Atiku’s ADA Gets INEC’s Attention For Registration

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June 28, 2025

There are indications that the All Democratic Alliance, ADA, would get the nod of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to be registered as a political party in the country, barely a week after the group made up of angry opposition laders applied to the commission for registration.

ADA, reported to be the baby of the coalition forces, who are gearing up to face the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election, the magazine reported had few days ago sought INEC’s recognition as a political party.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, a former Governor of Rivers state and former Transportation Minister, former Governor Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna state, amongst others are said to be behind ADA.

INEC had after receiving the application disclosed that ADA and 109 groups, which applied to the commission had yet to meet the requirements to be registered as a political parties.

But the magazine learned that light may appear at the end of the tunnel for ADA as INEC has given an indication that the association may be registered soon.

In a letter sent to the Protem Chairman of ADA, on Sunday and signed by Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the commission said it’s currently processing the applications in line with the extant electoral law and the Constitution.

The letter dated June 27, 2025 with reference number INEC/DEPM/LRPP/785/11/89 , tilted, Re: ‘Application for Registration as a political party’ read, “Your letter dated 19th June, 2025 on the above subject is acknowledged. The Commission is processing your application in line with the provision of part 1, clause 2(ii) of our Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022. Accept the assurance of the Commission’s high regards”.

Not a few insist that the commission will go ahead to register the party, once all the requirements had been met, to live up to its mettle as an unbiased election umpire.

Nigeria Heads World Customs Organization For The First Time

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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June 28, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Nigeria has been unanimously elected the Leader of the World Custom Organization, WCO, for the first time since the formation of the global body.

Nigeria’s Customs Service, NCS, Comptroller, General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, was on Saturday June 28, 2025, at its 145th/146th General Council meeting held in Brussels elected as the Chairperson of the WCO Council, which is the highest decision-making organ of the global customs administration.

A statement from the National spokesman of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada ACC, informed that Adeniyi is taking over from South Africa’s Commissioner of Revenue Service Edward Kieswetter.

Reacting to his election, CGC Adeniyi expressed profound appreciation to the Council members for finding him worthy to leader the global customs administration body.

He described the development as both humbling and historic For Nigeria and the African Customs community at large.

“This honour is not mine alone, it reflects the collective progress of the Nigeria Customs Service, and the transformative agenda, we have pursued over the past two years.

“As chairperson, I pledge to uphold the core values of the WCO ,while promoting innovation ,equity ,and deeper collaboration among member states in response to the complex realities of global trade”, Adeniyi stated.

The NCS head, also, assured of his unwavering commitment towards supporting the efforts of the WCO in modernizing its operations ,as well as the implementation of the 2025–2028 master plan.

“We are entering a critical phase in the evolution of global trade, where customs must balance facilitation with enforcement, transparency, with innovation, and sovereignty with cooperation.

“I intend to work closely with member administrations and stakeholders to position WCO as a dynamic, forward-looking institution fit for today’s challenges”, he emphasized.

Adeniyi commended his predecessor in office, Kieswetter for providing a focused leadership and stabilizing the Council.

Particularly, Adeniyi acknowledged the solid foundation laid by the South African, noting that it will assist in the thriving of current reforms within the system.

While expressing confidence in the upcoming sessions of the Council ,CGC Adeniyi affirmed his readiness towards facilitating meaningful dialogue and progress among the global customs community.

The WCO Council is the organization’s supreme governing body, established by the Convention on the Establishment of a customs Cooperation Council.

Its core mandate promotes uniformity, modernization, and global best practices among customer administrations.

All WCO working bodies report to the Council whose policy decisions guide the operations of customs administration across its 185 member states.

As Chairperson ,CGC Adeniyi is expected to provide strategic leadership to the WCO policy Commission, steering the global customs agenda and facilitating high-level discussions on trade facilitations, revenue optimization ,security ,cross-border cooperation and digital transformation.

To this end ,he will also work closely with the WCO Secretary General Iran Saunders and the WCO Secretariat to ensure the implementation of the organization’s Strategic Plan while at the same time championing greater inclusivity, capacity development ,and sustainability in customs operations ,particularly for developing countries”, the statement noted.

Ondo: SDP Accuses Govt Of Tampering With LG Funds

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Ayodele Oni

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June 28, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Chapter of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP), has alleged that despite granting full autonomy to Local Councils, Ondo State Government is still controlling Federal Allocations meant for Local Governments, describing the practice as a blatant violation of fiscal federalism and democratic principles.

This was contained in a statement on Saturday by the SDP State Chairman, Barr.Gbenga Akinbuli.

He pointed out that the funds, which are constitutionally designated for grassroots development and service delivery, are being diverted by the state government.

