Category: Politics

AWKA, Nigeria (NPA) — Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has presented Certificates of Recognition to two newly recognised traditional rulers in the state, charging them to provide inclusive leadership and serve as fathers to all members of their communities.

The governor presented the certificates to Igwe John Nzekwesili Nweke of Nsugbe and Igwe Ethelbert Muoka of Adazi-Nnukwu at the Light House in Awka.

Soludo, who recently won re-election, said traditional leadership comes with significant responsibilities and challenges, urging the new monarchs to carry everyone along, irrespective of political or personal differences.

“Today at the Light House, Awka, I presented Certificates of Recognition to two new Traditional Rulers: Igwe John Nzekwesili Nweke of Nsugbe and Igwe Ethelbert Muoka of Adazi-Nnukwu. Congratulations to both of you,” Soludo said.

“Leadership comes with challenges, but I charge you to be fathers to all — supporters and critics alike.”

The governor said his administration was working on a new Community Administration Law aimed at bringing greater structure to community leadership, resolving disputes and rival factions, and placing communities on a path towards order and prosperity.

“That is why we are working on a New Community Administration Law to bring structure, end rival factions, and put our communities on a path of order and prosperity,” he said.

Soludo also appealed to experienced traditional rulers in the state to provide guidance and support to the newly recognised monarchs.

“To our veteran Igwes: please guide the new ones. Together, we will build the Anambra of our dreams — from the bottom up,” the governor added.

Meanwhile, Soludo has extended New Month greetings to residents of Anambra State as September begins, assuring them that his administration remains committed to the continued development of the state.

“September is here. The work continues. The Solution continues. Anambra continues to rise,” he said.

“This month, may your hands be blessed, your businesses grow, and peace reign in every home across our dear state.

“Let’s pray and work together to build the Anambra of our dreams.”

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has hosted his running mate and the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, alongside other candidates of the party at the Obidient Headquarters in Abuja.

Obi disclosed the visit in a statement on Tuesday, saying their discussions focused on strategies to expand and deepen the reach of the NDC and take its message of national redemption to rural communities and other parts of the country.

The former Anambra State Governor said the meeting was attended by the party’s governorship, senatorial and other candidates from different states across Nigeria.

In the statement titled, “Senator Kwankwaso Visits the Obidient Headquarters,” Obi said he was pleased to host Kwankwaso, whom he described as his “dear elder brother,” and other candidates of the party.

“Our discussions focused primarily on strategies to expand and deepen the reach of our party and take our message of national redemption to rural communities and the hinterlands,” Obi said.

He said he reassured the party’s candidates of his continued support in their respective states and constituencies, while reaffirming his commitment to working with them and undertaking the necessary groundwork to secure victory for the NDC.

Obi also described his political partnership with Kwankwaso as a joint effort aimed at rescuing Nigeria from what he described as “calamitous and ineffective leadership.”

“My partnership with His Excellency Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is a partnership to rescue Nigeria from the calamitous and ineffective leadership that has brought our country to its present condition,” he said.

According to Obi, the NDC’s commitment includes lifting vulnerable Nigerians out of poverty, reducing the number of out-of-school children, supporting small and medium-sized businesses, improving national security and promoting unity across the country.

He added that the party also intends to pursue policies aimed at moving Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy towards greater production.

“A New Nigeria is POssible, and Nigeria will be OK,” Obi said.

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has sworn in the chairmen and vice chairmen of the 13 local government areas of the state elected during the recent local government elections.

Among those inaugurated was Engr. Osborne Umahi, son of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, and the Scientist Eze Paul Ituma of Ohaukwu Local Government Area.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki and was attended by government officials, political leaders and other dignitaries.

Speaking on the inauguration, the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Leo Ekene Oketa, described the event as the beginning of a new phase of grassroots development in Ebonyi State.

In a statement, Oketa said the swearing-in of the newly elected council officials, including those beginning their second term, represented another step in the implementation of the Nwifuru administration’s People’s Charter of Needs-driven governance.

“Today, with joy and great expectation, Ebonyi State welcomes its newly sworn-in Local Government Chairmen, including those beginning their second term,” he said.

“It is another deliberate step in the journey of the People’s Charter of Needs-driven administration under the leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.”

Oketa said the appointment of capable and committed leaders to oversee the third tier of government would strengthen grassroots governance and create a stronger pathway for development to reach communities across the state.

