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President Buhari Chairs Council Of State Meeting, Gowon, Abdulsalami, Jonathan Present (PHOTOS)

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ABN TV EDITOR
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President Buhari Chairs Council Of State Meeting, Gowon, Abdulsalami, Jonathan Present (PHOTOS)
PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 6. L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, President of the Senate Dr Ahmad Lawan, Speaker Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, Gen Yakubu Gowon, Former Head odf State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan, former CJN Hoj Justice Belgore during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari is currently chairing a meeting of Council of State at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, ABN TV reports.

PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 9. L-R; Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Mrs Folasahde Yemi-Esan, SGF Mr Boss Mustaha, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN, President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, President of the Senate Dr Ahmad Lawan, Speaker Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 7A&B. L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, President of the Senate Dr Ahmad Lawan, Speaker Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, Gen Yakubu Gowon, Former Head odf State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan, former CJN Hoj Justice Belgore during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023

The meeting which started at 10:12am after the rendition of the national anthem is being attended by former heads of state and presidents, including Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd), Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd) and Goodluck Jonathan. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, joined online.

Others who join virtually include Governor of Sokoto State and Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Aminu Tambuwal, Governor of Kebbi State and Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Abubakar Bagudu, Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, of Northern States Governors Forum, Simon Lalong.

READ ALSO: Buhari Appoints MD/CE For NSITF, Reconstitutes Board

The rest are governors David Umahi, Ebonyi, Yahaya Bello, Kogi, Ademola Adeleke, Osun, Abubakar Badaru, Jigawa, Dapo Abiodun, Ogun as well as Benue State deputy governors Benson Abounu, Nasarawa, Emmanuel Akabe, and Enugu Deputy governor.

Two former Chief Justices of the Federation, Alfa Belgore and Mahmud Muhammad are in attendance.

In attendance physically are Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, and Head of Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan

Governors physically attending are: Taraba, Dairu Isiaku, Kaduna, Nasir El-Rufai, Borno, Babagana Zulum, Gombe, Inuawa Yahaya, Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kwara, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak and Deputy Governor Bauchi, Baba Talla.

The National Council of State is an organ of the Nigerian government whose functions include advising the executive on policy making.

The meeting is expected to discuss national crises including petrol and naira scarcity, insecurity and others, ahead of the general elections.

Also present and awaiting their turn to brief the council are Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Alkali Baba, Commandant General, Nigerian Security, and Civil Defence Corps, Hammed Audi and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele on the preparation for the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections as well as March 11 governorship and state houses of assembly polls and new Naira notes respectively.

PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 3B. L-R; Former President Dr Goodluck Jinathan, Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon and President Muhammadu Buhari during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 1A&B. L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, Former Head of State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan and Former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 00A&B. L-R; Former Head of State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan, Former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon. and President Muhammadu Buhari during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 0A&B. L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, Former Head of State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan and Former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023

PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 1A&B. L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, Former Head of State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan and Former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING AB. L-R; Former President Dr Goodluck Jinathan, Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon and President Muhammadu Buhari during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023

Supreme Court Affirms Ikechi Emenike As APC Guber Candidate In Abia

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ABN TV EDITOR
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Abia APC Guber Candidate, Ikechi Emenike, Other Party Leaders Pay Courtesy Visit On National Chairman (Photos)
Ikechi Emenike

The Supreme Court has affirmed Ikechi Emenike as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State.

A five-member panel of the supreme court led by Tijani Abubakar on Thursday affirmed the judgment of the court of appeal delivered in December 2022.

The Abia APC had held parallel governorship primaries that produced Uche Ogah and Emenike as candidates of the party.

READ ALSO: Atiku Will Defeat Peter Obi In Anambra – Campaign DG

On May 26, the APC declared Emenike the winner of the governorship primary in the state.

On November 11, Binta Nyako, a federal high court judge, sacked Emenike and ordered INEC to recognise Ogah as the party’s governorship candidate in the state.

Both APC and Emenike had filed separate appeals challenging the verdict delivered by Nyako.

Dan Eke, another aspirant, also filed an appeal challenging the judgment of the trial judge that recognised Ogah’s candidacy.

In December 2022, the court of appeal sitting in Abuja affirmed Emenike as the party’s candidate.