The SDP chairman said the action has deprived local councils of critical resources needed for healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security.

“We have credible information that federal allocations meant for local governments are being collected by the state government. This revelation raises serious concerns about fiscal federalism, local autonomy, and the principles of democracy.

“This unlawful collection must cease. The state government must prioritize transparency and accountability in the management of local government funds.”

The SDP chairman condemned the practice as “unconscionable” and called for the immediate release of all withheld funds to the respective local governments.

He emphasized that denying local governments access to their funds undermines service delivery and erodes public trust.

The SDP further accused the ruling party in the state of stifling democratic processes, citing alleged manipulation of previous local government and state elections to prevent opposition participation and maintain control.

“The actions of the state government are consistent with efforts to suppress the will of the people. The manipulation of election results to keep opposition parties out of power is a clear sign of authoritarian tendencies.”

He advised that future federal allocations be disbursed directly to local governments without interference, to allow them function independently and effectively.

“The people deserve better governance. It is time for the state government to uphold the constitution and respect the rights of local authorities to govern in the interest of their communities.”

Akinbuli therefore called on the Attorney General of the Federation to intervene, noting that the continued disregard for local government autonomy by some state governments, including Ondo, contradicts the federal government’s stated commitment to decentralization and constitutional order.

Police Applauds Producer Of Viral Kidnap Scene In Awka

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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June 28, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP, Ikioye Orutugu has hailed the rare courage displayed by a resident who recorded an abduction scene in Awka, the State capital.

The CP acknowledged the vital role the said viral video is now playing in the efforts of the police in both rescuing the kidnapped victim, as well as hunting down the three-man abduction gang.

The video which has been trending in the social media aptly captured the scene in which three armed men operating in a stainless-coloured Toyota Highland SUV without a number plate, kidnapped their victim, a middle aged man who was returning from dropping his child in school on Friday June 27, 2025.

A statement from the Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, SP, on Saturday June 28, 2025, informed that the heavily armed hoodlums shot sporadically in the air to scare both on-lookers and passers-by before whisking away the victim.

The Police Commissioner who commended the individual who risked all in the face of the indiscriminate shootings to record the video promised that the Service will surely leverage the video in its operations.

“The Police Command in Anambra will leverage the viral video of the criminal operation of three armed men who operated in a stainless coloured Highlander without a number plate.

“They ( kidnappers) shot indiscriminately and abducted an unsuspecting victim in the early hours of June 27, in Awka.

“Given the above, the Commissioner of Police, CP, in the State Ikioye Orutugu has hailed the bravery of the individual who recorded the video.

“This is aiding the rescue operations, and potentially helping to save the kidnapped”, Ikenga stated.

According to the CP, such rare act of courage represents a testimonial to the impact community involvement has on the effective policing in the society.

The CP noted that the Command is banking on the video to identify the hoodlums, gather intelligence, and arrest those involved in the dastardly incident.

Anambra Gov Election: LP Pays Mandatory N50m Campaign Permit Fee

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Ayodele Oni

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June 28, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Labour Party (LP) in Anambra State, is fully set for the flag-off of its campaigns as Dr. George Moghalu the party’s candidate and running mate, Mrs. Ify Okaro has paid the mandatory N50 million permit fer.

The fee, which is one of the conditions laid down by the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA) was paid via their Campaign Organization.

The payment was made on Saturday at the ANSAA headquarters in Awka by the Director -General ,(DG,)of the Moghalu Okaro Campaign Organization, Okey Chukwuogo, who was warmly received by the Managing Director of ANSAA, Mr. Tony Ujubuonu.

By the action, the L P has officially secured the green light to commence all outdoor campaign activities across the 21 local government areas of the state.

The campaign modalities include posters, billboards, branded campaign vehicles, rallies, public address systems, and other approved publicity tools.

The ANSAA boss, Tony Ujubuonu, had explained that the permit fee was a statutory requirement for all political parties intending to conduct outdoor advertising during the election period.

A total of 16 political parties have been cleared by INEC to contest the gubernatorial poll in the state and the permit process is expected to generate over ₦800 million for the state.

Speaking after the payment, Chief Dr. George Moghalu described it as more than a formality, calling it “a public declaration of discipline, order, and responsible leadership.

“This payment is proof that we are ready—not just to campaign, but to govern. Our approach to leadership starts with accountability and respect for institutions. We are setting a new tone for governance in Anambra.”

He assured Ndi Anambra that his campaign would focus on real issues affecting their daily lives—security, infrastructure, jobs, education, and good governance.

“We are not here to make noise—we are here to deliver results, to restore dignity to governance, and to bring prosperity to our people,” Moghalu affirmed.

