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How Awujale Convinced Buhari, Tinubu To Form APC- Pst Bakare

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Awujale Oba-Sikiru-Adetona

Popular Nigerian pastor Tunde Bakare has revealed the role played by the demised Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona in the formation of the All Progressives Congress, APC ahead the 2015 election.

The APC, a coalition of four legacy political parties, the magazine recalls had surprisingly won the 2015 presidential election, after its candidate Muhammadu Buhari defeated incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.

Oba Adetona and Buhari died on Sunday and have since been buried.

According to Pastor Bakare, it was the traditional ruler who brokered the deal that brokered the deal that brought  the then Action Congress, AC led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu and CPC led by Buhari, together to form the APC.

Bakare made this known in his tribute to the late monarch titled, “Tribute to a Patriot, Mentor and Elder Statesman — The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu Land.” a copy of which was made available to journalists.

He explained that he met Oba Adetona in London where he appealed to him to initiate a talk between Buhari and Tinubu to form a coalition ahead the election.

“Upon his (Awujale’s) return to Nigeria, Kabiyesi convened a key meeting at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island and brokered the agreement that led to the formation of the APC,” Bakare stated.

Bakare explained that in spite of his role in the formation of the APC, the late monarch remained non-partisan through out his reign as the foremost traditional ruler in the state, expressing sorrow at his passing to join  his ancestors.

He further described Oba Adetona and as both a nation builder and a peacemaker, because he facilitated “any course he thought would facilitate good governance.”

Bakare said, “It is with profound gratitude to God for a life well lived and yet with deep sadness at the loss of a father figure that I pay tribute to Kabiyesi Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

“May the noble soul of Kabiyesi rest in perfect peace. May God strengthen and comfort Olori Adetona, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the extended royal family he leaves behind.”

The magazine reports that Oba Adetona was very close to President Tinubu who had few weeks to his death conferred one of the highest national honours, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger, GCON on him.

Gov Diri’s Defection To APC A Done Deal – Aide

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Duoye Diri

The defection of Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa state to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, is a done deal, according to the governor’s Technical Adviser On Print and Public Affairs, Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli.

Governor Diri is a member of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP under which he won the governorship election twice. The governor has been widely criticized for trying to dump the party which has given hi so much, as a senator and helmsman of the oil bearing state.

According to Ikuli , who made the remark  during a world press conference in Yenagoa, the state capital the state cannot afford to be isolated from the centre, stressing the need to join the ruling APC.

He stressed that the interests of the state and Ijaw nation are no longer being served in the PDP which he accused of betraying the state in the past, blaming most of those left in the party for working against  the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan for a second term.

He explained that some characters in the PDP are already working to nullify, through court process, the nominations of candidates that will emerge under the party platform in 2027  Bayelsa, noting that the state is the only PDP state in the south-south.

He said the state has lost many opportunities at the federal level because they are not members of the ruling APC, adding that it’s now time for the state to align with the centre to promote its development.

He said by joining the APC Governor Diri will be towing the line of other southern governors who have decided to throw their weight behind President Tinubu’s re-election.

Ikuli: “For instance, our adherence to their advice and our alignment with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that was the government at the centre helped Bayelsa State and the Ijaw Nation to produce the Vice President and later, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of this country in the person of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“Sadly, today Bayelsans and Ijaws in general are not among first 40 Nigerians from the Offices of the President, Vice President and Services Chiefs.  Ijaws have been relegated and rendered politically and economically redundant and impotent because we are not with the government at the centre.

“Ironically, Ijaws who are the majority in terms of population in the geographic Niger Delta area (South South) and the fourth largest tribe in the country, Ijaw Nation that contribute well over 65% of the oil and gas wealth that are used to run the affairs of the country have been rendered powerless because of our non-alignment with the ruling party.

“Again, there is a power sharing and rotation system between the North and South. The North having done their complete eight (8) years under late President Muhammadu Buhari is supposed to support the South to complete her own eight (8) years under incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is working round the clock to strengthen the South.

“The President has graciously appointed illustrious sons and daughters of Ijaw Nation and Bayelsa State in particular into key offices.