In the unanimous verdict, Olabisi Ige, who led the appeal court panel, read out the names of the party members sent by the APC national secretariat to conduct the governorship primary that produced Emenike, affirming that the exercise was valid.

Another candidate, Dan Eke, also filed an appeal in which he contested the trial judge’s decision to recognize Ogah’s candidacy.

The court of appeal in Abuja confirmed Emenike as the party’s nominee in December 2022.

Olabisi Ige, who presided over the appeal court panel, read aloud the names of the party members appointed by the APC national headquarters to oversee the governorship primary that produced Emenike and affirmed the validity of the process in the unanimous decision.

WAEC Employees To Stage 3-Days Protest Over Alleged Illegal Recruitment, Pay Policy Disputes

By
Victor Alade
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WAEC Employees To Stage 3-Days Protest Over Alleged Illegal Recruitment, Pay Policy Disputes
WAEC

Employees of the West African Examinations Council’s Nigerian National Office (WAEC) are set to embark on a three-day protest over alleged management highhandedness, illegal recruitment, and imposition of pay policies.

The industrial action, scheduled to begin Wednesday at the council’s headquarters in Lagos, is expected to spread across WAEC offices nationwide, including regional and state offices.

The protest is being organized by the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), which accused the WAEC management of unilateral decisions, breach of seniority principles, and punitive administrative actions against staff.

In a letter dated May 5 and signed by NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, the union listed several grievances and issued a seven-day ultimatum for resolution before the planned action.

Among the issues raised are suspension of staff upgrade programmes, alleged imposition of a minimum net pay policy, constitution of investigative panels without consultation, recruitment concerns, and changes to the WASSCE examination structure.

NASU said its members unanimously agreed to proceed with the protest after the expiration of the ultimatum, following an online meeting of its branches nationwide.

The union added that the industrial action could be escalated if management fails to address its demands.

However, WAEC management, in a response dated May 8, denied several of the allegations, insisting that it operates within established conditions of service and has remained responsive to staff concerns.

It also clarified that some policy decisions, including the adjustment of WASSCE duration, were in line with directives from the Federal Ministry of Education.

The examination body also said it had suspended the proposed minimum net pay policy and maintained that grievance procedures exist for staff to seek redress.

Despite assurances that it would conduct a hitch-free 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for 1,959,636 candidates across 24,207 schools, the looming protest raises concerns over possible disruptions.

This is not the first time WAEC workers have embarked on industrial action, as similar protests were recorded in 2024, which disrupted operations at several offices in Lagos.

As of filing this report, WAEC had not officially commented on the planned protest.

PDP Lambasts Gov. Otu Over Cross River’s Health Sector Deteriorating

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Victor Alade
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PDP Lambasts Gov. Otu Over Cross River’s Health Sector Deteriorating

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has lambasted Governor Bassey Otu over the alleged dire state of the health sector, warning of an imminent collapse of public healthcare services.

State PDP Chairman, Venatius Ikem (Esq), raised the alarm while addressing journalists on Wednesday in Calabar.

Ikem claimed that general hospitals in Calabar and Akamkpa, the only functional public facilities, are crippled by power outages, forcing surgeons to use patients’ relatives’ petrol generators or phone torchlights.

“The health sector in Cross River is in a shambolic condition and requires urgent intervention,” Ikem declared.

“It is unacceptable that surgeries are being carried out with the aid of phone torchlights because there is no electricity in some general hospitals.”

He alleged the state employs only 99 nurses and fewer than 20 doctors across public facilities, with health workers fleeing due to poor pay and conditions.

“Nurses and doctors are leaving the state service due to poor remuneration and terrible working environment.

“The few health workers left are overstretched and cannot adequately meet the healthcare needs of the people,” he added.

He highlighted acute midwife shortages driving pregnant women to unregulated Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), fueling maternal deaths, and called for laws mandating referrals to certified professionals.

“There is no proper law regulating the activities of traditional birth attendants in the state.

Government must put measures in place to ensure collaboration and referral protocols between TBAs and trained medical personnel in order to safeguard pregnant women,” Ikem insisted.

