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Category: Politics

  • Your behaviour is disturbing — Sanwo-Olu blasts Peter Obi for ‘demarketing’ Nigeria in US

    Your behaviour is disturbing — Sanwo-Olu blasts Peter Obi for ‘demarketing’ Nigeria in US

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has tackled Peter Obi over the perceived disparaging comment he made about Nigeria at Johns Hopkins University in the United States.

    The Lagos Governor said Obi lacks the moral right to talk about poverty in Nigeria.

    During his recent engagement at Johns Hopkins University, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate painted a picture of how Nigeria fell off economically within 25 years, leading to an astronomic increase in the poverty rate.

    Using the poverty index, Obi compared Nigeria, China, Indonesia and Vietnam to analyse Nigeria’s rising poverty rate.

    He explained that, in 1990, when the Human Development Index (HDI) measurement started, Nigeria, China, Vietnam and Indonesia were all classified under the medium category of the HDI measurement.

    According to him, Nigeria had the fewest people in poverty in 1990, and 35 years later, it has more poor people than China, Indonesia and Vietnam combined.

    “In the area of poverty, Nigeria with about 50 million poor people, had the least number of people in poverty in 1990 than any of the three countries. While China had about 750 million people living in poverty, Indonesia and Vietnam had 85 million and 60 million poor people, respectively. China alone had about 15 times the number of poor people than Nigeria. Today, however, Nigeria has more poor people than these 3 countries combined,” Obi argued.

    Reacting, Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement titled, “Factually Addressing Mr. Peter Obi’s Criticism of Nigeria at Johns Hopkins University,” accused Obi of making disparaging comments about Nigeria.

    He said he finds Obi’s pattern of behaviour disturbing, indicating that his comments about Nigeria on the global stage don’t project the country positively.

    “He made unflattering remarks not just about the incumbent Nigerian government but also about Nigeria. I also find Mr Obi’s pattern of behaviour disturbing. When prominent Nigerians go overseas, they ought to project Nigeria positively.

    “They do not have to do that for the government. But we all owe a duty to market Nigeria on the global stage rather than demarket her. That is what true patriotism is about.”

    Sanwo-Olu, who predicated his reaction on poverty, which Obi focused on in his analysis, said any leader could fight poverty generationally by promoting education, improving healthcare, providing credit, and granting access to land.

    According to him, it is ironic that the former Governor of Anambra, who did not build a single school or a stand-alone hospital throughout his tenure, is criticising the Federal Government.

    Sanwo-Olu said, “I find it somewhat ironic that a man like Mr Obi, who did not build a single school or a stand-alone hospital throughout his eight-year tenure as governor of Anambra or sustainably provide credit facilities, would criticise the government of Nigeria, which is actively doing that.

    “I say this because the president of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is my predecessor, and as governor of Lagos and now President of Nigeria, has built over 200 schools and provided student loans to more than 200,000 undergraduates of Nigerian tertiary institutions.

    “In less than two years, he has provided over half a billion dollars in credit facilities to small and medium-scale enterprises.”

    Explaining how Obi contributed to the poverty problem he criticised, the Lagos State Governor highlighted how poverty increased during Obi’s administration from 41.4 per cent to 53.7 per cent in two years.

    He said, “Under Peter Obi, a two-term Anambra Governor, poverty in Anambra increased. It did not reduce. Before Peter Obi became Anambra Governor on Thursday, June 14, 2007, the poverty rate in Anambra was 41.4 per cent.

    “But after only two years in office, the poverty rate in Anambra jumped to 53.7 per cent. But the interesting thing is that five years after Peter Obi left office, his successor, Willie Obiano, reduced the poverty rate in Anambra from almost 60 per cent to 14.8 per cent.

    “As such, I am not sure that Mr. Obi is morally well placed to make the alarming claims he made about Nigeria at Johns Hopkins. Mr Obi contributed to the increase in poverty in Nigeria.

  • PDP lawmaker, guber candidate, ex-commissioner, others defect to LP in Abia

    PDP lawmaker, guber candidate, ex-commissioner, others defect to LP in Abia

    The opposition camp in Abia State has further shrank ahead of the 2027 polls following the mass defection of key figures from various political platforms to the ruling Labour Party, LP, in the state.

    Read Also: FG shuts Enugu airport for emergency repairs

    This is as Governor Alex Otti has approved the building of an independent power plant at the Abia State University Uturu, ABSU, as a solution to the perennial power challenge at the campus and Uturu host communities.

