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Afenifere Warns MURIC Against Inciting Religious Conflict In South-west

April 8, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere has warned groups and interests against making inflammatory statements or introducing practices that can endanger peaceful coexistence among the residents of Ekiti and other south-west states.

The organisation also called on intelligence agencies, especially the Nigeria Police and Department of State Services (DSS) to querry the Executive Director of Muslim Rights Concerns (MURIC), Prof. Ishaq Akintola for making comments that can stoke religious conflict in the region.

Afenifere gave the warning on Tuesday in a statement by its Chairman, Ekiti Chapter, Gabriel Alonge following Akintola’s press statement that leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele has declared war on Muslims over Mosque Demolition in Aramoko Ekiti.

MURIC and Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria had influenced and justified the establishment of an independent Shariah Arbitration Panel in the south-west, which triggered stiff opposition from all strata of the region due to its implications for peace and security.

But in its statement, Afenifere described Akintola’s comment as unfounded, unguided and capable of endangering peaceful coexistence among brothers of different religious leanings and stoking the embers of religious conflict in Ekiti State and by extension south-west states.

It said: “We read the press statement of Prof. Ishaq Akintola with grave concerns. We have also dug deeper into the veracity of his claims that Senator Bamidele declared war on Muslims for demolishing a mosque in Aramoko Ekiti, the headquarters of Ekiti West Local Government Area.

“Our findings revealed that Senator Bamidele facilitated the reconstruction of Alara Modern Market in Aramoko Ekiti. We also found out that the market, comprising 60 open shops and 40 lock-up shops, was inaugurated on the 28th March 2025 and handed over to Alara-in-Council and Ekiti West Local Government, the two original owners of the property.

“We found out that Chief Imam of Aramoko Ekiti, Alfa Raheem Bamigbola offered the opening prayer at the inauguration of the market last year.

“Where did Prof. Akintola get his information? For us, at Afenifere, this is a deliberate attempt to destabilise Ekiti State shortly after we got over ripples that their plan to establish the Shariah Arbitration Panel in some south-west states had triggered.

“It is quite disappointing that Prof. Akintola made such a statement that can cause disaffection, even conflict, among brothers and sisters not only in Aramoko and Ekiti State, but also in the region.

“South-west is the only part of the federation that has enjoyed some level of peace and stability. We are completely averse to any move or statement that can undermine our peace and stability in part of the region.

“In Yorubaland, we are known for tolerance and not any form of prejudice despite religious diversity. We are known for our spirit of accommodation and not suppressing alternative voices.

“We are known for constructive engagement and not toxic attacks on politically exposed persons.

Afenifere, called on the Intelligence Department of the Nigeria Police and Department of State Services to start profiling every individual making statements that endanger the region’s peaceful coexistence or any group promoting unsecular practices anywhere in the South-west and Nigeria at large.

Abia Moves Against Illegal Fees In Public Schools

Ayodele Oni

April 8, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Abia State Government has explained that only students in Senior Secondary School class are eligible to pay only three thousand Naira as officially approved fees.

It warned public school Principals and Head Teachers to stop collecting unapproved fees and levies from students, in Primary and Junior secondary school classes declaring that offenders will face strict penalties.

Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, gave the warning during a press briefing at the Government House in Umuahia, after the State Executive Council meeting.

He stressed that the practice violates the state’s policy of free and compulsory education for pupils in public primary and junior secondary schools.

Kanu noted that the government had already made provisions to fund school operations, making any form of illegal fee collection unacceptable.

“This government will no longer tolerate such dishonest behavior. Any official found guilty will be dealt with according to the law and may be dismissed from service.”

He also provided updates on the recent teacher recruitment exercise. According to him, the final stage of the process, which involved certificate screening and oral interviews, ran from March 31 to April 4.

Out of the candidates who took part, about 7,000 applicants, among them 180 individuals living with disabilities, were shortlisted for meeting the 45% and above benchmark.

Those who scored between 40% and 44% were placed on a reserve list to fill possible vacancies caused by disqualification or absenteeism.

The commissioner explained further that the recruitment effort aims to build a strong database of qualified teachers to support the growing number of students enrolling due to the free education policy.

He also announced a second recruitment phase for applicants who missed the first round.

In addition, the state has partnered with the Education Reformation and Innovation Team to train 2,200 teachers across three centres, Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia.

The training, which runs from April 10 to 19, is expected to enhance teaching standards and improve student performance in public schools.

