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“I Am Not Leaving APC”, Governor Alia Insists , Amidst Rift With SGF

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Benue State Governor,  Hyacinth Alia, on Sunday May 25,2025 vehemently rejected claims linking him with an exit from the All Progressive Congress, APC .

There have been growing speculations about the Governor’s moves to perfect his defection to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, a platform that is being associated with the anti-Tinubu coalition.

The rumoured defection  of the Governor is  a direct fall out from his strained relationship with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation ,and former Governor of the State George Akume.

The two are said to  be locked in a bitter struggle for the control of the structure of APC in Benue state .

The tussle reportedly became public after the  Local Council Elections.  The rift between the two power houses is blamed on the location of the Local Government Election Petition Tribunal sitting from Markurdi the state capital to Abuja .

Similarly, the location of the tribunal sitting to Abuja by the State Chief Judge allegedly on the promptings of Akume, is believed to be at the root of the move by the State House of Assembly to remove the Chie  Judge from office.

But reacting to the alleged move by the Governor to  quit APC , Tersoo Kula ,his Media Aide, in a statement on Sunday, described the reports as” laughable and lame.

While debunking the rumoured defection as fake, the Governor’s spokesperson insisted that there is no crisis within the ranks of APC in the State.

Describing the Governor’s relationship with the Party Leadership and chieftains in the State as cordial, Kula maintained that the Governor has no intention to leave the APC now or in the near future.

“We read online wherein they alleged that Governor Hyacinth Alia is plotting to leave the APC amidst the brewing crisis in the Benue APC .

“For the unsuspecting public, the story is not true.

“There is no doubt about the Governor’s loyalty to the APC. He  has been an active participant in the affairs of the party, including the recent endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the APC sole candidate ahead of the 2027 presidential election .

“The Governor’s presence at  APC’s recent events, including the Zonal and National meetings at the Presidential Villa proves that he is aligned with the party.

“The APC leadership in the state is in no crisis as claimed in the unfounded report. The Party under the chairmanship of Hon. Benjamin Omale has a super working relationship with the Governor and has been performing its functions effectively”, Kula added.

According to the Media Aide, it will be strange for  Governor Alia to be contemplating leaving APC at a time most opposition party Governors and others are jostling to join the party.

“At a time opposition Governors are joining the APC due to the policies and performance of the party under president Tinubu, it is laughable for any one to suggest that the Governor is contemplating defection from the party he is sponsoring in Benue state”, he asserted

Damagum Denies Sabotaging PDP By Working For APC Ahead 2027

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Umar Damagun - PDP Chairman

By Akinwale Kasali

Contrary to allegations the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Umar Damagum, has denied working with the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to undermine his party.

Defending his relationship with former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following criticism by some party members that he is working with Wike to destroy the PDP, the Acting Chairman, in an interview with BBC Hausa, Damagum, reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, saying he was committed to the ideals of the Party.

He swore never to work against the PDP for any reason.

“May God judge us, if I am working for the APC,” he said, referring to allegations that he met with President Bola Tinubu in England.

Damagum further emphasised his long-standing commitment to the PDP, stating: “I have a history, since I joined the PDP in 1999, I have never defected. Those who dislike me will have to find ways to either praise or criticise me to get what they want.”

Damagum also responded to critics of his relationship with Wike, acknowledging their association but denying any wrongdoing.

“For all those who accuse me of having links with the Minister of FCT, I know him or have had links with him, and many of them have had links with him. My only fault here is that I did not allow them to do what they wanted with him,” he said.

The PDP chairman expressed disappointment over the defection of some party members to the APC, describing it as a loss.

“We must be sad. Whenever you lose someone, you don’t feel happy, even if it’s just one person you’re grieving for,” and insisted that none of the defectors could claim they were wronged by the party.

Addressing internal divisions within the PDP, Damagum admitted that disagreements are inevitable in any political party but maintained that the PDP remains united.

Damagum stated that “PDP is one. There are internal problems, because a party never lacks problems because its leaders are people, and people are in it, and everyone has their own interests,” he declared.