    Some of the decampees were the incumbent member representing Isuikwuato state constituency at the Abia State House of Assembly, Lucky Johnson (PDP); his predecessor, Chukwudi Ogele; the 2023 governorship candidate of the Action Alliance, AA, Onyekwere Akim Uche (OAU); a former Commissioner for Sports, Henry Agbaeze (PDP); and Emma Ibegbulam, among many others.

    The decampees along with their supporters, said they decided to dump their former political parties because Governor Otti, had shown a great difference with his “undeniable laudable achievements across the state”.

    They confessed that they never believed Abia could be fixed so fast, hence their decision to join the governor in his transformation agenda and efforts to rebuild the state.

    The defection of the opposition members and their supporters took place during a reception for the Governor at Isuikwuato High School, Otankpa.

    Speaking at the event, which was massively attended by the people from various political backgrounds, Governor Otti commended the decampees for acknowledging the truth and identifying with light.

    He promised that Abia would witness more developments in the months ahead, declaring that his coming on board was to deliver good governance to the people.

    Otti thanked Abians for their continued support to his administration, assuring that he will not disappoint them.

    He re-stated his commitment to transform Abia into a model state, declaring that the era of using Abia as example of a backward state is gone.

    Speaking further, Governor Otti explained that the approval of the establishment of an independent power plant project at ABSU, was aimed at permanently solving the power equation in that part of the state which had been in darkness for decades.

    Otti, who said the power project was part of the ongoing rehabilitation at ABSU, explained that his administration was committed to brining development to all parts of the state.

    “As part of the rehabilitation of Abia State University, I have approved that an independent power plant project be set up in Abia State University.

    “The independent power plant project would generate not less than 10 megawatts of electricity.

    “So, the idea is that not just Abia State University will be served, Uturu town would also have power from the initiative.

    “Those of you who have followed what is happening in this State will know that a few weeks ago, we signed the Abia State Electricity Bill into law.

    “So, we don’t need to go to anybody for approval to set up whether it is renewable energy or IPP; integrated power plant, stands alone and as soon as we have the approval of the House of Assembly, the members and leadership of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA), would be put in place,” Gov. Otti stated.

    The Governor, who stated that the days of darkness were over in the state, also said that for the appeal made by the people concerning fixing the Amibo — Acha road, it would be fixed as it was captured in the budget, adding that the Eziama – Ndundu Road will soon be flagged-off for construction.

    In a remark, the member representing, Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Hon. Amobi Ogah, lauded Otti for his developmental strides in the state, and for extending democracy dividends to Isuikwuato.

    He assured the Governor of the continued support of his constituents to his administration which he noted, was on rescue mission.

    Similarly, the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa described Governor Otti as a visionary Governor and called for support for the Governor to ensure that he secures his second term in office.

    In his speech, the member representing Isuikwuato State Constituency, Johnson, said: “Governor Otti had made Abians proud through his achievements.”

    He stated that with his entrance into the Labour Party alongside other stakeholders in Isuikwuato, all political parties in Isuikwuato have collapsed into the Labour Party, assuring that 2027 governorship election would be decided by Isuikwuato in favour of Governor Otti.

    Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of Abia State, Ikechukwu Uwanna; the Mayor of Isuikwuato, Chinedu Ekeke, and the Chairman, Abia State House of Assembly Commission, Uche Maduako, highlighted the various achievements of the Governor in education, health, road infrastructure as well as payment of workers’ salaries and pensions among others.

    They said that they are not surprised at the Governor’s achievements in less than two years in office and assured that his second term is guaranteed.

    Baring her mind, a member of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA), Dr. Onyinyechi Rufus-Obi while describing Governor Otti as a hardworking, diligent and progressive minded person, thanked him for the ongoing efforts to set up an independent power project to take care of ABSU and the rest of Uturu community.

    In their goodwill messages, an Isuikwuato stakeholder, Mr. Ken Ahia (SAN), President General, Isuikwuato Development Union, Chief Chidiebere Uguru; and the President General, Uturu Development Union, Dr Chidi Mba; said that the Governor had shown capacity and had surpassed past Governors.

    The declared open support for Otti ahead of 2027.

    They said that Isuikwuato had already adopted the Governor before he awarded road constructions in the area including the ongoing Nuanya road currently under reconstruction.

    TodayPriceNG News:

  • I never accused Otti of stealing my projects – Ikpeazu

    I never accused Otti of stealing my projects – Ikpeazu

    UMUAHIA- Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has dismissed reports that he accused his successor, Governor Alex Otti, of claiming credit for projects initiated under his administration.

