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Igbokwe To APC, Tinubu: You Must Beg El Rufai Not To Leave Party

By
James Orji
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Joe Igbokwe

A staunch supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain in Lagos state, Joe Igbokwe says the party should ensure that a former Governor of Kaduna state Nasir El Rufai is placated.

The APC, Igbokwe said, still needs the former minister and  cannot afford to lose to another party.

Igbokwe, a former Lagos APC Publicity Secretary made the remark on his X handle on Tuesday amidst suggestions that El Rufai is planning to leave APC for another party.

His remark also comes after the former governor said he no longer ‘recognise’ the ruling APC. El rufai made the comment in Abuja on Tuesday  during a political event attended by major opposition leaders in the country.

He urged opposition parties to unite to oust the ruling party, which he accused of lacking in internal democracy, describing officials in government to be mostly ‘half illiterate.’

The former governor’s remark has however drew strong criticism from APC and government officials who described him as a bad loser who’s trying to bring down the Tinubu administration.

Reacting, Igbokwe said El Rufai has a reason to be angry with the party after losing out to become a minister in the administration, he accused some elements in Tinubu’s administration of frustrating his nomination as minister, describing the act as betrayer after the former governor worked for president Tinubu to win the 2023 presidential election.

Essentially, Igbokwe a strong supporter of Tinubu said it will be inimical to the APC if El rufai is snatched by another party.

According to him, the party must ensured that he’s persuaded to remain in APC, saying no “Ministers in the Federal Cabinet that is greater, smarter, bolder, more clever, proficient and deeper than Mallam El Rufai.”

“All things considered APC Nigeria needs the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. He worked so hard for APC during the 2023 Presidential and Governorship Elections,” Igbokwe said on X.

Adding that “I am a witness to how Gov El- Rufai, former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and one other governor went to stop the criminal Emefiele’s dubious money policy that was targeted at PBAT which nearly truncated PBAT victory. I also remember the excruciating efforts he put down to retain kaduna for APC.

“HE El-Rufai was nominated as a Minister and we allowed shenanigans and people without honour to come to hallowed chambers of the Senate to stop his nomination for reasons we do not know. If reality is to prevail he was supposed to take a bow, just walk away.

“APC allowed the interlopers to walk away with their sadistic tendencies. Now let me ask this question: Of what meat are they fed? Who among all the Ministers in the Federal Cabinet that is greater, smarter, bolder, more clever, proficient and deeper than Mallam El Rufai?

“Neglecting and ignoring our own scholar in the finest and best tradition is incomprehensible and totally unacceptable. May we never forget this stormy petrel with loads of capacity and capability. Malam El Rufai na man oooooo.

“For whatever reasons APC NIGERIA must not ignore this great man. We cannot afford to lose him to the rival party. He is one of the strong characters we cannot afford to lose at a time like this. Case rested.”

The magazine reported that the former governor got angry with the party after he lost his ministerial appointment after the Nigerian Senate refused to clear him. Sources close to him informed the magazine that El Rufai blames the president for not pushing his case with the Senate.

It’s Death Sentence For Cultists In Edo As Gov Okpebholo Goes Tough, Signs Law

By
Ayodele Oni
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Monday Okpebholo - Governor of Edo State
Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State.

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Government has imposed 21 years imprisonment on anyone found to be member of a secret cult.

Those that aid cultists or release their house for their meeting are also liable to ten years imprisonment.

These  are contained in a new law Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025, which has been passed by the Edo State House of Assembly and signed into Law by the Governor of the State, Monday Okpebholo effective from 24th January, 2025.

Secretary to the State Government Umar Musa Ikhilor, announced this in a statement in Benin city.

The Government Statement reads “It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that the Edo State Secret Cult (Prohibition Law) 2018 has been repealed by the Edo State House of Assembly.

“By virtue of the repeal, the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025 has been passed by the Edo State House of Assembly and signed into Law by the Governor of the State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo effective from 24th January, 2025.

“Please be informed that in the new Law, there is provision for stiffer penalties for anyone found guilty of secret cult related offences in the State.

“Section 5 of the Law provides for twenty-one (21) years imprisonment for financial and material sponsors of secret cults.

“Section 6 of the Law provides for ten (10) years imprisonment for those who knowingly habour members of a secret cult or permit a secret cult meeting or activities to be held in house, building or place over which they have control.

“In addition to the ten (10) years imprisonment, such persons will have their properties confiscated and demolished by the State Government.

“Section 12 of the Law clearly states that, ‘Any person being a cultist under Section 4, who assaults, injures, maims, or kills any person (s) or destroys any property in furtherance of the activities of any Secret Cult, is guilty of an offence and is liable to Twenty-One (21) years imprisonment without an option of fine and in the case of any fatality, the perpetrator (s) shall be liable to death upon conviction and any properties in his name as well as his place of residence shall be confiscated and demolished by the State Government.’