Damagum defended his leadership style, stating that he adheres to principles and refuses to yield to individuals.

Rumoured Bandits’ Attack: Ondo Police Command Deploys Special Squad To Churches, Mosques

By
Ayodele Oni
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Police on Duty

By Ayodele Oni

Following rumours of  impending attacks on some Churches in Ondo State, the Police Command has ordered the deployment of special squads to places of worship in the State.

The impending attacks by bandits which was said to have been conveyed through a letter, has however been debunked by the command and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, who dismissed the rumours that there would be a possible attack by bandits on the ancient community.

There were even suggestions that St. Francis Catholicism Church, Owo, which was attacked three years ago, might again be the target of the attack.

The rumours come amid the reported plans by the palace of Olowo to organise a security summit to address possible planned attacks and other security concerns in the town.

Oba Ogunoye was quoted to have told the Media on Saturday that the rumours were meant to cause panic in Owo and its environs.

“It is fake news; there is nothing like that; we have been organising security summit.

“The media platform [which reported the rumour] just tried to generate traffic to its platform; so, there’s nothing like that,” the traditional ruler was quoted to have said.

Oba Ogunoye, who is the Chairman of Ondo State Traditional Rulers Council, said that the ancient town was peaceful.

The Police Command, in a statement on Sunday, also urged people to disregard the information.

But in the interim, the command, in a bid to forestall any breach, said it has deployed personnel to places of worship especially on special days.

The statement signed by the Command’s spokesman, Ayankade Olusola, stated that “the attention of the Ondo State Police Command has been drawn to reports circulating on some media platforms regarding an alleged letter purportedly written by a bandit involved in the tragic Owo Church attack, threatening to strike again.

“The Command wishes to state unequivocally that while the source and authenticity of the said letter remain unverified, the report has necessitated a prompt and strategic response in the interest of public safety.

“In response, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the heavy deployment of operational assets to all Churches and Mosques across the State, particularly, during days of worship.

“Surveillance and patrol activities have also been significantly intensified to forestall any potential attack and reassure the public of their safety.

“Residents of Ondo State are therefore advised to go about their lawful activities without fear or panic.

“The Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, remain fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of all lives and property in the State.”

Katsina: Gov Radda Mourns Community Watch Security Corps Killed By Bandits

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Umar Dikko Radda - Governor of Katstina State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, on Sunday, May 25, 2025,  extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of five personnel of the State’s  Community Watch Security Corps  who were killed by banditry elements.

This is just as he led a high level security delegation to an on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene of the gory  killing of the security officials in Maharba village, Matazu Local Council of the State.

The Source reports that five personnel of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps ,in charge of Kusada, Kankia and parts of Charanci Local Councils, including their Commander, Malam Sanusi were ambushed and killed on  Saturday by bandits.

The five deceased security guards were traveling to Matazu Council following intelligence report which  suggested that bandits were on their way to attacking the residents.

But unknown to them, bandits numbering over 20 ridding on motorcycles had laid in ambush, hiding on top of a mango tree, and subsequently attacked and killed all five.

Their operational Hilux van was set a blaze by the bandits.

A statement issued on Sunday by the Governor’s Media Aide, Ibrahim

Mohammed, informed that the Governor  was led to the scene of the unfortunate incident by the Executive Chairman of Matazu Local Government Area, Shamsudeen Muhammad Sayaya

The visit was said to  have also afforded the Governor the opportunity to tour some remote and inaccessible areas within the Council so as to have a first hand information about the condition of residents.

The Governor similarly used the occasion of the visit to brief the rural communities on his administration’s plans and readiness to address the security challenges facing them

He reaffirmed his commitment towards collaborating with Security Agencies, and Community .om leaders in protecting both the civilian population and security operatives.

Further speaking on the measures put in place by the state Government to enhance security , Commissioner for Internal Security ,and Home Affairs ,Dr Nasiru Muazu , informed that a larger blueprint has been formulated on how to combat insecurity across the State.

