Home Blog Page 449

PDP Govs. Forum Dares Wike Group, Insists: “National Convention Must Hold”

August 23, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) has vowed that there is no going back on the national convention of the party.

The 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of July 2025 had fixed November 15 for the National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State

The Governors rose from its 2025/7TH Meeting in Gusau, Zamfara State capital, on Saturday, and dared all anti-party members working against the schedule National Convention of the Party.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike-led group within the PDP is up in arms against the hosting of the National Convention.

The Forum particularly tasked leaders and members of the Party to resist all attempts to derail the convention by anti-party forces, but to see the PDP as the only democratic institution and viable alternative for restoring Nigeria along the path of good governance and national development.

The PDP Governors condemned what they described as “the over-militarization”of the last Saturday’s bye- elections which they noted was characterized by wide spread irregularities, vote buying and violence, and called on Nigerians to be more circumspect in protecting their votes.

This was as it reaffirmed its commitment to rescuing the Nigeria and Nigerians from the “divisive governance style” of the All Progressives Congress (APC), whose policies, it noted have continued to cause more hardship and misery on the people.

A communique of the Forum signed by its chairman and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, stated that the opposition governors extensively deliberated on the state of the nation, the security situation, the erosion of democratic values, as well as ongoing efforts to reposition the PDP and make adequate preparations for its forthcoming national convention.

The PDP Governors expressed gratitude to members and supporters of the Party nationwide for their steadfast loyalty in the face of what they described as “serious intimidation and untold anti-democratic actions” of the APC-led Federal Government in the last bye-election.

The Forum commended the resilience of PDP leaders and members in overcoming orchestrated defections, stressing that such distractions cannot diminish the party’s strong grassroots appeal or the growing public yearning for the return of affordable living and relative security experienced under PDP-led administrations.

The communique further stated; “The Forum urges members and supporters of our Great Party, as well as the entire citizenry, to hold fast to the vision and principles of the PDP, in spite of the growing intimidation of the opposition by the government in power.

“This sad situation should only be seen as the sign of the desperation of a political party with no agenda, no vision and doomed to face inevitable rejection by the masses.

“The Forum, particularly commends initiatives by the government of Zamfara State in significantly curbing insecurity within the state; but condemns the continued monstrous killings in Katsina, Plateau, Niger and Benue States and other parts of the country and calls on the federal government to be more responsive to the lives and properties of the citizenry.

“The Forum thanks the Government and people of Zamfara State for not only hosting the 2025/7TH Meeting, but the uncommon hospitality extended to all; and also congratulate Governor Dauda Lawal on his exemplary leadership and notable achievements in infrastructure, health, education, other social services, and security.

“The Forum commiserates with the Government and people of Zamfara State on the passing of the Emir of Gusau, and equally with the Government and people of Oyo State over the recent loss of traditional rulers.

The meeting was attended by Governors Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (Bauchi State) – Chairman, Dr. Dauda Lawal (Zamfara State)– Host Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas (Taraba State), Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State), Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Senator Douye Diri (Bayelsa State) and Senator Ademola Adeleke (Osun State)

NAF Launches Operation To Hunt Down Katsina Mosque Killers

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 23, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

No fewer than 76 abduction victims were on Saturday, August 23, rescued in coordinated raids on identified bandits’ hideouts, including Pauwa Hill in Kankara Local Council of Katsina State.

The air interdiction carried out by the Nigerian Air Force NAF as a direct response to the gruesome killings of worshipers in Malumfashi Local Council of the state last week by suspected banditry elements however resulted in the killing of an innocent teenager.

As at the last count, 50 people was murdered in the Katsina Mosque attack.

The attack was said to be a reprisal one and carried out while the people were observing their early morning prayers.

Following the widespread indignation and outrage provoked by the attack, the Federal Government vowed to explore all available options in bringing the perpetrators to account.

