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2027 Realignment: Tinubu Unites Kwakwanso, Aregbesola

By
James Orji
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Aregbesola and Kwakwanso and Tinubu

Two former governors, Rauf Aregbesola of Osun and Musa Kwaknwanso of Kano states, respectively have met ahead the 2027 elections.

The former governors met in Lagos at Aregbesola’s residence, amidst suggestions that the meeting may not be unconnected with the 2027 general election.

Their meeting also came after Oluwole Oke, a PDP lawmaker in the National assembly, urged his party to seize the opportunity of Aregbesola’s departure from the All progressives Congress, APC to bring him into the PDP, citing his influence and reach politically.

Recall that Aregbesola, a former Minister of Interior announced his resignation alongside his supporters from the All Progressives Congress, APC, two weeks ago during a stakeholders meeting in Ilesha, Osun state.

His meeting with Kwakwanso, the National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, has further fueled suggestions that the disputes between him and the president has taken the turn for the worse, and that he may join forces with the opposition against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election.

The magazine reports that the former minister developed a frosty relationship with the president after the 2022 governorship election in his state, where he supported the PDP candidate, Ademola Jackson Adeleke against his party’s candidate, Gboyega Oyetola, the incumbent at the time and close relations of the president.

The PDP candidate went ahead to win that election.

Ahead the decisive governorship election three years ago, Aregbesola had accused Tinubu of playing God.

Even though the details of the meeting with the former governor of Kano state were not made public, those close to the two leaders informed the magazine that it’s part of the ongoing political re-alignment currently going on in the country to defeat the ruling APC and President Tinubu

“You cannot rule out the political influence of both Kwakwanso and Aregbesola in the nation’s political space. The strategic meeting is very crucial, but nothing agreement has been reached yet,” one of the sources privy to the meeting said on Monday.

Commenting on the development relating to Osun politics in a post shared on his page with the name MP Oluwole Oke-BOO, the federal parliamentarian, who confirmed the post in a message to our correspondent, said if he were an APC member, he would have ensured that Aregbesola and Oyetola settle their differences.

Speaking on the why the PDP should ensure that Aregbesola is brought into the PDP, Oke, the Chairman of th House Committee on Foreign Affairs, described the former governor as beautiful bride and a grassroots mobiliser that must be courted at all cost.

He said,  “Egbon Rauf ‘Soji Aregbesola, a former Governor of Osun State and Minister for Interior, is an enigma, a grassroots mobiliser, singer, and dancer.

“He is a factor and a BRIDE in Osun politics, truth be told.

“PDP needs to act fast, pay necessary dowry, and take in this BRIDE. Symbol, as he is popularly called, is not someone you allow to roam about.”

Fayemi Remains Trusted Ally- Tinubu

By
James Orji
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Bola Tinubu and Kaode Fayemi

Despite recent suggestions that the immediate past Governor of Ekiti state and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are involved in a cold war, the president says the former governor remains a trusted political allies.

The president made this known in a congratulatory message to commemorate the former governor’s 60th birthday at the weekend.

Tinubu’s remark also comes after Fayemi said the infighting among politicians should not be taken serious by Nigerians ,saying the act was only meant to entertain the people.

The former governor spoke during his 60th birthday thanksgiving service at St. Martins’ Catholic Church, Isan Ekiti, on Sunday, saying most of what Nigerians see on the social media about politicians is not real.

“So, all these things you read on social media are for your entertainment,” he said. “Many will wonder why Governor Segun Oni is here. During his birthday, I spent the entire day with him, and Governor Ayodele Fayose too would have been here without hesitation if he was around,” Fayemi said yesterday.

Speaking on his relationship with Fayemi, the president said his respect for the former governor grew stronger after Fayemi stepped down for him during the 2023 Presidential election.

According to him, the former governor is among experienced Nigerians with the capacity to govern the country, in in spite of this, the former governor proved his selflessness by stepping down for him, adding that his action proved his strong loyalty to the party.

He described the former Ekiti helmsman as a statesman with great ‘humility’.

Tinubu said, “Dr. Fayemi, on the party convention night, was gracious when he openly announced that he was stepping down for me. His decision demonstrated remarkable humility and comradeship.”

Not a few Nigerians suggested that the former governor and the president are no longer close, and may have parted ways after Fayemi failed to make the president’s Ministerial List in 2023.

The fraternity by the former governor has further fueled the reports that he’s angry with Tinubu.

Ondo: PDP Demands Sack Of Finance Commissioner Over Alleged “Financial Recklessness”

By
Ayodele Oni
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Mrs Isaac Omowunmi - Ondo State Commissioner for Finance

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), Ondo State Chapter has insisted that the State Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Isaac Omowunmi, must be sacked for, allegedly, “criminally abusing her office.”

