Category: Politics

ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — The Directorate of State (DOS) of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the indefinite suspension of the office of the leader of the movement and the position of Director of Radio Biafra, both previously held by detained separatist leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The decision was contained in a statement issued on June 18 and signed by the Head of the Directorate of State, Mazi Chikaedibia Edoziem, following a meeting of the organisation’s leadership held on June 17.

According to the group, the move forms part of ongoing efforts to reposition and strengthen the Biafran self-determination movement and ensure that its operations remain aligned with its stated objectives.

IPOB maintained that it was established as a collective self-determination movement for the Biafran people and not by any single individual.

The organisation also insisted that no individual possesses the authority to dissolve the Directorate of State, which it described as the apex institution overseeing the affairs of the movement.

The group said it reviewed intelligence reports concerning alleged interactions involving Kanu and Nigerian security agencies while in detention and expressed concerns over what it described as security risks arising from communications attributed to him.

According to the statement, the leadership was also concerned about alleged plans by certain individuals to establish a militia and initiate violence in the South-East region.

The Directorate said the suspension was intended to prevent individuals or groups from claiming authority from the office of the IPOB leader to engage in actions inconsistent with the organisation’s declared non-violent philosophy.

“The pursuit of our inalienable right to self-determination is peaceful and non-violent and must never be a ground to cause harm, hardship and death to the same people we are fighting to extricate from the atrocities meted upon them by the Nigerian system,” the statement said.

The organisation stated that the suspension was also aimed at preventing what it described as reckless actions, unauthorised assumptions of authority and statements that could expose its members, particularly youths, to arrest, torture or death.

IPOB further declared that any criminal activity carried out in the name of the suspended office of the leader would not be attributed to the movement.

The group said it would no longer accept responsibility for actions taken by individuals or groups not holding active positions within its structure or those not expressly authorised by the Directorate of State.

The announcement marks a significant development within the leadership structure of IPOB, which has been at the centre of the agitation for the restoration of an independent Biafran state.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of Nigeria’s major opposition party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has urged the Federal Government to adopt a more transparent and accountable approach to public borrowing, citing South Africa’s recent management of a $1 billion loan as a model worth emulating.

In a statement on Thursday titled “Accountable Borrowing: The South Africa Example,” Obi said borrowing is not inherently problematic, noting that nations across the world rely on debt financing to fund development projects.

According to him, the real issue is whether borrowed funds are deployed transparently and used for projects that deliver measurable benefits to citizens.

Obi commended the South African government for publicly outlining the specific objectives of its recently secured $1 billion loan from the New Development Bank.

He noted that the funds were earmarked for clearly identifiable projects, including upgrading water supply systems, modernising sanitation infrastructure, improving electricity distribution and strengthening waste management services across major cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

“This is what accountable borrowing should look like. The purpose is clear, the projects are identifiable, and the expected benefits to citizens are measurable,” Obi said.

He added that such investments directly improve living standards, enhance productivity and stimulate economic growth.

Drawing a comparison with Nigeria, Obi expressed concern over the country’s rising debt profile, arguing that the utilisation of borrowed funds is often not communicated clearly to the public.

According to him, Nigeria’s total public debt has risen significantly in recent years, increasing from about N87 trillion in 2023 to nearly N200 trillion.

“Despite this unprecedented accumulation of debt, Nigerians are often left without a clear and detailed account of how these borrowings are being deployed to improve critical sectors such as education, healthcare, power, security and infrastructure,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor stressed that every loan obtained on behalf of Nigerians should be tied to specific, productive investments capable of creating jobs, reducing poverty and generating economic value.

He said good governance requires transparency and accountability, adding that governments must be able to explain what was borrowed, where the funds were invested, and the outcomes achieved.

“The ordinary Nigerian should be able to see and feel the benefits of every debt incurred on their behalf,” he said.

Obi further argued that rising living costs, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power have made fiscal discipline and prudent management of public resources more important than ever.