In a statement on Saturday, the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs Dr Nasir Muazu informed that the air operation was part of a wider security strategy aimed at hunting down a banditry kingpin Babaro and his gang, strongly believed to be the masterminds of the dastardly Mosque attack and killings in Mantau Community, Malumfashi Local Government of the State.

He noted that the airstrikes conducted between 6am and 7 am specifically targeted Babaro’s stronghold at Pauwa Hill ,which is one of the most notorious bases that have been a source of terror to surrounding communities.

“The strike is part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal hideouts , weaken their networks, and put an end to the cycle of killings, kidnappings, and extortions that have plagued innocent citizens.

“The Katsina State Government, through the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, commends the Nigerian Air Force , the Nigerian Army ,and all security agencies for their courage and professionalism in this fight.

“Their sacrifices are steadily reclaiming Katsina towns and villages from the grip of criminals.

“We reaffirm our continued support through logistics, intelligence-sharing, and community engagement, ensuring these efforts are sustained until banditry is completely eradicated”, Muazu stated.

According to Muazu, the 76 rescued victims include those abducted during the Malumfashi Mosque attack, in addition to women and children who were used by the bandits as human shields.

Jonathan In Kampala, Charges African Graduates On Innovation, Entrepreneurship

The Source

August 23, 2025

Former Nigeria President has enjoined African graduates to be innovative, ethical and embrace the spirit of service as means of cultivating the right qualities for leadership that shapes the future and transforms societies.

Dr. Jonathan stated this on Thursday in Kampala while delivering an inspiring address as the Chancellor of Cavendish University Uganda (CUU) at the 14th Graduation Ceremony of the institution where he serves as the Chancellor.

In a powerfully rendered call to action, Dr. Jonathan challenged young Africans to seek to become active problem-solvers in society, rather than passive recipients of opportunity. “You have been taught to be problem-solvers, not problem-bearers; to be creators of opportunity, not seekers of entitlement”, he noted.

The former President reminded the graduates that people now “live in a world marked by rapid change, uncertainty, and unprecedented opportunities,”, adding that “the future belongs to those who are bold, ethical, entrepreneurial, and innovative.”

He noted that the theme of the ceremony, “Empowering Futures: Cultivating Leaders for a Global Tomorrow,” captured the essence of the moment and the challenges ahead.

He commended Cavendish University Uganda (CUU) for preparing its students not only to succeed but to lead, saying the institution had instilled in them employable skills, an innovative mindset, and strong ethical values.

Drawing from personal experiences of hardship in his early education, Dr. Jonathan encouraged graduates to embrace their own struggles as foundational to future leadership.

“That resilience is your first qualification as a leader,” he noted, urging them to lead with empathy, serve with integrity, and innovate fearlessly.

Also referencing his own experience as a former head of state, Jonathan spoke candidly about the true nature of leadership. “Leadership is not just about power or position. It is about service, integrity, and vision. I know too well the weight of leadership. But I also know its immense power to transform lives and communities. That power now rests with each of you.”

The Chancellor highlighted the importance of global citizenship, referencing the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” He challenged the graduates to be bridge-builders across cultures and disciplines, contributing meaningfully to both local and global communities.

Dr. Jonathan also shared the inspiring legacy of Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai, whose environmental activism began with the simple act of planting trees. He reminded the graduates of the ripple effect that small, purposeful actions can have on the world.

He said further: “Lead not just with your minds, but with your hearts,” he urged. “Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of you can work to change a small portion of events.”

The Chancellor left the graduates with four virtues to carry forward including resilience, responsibility, relevance, and relentless service.

Goodluck Jonathan was appointed in 2021 by Cavendish University in Uganda as its third Chancellor. He replaced Benjamin Mkapa, the former President of Tanzania who was the second Chancellor who also replaced Dr Kenneth Kaunda, the former President of Zambia and CUU’s first Chancellor.