    Ikpeazu disclosed that he has not issued any statement, regarding the current administration in Abia State since leaving office and dismissed the reports as the handiwork of merchants of evil and lazy bloggers.

    In a statement signed by his spokesman , Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka, the former Governor described social media reports with headlines such as “Alex Otti is Stealing My Projects to Take My Glory – Ikpeazu” as false, misleading, and maliciously crafted to stir confusion and gain cheap online traffic.

    He said; “Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has since moved on to matters of personal interest and has maintained a dignified silence.

    ”The only occasions he has authorized publications were to clarify officially raised matters by the current government and even that has not occurred in a long while.”

    The former Governor warned that legal actions are being initiated against individuals and bloggers  responsible for the fabricated stories.

    He also warned social media users against sharing unverified information, reminding the public that both the creation and dissemination of falsehoods are punishable under the law.

    “Efforts are underway in collaboration with security agencies to uncover those behind the fake news.

    “Discerning people who want to verify if any statement came from Dr. Ikpeazu know the proper channels. Those enabling falsehood on their platforms should be ready to face the consequences.”

  • Why votes may not count in 2027 — Buba Galadima

    Why votes may not count in 2027 — Buba Galadima

    Buba Galadima, a former political ally of former President Muhammadu Buhari, in this encounter, laments that all those who are in power in the country are only concerned about themselves rather than the people.

    He says we should forget the 2027 general elections because the votes would not count unless Nigerians rise up and demand an amendment to the Electoral Act.

    He also cautions President Bola Tinubu to be wary of those around him, saying they may pull down his government, even as he bares his mind on the emergency rule in Rivers State, hunger in the land, among other issues.
    Excerpts:

    How would you assess your party APC after almost 10 years in office?

    I’m no longer in APC. When Buhari was still in power, he set up a committee under Bola Tinubu, who is now the President, to remove my name from the Board of Trustees of APC and to remove my name from the National Caucus of APC because he said I talked too much, and that I looked at him in the eye and said my mind. When I saw that it was what the president (Buhari) liked that was going to happen, I just left the party for them. But let me tell you something, there is nothing anybody can do except one thing.

    It is for us to come together and ensure that we get a proper Electoral Act that will ensure that everybody’s vote counts. That’s the only thing we can do. If we can’t do that one, then let’s forget it, because if Nigerians don’t come together, some people will continue to write the results of the election.

    The way we are going presently, votes are not counting in Nigeria.

    If we don’t amend the Electoral Act, the courts will continue to give everything to them, like they did in Edo. Somebody won an election, they gave the result to another person and the courts affirmed it. Look at what happened in Kano. Everybody knows that it’s the responsibility of the governor to approve the appointment of an Emir. He doesn’t appoint, he approves and gives suggestions. But somebody wants to install an Emir from Abuja, and nobody is talking. So, why should I waste my time talking?

    Look at what is happening in Rivers. An unelected person will uproot an elected person. Look at what is happening in the Senate. An elected Senator will uproot an elected senator.

    I say, whose fault is it now? It’s our fault. Nigerians allow them to have their way and if you are talking, and they catch you, they put you underground, like the one I tasted. Does poverty or hunger know a Yoruba man or an Igbo man or Hausa man? We are all in it. So, we have to remove certain sentiments and work for the good of the system, not for an individual.

    We have to do that, we have to come together and fight for a better society, fight for a better system, where justice would prevail, irrespective of whatever.

    If it affects the Igbo man, we all should shout that it’s not good. If it affects the Hausa man, we all should come around to say this. The point is that what happened to an Igbo man can happen to a Hausa man and a Yoruba man.

    So, you are talking about our unity as a people…

    That’s what I’m saying. Do we believe in that? Unless we believe that it’s okay. Some people were killed in Edo.

    We must find out who did that. It doesn’t matter where they are. Human lives were wasted. Human lives are sacred and you can’t just waste lives like that. We should all talk about it and find the culprits and punish them, whether it affects you, whether it doesn’t affect you, you need to handle it. Look at Plateau State, people are being butchered. If we keep quiet or keep playing politics with human lives, it will keep spreading.

    What do you think of what happened in Edo?

    I wasn’t in the country, so I didn’t even know the details. I just saw the video while I was outside the country. But my point is that it doesn’t matter to whom it happened. When something bad is done to anybody, it is our responsibility to condemn it and seek justice. But when these people in power all over know that they can divide us by religion, by tribe, by section, by where you come from, by state, then, we are out. They will do what they want. Democracy was not built based on religion or tribe. It was built on certain principles which are sacrosanct.

