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One-Term: Oshiomhole Slams Obi’s Desperation

By
James Orji
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has dismissed Peter Obi’s pledge to transform Nigeria within a single four-year term if elected president in 2027, describing the promise as unrealistic and a reflection of political desperation.
The former Edo State governor made the remarks during an appearance on TVC’s Beyond the Headlines, where he questioned both Obi’s credibility and his capacity to deliver on his campaign promises.
According to him, Obi has failed to demonstrate consistency in his political career. He recalled that the former Anambra State governor had once vowed never to leave the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) out of respect for the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, only to abandon the party immediately after completing his tenure.
“The Peter Obi who governed Anambra is not the Peter Obi Nigerians are seeing today,” Oshiomhole said, arguing that the former governor had become “a political wanderer.”
He also took aim at Obi’s business background, insisting that his experience as a trader does not equip him for the long-term planning required to govern a country as complex as Nigeria.
“Traders think in the short term. They are not wired for long-term projections like manufacturers and investors,” Oshiomhole argued, adding that Obi’s business activities were centered on importation rather than local production.
He further alleged that Obi’s business model “exports jobs and imports unemployment,” claiming it runs contrary to the industrial growth Nigeria needs.
Defending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Oshiomhole said the President inherited a deeply troubled economy but had shown the courage to implement difficult reforms aimed at putting the country on a stronger footing.
He likened Tinubu’s economic policies to a painful but life-saving surgical operation, insisting that while the reforms have imposed short-term hardship, they are beginning to produce positive results.

You Must Produce Phantom PFIPC DG On Wednesday – Reps Committee Tells IGP

By
Ayodele Oni
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Olatunji Disu - IGP
IGP Olatunji Disu

By Ayodele Oni

 

The House of Representatives Committee investigating the activities of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) on Monday resumed sitting with a directive to the Inspector-General of Police ( IGP), to produce the self-acclaimed Director-General of the organisation, Adeyemi Adeniyi, before it on Wednesday.

 

The directive was issued during the resumed investigative hearing at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, as lawmakers intensified their probe into the alleged operations of the organisation.

 

Representing the Inspector-General of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police Bashir Abdullahi, appeared before the committee and was instructed to ensure Adeyemi’s appearance by noon on Wednesday to assist lawmakers in their investigation.

 

The committee is examining how the PFIPC, despite allegedly lacking legal backing, secured office accommodation in Phase III of the Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja, and received a budgetary allocation of ₦1.32 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

 

The directive followed the Nigeria Police Force’s confirmation of aspects of its criminal investigation, including petitions from the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President alleging that Adeyemi falsely presented himself as the Director-General of both the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.

 

Committee Chairman, Yusuf Gagdi, said Adeyemi’s appearance had become necessary given the gravity of the allegations and the institutions implicated.

 

“This committee clearly needs the suspected DG to appear before it. People’s names are involved. People’s integrity is involved. Institutional names are involved. Institutional integrity is involved.

 

“It is not an option now. We will need him here to confirm some documents in a way that will not undermine our investigation and enable us to submit our report on time,” Gagdi said.

 

The committee subsequently directed its clerk to formally communicate its resolution to the Inspector-General of Police, ordering that Adeyemi be presented before lawmakers by 12 noon on Wednesday.

 

Earlier, ACP Abdullahi informed the committee that the police had already filed an eight-count charge against Adeyemi before the Federal High Court following investigations conducted last year.

 

“The Nigerian Police Force investigated part of this case late last year and filed eight-count charges before a Federal High Court. The case is ongoing,” he said.

 

He disclosed that the suspect had been arrested and arraigned but declined to provide details that could prejudice the ongoing investigation and court proceedings.

 

The police, however, confirmed that on October 17, 2025, the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President petitioned security agencies over allegations against Adeyemi, leading to investigations and criminal charges bordering on conspiracy and fraud.

 

Investigators also confirmed receiving another petition alleging that Adeyemi falsely presented himself as Director-General of both the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.

 

According to the police, the suspect allegedly used the purported office to obtain accommodation within the Federal Secretariat, sought approval to recruit about 300 personnel, attempted to secure a ₦1.3 billion allocation in the 2026 Appropriation Act for the non-existent agency, and planned to organise a World Investment Summit under the platform of the council.

