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President Tinubu Mourns Audu Ogbeh, Says He Was Founding Member Of APC

By
Ayodele Oni
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Audu Ogbeh

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged the intellectual contributions of late Chief Audu Ogbeh to policy formulation and his articulation of practical solutions to complex national challenge.

This was contained in a condolence statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy on the death of the former Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

President Tinubu also commiserated with the Government and people of Benue, the late statesman’s family, friends and associates.

Chief Ogbeh, who was 78 years old, served Nigeria in several administrations, including as Minister of Communications in the Second Republic and later as Minister of Agriculture under President Muhammadu Buhari.

The President believes Chief Ogbeh,

who joined politics in the 70s as a Legislator, was a founding member of the All Progressives Congress.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu noted that “Chief Audu Ogbeh was a patriot whose wisdom, dedication, and pursuit of progress left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape.

“He was always ready with facts and figures to support his propositions. The nation will sorely miss his insightful perspectives and wealth of experience.”

The President prays that the Almighty God will receive the departed’s soul, and comfort his family.

FG Steps Back From KWAM1’s Six-Month No-fly List

By
The Source
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KWAM 1- King Wasiu Ayinde
KWAM!

By Gideon Njoku

There is a strong indication that the no-fly ban placed on Musician Wasiu Ayinde, popular as KWAM 1,  from Nigeria’s Airports may not last upto six months. In deed, it may be lifted within a couple of weeks, if not days.

The expected lifting of the ban will not be because Kwam1 has climbed down from his high horse of asking: “Do you know who I am”?, to tendering a public apology for his unruly behaviour at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, it is because the Government has made a u-turn on its initial sanction.

Within 24 hours after the ugly incident, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, acting on the orders of the Minister for Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, had placed Kwam1 on a six-month no fly list. This was after Keyamo expressed outrage that the licenses of both the Captain and Flying Officer of ValueJet Airline were suspended while Kwam1 received no sanction. He threatened to deal with any airline, including international airlines, that goes against the order.

But speaking on Kwam1’s suspension on Friday, the Federal Government said it was no longer for six months but indefinitely until the end of investigations into the incident. It is not likely, many think,  that the investigation will last for more than one month. And from what Mike Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection  NCAA,  who spoke on TVC said,  the investigation has no completion date yet.

He said:

“It is no longer a six-month issue. It is until whenever investigations into this matter have been concluded. There is no certain date for that, but investigations are ongoing.”

On the findings so far, he said  preliminary investigations “showed that Kwam 1 passed through airport security scanners successfully and accessed the VIP lounge, where it was believed he obtained a bottle of water.

“Passengers boarding from the VIP lounge still undergo another check before getting on the plane. It was at that point the liquid was discovered, and he was told he could not board with it and was asked to stand aside.

“The allegation is that

KWAM 1 refused to comply and proceeded towards the aircraft. Security personnel, possibly avoiding the use of force, walked alongside him to the foot of the aircraft, where the pilot was called to assess the situation.

“While that was going on, in trying to prove that what he was carrying was harmless, he splashed water. Somehow, some of it splashed on the pilot, who got angry, got back into the aircraft, and shut the door of the plane.”

The investigation’s findings, he explained, will be made public as soon as it is ready.

Otedola’s Daughter, Temi, Officially Weds Singer, Mr Eazi In Iceland

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Billionaire Daughter, Temi Otedola has tied the nuptial knot with popular Singer, Mr Eazi.

They had their Private White Wedding on Friday, August 8, 2025 at Iceland’s iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church.

Mr Eazi exchanged vows with Temi in the presence of their close family members and friends.

Other public figures at the private ceremony were Africa’s richest businessman, Aliko Dangote; content creator, Broda Shaggi, among others.

A trending video on social media also captured the bride’s sister, DJ Cuppy, and their mother.

The Musician had proposed to Temi, the daughter of Nigerian billionaire, Femi Otedola, in April 2022.

“How Dr Fayemi and I Started The Formation Of ADC Coalition” – Rotimi Amaechi

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Rotimi Amaechi and Kayode Fayemi

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has given an insight into how the emerging opposition Coalition platform,  African Democratic Congress, ADC, was like before its unveiling.

Amaechi, who was a two-term Governor of Rivers State, said he and former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, started it all, before enlisting support from others.