    But the opposition is not strong enough to tackle these issues…

    How can the opposition be strong when they don’t have money to face the government? When all the money is in the control of those in power and not the people, not the country, how can they be strong? I went to the hospital outside the country and I almost shed tears. I went for treatment, for the evaluation of an operation done on me in October 2023. Hospitals in Nigeria are just graveyards; when you go there, you are waiting to be buried. You talked about the opposition; many are decamping to the APC.

    Do you think that they are decamping because the APC is doing well? You and I don’t have money, but they have and it doesn’t satisfy them. They want to win and get more money. Have you seen what we are seeing? That they are strengthening the oppressors?

    If they are in the office, even what they get is more than what your whole community can get. But they are still not satisfied.

    They want to rush there to steal more. I just got back from a trip. I landed in Kano and drove to Abuja and I learned that during the Sallah, there was a fight between the Emir’s bodyguards and some people. And somebody died.

    Now the Police are inviting the Emir. Do you think it is right to invite the Emir who was riding on a horseback, one kilometre away, to ask him what happened, and why somebody was killed during his procession? Nobody is talking. Can the IGP invite the Oba of Lagos when somebody is killed during an event where the Oba is present? But it is okay, it is Kano, let them go and kill themselves.

    It may happen to me one day, or it may happen to my Emirate. The police planned to cause commotion in Kano so that they could declare a state of emergency.

    That was what they wanted to do by banning the Durbar. They invited the Emir on a Tuesday before Sallah and if the Emir reported on Tuesday, they would have brought the other one from Mecca who went for the Lesser Hajj to come and plant him so that the commotion would start. That was what they planned to do.

    Does the Federal Government have powers over the choice of traditional rulers?

    Some people have powers over the Chief Justice of the Federation. Ganduje removed an Emir because he was the governor of Kano; if another person becomes the governor of Kano, doesn’t he have the right to remove the person that Ganduje also put there? He didn’t remove him because he committed any offence. He removed him because of politics. Now they want to force people to be killed.

    They want to invite the Emir and enthrone another one by force. That is why they came to the Court of Appeal for the court to swallow its vomit. Even when they thought that what the Governor did was right, they said the implementation should wait until the Supreme Court makes a pronouncement.

    Is that correct? Supreme Court? How many people? Is it not a decision of a few men under the influence of the government? I’m over 70; I speak the truth at all times. Inviting the Emir of Kano to a police station is wrong.

    How can the government right the wrongs?

    All these things are based on one issue, justice. Because if there is justice and there is a human feeling, everything will fall in place. Our leaders must be compassionate about the sufferings of the people.

    Some people cannot afford to eat one meal per day. That should be their concern. But it looks like those who claimed we voted for them are only concerned about what they will get from governance rather than how much sacrifice they can make on behalf of the people. Governance in multi-ethnic and religious societies, communities like Nigeria, need 24-hour surveillance.

    You have to make a real sacrifice for you to speak to all shades of opinion to find out exactly how things go and how they can work out. This is not obtainable now because all those in power are only concerned about themselves rather than about the people. That’s our problem.

    Are we going to endure this till 2027?

    Our issue is that we, as a nation, must sit down and define a minimum code of behaviour for all our leaders. Unless we do that, it will continue for eternity. That is why people like me, who are above 70, are almost giving up. There is this adage in Hausa that says when you are talking about the thief, also talk about those who try to catch the thief. We are all the same. Once somebody gets his minimum requirement for one day, he can forsake you.

    So, they don’t even care about those who fight for them as long as they can get a stipend from those who oppress them. The people have not decided what they want from the leaders. If they decide to bring a change for the better, they could do that.

    And the change for the better does not mean that you will support somebody from your religion, somebody from your tribe or somebody from where you come from. No! You make a universal minimum good for all the people. And you fight for it. Nobody, no military, no police, no judiciary can overturn the will of the people when we stand together. If we say that this is wrong and it must stop, it should stop.

    We have two other arms of government apart from the executive, like the legislature and the judiciary. Those seem to be failing too..

    Not that they seem to be failing. They have buckled to the executive. When these very arms of government work, everybody does their little bit. Our problem is multifaceted, and we have a division. I saw, just now, one foreigner berating the Middle Belt Forum on the position they released on the killings in Edo. The foreigner was damn right that what is wrong is wrong even if it was done against your enemy.

    The Middle Belt Forum was happy that they did that to these people because they should remember that Deborah was killed in Sokoto. Was it these people who were killed in Edo that killed Deborah? We should have condemned Deborah’s issue as well as condemned this one in Edo. So, what kind of country or what kind of people do we have in Nigeria? And they said they are a regional bloc fighting for justice.