 

A dramatic moment during the hearing came when the committee compared signatures on documents allegedly issued from the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President with authentic official correspondence obtained by the police.

 

Asked whether the signatures matched, ACP Abdullahi replied, “They are not the same.”

 

The committee said the discrepancy strengthened suspicions that official State House documents had been forged.

 

Gagdi disclosed that investigators had identified about 29 allegedly forged documents, including purported approvals from the State House, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Ministry of Finance and several other government institutions.

 

He noted that representatives of many of the affected agencies had already appeared before the committee and disowned the documents attributed to their offices.

 

While assuring that the House investigation would continue independently, Gagdi said the committee had deliberately avoided compelling the police to disclose information capable of compromising ongoing criminal investigations, adding that its final report could recommend further action by relevant security agencies.

Kano: NDC Battles To Keep Hanga, Gaya After They Met Tinubu

By
James Orji
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Senator Kabiru Gaya
Senator Kabiru Gaya

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC is making a desperate bid to retain two of its most influential figures in Kano—Senator Rufai Sani Hanga and former Governor Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya—as mounting speculation links both politicians with a move to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
The anxiety within the opposition party followed the appearance of Hanga and Gaya alongside Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin during a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting came shortly after the APC National Chairman reportedly paid separate visits to the homes of the two politicians, fueling widespread reports that their defection is imminent.
Although neither Hanga nor Gaya has publicly declared plans to leave the NDC, the party admits it is increasingly concerned by the unfolding political drama.
Kano NDC Chairman Hussaini Isah Mairiga described the reports as disturbing, saying the party would regard the departure of either man as a major setback.
“The reports are everywhere, and we also saw them visiting President Tinubu. While they have not officially informed us of any intention to defect, the developments suggest there may be substance to the speculation,” Mairiga said.
He appealed to the two party stalwarts to reconsider any planned defection and instead engage the party leadership to resolve whatever grievances they may have.
“If we have offended them in any way, let us sit together and discuss it. We urge them to have a rethink because they remain highly valued members of our party,” he said.
Mairiga also disclosed that Senator Hanga had recently voiced concerns over his treatment within the party, but noted that NDC leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso deliberately chose not to respond immediately, preferring to allow tempers to cool before initiating dialogue.
Despite the visible courtship by the APC, the NDC insists that both Hanga and Gaya remain members of the party and maintains that their recent interactions with leaders of the ruling party should not yet be interpreted as confirmation of defection.

Presidency Tears Into Obi, Defends Tinubu’s Political Trajectory

By
James Orji
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has launched a scathing attack on Peter Obi, describing the former Anambra State governor’s recent interview on Channels Television as a public relations disaster that failed to revive his 2027 presidential bid.
In a post on his X account on Monday, Onanuga said Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), had hoped the television appearance would re-energise his political fortunes but instead triggered widespread criticism.
According to Onanuga, he watched only about 30 minutes of the interview before switching off, claiming Obi made several false assertions that drew negative reactions from viewers.
One of the key issues raised during the interview was Obi’s attempt to equate his political journey with that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after he was questioned about frequently changing political parties. Onanuga rejected the comparison, insisting that Tinubu’s political career has been marked by ideological consistency, unlike Obi’s.
Tracing the President’s political history, Onanuga said Tinubu entered partisan politics through the Social Democratic Party (SDP), under which he won election to the Senate. He noted that following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Tinubu became a prominent figure in the pro-democracy movement, resisting military rule, enduring detention, and eventually going into exile, where he continued campaigning for the restoration of democracy.
He added that Tinubu returned to Nigeria in 1998, joined the Alliance for Democracy (AD), and was elected governor of Lagos State in 1999. Despite internal crises within the AD and political pressure from the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Tinubu retained his seat in the 2003 governorship election.
Onanuga further recalled that Tinubu later championed the formation of the Action Congress (AC), which evolved into the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) before becoming one of the major blocs that merged to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013.
Drawing a sharp contrast with Obi’s political career, the presidential aide said the former Anambra governor was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) but later defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he became Atiku Abubakar’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election.
He argued that while Tinubu remained within the same progressive ideological family throughout his political journey, Obi repeatedly switched political parties, making any comparison between the two leaders misleading.

