Category: Politics

LAFIA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying the removal of fuel subsidy and other measures have increased the state’s monthly allocation from the Federation Account from about ₦4.5 billion to approximately ₦16 billion.

Sule stated this in Lafia when he received members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors National Media Tour, led by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The team, comprising presidential media aides and more than 50 senior journalists, is on a nationwide inspection tour of Federal and state government projects across the North-Central region.

According to a statement signed by Tunde Rahman, Director, Media and Publicity, Renewed Hope Ambassadors National Media Team, on Sunday, Sule said the increase in federal allocations had created greater fiscal space for Nasarawa State to execute major projects and respond more effectively to the developmental needs of residents.

The governor said the state was transparent in its management of increased resources, noting that his administration publicly announces the value of contracts awarded for projects.

“For us in Nasarawa State, we are very transparent. I came from the private sector, so every contract I give, I announce the amount that we are spending on that contract, so that people can now see the difference with the kind of money we are receiving,” he said.

Sule explained that before the reforms, Nasarawa State received between ₦3.8 billion and ₦4.5 billion monthly from the Federation Account, limiting the government’s capacity to undertake major capital projects.

He acknowledged that the removal of the fuel subsidy and other economic reforms initially created hardship for citizens but said Tinubu demonstrated political courage by taking responsibility for difficult decisions considered necessary for the country’s economic recovery.

The governor also stressed the importance of effective communication in helping citizens understand government policies, particularly reforms that may initially cause difficulties but are intended to strengthen the economy and improve governments’ capacity to deliver public services.

He said the President “took the bullet” on behalf of state and local governments by implementing the reforms, thereby creating greater fiscal capacity for the three tiers of government.

“Today, we are beginning to see the benefits because the resources available to us have increased tremendously,” Sule said.

According to the governor, the additional resources have enabled his administration to undertake projects in road infrastructure, industrialisation, education, healthcare and water supply across the state.

He commended the Renewed Hope Ambassadors National Media Team for undertaking the nationwide tour, describing it as an opportunity for Nigerians to see the impact of government policies and projects beyond official narratives.

Sule said the visit would enable Nigerians to assess first-hand the projects being executed by the Federal and Nasarawa State governments and determine the extent to which the Renewed Hope Agenda is translating into development at the grassroots.

He expressed optimism that continued implementation of the Federal Government’s economic reforms would further strengthen the fiscal position of states and enable them to undertake more transformative projects.

During its visit to Nasarawa, the media team inspected the completed multi-billion-naira state secretariat housing the Ministries of Education, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Justice, as well as the 1-megawatt solar farm powering the secretariat along Shendam Road.

The team also inspected the completed 16-kilometre Makurdi bypass in Lafia, which connects Nasarawa and Benue states, the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Skills Acquisition Centre, the Shinge Waterstorm Channel and the completed Kilema Bridge along the Lafia-Doma Road.

Onanuga, while commending the projects inspected, praised what he described as the courage of President Tinubu in removing the fuel subsidy and implementing economic reforms that previous administrations had acknowledged as necessary but repeatedly postponed.

“Actually, when President Tinubu came in 2023, he initiated some audacious reforms that ought to have been introduced some decades ago. But the country kept postponing them until he came, and from Day One uttered that famous phrase ‘subsidy is gone,’” Onanuga said.

He noted that the administration subsequently floated the naira and ended the multiple exchange-rate regime, measures which he acknowledged initially contributed to inflation and increased hardship.

“The first year was very difficult. But later, things got better,” he said.

Onanuga also commended Governor Sule for supporting the reforms during their initial phase, recalling that the governor had publicly defended the President’s decision to implement them.

He said the reforms had freed up resources that state governors had long sought to use for development.

Also speaking during the inspection of the Makurdi bypass, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, AbulAziz AbdulAziz, said the scale of infrastructure development witnessed across Benue and Nasarawa states demonstrated that the Renewed Hope Agenda was delivering results.

