Category: Politics

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has announced that several road projects for the South East region, originally conceived during the colonial era but left unrealised for decades, are now being revived under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking on Saturday in Ebonyi State, while conducting senior journalists and government officials on a tour of the administration’s legacy projects, Senator Umahi, former Governor of Ebonyi State, highlighted the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue Trans‑Saharan Superhighway as a project of strategic importance to the South East, South South, and parts of the North Central region.

“It is a colonial‑era dream long forgotten, but President Tinubu has revived it, and construction is now underway. We must thank him immensely,” he said.

According to a statement issued by Tunde Rahman, Director of Media and Publicity for the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, the minister reported steady progress on the project. Section One, initially 118 kilometres, has been extended to 123.6 kilometres, with a contract sum of ₦45 billion, and dualisation works are ongoing. Section Two, which runs from the Aboadi border through Benue and Kogi States to Nasarawa, has also been awarded at a cost of ₦668 billion.

Umahi noted that the project has reached about 28 percent completion in some areas, with work continuing even during the rainy season, thanks to President Tinubu’s adoption of concrete road technology. He explained that the Trans‑Sahara Superhighway is not just a road but an investment corridor that will catalyse trade in agricultural produce such as cassava, yams, cashews, and palm oil from Cross River, Benue, and Ebonyi, while also connecting Nigeria to Cameroon.

During the tour, the team, including Senator Umahi, Acting Federal Controller in Ebonyi State Engr. Maxwell Okoh, and Mohammed Mustafa, Project Manager of Infiouest International Limited, inspected critical bridges in Section One and the concrete pavement on the Onueke section. They also inspected the 1.3‑kilometre Ndi‑Egbe Bridge in Afikpo LGA, which links Ugep in Cross River State and is expected to be completed by December 2026.

Regarding the Onueke Flyover in Ebonyi’s Central Senatorial District, Umahi explained that the ₦35 billion project is designed to decongest the highway. The flyover stands 90 metres high and is flanked by a 2.2‑kilometre road on both sides.

Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru declared that his state remains the safest in Nigeria, with no reported kidnapping cases since he assumed office. While receiving the media delegation in Abakaliki, he thanked President Tinubu for his commitment to infrastructure development in the South East, especially in Ebonyi, and highlighted numerous completed and ongoing projects in the state, including rural roads, primary health centres, and water schemes.

South East governors and leaders are scheduled to converge in Abakaliki on Monday at a major rally to endorse President Tinubu for a second term. Umahi said Governor Nwifuru would lead the people of Ebonyi State at the rally to show appreciation to President Tinubu, urging citizens to ignore the criticisms of opposition politicians.

The National Media Tour is organised by the Governor Hope Uzodimma‑led Renewed Hope Ambassadors, in collaboration with the Presidential Media Team. The visit to the South East is the team’s second regional tour, following their North West tour. The delegation is led by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and Chief Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, alongside other senior aides.

From Ebonyi, the team will proceed to Enugu State on Monday, and later to Abia, Anambra, and Imo States to inspect projects undertaken under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

ABEOKUTA, Nigeria (NPA) — The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has unveiled Mrs Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun as the running mate to its governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

The unveiling took place during a gathering of party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters, who described the choice as a strategic move aimed at strengthening the party’s electoral prospects and consolidating support across the state.

Party stakeholders said the emergence of Adegunwa-Balogun reflects the APC’s commitment to inclusiveness, competence, and grassroots mobilisation as preparations intensify for the governorship contest.

According to party leaders, the running mate brings extensive leadership experience, administrative capacity, and strong grassroots appeal to the ticket.

They expressed confidence that her selection would further unite party members and expand the APC’s support base across the state’s three senatorial districts.

Stakeholders noted that the Adeola/Adegunwa-Balogun ticket combines political experience, administrative expertise, and a shared vision for the continued development of Ogun State.

The party also emphasised the importance of teamwork and collective responsibility in achieving electoral success.

Leaders at the event reaffirmed their commitment to delivering victory for the APC in the governorship election, pledging to mobilise support across all wards and local government areas of the state.