The Source reports that the ADC Coalition which was launched on July 2, 2025, has in its fold such notable personalities as Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President , former Governor of Anambra state and the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party LP, Peter Obi,  Malam Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna state, former National Chairman of the APC, Odigie Oyegun, among others.

Former Senate President, David Mark, and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, have since been appointed interim National Chairman and National Secretary respectively to steer the platform, which is presently regarded as the potent opposition platform to pursue the quest to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

Amaechi,  in a post on an X space entitled “Weekend Politics” on Friday, August 8, said he and Dr Fayemi, after conceiving and starting the Coalition decided to expand it.

“Fayemi and I began the Coalition discussion and we subsequently agreed to broaden it so that it would involve more than just the two of us talking about starting a new party .

“We must create a middle class and put money in the pockets of Nigerians; insecurity will reduce.

“Other prominent political actors who have signed on for the new ADC Coalition include two former Secretaries to the Government of the Federation SGFs Babachir Lawal and Boss Mustapha, and former Minister of Sports Bola Abdullahi who is the interim spokesperson .

Instructively, most of the progenitors of the Coalition platform are persons that served as Ministers under late President Buhari.

While Amaechi held sway at the Transportation Ministry for eight years ,Dr Fayemi was Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals , before later going back to complete his second term as Governor of Ekiti State .

UN Confirms 16 Deaths From Cholera Outbreak In Niger

By
Ayodele Oni
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Cholera Outbreak in Lagos

By Ayodele Oni

The United Nations, (UN) Children’s Fund, at the weekend, confirmed that Niger State has so far recorded 150 positive cholera cases.

The UNICEF also disclosed that in total, 16 deaths have been recorded since the outbreak.

UNICEF made the disclosure during an advocacy visit on the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Farouq Bahago, where the Chief of Kaduna Field Office, UNICEF, Dr. Gerida Birukila said that, 451 persons were isolated and those confirmed positive treated and discharged are 150.

The Chief, who was represented by Health Specialist, Dr. Ahmed Tsofo also solicited the Emir’s support to curtail various diseases ravaging the state.

According to the Chief, “we have recorded more than 451 cases of cholera infections out of it, over 150 were confirmed positive through rapid diagnostic testing.

“So far, we have now recorded 16 deaths and we brought it to the Emir’s information. We have also updated him on the support we are providing and the collaboration between UNICEF and government to contain the outbreak and to prevent further spread.”

Among other issues highlighted during the visit included polio and measles diseases as well as the low rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the state.

“We came to advocate for his support in person and the support of the traditional institution over the ongoing health and Public health interventions that we have been supporting in Niger.

“As you must have heard from the discussions we had with the Emir, we advocated for his support in the next coming in-between rounds activity for polio eradication campaign; we advocated also for the ongoing cholera outbreak in the state.

“We advocated for his support also toward the introduction of the measles and rubella vaccines which is coming up in October this year.”

The UNICEF Health specialist noted that these diseases could be eradicated with the collaboration of government and the traditional institutions.

In his response, Emir of Minna, Alhaji Farouq Bahago assured the UNICEF of the Emirate’s support and prayed that Allah would enable them achieve the aim of eradicating the diseases in the state.

Accordingly, he said “we will continue to talk and work in the interest of our people. We will support your efforts and complement your activities in all the four areas of intervention.”

PDP Urges Synergy Between Benue Gov, House Of Assembly

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Benue State Chapter, has described allegations by the House of Assembly against Governor Hyacinth Alia as part of authoritarianism going on in the State.

The State Assembly had, on Friday, turned down the screening of Commissioner- nominees due to the refusal of the Governor to implement some resolutions passed by  the assembly

PDP expressed serious concern and disappointment claiming the situation has become a characteristic signature of Governor Alia’s alleged misgovernance.

The Publicity Secretary of the party, Tim Nyor, made this known in a statement he signed on Saturday.

Nyor described the situation as Executive recklessness that seeks to bully, undermine, and suppress the vital legislative arm of governance.

“It is profoundly shameful that our governance has devolved into a scenario where the spirit of collaboration and respect between the executive and legislative branches is absent.

“The current actions of Governor Alia reflect an alarming authoritarianism that is unbecoming of a democratic leader.

“In a healthy democracy, it is imperative for the executive to recognize the critical role of the legislature, not only as a partner in governance, but as an essential representative of the people’s voice.