Speaking further, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Goodluck Ubochi, emphasized that the recruitment initiative will help address the teacher shortage, especially in technical and vocational subjects where demand remains high.

Ondo Govt To Demolish 53 Houses At GRA, Says Unsafe For Habitation

Ayodele Oni

April 8, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Government has vowed to go ahead with its plan to redevelop the Alagbaka Government Quarters in Akure to meet the present status of the state capital.

There have been an uproar as government served quit notice to residents of the quarters to enable commencement of the redevelopment.

The residents had accused the state government of planning to sell plots at the quarter to private developers who will construct buildings and lease out to interested Occupants.

Reacting to the allegation, the special adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Ayorinde Olawale explained that the project was part of the state government plan to give the state capital a facelift.

The statement stated that “The recent uproar surrounding the proposed redevelopment of the Alagbaka Government Staff Quarters in Akure has been marked by half-truths, misinformation, and mischievous rhetoric aimed at discrediting a forward-thinking initiative of the Ondo State Government.

“As the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing, I deemed it necessary to clarify the facts and reaffirm the administration’s unwavering commitment to responsible urban renewal in line with global best practices and Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s sustainable infrastructure development agenda.

“The Alagbaka Staff Quarters, consisting of 69 bungalows of 53 residential units and 16 office units, was developed over 30 years ago and currently sits on 31.3 hectares, equivalent to approximately 481 standard land plots.

“Over the years, these structures have suffered neglect, with no significant renovation or infrastructural upgrade. The structures are now largely substandard, unsafe, and unsuitable for modern habitation.

“What this administration envisions is not just reconstruction, but a holistic transformation into a modern urban housing estate that reflects the aspirations of a 21st-century Ondo State.

“Contrary to the baseless propaganda being circulated by a few individuals, the Aiyedatiwa administration is not engaged in land grabbing. This project is a strategic component of the state’s Urban Regeneration and Infrastructure Optimization Plan.

“The current occupants, many of whom the quarters have been sublet to by the supposed valid occupants at exorbitant rates, represent less than one percent of the state’s workforce. The government is engaging labour leaders to ensure that those who will be affected are taken care of.

“The claim that government is rendering civil servants homeless is, therefore, a deliberate falsehood designed to stoke public sentiment against a project that is clearly in the best interest of the people.

“The mandate given to the Office of the Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing is clear: deliver sustainable, inclusive, and modern infrastructure that uplifts the quality of life in Ondo State.

“Under the “Our Ease” development framework, this administration is prioritizing safety, structural integrity, environmental sustainability, and aesthetic value in all infrastructure projects.

“The redevelopment of the Alagbaka Housing Units will stand as a legacy project, free from political manipulation, rooted in transparency, and executed with professional excellence.

“It is a bold statement that Ondo State is ready for true urban transformation, and no amount of distraction will derail that vision.”

LP Reps Slam Abure, Says Party Not Ponzi Scheme, Caucus Leadership Not By Appointment

James Orji

April 8, 2025

The House of Representatives Labour Party Caucus, has described as laughable, naive and misleading, the purported appointment of another lawmaker as caucus Leader by the embattled former national chairman of the party, Barrister Julius Abure.

In response to an earlier statement by the caucus which welcomed last Friday’s Supreme Court judgment and indicated willingness to work for the internal peace and progress of the party under the leadership of the National Caretaker Committee NCC, led by Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, Abure yesterday announced the ‘sacking’ of Afam Victor Ogene as the caucus leader.

But the Labour Party Reps have emphasized that the position of a caucus Leader is not an office based on appointment; rather the Leader is chosen/elected by peers based on their own conviction of his/her leadership qualities and capacity to speak on their behalf in the overall interest of the party and the people they represent.

The caucus made this clarification in a statement on Tuesday, in response to several inquiries from the media and other party faithful arising from developments after the Supreme Court pronouncement sacking the LP chairman.

They stated that on May 6, 2023, a 35-member Labour Party caucus in the 10th Assembly of the House of Representatives elected Ogene as its Leader. Ogene, a ranking member from the 7th Assembly, emerged as the Labour Party leader with 21 votes, after a keenly contested election.

Although 34 Members-Elect of the Party were present at the voting session, only 31 of them took part in the exercise with the trio of Honourables Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, Obi Aguocha and Professor Lilian Oby Orogbu abstaining, being persons who conducted the exercise.

