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Osun: Gov Adeleke Shelves Defection, Cites Intimidation By APC Leaders

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Ademola Adeleke
Governor Ademola Adeleke

By Ayodele Oni

(Osun) PDP endorses Tinubu for second term, says he is a son of the soil

The stiff opposition by prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Osun state may have compelled Governor Ademola Adeleke to shelve his earlier decision to defect to the party.

During the last caucus meeting of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in Osun State, members endorsed the move by the Governor to decamp to the APC with an assurance by members to follow him.

However, at its last meeting in Osogbo, the leadership of the PDP stated that

“the majority of the members of the APC in Osun State are opposed to the idea of the defection of Governor Adeleke to the APC, which did not originate from the Governor in the first instance.

“Some APC leaders, based on entrenched interests have demonstrated hostility and resentment towards Governor Ademola Adeleke. Some went on social media and national television to call Governor Adeleke all kinds of unprintable names.

“That the majority of PDP members in Osun State are not happy about the idea of the defection of Governor Adeleke to APC, but only reluctantly agreed to follow Governor Adeleke to wherever he goes to show their love, support and loyalty to his leadership.

“That the State Governor, the State Government, and the PDP as a political party remain very popular and acceptable above all other political parties in Osun State.

“Consequently, the leaders hereby resolve as follows:

“That the PDP in Osun State recognizes the  fact that Osun State is the ancestral home of  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which makes the President the son of Osun State.

“Therefore, the PDP in Osun State hereby, adopts, and endorses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 presidential election.

“That PDP in Osun State reaffirms its adoption and endorsement of  Governor Ademola Adeleke for re-election in the 2026 governorship election on the platform of the PDP.

“That  Governor Ademola Adeleke and all members of the PDP in Osun State should remain in the PDP.

“That the leadership of the PDP in Osun State is directed to disseminate the resolution to all structures of the party in the state; and

“That the State Governor is enjoined to forge ahead with governance and implementation of the administration’s Five Point Agenda.”

All leaders present at the meeting endorsed the decision.

Gov Adeleke Pledges To Deliver On Election Promises, Completes 200 Km Of Roads

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor
Governor Ademola Adeleke

By Ayodele Oni

Going into almost three years of his administration, Osun state Governor, Ademola Adeleke has revealed that over 200 kilometers of roads have either been reconstructed or rehabilitated.

The Governor who spoke on Tuesday at a reception by people of Ila Orangun during the flag off of Ila Orangun township road dualization, said he is committed to delivering on his five point agenda and other electoral promises.

Spokesperson to the State Governor, Olawale Rasheed, in as statement, said the governor stressed that Ila Orangun and other cities are being positively touched by his administration.

Adeleke affirmed that his pact of service with Osun people is unbreakable and sustainable, repeating his vow to deepen the service relationship with the people of the State.

“The Ilesa dualization project is 78 percent completed; the Ile-Ife flyover project is 75 percent completed; the Oke-Fia flyover is over 95 percent done, while the LAMECO flyover is about 55 percent executed.

“I am equally glad to inform you of this August gathering that the 1.5 kilometers across all the Local Government Areas of the State are almost completed in its entirety. The Oke Gada bridge is 100 percent completed.

“For the records, we have completed the construction of about 2KM length of Oba Jinsin/Ita Obajoko road, Ogunlade Junction – Kamila Junction road and Ajagunla Street. Also, 1.8KM length of the rehabilitation/ construction of Aregun Junction – Ogunlolu road has also been completed in Ila”,  the Governor noted.

The Governor also revealed that his government is determined, and “we are pushing ahead with the mega projects, adding “I assure the public that our administration will not leave any project uncompleted.

“My dear people of the State, while the first phase of the infrastructure projects is being successfully executed, today we are announcing the take-off of the dualization of the 1st phase of 3.5Km length of Ila Township Road, and this project will be delivered in 10months by the grace of God.

“As part of my government efforts to open up Osun state through road infrastructure, I have also approved the rehabilitation of Ila- Ora- Oke Ila road.