CUU which began business as a private university in 2008 was established by Africa Education Holdings (AEH), previously known as Maarifa Education Holding, a Kenya based education support institute that invests in private higher education institutions across Africa. AEH also owns Cavendish University Zambia and partners many other universities across Africa.

The graduation event brought together faculty, parents, university officials, and dignitaries from across the continent to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025.

Ikechukwu Eze

S.A. to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

Atiku Says He Is Not Desperate To Be President, But Desperate For A Better Nation

Akinwale Kasali

August 23, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Atiku Abubakar, former Peoples Democratic Party, Presidential Candidate, now member of African Democratic Congress, ADC, has debunked claims from certain quarters that he is desperate to be Nigeria’s President.

The former Vice President under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Government, said he is more interested in a better Nigeria than being President.

The Adamawa State born Politician said this while speaking at an affirmation ceremony for new defectors to the ADC on Saturday, in Lagos.

Some bigwigs in the PDP and Labour Party, LP, party jumped ship, pledging alliance to the ADC.

Abubakar, who was the Guest Speaker at the programme, but was represented by Prof. Ola Olateju of the Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, stated that the growth, development and progress of the nation is what is germane to him, rather than becoming President.

It would be recalled that Atiku had left the PDP for ADC, with some like-minded opposition politicians, recently resigned his membership of the party to join ADC.

“Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria. So, it’s not about him being the President. It’s about having a better government, a good government, that will be able to deliver for Nigerians.

“It’s not a personal thing for him, and that’s why some of us are with him. It’s not about Atiku having to be President at all costs.

“ADC, to us, is not a political party. It is a movement, a movement of Nigerians for a better Nigeria,” Olateju spoke on behalf of Abubakar.

Atiku further stated that the movement to ADC was for repositioning the country and taking it to great heights.

“It’s no longer politics as usual. It’s a new beginning. It is a new journey, a new beginning.

“We need a new beginning in Nigeria, and that’s what Atiku is championing.

“It’s not about a personal thing that he must be president. No, it is not a matter of must.

“The must is for him to see Nigeria deliver as wished by all. We are expecting a better Nigeria.

“We want Nigeria to be able to deliver. We want Nigeria to be able to take care of Nigerians,” he added.

He further claimed that Nigerians were facing challenges with the removal of fuel subsidy and attendant inflation, Abubakar said that a better Nigeria was possible with good leadership.

He said that God was ready to use the coalition members to bring about a change in the country.

Speaking on who would likely emerge as the ADC Presidential flagbearer in 2027, Abubakar said that this would be determined by the people in the party.

“It is not a thing we can predetermine. Whoever emerges through free and fair contests, we are all going to support.

“Everybody has a right to contest; we are going to rally round anyone that emerges. We are not imposing anyone on the people.

“The point is a better Nigeria, not Atiku for president at all costs, not Obi for president at all costs.

“Whoever picks the ticket shall be the representative of the Nigerian people and will represent the collective voice and aspiration of Nigeria,” he added.

After An Impeachment Scare, Benue Speaker Distributes Official Vehicles To Lawmakers

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 23, 2025

Hon Aondona Dajoh Distributes Official Vehicles To Lawmakers

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

After a botched attempt to remove him from office, the Speaker of the Benue state House of Assembly, Rt Hon Aondona Dajoh, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, distributed brand new official vehicles to Lawmakers.

The Source reports that the House had, on Friday, August 22, slammed a six- month suspension order on four of its members over their alleged involvement in a plot to oust the Speaker on Thursday night – August 21.

News of the failed impeachment move came on the heels of the Legislators face- off with Governor Hyacinth Alia over his failure to give effect to their resolutions calling for the suspension of certain Government officials , including the Executive Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area of the State.

The Lawmakers had suspended action on the Commissioner-nominees list from the Governor, and only proceeded to screen them on Thursday August 21, after the Governor, reluctantly sanctioned the affected appointees on Wednesday August 20.