OSOGBO, Nigeria (NPA) — Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has urged residents of the state to reject the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming governorship election, saying voters must not allow a return to what he described as an era of hardship and neglect.

The governor made the appeal in a statement ahead of the August 15 governorship election, calling on eligible voters to support his administration’s bid for a second term.

According to Adeleke, the election presents an opportunity for the people of Osun to reaffirm their commitment to good governance, compassion and continued development.

“I call on the good people of Osun State to brace up for just a few more days. Those who once weaponised poverty by paying workers half salaries, leaving civil servants to struggle to feed their families, and denying our people access to basic necessities are desperate to return to inflict more pain. We must never go back to those dark days,” he said.

The governor urged voters to turn out in large numbers on election day to protect what he described as the mandate of the people.

“On August 15, I urge every eligible voter to send a clear and resounding message that Osun has chosen the path of progress, compassion and good governance. Together, we will protect the mandate of the people and keep Osun moving forward,” Adeleke stated.

In an earlier statement titled, “August 15 Election Is Not Just About Winning, It Is to Send a Strong Message to APC on the Importance of Respecting the People,” the governor accused leaders of the opposition party of using their influence at the federal level to undermine the welfare of Osun residents following the 2022 governorship election.

He specifically alleged that former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and APC chieftain Adewale Oyebamiji had sought to punish the people of Osun for electing his administration.

“On numerous occasions, Oyetola and Oyebamiji have used their influence within the ruling party at the federal level to punish the people of Osun State simply because they chose to vote for us in 2022,” he alleged.

Adeleke claimed that the actions of the opposition had adversely affected workers, civil servants, traders, artisans and other residents of the state.

According to him, the forthcoming governorship election goes beyond the contest for political office and represents an opportunity for the electorate to defend their democratic rights.

“That is why the August 15 election is more than just winning. It is about securing a decisive victory that sends a clear and unmistakable message to the APC that the people of Osun State must always be respected, their democratic choice must be honoured, and no one should ever seek to punish them for exercising their constitutional right to vote,” the governor said.

The Osun State governorship election is scheduled to hold on August 15, 2026.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately vacate the court order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, citing the need to preserve public confidence in the credibility and fairness of the state’s forthcoming governorship election.

The President’s directive was contained in a statement personally signed by him on Thursday.

Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that the anti-financial corruption agency froze the Osun State Government’s accounts as part of what it described as an ongoing investigation into the alleged diversion of about ₦11 billion in public funds, including Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations.

Reacting to the development, President Tinubu said he was deeply embarrassed, not by the EFCC’s decision to exercise its statutory mandate, but by the timing of the action.

According to him, actions taken by federal institutions are often attributed to the Presidency, regardless of whether he had prior knowledge or involvement.

“It has come to my notice that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government. I must state that I feel deeply embarrassed not by the EFCC’s exercise of its mandate backed by a court order, but by the timing of the agency’s action,” the President said.

Tinubu reiterated his longstanding position that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies should be allowed to discharge their constitutional responsibilities independently, professionally and without political interference.

He said his administration has consistently refrained from interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC and other investigative agencies because of its commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law.

“Since assuming office, I have consistently maintained that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies must be allowed to discharge their statutory responsibilities independently, professionally, without fear or favour, or political interference,” he stated.

The President explained that although he had not been fully briefed on the circumstances that prompted the EFCC to seek the court order, he believed the timing of the action was inappropriate given the proximity of the Osun State governorship election.

He stressed that no action by any federal institution should create the impression that the Federal Government was attempting to influence the electoral process.

“Osun State is only a few days away from its gubernatorial election. Therefore, nothing ought to be done to give an impression that the EFCC or indeed any other agency of the Federal Government is being used to interfere with the election,” he said.

Tinubu noted that preserving public confidence in democratic institutions remains a paramount responsibility of his administration.