” The state had in the recent time witnessed incessant banditry attacks on one hand ,and on the other hand recording successes in the fight against banditry activities,taking into consideration the efforts of the military against bandits around Ruwan Godiya.

The visit of the state Governor to the scene ,where the five officials of the community security watch corps were ambushed ,and killed by bandits was to see for himself ,and for the ministry to evaluate ,and make assessment of what happened”, Mauzu noted .

According to the Commissioner ,the assessment will enable the authorities to come up with more pragmatic methods towards combating insecurity in the state .

While praying God to give the families of the deceased security personnel the fortitude to bear the loss ,Governor Radda appealed to the people not to despair ,and continue to support the Government in its efforts to completely secure the state .

“I Will Restore Orlu As Imo’s Economic Hub”

By
The Source
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Chioma Uzodimma

The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has assured the people of Orlu of his administration’s resolve to restore the city as the business hub of the State.

He made the promise at the Holy Trinity Cathedral Orlu weekend, where the leadership and members of the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) of the Diocese honoured his wife, Barr. Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma with the prestigious Nneoma Nwerugwu Merit Award.

The CWO said the choice of the title for the First Lady of Imo State was in recognition of her outstanding motherly role since assuming that role.

Addressing the recent economic difficulties faced by the Orlu community which he attributed to the  detrimental actions by those against progress, Governor Uzodimma emphasised that, “despite these obstacles, God has demonstrated His support for the  area and envisioned a future where Orlu is recognised for its enterprise and community spirit.”

He however pledged support for the completion of the  proposed N500 million Queen of Peace Female Hostel Complex, by immediately rallying support from his friends who accompanied him to the venue of the event at the Cathedral to make appreciable financial commitments for the project.

The Governor not only thanked the Orlu Diocesan CWO for the honour bestowed on his wife and other deserving mothers, but expressed gratitude over the support his family has received from the Bishop of the Orlu Catholic Diocese, Most Rev (Dr.) Augustine Ukwuoma over the years.

Earlier in his homily, the Bishop Ukwuoma emphasised the special role of mothers in society, noting that “the Diocese recognises and rewards Catholic mothers who have made significant contributions to the service of God and humanity, as well as those who exhibit exemplary behaviour in their homes, parishes, and communities.”

Bishop Ukwuoma  referenced notable mothers in the Bible who made positive impacts, but expressed concern that “many modern mothers are not living up to their roles as societal role models.”

He congratulated all the mothers who were honoured and urged all mothers to raise their children properly, asserting that “strong families are essential for a peaceful and secure nation.”

Bishop Ukwuoma who also praised the wife of the Governor for her motherly virtues and societal status, affirmed that she deserved the award given to her.

He however encouraged Mrs Uzodimma to continue supporting her husband in his efforts to work for the benefit of the State.

Wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun and that of Ebonyi State, Mrs Mary- Maudline Nwifuru were among the dignitaries at the event.

MDCN Turns Down Registration Of Nigerian Medical Students From Sudan

By
Ayodele Oni
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Medical Doctors in Nigeria

By Ayodele Oni

Inability to produce necessary visas by a group of Nigerian medical students from the war torn Sudan has blocked their chances to register for necessary Examinations being conducted by the Nigerian Medical and Dental Council, (MDCN).

The affected students doctors, numbering 47, escaped from the  war-torn Sudan in May 2023, and are now struggling to register for the MDCN examination due to a document snag.

The students, many of whom fled or were evacuated by the Federal Government without exit visas, are currently racing against time to meet the registration deadline, with their future careers hanging precariously in the balance.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that these students, who were enrolled at Sudan International University (SIU), were evacuated to Nigeria during the 2023 conflict in Sudan while some of them were in final year of study.

According to the students, with the approval of the National Universities Commission (NUC), they were permitted to continue their academic programme at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) in Sokoto.

Speaking to NAN on Sunday in Abuja, one student said: “We successfully completed our studies and graduated in 2024, receiving our certificates as students of SIU.”

He added that they were currently preparing to sit for the MDCN examinations and that one of the requirements was presenting a first entry visa and a last exit visa.