He said effective local government leadership was critical to translating the governor’s vision into tangible development across the state’s 13 local government areas.

According to him, the local councils would play an important role in advancing infrastructure development, local economic growth, youth empowerment, community development and improved access to government services.

“The remarkable strides of the Nwifuru administration provide the foundation. The new chairmen now have the responsibility to build on it, deepen development at the grassroots and ensure that no community is left behind,” Oketa said.

He added that the inauguration represented a renewed commitment to service, development and the people of Ebonyi State.

“Today is a renewed commitment to service, development and the people of Ebonyi. The work begins. Ebonyi moves forward,” he said.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over reports that he asked a United States court to withhold records relating to his past, describing the development as “profoundly embarrassing.”

Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, made the remarks in a statement issued on Monday and titled, “A President and the Endless Question of His Past.”

He said leadership requires the courage and humility to confront one’s history, provide explanations where legitimate questions arise and accept responsibility for past actions.

“Leadership, in my humble view, demands the courage and humility to confront one’s history — to acknowledge mistakes, provide candid explanations where questions arise, and, where necessary, apologise and seek forgiveness,” Obi said.

“True authority is strengthened, not diminished, when a leader accepts responsibility rather than seeks to shield uncomfortable aspects of the past from legitimate scrutiny.”

He noted that questions surrounding a leader’s educational credentials should be addressed openly and transparently.

“This becomes particularly important when questions concern educational credentials. Issues surrounding foundational schooling — primary and secondary — should not remain unresolved or be addressed primarily through legal proceedings,” he said.

“Nigerians deserve clear, credible and verifiable explanations, especially when such had been submitted in the past.”

Obi said his loyalty to Nigeria remained unwavering, adding that he had never sought citizenship of another country.

“As a citizen of no other country, who has never sought foreign citizenship even when doing so became fashionable, my loyalty to Nigeria and my faith in her destiny remain unshaken,” he said.

Obi said he prayed for Nigeria on Sunday and expressed concern about what he described as the direction of the country.

“Yesterday, August 30, being Sunday, I fervently prayed for our nation and for those entrusted with the solemn responsibility of leadership. I found myself deeply saddened by the direction in which our country is heading,” he said.

“It is profoundly embarrassing that we have reached a point where a sitting President is asking a foreign court to withhold records concerning his past, particularly records relating to matters of legitimate public interest.”

Obi said his major concern was the example the development could set for Nigerians, particularly young people.

“My deepest concern is the example this sets for more than 200 million Nigerians, particularly the over 30 million young people in schools,” he said.

“The nation’s highest office should exemplify integrity, accountability, transparency and ethical leadership.”

He added that while nobody has a perfect past, leaders must be willing to confront their history with honesty and humility.

“An imperfect past is part of the human condition. What matters is the willingness to confront it with humility, honesty and deep apology, to make amends where necessary and, when circumstances so demand, to place the interests of the nation above personal ambition,” he said.

Obi further urged Nigeria’s political leaders to recognise that individual political ambitions are temporary while the nation and its institutions must endure.

“When will our political class fully appreciate that individual ambitions are temporary, while the nation endures?” he asked.

“The Presidency is an office held for a season; the moral standards established by those who occupy it can influence generations.”

He maintained that Nigeria’s national interest must take precedence over individual ambitions.

“Nigeria is greater than any one person, and the integrity of the Republic must always come before the interests of the individual,” Obi said.

He concluded the statement with his popular political slogan: “A New Nigeria is Possible.”

Meanwhile, Newpost Africa had earlier reported that President Tinubu departed Abuja on Sunday for a three-week working vacation in Europe, with London, United Kingdom, listed as his first destination.

As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had yet to respond to Obi’s latest criticism of the President.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria’s opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has marked its anniversary, declaring that it remains a truly national and legacy political party while expressing confidence that it will overcome its current challenges and regain political prominence.

In a statement issued on Monday, the party’s National Chairman of the Interim National Working Committee, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, described the PDP as a party with a deep-rooted history in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

The party said it remains determined to rebuild and reclaim its position as one of Nigeria’s leading political forces following its defeat by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 presidential election.

“Like the phoenix, our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, will certainly triumph over this temporary challenge and retake its glorious place as primus inter pares,” the statement said.

“The rebirth process is on. The result is en route.”

