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Tinubu Appoints Chairman, Members National Assembly Service Commission

By
The Source
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Dr Saviour Enyiekere

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr Saviour Enyiekere as Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) for a five-year renewable term.

Until his appointment, according to a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Enyiekere, an Environmental Specialist, was the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President.

President Tinubu also approved the appointment of two Commission Members from each of the six Geopolitical Zones.

The 12 members are:

NORTH WEST:

(a) Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi

(b) Hon. Yusuf A. Yusuf Tabuka

NORTH EAST

(c) Aminu Ibrahim Malle

(d) Alhaji Lawan Maina Mahmud

NORTH CENTRAL

(e) Mark Hanmation Tersoo

(f) Salihu Umar Agboola Balogun

SOUTH WEST

(g) Hon. Taiwo Olukemi Oluga

(h) Hon. Afeez Ipeza-Balogun

SOUTH EAST

(i) Hon. Dr. Nnanna Uzor Kalu

  1. G) Festus Ifesinachi Odii

SOUTH SOUTH

(k) Patrick A. Giwa

(l) Mrs. Mary Ekpenyong

Like the chairperson, members of the Commission shall hold office for a renewable term of five years.

Peter Obi’s Ally, Erstwhile LP Anambra Governorship Hopeful Ozigbo Defects To  APC

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Chief Valentine Ozigbo

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Ozigbo has transversed from PDP to LP and now, APC within a few years.

Barely 24 hours after exiting Labour Party, LP, Chief Valentine Ozigbo, on Thursday, February 20, 2025 formally signed on for the All Progressive Congress APC

The Source reports that Ozigbo, a former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial candidate in Anambra State, on Wednesday, February, 19, announced his departure from the LP.

He had earlier joined Labour from the PDP in 2024, with the high hope and expectation to fly its gubernatorial ticket come November 8, 2025 off-circle gubernatorial polls.

He, however, noted that he formally informed the Party’s 2023 Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, and the National Chairman, Julius Abure, of his decision to part ways with the LP .

Ozigbo, while informing his supporters about his decision to quit LP, had  cited internal crisis, and ineffective leadership as major reasons for his action.

“A few moments ago at a State Executive Committee meeting of the Labour Party in Awka, I formally submitted my resignation letter to my ward Chairman.

“My unwavering commitment to the greater vision for our State guides this decision. Before this, His Excellency ,Peter Obi, was duly informed of my decision as a mark of respect for his leadership and the principles we have shared on this journey

“I equally notified the National Chairman. At every defining moment in history, our choices shape the future we dream of. Today, as I take a new step on my journey of service, I do so with an unshakable resolve, a clear vision, and the unwavering belief that Anambra’s best days are ahead of us.

“I joined politics not for personal ambition, but because I believe in the boundless potential of our people. I believe in a leadership that is compassionate ,that inspires and truly serves the people. That mission has not changed: it has only become stronger.

“Recent events have made one thing clear: the time has come for us to build something new, something bold, something that speaks to the hopes and aspirations of every Anambra son and daughter.

“That is why after deep reflection and broad consultations, I have chosen to take a different path, one that is not about party lines, but about our people. About progress. About a movement that will bring real transformation to our great state”, Ozoigbo stated.

Ozigbo, alongside the former State Secretary of LP, Nze Afam Okpalauzuegbu ,were formally received by the Amesi Ward of APC in Awka South local Council on Thursday.

The APC ward leadership, while welcoming the defectors, expressed the optimism that their coming on board will greatly impact the fortunes of the party, particularly in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the State.

However; as at the time of  reporting, it was not yet clear, if Ozigbo, who is well known for nursing the ambition to govern Anambra, will still continue to pursue his ambition in his new political abode.

He last contested the Anambra State highest office in 2021 on the platform of the PDP, but lost to Governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA.

Many Feared Dead As NNPCL Flow Stations Explode In Bonny, Rivers State

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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NNPCL Flow Stations Explode In Bonny Rivers State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Rivers State Police Command on Thursday, February, 20, 2025, said they have dispatched operatives to ascertain the true situation at two flow stations reportedly rocked by heavy explosions in the Bonny area of the State.