“The rehabilitation job has reached Oke Ila junction, and I want to assure the Orangun of Oke-Ila, the  Akesin of Ora; the Asaoni of  Ora and my people in Ora that the job will continue shortly.”

The Orangun of Ila, in his welcome address, appreciated the performance of the governor since he assumed office, citing several completed and ongoing projects and programmes across the state.

CBN Announces New Interest Rate

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Yemi Cardoso - CBN Governor

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has retained the Monetary Policy Rate, MPR or benchmark interest at 27.50 percent.

This is the second time the apex bank has retained the interest rate in the country at this rate this year following a similar decision in May.

The CBN governor Olayemi Cardoso, made the announcement on Tuesday during the 301st  Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, meeting in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The MPC chaired by the CBN Governor is responsible for formulating monetary and credit policy to achieve price stability and support the Federal Government’s economic policy.

According to Cardoso, the committee decided to retain the MPR at 27.50 percent in line with the current economic realities in the country.

Also, the asymmetric corridor around the MPR was retained at +500/-100 basis points; the Cash Reserve Ratio, CRR at 50 percent for Deposit Money Banks and 16 percent for Merchant Banks; while the Liquidity Ratio, LR, remains unchanged at 30 percent

Recall that the CBN had during its May 2025 meeting retained the benchmark interest rate at 27.50 against expectations by key stakeholders in the economic sector.

Natasha Blocked By Police, NASS Security From Entering Senate

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The attempt by the Senator representing Kogi state, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume sitting at the Nigerian Senate was on Tuesday blocked by the joint efforts of the men of the Nigerian Police Force, NPF and other security personnel at National Assembly.

The magazine reports that the suspended senator had arrived the NASS complex in Abuja, the nation’s capital in company of some human rights activist, including Aisha Yesufu, Mama P and others to enforce the court order which nullified her suspension by the Godswill Akpabio-led Senate.]

Natasha was suspended for six months in March this year by the senators after altercation between her and Akpabio over sitting positions in the Red Chamber.

A recent court order by the Justice Binta Murtala Nyako reinstating her has been interpreted differently by the two parties.

Speaking to journalists after she was prevented from entering the Senate by security agencies, Natasha said she was surprised that she was not allowed to resume her work as a senator having notified the Senate of her decision earlier.

She slammed Akpabio and the management of the Senate for violating the law they were meant to uphold, wondering why she was blocked from the Chamber when the court judgment has been appealed by Senator Akpabio.

As a dully elected senator she stressed that she was being prevented from representing her people in the National Assembly.

She said, ”It’s about me, a duly elected senator walking into the chambers to resume my constitutional duties.

“I had duly notified the Senate through two letters that I would be resuming functions today, July 22nd, 2025.”

The senator raised two major concerns: the heavy police presence and the Senate’s alleged defiance of a court order.

“The number of armed policemen we met outside, all well-kitted with guns, charging at an unarmed female senator, was shocking.

“We have people here, attractive Nigerians, who witnessed this.

“The second thing is the fact that the Senate, under its leadership, has decided to become lawbreakers by denying my entrance into the chambers to resume my duties,” she said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan also addressed what she called a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the court’s ruling in the media.

She said, ”There’s been some conversations in the media by their own team trying to twist a narrative that the judge did not order my reinstatement, and I’d like to clarify that.

“If you look at Section 318 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, it’s very clear that decisions of a court come in five ways: a judicial decree, a sentence, an order, a conviction, and a recommendation.”

“Mine tilted towards a recommendation, which some interpret as voluntary, meaning the Senate has the right to comply or not.

“But I’d like to clarify that again.

“If you go further to Section 287, Subsection 3 of the 1999 Constitution, it clearly specifies that decisions, any of these five decisions of any court, are binding on every authority.

“So, what that means in simple terms: whether Justice Binta Nyako or the Federal High Court made an order, a sentence, a judicial decree, or a recommendation, however they want to interpret the literal words, it is still a decision of a court, and it is still binding on the National Assembly.”

2027: “Raw” Deal Awaits Those Planning To Get “Obi Out”- Obidient Chieftain

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Peter Obi
Peter Obi

Dr Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, the South east leader of the Obedient Movement says any diabolical plan by opponents to “get Obi out’ of the 2027 election will be resisted. He said there’s are pointers that some desperate politicians in the country are planning to get rid of the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour party, LP, before the election.