“We appreciate his appointment of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Chief Samuel Ogbuku as MD of NDDC, Chief Ebitimi Amgbare as MD of NDDBA and Hon. Preye Aganaba as the Executive Director of Human Resources of South South Development Commission (SSDC).

“We also thank President Tinubu for approving Federal Government take over of the Second Phase of the Nembe-Brass Road that will help to link the Ocean where the vast wealth of Bayelsa State is.

“It is based on the above that we unanimously appeal to the Governor to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to show Southern Solidarity with other Southern Governors who are with Mr. President. ”

The magazine reported that all the appointees of the governor had at the weekend appealed to him to dump the PDP for the ruling party.

Ogun Workers Cripple Govt Over N82bn Unremitted Contributory Pension

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Dapo Abiodun
Governor Dapo Abiodun

Workers employed by the Ogun state Government say there’s no going back on their ongoing strike action, to force the state government to remit N82 billion to the Pension Fund.

The strike which began on Tuesday, sources say will paralise government activities as work resumes on Wednesday after the one -ay national holiday declared by the federal government in mourning of late President Muhammadu Buhari.

For 14 years, the state government has refused to remit the amount, being the contributory pension deductions from the state workers to the Fund.

The workers said the action is in breach of the Pension Law, and a serious threat to their future after they have retired.
While addressing journalists on Tuesday in Abeokuta the state’s capital, the state chairmen of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Hameed Ademola-Benco and Trade Union Congress, TUC, Comrade Akeem Lasisi said the state governor, Dapo Abiodun must personally address the issue with workers, who have vowed not to meet with any government officials delegated by the governor.

No amount of threats can force the workers back to work, the union leaders said, adding that the pension matter have been giving the workers sleepless nights.

Apart from the pension arrears, the union leaders said they are unhappy with the state government over failure to pay their leave allowance, spanning over eight years, despite government’s repeated promises to do so.
The NLC chairmansaid, “Yes we have been receiving calls from one government official, but I told my colleagues that we are not going to meet that person, he is our major problem.

“We want to meet only the governor, His Excellency, Dapo Abiodun. He is our employer.

“We are not employees of the Secretary to the State Government, we are not employees of the Head of Service or the Chief of Staff or any commissioner.

“We are employees of Governor Abiodun. He is the one paying our salaries every month, and he is the one we want to sit with on this matter, not any other person.”

On his part, Akeem Lasisi, the TUC chairman said it’s sad that successive administrations in the state have simply refused to meet workers demand on the issue, which he said has become a nightmare for the the workers.
“The administration of Governor Gbenga Daniel which started the scheme refused to pay some months, while only nine months was paid under Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s eight-year administration, with Governor Abiodun in the last six years also not paying a dime,” Akeem Lasisi said

Adding that, “We have had several meetings, sent several messages to the government but got no reply yet the future of the entire workforce looks so bleak.

“The way the contributory pension is being handled is a big source of a nightmare to the workers in the state.

“The government set up different committees on the implementation of the CPS but it has refused to work on the recommendation.”

How Gunmen Abducted Nasarawa State Permanent Secretary

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Gunmen

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nasarawa State Police Command on Tuesday July 15, 2025,  informed that  coordinated and intense efforts are underway to track down the kidnappers  of Yusuf Musa, the  Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Information .

This is as the Command assured of its commitment towards locating and rescuing the victim unhurt.

A statement from the Command’s spokesperson, SP Rahman Nansel, noted that a police patrol team at about 2.00am on Tuesday, along Shinge Road Lafia, discovered that a Peugeot pick-up van belonging to the Permanent Secretary was left unattended to , with all doors left open within the princint of his residence.

According to the Police, the situation instantly provoked the suspicion of the security operatives who decided to make further investigations.

“Upon closer examination, officers observed that the gate to the victim’s residence was also open, prompting immediate security concerns.

“A swift search of the premises confirmed that he (Permanent Secretary) was missing, along with his GMC vehicle, bearing registration number KUJ 88 PA ,raising strong suspicion of an abduction”, Nansel noted .

The Police Spokesman stated that in response to the situation, the Commissioner of Police, Shettima Jauro-Mohammed,  directed the activation of coordinated tactical operations involving all police formations across the State, for immediate rescue of the victim, and arrest of the hoodlums.