The PDP boss spotlighted Odukpani, the governor’s home local government, with just two nurses at its health facility, and decried unaccredited nursing schools exacerbating manpower gaps.

“The nursing colleges in the state are still awaiting accreditation from the Nigerian Nursing and Midwifery Council.

“This is affecting training capacity and worsening the manpower shortage in the health sector,” he said.

Ikem further faulted Health Commissioner Dr. Henry Ayuk for prioritizing soakaways over equipment and staff shortages, questioning fund utilization dominated by donors.

He demanded urgent recruitment, facility rehab, power, and equipment.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) urged massive nurse recruitment and hospital rehabilitation.

State CChairman Comr.Josephine Bassey said this would create a conducive work environment.

But Dr. Coco-Bassey Esu, Governor Otu’s Special Assistant on Nursing, countered that the administration has injected 200 nurses—many with appointment letters—despite inheriting shortages.

FG Approves 40% Special Allowance For Civil Servants After Strike Threat

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Victor Alade
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FG Approves 40% Special Allowance For Civil Servants After Strike Threat

The Federal Government has officially approved the long-awaited 40 percent special allowance for federal civil servants following intense pressure and threats of industrial action by the organized labor.

The approval, Vanguard gathered, came after a marathon meeting on Tuesday personally presided over by the head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Walson-Jack, at the Conference Hall of her office in Abuja.

At the meeting of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, NSIWC, it was learned that the circular for the implementation of the allowance was formally released, bringing to an end nearly two years of agitation by workers over the delayed adjustment linked to the new N70,000 minimum wage structure.

Speaking during the meeting, Mrs Walson-Jack stressed the importance of strengthening communication and trust between government management teams and labour unions to avoid unnecessary industrial disputes.

She noted that while labor unions have the constitutional right to make demands, government agencies must also create room for dialogue and constructive engagement in order to sustain industrial harmony.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for the leadership of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, JNPSNC, (trade union side) led by its national chairman, Benjamin Uyanto, and the executive chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Mr. Eyo Nta, to present their positions before the Head of Service intervened to broker an agreement acceptable to all parties.

Both Uyanto and Nta commended the Head of Service for her timely intervention, describing it as crucial in resolving the lingering dispute.

Following the deliberations, an implementable circular table for the 40 per cent peculiar allowance was officially presented to the leadership of the JNPSNC.

Confirming the development in an interview, the National Secretary of the JNPSNC (Trade Union side), Olowoyo Gbenga, described the outcome as a major victory for Nigerian workers and a positive step toward improving workers’ welfare amid the current economic hardship.

According to him, implementation of the allowance will take effect from May 1, 2026, after workers have waited since July 2024 for the adjustment to reflect the new minimum wage template.

He further urged state governments to adopt the circular to enable workers at the state and local government levels to benefit from the relief package.

NDC One-Term Tenure’ll Guarantee Massive Support For Obi/Kwankwaso — Ahamba

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Munachi
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NDC One-Term Tenure’ll Guarantee Massive Support For Obi/Kwankwaso — Ahamba

AN Elder statesman and chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Mike Ahamba, has said that zoning the presidential ticket to the South for one term and rotating it to the North in 2031 by the New Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, will guarantee massive support and victory for Mr Peter Obi and Senator Musa Kwankwaso if fielded.

Chief Ahamba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, also emphasized keeping to any agreement entered into, even though he said he is not an advocate of zoning.

Speaking on the NDC’s zoning of the presidential position to the South for one term of four years before it returns to the North, Chief Ahamba said the decision could prompt massive Northern support for an Obi/Kwankwaso ticket.

Asked whether the decision, which some have described as a masterstroke, could bring victory to the party, he said: “Yes. It may make the North support Kwankwaso in 2027. I think it is quite favourable for them to support Obi and Kwankwaso. After four years, they take back the power for another eight years. After eight years, it comes down to the South.

Ahamba potential convention

“This is an unwritten law. It can become a convention which can maintain peace in a country. It’s an unwritten law: there’s no law saying it anywhere. So you expect decent people to comply. If any Southerner is running for presidency (in 2027), he should know that he is running for a four-year term. Any Southerner running for presidency now should advise himself or herself that the term he is running for is a four-year term.