The statement was signed by Turaki in his capacity as the National Chairman of the PDP Interim National Working Committee.

The PDP ruled Nigeria for 16 consecutive years, from 1999 to 2015, producing three presidents under the country’s Fourth Republic.

The party first came to power in 1999 with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who governed for eight years. He was succeeded by Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, whose administration was cut short following his death in 2010.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan subsequently completed Yar’Adua’s tenure before winning the 2011 presidential election.

However, the PDP lost power in 2015 when the opposition APC defeated Jonathan, with its presidential candidate, the late Muhammadu Buhari, emerging as Nigeria’s president.

The PDP’s decline was widely linked to internal divisions, prolonged factional disputes, allegations of corruption and growing public dissatisfaction, while the emergence of the APC united several opposition political forces against the then-ruling party.

Despite years of political challenges and internal crises since leaving office, the PDP said it remains confident that its ongoing rebuilding process will restore the party to national political relevance.

The party’s leadership expressed optimism that its reorganisation efforts would strengthen its structures across the country as Nigeria’s political parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 general elections.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPA) — Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been honoured with the 2026 Global Transformation and Good Governance Prize at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., United States.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said he received the award on behalf of more than 25 million Lagos residents, using the occasion to highlight Lagos State’s growing economic strength and its position as one of Africa’s leading investment destinations.

In a statement issued on Sunday following the recognition, the governor said the future of investment in Africa would increasingly be shaped by cities where infrastructure connects markets, businesses have opportunities to grow and citizens can access economic opportunities.

According to him, Lagos is already making significant investments in infrastructure, innovation and human development to position the state for long-term economic growth.

“Our State covers less than 0.5 per cent of Nigeria’s landmass and we generate more than a quarter of Nigeria’s economic output,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“With an economy worth roughly $259 billion, we are building an economy that is less dependent on crude oil revenues. More than half of our ₦4.4 trillion budget this year is going into capital projects, supported by a projected Internally Generated Revenue of more than ₦3 trillion.”

The governor said the Lagos State Government was backing its economic vision with strategic investments across critical sectors, including technology, transportation, maritime infrastructure and industry.

He noted that Lagos has emerged as one of the leading technology and innovation hubs in sub-Saharan Africa, with a startup ecosystem valued at about $8.6 billion and three active unicorns.

Sanwo-Olu also highlighted major infrastructure projects transforming the state’s economy, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Lekki Refinery.

“The $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Sea Port now handles roughly 40 per cent of Nigeria’s cargo, alongside the 650,000 barrels per day Lekki Refinery,” he said.

The governor further pointed to ongoing investments in public transportation, noting that the Lagos Rail Mass Transit system and water transportation projects were expanding mobility and improving access to economic opportunities.

He said the Blue Line had carried more than eight million passengers, while the introduction of new eight-car trains was expected to increase the Red Line’s capacity to 500,000 passengers daily.

Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that the state, through the €410 million Omi Eko project, was deploying 75 electric ferries across 15 water routes to strengthen water transportation and reduce pressure on Lagos roads.

Looking ahead, the governor said Africa’s rapidly growing urban population presents significant opportunities for investors and governments willing to invest in infrastructure and sustainable development.

“By 2050, Africa will add nearly one billion urban residents. If you want to invest in Africa, look closely at the cities where governance, infrastructure and execution are creating real opportunities,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu expressed appreciation to the Asante Crown and the Millennium Excellence Foundation for the recognition, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building a more competitive, prosperous and globally connected Lagos.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Sunday for Europe to begin a three-week working vacation as part of his annual leave, the Presidency has announced.

The President’s first stop will be London, United Kingdom, according to a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after the three-week vacation, with his return expected to coincide with increased political activities ahead of the January 2027 general election.

The statement did not provide further details about the President’s itinerary or other destinations he may visit during the working vacation.

Onanuga said the President would return home after the leave period as preparations and political activities ahead of the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum across the country.

Tinubu’s trip comes at a time of heightened political consultations and campaign preparations ahead of the next general election.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has received the leadership and members of two grassroots support groups, the Kano Projects Protection Association (Kano PRO-PA) and Gida-Gida Kano First, pledging continued support for grassroots mobilisation and community development initiatives in Kano State.

Barau received the groups at his residence in Abuja on Sunday, according to a statement personally issued by the Deputy President of the Senate.