So, it’s only the members of the caucus who overwhelmingly elected him, that have the right to remove him as leader, not “an authoritarian power thirsty individual that’s still battling, without much success, to extricate himself from the muddy waters of multiple allegations of malfeasance,” the caucus said in a statement signed by Hon. Ogene on Tuesday.

It said further: “If Abure’s latest ill-advised tactics is because of the stand of the Caucus lauding the judgement of the Supreme court, which unequivocally declared that Abure’s tenure has long lapsed, then he is way off-mark, because that remains the majority position of LP House of Representatives members – a fact that would be reinforced on Wednesday, April 9, by the number of legislators that will attend the NEC/Stakeholders meeting convened by the Party’s National Leader, Mr. Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti.

“We need to let Abure know, and boldly too, that the Labour Party is a credible organization and not a ponzi scheme, because sadly, everything about his leadership style is all about forgery, money and more money. From Ebonyi, to Plateau, Ondo, Edo (where he embarrassed the party through his undignified episodes with the police), it’s all about slush funds and compromise of the integrity of the office of a party national chairman. Even in Anambra last week, the mention of the name Abure, has continued to emit a putrid smell of financial malfeasance.

“He may wish to tell Nigerians, and the world, what is at the centre of his feud with Eze Oko Splendour of Ebonyi State, Kenneth Imasuagbon in Edo, and the aspirants that took part in last weekend’s Anambra LP gubernatorial farce.

“It is appalling that a man who is yet to account for Party finances arising from the 2023 general elections, nor leaves any penny in the party’s account – despite raising hundreds of million naira in sale of forms and other gratifications in several off-season elections – would be so engrossed in wanting to access funds belonging to the House of Representatives Caucus, which only points to the depths Abure can go to in search of free funds to fund his new-found lifestyle.

“Ironically, no sane organ of the party would entrust the Supreme Court-sacked former national chairman with money, no matter how little, at least, until he is able to cleanse himself of the twin evil of allegations of forgery and pilfering party funds levied against him by former national treasurer of the LP, Oluchi Oparah. Funds belonging to the caucus are intact, and would only be deployed in a manner prescribed by members, not by the former chairman’s discretion.

“The Labour Party deserves a clean break from that integrity-deficient leadership history, to a future that all party faithful will be proud to associate with.”

Trump Tariff War: Tinubu Ministers, Edun, Oduwole Clash Over Impact On Nigeria’s Economy

James Orji

April 8, 2025

Wale Edun - Finance Minister — Wale Edun

President Donald Trumps’ recent hike in tariff on United States imports have divided Nigeria’s Ministers of Finance and Coordinating Minster of the Economy Wale Edun, and Minister of Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole.

As one of the US trading countries, Nigeria is among those hit with Trump’s tariff war, which has been widely criticised globally, even though Trump claimed he took the action because his country have been ‘cheated; for years by countries who imposed as much as 65 percent on goods coming from the US.

According to the details of the new Tariffs released by the US leader , on April 2, exports from Nigeria, including the oil and none-oil sectors will now attract 14 percent tariffs.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday, Edun said the new US tariffs regime will not have much impact on Nigeria’s exports, considering that the oil sector which constitutes over 90 percent of Nigeria’s export to the US is mostly insulated, unlike the non-oil sector which contributes 10 percent of US imports from Nigeria.

His counterpart in the Ministry of Trade and Investment had earlier claimed that the tariff hike will destabilise Nigeria’s $6 billion export to the US.

Oduwole said, “Nigeria also exports smaller quantities of agricultural products such as live plants, flour, and nuts, which account for less than 2 per cent of our total exports to the U.S.

“While oil has long dominated Nigeria’s exports to the US, non-oil products—many previously exempt under AGOA—now face potential disruption.

“A new 10 per cent tariff on key categories may impact the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in the U.S. For businesses in the non-oil sector, these measures present destabilising challenges to price competitiveness and market access, especially in emerging and value-added sectors vital to our diversification agenda.”

Jumoke Oduwole — Oduwole: Tariff Will Destabilize Nigeria’s Economy

But speaking on Monday during the corporate governance forum organised by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, MOFI, in Abuja, the nation’s capital Edun said the nation’s oil sector is insulated by Trum’s sweeping tariffs.

According to him, the broader impact of the tariff will affect Nigeria because of the declining crude oil prices in the international market, adding that the Tinubu economic reform policy will go a long way to help Nigeria navigate the impacts of the new US tariff regime.

