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Lose Your LG, Get Sacked, Gov. Nwifuru Threatens Newly Sworn-In Ebonyi Council Chairmen

By
Ayodele Oni
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Francis Nwifuru - Ebonyi Governor

By Ayodele Oni 

 

“Deal decisively with anyone who talks down on the APC” – Ebonyi Governor

 

One of the tasks before the newly sworn-in local government chairmen in Ebonyi state is to ensure victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in their domains during next year’s general elections.

 

Governor Francis Nwifuru has threatened to sack any of the council chairman who fails to deliver his or her council area to the APC in the 2027 general elections.

 

Governor Nwifuru gave the warning during the swearing-in of the 13 newly elected council chairmen in the state.

 

The Governor also charged the chairmen to deal decisively with anyone who talks negatively to APC in their respective areas.

 

The new council chairmen included the son of the Minister of Works, Osborn Umahi for Ohaozara Local government and the younger brother to Ebonyi first lady, Hon. Chidi Nwode for Ikwo council area.

 

Others were: Ishielu LG (Mrs Peace Agwu); Ohaukwu (Hon. Paul Ituma); Ezza North (Friday Nwuhuo); Ezza South (Chinedu Mkpuma); Afikpo (Engr Timothy Nwachi); Ivo (Michael Kalu Anyim); Edda (Chief Simeon Onuoha); Izzi (Mrs Helen Aduga); Abakaliki (Hon. Chidiebere Alo) and Ebonyi (Hon. Chibueze Odigwe).

 

The Governor noted that he was optimistic that APC would win all the positions in the state during the general elections.

 

“We cannot leave one position to any other political party. We will win 100 per cent in the general election. Go and tell our opposition that nobody is threatening them. We have now started campaigning. We are not threatening you; we will defeat you at the polls.

 

“As local government chairmen, if you like, go and sleep and think that another person will take over your house. You will not stop us from winning. When we win, we will remove any council chairman that did not win his local government. It is as simple as that.

 

“It is not hidden. Let the front page of the newspaper tomorrow carry it. We will remove a council chairman that did not win his local government. 

 

“So, don’t allow anybody to come to your local government and mess things up. Deal with such a person decisively if he comes to discuss your party negatively.

 

“Charity begins at home. It is because of your party that you are sitting here as a council chairman. It is because of my party that I am speaking to you today as your governor”.

 

He further announced the appointments of 1,710 persons as his Executive Assistants, to be drawn from the 171 wards.

 

According to Nwifuru: “my wife has complained to me that many of our women are not getting enough opportunities. So, we charge the party chairman, the local government chairmen, the coordinators of development centres and stakeholders in all the wards, to give us 20 names of people who will be appointed as Executive Assistants to the Governor from the wards. 

 

“Most of the nominees will be women. There will be five women and three youths, while the remaining positions will be allocated accordingly.”

Workers In Ondo State-owned Universities Begin Strike

By
Ayodele Oni
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Adekunle Ajasin Univeristy - Akungba Akoko

By Ayodele Oni

 

Academic and administrative activities will be paralyzed in the three Ondi state-owned universities as their  workers have declared an indefinite strike, following the failure of the state government to release the promised funding increases and pay outstanding allowances.

 

The industrial action will take effect from midnight on Wednesday, following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the state government by the Joint Action Committee of Ondo State-Owned Tertiary Institutions (JAC-ODSTI).

 

The affected institutions are Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko(AAUA); Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa; and the University of Medical Sciences, (UNIMED), Ondo.

 

The unions involved are the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).

 

The unions made this known in a statement issued by the JAC-ODSTI Chairman, Comrade Tayo Ogungbeni, and Secretary, Comrade Kunle Akinwonmi. The workers said the strike followed the state government’s failure to meet their demands.

 

The unions are demanding the implementation, from January 2026, of the Federal Government/unions agreement, including the payment of the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions and other allowances attached to the agreement.

 

They also faulted the government over its alleged failure to increase the subventions of the institutions by 60 per cent, as previously announced.

 

“Whereas, the same government released the same old subventions to all the institutions without the 60% promised for the month of August, 2026,” the unions said.

 

The JAC further alleged that the government had approved the implementation of the agreement from August but failed to provide the financial backing required to give effect to the decision.

 

The workers described the situation as unacceptable.