According to Nansel, the special units in Akwanga, Andaha, Garaku and Kadarko have been put on the alert, and directed to deploy surveillance teams along strategic routes in and out of the state ,to track down the abductors.

This is just as the Command reaffirmed its unwavering commitment towards ensuring the safe rescue of the victim, and adequate protection of lives and properties of residents .

Finally Fmr President Buhari Buried As Only Son Weeps Uncontrollably

By
Ayodele Oni
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Buhari burial

By Ayodele Oni

At exactly 5.50 pm Nigeria time, the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari were interred at his Daura home after a colourful military honour and presentation at his graveside followed by 21-gun salute.

It was a sombre moment as the President’s only son, Yusuf,  cried uncontrollably. Locals climbed trees to catch a glimpse of the ceremony as crowd was restricted to the residence.

The Chief of Defence Staff,  General Christopher Musa, read  the citation of the former president.

The Chief Imam of Daura led the prayers for the repose of his soul at the final rites ceremony which held at a makeshift prayer ground. The former President was lowered into the grave at exactly 5.50pm.

The grave was narrow just wide enough to accommodate the body in line with Islamic rules

The interment was done inside the courtyard  of the former President where only a few of the dignitaries had access to.

President Bola Tinubu and other dignitaries were at the graveside to pay their last respects.

The son of the former President was the only visible family member at the graveside. He was seen greeting Tinubu and the VP Shettima.

The Chief Imam performed the final prayers at the grave side. The flag  was taken off the body and given to the family in gratitude for his service to Nigeria.

Bayelsa Govt. Appointees Insist On Governor Diri’s Defection To The APC

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa state

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Bayelsa State Governor Senator Duoye Diri on Tuesday July 15,2025 came under severe pressure to join the All Progressive Congress APC.

Although speculations have of late been rife concerning alleged plans by  the Governor to dump his Peoples Democratic party, PDP platform, his close aides had  continued to shrug off the rumoured move.

But in an an interactive session with the media on Tuesday, some of the Governor’s media and personal Assistants under the auspices of Concerned Bayelsa Stakeholders led by  Wisdom Ikuli, called on their boss to fast track the process of his  defection  to the ruling APC .

The call is being perceived not by a few as a clear indication that Governor Diri may be inching closer to following the footsteps of his Delta and Akwa Ibom  colleagues who recently pitched their tents with the APC and the second term ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Ikuli who described the call for the Governor to join the APC as sacrosanct and inevitable, noted that the move will usher in a new dawn in the growth and development of Bayelsa State.

The Governor’s Technical Adviser on Media Matters  insisted that Governor Diri’s  defection to the ruling APC has the high potentials of ending the era of abandoned Federal projects in the State.

“Having said that, we wish to proceed to the crux which is the need to appeal to His Excellency to take a decisive step to align with the Government at the centre.

Our fathers, High Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye and Chief ( Senator) Dr Melford Obiene Okilo admonished the Ijaw nation to always align with the Government at the centre, largely due to our distance from the centre and our difficult terrain in order to attract development to our area.

“For instance, our adherence to their advice and our alignment with the Peoples Democratic party, PDP, that was the Government at the centre helped Bayelsa state and Ijaw nation to produce the Vice President and later President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the person of Dr Goodluck Jonathan.

“Sadly today, Bayelsans and Ijaws in general are not among the first 40 Nigerians from the offices of the President ,Vice President and Service Chiefs.

“Ijaws have been relegated and rendered politically ,and economically redundant and impotent because we are not with the Government at the centre.

“Ironically,the Ijaws who are the majority in terms of population in the geographic Niger Delta area ( South South ) ,and the fourth largest tribe in the country and the Ijaw nation that contribute well over 65 percent of the oil and gas wealth that are used to run the affairs of the country have been rendered powerless because of our non-alignment with the ruling party.

“Again, there is a power-sharing ,and rotation system between the North and South. The Northern having completed eight (8) years under late former President Muhammadu Buhari, is supposed to support the South  complete its own eight years under incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.,who is working round the clock to strengthen the South.