He said that in the overriding public interest and to protect the integrity, credibility and fairness of the electoral process, he had directed the anti-graft agency to immediately return to court to vacate the order freezing the state’s accounts.

“Accordingly, I have directed the EFCC to immediately proceed to the court to vacate the order and discontinue whatever action it has instituted against the Osun State Government in this regard,” the President said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening democratic institutions while ensuring that the operations of government agencies do not undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The Osun State governorship election is scheduled to hold in the coming days.

IBADAN, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has urged the Methodist Church of Nigeria to remain steadfast in speaking truth to power and advocating justice, good governance and accountability in the country’s democratic process.

Obi made the call after attending the opening ceremony of the 50th/15th Biennial Conference of the Methodist Church of Nigeria in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

In a statement on Wednesday, the former Anambra State governor said he joined Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Methodist faithful from across Nigeria and abroad at the conference.

He expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness to the Methodist Church over the years and reflected on what he described as Nigeria’s enormous potential despite its current challenges.

According to Obi, the Church has continued to serve as one of the nation’s strongest voices of hope, moral leadership and national conscience.

He urged the Church and its delegates not to relent in defending the interests of ordinary Nigerians by speaking out on issues affecting the country.

“I encourage the Church and its delegates to remain steadfast in speaking truth to power, standing with the suffering masses, and continuing to advocate for justice, good governance and a better Nigeria for all, especially in these challenging times,” he said.

The NDC presidential candidate commended the Methodist Church for its longstanding contributions to national development and thanked its leadership for inviting him to the conference.

He also appealed to the Church to continue praying for Nigeria and its leaders.

Obi specifically urged religious leaders to pray that God would guide political office holders to always place the interests of the people above personal or political considerations.

“I urge them always to pray that God Almighty would touch the hearts of politicians and leaders so that they will always think and use public resources for the public good,” he said.

He wished the delegates a successful and fruitful conference, expressing hope that the deliberations would further strengthen the Church’s role in promoting national unity, justice and good governance.

Obi concluded by reiterating his belief that “a New Nigeria is possible.

OSOGBO, Nigeria (NPA) — Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has announced another round of palliative payments for civil servants and pensioners, saying the measure is aimed at cushioning the effects of prevailing economic hardship on residents.

The governor disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of workers and retirees across the state.

According to Adeleke, the latest disbursement forms part of the government’s sustained efforts to ease the impact of current economic realities while improving the living conditions of public servants and pensioners.

He said Osun State was among the first in the country to introduce periodic palliative payments even before the implementation of the new national minimum wage.

“From the very beginning of this administration, we prioritised the wellbeing of our workforce by introducing periodic palliative payments even before the implementation of the new national minimum wage, making Osun one of the first states to take such a proactive step,” the governor said.

Adeleke described the initiative as a reflection of his administration’s people-centred approach to governance, which places the welfare of workers and pensioners at the core of public policy.

He contrasted his government’s record with that of the previous administration, accusing it of neglecting workers’ welfare.

“This reflects the clear difference in our approach to governance. While the past administration instituted hardship and neglected workers’ welfare, our administration is committed to ensuring that every worker and retiree receives the dignity, support and recognition they deserve,” he said.

The governor pledged that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of civil servants and pensioners, stressing that a motivated workforce remains critical to the state’s growth and development.

“We will continue to put the welfare of our civil servants and pensioners at the heart of governance because a motivated workforce remains the foundation of sustainable development and shared prosperity in Osun State,” Adeleke added.

The announcement comes ahead of the Osun State governorship election, scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, following a one-week postponement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has criticised what he described as attacks by the Presidency and its supporters against the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), saying governments must be willing to accept criticism and listen to voices that speak truth to power.

Obi’s reaction followed recent exchanges between the Presidency and the Catholic bishops after the CBCN delegation visited the Presidential Villa and raised concerns over Nigeria’s worsening economic and security situation.