“I don’t belong to NDC as of now but if they are alternating between North and South, it depends on what zone is occupying it, giving to the South. Tinubu has stayed four years now, and it is eight years. So naturally, if it is eight years North, eight years South, then after four years, it will go back to the North.

Asked if there is no constitutional encumbrance, he said, “no, the Constitution does not talk about rotation or alternating. This is a convention that is going to be obeyed as a result of the agreement by the party.

“So in fact, there is nothing in the Constitution that says you should rotate the presidency or should give the presidency at a particular time to a particular zone. So, it is an agreement among the political parties. Most of the parties have agreed that if you move from it, it can create a problem. But in the North, they have done that. The South has also done it. Tinubu has got it. Tinubu has done four years. If he does another four years, then it still goes back to the North, a different part of the North.

“I would expect, if it comes back to the South, it goes to a different part of the South. That’s the way it is done.”

Reminded that the Constitution allows somebody to go for a second term after completing the first term of four years, Chief Ahamba said: “One will expect that anyone running for presidency should be gentleman enough to follow the agreement that the NDC has put. That is what we have decided among ourselves; the candidates are agreeing. Most of them are agreeing.

“After all, Peter Obi, for example, says he’ll only be there for four years. So if he asks me, I wouldn’t have supported it, but he says he will be there for four years only. So there’s nothing anybody can do about it, because that’s what they decided to do.

“So after four years, he has to be gentlemanly enough to relinquish unless the electorate is so good that everybody wants him to continue. I’m not saying that he has won the election. So this is it.

“I am not an apostle of rotation or alternating. I’m not an apostle of it because Igbos don’t support it; it can lead to making the wrong person president of the country because it is the turn of his people to bring him. But it is something that a vast majority of Nigerians now want. So I have to adjust, because I’m a democrat.

2027: British Govt Has No Preferred Candidate, Says Envoy

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Munachi
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2027: British Govt Has No Preferred Candidate, Says Envoy

Ilorin —British Deputy High Commissioner in Nigeria, Gill Lever, said yesterday the British government had no preferred candidate in the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.

The  envoy, who  stated this while on a courtesy visit to Kwara State governor and Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, at Government House, Ilorin, said the British government would not interfere in the conduct of the elections, stressing that her country would be interested in free, peaceful and credible elections.

Lever, who also visited Kwara State First Lady, Ambassador Okufolake AbdulRazaq, in her office in Ilorin with her team, said:  “British government  would support free, peaceful and credible election in Nigeria next year

“Downing Street has no favourite political party and will not be seen interfering in local political matters. We all want to see elections that are peaceful, that are inclusive, that are credible, with space for participation, with respect for institutions.

“The British government, as you’ll understand, is entirely neutral. We do not favour one party or another, and we would never be in the business of telling Nigerian people how to vote.

“But peaceful and credible elections, of course, are not only a democratic objective. This is not only about the Commonwealth values and the values of democracy that we’ve long shared, they’re also an economic objective or imperative as well.’’

While commending Governor AbdulRazaq in his quest to make life worth living for the people of Kwara State, the British envoy said:  “Kwara, under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has become a model for gender equity.

“First of all, you’re a strong advocate for women’s representation in governance and I think Kwara, under your leadership, has been a trailblazer for women’s rights and women’s participation in the political life of your state.

Lever said the British government was working in many states to help improve digital skills and nurture young talents in tech industry.

In his response,  Governor AbdulRazaq  said his administration had turned around the fortunes of the state with significant progress made in different sectors of the economy.

He said: “We have made significant progress in different sectors of the economy: from health, education, agriculture and road infrastructure. When we came in 2019, things just weren’t working in the state.

“From backlogs of pensions and gratuities to payment of half-salaries to blacklist of Kwara by Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC.

“When we came in, 99% of schools did not have WASH facilities and no fencing of schools; teachers were, in fact, owed months in salary arrears.  Today, we are up-to-date in investment in basic education with payment of counterpart funds to UBEC.

“We have expanded access to education, healthcare and we are making prompt payment of salaries as well as improving the welfare of the workforce.

“We have cleared backlog of salaries we met. In fact, we are planning to raise minimum wage again this year to N100,000,’’ the governor said.