Omowunmi and the Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, were retained in a recent dissolution of the state executive council by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The PDP, in a statement on Monday, signed by Kennedy Peretei, its spokesman, accused Omowunmi of financial recklessness.

The statement “The Lucky Aiyedatiwa government has maintained such a deafening silence and complicity that are making tongues to wag, if indeed, there is more to it that meets the eye.

“The N11.5B Security Vote in the Ministry of Finance captured in the 2025 Approved Budget has not been explained to the people of the State, in spite of the public outcry.

“The provision of N250M as Honorarium and Sitting Allowance in the Ministry of Finance is another padded item in the budget for the enjoyment and pleasure of the Commissioner.

“Perhaps, the most insensitive of the items is the procurement of one Toyota Prado SUV Jeep for the Honorable Commissioner for Finance at a princely sum of N230M.

“In view of the above approved Budgetary allocations, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ondo State Chapter believes that Mrs Isaac Omowunmi, the Ondo State Commissioner for Finance must be sacked immediately, for criminally abusing her office.

“Her claim of being a UK trained Accountant falls flat on its back, if all she can do is to fleece the people’s Treasury. The supposed Gatekeeper of our Treasury.

“If Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa fails to relieve the Commissioner of her duties, having failed the people of the Sunshine State, steps will be taken to prove that, what is at stake is the people’s funds.

“Whatever happened to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) team that arrived at the State in the wake of the 2025 Budget scandal is inexplicable.

“A Government that presides over a huge infrastructural deficit, a totally collapsed health care delivery system and unacceptable falling educational standards can ill-afford the financial recklessness of the Commissioner for Finance in our State.”

Adamawa Govt Tackles Sacked REC, Ari On Outcome Of 2023 Gov. Election

By
Ayodele Oni
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Sacked former Adamawa State INEC Hudi Ari

By Ayodele Oni

Adamawa State Government has insisted that the sacked Resident Electoral Commissioner, (REC) in the state, Hudu Ari lacked the power whatsoever to make a declaration in any election conducted in the state.

The state government while reacting to the insistence of the former REC that it was Aisha Binani that won the 2023 governorship election in the state on Sunday,  dismissed the claim.

Ari, who was recently sacked from his position as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, maintained that he has documentary evidence to show that Senator Aisha Binani won the 2023 governorship election in the State.

Ari, who stated this few days after the National Assembly approved his sack as a Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the controversies that trailed the conduct of the elections, swore with Quran before journalists that Senator Binani won the controversial election and not Governor Ahmadu Umar Fintiri.

An enraged Ari told journalists in his private residence in Bauchi on Saturday evening that he has all necessary documentary evidence to support his claim that Binani defeated Governor Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the rounds of the elections.

However, a statement by Mr Solomon Kumangar, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, stressed that the sacked REC, who has turned himself to fugitive, has never substantiated this assertion.

The Adamawa State Government specifically stated that Hudu Ari as a REC, lacked the power whatsoever and in any material particular to make a declaration in any election conducted in Adamawa.

Kumanga added that the provisions of the Electoral laws ensured that every election has a Returning Officer, who is mainly an ad-hoc staff member of the commission.

He noted that the dismissed REC, Hudu Yunusa Ari, repeated a known lie that Binani, not Fintiri, won 2023 polls before journalists on Saturday.

According to Kumanga; “INEC rogue REC Hudu Yunusa Ari repeated a lie he told two years ago. He asserted that Binani, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2023 gubernatorial election in Adamawa, won the 2023 polls, not Fintiri.”

Kumanga further said that the regulations guiding the 2023 elections in Nigeria, was unambiguous as no INEC REC could return a candidate, stressing that the partisanship of the dismissed REC, Hudu  Ari, was so glaring that he violated the oath of office he took to remain apolitical and neutral.

“Ari was caught on tape begging a local government returning officer to help a woman. He further claimed the directive was from above. Despite Hudu’s rhetoric, he could not provide any evidence of the result he used in the illegal declaration.

“Finally, no court prevents Ari from testifying; it was the petitioner’s side that withdrew Hudu from testifying at the election petition tribunal, having known that the REC lacks power to make a return in any election.

“In addition, if Ari claims he was prevented from appearing in court, he should please come out of hiding, as there is still a pending case against him at the Adamawa State High Court; this is an avenue for him to come clean.

The statement stressed that there was no basis whatsoever for Ari to claims that Binani won the 2023 election in Adamawa State.

Three Students Of Fed Agric College Abducted In Ondo

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gunmen

By Ayodele Oni

Few days after similar incident in Ondo State,  gunmen have kidnapped three Students of the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, (FECA) at Oke Oge in the Oba Ile area of Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State.

The victims, who are industrial Training (IT) students in a farm were abducted on Saturday evening while returning from the farm not far from Akure Airport.