They said the party remains focused on sustaining development initiatives and implementing policies that would promote economic growth, infrastructure development, job creation, and improved welfare for residents.

The APC leadership called on members to remain united and committed to the party’s objectives as the campaign season gathers momentum.

The unveiling marks a significant milestone in the party’s preparations for the governorship election, with supporters expressing optimism about the prospects of the Adeola/Adegunwa-Balogun ticket at the polls.

OSOGBO, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State will officially flag off his re-election campaign on June 16 as the Imole Campaign Council (TICC) announced the defection of more than 10,000 members from opposition parties and the endorsement of the governor by several professional, labour, and socio-cultural groups.

The council disclosed this in a statement signed by the Chairman of its Media and Publicity Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam.

According to the statement, the campaign flag-off ceremony will take place at Freedom Park in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, beginning at 10 a.m.

The event is expected to bring together political leaders, party faithful, stakeholders, supporters, and residents from across the state as Governor Adeleke formally launches his bid for a second term in office.

The campaign will be conducted under the theme, “Imole Carry On Accordingly,” which the council said reflects the administration’s commitment to consolidating achievements recorded over the last three and a half years while pursuing new development initiatives.

A major highlight of the event will be the formal reception of more than 10,000 defectors who recently joined the governor’s political movement from various opposition parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and other political platforms.

The council said the defectors include former members of the National Assembly, former lawmakers at the state level, former commissioners, former special advisers, and other prominent political figures.

According to the statement, many of the new entrants previously served in the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

Among those expected to lead groups of defectors at the event is the Chairman of the APC Elders Forum in Boripe Local Government Area, Alhaji Kareem Afolabi, who is said to be bringing more than 1,000 supporters from Osun Central Senatorial District.

The council also disclosed that former Secretary to the State Government under the administration of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Alhaji Mashood Adeoti, will lead thousands of members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) into the Adeleke political camp.

In addition to the wave of defections, the event will feature endorsements from workers’ unions, artisans, professional associations, community groups, and other interest organisations across the state.

The campaign council described the endorsements as a reflection of growing public support for the Adeleke administration and its policies.

It said the gathering would provide an opportunity to showcase the governor’s achievements in infrastructure development, economic growth, public service delivery, and social welfare.

The council called on members of the public, supporters, civil society groups, and the media to participate in what it described as a significant moment in the political future of Osun State.

According to the organisers, the campaign launch will set the tone for a re-election effort focused on continuity, inclusive development, and shared prosperity for the people of the state.

ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, who died while being held captive by terrorists in Katsina State.

The President described the incident as tragic and extended his condolences to the late military officer’s family, the Katsina State Government, and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

According to the Presidency, General Abubakar, who retired from the military after a distinguished career of service, was travelling to his hometown when he was abducted by terrorists.

In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu also sympathised with the family of the deceased, particularly his wife, who remains in captivity.

While mourning the retired general, the President reaffirmed his administration’s resolve not to yield to demands by terrorist groups seeking the release of their members currently in the custody of security agencies.

“The terrorists have done their worst, but the government will never bow to their demands to release their members held by our security agencies,” the President stated.

Reiterating his position on the fight against insecurity, Tinubu referenced his Democracy Day address of June 12, in which he warned criminal elements to surrender or face decisive action by the state.

“Bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror should now surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. And no mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” he said.

The President urged Nigerians to remain united in the face of security challenges, expressing confidence that the country would ultimately overcome terrorism and insurgency.

“As Nigerians, we must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” he added.

Tinubu further described the death of General Abubakar as a defining moment in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against terrorism, stressing that terrorist groups must never be negotiated with but confronted as enemies of the nation.

“General Abubakar’s death should further serve as a defining moment in our battle against terrorists and insurgents, never to negotiate with them on any terms, but to continue to treat them as the greatest enemies of our dear nation, who should never be spared,” the President said.

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has distributed 31 operational vehicles to security and law enforcement agencies as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and enhance rapid response to crime and emergencies across the state.