Seven Years After Graduation, JAMB Declares Admission Of FUTA Graduate Fake

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Ayodele Oni

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June 28, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has rendered the admission of Bashola Jamiu, as a nullity after seven years full time programme at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, (FUTA). He graduated from the Department of Civil Engineering.

Jamiu has made a passionate appeal to Nigerians over a controversy surrounding his academic records, which he claims is threatening his future.

In a 4:05 minutes video appeal, Bashola, an orphan, revealed that he gained admission into FUTA in 2017 through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

He began his academic journey in 2018 and successfully graduated in 2024 after seven years of study.

However, following his graduation, Bashola said he was shocked to learn that JAMB had flagged his admission as “fake,” without providing any tangible evidence.

The alleged discrepancy came to light when the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) reportedly rejected his mobilization details on account of JAMB’s claim.

He explained that when he tried to access his JAMB portal to verify the issue, he repeatedly received messages saying “access denied” and was advised to visit an accredited JAMB center.

After several visits to JAMB offices in an attempt to resolve the issue, Jamiu said he was told that he would be handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for investigation.

According to him, he voluntarily submitted himself to the DSS and spent hours in custody before being transferred to the police for further questioning.

During this period, his institution was represented by an officer who, he said, presented proof of his admission and supported his claims.

He was eventually granted bail by a friend and assured by police officers that a report of the investigation would be forwarded to the Commissioner of Police in Abuja.

Yet, as of the time of his video statement, Basha said there has been no response or acknowledgment from JAMB headquarters in Abuja.

The embattled graduate insists he possesses all the necessary documentation, including his original JAMB result, admission letter from both JAMB and FUTA, and other supporting academic credentials to back up the legitimacy of his admission.

Bashola said he has not relented in his search for justice, having written several letters to various authorities within the university, including the Registrar, the Vice-Chancellor, and the Chairman of the Admission Committee, appealing for intervention and direct correspondence with JAMB.

Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) confirmed that Jamiu Bashola was admitted into the Department of Civil Engineering of the of the institution in the 2017/2018 academic session after passing the 2017 UTME .

In a statement through the Director Corporate Communication FUTA, Mr. Adegbenro Adebanjo, the institution noted that “In the course of trying to fill the appropriate form to be mobilized for the NYSC in his final year, he discovered his admission was declared fake by JAMB. He contacted JAMB and was informed that the matter would have to be investigated by the Police.

“The University was invited by the Police and all documents pertaining to his admission was presented for scrutiny. Thereafter, the Police wrote their report and reported that it had been forwarded to JAMB Headquarters for consideration.

“The University also took the extraordinary step of writing JAMB a reminder on the issue.

” FUTA has discharged its responsibility on the matter on behalf of Jamiu Basola and waits on JAMB, which flagged his status in the first place, to resolve the matter based on the documents and information supplied to them by FUTA relating to the status of Jamiu Basola.”

Bukar Dalori Named Acting APC National Chairman

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Akinwale Kasali

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June 28, 2025

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Bukar Dalori - Acting APC National Chairman

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the sudden resignation of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, with immediate effect, as the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Bukar Dalori, the Deputy National Chairman, North, of the APC, has assumed the role of Acting National Chairman of the ruling Party.

It came as a shock when Ganduje suddenly announced his resignation as the Party’s National Chairman. He was appointed to the saddle in August 2023.

He cited health issues for his resignation, but sources within the Party said that he stepped down amid growing internal agitation and mounting calls for the return of the National Chairmanship to the North Central zone, the region originally allocated the position under the APC’s zoning arrangement.

Other sources within the party hinted that his exit may be connected to strategic political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections.

One source noted that the positioning of potential Vice-Presidential Candidates from the North West, Ganduje’s home Zone, could have influenced the decision.

Kano-Born Business Mogul, Alhassan Aminu Dantata Dies

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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June 28, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Renowned Kano business mogul and elder statesman, Alhassan Aminu Dantata, is dead.

Dantata, a well known philanthropist, passed on in the early hours of Saturday, June, 28, 2025, in Dubai ,United Arab Emirate, at the age of 94.

Aminu Dantata who hailed from Bebeji area of Kano state was the 15th child of a family of seventeen children whose trajectory in business is well documented.

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is one of the children of Aminu Dantata’s sister, Maria Dangote.

Although much more known within the business world where he presided over a vast business conglomerate, Aminu Dantata was also a prominent personality in the political evolution of both Kano and Northern Nigeria ,.

A pioneer Commissioner for Planning and Development in Kano between 1967 and 1972 ,Aminu Dantata was also a prominent face in the Old Northern Nigeria House of Assembly where he served as one of the representatives of Kano between 1960 and 1966.