 

The unions said, “It is crystal clear that the State government is playing politics with our lives and wellbeing, therefore, we have no other alternative than to embark on this industrial action.”

 

The unions consequently directed their members to withdraw clerical, administrative, technical, clinical and other services across the institutions from Wednesday until their outstanding entitlements are settled.

 

“All the clerical, administrative, technical, clinical and other services being rendered by our members in all the various universities in Ondo State are hereby withdrawn until our CONTTA and all other allowances attached to it are paid unconditionally from January, 2026 to date,” the unions stated.

 

The workers maintained that the strike would continue indefinitely until the government addressed their grievances.

Umahi’s 28-year Old Son Sworn-in As Ohaozara LG Chairman

By
The Source
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Osborn Nweze Umahi

By Charles Igbo

 

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi now has his own son to watch his back for him at his home Local Government Area, Ohaozara Ebonyi State.

 

This is because his son,

Osborn Nweze Umahi, 28, is now the Chairman of the Local Government Area thus, consolidating the Umahi political dynasty.

 

The jnr. Umahi, popular in Ebonyi as the young billionaire, was officially sworn-in on Tuesday,  September 1, 2026.

 

At his inauguration ceremony which, of course, attracted every who-is-who, politically, in the State, his proud father, the Minister of Works, who was a former Governor of the State, was present. He was not only present as the father of the new Chairman, but as the special guest.

 

Umahi junior was overwhelmingly, on Saturday, August 22, elected the Chairman of  Ohaozara Local Government Area under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

Speculations are that he is a future Governor of the State, following his father’s footsteps.

OPINION: Sidelined And Snubbed: How Governor Abdulrahman Fell Out Of Favour With Tinubu