The governor handed over the vehicles on Thursday at the Governor’s Office in Ochoudo Centenary City, Abakaliki, during activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration.

Nwifuru said the intervention was aimed at equipping security agencies with the resources needed to effectively tackle criminal activities, social unrest, and other security challenges confronting communities across the state.

According to the governor, prompt response to emergencies remains a critical component of effective security management.

“One of the ways security challenges and social disorder can be contained is to empower security agencies to respond swiftly to emergencies and distress situations,” he said.

Nwifuru commended the efforts of security chiefs and personnel operating in Ebonyi State, describing their services as selfless, professional, and instrumental to maintaining peace and stability.

“The selfless services rendered by the Service Chiefs are very tremendous and commendable, especially the technical knowledge and digital skills they have adopted to provide security,” the governor stated.

He expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

“I am very impressed with the Army, Police, Department of State Services, NDLEA, FRSC, Customs, Immigration, Correctional Service and Civil Defence Corps for their commitment to protecting lives and property,” he said.

The governor disclosed that the decision to procure the vehicles was reached during a meeting of the State Security Council following an assessment of emerging security concerns in some parts of the state.

“After our Security Council meeting, we agreed to procure vehicles to respond to distress calls and security challenges,” he added.

Nwifuru acknowledged that while Ebonyi remains one of the more peaceful states in the country, there have been pockets of social disturbances in some rural communities that require proactive intervention.

“We have been challenged in our local areas. We looked at the challenges and saw the necessity of providing these vehicles because security is everybody’s business,” he said.

The governor urged the benefiting agencies to ensure proper maintenance and responsible use of the vehicles to maximise their impact on public safety.

“I have very much confidence that these vehicles will be handled the same way other government assets are being managed,” he stated.

The donation forms part of the Nwifuru administration’s broader strategy to strengthen security infrastructure, improve operational effectiveness, and sustain the peace and stability needed for economic growth and development across Ebonyi State.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has said that democracy cannot be measured solely by the conduct of elections, warning that rising insecurity, kidnappings, and violent attacks across the country threaten the very foundations of Nigeria’s democratic project.

In a Democracy Day statement titled “Democracy Day 2026: Beyond the Ballot,” the association joined Nigerians at home and in the diaspora in commemorating the nation’s democratic journey while calling for renewed commitment to the principles of justice, accountability, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.

The NBA described June 12 as one of the most significant dates in Nigeria’s political history, noting that it symbolises both the struggle for democratic governance and the triumph of the people’s will over authoritarianism.

According to the association, the annual commemoration honours the sacrifices of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and other pro-democracy activists who paid a heavy price in the fight to restore democratic rule in Nigeria.

“June 12 occupies a unique place in our national history. It commemorates the presidential election of June 12, 1993, widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history, and the collective resistance of Nigerians against the annulment of that democratic mandate,” the statement said.

The association, however, stressed that Democracy Day should also serve as a moment for national reflection on whether democratic governance has translated into security, justice, and improved living conditions for citizens.

“Democracy is not measured merely by the conduct of elections; it must be reflected in the security of lives and property, the protection of fundamental rights, access to justice, accountability in governance, and the welfare of the people,” the NBA stated.

The body expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation across the country, citing the continued captivity of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State as one of the most troubling examples.

According to the association, the prolonged ordeal of the victims underscores the urgent need for more effective and coordinated security measures.

“Their continued captivity serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need for more effective and coordinated measures to protect vulnerable Nigerians and restore public confidence in the capacity of the State to guarantee security,” it said.

The NBA also referenced recent attacks in other parts of the country, including the killing of a vice principal, a six-year-old child, and another victim during a bandit attack on a secondary school in Kogi State.

It further noted the abduction of community elders on a peace mission in Zamfara State, alongside numerous incidents of kidnapping, killings, and violent attacks recorded nationwide.

“These incidents paint a grim picture of a nation under siege and underscore the grave security challenges confronting our democracy,” the association warned.

The NBA called on the Federal Government and security agencies to treat insecurity as a national emergency, arguing that the increasing frequency and audacity of attacks have created the impression that criminal groups are operating with little resistance.