A source disclosed that “those kidnapped are students at the Federal College of Agriculture Akure but undergoing their Industrial Training at the farm. It’s a pepper and tomatoes farm.The farm belongs to a Commissioner.

“One of the victims is very close to me and ,I’ve been calling since yesterday. I even spoke with the kidnappers, they are saying 100 million per person.

“I don’t know the phone was switched off since yesterday. They said the Provost of the school and the State Governor are already aware.”

Reacting, the state commander of Amotekun,  Adetunji Adeleye, who confirmed the incident, said his men had been deployed to rescue the victims.

“I can confirm to you that we are on top of the situation.They were kidnapped while returning from the farm. Our men have been deployed to rescue them from the kidnappers’ den.”

Meanwhile, the abductors are demanding a ransom of N15 million from the victims’ families. A family source confirmed that the kidnappers had contacted the families.

CNPP: State Creation Should Address Regional Imbalance for Equity and Fairness Only

By
The Source
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Comrade James Ezema

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has called on the National Assembly to take immediate action to create five states in Nigeria to address regional imbalance in the number of states in the country’s six geopolitical zones to ensure equity, fairness, and justice in the distribution of resources and opportunities among various regions.

In a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, the CNPP stated that “Democracy does not support injustice. The basic principles of democracy derive from free, fair, justice, and equitable distribution of resources, and the rule of law.”

The CNPP emphasized that addressing the imbalance in the number of states in each geopolitical zone is crucial for promoting unity, stability, and progress in Nigeria.

“The CNPP proposes that each of the six geopolitical zones should have seven states each, based on economic viability and other relevant factors for the new states to be created.

“Specifically, the North Central and North West zones already have seven states, while the rest of the zones have six states each, except the South East region with only five states.

“There is the need to create one additional state each for the South West, North East, and South-South zones and two additional states should be created in the South East zone.

“Once this is achieved, the National Assembly can consider creating additional states in each of the six geopolitical zones.

“The CNPP believes that this is a necessary step towards ensuring that every region in Nigeria has an equal opportunity to develop and contribute to the growth and prosperity of the nation.

“We urge the National Assembly to take this matter seriously and work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all Nigerians.

“The CNPP has consistently advocated for good governance, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria. The CNPP as the umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria remains committed to promoting the principles of democracy and ensuring that the rights and interests of all Nigerians are protected and advanced”, the statement concluded.

Signed:

Comrade James Ezema
Deputy National Publicity Secretary
Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP)
February 9, 2025.

NMA Applauds Retirement Age For Doctors, Says Its Would Cushion ‘Japa’ Syndrome

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Medical Doctors in Nigeria

By Akinwale Kasali

Disturbed by the ‘JAPA’ Syndrome, that has seen many of the nation’s best Medical practitioners leave the shores of Nigeria, the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, has applauded the recent increase in the retirement age for doctors and healthcare workers, from 60 to 65 years.

NMA says that this will help to cushion the effects of the ‘japa’ scourge in the health sector.

Dr. Happy Adedapo, Chairman, NMA, Oyo State Branch, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital, said that President Bola Tinubu’s approval for 65 years as the new retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers earlier in the week is a welcome development.

He added that this will take care of some downsides of the highly prevalent japa malady among other issues bedevilling the healthcare delivery system.

The Chairman emphasised that the approval would mitigate the effects of inadequate personnel in the health sector.

“It is something the Body of Doctors has been advocating as most healthcare facilities are short-staffed.

“Generally, apart from the external ‘japa,’ there is the internal ‘japa’ as well.

“People are also migrating to places like Lagos and Abuja due to better working conditions on a daily basis.

“The lacuna created by the shortage of staff, as a result of the exit of top and junior professionals, would surely be plugged, even if temporarily, while further ingenious measures are adopted for permanent respite.

“It’s better to retain the old and experienced ones who have been in the system and are not planning to relocate.

“So, it’s a welcome development if followed through and backed by extant documents,” Adedapo stated.

Police ASP’s Father Finds His Body Dangling From Ceiling

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Police ASP Shafiu Bawa commit Suicide

By Akinwale Kasali

The Niger State Police Command is grieving over the death of one of its Officers, Shafiu Bawa, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, who committed suicide.

The late Bawa hung himself from the ceiling.

The Father of the deceased was said to have entered the room, and found the lifeless body of his Son dangling on the ceiling.

The case was reported to the Police, who swung into action and transported his body to the hospital.

Bawa was confirmed dead at a General Hospital in the Kontagora Local Government Area of the State.

Confirming the incident, the Niger State Police Command, through the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Supol Wasiu Abiodun, in a statement, said Bawa’s reason for committing suicide is yet to be ascertained.

The statement reads; “On 8/2/2025 at about 2 pm, it was reported that one ASP Shafiu Bawah of 61pmf Kotangora committed suicide by hanging himself on the ceiling due to a yet-to-be-ascertained reason.