The delegations were led by their respective Kano North chairmen, Hon. Abdullahi Mato Gwarzo of Kano PRO-PA and Alhaji Sunusi Mai Auduga Kutama of Gida-Gida Kano First, alongside their state chairmen, party leaders, grassroots mobilisers and other stakeholders from across Kano State.

Barau commended the groups for their grassroots activities in support of good governance, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and development in Kano State.

“I sincerely appreciate them for taking the time to visit me and, more importantly, for the tremendous work they are doing at the grassroots in support of good governance, the APC and the development of our dear Kano State,” he said.

The Deputy President of the Senate said he listened to the presentations of the groups and praised their efforts to engage communities and inform residents about government programmes and projects.

“I listened carefully to their presentations and appreciated their commitment to going from community to community to enlighten our people about the programmes and achievements of the administration of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf,” he said.

“Their efforts to monitor projects and engage directly with people at the grassroots are commendable.”

Barau said he was particularly encouraged by the groups’ commitment to promoting unity among residents and within the APC.

He also acknowledged their mobilisation efforts in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, himself as the senator representing Kano North, and other APC candidates.

“As I always say, politics is ultimately about the people. Those who work at the grassroots, engage communities, listen to the people and communicate the policies and achievements of government deserve our encouragement and support,” he said.

To support the activities of the groups, Barau announced the donation of one motor vehicle to each organisation.

He said the vehicles would facilitate movement, mobilisation, project monitoring and community engagement activities across Kano State.

“In response to their requests and to further facilitate their activities, I have donated a motor vehicle to each of the two groups for easy movement, mobilisation, monitoring and community engagement activities across Kano State,” he said.

The Deputy President of the Senate also announced the provision of motorcycles to the local government branches of the groups operating across the 13 local government areas of the Kano North Senatorial District.

Barau pledged to continue supporting what he described as genuine grassroots initiatives while working with party leaders and mobilisers to promote effective representation, good governance and meaningful development.

“Together, we will continue to work for a stronger Kano, a stronger APC and a better Nigeria,” he said.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Presidency has criticised former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over his recent pledge to reopen Nigeria’s borders if elected president in 2027.

The Presidency dismissed Atiku’s claim that Nigeria’s borders were closed, describing the statement as misleading and insisting that the country’s land borders remain open.

It said the Federal Government reopened most of Nigeria’s land borders on March 14, 2024, and has not reversed the decision.

The position was contained in a statement titled, “Atiku and the Borders: Nigerians Deserve Facts, Not Campaign Slogans,” issued in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Mr Sunday Dare.

Dare was reacting to Atiku’s recent declaration that he would “open the borders” immediately upon assuming office.

“The facts are straightforward: Nigeria’s land borders are already open. It is therefore difficult to understand which borders the former Vice President intends to ‘open’.”

The presidential aide said that if Atiku’s proposal was to relax existing border controls, Nigerians deserved to know which restrictions he intended to remove and why.

He challenged the former Vice President to explain the safeguards his proposed administration would put in place against terrorism, arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking and other transnational crimes.

Dare noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had also opened the Kamba border in Kebbi State on February 14, 2026, with what he described as attendant economic and diplomatic benefits.

“The distinction between an open border and an uncontrolled border is fundamental to responsible national security and economic policy,” he said.

According to Dare, modern border management is designed to facilitate legitimate movement, trade and economic interaction while preventing criminals and terrorist organisations from exploiting the same channels.

“Effective border governance requires immigration control, customs administration, intelligence-sharing, surveillance, technology and coordinated security operations,” he said.

The presidential aide said Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly across the northern region, could not be separated from developments across the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin.

He noted that Nigeria shares international borders with Niger, Chad and Cameroon, making regional cooperation essential in addressing terrorism, violent extremism and other transnational crimes.

“As Atiku rightly acknowledged, Nigeria shares borders with Niger, Chad and Cameroon. The region continues to confront terrorism, violent extremism and transnational organised crime.”

Dare said porous borders could be exploited by criminal networks to move people, weapons and other illicit materials across countries.

Citing the Global Terrorism Index 2026, he said about 41 per cent of terrorist attacks occurred within 50 kilometres of international borders, while approximately 64 per cent occurred within 100 kilometres of such borders.

“The security reality is compelling. Borderlands are particularly vulnerable where difficult terrain, limited state presence and weak coordination create opportunities for terrorist organisations.”