The minister pointer out that whatever the revenue shortfall as a result of the tariff, the federal government will make up using revenue form the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, adding that the administration is also considering as priority budget adjustment, expenditure prioritisation, and innovative non-debt financing strategies to suit the current realities.

Edun said, “Nigeria-US trade has been in surplus in the last three years (2022-2024).”

Adding, “Consequently, the tariff effect on exports is negligible if we sustain our oil and minerals export volume.

“The adverse effect on Nigeria will be through oil price plunge, and we are intensifying efforts to ramp up crude oil production to curtail any price effect.

“We are also focusing on non-oil revenue mobilisation by FIRS and Customs.

“Budget adjustment and prioritisation where possible, and also innovative non-debt financing strategies.”

Meanwhile, economic experts insist that the federal government must ensure that all hands are on deck to counter the new US tariff, to the nation’s benefit as other countries are currently doing, adding that Nigeria must face the reality of the dangers posed by the new regime to the nation’s economic progress.

National Curriculum Overhaul Targets Solar Skills For Greener Future

Tosin Olatokunbo

April 8, 2025

In a bold move to align education with the demands of the green economy, the Federal Government of Nigeria has launched an ambitious national review of its renewable energy curriculum, aimed at reshaping how technical education equips future professionals for the clean energy revolution.

Led by the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, the initiative kicks off a structured overhaul of the National Diploma, ND, programme in renewable energy, and the development of two new Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes—one in Solar
Photovoltaic (PV) and another in Solar Thermal technologies.

Backed by the INCLUDE Knowledge Platform, African Studies Centre Leiden, ASCL, the Government of the Netherlands and the, House of Representatives, National Assembly, the review signals a significant step forward for Nigeria’s energy transition and its wider strategy for job creation and industrialization.

Government’s intentionality in the development of the renewable energy in Nigeria is underscored essentially by the high priority given to the sector, by the 10th House of Representatives, led by our Speaker, the Rt. Hon. Abass Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, who, in a historic first, established the Committee on Renewable Energy to spearhead policies, track progress, and promote development that attracts investment and sustains renewable energy technology in Nigeria.

Victor Ogene, Chairman, Committee on Renewable Energy, emphasized that recently the House of Representatives also adopted a resolution that makes it mandatory for government ministries, agencies, departments and institutions to transition to renewable energy sources for their power needs, thus necessitating the urgent need to bridge the skill gaps in the sector.

At the opening session, held at Custodian Hotel in Abuja yesterday, Prof. Idris M. Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the NBTE, painted a sobering picture of the nation’s power deficit. “Nigeria has less than 30 watts of electricity available per capita, and over 60% of grid power is consumed by just two states–Lagos and Ogun,” he said. “If we’re serious about industrialization and expanding access, decentralized solar energy is not just a solution, it’s a necessity.”

Prof. Bugaje emphasized that Nigeria’s rich deposits of high-purity silica, particularly in Daura and Jigawa, provide a strategic advantage for local production of solar PV cells. But tapping into this potential, he stressed, will require a technically skilled workforce trained in solid-state physics, hybrid energy systems, solar cooling, and thermal electricity generation.

The review will also develop National Occupational Standards (NOS) for solar installations—essential for standardizing training across polytechnics and correcting dangerous practices currently observed in the field. “We’ve seen too many rooftop solar systems failing due to incorrect tilt angles,” Bugaje warned. “These failures aren’t just inefficient—they’re dangerous. This curriculum will fix that.”

Victoria Manya, Knowledge Manager at ASCL-INCLUDE, welcomed the collaboration and praised participants for their commitment. “This is more than an academic exercise,” she said. “It’s a foundation for inclusive growth, energy justice, and skills that matter in today’s world. We’re proud to support a process that puts young Nigerians at the center of the renewable energy economy.”

The curriculum workshops are unfolding in phases, starting with the ND review before moving on to detailed development of the two HND programs. Stakeholders from academia, government, and the private sector are working together to ensure the final curriculum reflects global standards, industry needs, and Nigeria’s unique energy landscape.

The NBTE has pledged to continue engaging partners to ensure a modern, practical, and future-ready curriculum–one that doesn’t just talk about energy transition, but trains the hands and minds who will build it.