    Justice means that even if an injustice is committed against your enemy, you fight for him. When you finish and obtain justice for him, you can continue your quarrel. So, we are the architects of our problems. I am getting fed up. I can’t see the Nigeria I dreamt of.

    What is your take on what is happening in Rivers and the declaration of an emergency rule?

    Is there any one single person except Nyesom Wike who supported what is happening in Rivers? No, I’m asking whether you know anybody.

    There’s this video released by the Emir of Muri berating politicians in Taraba.

    Yes, Abbas Tafida, the Emir of Muri. You need to listen to that one. When you listen to him, you now find out whether the politicians are okay. He said you sit down, all of you, and say you promulgate a law called your constitution to guide your conduct. And you had come together to form a political party because you all believe in one thing. Then, as idiots, when we quarrel, you go to another person who was not a participant in the formulation of the constitution to interpret the constitution for you.

    Are you well? That’s what the Emir of Muri said. Look, there is something wrong with us, but you, the mass media, you carry the greatest burden. You are divisive; you should sit down and agree never to mention religion, never to mention tribe and never to mention where somebody comes from. Talk of Nigeria and talk of justice for all and Nigeria will be different. But you are promoting these things by reminding people that they belong to a certain tribe, they belong to a certain religion, they belong to a certain section, they belong to this or belong to that. We can’t run a country like that. If we keep having emergency rule because of the way it is now, if they extend the emergency rule to Kano, that means Nigeria is finished. But I believe common sense may prevail because they should know that there are certain things they ought not to do. It’s not everything that suits you that can in the end benefit you.

    Look at what is happening in the Senate. The Senate is not deliberating on what will benefit the people anymore. We left that issue several years ago. Everybody knows Godswill Akpabio. If you don’t know him, go and ask Victor Attah, who was his Governor when he was a Commissioner. I don’t need to tell you anything. You should know better.

    Are you saying nobody knows where Nigeria is headed?

    No, we are going somewhere. I may not be around when we get there but we are going somewhere. Something has got to reach its elastic limit before it breaks. It happened in Ghana one day. They became a saner society. It happened in Iran during Reza Pahlavi. They are sane people now. It happened in the Soviet Union. So, things must reach their elastic limit. All this useless power that you see, just wait one day. It’s just that we don’t have patience.

    What happened in those places was a revolution…

    I don’t want to mention the word revolution. Leave that word to Omoyele Sowore. He can educate you better on that.

    Sowore?

    Yes. He is my role model. He is a courageous young man just like Malema of South Africa. I wish there would be a free and fair election. If there is a free and fair election, Sowore can win the election and come to the National Assembly. Then he becomes a Malema, a conscience of the nation. But how can he, now under these circumstances? When he doesn’t have what to give, or maybe he has, but he doesn’t give.

    There is this belief in many quarters that the North is not happy with Buhari, Tinubu or the APC. How true is it?

    Well, you read them in the newspapers. You read them on social media. You will get their mood. Have you gone to see the social media on this invitation to Emir Sanusi to come and see the Inspector General of Police? Have you seen what people are doing in Kano now? The Nigeria of today is not the Nigeria of yesterday. People are becoming conscious and we are only appealing to them and educating them more about their rights. But at the appropriate time, when hardship brings them together, they can react in a manner that you cannot control. This is a prophecy that I am giving.

    The people have only one way out, they must stand up for their rights. For the government, my advice is that they should not joke with the feelings of the people because they are in control; they feel nothing can happen to them and that could be foolishness.

    If all of us come out, they will all run away including the IGP and the defence corps. They will run, tell them I said so. They have nothing, they have only one life. The gun which the police and military are carrying is something anyone can buy in the market now.

    Can the IGP invite the Oba of Lagos on something that the Oba doesn’t know about? How can he? We know what happened. We know who did that. We know who met who to make that decision. The IGP was given an instruction and he was following an unlawful instruction. You should go and find out from General Theophilus Danjuma after the Gideon Orkar coup when he said the military is not obliged to carry out illegal orders. He should be reminded.

    Why is the IGP so interested in Kano that some idiots would give him instructions to cause problems for Tinubu?

    The IGP is being teleguided by the people that we know. It’s not Tinubu himself. They are working for a state of emergency in Kano. It will consume all of them, including himself. Let him remember Tafa Balogun. There is nothing in Nigeria that doesn’t have a history. I’ve never seen an IGP like this.