Dare said the Federal Government’s focus on security along Nigeria’s Northeast and Northwest corridors should not be interpreted as evidence that the country’s borders were closed.

He described the deployment of the Armed Forces and other security agencies along the corridors as part of responsible border management.

“Effective border management is an indispensable component of national security as domestic insurgencies evolve into increasingly networked and transnational terrorist threats,” he said.

The presidential aide said political contestation remained legitimate in a democracy but maintained that statements on national security and economic policy should be based on facts.

“Statements about national security and the Nigerian economy should be grounded in facts, institutional understanding and a credible alternative policy agenda,” he said.

Dare challenged presidential aspirants to present detailed policies on border surveillance, intelligence-sharing, customs and immigration operations, technology and regional security cooperation.

“What Nigerians deserve is not a slogan about ‘opening borders,’ but a detailed explanation of how border surveillance and security would be improved.”

He said such policies should also address the protection of border communities while facilitating legitimate commerce and the movement of people.

Dare added that the Tinubu administration remained open to scrutiny and should be assessed based on measurable outcomes in security, economic recovery, border management and the welfare of Nigerians.

“Nigeria’s borders must be open to legitimate commerce and movement, but secure against terrorists and criminals,” Dare said.

He added that the country’s borders must be effectively monitored with technology, guided by intelligence and integrated into Nigeria’s broader national security and economic strategy.

“That is the policy conversation Nigerians deserve,” he emphasised.

(NAN)

OSOGBO, Nigeria (NPA) — Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has issued an Executive Order establishing a Coroner Inquest and Panel of Inquiry into the killings, shootings, injuries and violence reported at Naira and Kobo Junction and the Motor Park/Garage area of Ikire in Irewole Local Government Area on August 24, 2026.

The Executive Order, which takes effect from August 31, 2026, empowers the panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, determine the identities and number of victims, establish the immediate and remote causes of the violence and examine whether criminal responsibility is connected to the deaths.

According to a statement signed by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola has been appointed Chairman of the Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry, while Mr Abiodun Badiora will serve as Secretary.

Other members of the panel include AIG (Dr) Aderanti C. Kayode, mni (Rtd); Mr Dele Akintayo; a representative of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); Comrade Wale Balogun, representing Civil Society Organisations; a community representative from Ikire; and Dr Babatunde Afolabi as the Medical and Forensic Representative.

The panel is mandated to determine the circumstances that led to the shootings and killings and examine the role played by security operatives during the incident.

It will also establish whether live ammunition or other weapons were used and determine whether their deployment complied with the law, applicable rules of engagement and recognised human rights standards.

The inquiry is further empowered to identify any individual, group, security personnel, political actor, transport union member, public official or other person whose action or omission may have contributed to the violence.

The panel may recommend the prosecution of persons found culpable, disciplinary measures against relevant officials, compensation for victims and institutional reforms aimed at preventing a recurrence.

The Executive Order also grants the panel powers to summon witnesses, demand relevant police and medical records, inspect the scene of the incident and other relevant locations, receive oral and documentary evidence and recommend protective measures for witnesses and persons considered at risk of intimidation or retaliation.

Governor Adeleke further directed the preservation of all materials considered relevant to the inquiry, including firearms, ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs, videos and other documentary evidence.

The order also calls for appropriate measures to protect witnesses and the families of victims, obtain necessary medical and forensic documentation and maintain peace and security in Ikire pending the conclusion of the inquiry.

The Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission and the Osun State Commissioner of Police have also been formally requested to take appropriate interim administrative measures concerning any police officer whose continued operational command may prejudice the inquiry or affect public confidence in its outcome.

The panel is expected to commence sitting within seven days of its inauguration and submit its final report to the Osun State Government within 30 days of its first sitting, subject to any extension approved by the Governor.

The state government has invited the families of victims, eyewitnesses, journalists, transport workers, police officers, medical personnel, civil society organisations, political parties, community leaders, human rights activists and other concerned persons to submit memoranda and evidence to the panel.

Governor Adeleke assured the people of Ikire, the families of the deceased, those injured in the violence and the general public that the incident would be investigated thoroughly, fairly and transparently.

The Executive Order stressed that no person found culpable would be shielded from justice, irrespective of status, public office, political connection or institutional affiliation.

It, however, emphasised that all allegations remain allegations until they are established by credible evidence before the Coroner Inquest and Panel of Inquiry.