He maintained that every borrowing decision should be subjected to a simple test: whether it improves the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

“If that question cannot be convincingly answered, then we risk merely transferring today’s burdens to future generations,” Obi said.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioners Forum (ABMPF) has urged Nigerians to look beyond political party affiliations and focus on the leadership capacity and competence of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the Chairman of the forum, Alhaji Abdullahi Yelwa, said the forthcoming elections would be crucial to Nigeria’s future, stressing that citizens must make informed choices at the ballot box.

According to him, no political party possesses all the solutions to the country’s challenges, making it imperative for voters to critically assess the qualities and capabilities of those seeking public office.

“We are running a democracy, and our advice is that Nigerians should open their eyes and look at what is going on,” Yelwa said.

“The capacity of political leaders is an important aspect of what they should look for. No single political party has all the answers.

“The vote is yours to cast, and we urge Nigerians to take more time to educate themselves on the political choices they make.”

Yelwa, a political scientist, also cautioned politicians against exploiting the nation’s security challenges for partisan advantage, warning that such actions could undermine efforts to restore peace and stability.

“The best way to confront insecurity is to solve it. Let leaders not politicise it. Let us allow the people who have the responsibility to do their best,” he said.

On unemployment, Yelwa called on governments at all levels to rethink and strengthen youth empowerment programmes, noting that conventional approaches have failed to deliver sustainable results.

He argued that empowerment initiatives should go beyond distributing motorcycles and vocational tools, as many beneficiaries often sell the items shortly after receiving them.

“We are calling on government to review its youth engagement strategy and involve experts who can help design programmes that deliver lasting impact,” he said.

Yelwa expressed the forum’s readiness to partner with government agencies and stakeholders to expand and improve youth empowerment initiatives across the country.

Also speaking, a member of the forum’s board, Alhaji Shu’aibu Mungadi, urged the Federal Government to establish and enforce stricter regulatory frameworks to curb the illegal exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources.

Mungadi expressed concern over the widespread theft of minerals in northern states, including Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Benue, Sokoto, Niger and Nasarawa, describing illegal mining as a major contributor to insecurity in the region.

He said the North had gained little from its vast mineral wealth due to alleged collusion between influential Nigerians and foreign operators involved in illegal mining activities.

“The North is not benefiting in any way from the abundant mineral resources, especially gold, that are being stolen daily by powerful Nigerians in collaboration with expatriates,” Mungadi said.

“There is currently no transparent policy in place to tell Nigerians what is being realised from these resources.”

He maintained that there was a strong link between illegal mining operations and the activities of bandits and other criminal groups, stressing that security agencies would struggle to contain rural violence unless the illicit networks financing it were dismantled.

Mungadi added that the ABMPF was established to amplify the voices of ordinary northerners and other Nigerians affected by poor governance, insecurity and economic hardship.

(NAN)

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has expressed appreciation to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, for commissioning the newly completed Prof. Fidelis Ogah Senior Staff Quarters at the Ebonyi State University of ICT, Oferekpe Agbaja.

The state-of-the-art residential facility, built by the Nwifuru administration, is designed to provide quality accommodation for senior academic and administrative staff of the institution.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the governor described the commissioning as another milestone in the state’s drive to strengthen educational infrastructure and promote excellence in higher education.

Nwifuru said the facility would enhance the university’s capacity to attract and retain quality personnel, thereby improving teaching, research, and innovation.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by APC National Chairman, Prof. Yilwatda; Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma; Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; and other dignitaries.

“During the visit, the APC National Chairman commissioned the newly completed and fully furnished Prof. Fidelis Ogah Senior Staff Quarters, a state-of-the-art facility built by our administration to provide quality accommodation for senior staff of the University and enhance the institution’s capacity to deliver excellence in teaching, research, and innovation,” the governor said.

He noted that the project reflects his administration’s commitment to building a conducive learning environment and positioning Ebonyi State as a centre for technology, innovation, and human capital development.

“The successful completion of this project underscores our commitment to strengthening educational infrastructure, promoting a conducive learning environment, and advancing our vision of making Ebonyi State a hub for technology, innovation, and human capital development,” he added.