    Could it be Ganduje who is doing this?

    The IGP knows those who give him instructions. I don’t need to say it publicly, everybody should know.

    How do we get out of this now, because it’s creating another problem?

    My parents told me something, that anybody who is in power should be working for peace. No rich man wants a fire to break out. No peaceful man wants violence. That’s what my parents educated me on. And I think they are right. How can a rich man set fire to his house? If it’s not controlled, it can explode.

    Look at what is happening in Rivers, the explosion of gas pipelines, and oil pipelines. If such a thing starts happening, Nigeria is finished. And who caused it? You know that those that the gods want to destroy, they first make mad. They don’t know that when they do what they did in Rivers, this will happen. And who is the loser? But I have only one thing to tell the President: he should be very careful with certain people around him. They are trying to destroy him and destroy his government.

    Anybody who is his friend will pray for a peaceful Nigeria. It is only a loyal person to him that wants a peaceful Nigeria. The person causing the commotion in Rivers does not like Tinubu and his government.

  • Anambra APC Primary: Ozigbo sues Ukachukwu, INEC

    Anambra APC Primary: Ozigbo sues Ukachukwu, INEC

    Valentine Ozigbo, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Awka challenging the validity of the party’s primary election held on April 5, 2025.

    Ozigbo, who contested but did not emerge as the party’s flagbearer, is asking the court to nullify the nomination of Mr. Nicholas Ukachukwu, the declared winner of the primary, and compel the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize him as the legitimate candidate for the November 8 gubernatorial election.

    The suit, filed through his legal team led by Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) Umeh Kalu and B.C. Igwilo, includes party documentation, internal communications, and delegate lists which Ozigbo argues support his claim.

    The originating summons calls on the court to determine whether the conduct of the primary election complied with APC’s constitution and established procedures. Ozigbo alleges irregularities in the delegate selection process and claims the exercise did not reflect the will of legitimate party members.

    In a statement issued after the filing, Ozigbo said his legal action was driven by a desire to uphold democratic principles within the party. “This is not a personal pursuit but a stand for justice, transparency, and the future of our party and state,” he stated.

    He described the conduct of the primary as lacking in transparency and organization, alleging that accredited party members were excluded, while the delegate list used contained unfamiliar names. He also questioned Ukachukwu’s eligibility to contest under the party’s platform, citing internal party rules.

    Ozigbo added that his intention is not to create division within the APC, but to strengthen it through adherence to democratic standards. “Our aim is to restore credibility and ensure the party remains a vehicle for responsible leadership,” he said.

    The court has not yet fixed a date for the hearing.

  • APC Reps aspirant survives alleged assassination attempt in Abuja

    APC Reps aspirant survives alleged assassination attempt in Abuja

    ABUJA – Hon. Ibraheem Bolarinwa Oyekunle, a 2023 House of Representatives aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), representing the Irewole/Isokan/Ayedaade Federal Constituency of Osun State, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Friday, 4 April 2025.

    The incident took place at Gwosa Market, along Airport Road in Abuja, where armed assailants ambushed the politician and fired directly at his head in what appears to have been a premeditated attack.

    In a statement released on Wednesday, Oyekunle recounted the harrowing experience and called for an immediate investigation by the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant security agencies.

    The politician, who sustained injuries during the attack, stressed that the attackers made no demand for valuables, instead insisting that he ‘surrender himself’ a detail which, he said, rules out robbery as a motive.

    The statement reads: “That evening, I was driving home from the airport towards Lugbe and stopped at Gwosa Market to buy fruits and farm produce from local traders.

    “While shopping, I noticed an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla parked across the road with its number plates concealed using plastic. This struck me as suspicious. A group of men stepped out—some remained by the vehicle, while one walked towards me. He passed very close by, but I initially assumed they might be targeting the traders, not me.

    “After completing my purchases, I began walking back to my car when I suddenly heard someone shout: ‘Surrender yourself!’ I turned to see four men pointing guns at me. Ahead of me, another man—part of the same group—was also aiming a gun directly at my head.

    “Acting on instinct, I charged at the man in front and knocked him down. This seemed to catch the others off guard, and they immediately started shooting. Every shot was aimed at my head, which confirms to me that this was no random act—it was a calculated attempt to kill.

    “I managed to escape by running in the same direction as the traders who were also fleeing. Once the assailants saw I had slipped out of their grasp, they returned to their car and sped off.