“The general public is, by this notice, advised to be guided and desist from acts inimical to the peace, growth and development of Edo State.”

“You Have Case To Answer”,  Abuja Court Tells Chinonso Uba

By
The Source
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Chinonso Uba and Kayode Egbetokun

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday, held that Chinonso Uba, who is on trial for cybersecurity crime, has a case to answer.

The ruling followed an application by Uba’s counsel  challenging the jurisdiction of the Court to hear the matter following an Ecowas Court judgment that earlier held that cyber crime is no longer an enforceable offence.

But in his ruling, Justice Obiora Egwuatu of Court 10, Federal High Court, declared that the ruling of the Ecowas Court is not binding on the Federal High Court.

He held that contrary to the submission of the defence,  Chinonso Uba did commit a crime known to the law and the Constitution.

The Court further held that the fact that the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge meant he knew exactly the offence he was being charged for .

Justice Egwuatu ruled that the right to fair hearing of the defendant was not violated, and therefore, he has a case to answer .

The Judge subsequently adjourned the matter to February 18,19 and 20th for continuation of trial.

The Police in charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/367/2023 between Inspector General of Police vs Chinonso Uba told the court that Uba’s offense contravenes the Cyber Crime Prohibition Act.

The charges read: “Count One: That you CHINONSO UBA ‘m’ of on or about the 24th day of June 2023 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court intentionally sent a message by means of computer and social media networks such as Facebook etc, made a video accusing Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Asari Dokubo (sic) killed 100 (hundred) of Imo Youth and also burning houses in Imo State, with the intention of instigating Imo State people and Igbo Tribe worldwide against the Governor knowing the said information to be false and with intent to cause annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will or needless anxiety to him and thereby committed an offense contrary and punishable under Section 24 (1) (B) Cyber Crime Prohibition Act.

“Count two: That you CHINONSO UBA ‘m’, on or about the 24th day of June 2023 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, knowingly and intentionally made and transmitted a video via your Facebook social media handle and or any communication through a computer system or network with the intention to bully, threaten or harass the Governor of Imo State Hope Uzodinma, that he and Asari Dokubo killed 100 (Hundred) of Imo Youths and also burned their houses with the intention of instigating the youth against him and such communication places him in fear of death, violence or bodily harm to him and members of his family and thereby committed an offence contrary to 24 (2) (A) and punishable under Section 24 (2) (C) of the CyberCrime Prohibition Act.

Uba, popular as Nonsonkwa, is an unrepentant critic of Imo State Governor and the Government, most times, heaping allegations with no verifiable proof.

Reps Speaker, Abass To Meet President Tinubu Over Delayed Conduct Of Census

By
Ayodele Oni
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Tajudeen Abbas - Speaker

By Ayodele Oni

Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Abbas Tajudeen, has promised to meet President Bola Tinubu and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over the continued delay in the conduct of national population census in Nigeria.

He was of the view that its conduct would have established the country’s numerical strength.

Speaker Abbas, who expressed his support for an order by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, that the National Population Commission (NPC) should conduct a biometric census, said a national headcount was long overdue in the country.

A statement by Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, said that Abass made this known in Abuja on Tuesday when the board and management of the NPC paid a courtesy call on him.

The Speaker, while responding to the NPC chairman, who disclosed that the President had approved biometric-based census in 2025, stated that “It is unacceptable for a country as big as Nigeria to stay for 19 years without conducting a Population census.”

He said a census exercise would stop the doubts by critics who feel the country’s population is exaggerated.

The Speaker noted that “Statistics don’t lie,” expressing his belief that the biometric system is the only way to determine the actual population with less deployment of resources.

“I will be part of those who will engage Mr. President on the issue of conducting census this year.”

While pointing out that the budget of the NPC was inadequate to conduct a successful census, the Speaker advised that the Federal Government may consider other sources of funds, including the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).

“I will see my counterpart in the Senate on how to see Mr President. It will be a historic thing in Nigeria while it would also be something that will immortalise his (President Tinubu’s) name.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the NPC briefed the Speaker on the plans for the census and the preparations made so far and sought the support of the House, and the National Assembly by extension, especially regarding funding and enabling laws.

He said part of the plans for the census included acquisition of technology, recruitment and training of officials, establishment of a situation room as well as advocacy/stakeholders  engagements, including visits to former Presidents and ex-Heads of State.

Human Trafficking: Niger Gov Bago Charges States To Collaborate With NAPTIP

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State

By Ayodele Oni

Governor of Niger State, Mohammed  Bago, has called on his counterparts to join hands with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to tackle the issues of human trafficking and violence against persons in the Country.