“The body was removed and released to the family for burial. The incident is under investigation to ascertain the reason for such action,” the PPRO declared.

SERAP Sue President Tinubu Over N167bn Worth Of Unexecuted Projects

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu - President

By Akinwale Kasali

President Bola Tinubu has once again been sued by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP.

The Civil Rights Organization said the failure of the President Tinubu-led administration to probe and prosecute contractors who, allegedly, collected over N167 Billion from 31 Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, but failed to execute any projects is the reason they sued.

The Respondents in the suit asked  the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, ask President Tinubu to direct the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun, to probe the allegations.

In the suit filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos, on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Ms Oluwakemi Agunbiade, the organization asked the court “to compel President Tinubu to direct Mr Fagbemi to bring to justice, as appropriate, any companies and contractors who collected over N167 billion of public funds from 31 MDAs but failed to execute any projects.

“To compel President Tinubu to direct Mr Olawale Edun to publish the specific names of the companies and contractors who collected over N167 billion from 31 MDAs but failed to execute any projects, as documented in the 2021 Audited Report by the Auditor General of the Federation.”

SERAP also asked the Court “to compel President Tinubu to direct Mr Olawale Edun to publish the details of the projects, such as the locations of the projects for which the contractors and companies collected N167bn, the amount collected by each contractor and company and the names of the shareholders.”

In the suit, SERAP maintained that “ the allegations of corruption involving many companies and contractors who collected over N167 billion from 31 MDAs have continued to impair, obstruct and undermine the access of poor Nigerians to public goods and services.

“Holding the companies and contractors who collected over N167bn from 31 MDAs but disappeared with the money would prevent and combat waste, fraud, and abuse in the spending of public funds.”

According to SERAP, “There is a legitimate public interest in not shielding or allowing ingrained wrongdoing by companies and contractors to go unpunished.

“Citizens feel the consequences of corruption on a daily basis. Corruption exposes them to additional costs to pay for health, education and administrative services.

“The allegations suggest a grave violation of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), the country’s anticorruption legislation and international anticorruption obligations.

The suit read in part: “Granting the reliefs sought would ensure transparency and accountability in how any public funds are spent by MDAs, and reduce vulnerability to corruption and mismanagement.

“The UN Convention against Corruption, to which Nigeria is a state party, contains requirements of integrity and honesty in economic, financial or commercial activities-both in the public and private sectors.

“It also imposes obligations on the government to ensure that sanctions imposed for corruption on natural and legal persons are effective, proportionate and dissuasive.

“Ensuring the accountability of companies and contractors and the recovery of diverted public funds would improve public accountability in MDAs.

“Government accountability to the general public is a hallmark of democratic governance, which Nigeria seeks to practice.

“According to the 2021 annual audited report by the Auditor-General of the Federation published on Wednesday, 13 November 2024, thirty-one (31) ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) paid over N167 billion [N167,592,177,559.40] to companies and contractors for contracts and projects not executed.

“The Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc. (NBET) alone reportedly paid N100 billion to companies and contractors for projects not executed.

“Companies and contractors reportedly collected N100 billion from the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc. (NBET) for contracts and projects not executed.”

“The thirty other MDAs including Nigerian Correctional Service; National Pension Commission, Abuja; Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Owerri; and Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) Office.

“Others include: Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF); Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development; Federal Medical Centre, Bida, Niger state; National Centre for Women Development; Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution; National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB); Federal University of Gasua; and Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

“Accountability requires transparency. Nigerians’ right to a democratic governance allows them to appreciably influence the direction of government and have an opportunity to assess progress and assign blame.”

Saudi Arabia Restricts Nigeria From Having Multiple Visa Alongside 13 Other Countries

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Saudi Arabia Visa

By Akinwale Kasali

The Saudi Arabian Government has through its New Visa Regulations, imposed a single-entry visa valid for 30 days with no option for extension for Nigerians and 13 Other Countries.

The move applies to tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family members, while excluding applicants for Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas.

Countries affected by this new directives alongside Nigeria include: Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.

Reason for this development, according to Saudi Arabia Government, is the misuse of multiple-entry visas, noting that some travelers used long-term visas to stay in the country illegally, or participate in Hajj without proper authorization.

The Saudi Government regulates Hajj attendance through a fixed quota per country, and unauthorized pilgrims have contributed to overcrowding issues.

The situation became particularly severe in 2024, when over 1,200 pilgrims lost their lives due to extreme heat and congestion, a crisis authorities believe was exacerbated by unregistered attendees.

Officials have described the suspension of multiple-entry visas as a temporary measure but have not provided a specific timeline for its review.

The government plans to assess the impact of the new regulations before making further decisions.

Travelers from affected nations are advised to apply for their single-entry visas well in advance of their trips and to comply strictly with the new regulations to avoid penalties or travel disruptions.

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