According to Eze, the July 19 Day of Obedient , used by the obedient group to mark the 64th birthday of Obi was largely successful, noting that the event  pointed to the fact that Nigerians are now ready to take over their country from bad leaders.

He explained that no threats can stop Obi from achieving his aim of ruling the country in 2027, urging Nigerians to  take “notice’ of the plot to stop the ongoing campaign to achieve the aim of making Obi the nation’s next leader.

He urged the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to ensure that Obi picks its presidential ticket for the  2027 presidential election, to ensure the repeat of the 2015 election when the All Progressives Congress, APC, defeated the President Goodluck Jonathan, the incumbent at the time.

He said countries such as Ghana and Senegal had already taught Nigerians how to take their country back from selfish politicians who have no good intention for the country.

Eze: “In 2027, Nigerians will elect their leaders. We have seen what happened in Senegal and recently in Ghana. Courts do not decide who leads or represents the people. If there is any tie, a rerun should be conducted. Nobody will be going to Court to decide elections.

“We have seen the desperation on the other side. What the Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, said about Obi is a revelation. Plans to shrink the campaign stage are currently being worked out. Nigerians should be taking notice.

“If mad men took over the asylum, Nigerians should be prepared to get equally mad to retrieve what is truly theirs by right and fact. Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia, was the first to let the cat out of the bag. If anybody thinks that getting Obi out will guarantee the perpetuation of structure of criminality, a raw awakening awaits him.”

Eze’s remark comes on the heels of the recent alleged threat issued by the Governor of Edo state,Monday Okpebholo to the effect that the former governor of Anambra state should stay away from the state.

Okpebholo’s threat that Obi should take permission from him before he comes to the state, has received trenchant criticisms from not a few well meaning Nigerians, who said the governor’s remark is against his fundamental human rights as provide by the Constitution.

Recall also that the Governor of Benue state, Hyacinth Alia had months ago issued a similar threat, regarded by not a few to stop Obi from achieving his presidential ambition.

Ondo Police Command Arrests Wanted Cultist

By
Ayodele Oni
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Police Officer

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspected cultist who allegedly shot at football enthusiasts, indiscriminately during a live football match in Ondo community.

No death was recorded during the incident, but it resulted in multiple injuries.

The command revealed that the suspect has been linked to various cult related activities in Ondo town and has been evading Police arrest.

State Police Command spokesman, Ayanlade Olusola, in a statement on Tuesday stated that “the command wishes to inform the general public of the arrest of a suspected cultist believed to be involved in a series of violent cult-related attacks in Ondo town, including the recent brutal assault on innocent civilians at a public viewing centre.

“The suspect, whose identity is being temporarily withheld pending the conclusion of investigations, was apprehended at his hideout, following sustained intelligence gathering and a well-coordinated tactical operation by operatives of the Command.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect played a key role in an earlier attack which led to the killing of members of a rival cult group in Ondo town earlier this year.

“Disturbingly, he has also been linked to the violent incident that occurred at Template Bar and Club, Ondo, on 13th July, 2025 at about 2245hrs, during the live broadcast of the FIFA Club World Cup final match between Chelsea and PSG. During the attack, suspected cultists opened fire indiscriminately on unsuspecting football enthusiasts, resulting in multiple injuries.

“This reckless act not only endangered the lives of peace-loving residents but also posed a direct threat to public peace and safety—the very values the Command remains steadfast in preserving.

“The suspect is currently in custody and cooperating with investigators. Intensive efforts are underway to track, identify, and apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.”

The statement also revealed that  between June and July, the Command has arrested a total of 30 male suspected cultists, all of whom have since been charged to court.

“In continuation of its zero-tolerance approach to cultism, the Command recorded significant success during this year’s 7/7 cult anniversary period, a date historically associated with violent clashes among rival groups.

“Due to proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, and the strategic deployment of personnel across identified flashpoints, no cult-related violence was recorded during the period.”