He explained that his administration’s investment in education and health sectors had yielded positive results, with improved ratings of the sectors and expansion of access to education and health care delivery.

“We have expanded access to university education with the (completion of) two campuses of KWASU in Kwara North and South. Then, by the time we will be leaving office by 2027, Kwara will have five teaching hospitals to bridge shortage of manpower in the health sector,” AbdulRazaq said.

On agriculture, the governor said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration was encouraging farming activities, adding that the state had established Shea processing factory in Kaiama, which would be the second largest in Nigeria when it becomes operational.

APC Knock-Out Day: 30 Govs, 88 Senators, 242 Reps, 2,620 Others Know Fate Today

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Munachi
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APC Knock-Out Day: 30 Govs, 88 Senators, 242 Reps, 2,620 Others Know Fate Today

ABUJA — No fewer than 30 or 31 governors, 88 senators, 242 members of House of Representatives and President Bola Tinubu’s sole challenger, Osifo Stanley, and 2,620 others will know whether or not they will contest the 2027 elections on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, today.

Also, Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma; House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu; Ogun East Senator, Gbenga Daniel; former governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Dankwambo are among those screened by the party. As part of activities to meet the timelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the polls, the APC will today publish the names of cleared aspirants.

Vanguard gathered that the party screened no fewer than 2,980 aspirants for one presidential slot, 28 governorship, 109 Senate, 360 House of Representatives, and 991 state assembly positions.

The screening panel granted President Tinubu a waiver.

Among those screened between May 8 and 12 were a host of serving and former governors, lawmakers and technocrats, who purchased and submitted expression of interest and nomination forms.

Among those whose fate hangs on today’s publication is Osifo Stanley, the only aspirant challenging Tinubu for the presidential ticket.

Another aspirant is Hope Uzodimma, who holds multiple positions as Imo State governor, chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, and Chairman of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors leading President Tinubu’s re-election push.

Vanguard gathered that the APC hierarchy is under pressure to prevail on Uzodimma to drop his senatorial ambition, which they said would create crisis in the polity.

How? If Uzodimma runs for Imo West senatorial seat and wins, he would have two positions at the same time because his governorship will lapse in January 2028.

In Ogun State, former governor and serving Ogun East Senator, Gbenga Daniel is locked in a tough fight for the seat with serving Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Gombe State governor, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, is also challenging Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo (his predecessor in office) for a senatorial seat in Gombe.

House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who is gunning for Abia State governorship, recently fought against a petition accusing him of going to the Law School and doing the one year national youth service at the same time. His fate will also be known today

Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has two formidable opponents in former Senator Gbolahan Dada and ex-Works Commissioner, Olayiwola Taiwo, for the APC ticket in Ogun West senatorial district.

With most of the aspirants insisting on direct primaries, kicking against consensus, and threatening fire and brimstone, if candidates were imposed, National Chairman of the party, Professor Nentawe Yiltwatda, yesterday read the riot act to unruly aspirants.

Yilwatda on Monday put aspirants seeking elective positions on the party’s platform on notice, warning that the forthcoming primaries must be conducted peacefully or sanctions will follow.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda said: “The leadership of the party will not tolerate any act capable of disrupting the smooth conduct of the primaries.”

He noted that any aspirant or supporter found instigating violence, sponsoring unrest, engaging in anti-party activities, or attempting to undermine the integrity of the process will face severe disciplinary measures, including immediate suspension from the party.

I’m ready to face any aspirant, beat Abiodun in primaries – Daniel

Meanwhile, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, yesterday declared that he is fully prepared to contest the primary, expressing confidence that he will emerge victorious in a free and fair contest.

Daniel, who spoke during the BAT/OGD Movement Mid-Term Assessment Tour and Empowerment Programme of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, which took place in Ijebu-Ode, said no aspirant within the party could match his popularity and grassroots support across Ogun East.

The former governor maintained that the decision on who will fly the party’s flag ultimately rested with APC members at the ward level, urging party faithful not to succumb to intimidation or political pressure during the primary election.

“I have reached the point of no return in this contest. On the day of the primary election, every APC member should go to his or her ward with their membership card and vote for the candidate of their choice.