“Unfortunately, none of us have these documents as most of our passports remained in Sudan due to the emergency evacuation. We respectfully request permission to sit for the examinations scheduled for June 2025.”

The President of the Nigerian Students Association at SIU, Najid Hassan, confirmed that due to the war in Sudan, Nigerian students were evacuated by the Federal Government.

Hassan explained that with NUC approval, the affected students were allowed to continue their academic programme at UDUTH following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SIU and UDUTH.

“After the MoU, we resumed studies at UDUTH in December 2023 and spent one year there. We completed clinical rotations, lectures in gynaecology, pediatrics, surgery, and medicine, and graduated in October 2024.

“We took examinations supervised by consultants at UDUTH.”

He explained that after graduation, students were awarded certificates bearing the SIU name.

Hassan, however, said that when they approached MDCN for registration, the process, expected to be seamless, became challenging.

“We are currently preparing for the MDCN exams, but one requirement is the submission of a ‘first entry visa and a last exit visa.”

He added that after graduation, students were awarded certificates bearing the SIU name.

Hassan, revealed further that when they approached MDCN for registration, the process, expected to be seamless, became challenging.

“We are currently preparing for the MDCN exams, but one requirement is the submission of a ‘first entry visa and a last exit visa.’

“Unfortunately, none of us have these documents because most passports remain in Sudan due to emergency evacuation.” He appealed to the Federal Government to intervene.

NAN reports that MDCN is the regulatory body for Medicine and Dentistry in Nigeria and was established by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act.

The Act had been operational since December 18, 1963, and updated under the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

The council’s statutory functions include setting and reviewing standards for medical and dental education.

JAMB Releases Result Of UTME Resit, Confirms 21,082 Absent

By
Ayodele Oni
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JAMB Students

By Ayodele Oni

As a follow up, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, (JAMB) has released the results of its resit examination conducted for candidates affected by the technical error during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, (UTME).

Public Communication Advisor of JAMB, Fabian Benjamin, in a statement released on Sunday, stated that  the board announced the results, revealing that out of the 336,845 candidates rescheduled for the examination, 21,082 were absent.

The statement added that no explanation was provided for the high number of absentees, but JAMB announced a mop-up examination for candidates who missed the initial UTME, including those whose absence had no specified reason.

The Board in the statement raised concerns about widespread examination malpractice involving candidates, school proprietors, and CBT.

It was gathered that a meeting of Chief External Examiners, chaired by Prof. Olufemi Peters, endorsed the resit results based on psychometric analysis by Prof. Boniface Nworgu.

“JAMB approved the release of results for under-aged candidates, though these do not qualify them for admission unless litigation is involved.

“As part of the healing process, the meeting resolved that the withheld results of under-age candidates (except where litigation is involved), who performed below the established standards, be released.

“Such result does not, however, qualify them for admission, as they had previously signed an undertaking during the registration process acknowledging that only those who meet the prescribed standards would be considered for under-age special admission.”

The Board also granted a one-time waiver for candidates involved in online malpractice.

“Release of Result of Candidates involved in ‘WhatsApp Runs’ and other Misdemeanours. This category of candidates were found to have been involved in illicit solicitation of assistance.

“The meeting emphasised that its decision is not an endorsement of candidates’ unacceptable acts, but rather a once and for all waiver.

“Candidates were thus advised to refrain from joining questionable ‘WhatsApp and other anti-social groups.”

According to the board, CBT centres implicated in malpractice will be blacklisted and their owners prosecuted. Those involved in biometric or identity fraud will also face legal action.

“The meeting condemned the involvement of some CBT centres in perpetrating serious registration and examination malpractices and resolved that all the implicated CBT centres should be blacklisted, while complicit owners should be prosecuted.

“In addition, the identified individuals, who directly registered the candidates with modified pictures and biometrics be apprehended and prosecuted.”

It further reaffirmed its support for CBT and plans to bring in consultants to enhance the registration process.

Efforts to politicise technical issues along tribal lines, were condemned in the meeting, as they urge unity and caution against the divisive narrative.