Nwifuru thanked Prof. Yilwatda for performing the commissioning and also acknowledged Governor Uzodimma for his support and solidarity.

According to him, their presence demonstrated a shared commitment to impactful governance and sustainable development.

The governor reiterated his administration’s resolve to continue investing in projects that strengthen institutions, improve lives, and create opportunities for future generations.

The Ebonyi State University of ICT was established to drive technology education, innovation, and digital skills development in the state.

The institution is expected to position Ebonyi as a leading hub for ICT education and technological advancement, producing globally competitive graduates capable of contributing to the state’s economic transformation agenda.

The university’s establishment followed legislative approval in 2021, the inauguration of a project implementation committee in 2023, and the appointment of pioneer principal officers in 2024.

ADO-EKITI, Nigeria (NPA) — Kaduna State Governor and Chairman of the National Campaign Council for the Ekiti State Governorship Election, Senator Uba Sani, has expressed confidence in the re-election prospects of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, citing the massive turnout at the All Progressives Congress (APC) grand rally ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

Sani said the large crowd and enthusiastic participation of party supporters reflected the confidence of Ekiti residents in Governor Oyebanji’s leadership and the APC’s development agenda.

The rally was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, governors elected on the APC platform, members of the National Campaign Council, party leaders, and other key stakeholders.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Kaduna governor described the turnout as a strong indication of the party’s growing support across the state.

“I am deeply encouraged by the remarkable turnout and enthusiasm displayed by the people of Ekiti State at the APC Campaign Grand Rally. The vibrant participation of our supporters underscores the unwavering confidence the Ekiti populace has in the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the visionary ideals of our great party,” he said.

Sani said the response from supporters had strengthened the party’s determination to secure a landslide victory in the election.

“The enthusiastic response from the crowd fortifies our commitment to achieving a target of no fewer than 500,000 votes for Governor Oyebanji in the upcoming governorship election,” he stated.

He attributed the governor’s popularity to what he described as his impressive performance in office, including the regular payment of salaries and pensions, investments in education and healthcare, and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of residents.

Sani also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold reforms designed to strengthen the economy and support sub-national development.

“I would also like to acknowledge the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose bold reforms are empowering states and laying a strong foundation for sustainable national development,” he said.

According to the governor, the passion and energy displayed at the rally demonstrate increasing public trust in APC leadership at both the state and national levels.

He thanked the people of Ekiti State for their support and pledged that the party would continue to work towards advancing development, unity, and prosperity in the state.

“We will work diligently to secure a resounding victory for Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the All Progressives Congress in the forthcoming election,” Sani added.

The Ekiti governorship election is scheduled to hold on June 20, with Governor Oyebanji seeking a second term in office under the APC platform.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has announced plans to deploy 10,000 electric tricycles as part of ongoing efforts to improve public transportation, reduce mobility costs, and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy solutions across the country.

Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the Transporters for Tinubu/Shettima 2027 group in Abuja.

According to Shettima, the electric tricycles will be distributed by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) beginning in August 2026, with the initial rollout covering the North-East region.

He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the initiative to other parts of the country through the various regional development commissions.

“The President has approved the replication of the initiative in other parts of the country by the various regional development commissions,” the Vice President said.

Shettima explained that the programme forms part of the Tinubu administration’s broader transportation reform agenda aimed at modernising Nigeria’s transport system and improving connectivity across the country.

He said the government’s objective is to transform Nigeria’s fragmented transportation network into an integrated logistics system capable of supporting economic growth, trade, agriculture, industrialisation, and national integration.

According to him, the planned logistics chain will connect ports, rail lines, inland waterways, airports, local feeder roads, and CNG-powered trucks to facilitate the efficient movement of goods and people nationwide.

The Vice President noted that transportation remains a critical component of economic development and that the administration is pursuing reforms designed to lower costs, improve efficiency, and stimulate investment.