Following the rift, not a few had pointed accusing fingers at the direction of the Governor over the alleged attempt to impeach the Speaker same day the House had declined the confirmation of two Commissioner-nominees including a Professor of Law, Timothy Yangien Ornguga.

Although Governor Alia in a statement from his Media Aide Kula Yersoo, on Friday, August 22, distanced himself from the botched impeachment attempt, not a few are unpersuaded by his plea of innocence.

A statement from the Speaker’s spokesperson Terver Zamber on Saturday informed that the vehicles were presented to assist the Lawmakers in the discharge of their legislative duties.

According to the statement, the Clerk of the House, John Hwande, was among those that benefited from the gesture.

Some of the law makers were said to be without official vehicles since the beginning of the 10th Assembly in 2023, a development which has largely impeded their operations.

Other beneficiaries of the vehicle largese include Hons. Peter Uche , Douglas Akya ,Anyor Matu ,Abu Edo ,Abu Umoru and Ezra Nyiyongu.

The beneficiary- legislators, while expressing happiness over the development, also, pledged their unflinching loyalty to the leadership of the House.

Former Plateau Military Administrator, Senator Mana Passes

Adesina Soyooye

August 23, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

Two days after he was discharged from a hospital in Abuja, a former Military Administrator of Plateau State, Col. Mohammed Mana, has passed on. He passed Friday evening.

Mana, who was also a Senator, representing Adamawa North, was Military Administrator under the repressive Late General Sani Abacha’s regime. He was Military Administrator between December 1993 and August 1996.

Sarkin Fulani of Mubi, Abdurrahman B Kwaccham, who is also a member of his family, confirmed Mana’s passing.

Already, tributes in his honour are coming in from prominent Nigerians.

Both his State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, and Governor Caleb Mutfwang, in whose State he was Military Administrator, have issued a statement mourning his passing.

He passed at the age of 74, and was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Anambra Health Workers To Shutdown Health Facilities In The State

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 23, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

“If by midnight on Thursday September 4, 2025, our demands are unmet, we will have no option but to commence an industrial action across all health facilities in the state where our members work”.

With the above words, the Anambra State Health Workers Union issued an ultimatum to the Anambra State Government to address its members demands, or face the unpalatable consequences of locking down the Health sector.

In a statement jointly issued by the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals NUAP, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, NANNM, and Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria MHWUN, the health workers premised their grievances on the failure of the state Government to implement in full the Consolidated Health Salary Structure CONHSS .

According to them, failure to attend to the demands of the workers, they will be left with no other alternative than to shut down all health facilities in the State.

Similarly, the workers are demanding the implementation of the 25 per cent increase within the CONHESS salary structure.

The workers demands also include the implementation of a revised hazard allowance for health professionals , enhancement of call duty and shift allowances, internship provisions for fresh graduates ,and promotion opportunities.

They are demanding an immediate employment of additional health workers to ease the present pressure on the existing workforce which they consider to be grossly inadequate.

The workers union emphasized that the dateline has become necessary in the face of the state Government’s continued failure to attend to the demands of the workers , despite several olive branches extended.

According to the health workers leadership, all previous efforts to resolve the situation before now had all ended without any results, with the State authorities showing little or no commitment.

However, the Unions noted that their frustration got to a head in July 2024, leading to the issuance of the second ultimatum from August 1, to August 15 2025 .

“Before the expiry of the ultimatum, the State Commissioner for Health convened a meeting with union leaders in his office.

The outcome of that meeting was communicated to the members of the organized labour at an expanded State Executive Council meeting ,but it was met with complete opposition and outright rejection.

“It was, therefore, resolved during the session of the expanded State Executive Council meeting,that a third ( 15-day) ultimatum be served on the State Government, effective from August 20,2025 to Wednesday September 3 2025”, the health workers leadership stated

This is as the unions lamented the state Government’s discriminatory treatment against health workers in the State.

They expressed deep regrets that most health workers in the state do no not earn a daily income of more than N 10 000 , unlike the situation in other parts of the country.