“The meeting expressed with regret the attempts by some groups to exploit the unfortunate incident to disseminate tribal and sectional narratives.

“The unfortunate incident is not targeted at any section of the country, neither was it caused by any particular section of the country.

“It was emphasised that such narratives risk exacerbating existing divisions within society and even the JAMB workforce.

“The meeting commended the Registrar and the Management of JAMB for the competent and sincere handling of the unfortunate incident and urged them to remain steadfast and courageous.”

JAMB also dismissed claims of high scorers in cancelled sessions, stating 99% scored below 200, with only a few reaching 217.

The Board also condemned attempts to exploit the situation, citing the case of Olisa Gabriel Chukwuemeka, who falsely claimed to have scored 326 in the 2025 UTME.

JAMB confirmed he had altered his 2024 result of 203 and had actually scored 180 in the 2025 exam before his result was withdrawn. He later deactivated his social media account following public backlash. The results of the 2025 UTME were originally released on 9 May.

The Board criticised unregulated tutorial centres aiding malpractice and urged government regulation.

JAMB Registrar Professor Ishaq Oloyede had revealed that the results of 379,997 candidates across 157 centres in the Lagos and South-East zones were compromised due to a technical glitch.

During the press conference, the Registrar burst into tears as he apologised for the error and confirmed that affected candidates would be required to retake the examination.

He attributed the issue to faulty server updates, which prevented the proper upload of candidate responses during the first three days of the examination.

NCS First Quarter Revenue Up Rises To N1.3 Trillion – Comptroller-General

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bashir Adewale Adeniyi - Customs CGC

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Customs Service, (NCS), is counting its blessing from the economic reform programme of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The NCS claims it has shot up its revenue.

It announced that it has recorded an unprecedented revenue of ₦1.3 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, more than double the ₦600 billion collected during the same period in 2023.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi attributed this remarkable growth to transformative reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

A statement on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that this was revealed in an upcoming State House documentary marking the President’s second anniversary.

Adeniyi highlighted that the revenue surge emanated from improved technological deployment, enhanced port operations, tightened enforcement on revenue leakages, and a renewed culture of accountability across Customs commands.

“We collected ₦1.3 trillion in Q1 2025 alone. This is not due to higher import volumes. Imports have dropped due to foreign exchange constraints. What has changed is efficiency, transparency, and enforcement.”

He disclosed that the Service is preparing to launch the E-Customs Modernisation Project. This $3.2 billion initiative will digitise cargo processing, surveillance, and payment systems across Nigeria’s ports and borders.

“We’re laying the foundation to move from a manual, paper-based system to a fully digital service. The E-Customs Project is central to our future. Once fully deployed, we project it will add $250 billion in cumulative revenue over 20 years.”

Adeniyi added that the newly launched Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme is now onboarding pre-vetted importers, allowing compliant businesses faster processing and reducing port congestion.

“It’s about trust and efficiency. If you’re compliant, you get green-lane treatment. This is how modern customs systems work globally.”

The Customs CG confirmed that the Service has intensified its anti-smuggling operations and closed long-standing revenue leakages.

He disclosed that over ₦64 billion was recovered from previously under-assessed or undervalued imports in the last nine months, and major smuggling rings at the Seme, Idiroko, Katsina, and Sokoto borders have been dismantled.

According to him, the new joint border patrol task forces established in coordination with the Nigerian Army, DSS, and Police have also yielded positive results.

“We’re no longer just chasing smugglers in the bush. We’re using data, surveillance drones, and port intelligence to act in real-time. Once systemic leakages are now being plugged.

“Right now, you deal with up to 15 agencies manually. With the Single Window, you’ll do it all online, in one place. This will slash clearance time and costs.

“We’re promoting exports aggressively. Last year, Nigeria exported over ₦340 billion worth of solid minerals and agro commodities through formal channels, up by 38%. We’re targeting even more in 2025.

“Customs is no longer just about physical inspection. We are becoming an intelligence-led organisation, and our officers are being retrained to match global standards.