The Governor observed that the phenomenon of human trafficking and violence against persons are issues of serious concern that require the collective support and collaboration of all state and non-state actors across sub-national levels of Government.

A statement on Tuesday by Vincent Adekoye, Press Officer of NAPTIP stated that the governor made the remarks at the Niger State Liaison Office, Abuja, while receiving the Management of NAPTIP led by the Director General, Binta Adamu Bello.

The Director General had visited the Governor as part of her strategic engagement with critical stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking.

The Governor said, “The focus on violence in persons and also trafficking in persons is very important, especially in Northern Nigeria. We have a lot of out-of-school children especially girls and also a lot of domestic violence issues arising from that.

“We also have issues of violence against women as a fallout of the insecurity in the region.There is the need for the government at the sub-national especially the northern Nigeria, to collaborate with NAPTIP to effectively address these issues.”

The Governor who lauded the achievements of the Director General within the short time of her appointment, announced robust support including land for the immediate take-off of the Niger State Command of NAPTIP.

“We shall give you a land with Certificate of Occupancy for the establishment of the Niger State Command and we want this project to start immediately.

“If you have the personnel ready, we can also get you temporary accommodation so that you can open the Command in February.

“We are also ready to accommodate and provide support for you to establish NAPTIP Regional Command Office in Niger State. We are very ambitious to have the Northern Command of this very important Agency.”

Earlier, Bello, who briefed the Governor on the establishment and mandates of the Agency, stated that “our presence in Niger State is paramount to executing our mandates effectively.

“It is to enable us to work closely with the State authorities, local communities, and other stakeholders to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute offenders.

“Also, our desire to have a presence in your State is due to several cases of child trafficking, Child labour, and domestic servitude that we received across sub-national levels which include Niger State.”

She appreciated the response and the immediate promise of support for the establishment of the Niger State Command and urged other State Governments to emulate the gesture.

Obi Not Against Coalition, Clarifies Report

By
The Source
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Peter Obi

Writing in his X handle the Labour Party leader, Peter Obi has clarified his misrepresented interview report of Monday that he was against political coalition.

“I have observed that my honest interview yesterday was misquoted by many media outlets, creating a false narrative that misrepresents my position. Let me set the record straight:

“I am not against coalition, in truth, I am for it not for power grab but to position Nigeria for greatness.

I have not, and will never, advocate for any coalition or alliance that does not prioritize the welfare and progress of the ordinary Nigerian. Any discussion about governance must centre on what it means for the everyday Nigerian, how it will address critical issues such as access to quality healthcare, and education, and pulling people out of poverty.

“Too often in our nation’s history, individuals and groups have come together solely for the purpose of taking power for power’s sake. Such endeavours, devoid of genuine purpose and vision, have only deepened our challenges, leaving the ordinary Nigerian to bear the brunt of bad governance. This is what I stand firmly against.

“Leadership must be about service, not self-interest. It must be about building a nation where opportunities abound for all, where justice and equity are non-negotiable, and where governance works for the people, not against them.

“As I have always maintained, the New Nigeria is possible. But it requires us to change the way we think about power. It is not about grabbing it; it is about using it responsibly to transform lives and secure a brighter future for generations to come.

Afenifere Urges LGs To Leverage On New Status To Facilitate Developments At Grassroots

By
Ayodele Oni
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Pa Reuben Fasoranti

By Ayodele Oni

The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, Afenifere, has charged local governments in the country to justify their new autonomous statute by ensuring that people derive maximum benefits from the resources coming to them both from the federal allocation as well as from those they generate internally.

This was one of the resolutions on Tuesday, at its caucus meeting held in the Akure home of the Leader, Pa Reuben  Fasoranti.

In attendance at the meeting were representatives from various State Chapters of Afenifere.

The meeting, presided over by Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, at the instance of the leader, enjoined the federal government to expedite action in this regard so that the policy will become operational as soon as possible.

In the communiqué, the meeting took note of the efforts being made by the federal government to revamp the economy.

“In view of the pivotal roles that energy plays not only in an economy but even in the well-being of the people, the meeting deliberated on efforts being made in this respect with particular reference to electricity and fossil energy – petroleum products in particular.

“In view of the present security situation as stated interalia, Afenifere advocated for the overhauling of the Security Architecture in the country.

“This is with a view at ensuring that Nigerians are able to live and move about without the fear of being kidnapped or harassed in any way.

Such reworking should include accelerating actions on the decision of the government to have state police.

“There is also the urgent need to include modern technology more comprehensively in the efforts at combating banditry and terrorism.