“In a free and fair primary, I will not only win, I will win overwhelmingly. The people know those who are working for them and those who truly have their interests at heart.”

Daniel alleged that some forces within the APC were planning to intimidate members and suppress voter turnout during the party primary, warning supporters against being discouraged.

“I have heard that people may be scared from coming out to vote, but they should not be intimidated. This is a democratic process and everyone has the right to participate freely,” he said.

The senator’s remarks come amid growing political tension between him and Governor Abiodun over the Ogun East senatorial seat.

The rivalry intensified recently after a meeting of APC stakeholders reportedly endorsed Abiodun as consensus candidate for the district.

Daniel, however, insisted that only party members have the constitutional right to determine the party’s candidate through the primary process.

Ogun East APC endorses Abiodun for Senate, Daniel camp kicks

However, leaders, delegates and stakeholders of the APC in Ogun East senatorial district, yesterday, presented Governor Abiodun as the consensus candidate of the zone for the senatorial election.

The endorsement, described by party leaders as a collective decision aimed at sustaining unity and ensuring quality representation for Ogun East at the National Assembly, took place in the presence of prominent APC chieftains and stakeholders across the district.

Among dignitaries at the event were the party’s consensus governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, former deputy governors Yetunde Onanuga, Segun Adesegun and Gbenga Kaka, Ogun State APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, Deputy Chairman, Chief James Dina, Chairman of Ogun East Senatorial District, Senator Lekan Mustapha, and APC Chairman in Ogun East Zone, Dr. Adeleke Ogundoyin.

Presenting Governor Abiodun to party leaders and stakeholders, a former Deputy Governor, Mr Segun Adesegun, said members of the party across the district had unanimously adopted the governor as the APC consensus candidate for Ogun East senatorial district.

Adesegun  said: “The entire Ogun East APC family has resolved to present Governor Dapo Abiodun as our consensus candidate for the 2027 senatorial election. This decision reflects the collective will of leaders and members of the party across the district.”

Responding, Governor Abiodun expressed appreciation to leaders, stakeholders and delegates of Ogun East for the confidence reposed in him, describing the consensus arrangement as a demonstration of political maturity, unity and commitment to the progress of the district and the state.

He said: “I am deeply humbled by this overwhelming support and confidence reposed in me by leaders and members of our party in Ogun East.

“This consensus arrangement underscores our collective resolve to strengthen the unity of the APC and advance the development of Ogun State.”

Daniel’s camp kicks

The endorsement has sparked reactions within the party, as media aide to former Governor Gbenga Daniel, Steve Oliyide, dismissed the move as “coercion and desperation.”

Oliyide, in a statement, said: “How many times did we endorse Senator Yayi as the governorship candidate of the party? This is the third time I am reading stories of endorsement for the Ogun East senatorial race. It is becoming too much of an endorsement and more of coercion and desperation.”

Naira Rises To N1,393/$ In Parallel Market

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Munachi
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Naira Rises To N1,393/$ In Parallel Market

The Naira yesterday appreciated to N1,393 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,405 per dollar on Monday.

Similarly, the naira appreciated to N1,373 per dollar in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market,  NFEM .

Data  from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, showed that the indicative exchange rate for the market fell to N1,373 per dollar from N1,375 per dollar on Monday,  reflecting  N2 appreciation for the naira.

Consequently, the margin between the parallel and official markets narrowed to N20 per dollar from N30 per dollar on Monday.

The turnover in the interbank foreign exchange market increased by 4.6 percent to  $74.5  million from $71.2 million on Monday.

2027: Anioma State Actualisation Tied To Nwoko’s Return — Oganah

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Munachi
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2027: Anioma State Actualisation Tied To Nwoko’s Return — Oganah

Prince Tonnie Oganah is the director of media for the Anioma State creation. In this interview, he speaks on the prospect of the creation of Anioma State, why Senator Ned Nwoko, the lawmaker representing Delta North, deserves reelection. He also expresses optimism about the commitment of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the creation of the state among others.