Between 1960 and 1966, his political activities occiliated between the Northern Elements Progressive Union NEPU and Northern Peoples Congress NPC.

He was one of the progenitors of Jaiz Bank in Nigeria,as well as its activities in promoting the economic growth and development of Kano and other northern states.

Aminu Dantata through the instrumentalities of his Foundation ,left an indelible mark in philanthropic gestures across the Northern region ,and Nigeria.

Born May 19, 1931, Amuinu Dantata was also one of the promoters of Kano state Foundation, an endowment fund that supported educational initiatives, and provided grants to small scale entrepreneurs in Kano.

His business ventures cut across real estate, fertilizer productions and distribution, Gas and Oil ,Commodity trading,and Construction.

Over the years, he expanded his business holdings and activities into various sectors of the Country’s political and economic sphere.

His Construction firm by the beginning of the 1960s received enormous patronage from the Federal Government with the firm one of the outfits that handled the construction of the School of Aviation in Zaria .

Instructively, Aminu Dantata was one of the three delegates that made up the 23 member economic mission group.,the first world-wide mission sent by. the newly Independent Nigerian Government in 1964.

He is survived by many children ,grandchildren and great grand children ,and siblings .

Owo Memorial Park: Gov. Aiyedatiwa Sets Up Committee On New Edifice

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Ayodele Oni

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June 28, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Government, still in search of truce over the demolition of the Memorial Park built in Owo in honour of victims of terrorists attack, has constituted a committee to work on a new site for the project.

At a meeting in Akure on Friday, the controversies trailing the demolition of the Memorial Park in Owo have been laid to rest as the Catholic Diocese accepted and pledged support for the relocation of the cenotaph to another site in Owo.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Ebenezer Adeniyan, in a statement said that Aiyedatiwa, met with stakeholders where all the issues surrounding the incident were addressed and resolved.

The meeting, held at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, was attended by the leaders of the Church, led by the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Dr. Jude Arogundade, Bishop of Owo Diocese, Bishop Steven Fagbemi, and the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ondo State, who was represented by his deputy, Bishop Ayodeji Komolafe.

Others at the meeting included Chairman of the Action Committee of CAN, Apostle ZB Adeboriota, the immediate past Chairman of CAN, Dr. Ayo Oladapo, the Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Very Rev Father Dominic Adeosun, representative of the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese, Archbishop Simeon Borokini and the representatives of the Olowo-in-Council.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who said religion and culture must coexist peacefully, added that the need to find a balance between the two necessitated the demolition of the Memorial Park to make way for a new one which will not cause any communal crisis.

The Governor added that he has commissioned a team of government officials to liaise with the relevant stakeholders to make arrangements to build a new cenotaph at a location acceptable to the church and the people of Owo.

The Governor warned parties involved and critics of the demolition to refrain from the language and narratives that could incite the people and lead to break down of law and order in the community.

Bishop Arogundade and other leaders who spoke at the meeting said the crisis that followed the demolition was unnecessary, adding that the church has accepted the decision to relocate the Memorial Park and will give support to the committee that will find a suitable location for a new cenotaph.

Stressing that Owo community has been very accommodating to the Catholic Church for decades as the first church to settle in the community, the religious leaders promised to continue to accord the culture, the stool of the Olowo and the Olowo-in-Council the respect they deserve.

Uzodimma Appoints Imo State Immediate Past CAN Chairman, Eches, Special Adviser

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The Source

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June 27, 2025

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Governor Hope Uzodimma has named the immediate past Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Imo State Chapter, Rev. Dr. Divine Eches Divine as his Special Adviser on Religious Affairs.

His appointment took effect June 25, 2025.

Rev Eches was elected Chairman of CAN, Imo State in 2020, a position he relinquished this month following a successful hand over to a successor.

In the five years that Rev Eches held away as CAN boss in Imo State, he acquitted himself creditably, discharging his roles in ways that also brought accolades to him from his Superiors working in God’s vineyard, both within and outside.

Before Rev Eches became Chairman of CAN Imo State, he had held other key positions in the organisation such as Secretary; Director of Education, Youth and Women Development; Deputy Publicity Secretary; among others.

A strong member of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) ministry, Rev Eches holds a Doctorate Degree in Theology, and was at different times, Chaplain of Enyimba Football Club, Aba and Super Eagles of Nigeria

He hails from Isiala Mbano in Imo State.

In congratulating Rev Eches in his new role, Governor Uzodimma expects that he will bring his wealth of experience, not just to serve Imo State well, but to deploy same in ensuring that the society is a better place for all.