The association urged authorities to prioritise the safe rescue of all persons currently in captivity, particularly the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.

“Government must demonstrate, through decisive and sustained action, that the protection of lives and property remains its foremost constitutional responsibility,” it stated.

The legal body also reminded public office holders of the ideals that inspired the June 12 struggle, including transparency, accountability, constitutional governance, inclusion, and service to the people.

As preparations gradually begin for future elections, the NBA called on members of the judiciary and legal profession to remain committed to their constitutional responsibilities in safeguarding democracy and maintaining public confidence in the justice system.

“A democracy can only flourish where citizens are able to live, work, learn, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity,” the statement added.

The association concluded that the promise of June 12 can only be fully realised when Nigerians are able to enjoy both political freedoms and personal security under a government that faithfully upholds the rule of law.

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that security and community safety will remain at the forefront of government priorities.

In his Democracy Day message on Friday, the governor said his administration would continue to strengthen the state’s security architecture to sustain the peace and stability that Ebonyi currently enjoys.

“Today, as we commemorate Democracy Day, I reaffirm my unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property across Ebonyi State,” Nwifuru said.

The governor noted that his administration has invested significantly in improving the operational capacity of security agencies through the provision of patrol and operational vehicles aimed at enhancing surveillance, rapid response, and overall effectiveness in combating crime.

According to him, the security interventions form part of broader efforts to preserve peace and create an enabling environment for development across the state.

“In furtherance of this commitment, our administration has strengthened the operational capacity of security agencies with the provision of operational vehicles to enhance surveillance, rapid response, and overall security effectiveness throughout the state,” he stated.

Nwifuru said Ebonyi has maintained one of the most peaceful and secure environments in the country and pledged to build on the gains already recorded.

“Ebonyi State has continued to maintain an admirable security record and peaceful atmosphere that is recognised across the nation. We are determined not only to sustain these gains but to build on them through strategic investments in security and community safety,” he said.

The governor, who recently emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary ahead of the 2027 election, also expressed gratitude to the people of the state for their continued support and confidence in his administration.

“As we celebrate the enduring values of democracy, I sincerely thank the good people of Ebonyi State for their steadfast support, trust, and confidence in our administration. Your faith inspires us to work harder every day in delivering good governance, peace, and sustainable development,” he said.

“Together, we shall continue to build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Ebonyi State for all.”

The governor’s reassurance comes days after a violent attack at the Ebonyi State College of Health Science and Technology in Ngbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area, where armed men reportedly invaded a student hostel, injured at least seven students, and carted away valuables.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Ebonyi State Command, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident and disclosed that investigations have commenced to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

DUTSE, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has called on Nigerians to remain committed to the principles of justice, unity, good governance, and the rule of law as the nation commemorates Democracy Day.

In a message personally issued on Thursday to mark the annual celebration, the governor paid tribute to the patriots and pro-democracy activists whose sacrifices helped lay the foundation for Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Namadi said Democracy Day offers an opportunity for reflection on the nation’s progress and the collective responsibility of citizens and leaders to strengthen democratic institutions.

“As we commemorate Democracy Day, we honour the courage, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment of those who laid the foundation for the democratic freedoms we enjoy today,” he said.

The governor noted that the significance of June 12 extends beyond remembrance, serving as a reminder of the values that must continue to guide the country’s development.

“This historic occasion reminds us of our collective responsibility to uphold the values of justice, unity, good governance, and the rule of law,” he stated.

Namadi urged Nigerians to remain united in the pursuit of national progress and sustainable development, regardless of ethnic, religious, or political differences.

According to him, collective commitment to democratic ideals remains essential for building a stronger and more prosperous nation.

“Together, let us continue working towards a more prosperous, peaceful, and inclusive Nigeria,” the governor said.

The Jigawa State governor also reaffirmed his commitment to policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of citizens and strengthening democratic governance at all levels.

He concluded by congratulating Nigerians on the occasion of Democracy Day and wishing the nation continued peace, stability, and progress.

“Happy Democracy Day,” he added.