By
James Orji
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Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State
By Adeniyi Ishola
There is a particular kind of political humiliation that is worse than a public rebuke. It is the quiet, deliberate, and systematic withdrawal of recognition, the kind that strips a man of relevance not with a loud announcement but with a series of pointed silences and unreturned gestures. That is precisely the kind of humiliation that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara state is currently experiencing, and observers paying close attention to the unfolding political drama surrounding him can see it clearly.
For some years now, Governor Abdulrahman has projected himself as one of the most influential figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). As Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), he occupies a position that should ordinarily confer significant political influence, not only among his colleagues but also within the highest circle of the ruling party. But recent developments within the APC have raised uncomfortable questions about the governor’s standing in Abuja and, more importantly, his relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The political signals coming from the party and the presidency are difficult to ignore.
For those who probably are not aware, the Kwara APC has for some months now been engulfed in an internal crisis that has exposed deep divisions within the party. Rather than resolving these tensions, the situation appears to have deteriorated, leaving aggrieved party members and key stakeholders locked in a struggle for relevance, recognition and political survival ahead of the 2027 general elections. And if reports emerging from Abuja are anything to go by, President Tinubu is not pleased with the manner in which the crisis in Kwara has been handled by Governor Abdulrahman, who feels he could manipulate party primaries in his State, impose candidates, and sideline political heavyweights within his party without consequence.
Perhaps, the first and most telling indicator of Governor Abdulrahman’s diminished standing at the centre of power came with the composition of the APC Presidential Campaign Council. In a development that sent shockwaves through Kwara’s political circles, the governor, who currently serves as the NGF Chairman, a position that commands enormous political weight and respect, was assigned no significant role in the campaign council. He was handed the position of coordinator for his own State. Nothing more.
Let that sink in. A man who leads the body of state governors in the country and is one of the most senior political figures in his party was deemed unworthy of a prominent national role in his own party’s presidential campaign structure. That, in itself, speaks volumes about where he currently stands with the leadership of the party and with the presidency he claims to be closely aligned with. This is not an oversight. It is not an administrative error. It is a message that was deliberately composed and deliberately delivered.
But the humiliation did not end there. The governor’s younger brother, Abdulrauf Baba Abdulrazaq, who had initially been suggested to serve as the North Central Youth Coordinator for the Campaign Council, was reportedly unceremoniously removed and replaced by Ambassador Yahaya Seriki, the same Seriki whom Governor Abdulrahman had publicly endorsed as his preferred governorship candidate before abandoning him in one of the most brazen acts of political betrayal Kwara has witnessed in recent memory. Baba was also removed as the City Boy Movement Coordinator for North Central, and replaced by someone nominated by Seriki. The symbolism could not have been more pointed. Not only could the governor not protect his own brother’s position, he could also not secure a single meaningful appointment for any of his loyalists on the Campaign Council. For a sitting Chairman of the NGF, that is not merely embarrassing. It is a political catastrophe.
Stung and unhappy with these developments, Governor Abdulrahman, according to accounts circulating within political circles in Abuja, sought a private audience with President Tinubu after a meeting of the Progressive Governors’ Forum with the president. At the meeting, the governor reportedly expressed his displeasure over being sidelined and denied a prominent national role in the APC presidential campaign structure. He was said to be particularly unhappy that the position of North Central Coordinator of the Campaign Council was given to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, a decision that would effectively place him under Bago within the campaign hierarchy. Abdulrahman felt this was a slight on both his person and the office he occupies as the Chairman of the NGF.
According to insider sources, the president told him he was sidelined so he could go home to resolve the crisis he created and allowed to fester within the Kwara APC. That was a direct and unambiguous instruction for him to go and clean up his own mess. That account shows that Abdulrahman has lost the President’s confidence, and his complaints have found little sympathy in Aso Rock. It tells us everything we need to know about where the governor stands with the presidency, where he is now seen as a liability rather than a valued asset whose political capital can be deployed.
President Tinubu’s priority going into 2027 is victory. He needs governors who can deliver their states, but he also needs political structures that are sufficiently broad and cohesive to mobilise votes for him. A governor’s personal control of a party structure becomes less useful if that structure is fractured and large sections of the party feel alienated. This explains why Mr President is willing to work with the Rainbow Coalition, which is being championed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, across some states, including Kwara.
If there was any doubt about how far Governor Abdulrahman’s political stock has fallen, it was laid bare when he recently led all Kwara APC 2027 candidates to the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, in what appeared to be a desperate attempt to reassert his relevance within the party. The optics of the visit were intended to project unity, legitimacy, and federal backing. It was expected to be an opportunity to showcase the governor’s influence and demonstrate that all his well within the Kwara APC and that he remained firmly in control of his state’s political machinery.
What happened instead was an embarrassment. The National Chairman of the party, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, did not show up to receive him. He did not deem the governor and his delegation worthy of his presence. Only the National Secretary of the party was on hand to receive them. It was a cursory, perfunctory reception that culminated in a quick photo opportunity and nothing more. This was a far cry from the reception a sitting NGF Chairman might expect to command.
Politics is about signals. And when several signals begin pointing in the same direction, political observers are entitled to take notice. Taken together, these episodes paint a picture of a governor increasingly isolated within his own party and estranged from a presidency he claims is backing him. An NGF chairman who cannot secure a single loyalist a seat on his party’s presidential campaign council, whose own brother has been quietly pushed aside, and who is received in the party’s national secretariat, not by the National Chairman but by a subordinate, is a man whose political capital is running dangerously low.
Should this trajectory continue, it is difficult to see how Governor Abdulrahman and the candidates he has imposed on the Kwara APC can avoid a reckoning at the polls in 2027. Indeed, defeat awaits them all. The warning signs are already there. The president is distancing himself from the governor. The party is sidelining him. The people of Kwara are exhausted by eight years of misrule, insecurity, waste and misplaced priorities. Meanwhile, the political forces, particularly members of the TOP movement whom he sought to destroy, have not been defeated. They are mobilising, strategising, and steadily gaining ground.
Governor Abdulrahman and those around him must therefore understand that 2027 will not be business as usual. If there are plans to deploy public resources, government structures, or public officials to influence the electoral process, they should know that they will fail. The governor’s political appointees, local government chairmen, civil servants, and others entrusted with public responsibility must be careful of what instructions to follow and what they will allow themselves to be used for. They must understand that political instructions do not excuse unlawful conduct.
Political appointees, local government chairmen, civil servants, and other public officials who Governor Abdulrahman may ask to participate in questionable financial or political activities should therefore exercise caution. Governor Abdulrahman does not have the political capital to protect anyone who does the dirty work for him when reckoning comes. When the political tide turns, everyone will account for his or her actions. The law does not discriminate between the person who gives an unlawful order and the person who knowingly carries it out.