    “During the chaos, I was injured—a bullet grazed my head, and I sustained wounds to my leg. I was initially treated at Sauka Divine Hospital, where doctors stitched the head wound and tended to my leg injuries. Later, I was transferred to the Nigerian Air Force Hospital (NAF Base), Abuja, for further care and have since been discharged.

    “What troubles me most is that the attackers never asked for money, my vehicle, or any possessions. Their only demand was for me to ‘surrender myself’. This strongly suggests the motive was not robbery, but something far more sinister.

    “I call on the Inspector-General of Police and all relevant security agencies to launch a thorough investigation. The perpetrators must be brought to justice, and the reason behind this attack must be uncovered. This incident raises serious concerns—not just for my safety, but for the safety of all citizens.

    “I thank God for His protection that night. Though the experience has shaken me, it will not deter me from continuing to serve the people of Irewole/Isokan/Ayedaade. I remain committed to our shared goals. This incident underscores the urgent need for improved security across our nation.

    “I’m deeply grateful to the medical teams at Sauka Divine Hospital and the Nigerian Air Force Hospital for their swift and expert care. I also appreciate the traders and bystanders who offered their help in those critical moments.

    “To my constituents and supporters, I want you to know that I am recovering well and remain determined to work tirelessly on your behalf. Let this be a reminder to us all of the importance of unity in confronting violence and insecurity.”

  • House C’tee on Petroleum Resources explains why PIA must be amended 

    House C’tee on Petroleum Resources explains why PIA must be amended 

    The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources, Upstream, has stated it would quickly amend the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, to increase oil companies’ contributions to Host Community Development Trusts, HCDTs, from 3% to 10%.

    The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, disclosed this in Port Harcourt during a stakeholder dialogue session.

    Whingan stated that the current 3% contribution is insufficient to address the decades of environmental degradation, poverty, and underdevelopment faced by oil-host communities in the Niger Delta.

    He explained: “In its current form, the 3% contribution by settlors is grossly inadequate to address decades of environmental degradation, poverty, and underdevelopment suffered by host communities. That is why I am leading efforts to amend Section 240 of the PIA. The bill has passed its first reading and is scheduled for second reading upon the House’s resumption.”

    “Increased Funding. The amendment seeks to boost HCDT funds to 10% to address environmental degradation, poverty, and underdevelopment in host communities.

    “Legislative Initiative. The proposed amendment is part of a broader effort to ensure justice and equitable resource distribution to communities affected by oil exploration.”

    Whingan identified core challenges, including environmental degradation, poor infrastructure, high unemployment, and lack of transparency in the host communities, adding that the 3% provision is insufficient.

    He harped on the need for collective effort and inclusive policymaking to build a productive and people-centred petroleum industry. He assured participants that his office remains open for continued dialogue and cooperation.

    “Our duty as lawmakers is to ensure that the wealth from our natural resources translates into tangible prosperity for the host communities. They deserve more than token gestures. They deserve meaningful investment in their future.

    “To fix this, we must strengthen HCDT governance, enhance environmental remediation, boost development funding, and empower host communities to drive the process, “ Whingan said.

    However, Ms Florence Ibok-Abasi, country director of Stakeholder Democracy Network (sdn), highlighted in her address the importance of active government engagement in unlocking the full potential of HCDTs.

    Ibok-Abasi stressed that government involvement must not involve undue interference, preserving these trusts’ independence and community-driven essence.

    She said: “We must acknowledge that unlocking the full potential of the HCDT framework requires the active involvement of government at all levels. The government’s role is not merely supportive, it is essential. But this involvement must not come with undue interference. The independence and community-driven essence of these Trusts must be preserved.”

  • We’re committed to modernising public broadcast assets  —  FG

    We’re committed to modernising public broadcast assets  —  FG

    The Federal government is committed to modernising and transforming Nigeria’s media and broadcasting landscape.

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, committed Restates Commitment to Modernizing Public Broadcast at the Sixth Edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series held at the National Press Centre, Abuja, on Thursday.

    The Minister informed that he had just returned from the prestigious National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Conference and Workshop in Las Vegas, United States, themed “The Technology, The Trend, The Future. “ The event brought together global stakeholders in broadcasting and media technology to explore cutting-edge innovations and emerging trends shaping the industry’s future.

    Accompanied by heads of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the Minister said he held a series of high-level engagements to forge strategic partnerships and enhance the technical and technological capacity of Nigeria’s broadcasting sector.

    “ I have shared these to reaffirm the commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration towards the lasting transformation of Nigeria’s media landscape. It is that unwavering commitment that is equally fuelling interventions like this Ministerial Press Briefing Series, as well as our Town Hall Meetings, which we will take to every part of the country in due course,” the Minister said.