Plans To Achieve $1trn Economy On Course- Oduwole

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Jumoke Oduwole

The Minister of  Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr Jumoke Oduwole, says everything will be done by the federal government to achieve its target of $1 trillion economy for the country by 2030 in line with President bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold economy target.

President Tinubu had after coming to office in 2023 promised to raise the nation’s economy from it’s less than $300 billion current size.

Analysts insist that the target may be a herculean task considering the nation’s economic reality.

According to the latest figure released on Monday by the national Bureau of Statistics, NBS, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Products, GDP now stands at $243 billion.

The figures was released by the statistician General of the Federation/ Chief Executive of the NBS after the  much-awaited rebasing of the economy.

According to Oduwole, all economic activities will be ramp up to achieve the $1 trillion economy promised by the president.

She said there are signs that the economy is picking up in major areas, adding that her ministry would work with private sectors, development partners, and regional institutions to design and implement practice solutions that deliver quick results.

The minister who spoke  in Abuja on Monday at a Domestic Investment Summit with the theme “Operationalisating Nigeria First Policy’’ said the federal government is focusing on raising the production level, by diversifying the economy through targeted reforms.

Oduwole: “The Nigeria First Policy is how we will actualise that vision by turning ambition into productivity and productivity into competitiveness.

“We are already taking actions, which include non-oil exports rose 24.75 per cent in first quarter in 2025, reaching 1.79  billion dollars.

“New textile parks, auto plants, and food hubs are springing up in our Special Economic Zones.

“These facilities are producing locally for our domestic market, saving billions in foreign exchange, creating jobs on a large scale, and positioning Nigeria as the manufacturing hub for ECOWAS and Africa,’’ she said.

The minister said that the president also directed the ministry to convene the summit as a focus group session with large domestic investors that power the Nigerian economy.

She said that the effort was to co-curate strategies, policies and reforms, with clear targets and specific requests of what was needed.

She added that the commitment would help to actualise the 8-point Renewed Hope Agenda, the Nigeria First Policy and achieve the one trillion economy by 2030.

According to her, at the start of the year, the ministry laid out a clear strategy with bold 2025 targets, which include six billion dollars in foreign direct and portfolio investment,

“Also, 6.5 billion dollars in non-oil exports, and a 20 per cent increase in trade value, and 200,000 export-led jobs.

“Through targeted investment road shows and strategic engagements, we have unlocked over 50 billion dollars in commitments.

“This will help to strengthen investors confidence, and reposition Nigeria as a credible, forward-looking investment destination,’’ Oduwole said.

Nigeria’s Economy Falls To 4th Position In Africa, With $243bn GDP

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Wale Edun - Minister of Finance

After months of anticipation the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, has re-based Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, putting it at N372 trillion or $243 billion as of 2024.

The rebasing year, the NBS said, has now changed form 2010 to 2019.

The implication is that Nigeria is now the fourth largest economy in Africa, behind  South Africa, $410.34 billion, Egypt $347.34 billion, and Algeria $268.89 billion.

The Statistician General of the Federation, Adeyemi Adeniran made this known in Abuja, the nation’s capital while addressing journalists, warning against politicising the figures released by NBS.

He explained that the rebasing of the economy was necessary to ascertain the nation’s actual GDP  because  of the changes, from time to time, in production and consumption patterns of citizens, companies and government.

According to him, economy rebasing is a global exercise which is not limited to Nigeria alone, adding that it’s supposed to be done every five years, depending on the resources available to the government.

He explained that it’s very necessary for the government to know the actual size of the economy from time to time, to enable it plan for its citizens.

“This is why statistical offices worldwide undertake the process of rebasing. This is not a Nigerian affair; it is a global practice, conventionally done every five years, of course, depending on resource availability and the technical capacity of the statistical office,” he said.

“It is also essential to state that the conduct of this exercise is not instituted or directed by the government to fulfil any set target or objectives.

“This is merely a routine activity, as I mentioned earlier, one that NBS undertakes in fulfilment of our mandate and as a responsible producer and manager of official statistics in Nigeria.”

He said, “The process of conducting this rebasing exercise, just like any other, requires a massive amount of granular data, and I am proud to say that this one is by far the most comprehensive of any rebasing exercise conducted by the bureau.