Lagos Govt: Men Who Force Their Wives To Have Sex Risk Life Imprisonment

By
James Orji
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Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to husbands who force their wives into sexual intercourse, saying marital status does not give a man the right to compel his wife to have sex against her will.
The state’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Ministry of Justice, Adebayo Haroun, said a husband who forces his wife to have sexual intercourse after she has refused consent could face prosecution for sexual assault by penetration, an offence he said carries a punishment of life imprisonment under Lagos State law.
Haroun gave the warning on Monday during a briefing to mark the flag-off of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness (DSVA) campaign.
His comments came in response to questions about whether a married woman could report her husband for rape if he had sexual intercourse with her without her consent.
The DPP explained that Lagos law makes a distinction between rape and sexual assault by penetration in cases involving married couples. According to him, where the marriage remains intact and the couple are in good terms, forced intercourse is not classified as rape under the provision he was referring to.
However, he stressed that this does not give husbands a licence to force their wives into sexual activity.
“Once there is an issue between them and the wife refuses to have sex with him, the husband cannot force her,” Haroun said.
He explained that where a husband disregards his wife’s refusal and uses force to have sexual intercourse with her, the matter could be prosecuted as sexual assault by penetration rather than rape, with life imprisonment as the stated maximum punishment.
The DPP also dismissed the notion that payment of bride price gives a husband unrestricted rights over his wife.
“Any man that feels because he paid his wife’s dowry, nobody can challenge him for domestic violence, the wife should report such a man to the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency,” he said.
The warning forms part of the Lagos State Government’s broader campaign to tackle domestic and sexual violence and encourage victims to speak out and seek assistance.
Haroun urged women experiencing domestic or sexual abuse to report such incidents to the appropriate authorities, stressing that marital status or cultural expectations should not be used as a shield for violence.

Nollywood Actress, Atinuke Kareem, Dies Of Cancer After She Pleaded:”Don’t Allow Me Die”

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Actress Atinuke Kareem

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Less than 10 days after Nollywood Actor, Taiwo Hassan, popular as Ogogo, died of Cancer, a fast rising Nollywood Actress, Atinuke Kareen has died of breast cancer.

 

Announcing her passing, the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, TAMPAN, Ogun State Chapter’s  Executive Governor, Owolabi Ajasa, disclosed that she died of breast cancer.

 

The statement was accompanied by a video clip of Kareem seeking support and prayers during her battle with breast cancer, highlighting the physical toll of the illness on her.

 

The deceased had said in the video clip, “I’m a breast cancer patient. It has been going on for a while. My family has spent a lot of money; I’ve come to seek help.

 

“The association I belong to, TAMPAN, has tried too, but it’s not enough.

 

“Don’t allow me to die this way; I have two young children. Nigerians, please help me with any amount you can use to help”, she sobbed intermittently as she sought for financial help.

 

In the release signed by the State Public Relations Officer, Femi Solaja, on behalf of Ajasa, the association expressed deep appreciation to colleagues, fans, and well-wishers who provided financial and moral support during the actress’s medical battle.

 

“We sincerely appreciate everyone who contributed financially, offered prayers, encouragement, and support towards the treatment of our dear colleague, Atinuke Remilekun Kareem.

 

“Your kindness and sacrifice during her difficult moment meant so much to her family and all of us. We are deeply grateful”.

 

The Ogun State Chapter of TAMPAN further expressed sorrow over her demise, describing it as an irrecoverable loss that members must accept as the will of God.

 

“Sadly, despite all our efforts and prayers, Atinuke has passed on and answered the final call.

 

“We cannot question the Almighty God. We can only submit to His will and pray that He grants her eternal rest and gives her family, colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear this painful loss. Rest in peace, Atinuke Remilekun Kareem,” the statement concluded.

 

No doubt, the past few weeks has been tough for the Yoruba Movie Industry as they have lost three actors in the space of 10 days.

 

First was Ogogo who died of Stage Four Cancer, Alabi Ogundepo and now Atinuke Kareem.

 

Recently, veteran actor, Musiliu Dasofunjo, popularly known as Baba Johunomi announced his battle with Prostate Cancer, urging colleagues and Nigerians to prioritize their health.