What’s the guarantee that APC is sincere with Anioma State creation? Is it not just a deceiving promise meant to deceive Anioma people?
Not true. The past and current APC Chairman have publicly sworn the party’s commitment to it and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who is lover of the Igbo nation and Nigeria, has also publicly endorsed the creation as well as the efforts of our indefatigable and super achieving Senator, Ned Nwoko. His untiring efforts will ensure that this 10th Senate and House of Representatives, working with the various state houses assembly will create the state and properly balance the federation because Anioma being a predominantly Igbo state will bring equity and unity to the Nigerian federation.

Of all the state requests in Igbo land, Anioma is the only one bringing value addition to the South-East from the South-South without any acrimony from South-South people, who are happy and relieved to see that we join our kith and kin.

With the over two-thirds majority of the APC in all the federal and state legislative houses, it is only a matter of time for all zones to have same states each and this will ensure an easy victory for APC despite the waves the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC is making with Peter Obi and Kwankwaso’s defection.

Why did the umbrella body of all Anioma people, IZU ANIOMA, openly endorse both Anioma State creation and the re-election of Senator Nwoko when there are other Anioma sons and daughters in the race?
They did that because every right-thinking Anioma person supports or should support Anioma State creation so as to fulfill the dreams of our forefathers and ancestors, unlock prosperity for our people, while property hunting all Igbo who are in 13 states in Nigeria, and balancing the federation, which currently places Igbo at the bottom of the barrel.

The Izu Anioma endorsed Ned because he stands head and shoulders above other contestants with his vision of unempowerment of our people, liberation and life-more-abundant for not just Anioma people but also humanity at large, with special focus on the black race. His motions stand him apart.

From the fight against malaria to payment of monthly allowance to widows and the unemployed, use of the Naira as the only means of exchange, right to bear arms by citizens, demand and payment of one-month advance rent, etc.

This he did without forgetting to demand that the Ukpai light projects properly stepped down, the Ogbawhu Uku water dam is completed, the coastal road in Abbi is done, as well as the dredging of the River Niger in Asaba and Onitsha. Ned is the most decorated federal legislator in Nigeria, and his colleague give him the position. So how can we have someone, the whole world is applauding? Oganah wondered.

Legislative achievements and what others have done, even when they were governors with unlimited power and funds. There’s nothing one failed to achieve as governor that he or she will or can achieve as a senator.

We should all support Ned Nwoko to unlock prosperity for all with Anioma State creation. Anioma wasted valuable time bickering over whether we are Igbo, and what zone we are going to.

Of all the state requests in Igbo land, Anioma is the only one bringing value addition to the South-East from the South-South without any acrimony from South-South people, who are happy and relieved to see that we join our kith and kin.

How Fake Job Offer Led To My Abduction In Zamfara — UNIJOS Graduate

By
Munachi
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How Fake Job Offer Led To My Abduction In Zamfara — UNIJOS Graduate

JOS — A graduate of University of Jos, John Azi, has recounted his traumatic experience after  he was allegedly lured with a fake job offer, abducted and taken to a kidnappers’ camp in Zamfara State.

Azi, who narrated his ordeal at a church in Tudun Wada in  Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, yesterday, after regaining freedom, said he was kidnapped on April 11, 2026, shortly after travelling from Jos to Zaria in Kaduna State for what he believed was a legitimate job opportunity.

According to him, the suspected kidnappers had repeatedly contacted him on phone, offering him welding work and even sending transport fare to convince him the offer was genuine.

“They kept calling me, asking me to come and work for them. They even sent transport money, so, I believed it was real work,” he said.

Arriving Zaria

Azi explained that on arriving in Zaria, he contacted the individuals, who instructed him to board another motorcycle heading towards a village.

He said although he became suspicious during the journey, he ignored the warning signs because he desperately needed work.

“I started having doubts, but I told myself maybe it was a connection that could help me. I did not know they were kidnappers,” he said.

According to him, moments after arriving at the village, a man approached him claiming to be the person who contacted him for the job.

He was then taken on a motorcycle into a remote forest area where he suddenly noticed another heavily armed man waiting for them.

“I saw a gun I had never seen before in my life. The man told me not to be afraid and claimed the person was a hunter, but deep down I knew something was wrong,” he recounted.

Azi said he was immediately forced to kneel down while the kidnappers searched him, seized his phone, bag, and work tools before handing him strange clothes and a face mask to wear.

