamu Sani, Aliyu Sarki and Sai Wani, while Jordan was accompanied by Onor Sandy.

 

The claimants alleged that after receiving the money, Jordan neither facilitated the acquisition of the land nor refunded the money, but subsequently became unreachable. But Jordan denied any such agreement and/or transaction.

 

At Tuesday’s proceedings, Jordan adopted his statement on oath in which he denied the allegations.

 

He was represented by Mr Ogwu Onoja, SAN, while some documents were tendered through him.

 

During cross-examination by Dantani, Jordan denied knowledge of the allegations and documents put to him by counsel.

 

Dantani subsequently asked the court to direct Jordan to write his full name and signature five times each on a plain sheet of paper.

 

The application was not opposed by the defence and was granted by the court. When asked where he was on Sept. 26, 2025, Jordan told the court that he was outside Nigeria.

 

Counsel then asked him which international passport he used to travel. And he

responded that he travelled with his American international passport and added that he could produce it if required.

 

Following the response, Dantani applied for an order compelling Jordan to produce the passport in court.

 

Justice Oriji granted the application and directed the defendant to produce the document.

 

The court subsequently adjourned the matter until Wednesday for continuation of hearing.

Obi Demands Better Living Conditions For Sokoto IDPs

By
James Orji
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

2027 Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi has called on the federal government to immediately improve the living condition of Internally Displaced Persons,IDPs, in Ramin Kura IDP Camp in Sokoto state, saying their current conditions is worrisome.

Obi made the call on his verified X handle on Wednesday, a day after his visited the IDP camp, noting that no Nigerian is worth living in camp, urging the government to tackle the problems that forced Nigerian out oftheir homes.

He visited the IDPs camp as part ofhis two days visit tothe state, and had, alongside his ruining mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso paid a courtesy visist tothe Sultan ofSokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III in his palace.

The NDC presidential hopeful said  ”we are all’ IDPs so long those currently living in IDP camps are not resettled back  to their homes by the government, noting that those in the Sokotocamp are not well taking care of, citing lack of eucational facilities for children in the camp, basic toilet and healthcare facilities for the residents ofthe camp.

He stressed that over 1000 IDPs are curretly housedin the camp despite the horrible living conditins, citing for instance, that as many as 10 persons are forced to live in some rooms.

 

“I have always insisted that as long as even one Nigerian lives in an IDP camp, we are all internally displaced,” Obi stated.

He said the country can change forthe better ifNigerians makethe right leadership  choices, saying this is what the Obi/ Kwankwaso, OK Movement stands for.

”New Nigeria is POssible and will be OK,” the NDC presidential candidate said.

.

 

Residents Displaced, Houses Destroyed In Taraba Communal Clash

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

 

Taraba State Government has directed the deployment of security personnel to the Sardauna Local Government Area, where more than 1,000 residents have reportedly been displaced, while about 340 houses were destroyed, following a three-day communal clash between Mambilla and Fulani communities in Geroji settlements, Mbamnga Ward.

 

The violence, which started early this month, reportedly caused widespread destruction in several settlements, with women, children and elderly residents among those forced to flee their homes.

 

Report revealed that following the attacks, many displaced residents reportedly sought refuge in neighbouring communities, while dozens were said to have crossed the international border into Nyang, in the Donga-Mantung Division of northwestern Cameroon.

 

Although details of the casualties remain unclear, unverified reports indicated that several people may have been killed, while others were reportedly still missing after the violence.

 

The conflict also resulted in the destruction of residential buildings, food supplies, livestock and other sources of livelihood in the mountainous and difficult-to-access communities.

 

Among the settlements reportedly affected are Wuro Buba, Wuro Ardo Bashiru, Wuro Wakili Idrisa, Wuro Saleh Petel, Wuro Hassan Jaji, Wuro Alhaji Jibo, Wuro Alhaji Manu and Wuro Mbarkal.

 

A community leader, Ardo Bashiru, disclosed that more than 340 houses across the Geroji and Mbara areas were completely destroyed during the violence.

 

He lamented that large quantities of foodstuff and other essential means of livelihood were lost, while cattle and sheep were reportedly either killed or taken away during the crisis.

 

Bashiru expressed concern over the impact of the destruction on displaced families, particularly with the rainy season ongoing. He appealed to the Taraba State and Federal Governments, humanitarian organisations and well-meaning individuals to urgently provide affected residents with shelter, food, clothing and other relief materials.

 

The Chairman of Sardauna Local Government Area, Alhaji Mohammed Umar, who confirmed the incident, stated that the crisis  started following an altercation between a Mambilla woman and a Fulani man on a farm.

 

Umar described the development as unfortunate and warned residents against taking actions capable of further threatening peace and security in the area.

 

He said anyone found deliberately attempting to undermine peaceful coexistence among the various communities would face the full force of the law.

 

According to him, the Taraba State Government has facilitated the deployment of security personnel to the affected areas to restore normalcy and prevent further escalation.

 

Umar also disclosed that arrangements had been concluded for the repatriation and reintegration of residents who fled across the border into Cameroon following the outbreak of violence.

NNPC Annual Revenue Drops By 24 Percent

By
James Orji
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NNPCL Ojulari

The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC Limited, has announced N7.2 trillion profit for  the year ending December, 31, 2025.

 

The government-controlled oil company made the announcement in a statement

signed by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odey, after its Annual General Meeting,AGM in Abuja,the nation’s capital saying the profit is an indication o operational efficiency and growth.

 

According to Odeh, Profit After Tax, PAT, rose 33 percent to ₦7.2 trillion from ₦5.4 trillion in 2024, while revenue stood at N34.5 trillion, a decline of over 24 percent compared tothe previous business year, which according tothe company, reflects lower crude oil prices and reduced white product volumes following market deregulation in 2024.

Speaking NNPCL Group chief executive, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, said the results posetd by the company is an indication of disciplined and dedicated workforce, adding that NNPCL is getting value as a result ofits investment in people and assets which isnow delivering value to community and shareholders.

“Our 2025 performance shows what disciplined execution and a capable workforce can deliver.

“We are strengthening earnings, growing production and investing in the people and assets that will sustain value for our shareholders, communities and the Nigerian people,” Ojulari said.

 

After 68 Days Recess, National Assembly Begins Fresh 13 Days Break

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
House of Reps Members

By Ayodele Oni 

 

A day after resuming from 68 days recess, members of the National Assembly have commenced another break, after sitting for just a day. This time, they are expected to go for 13 days.

 

The lawmakers resumed plenary on Tuesday, September 29, after spending more than two months away from legislative proceedings. The annual recess began on July 23.

 

The National Assembly had initially been scheduled to resume on September 15, but the date was later shifted to September 29 to allow for the completion of rehabilitation work in the Senate and House of Representatives chambers.

 

However, lawmakers attended just only one sitting after their return, before both chambers adjourned plenary until October 13.

 

According to report, in the Senate, the fresh adjournment followed discussions on the country’s security situation and plans for a National Security Summit scheduled for October 12 and 13 in Abuja.

 

The summit is expected to bring together lawmakers, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to deliberate on strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, improving inter-agency collaboration and addressing emerging security threats.

 

The Senate subsequently adjourned plenary until October 13, when lawmakers are expected to reconvene after the security summit.

 

The House of Representatives also adjourned further legislative proceedings until October 13 after its resumption on Tuesday.

 

The lower chamber is expected to continue consideration of pending bills, budget-related matters and other legislative issues when lawmakers return.

 

The development means members of the National Assembly will spend another period away from regular plenary proceedings after completing a 68-day annual recess.

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