Legislators Hold Special Plenary On Bridge Newly Built by Uzodimma …Endorse Him For 2027 Imo West Senate

By
The Source
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Governor Hope Uzodimma
Senator Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo State

The Legislative Councils of Ideato North and Ideato South Local Government Areas of Imo State have jointly endorsed Governor Hope Uzodimma as their preferred All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West (Orlu Zone) senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

 

This was done during an unprecedented joint Plenary Session of the two Legislative Councils, which was held Tuesday at the newly built Umuchima Bridge, a strategic infrastructure project in the Ideato area, by Uzodimma.

 

The lawmakers said their decision was informed by what they described as significant interventions by the Uzodimma administration in roads, erosion control, security and other areas of infrastructure development across the communities.

 

The Special Session, which temporarily moved the legislative proceedings from the Councils’ traditional chambers in Urualla and Dikenafai to the Umuchima Bridge, was described by the lawmakers as both “symbolic and historic.”

 

Moving the motion for the Special Plenary, the Councillor representing Dikenafai, Hon. Donatus Ebere, said the choice of the bridge as the venue was significant in view of the infrastructure challenges previously experienced in the area.

 

“Things do not just happen. We have found ourselves at the bridge in Umuchima, and that is what makes this a special plenary,” Ebere said while moving the motion to relocate the two Chambers to the site in honour of Governor Uzodimma.

 

The motion was unanimously supported by members of both Councils, who said the gathering was intended to recognise what they considered the Governor’s contributions to the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure in Ideato.

 

The Leader of the Ideato South Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Hycenth Onyenekezi, subsequently announced the Council’s vote of confidence in the Governor and declared its support for his emergence as the consensus APC candidate for the senatorial position in 2027.

 

Onyenekezi also commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu and that of Governor Uzodimma over what he described as progress in infrastructure and security.

 

He said the developments had further strengthened the APC’s position in the area.

“Ideato is strictly APC. We urge all other aspirants to step aside for our distinguished Senator Uzodimma,” he declared.

 

The endorsement also received strong backing from the Executive Chairmen of Ideato North and South Local Government Areas, Hon. Chukwunonso Okparaeke, and Hon. Okechukwu Okwara who described the Governor as the best choice for the people of the area.

 

The Council Chairmen spoke during an inspection of road reconstruction works following the joint Council Session.

 

They commended the Governor for reconstructing a strategic economic road which, according to him, had been abandoned and neglected for more than three years; pointing out that the road reconstruction was particularly important to the economic and social life of the communities.

 

Also, they stressed that the Governor had demonstrated a willingness to translate promises into tangible projects.

 

The Council Chairmen’s remarks came against the backdrop of growing attention to infrastructure rehabilitation in Ideato, an area that has faced major challenges arising from poor road conditions and severe erosion.

 

In Ideato North, the Leader of the Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Otuodi Ezeonuegbu also praised Governor Uzodimma for interventions aimed at controlling devastating gully erosion in the local government area.

 

Ezeonuegbu described the Governor’s intervention as a major relief for communities that had previously been threatened by extensive erosion and had, in some locations, become difficult to access.

 

“Before now, this place was a no-go area, but due to the prompt intervention of the Governor, we were able to recover it. By this time last year, there were so many gullies here,” the leader said.

 

He further warned that without the intervention, the continuing erosion would have posed an even greater threat to communities and infrastructure in the area.

“Without the intervention of the Governor, Ideato would have been flushed away by erosion,” he said, while praying for continued wisdom for the Governor in the administration of the State.

 

The lawmakers’ joint action effectively brought political endorsement and infrastructure appreciation together, with speakers repeatedly linking the Governor’s reported interventions to the decision to support his political ambition.

 

The Umuchima Bridge, where the Special Plenary was held, served as a symbolic backdrop to the proceedings, reflecting the Council’s emphasis on infrastructure as a major component of their assessment of the Governor’s administration.

 

The development also underscored the political significance of Ideato North and South within Orlu Zone ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

By adopting Uzodimma as their preferred APC candidate for the senatorial seat, the two Councils signalled their intention to consolidate support for the Governor within the area.

 

The Councils maintained that the combination of road reconstruction, erosion control and other interventions had contributed to renewed confidence among residents, while pledging continued support for initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic fortunes of the Ideato Nation.