Natasha/Akpabio Saga: Ebonyians In Diaspora Slam Sen Nwebonyi Role As “Attack Dog’ For Senate President

Tosin Olatokunbo

April 8, 2025

Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi and Oby Ezekwesili

Some Ebonyi indigenes living abroad has condemned the role being played by Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North in the Senate, in the Senators Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan/ Godswill Akpabio saga, describing the state’s senator as ‘an attack dog’ for the Senate President .

Under the aegis of Association of Ebonyi Indigenes, Socio-Cultural in the Diaspora, AEISCID, the body of Ebonyi in Diaspora has threatened to institute a recall process against Senator Nweebonyi if he failed to change his ways.

Recall that the Ebonyi senator recently had a confrontation with former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili during the Senate Committee on Rule and Ethics which investigated the clash between senate President Akpabio and Natasha on February 27 on the floor of the senate over sitting arrangement.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan who also accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, has since been suspended by the Senate, but the controversy has continued, even as the role played by senator Nwebonyi has not escaped scrutiny from not a few Nigerians, particularly after his clash with the former minister.

Describing the role played by Senator Nwaebonyi to be disgraceful, unbecoming of a lawmaker, the AEISCID said in a statement that the senator has abandoned his role of making laws and representing the state in the Nigeria’s Upper legislative

Chamber, instead, he had engaged himself in unnecessary controversy that does not benefit the people of the state.

The group also accused him of trying to use the Senate saga to achieve his 2027 governorship ambition, saying some powerful forces in the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, are planning to throw him up as the party’s governorship candidate against incumbent Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru in 2027.

The statement signed by the group’s President, (Worldwide), Ambassador Paschal Oluchukwu said Nwebonyi conduct and utterances are “totally un-parliamentary.”

The group leader wondered whether the senator still understand his role as a federal lawmaker as he has made himself “a bag-carrying thug” for Akpabio.

The statement erads in part, “We have watched, read and listened deeply with concerning compunctions, the heedless vibrations of one of our sons, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi who represents the Ebonyi North Senatorial zone at the 10th National Assembly. Like the rest of Nigerians who have watched with reservations, how an ordinarily ‘distinguished Senator’ verbally attack any and every one including but not limited to Nigeria’s former Minister of Education and foremost women advocate, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, other respected Nigerians and the character of the alleged victim, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan since the allegations of sexual harassment against the nation’s number three citizen came to the fore.

“Ordinarily, we had contemplated letting the matter to gently slide, but we are forced to speak up due to the continuous media umbrages of our brother, Nwebonyi, who appears to have completely forgotten that he was elected to make laws for the benefit of his constituents and also to attract other such dividends of democracy while yet carrying himself in a most distinguished and honourable way as a lawmaker.

“For whatever it is worth, the voyages of Nwebonyi in defense of the accused, almost crying more than the bereaved leaves so much to be desired and therefore has left the rest of Ebonyians utterly ashamed of his undignifying behaviour to the extent that we fall short of labeling him “an attack dog”.

“We query the rationale behind the reckless abandonment of legislative duties by Nwebonyi to turn himself into a bag-carrying thug for his colleague who is merely a first among equals? What must have been promised or offered to the lawmaker to reduce himself and by extension ridicule the rest of Ebonyians with his shameful name-callings, limitless defenses and totally unprovoked anger against reasonable Nigerians who are lawfully calling for a thorough and proper investigation into the allegations and condemning the undemocratic suspension of Senator Natasha from the red chambers by the Senate President.

We at AEISCID wish to not only condemn Nwebonyi’s rather ridiculous conducts but also call for strong caution and respect for the Ebonyi brand he wears. Already, rumours are thickening that he may have been promised or tipped by the ruling party’s hierarchy in Abuja for the plum job of replacing the incumbent Governor of Ebonyi State, Right Honourable Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru in 2027. This, we wish to inform him is not tenable because Ebonyi cannot continually be governed by the worst among us even in the guise of equity.

“With his dishonourable conducts so far in the 10th NASS, we urge the Ebonyi North constituents to immediately begin his recall process should he indulge himself again in such disgraceful expedition of defending the NASS leader in such a way and manner he has so far done. Enough, should be enough already,” the statement concluded.

The magazine reported that plans to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan failed recently after the INEC declared the process to be short of legal scrutiny.

Pascal Dozie, Ex-Diamond Bank Chairman, is Dead

Tosin Olatokunbo

April 8, 2025

Pascal Dozie, a former Chairman of defunct Diamond Bank, is dead. The former MTN Nigeria chairman was 85, according to the details provided by the family.