“Presently, Bayelsa State is standing alone as the only PDP state in the whole of the South South region. The above may not be too much issue.

“The greatest challenge here is the hijack of the PDP by a few individuals and very dangerous traps that they have set for Bayelsans in 2027 , particularly those who intend to fly the flag of the PDP”, the group stated .

Further speaking, Ikuli alleged that plans have been concluded by some forces  hiding under the guise of crisis and countless Court cases in the PDP , to sabotage ,and outrightly abort the political aspirations of candidates come 2027 Polls .

According to the group, such a development will spell doom not only for the candidates concerned ,but for the collective interests of the people of the State.

This is as Ikuli expressed a complete lack of trust and confidence in the ability of the  nascent Coalition platform the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to fill the void that have been created by the near disintegration of the PDP .

He alleged that the Coalition is greatly populated by the same reactionary forces that conspired to deny former president Goodluck Jonathan and the Ijaw nation a second term in office.

“It is based on the above that we unanimously appeal to the Governor to defect to the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, to show Southern solidarity with Southern Governors who are with Mr President .

“But as we move forward, one of the greatest priorities in the alliance with the centre should be the actualization of the Agge Seaport that will help to boost the State economy, also bring about unimaginable transformation and prosperity”, the Bayelsa group stated.

US, UAE Visa Policy: FG Assures Citizens Of Protection, Directs Agencies To Reach Out

By
Ayodele Oni
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US Visa Policy

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed relevant agencies to commence  formal engagements with the Governments of the United States, (US) and the United Arab Emirates, (UAE) following recent adjustments in their Visa issuance policies affecting Nigerian citizens.

In a statement on Tuesday, released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, the presidency confirmed that relevant Nigerian ministries, departments, and agencies are working through diplomatic channels to address the implications of the new visa rules

According to the U.S. Government, the decision to alter its visa policy for Nigerians was driven by two key concerns: the frequency of overstays by Nigerian nationals and challenges in accessing reliable identity records.

The U.S. clarified that the changes were part of a broader, routinely reviewed global Visa reciprocity process, which includes variations in the number of allowable entries and visa validity periods.

In response, President Tinubu has directed federal agencies to enhance compliance with Nigeria’s international commitments and improve cooperation mechanisms for verifying the identities of Nigerians applying for consular services abroad.

He also urged Nigerian citizens to respect the immigration laws of their host countries and to use their travel documentation responsibly.

On the situation with the United Arab Emirates, the Nigerian government said it has not yet received formal notice from UAE authorities regarding any new visa policy.

However, it acknowledged that visa processing is gradually resuming.

“The government of the United Arab Emirates has remained cooperative and engaged with Nigerian officials. Any legitimate concerns raised are being resolved through appropriate diplomatic processes.”

President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerians abroad.

He stressed that Nigeria would continue to strengthen its diplomatic relationships with both the U.S. and the UAE, in line with the administration’s 4-D Foreign Policy strategy, particularly its Diaspora engagement.

The government pledged to pursue outcomes that ensure Nigerians can travel and reside abroad with dignity and lawful recognition.

Group Alleges Over 20 Killed In Fresh Plateau Attack

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Plateau State Map

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The orgy of violent attacks and wanton killings on the plateau have  continued unabated. No fewer than 20 persons were reportedly killed late Monday night, July 14, 2025, in Bindi Community, Ta-Hoss District of Riyom local council of the State

Several others were also  seriously injured in the dusk attack believed to have been carried out by suspected Fulani-sponsored militias.

A statement jointly issued on Tuesday July 15, 2025, by Gideon Manjal and Gadu Daniel Dong, Chairman and Publicity Secretary respectively, of the Riyom Chapter of the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy COPDEM  informed that the  attackers  in their numbers and heavily armed ,who invaded the community while the people were already asleep targeted women, children and the elderly, in a house-to-house operation.

According to the group, while some residents managed to evade the attacks, some, particularly, the women and children were not that lucky ,as over 20 persons were killed by the invaders.

The Coalition expressed regret that the latest attack and killings occurred right under the nose of security personnel stationed in the affected areas, without any response.