“For those who can recall, when presenting the results of the 2014 rebasing exercise, with a base year of 2010, the bureau mentioned that two major activities were missing: the Business Sample Census and the Agriculture Sample Census.

“Under this round, however, not only have both censuses been conducted, but other notable data collection activities have also been carried out. This includes the Nigerian Living Standards Survey, which provided data on Households operating non-farming enterprises.

“Other data collection activities include the National Agricultural Sample Survey, the Annual Business Establishment Survey, the Revised Nigerian Labour Force Survey, and a range of administratively sourced data from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the government,” Adeniran stated.

Major facts from the figures released by NBS

GDP Size: The rebased nominal GDP for 2019 now stands at N205.09 trillion, rising to N372.82 trillion by 2024—a 41.7 percent increase compared to the previous estimates.

Sectoral Contributions: Crop production led the economy with a 17.58 percent share, closely followed by trade (17.42 percent), real estate (10.78 percent), telecommunications (6.78 percent), and crude petroleum and natural gas (5.85 percent). Notably, real estate overtook crude oil in ranking due to improved coverage of informal activities.

Broad Sector Classification: The services sector remained the largest contributor at 53.09 percent, followed by agriculture (25.83 percent) and industry (21.08 percent).

Growth Trends: Real GDP growth improved from -6.96 percent in 2020 (pandemic year) to 3.38 percent in 2024, with stronger performances in 2022 and 2023.

Shariah Police Destroys Millions Of Naira Worth Alcoholic Drinks In Jigawa

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Sharia

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Jigawa State Shariah Police, the Hisbah Board, on Monday, July 21, 2025, announced the confiscation and destruction of Millions of Naira worth of alcoholic drinks in the Kazaure Emirate of the State.

The Source reports that most predominantly Islamic States in the Northern region, frown  at the public sale and consumption of alcoholic products within their territories.

The State Commander of the Hisbah Board, Malam Ibrahim Dahiru, who disclosed this in Dutse, the State capital, informed that the operation which was supervised by the Chairman of the Shariah security outfit in Kazaure Local Council, Mansir Dabuwa, involved the destruction and burning of alcoholic drinks valued at over N 5.8 million.

According to him, the destroyed alcoholic products were mostly those seized from  retail business outlets and joints in the affected Local Government Area.

He emphasized that the sales and consumption of alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited across the State.

This is as he reaffirmed the Board’s unwavering commitment towards enforcing all the extant laws against public sales and consumption of alcoholic drinks.

The Hisbah Commander also expressed the determination of the Shariah security outfit in fighting and rooting out all immoral acts , including the consumption of alcohol.

However, while suing for the support and understanding of residents in the Board’s efforts at effectively discharging its duties, he cautioned the people against engaging in immoral acts and other societal vices.

Babangida Denies Rejecting Appointment As Chairman, BOA, Says Signature, forged

By
Ayodele Oni
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IBB Son and Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

Mohammed Babangida, son of former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has clarified that his signature was forged on the letter which purportedly announced his rejection of appointment as chairman, Bank of Agriculture, (BOA).

He dissociated  himself from reports circulating on social media claiming he rejected his recent appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture, (BOA) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Federal Government had announced his appointment last week alongside seven others. The presidency had earlier issued statement to deny the rejection.

However, on Monday, social media was flooded with a letter allegedly written by Babangida to President Tinubu, thanking him for the offer, but purportedly turning it down due to personal and professional reasons.

Reacting swiftly through the Ibrahim Babangida Media Office in Minna, Babangida described the letter as fake and politically motivated.

Mahmud Abdullahi, spokesperson for the Media Office, said Babangida immediately dismissed the letter as a fabrication by mischief makers when it was brought to his attention.

“It is a concocted letter from disgruntled elements. I am ready to serve as the chairman of the Bank of Agriculture,” Babangida was quoted as saying.

Abdullahi further explained that a closer examination of the letter revealed discrepancies, including a forged signature and an incorrect phone number on the letterhead.

“There is no truth in that letter. The members of the public should disregard it,” he concluded

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