Ondo Assembly Warns Gov. Aiyedatiwa Not To Meddle In Impeachment; Gov. Says He’s Trying To Ensure Peace

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Executive and Legislative arms in Ondo State are engulfed in brickbats over moves by lawmakers to impeach the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji.

 

The crisis rocking the State House of Assembly has deepened as lawmakers pushing for the removal of  Oladiji insisted that the impeachment process would continue despite alleged intervention by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

 

The Governor has, however, insisted that he remains committed only to the maintenance of peace, law and order in the State.

Reacting to claims by some lawmakers that the governor had been reaching out to members to halt the impeachment process, the government described the allegations as unfounded and misleading.

 

The legislators had since last week given Oladiji till last weekend to resign or be impeached.

 

The lawmakers, through the spokesperson of the Assembly, Mr Olatunji Fabiyi, said 21 members had already signed the impeachment notice against the Speaker, stressing that the decision to change the leadership of the House remained unchanged.

Olamide Oladiji - Ondo House of Assembly Speaker
Olamide Oladiji, Speaker, Ondo House of Assembly.

Fabiyi alleged that Governor Aiyedatiwa had been reaching out to some lawmakers to withdraw their support for the impeachment move, arguing that the matter was strictly within the constitutional powers of the legislature.

 

He said the lawmakers had no disagreement with the governor, but were only seeking a change in the leadership of the Assembly.

 

“I have the opinion that the governor is calling some members that they should backpedal on the issue of impeachment. It is exclusively a private affair of the House. It’s not an executive affair,” Fabiyi said.

 

The Assembly spokesperson questioned the reason behind the governor’s alleged intervention, insisting that the executive arm should not interfere in the affairs of the legislature.

 

He maintained that the lawmakers’ action was not targeted at Aiyedatiwa, but against the leadership of the Assembly, adding that they had lost confidence in the current Speaker.

 

“We have made it very clear to Mr Governor that we don’t have anything against him other than we don’t want our leadership.

 

“There is no reason why somebody should continue to perpetrate himself over us when we don’t want him again,” he said.

 

The Governor’s camp maintained that the executive has no constitutional role in the internal proceedings of the legislature, stressing that members of the House are free to carry out their legislative responsibilities without any form of interference from Governor Aiyedatiwa.

 

According to the Camp, “Mr. Governor has absolutely nothing to do with whatever is happening in the House of Assembly. He has not prevented any member from carrying out his or her constitutional and legislative responsibilities.”

 

The government further stated that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s overriding concern is the sustenance of peace and political stability in Ondo State, rather than becoming involved in the leadership crisis rocking the Assembly.

 

It noted that the governor respects the principle of separation of powers and would not interfere in the affairs of the legislative arm of government.

 

“The governor’s interest is to ensure peace, law and order prevail across the state. He is not stopping lawmakers from performing any of their legitimate constitutional duties.

 

“The House of Assembly is an independent arm of government, and its members are at liberty to discharge their responsibilities in line with the provisions of the Constitution and the House Rules,” the reaction added.

 

The government urged political actors and members of the public to refrain from dragging the governor into matters that are strictly within the jurisdiction of the legislature, insisting that any attempt to link him to the Assembly’s internal crisis is unnecessary and capable of heating up the political atmosphere.

 

It reiterated Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to good governance, constitutional democracy and harmonious working relationships among the three arms of government, while expressing confidence that members of the Assembly would resolve their differences through lawful and democratic means.

Hoodlums Gun Down Another Rivers Security Chief… Police Move To Track Down Killers

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Letam Kine

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The River State Police Command has vowed to explore all available pathways to hunt down suspected killers of a former Chief Security Office  of Khana Local Council of the State, Letam Kine.

 

The Source reports that some armed hoodlums attacked and killed Kine late Sunday evening July 26, 2026 along Polytechnic Road in Bori town, Khana Local Government Area.

 

The unfortunate incident which has severely unsettled residents of  Bori, as well as officials of the Khana Local Council is coming on the heels of the dastardly killing of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Commander of Security Planning and Advisory Committee OSPAC, Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha penultimate week.