In a statement on Tuesday titled “When a Government Declares War on the Truth,” the former Anambra State governor argued that the growing intolerance of criticism by public officials reflects a dangerous trend that could undermine democratic governance.

He said recent remarks by United States President Donald Trump, who reportedly described Nigeria as “a now disgraced country,” should serve as a wake-up call rather than provoke denial or hostility toward those highlighting the nation’s challenges.

According to Obi, Nigeria’s economic and security conditions continue to deteriorate, making it imperative for leaders to embrace constructive criticism instead of attacking those who raise legitimate concerns.

“The painful reality is that Nigeria’s challenges continue to deepen. Each passing day reveals deeper signs of decline, especially when a government becomes increasingly intolerant of truth and hostile to those who speak about the suffering of the people,” he said.

The former governor noted that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference has historically maintained an independent and principled position on national issues, regardless of the administration in power.

He said the conference has consistently praised governments when necessary while speaking out whenever national interest demanded, stressing that its interventions are rooted in moral responsibility rather than partisan politics.

According to Obi, the same tradition has been demonstrated by major Islamic and Christian organisations, including Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).

He noted that religious leaders across the country routinely witness the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians and therefore have a moral obligation to speak on issues such as insecurity, inflation, unemployment, poverty and the rising cost of living.

Obi said political leaders should see such interventions as opportunities for reflection rather than reasons for confrontation.

“As leaders, we should be gracious enough to listen to people and organisations that genuinely criticise us when things are not going in the right direction,” he said.

Drawing from his experience as governor of Anambra State, Obi recalled that he worked closely with traditional rulers and religious leaders who openly criticised his administration and offered policy recommendations.

According to him, such constructive engagement contributed significantly to improvements in key sectors, including education and healthcare.

He expressed concern over what he described as personal attacks directed at Cardinal John Onaiyekan, describing the respected Catholic cleric as one of Africa’s most accomplished church leaders.

Obi noted that Onaiyekan, who recorded the best Higher School Certificate result in the old Northern Region in 1962, rose through the ranks of the Catholic Church to become a Cardinal and has spent decades promoting peace, interfaith dialogue, scholarship and national unity.

He argued that vilifying such a respected figure for expressing concern over national issues diminishes public discourse and signals growing intolerance for dissent.

The NDC presidential candidate also accused some presidential aides of attempting to portray the bishops’ intervention as a religious issue instead of addressing the substance of their concerns.

He questioned whether insecurity, poverty, inflation, unemployment and economic hardship affect only one religious or ethnic group.

“These challenges do not recognise religious or tribal boundaries. They affect every Nigerian regardless of faith or ethnicity,” he stated.

Obi maintained that the bishops merely articulated the realities confronting millions of Nigerians daily, including worsening insecurity, rising poverty, struggling businesses and declining public confidence.

He said previous administrations often acknowledged similar observations from religious bodies, even when they disagreed with their conclusions.

Rather than responding with personal attacks, Obi said the appropriate response should have been to address the concerns raised and explain measures being taken to alleviate the country’s challenges.

He argued that history has consistently shown that religious leaders play an important role in holding governments accountable, recalling that both Christian and Muslim organisations criticised previous military and civilian administrations, including those of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.

Obi further warned that governments become disconnected from reality when they surround themselves with sycophants instead of advisers willing to present uncomfortable truths.

He said effective leadership depends on honest feedback, adding that rewarding praise while discouraging criticism ultimately weakens governance.

“The CBCN did not insult the President. It simply gave voice to the suffering of Nigerians. The proper response was to thoughtfully address the issues raised, not attack those who raised them,” he said.

He urged religious leaders to remain steadfast in speaking out against injustice and hardship, insisting that silence in the face of suffering would amount to abandoning their moral responsibility.

“The greatest service those around President Tinubu can render him is an honest appraisal of the situation. A leader who hears only praise will never fully understand the pain of his people or find the clarity needed to correct what is wrong,” Obi added.