He identified the nationwide rollout of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure, major port modernisation projects, and the strengthening of logistics networks as key pillars of the government’s transport reform strategy.

The deployment of electric tricycles is expected to complement ongoing efforts to promote cleaner and more affordable transportation alternatives, particularly in urban and semi-urban communities.

Analysts say the initiative could help reduce dependence on conventional fuel-powered commercial vehicles while creating employment opportunities and improving access to transportation services.

The planned rollout also aligns with the Federal Government’s broader commitment to sustainable transportation and energy transition policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving environmental sustainability.

The NEDC is expected to coordinate the first phase of the programme, while similar initiatives are anticipated to be implemented across other geopolitical zones as the project expands nationwide.

The announcement comes amid ongoing government efforts to modernise critical infrastructure, improve mobility, and strengthen the transportation sector as a driver of economic growth and national development.

ILORIN, Nigeria (NPA) — Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the state, Rt. Hon. Engr. Salihu Yakubu Danladi, following his presentation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja.

Danladi, who currently serves as Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, met with President Tinubu alongside Governor AbdulRazaq as part of consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, AbdulRazaq described the APC flagbearer as a level-headed and progressive leader capable of consolidating the achievements of the current administration.

“We are with him on this journey to consolidate the transformation agenda for Kwara,” the governor said.

He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his support and leadership. “My profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support and leadership,” AbdulRazaq added.

The governor’s endorsement comes a day after the Kwara State Government announced the meeting between President Tinubu and the APC governorship candidate.

Danladi was accompanied to the meeting by Governor AbdulRazaq, who is also Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

Political observers view the meeting as a significant step in the APC’s preparations for the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State.

Danladi emerged as the party’s candidate and is expected to lead the APC’s campaign to retain power in the state following the completion of Governor AbdulRazaq’s second term. The Speaker has been a prominent figure within the ruling party and is widely regarded as one of the younger political leaders rising through the ranks of the APC in Kwara State.

The governor said his emergence reflects the APC’s commitment to continuity and the consolidation of ongoing development programmes across the state.

The meeting with President Tinubu is expected to further strengthen the party’s mobilisation efforts as preparations gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle.

AWKA, Nigeria (NPA) — Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has called on the people of the South-East to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging the region to embrace what he described as a politics of progress and prosperity.

Soludo made the remarks after attending the endorsement rally organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abakaliki, where President Tinubu and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru received endorsements for second terms in office.

The event, held at the Abakaliki Township Stadium, attracted APC leaders, political stakeholders, and supporters from across the South-East.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Soludo said the region must move beyond what he termed the “politics of lamentations” and embrace greater political cooperation aimed at advancing development and economic growth.

“Yesterday, I joined my brother, the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, alongside other progressives in Abakaliki to stand with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” Soludo said.

“The time has come for us to unite. Enough of the politics of lamentations.”

The governor urged the people of the South-East to prioritise strategic political engagement and support leaders committed to national development.

According to him, the region should transition from what he described as an “alliance of protest” to an “alliance for progress and prosperity.”

“Ndi Igbo must unite. We must move from the alliance of protest to the alliance for progress — an alliance for prosperity. We must not waste our votes again,” he said.

Soludo added that progressive-minded leaders across the country were working together to support policies aimed at building a more prosperous Nigeria.

“Progressives are working together for a renewed and prosperous Nigeria,” he stated.

The comments are expected to generate political debate in the South-East, where support for former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, remains significant.

Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election and has continued to position himself for another presidential bid in 2027, has consistently campaigned on the platform of national transformation under the slogan, “A New Nigeria is Possible.”

Political observers note that Soludo and Obi (the former governor of Anambra State) have previously differed on political issues, particularly regarding national electoral politics and the future direction of the South-East.

While Soludo did not mention Obi by name in his remarks, analysts believe his call for the region not to “waste” its votes will be interpreted in many quarters as a direct challenge to the political strategy pursued by opposition forces in the region, particularly Obi’s camp.

As of the time of filing this report, Obi has not publicly responded to Soludo’s latest comments.