Centre Cautions Against Regulating Social Media

Ayodele Oni

August 23, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has observed that social media has nothing to do with insecurity in Nigeria and cautioned against any attempt to regulate it.

Rather, it urged government officials to focus on addressing insecurity, poverty, and unemployment instead.

The group was reacting to a recent call by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who, during the presentation of nomination forms to Governor Biodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State, described social media as a threat to Nigeria’s peace.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u, CITAD said the senator’s remark was part of a recurring pattern of government officials scapegoating social media for the country’s challenges.

It added that such a call must not be taken as an accidental statement stressing “It is part of the growing mindset within government that clamours for the derogation of freedom of expression online.”

Coming from a high-ranking senator and against the background of heightened clampdown on freedom of expression online, Ya’u argued that insecurity across Nigeria was not caused by social media but by the government’s inability to address fundamental issues fueling unrest.

“This country has been witnessing increasing high levels of insecurity with violence visiting innocent people almost on a daily basis.

“This high level of insecurity has nothing to do with social media but results from the failure of government to address the root causes of insecurity and communal tensions.”

Ya’u identified injustice, poverty, unemployment, and poor conflict resolution mechanisms as the major drivers of insecurity. Nowhere in the world has reality shown that social media is responsible for the lack of peace.”

He stressed that instead of clamping down on digital expression, the government should “rethink its policies, which are generating poverty, unemployment, misery and hopelessness, all of which feed into discontent that results in youth restiveness.”

He also described social media as a democratic necessity, noting that “access to and use of social media has become a fundamental right of citizens as it is the means for the people to receive and share information and express themselves, a foundational requirement for any democracy worth its name.”

Ya’u therefore urged Senator Bamidele to retrace his steps and lend his voice to efforts geared toward solving the country’s pressing socio-economic problems.

“Social media regulation is a euphemism to curtail the right of expression of citizens online which has no place in our democracy and therefore must not be allowed,”

“CITAD calls on the Senate Leader to retrace his path, as a former respected activist for social justice, and add his voice to the demand that government should address the hunger, joblessness, insecurity and social injustice in the country.”

Gov Alia Distances Self From Move To Impeach Assembly Speaker

Ayodele Oni

August 23, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has reacted to an attempt to impeach the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh, and distanced himself from the botched attempt.

The Assembly had suspended six lawmakers for the failed bid to impeach the Speaker on Thursday.

Alia said this in a statement issued late Friday in Makurdi by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula.

According to the statement, Alia reiterated his respect for the rule of law and the principle of separation of powers, affirming that he held the Assembly in high esteem.

The statement also emphasised that the governor had consistently responded to all communications and resolutions sent to him by the House.

“This commitment was demonstrated only a few days ago when he promptly upheld and implemented critical resolutions of the Assembly conveyed to his office.”

Alia reaffirmed his cordial working relationship with the Dajoh-led Assembly and pledged continued support for its legislative duties in the interest of Benue State’s development.

The Assembly had refused to screen a list of commissioners forwarded by the governor over what it described as Alia’s failure to implement some resolutions of the parliament.

No Warrant Required For Police Random Search – Spokesman

Ayodele Oni

August 23, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, has clarified that operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) do not need a warrant to conduct a random search.

In a post he made on X on Saturday, the police spokesperson in Delta claimed that random searches of pockets and bags are permitted without warrants.

Edafe noted that the only time the police is required to produce a warrant before searching a suspect is when it involves searching a house or phone.

“Do the police have the right to search you randomly without a search warrant? The answer is yes, search you and not your houses or your phones.

“But to search you, your bag, pockets, is allowed,” the spokesperson declared.

The question on whether a policeman is permitted to search an individual without a warrant is prominent in the country as it has generated several cases.

Police hierarchy has warned severally that individuals should not submit their phones to policemen for checking.

1...448449450...2,951 Page 449 of 2,951