    He also disclosed his subsequent participation in the Nigerian Business Forum in Paris, France, hosted by Business France. On the sidelines of the Forum, Idris said he met with senior executives of UNESCO to advance the establishment of a first-of-its-kind Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja.

    He said the institute is expected to play a transformative role in the professional development of Nigerian journalists and in fostering a resilient and responsible media ecosystem.

    “That Institute will go a long way towards strengthening Nigeria’s media environment, and supporting journalists to carry out their functions even more effectively,” he said.

    He further affirmed that initiatives such as the ongoing Ministerial Press Briefing Series and forthcoming nationwide Town Hall Meetings are part of the administration’s strategy to ensure open governance, promote dialogue, and strengthen the social contract between government and citizens.

    For his part, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, who attended the briefing, highlighted key interventions in the power sector, in line with the administration’s push to industrialize Nigeria and improve energy access across the country.

  • Former Enugu APC chairman resigns amid party disintegration

    Former Enugu APC chairman resigns amid party disintegration

    The former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Barr. Ben Nwoye, has officially resigned from the party, citing deep internal crises and leadership disintegration as his reasons for departure.

    Speaking at a press briefing held at De Sheriff Hotel in Enugu, Nwoye, who also previously served as a Federal Commissioner at the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) representing the South East, said the party he helped build has lost its cohesion and purpose.

    “The bunch of broom which we painstakingly tied together in 2013 has loosened and permanently scattered,” Nwoye said, referencing the APC’s symbol and the unity that once bound its members.

    He condemned the leadership of the party in the South East for prioritizing “vindictive politics” over growth and inclusion. According to him, rather than expanding the APC’s reach, the regional leadership has been more focused on suppressing dissenting voices and perceived political enemies.

    Nwoye also decried the lingering factional disputes within the party in Enugu, revealing that two rival camps are currently battling for control—one backed by a judicial pronouncement, and the other persisting in open defiance.

    He accused the national leadership of turning a blind eye to the crisis and failing to act on repeated calls for reconciliation by party elders. According to him, loyal party members who disagree with the central leadership have been treated with disdain, likening them to “prisoners of political war.”

    “I have engaged in extensive consultations with my grassroots followers and I have come to the conclusion that it is time to move on,” he said. “I refuse to be a political prisoner.”

    Extending his criticism beyond Enugu, Nwoye cited the marginalization of other prominent APC figures in the South East, including former Minister of Labour, Senator Chris Ngige (Anambra), and Dr. Ikechi Emenike (Abia), both of whom he said have been sidelined despite their significant roles in building the party.

    Nwoye’s resignation marks a significant blow to the APC in Enugu and raises fresh concerns about the party’s stability and internal democracy in the South East region.

  • NGF visits Plateau, condoles Mutfwang over killings

    NGF visits Plateau, condoles Mutfwang over killings

    The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) visited Plateau on Thursday and condoled with Gov. Caleb Mutfwang over the recent attacks and killings in the state.

    Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara and Chairman of the forum led other governors on the visit.

    He said that the visit was to commiserate with the government and people of Plateau over the recent security breach in some parts of the state.

    Abdulrazaq, who commended the security agencies for their swift response, called on key stakeholders in the state to support the government’s efforts towards ending the cycle of killings in the state.

    “On behalf of NGF and the people of our various states, I bring you sincere words of condolence on the unfortunate events in which many of our compatriots have lost their lives.

    “We call on leaders and influencers across all communities and sectors in Plateau to join the governor in the task of uniting the people and restoring sustainable peace.

    “Leaders should come together to speak strongly against violence of any kind; we urge the good people of Plateau to resolve all differences through dialogue, fair negotiations, mutual respect, and perspective taking.

    “Sustainable development can be a mirage in an atmosphere of tension and violence; Plateau is full of potential, especially in agriculture and tourism.

    “But these potentials could be affected negatively if we allow violence or threats of it to define how people see our communities,” he said.

    Abdulrazaq, who commended Mutfwang for the steps taken to forestall a similar occurrence in the future, added that the visit was to also show solidarity with their colleague.

    Responding, Mutfwang thanked his colleagues for the visit, insisting that the visit had further strengthened him to ensure the safety of lives and property in the state.

    The governor, who vowed to secure lives and property in the state, commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the state in its trying time.

    He, however, called on the security agencies to intensify border security, insisting that the perpetrators of the attacks were largely foreigners.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other governors who visited were Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, and Dr Emmanuel Akabe, the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State. (NAN)