“The attackers who were properly identified as Fulani extremists by survivors, stormed the Bindi Community in Ta-Hoss District of Riyom Local Government Area on Monday night, and in their regular pattern of attack which is consistent with several previous attacks across Riyom and other parts of Plateau, systematically slaughtered over 20 innocent people including women, children and old people.

“This assault occurred despite the visible presence of security forces in and around the area, including armoured military assets. Homes were burnt, families displaced and trauma deepened.

“It must be clearly stated that these attackers are not unknown. Their hideouts and base settlements in nearby enclaves have been repeatedly identified and reported by community leaders and local authorities.

“Yet, year after year, these known threats continue to strike with impunity, often unchallenged.

“The recurring nature of these atrocities points not only to a failure of protection, but raises grave questions about inaction, negligence and systemic compromise.

“We, therefore, call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Plateau State Government and Security agencies to order a high-level intervention and military operation to dismantle the known terrorist enclaves, as well as declare a state of emergency in the affected areas and provide direct humanitarian reliefs, community rebuilding efforts, and trauma support”, COPDEM stated.

The group expressed deep concern and frustrations over the daily burials of innocent souls, and the now route practice of issuing press statements ,and paying mere condolence visits by authorities.

As of the time of reporting , neither the Plateau state Government, nor security agencies have reacted to the development.

President Tinubu Receives Buhari’s Body From UK

By
Akinwale Kasali
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President Tinubu Receives Buhari Body

By Akinwale Kasali

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received the body of the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, upon arrival from London, United Kingdom (UK), at the Umaru Yar’Adua Airport in Katsina State.

Tinubu, who was accompanied by the former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the Senate President, Goodswill Akpabio, and State Governors, received the former President’s ’s body from the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who led the delegation that brought back the body.

The President, alongside  dignitaries, will be taking the body to the deceased former leader’s hometown, Daura, where he will be laid to rest under Islamic rites.

On the road to Buhari’s hometown, many sympathisers had gathered along the roads to catch a glimpse of the casket covered in the country’s flag and the dignitaries that accompanied the body of Daura’s most respected leader to its final resting place.

As gathered, the burial site for the former leader has been dug inside his residence, where sympathizers have gathered to pay their last respects to the ex-president who passed on at the age of 82 after a brief illness.

He is scheduled to be buried  by 4pm.

Buhari Could Have Died Earlier If He Used Nigerian Hospitals- Ex- Spokesman

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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President-Muhammadu-Buhari-and-Femi-Adesina

Femi Adesina, a former spokesman to late President Muhammadu has disclosed that it’s possible that the former leader could have died earlier if he received treatment in Nigeria.

The former president died on Sunday in London after a protracted illness. His remains have just arrived few minutes ago, set for burial in Daura, Katsina state.

While he was president between 2015 and 2023, his tenure was marred by regular oversees trips to treat himself.

In one of those occasions, Buhari was rumoured to have died, a situation that almost threw the country into serious political crisis.

Not a few Nigerians even criticised him and other Nigerian leaders for abandoning the nation’s health sector in a shambolic state, while they and their families seek medical attention outside the country as they wish. Most times, public funds were used for this purpose, critics say.

According to Adesina, who served the late president as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, for eight years, Buhari’s decision to receive medical care abroad may have elongated his life.

He stressed that Buhari started receiving medical treatment abroad, where he got the best medical care, before he became Nigeria’s president in 2015.

He added that the former leader would have died in office if he allowed himself to be persuaded by those who said he needed to show patriotism by receiving treatment in the country while he was ill.

Buhari had to be alive to be able to steer the ship of the country successfully, Adesina said.

“He always had his medicals in London, even when he was not in the office. So it was not about the time he was president alone. He had always had it there,” he said.

Adding that “You have to be alive first to get certain things changed and corrected in your country. If he had said, ‘I will do my medicals in Nigeria’ just as a show of patriotism or something, he could have long been dead because there may not be the expertise needed in the country.

“But he needed to be alive to be able to lead the country to a point where we would have that expertise.”

Checks by the magazine revealed that the late Buhari spent over 200 days in London on official medical trips while in office as Nigerian President.

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