“The President gave us a clear directive: block leakages, facilitate trade, and raise revenue without burdening Nigerians. That is what we are doing. And the results are beginning to speak for themselves.”

2027: Obi Assures Supporters He Will Vie For Presidency

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

By Akinwale Kasali

Peter Obi, Labour Party, LP, Presidential Candidate at the 2023 Election has assured his supporters that he would run for the office of the President in 2027. His preferred platform is still LP.

The former Anambra State Governor gave the assurance while speaking to a group of young supporters in a 7-minute, 16-second video circulating on the party’s WhatsApp platform on Saturday.

Obi explained to his audience that what appears to be an internal crisis in the two dominant opposition political parties – the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP – has the Government’s  imprint written all over them.

In response to a question on which platform he intended to contest the 2027 elections, Obi said, “I will still continue to run in the Labour Party. I’m a member of the Labour Party.”

Speaking on his aloofness towards the LP’s crisis, the former Anambra State Governor said: “What is happening in the Labour Party and the PDP is caused by the Government. Quote me anywhere.

“We had a problem in our party before, in the past. Yar’Adua was the President. I went to him then; he called the INEC Chairman (Prof. Maurice Iwu) and told him I don’t want any problem in any party. We were forced to fix it.

“But today, in all the parties, there are problems. These are deliberate problems caused by the system. These are some of the things I want to clean up if I have the opportunity.

“Parties will function very well because you can’t have a system working without a strong opposition.”

He appealed to Nigerians to take responsibility for ensuring that their votes count because even if agents are paid by political parties to look after their interests, the ultimate decision about the people’s vote-counting rests with voters.

He further appealed to Nigerian youths and the electorate not to be discouraged because positive change will also be resisted by those who are beneficiaries of the old order.

Senator Ndume Makes U-Turn, Hails Tinubu For High Profile Appointments Given 12 Northerners

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Senator Ali Ndume

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former Senate Majority Leader, and Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume has lauded the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at addressing concerns about regional imbalance in his appointment structure.

Senator Ndume’s commendation is coming against the backdrop of the appointment of no fewer than 12 Northerners into various Federal Government strategic positions.

The Source reports that President Tinubu had on Friday, May, 23, 2025, appointed Hamza Ibrahim Baba ( kano)  ,Shehu Umar Danfulani from Zamfra state ,Abubakar Umar Jarengol ,(Adamawa state ) Samaila Audu from Katsina and seven others from the North into various Federal parastatals ,including the headship of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation NAIC.

The Tinubu administration has been widely perceived and accused of brazenly and unapologetically saturating the system with those from his Yoruba ethnic nationality.

Although, the embarrassing trend had characterized the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the present adminstration, many have posited, appears to have elevated nepotism to an official policy.

But reacting to the latest appointments that was heavily tilted in favour of the North, Senator Ndume, in a statement on Saturday, May 24, 2025, acknowledged the  President’s penchant for condoning constructive criticisms.”

It will be recalled that about weeks back, Ndume had launched a scathing public attack on the perceived lopsidedness of Federal appointments under Tinubu’s Presidency.

He had specifically accused the President of gross abuse and violation of the Constitution of the Country, as it relates to Federal character principles.

However, the Borno State Senator praised the President for rising to the criticisms with his latest bout of appointments.

“Our leaders in the North, including myself, raised our voices against perceived imbalances in key appointments.

“The hallmark of a true Statesman is his willingness to reassess decisions that spark widespread dissent. President Tinubu has done just that.

“This action shows that the President is a responsive leader. It addresses the imbalance thrown up by earlier decisions that left the North feeling sidelined”, Ndume noted.

According to him, the recent appointments are eloquent corrective measures by the President to strike a balance in the governance space of the country.

This is even as he insisted that his past criticisms of the Government was never borne out of personal interest but by the higher principle of ensuring that the North is included in the scheme of things.

While pledging his unflinching support to the President, he nevertheless reaffirmed his determination to speak out when the need arises.

He urged the appointees to justify the confidence reposed in  them by way of giving their best to the system.

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