Reps Welcome Welcome Badejo-Okusanya As NBA President

By
Ayodele Oni
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Swearing in of Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya as NBA President

By Ayodele Oni

 

The House of Representatives has congratulated Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya SAN, and other elected officials for their election and swearing-in as the 33rd executive members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

 

This was contained in a statement by Akin Rotimi Jr, spokesman, House of the house on Tuesday.

 

The green chamber pointed out that Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence is a significant milestone for the Nigerian legal profession and a welcome advancement for women in leadership.

 

“As the first woman to lead the NBA in 35 years and the first elected female President of one of the largest and most influential bar associations in Africa, her election is historic and a beacon of inspiration to women in law and beyond.

 

“The House notes commendation that six of the ten members of the new NBA National Executive are women, reflecting strong representation of women at the highest level of the Association.

 

“Her emergence comes at a significant moment for the profession, with women now holding prominent leadership positions across the Bench, the Bar and legal education.

 

“An accomplished arbitrator and public policy professional with more than two decades of experience, Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya also brings valuable familiarity with legislative engagement and public-private dialogue through her membership of the National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable (NASSBER).

 

“The House is particularly encouraged by Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya’s stated vision of a “bolder, inclusive, innovative and respected Bar” that works for every lawyer and reclaims its space as a credible voice for justice, democracy and the rule of law.

 

“The House welcomes this vision as an important contribution to strengthening the legal profession and its role in public life.

 

“Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Rep. Mamudu Abdullahi (APC, Niger), congratulated Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya on her emergence and expressed confidence in her leadership of the NBA.

 

“Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Justice, Rep. Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun), congratulated her and particularly welcomed her stated position that ‘the NBA must engage constructively with government, civil society, development partners, and the private sector while remaining firmly committed to its principles.

 

“In furtherance of Agenda 3: Law Reform of the 10th Assembly’s Legislative Agenda, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, the House remains committed to constructive engagement with the NBA on legal and institutional reform.

 

“The House also acknowledges the contributions of the immediate past NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and his National Executive Council over the past two years.

 

“The House of Representatives wishes Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya and the new leadership of the NBA a successful and impactful tenure.”

Dan Orbih: Obaseki, Wike, PDP Mourn

By
Ayodele Oni
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Chief Dan Orbih

By Ayodele Oni

 

Condolences are pouring like rain on the family of Chief Dan Orbih, the former Chairman of the People Democratic Party, PDP,  Edo State, who passed on Monday, August 31, 2026.

 

Until his death in London at the age of 64, Orbih was the Chairman of the Governing Board of Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, Edo State.

 

Orbih was chairman of the PDP, as an opposition, during the days of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and first term of former Governor Godwin Obaseki as governors of Edo State.

 

A statement signed by Francis Orbih on behalf of the Orbih family said he died on Monday, August 31, 2026.

 

The statement said the family announces his death with profound sadness and a heavy heart, but in total submission to the will of the almighty God.

 

“At this difficult time, we ask family members, friends and well-wishers to remember the entire family in their prayers as we mourn this painful loss,” the statement said.

 

He added that details concerning the funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.

 

Reacting, former Governor Godwin Obaseki, expressed  sorrow over the death of renowned politician and political leader.

 

Obaseki, currently a visiting scholar and researcher at the School of African Studies, Boston University, USA, released a statement describing the late politician as a prominent Edo son and an influential voice in Nigerian politics.

 

Highlighting his extensive political career, Obaseki noted that Chief Orbih provided steadfast leadership as the Edo State Chairman of the PDP and later served as the party’s National Vice Chairman for the South-South region, leaving a lasting impact on the development of the party both in the state and across Nigeria.

 

“Chief Orbih was a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and an influential voice in Edo State.

 

“For many years, he provided leadership to the PDP in Edo State as its State Chairman and subsequently served as the PDP National Vice Chairman, South South. Through these roles, he contributed significantly to the development of the party in the Edo State and Nigeria.

 

“Chief Orbih’s long years of engagement in public affairs earned him a place in the political history of Edo State, and his passing represents a significant loss to the state and the nation.

 

“I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Chief Dan Osi Orbih, his friends, political associates, colleagues and numerous well-wishers. I particularly sympathise with his wife, children and loved ones at this difficult time.”

 

The FCT Minister, in his reaction, said the deceased was “a friend indeed.”