The Source reports that a video posted online  by locals had  depicted twin explosions at  the flow stations located close to  Cawthone Channel off the coast of Bonny in Rivers state.

Going by the clips of the video ,there are palpable fears that many fatalities may have been recorded during the explosion said to have occurred on Wednesday night.

According to some locals captured in the footage of video, the blasts were said to have severely affected the two flow stations sited just about 30 nautical miles from the Bonny coastal line.

The Cawthorne Channel housing the two flow stations is one of the major nerve centres of Oil and Gas facilities serving the industry located between Bonny and Degema Local Councils of  Rivers.

The locals strongly believe that excessive heat from a wielding facility may have ignited the explosion that engulfed the entire flow stations said to belong to the NNPCL

It is not yet  ascertained, the number of casualties which may have been recorded  in the blasts.

As at the time of reporting, the NNPCL, a major stakeholder, and industry regulator,was yet to react officially to the development.

However, it was gathered that the NNPCL has been alerted by nearby communities.

But speaking on the development, the Rivers state Police Command’s Spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, informed that the Service have commenced investigation into the incident.

She, however, noted that information about the development was still sketchy as operatives were still working to unravel the real situation on the ground.

Some eye witness accounts indicated that rescue operations are currently underway to evacuate the scene of the explosion.

Insurgency, Flooding: Borno Seeks NEDC Intervention In Rebuilding Plan

By
Ayodele Oni
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Professor Babagana Zulum
Professor Babagana Zulum, Borno State governor

By Ayodele Oni

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has expressed the hope that the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) will assist in Borno’s recovery efforts, particularly in rebuilding infrastructure damaged during the insurgency.

The governor spoke in Maiduguri through the Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, while receiving  the Minister of Regional Development, Uba Ahmadu, during an official visit to the state.

Welcoming the Minister, on behalf of the governor, Kadafur praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership in establishing the Ministry of Regional Development, describing it as a crucial step toward addressing Nigeria’s regional development challenges.

“We commend the President for creating this ministry, which underscores his commitment to sustainable growth across the country.

“Nigeria faces numerous developmental challenges, and this initiative reflects the administration’s determination to tackle them head-on.

“Borno State has been at the forefront of the fight against insurgency, suffering significant infrastructural losses. However, the NEDC has played a crucial role in our recovery, executing key interventions that have restored livelihoods and rebuilt essential facilities.”

Kadafur reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working with the Federal Government and the NEDC to accelerate development and ensure the full restoration of conflict-affected communities.

“We have made substantial progress in our recovery efforts, and we appreciate the continued support of the NEDC. Borno remains committed to collaborating with your ministry and the commission to further advance our development agenda.”

In his remarks, the Minister expressed sympathy for the challenges faced by Borno State, particularly the security threats posed by insurgency and the recent flooding caused by the collapse of the Al-Awda Dam.

“Your Excellency, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the people of Borno over these adversities. However, it is commendable that under your leadership, the state continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and progress.”

Ahmadu emphasized that his visit reflected President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to partnering with state governments to drive sustainable development, restore livelihoods, and strengthen peace-building efforts.

“Through the Northeast Development Commission, we are implementing critical interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.

“These efforts go beyond immediate relief—they are strategic investments in Borno’s long-term prosperity.

“Moving forward, we will intensify collaboration with the NEDC, fast-track ongoing projects, and initiate new interventions where needed. Our goal is to ensure that all development efforts are inclusive and impactful,” he added.

He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to positioning Borno as a model for post-insurgency recovery, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

Crushing Of Seven Students To Death: Federal University, Lokoja, Closed Down Indefinitely

By
Ayodele Oni
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Federal University Lokoja

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal University of Lokoja, Kogi State, has been closed down, indefinitely, following the tragic killing of seven students and a bus driver in a fatal vehicle accident which involved a truck and a school shuttle bus.