Dozie’s family, in a statement on Tuesday, disclosed that the respected businessman passed on Tuesday, without providing further details, but sources close to the family informed that more details on his burial will be provided later.

Born on 9 April 1939, Dozie was a devout Catholic in his lifetime.

He had his early education at Our Lady’s School Emekuku, Holy Ghost Juniorate Seminary, and Holy Ghost College, Owerri, where he obtained his West African Senior School Certificate Examination.0:00 / 1:01

After studying in Nigeria, he proceeded to the United Kingdom, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the London School of Economics.

He furthered his studies in Operational Research and Industrial Engineering before obtaining a Master’s degree in Administrative Science from City University in London.

Dozie played a critical role in Nigeria’s banking and telecom industries, founding Diamond Bank, which later merged with Access Bank, and serving as the chairman of MTN Nigeria, overseeing its expansion.

Dozie is survived by his wife, Chinyere, and five children.

On the Rumoured Nomination Of Reno For Ambassadorial Position

The Source

April 8, 2025

By Valentine Obienyem

It matters nothing to me if Reno is nominated, even to be made a Minister. I may not be directly injured, but it is certainly an injury to the society.

Reno is widely known as Nigeria’s number one sycophant. He has abandoned all those he previously supported and has shamelessly embraced new masters. It is clear evidence that he does not mind supporting even the devil himself, or switching alliances between angel and devil, provided either of them is in power.

But does this make him smart? Not in the least. Anyone can choose to live that sort of life, but there are people of character who would not do such a thing for all the teas in China.

The man will start fantasising about how ingenious he is at forcing himself to be loved. Of course, he will think that writing about Islam, pretending to be madly in love with Adire, and other acts of sycophancy have earned him the job..

Now, concerning the rumoured ambassadorial appointment, if it turns out to be true, whoever is behind it is simply telling the people that honour no longer matters. Yes, that is the message they are sending to the youth, and it will inevitably shape the way they perceive politics. In the long run, it is society that bears the brunt, because it will push young people to embrace nihilism as a political philosophy.

During the electioneering, Reno openly declared that Tinubu was a drug addict; he even led protests where Tinubu was portrayed in all manner of disgraceful images – at one point even shown wearing pampers!

True, in politics there are no permanent enemies or friends, but there should at least be a minimum standard of decency – a standard Reno has woefully fallen below. To bestow such an appointment on him is to confer legitimacy on the politics of anything goes.

I see Reno boasting: “If they can consider Wike, why not me as well?”

Obienyem, a Lawyer, writes from Awka

Why APC Governors Visited Buhari

Adesina Soyooye

April 8, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

Governors elected under the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Monday, April 7, 2024, left their various States and converged on Kaduna State.

Their destination was the newly renovated residence of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari, recently, relocated to Kaduna from his Daura, Katsina State, home where he had been since he left office on May 29, 2023.

The Progressives Governors were led to the Kaduna home of the former President by their host Governor, Senator Uba Sani and their Chairman, Senator Hope Uzodinma, Imo State Governor.

Uzodinma, who addressed Journalists after their meeting with Buhari said the Progressives Governors Forum visited the former President primarily for three reasons viz: To congratulate him on a successful Ramadan Fast and extend warm Sallah greetings to him; to wish him well as he settles into his newly renovated Kaduna home; to confirm their respect, loyalty and appreciation to Buhari for his statesmanship and legacy.

Uzodinma: “This visit is symbolic and deeply rooted in respect, loyalty and continued appreciation for the statesmanship and legacy of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“As a party, we remain united and committed to the ideals of good governance which he championed during his tenure.”

However, not a few people think that the visit was a sort of fence-mending exercise. Recall that the former President was conspicuously absent at the first APC National Executive Council Meeting since the Presidency of Bola Tinubu. Explaining why he shunned the NEC meeting presided over by Tinubu, Buhari’s Spokesperson, Garba Shehu, said the invitation to the meeting was extended to his Principal late. Add that too to the stinging criticisms of Tinubu’s Government by Buhari’s ally, immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai.

El-Rufai recently dumped the APC for tye Social Democratic Party, SDP. He let it be known to everybody that he discussed with Buhari and that he never does anything, politically, without discussing it with him. A source told this medium that the APC leadership was worried by El-Rufai’s statement.

Buhari was Nigeria’s President from May 29, 2015 to May 29, 2023.

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