 

The FCT Minister, who described Dan Orbih’s death as the “fall of one of the biggest trees in the political forest of Edo State,” added that he will be missed by all.

 

The Minister said: “I have lost a friend and a committed political ally. Dan Osi Orbih was everything anyone could desire in friendship and political associate. But we can’t question God,  He gives and He takes.

 

“On behalf of myself, my family and political associates, I commiserate with the family of Chief M.C.K. Orbih, on the demise of Chief Dan Orbih, a good friend, a great politician, and a man of faith in the Almighty God.”

 

The PDP, in a reaction, stated that it received with profound sadness the news of the passing of its National Vice Chairman, South West, Dr. Dan Orbih, who died in London after a brief illness.

 

“Dr. Dan Orbih was a loyal, committed and dependable member of the Peoples Democratic Party who devoted himself to the ideals of democracy and the advancement of our great Party.

 

“His dedication, wisdom and contributions to the growth and stability of the PDP will remain deeply appreciated and fondly remembered by the Party and its members.”

 

In a statement by Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, National Publicity Secretary, said “His death is a great loss, not only to his family and loved ones, but also to the entire PDP family.

 

“The PDP extends its deepest condolences to his immediate family, relatives, friends and associates, as well as to all members and supporters of our great Party.

 

“The Party particularly commiserates with the Hon. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, over the loss of his close confidant, trusted associate and friend.

 

“We share in his grief at this difficult moment and pray that Almighty God grants him the strength to bear this painful loss.

 

“Dr. Dan Orbih may have departed this world, but his service, loyalty and contributions to the PDP, as well as to our democratic journey, will not be forgotten.

 

“At this moment of grief, the Party stands firmly with his family and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

 

“As a mark of honour and respect for the late National Vice Chairman, the National Working Committee hereby directs all Peoples Democratic Party offices to fly the Party flag at half-mast for a period of three days.

 

“We pray that Almighty God grants the bereaved family and his loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear this painful and irreparable loss.”

Update: Four Family Members Die In Illorin Building Collapse

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Collapsed Building in Kwara

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Four members of same family have died in the collapsed two-storey building in Popo Giwa area of Ilorin, Kwara State.

 

The four persons who lost their lives were among the eight persons trapped in the rubble.

 

The tragic incident occurred at about 5.00am on Tuesday at No. 41 Popo Giwa Street, beside Gogoro Mosque.

 

Emergency responders who rushed to the scene managed to rescue four victims alive, while the bodies of four others were recovered.

 

One of the survivors was identified as Firdaus, reportedly, the second-to-last child of the family.

 

Abdulganiy Musa, an eyewitness disclosed that the father of the family is a serving Soldier, while the mother was employed as a casual worker at the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies in Ilorin.

 

An excavator was subsequently brought to the scene to support the rescue operation and remove debris.

 

The Kwara State Fire Service confirmed the casualty figures, saying its personnel received a distress call around 5.00am and immediately mobilised to the location.

 

Its Public Relations Officer, Hassan Adekunle, said the rescue operation involved several agencies, including the State Emergency Management Agency, National Emergency Management Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, health officials, Fire Service and the Red Cross.

 

Representing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the scene, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Lawal Olohungbebe, described the incident as unfortunate and stressed the importance of maintaining accessible roads in residential communities to facilitate emergency response.

 

He urged property owners and developers to comply with approved building and town-planning regulations, particularly requirements relating to structural safety and access roads.

 

The Kwara State Emergency Management Agency also confirmed that eight people were trapped in the building, with the four survivors taken to hospital for treatment and the bodies of the deceased evacuated.

 

The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Ojo Adekimi, said preliminary findings indicated that the collapsed portion was the boys’ quarters attached to the three-storey structure. He said everyone had been evacuated from the remaining part of the building pending a proper assessment.

 

The Police commissioner advised residents to pay attention to warning signs such as leakages, cracks and other structural defects, urging them to leave buildings immediately whenever they suspect that the structures may be unsafe.

 

The Chairman of Ilorin West Local Government Area, AbdulRahman Babatunde Ladan, who visited the scene, said several ambulances were deployed to assist in evacuating the victims.

 

He also advised residents to report structural defects promptly and urged developers to use quality materials and engage qualified professionals during construction.

 

Authorities said the exact cause of the collapse would be established after a detailed assessment of the structure.

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