This was contained in a circular signed by the University’s Registrar, Dr. Rebecca Okojie, dated February, 20, 2025.

The circular stated that the decision followed consultations between the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management, acting on the advice of State Security Agencies.

It explained that students, angered by the tragic incident, blocked the University gates despite interventions from the State Government and repeated pleas from the University Management for calm.

“Due to rising tensions, the closure was deemed necessary to maintain order and prevent further loss of lives.”

Students were instructed to leave both campuses within one hour of the circular’s release and no later than 12 noon on Thursday, February 20, 2025.

The accident occurred around 2:30 pm on Monday when an articulated truck carrying wood and jerrycans of palm oil lost control and crashed into a shuttle bus transporting students.

It was reported that the bus was on its way to the university when the speeding truck collided with it, completely crushing the vehicle.

Seven students were confirmed dead at the scene of the accident.

Since Monday, students have been staging massive protests and public demonstrations, demanding that authorities implement measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The circular reads: “Following the unfortunate loss of the lives of five students to a tragic trailer accident at Felele city centre on Monday, 17th February, 2025, students have barricaded the gates of the university despite magnanimous interventions from the State Government as well as frantic efforts and appeal by the University Management for calm.

“Accordingly, arising from the advice of the State Security Agencies and to forestall further loss of lives, the Vice-Chancellor, after due consultation with Management, has decided on behalf of Senate, that the University (both campuses) be closed down INDEFINITELY within one hour of release of this circular.

“Students are therefore, to vacate the campuses on/or before 12 noon, today, Thursday, 20 February, 2025.”

“We Take Responsibility But Not Complicit In The Escape Of Suspected Killers Of Anambra Lawmaker” – Police

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Hon Azuka and Kayode Egbetokun

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Police Command ,on Thursday, February, 20, 2025 absolved themselves from complicity in the escape of two key kidnap  and murder suspects  of Labour Party LP, State Lawmaker, Hon Justice Azuka.

The Command’s position  is coming against the gale of public outrage and criticisms trailing the scandalous escape of the suspects from Police custody .

Not a few people have questioned the circumstances surrounding the sudden escape of such key suspects in an  equally  high profile matter as the abduction and killing of a sitting member of a State House of Assembly.

The Source reports that Hon Azuka was abducted by gunmen on December 24, 2024, while heading home for the Christmas and New Year festivities.

But on February 6, his already decomposed body was recovered at the Second Niger Bridge Onitsha by a combined team of Security operatives who equally announced the arrests of all the suspects connected to the incident.

However, in a shocking and unbelievable development, the Police on Tuesday February 18, informed that two of the suspects have escaped.

The surprise announcement generated serious backlash and unkind comments against the police  from many residents and organizations.

The Speaker ,of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Somtochukwu Nkem Udeze, in a statement on Wednesday February 19, while condemning the escape of the suspects, noted that the development has  cast a shadow on the otherwise commendable and professional manner in which the police had been handling the matter. Many people have also alleged complicity on the part of the Police.

But in a statement on Thursday issued by its spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Anambra State Police Command noted that having worked tirelessly to track down the suspects, it will be  preposterous to impugn any complicity in the escape of the suspects.

According to him, the Police cannot be the same people that placed their lives at risk in concert with other security agencies to arrest the criminals involved in the dastardly act ,only to turn around to sabotage the process of serving justice on  them.

He noted that the pre-occupation of the Police at the moment is how to effect the re-arrest of the escaped suspects.

” Remember that we had earlier paraded these suspects for residents of the State and the World to see.

“We are owing up to our responsibility, no doubt. Nevertheless, our main focus now while we are still interrogating the officers involved in these operational lapses  to face serious sanctions, is to re-arrest the suspects on the run”,  Ikenga stated

Akpabio Orders  Senator Akpoti Out Of Senate Chambers

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Godswill Akpabio order eviction of Senator Natasha Akpoti

By Akinwale Kasali

There was mild drama at the Senate Chambers during Plenary following an order by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, for the  eviction of Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduahan from the Senate Chambers.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was assigned a new seat at the beginning of the session, which she declined.