According to him, the kidnappers later transported him from Kaduna through Giwa Local Government Area into Zamfara State after several hours of travelling on motorcycles through forests and isolated routes.

He disclosed that upon arriving at the camp, the kidnappers tied his hands and legs and contacted his family, demanding N30 million ransom

“I gave them my elder brother’s number. They called and demanded N30 million,” he said.

Azi further narrated how he was tortured repeatedly and interrogated about his religion while in captivity.

According to him, the kidnappers accused him of being a Christian and threatened to kill him.

“They were shooting guns everywhere and asking questions. Out of fear, I initially denied being a Christian because I thought they would kill me,” he said.

However, he said after severe beating by the abductors, he eventually confessed his faith.

“While they were beating me, I suddenly shouted ‘Jesus.’ That was when they discovered I was a Christian,” he added.

According to him, the kidnappers thereafter, nicknamed him “Pastor” throughout his stay in captivity.

Azi said constant prayers and faith in God kept him alive during the ordeal.

“The only thing I kept doing was praying and asking God to save me,” he said.

The ransom

He explained that after negotiations, the kidnappers reduced the ransom demand from N30 million to N6 million.

However, even after receiving the money, the abductors allegedly delayed his release and demanded an additional N4 million.

“They started beating me again and said my family should add another N4 million. At that point, I thought I would not survive,” he said.

According to him, support from relatives, friends, and sympathisers eventually helped secure his freedom after several days in captivity.

The UNIJOS graduate said he regained freedom and returned home traumatised but grateful to be alive.

Paul Ikonne Inaugurates “Asiwaju Tsunami 2027” Coordinators In Abia (Photos, Video)

By
ABN TV EDITOR
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0
Paul Ikonne Inaugurates “Asiwaju Tsunami 2027” Coordinators In Abia (Photos, Video)

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and senatorial aspirant for Abia South, Prince Paul Ikonne, has inaugurated ward and local government coordinators for the “Asiwaju Tsunami 2027” movement in Abia South Senatorial District.

Paul Ikonne Inaugurates “Asiwaju Tsunami 2027” Coordinators In Abia (Photos, Video)
Prince Paul Ikonne

Paul Ikonne Inaugurates “Asiwaju Tsunami 2027” Coordinators In Abia (Photos, Video)

The inauguration, which attracted a large crowd of APC supporters and stakeholders, was held at Ikonne’s residence, where party faithful gathered in what he described as a strategic mobilization effort ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during an interview after the event, Ikonne said the coordinators were saddled with the responsibility of mobilizing grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and sensitizing eligible voters across the six local government areas of Abia South.

According to him, the coordinators are expected to educate residents on the policies, programmes, and projects of the Tinubu administration, while also encouraging citizens who are yet to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to do so before the next election cycle.

“What we did today was to inaugurate the ward and local government coordinators of Asiwaju Tsunami 2027. Their responsibility is to go back to their wards and LGAs to sensitize people, educate them, and encourage those who do not have voter cards to register so they can vote for the President in 2027,” Ikonne stated.

He added that the initiative was aimed at consolidating support for the President’s re-election bid and strengthening the APC’s grassroots structures in Abia South.

Ikonne disclosed that more than 5,000 supporters attended the inauguration, describing them as card-carrying APC members and active grassroots mobilizers.

“These are foot soldiers who will engage people at the grassroots. With this number of people going out across Abia South, we are convinced that the President’s votes from this zone will be massive and very encouraging,” he said.

On his senatorial ambition, the former Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority expressed confidence in securing the APC ticket ahead of the party primaries.

He attributed his optimism to what he described as growing support from party members and residents across the district.

“When you have the people behind you, before you, and around you, you can be confident of victory. The people of Abia South are yearning for change, and they want me to represent them,” he said.

Ikonne further declared that the APC is well-positioned to take over Abia South in 2027, while expressing confidence that President Tinubu would secure overwhelming support from the district.

“As long as God lives, APC will take Abia South. The President will win Abia South massively, and those votes will contribute to returning him to Aso Rock for a second term,” he added.

The APC aspirant also reiterated his determination to unseat the incumbent senator representing the district, Enyinnaya Abaribe, stating that the people were ready for a new direction in leadership and representation.

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