“Doing so would check, if not totally stop, the incidences of kidnapping and sundry banditry now ravaging the land. Afenifere also advocated for the  licensing of states’ security networks code-named Amotekun in Yoruba- speaking states to carry lethal weapons. This can be done prepatory to the setting up of State Police.

“Afenifere also called for greater cooperation  between Amotekun corps and other security agencies.

“Command and Control posts be installed across all the local government areas so that information can be shared in real-time as is done in many developed and not-so-developed countries.”

In view of the strategic position that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and Independent Oil Marketers occupy in the oil sector, Afenifere strongly called on them to let the interest of the nation, nay the interest of the people of Nigeria, be uppermost in their minds and actions.

“In view of the high costs of food items in the country, Afenifere urged states and local governments to make things easy for local farmers by providing them with needed resources – even at subsidized rates.

“This will not only make foodstuffs more available; it will also enhance the council’s finances and boost the local economy.

“Afenifere called on President Bola Tinubu to leverage on his  known democratic credential as a federalist by quickening the country’s realization of true federalism as soon as possible.”

Edo Absent, As Bayelsa Governor Emerges South South Governors Forum Chairman

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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South South Governors Forum

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The South South Governors Forum has reaffirmed its commitment towards collaborative  governance with a view to ensuring the wellbeing of the people of the region.

This is just as it appointed Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, as its next Chairman.

In a  Communique issued at the end of their  meeting in Yenagoa on Tuesday, January 28, 2028, the South South Governors also pledged  their dedication to fostering unity, strengthening collaboration and pursuing sustainable development for the  region.

They emphasized the need to work towards promoting the interests of the States of the South South region.

“The South South Governors Forum convened on Tuesday 28, January, 2025, at the Government House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State to discuss pressing issues and strategies vital to the unity and development of the region.

“We, the Governors representing the States that form the South South of Nigeria are committed to collaborative governance, ensuring the wellbeing of our people and advancing sustainable development”, part of the communique reads

The meeting  which had in attendance the Governors of Delta ,Cross River ,Rivers, Akwa Ibom,and Bayelsa States, also endorsed Governor Diri as the  Chairman of the Forum.

The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo was, however,  conspicuously absent at the meeting.

Neither did he send in his  deputy nor any other  representatives to the crucial meeting.

Insecurity: Katsina Nurses, Midwives, To Withdraw Services

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Medical Doctors in Nigeria

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Unless there is an urgent intervention by the Katsina State Government, Nurses and Midwives are set to withdraw their services from some identified insurgency prone parts of the State.

At a media briefing on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the health  workers under the aegis of National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, issued January 30, 2025 dateline for the authorities to attend to some specific demands or risk having their services withdrawn.

The State Chairman of the umbrella body of the health  personnel, Nura Mu’azu, lamented that it has become increasingly impossible and risky for their members to continue to serve in some local councils of the state owing to the activities of bandits and other criminal elements .

He listed the security- challenged Councils to include Batsari, Danmusa, Kankara, Jibia, Dutsinma, Musawa Funtua and Batagrawa.

According to him, over time, the body has lost several of its  members, with others maimed for life, while many have been kidnapped in the line of duty .

The Chairman of the NANNM expressed regret over a recent abduction saga that occurred on Tuesday January 15, involving Nurse Yusuf Mairuwa ,and other health workers at the General Hospital in Kankara.

In all of the abduction incidents involving Nurses,vMidwives and other health workers, the kidnappers had demanded for several millions of Naira, as ransom, he stated.

Mu’azu informed that the  spate of abductions in some parts of the State has served to instill fear and dampen the morale of health workers in the frontline local councils.

The NANNM Chairman explained that the decision  to  withdraw  their services has become the last option after past futile efforts to draw the attention of authorities to their plights.

While appreciating the efforts of the Government in arresting the security challenges facing the State, the nurses and midwifery body believes that more needs to be done, particularly, in the area of protecting medical facilities and health personnel.

To this end, Mu’azu listed the demands of the Union to include- the provision of 24/7 robust security network in and around all the hospitals in the security- challenged areas.

“Implementing measures (whatever it takes) to ensure the safe release of kidnapped Yusuf Mairuwa and other captives, as they were abducted while serving the Government.

” Immediate compensation to our members who were subjected to one loss or the other due to this insecurity while on duty .

” Improved remuneration to attract more health workers for better healthcare delivery”

Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor Loses Daughter To Child Birth Complications

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor Loses Daughter

By Akinwale Kasali

Akon Eyakenyi, Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor  has  lost her daughter, Blessing.

Blessing lost her life to complications during child birth.

The late Blessing

recently got married about seven months ago.

Sadly, months down the line, she died from complications arising from childbirth at a hospital in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Capital.

Condolence messages have been pouring in from government officials, politicians, family and friends alike.

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