In response, the Senate President instructed that she be removed from the Senate Chambers with immediate effect.

She queried the decision, prompting her to read the Senate Handbook aloud,  explainimg her right to be allowed to speak.

While she was reading, the Senate President ordered her removal from the Chambers.

As she was being led out, she could be heard protesting: “I am not of afraid of you, and you can’t silence me”.

This is not the first time Akpabio and Natasha will be having a disagreement and verbal exchange in the Senate Chamber. It had led to the call for Akpabio’s  resignation from various Feminist groups.

BREAKING, IBB Confesses: Abiola Won 1993 Presidential Election

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Ibrahim Babangida and MKO Abiola

By Akinwale Kasali

32 years after former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, annulled the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election, which denied Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, his Mandate as the winner of the election, he has finally affirmed Abiola’s victory.

Babangida’s revelation was contained in his autobiography, “A Journey in Service”, which was launched in Abuja  Thursday, February 20, 2025.

The reviewer of the Book, former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, stated that Babangida said that the late MKO Abiola, who contested the Presidential election on the platform of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, secured the majority of votes and the geographical spread to be the President.

He described the June 12 election annulment as the most challenging aspect of his life.

“There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements,” he said.

He, however, said that he was happy that President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledged that Abiola won the election and honoured him with the highest national honour of the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, GCFR, which is for Presidents.

Before now, Babangida had been mute about the June 12, 1993, election when asked about the winner of the annulled election at different forums.

APC Increases In House Of Reps, As Yusuf Galambi Dumps NNPP, For APC

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Yusuf Galambi

By Akinwale Kasali

The number of Lawmakers in the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, continue to soar by the day. Hon. Yusuf Shittu Galambi, representing Gwaram Federal Constituency in Jigawa State, has joined the bandwagon of defectors, becoming the first New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, member in the House of Representatives to defect to the ruling APC.

The gale of defection into the APC fold increased the total number of opposition members in the House who have joined the Party at the center in the past six months to 11.

Explaining his decision to jump ship and join the APC, Galambi cited the ongoing crises within the party which he said had led to legal battles and leadership issues that negatively impacted the party’s operations.

He also mentioned that his constituents had urged him to join the APC due to their dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership.

The NNPP has experienced factionalizaion, with expelled founding members claiming leadership, while supporters of former Kano Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso, continue to maintain control over the party.

Portable Granted N2mn Bail, Case Adjourned

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Habeeb Okikiola popular as Portable
Portable

By Akinwale Kasali

Habeeb Okikiola, popular as Portable was arraigned before a Magistrate Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, Ogun State for alleged assault on government officials.

The controversial singer was arraigned on a five-count charge before the Court.

The charges include conspiracy, assault, restriction, armed with cutlasses and guns, and conduct likely to cause harm.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Portable was alongside nine others charged for similar offences before Magistrate O. L. Oke.

The nine suspects are:

Nurudeen Warris,21

Adetola Alashe, 25

Samuel Adeleke, 28

Oluwaseun Ayenuwa, 19

Oluwapelumi Adeosun, 20

Gospel Kanu, 20

Precious Ohiegebo, 19

Ifeoluwa Babatunde, 27

Fatimo Muhammed, 26.

They were alleged to have assaulted, restricted, and obstructed one Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero who are town planners.

The defendants and Portable allegedly assaulted the three Town Planning Officers, while performing their lawful duties at Odogwu Bar owned by Portable.

After pleading not guilty to the charges, his counsel, Oluwatoyin Ayodele, urged the Court to grant him bail.

Ayodele assured the court that the suspect “is now remorseful and has learned his lessons.”

Magistrate O L Oke granted ₦2m bail with one surety in the like sum.

He adjourned the case till March 5 for trial.

It would be recalled that Portable had been declared wanted by the Ogun State Police Command, and he reported himself at the Criminal Investigations Department, SCID, Lagos Command.

He was later transferred to the Ogun Command’s headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta, the state capital, where he was arraigned at the Magistrate Court.

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