 

Nwaocha was killed alongside three women by suspected cultists while relaxing with his sister close to his residence in Omoku.

 

Reacting to the latest killing targeting operatives of the Rivers State Local Security Agencies, the Chairman of Khana Local Council Chief, Thomas Bariere, described the development as “a senseless act of violence.”

 

According to him, the killing of Kine is heartbreaking, and regrettable, noting that such a barbaric act has no place in a law-abiding society.

 

The Council Chairman expressed serious concern that the incident is coming just weeks after the gruesome killing of  another respected community leader, Clement Deegbara.

 

He, also, expressed fears that the spate of violent attacks targeting officials may have been part of an orchestrated plot by armed hoodlums to compromise the peace and stability of Khana Local Government.

 

This is as he called on security agencies to heighten security across the local council, especially some identified flashpoints.

 

Bariere also urged security agencies to ensure that all those involved in the dastardly incident are arrested and prosecuted.

 

While extending heartfelt condolences to the family, relations friends and associates of the deceased, the Council Chairman sued for calm and vigilance among residents.

 

In a statement from its spokesperson, Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the Rivers state Police Command informed that investigation has commenced to unravel the actual circumstances surrounding the incident ,as well as apprehending those responsible.

 

The Police, however, urged the family of the deceased  to lodge a formal complaint, noting that it will serve to aid and fast track  investigations .

2027: Obasanjo Facilitator Of Obi/ Kwankwaso NDC Presidential Ticket – Fmr Pol Adviser, Osuntokun Reveals

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Akin Osuntokun

By Ayodele Oni 

 

The National Democratic Congress, (NDC) presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general election, is a product of intervention by former president Olusegun Obasanjo.

 

According to Obasanjo’s former political adviser, Akin Osuntokun, the former President is backing the presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general election.

 

 Osuntokun made the disclosure during an interview on ARISE  News, where he dismissed suggestions that Obasanjo was secretly supporting President Bola Tinubu’s reported second-term ambition.

 

Osuntokun, added that the former president has instead played a central role in bringing Obi and Kwankwaso together under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). 

 

“If you can say that Obasanjo is supporting any ticket, it is the Peter Obi–Kwankwaso ticket. As a matter of fact, he is the principal sponsor of that ticket,” Osuntokun said. 

 

He argued that claims linking Obasanjo to Tinubu’s political plans were inconsistent with the former president’s recent actions.

Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso
Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso

 “So how do you then suggest that he is secretly working for Tinubu? It does not make sense to me. I think that claim is absolute bunkum,” he added. 

 

 Osuntokun further claimed that Obasanjo personally facilitated discussions between Obi and Kwankwaso, describing both politicians as being close to the former president.

 

 “He was the one who brought the two men together. He brokered the ticket between Obi and Kwankwaso. Both of them are quite close to him,” he said. 

 

He also expressed confidence in the alliance, describing it as a stronger and more viable ticket than the one presented during the 2023 presidential election. 

 

According to Osuntokun, the combination of Obi’s national appeal and Kwankwaso’s political influence, particularly in northern Nigeria, could significantly boost the opposition’s chances in the 2027 presidential race. 

 

Reflecting on previous political negotiations, he noted that Obi and Kwankwaso could have formed an alliance before the 2023 election.

 

 “Kwankwaso could have teamed up with Obi four years ago. I remember him saying that if they had agreed then, they would probably have had an arrangement in which they would each spend one term in office,” he said.

 

 Osuntokun stated that the Obi-Kwankwaso partnership is “a much more realistic, more compelling ticket” and has the potential to make a significant impact in the 2027 general election.

Rescue Work Intensifies As 3-Storey Hostel Collapses In Anambra

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Hostel Collapsed in Anambra

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Anambra state Fire Service and Emergency Management Agency ( SEMA) are working at a site of a collapse school building in which unconfirmed numbers of persons were trapped.

 

Report, reveals that victims are mainly students that are feared dead in a 3-storey hostel building collapse in Amokpala, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

 

The building, known as Elite Five Star Lodge, was said to have caved in late last night, leaving scores trapped in the rubble.