“We call upon Governor Alia to demonstrate greater tolerance for dissent, to embrace plural perspectives, and to engage constructively with all stakeholders in governance.

“We urge all members of the House of Assembly and the wider public to remain steadfast in upholding the values of democratic governance and to resist any attempts at usurpation of authority.”

Kano: Gov Yusuf Sacks Two Aides For Theft, Role In Bail Of Drug Baron

By
Ayodele Oni
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Abba Yusuf - Governor of Kano State

By Ayodele Oni

Another indicted aide of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf in the bail of a suspected drug baron has been dismissed along with one other found guilty of theft. The affected aides were Senior Special Assistants, to the Governor.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Media Aide to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Musa Tank Muhammad, the Governor approved the sack after reviewing separate investigative committee reports that found the aides guilty of wrongdoing.

Those affected are Abubakar Umar Sharada, Senior Special Assistant on Political Mobilisation, and Tasiu Adamu Al’amin Roba, Senior Special Assistant, Cabinet Office.

According to the statement, Sharada was identified as “the mastermind of the bail of a dangerous drug baron, Sulaiman Aminu Danwawu.”

The committee that investigated the matter confirmed his role, noting that “his culpability was established through his own testimony before the panel.”

A letter issued on Friday, August 8, 2025, directed Sharada to hand over all government property in his possession to the Permanent Secretary, Research, Evaluation and Political Affairs (REPA), in the Office of the SSG, by Monday, August 11, 2025.

He was also warned against presenting himself as a public officer under the current administration.

Roba, on the other hand, was removed from office over his arrest in 2024 for rebagging palliative grains at a warehouse in Sharada. He has since been charged to court with theft and criminal conspiracy for allegedly diverting public assets.

He too has been ordered to return all government property, including his identity card, by August 11, 2025, and to stop identifying himself as a government official.

In the same statement, the government announced that Hon. Musa Ado Tsamiya, Special Adviser on Drainages, had been cleared of all allegations against him.

“An investigative committee has exonerated him of all allegations, affirming his innocence,” it said.

Governor Yusuf used the occasion to restate his administration’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption, warning all public officials to uphold discipline and integrity both in their official duties and private lives.

The statement also cautioned members of the public against engaging the two sacked aides on any matter relating to the state government, stressing that anyone who does so “does it at his or her own risk.”

Audu Ogbeh, Fmr PDP National Chairman Dies

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Audu Ogbeh

By Akinwale Kasali

Audu Innocent Ogbeh, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is dead.

The former Minister of Agriculture died on Saturday at the age of 78.

His death was confirmed by the Ogbeh family in a heartfelt statement where the family described him as a man who left an enduring legacy of integrity, service, and dedication to the nation and its communities.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Chief Audu Ogbeh,” the family’s statement read.

“He passed away on the 9th of August 2025 at the fulfilled age of 78.”

The family expressed solace in the many lives he touched and the example he set, while requesting privacy as they grieve the loss of their patriarch.

Details of funeral arrangements are to be announced later.

Born on July 28, 1947, in Otukpo, Benue State, Chief Ogbeh’s illustrious career spanned academia, agriculture, and politics.

A graduate of King’s College, Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, and the University of Toulouse, France, he began as a lecturer before venturing into politics.

He served as deputy speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly from 1979 to 1982 and held ministerial roles under Presidents Shehu Shagari and Muhammadu Buhari, including Minister of Communications (1982–1983), Minister of Steel Development (1983), and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (2015–2019).

As a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 2001 to 2005, Ogbeh was known for his principled stance, notably resigning due to disagreements over political crises during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure.

Later, as a key figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), he championed agricultural reforms, focusing on food security and rural development, earning recognition for his deep knowledge and commitment.

Beyond politics, Ogbeh was a farmer, playwright, and community leader. He managed Efugo Farms in Makurdi and authored several plays, including The Belated Bridegroom and Epitaph for Simon Kisulu, which was staged at the Muson Centre in 2002. His contributions earned him traditional titles like Ochagwu Idomaland and Oka Ome of Iseagu.

“Please, Come Back To Us,  PDP Governors  Beg Peter Obi

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Bala Mohammed and Peter Obi

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The remnants of the dismembered Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Friday, August 8, 2025, intensified their efforts to woo back the 2023 Labour Party  Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, to the Party’s fold.

The Source reports that the former Anambra State Governor who ran as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate at  the 2019 Presidential Polls, exited the PDP shortly before its Presidential primaries in 2023.

He subsequently pitched tent with the LP under which  he ran for the  presidential seat.

However, since being identified with the nascent opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress  ADC, with its promising potentials, the PDP which has since relapsed into a comatose State has been trying to bring Obi back before the 2027 General Elections.

Joining the ranks of several chieftains who had separately and collectively urged Obi to return, the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum/Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Muhammed, on Friday, passionately pleaded with him to consider returning back to the party.

Speaking while receiving Obi at the Government House Bauchi, Governor Muhammed noted that going by the prevailing realities on the ground in the country, overwhelming majority of Nigerian are nursing great expectations as the 2027 general elections draw close.

He specifically appealed to Obi to rejoin the PDP so as to work in concert with others to liberate the country and its people from the present excruciating difficulties.

“There is a lot of hunger and anger in the land. We don’t want to cause so many disparaging movements. So, please come back. PDP is where you belong . Don’t go anywhere that is in disarray” Governor Muhammed pleaded.

Further speaking, he  reassured Obi and his followers -the Obidient movement – of the readiness of the PDP to work in concert with them in achieving the set goals of setting the people free.

“I can assure you that we we will work to harmonize our interests in the overall good of the people of Nigeria.

“The opposition must come together. The  ADC, PDP and even all the other parties should come together.

“Let it be known that we don’t hate the present administration. However, I wish they would change and do better. But as at the moment, the present Federal Government has just implemented about 30% of the 2024 budget, while that of the 2025 is yet to commence, almost, towards the end of the year.

“There is no plan in place to attend to the situation in the country. Rather, all they are concerned about is politics .

“We have to be cautious not to disparage our people. We have to unite the opposition, our ego and our interests so that we can present a common front to compete and to make sure that we get to the promised land”, Muhammed stated.

Obi informed that he was in the State to interact with the youths in the State’s Colleges of Health ,and  Almajiris.

He expressed satisfaction with the great potentials of  the youths who he described as the future leaders of the country.

Abuja Airport Drama: KWAM1 Should Face Terrorism Charge – ADC

By
Ayodele Oni
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KWAM 1

By Ayodele Oni

Despite his retraction and public apology, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has insisted that the action of the Fuji music star, Wasiu Ayinde, Kwam 1, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja amounts to terrorism.

The ADC is of the view that KWAM1’s political ties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could influence the handling of the matter, warning against preferential treatment.

The party believes that the law must take its course not minding that the musician sings for  President Bola Tinubu.

Spokesperson for the opposition ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement, condemned the  conduct of the Fuji musician, and  described it as “an act of terrorism”.

KWAM1, who was booked to travel on a ValueJet flight on Tuesday attempted to block the aircraft from taking off after a dispute with the Airport Security and flight crew.

According to reports, the singer was seen drinking from a flask and was approached by an Airport staff who suspected the content was alcohol, a prohibited substance onboard aircraft in Nigeria to allow them see the contents.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) further alleged that KWAM1 spilt the content on an aviation personnel who attempted to verify the content of the flask.

Following the incident, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, announced a six-month flight ban on the Fuji star, describing his conduct as a “hostage situation.”

While commending Keyamo’s swift response, Abdullahi insisted the penalty was insufficient and called for KWAM1’s prosecution.

“On this KWAM1 matter, I commend my brother, the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, for describing the action as a ‘hostage situation.’

“A hostage situation is an act of terrorism. Placing KWAM1 on a no-fly list is a good place to start. But it must not end there,”Abdullahi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“Nigerians know that KWAM1 is the official musician of the APC. They will, therefore, wait to see if this fact alone would influence how this matter is handled.

“If it were an ordinary citizen, it is doubtful if the individual would not be arrested on the spot and processed for prosecution.”

Abdullahi further warned that such conduct could damage Nigeria’s image internationally.

“Even if all our airports are plated in gold, if people coming into our country feel that any drunkard could block the path of an aircraft and endanger their lives, it would amount to nothing.

“Pray, if KWAM1 had done this in Europe or America, what do you think would have happened to him by now? What he did was the ULTIMATE in reckless behaviour.

“It is an act of terrorism and it should be treated as such. You can’t give him a mere slap on the wrist for this just because he sings for the president.”

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