 

While number of casualties is yet to be ascertained as at time of filing the report, some injured victims have been rescued and taken to a hospital in the area.

 

Confirming the incident, Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed that rescue operations are currently ongoing by joint security team, including State Fire Service and State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA )

 

He said, “Anambra State Police-led joint security team assures ongoing rescue operations following the late-night incident on Sunday 26th July 2026, involving the collapse of a three-storey building known as Elite Five Star Lodge, located beside Tonimas Filling Station, Amokpala, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of the State.

 

“The incident resulted in some occupants being trapped beneath the rubble.”

Borno Announces Closure Of IDP Camp, As Resettlement Programme Intensifies

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Professor Babagana Zulum

By Ayodele Oni

 

As Borno State government announces commencement of resettlement programme for Internally Displaced Persons, (IDP) Governor,  Babagana Zulum, has revealed plans to close the camp in Konduga Local Government Area.

 

Accordong to the governor, this would accelerate the state’s ongoing resettlement programme.

 

The move comes shortly after the successful closure of the Bama IDP camp, which was the largest displacement camp outside Maiduguri, as well as preparations for the shutdown of the Gwoza IDP camp.

 

Governor Zulum, who disclosed the plan during a visit to Konduga, explained that  the resettlement of displaced persons would be carried out in a dignified and voluntary manner, stressing that  residents would not be forced to return to any location against their will.

 

Zulum said the government would engage with the displaced communities before the process begins, noting that the return of IDPs must be based on their readiness and willingness.

 

“We are not carrying out the resettlement process immediately; we are here to discuss with the IDPs so that in the next four months they will be resettled in a dignified manner. I believe you heard from the IDPs that they are willing to return home. Return shall be voluntary, not by force.”

 

During the visit, the governor inspected ongoing construction work at the Amarwa resettlement city, where housing units are being developed for displaced families.

 

The project, which was earlier inaugurated by the governor, is designed to provide a permanent settlement option for residents currently living in camps.

 

Governor Zulum also visited Maiwa in Mafa Local Government Area, where the state government is constructing additional housing units under its resettlement initiative.

 

The housing projects include essential social infrastructure such as primary healthcare centres, water facilities and other basic amenities aimed at ensuring sustainable living conditions for returnees.

 

The Borno State Government has continued to prioritise the rebuilding of communities affected by years of insurgency, with the closure of IDP camps forming part of a broader strategy to restore normalcy, rebuild livelihoods and support the safe return of displaced residents.

 

The Governor was accompanied on the inspection tour by the member representing Bama/Ngala/Kala-Balge Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Bukar Talba; the Konduga State House of Assembly member, Hon. Bukar Modu; Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele; and other senior government officials.

Access Bank Unveils AI App For SMEs

By
James Orji
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0
Access Bank MD Roosevelt Ogbonna

Access Bank Plc has launched a new digital application designed to help Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs which the lender said will improve efficiency and expand their customer base.

The application was unveiled at the weekend during the bank’s maiden MSME Conference in Lagos, themed “AI for SMEs: Scaling Through Digital Tools,” which brought together technology experts and other stakeholders in the banking sector to brainstorm on the role of artificial intelligence in the highly competitive banking business.

Experts who attended the event include Glarry Gao, Country Manager, Financial Services Industry, Huawei Nigeria, who said AI will give small business owners an edge over their competitors, expand their businesses and provide them with better information about their customers.

Speaking during the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Entrepreneurship Development, Chalya Shagaya, said AI is playing a crucial role in the rapidly changing business world, urging stakeholders to adopt the technology because of its capacity to change business operations.

“The world is changing rapidly, and technology is changing with it. Entrepreneurs must continue learning and adapting because AI is already reshaping the way businesses operate,” she said.

Shagaya stated that business managers can multi-task using AI in the areas of customer service, marketing, inventory management and accounting, saying  by so doing the workload will be highly reduced.

Also speaking, Head of SME Banking, Access Bank, Abiodun Olubitan, said the commercial bank has taken it upon itself to provide entrepreneurs with both finance and requisite innovative and technological skills to grow their businesses.

According to her, “Our commitment is not only to provide access to finance but also to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools and digital capabilities they need to grow sustainable businesses,”

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