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  • Kalu to Otti: Tinubu, APC will win Abia

    Kalu to Otti: Tinubu, APC will win Abia

    Former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, yesterday  fired back at  Governor Alex Otti on his plan to stop President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and candidates of  the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s victory in the state in 2027.

    He said  the  President and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) will record landslide victory  in the  general elections.

     Otti few days ago  vowed to prevent  Kalu from returning to the Senate.

     Kalu, who spoke with reporters in his Igbere, Abia State  home after the distribution of food items to his constituents and members of his party across the 17 local government areas,  challenged  Otti and members of his party to electoral contest.

    He said  that the APC will record huge success in the  general elections against the prediction of the  governor.

     Kalu, who questioned why the governor and his media team would get angry with his decision to work for his party; APC in 2027 general elections said: “You know that I have not for once said anything about the state government.

    “I consider the governor as my friend and for two years I have never criticised the governor.

    “No governor can deny that he isn’t aware of whatever that his Chief Press Secretary writes.

    READ ALSO; Still on Nigeria’s re-designation as ‘country of particular concern’

    “Three days ago they shot the first arrow because I said that I will work for the APC to win.

    “In 2023, we worked for him to win and we are not going to do that again; We will work for our party to win. What is wrong with that? Is that why I should receive insults? That is not acceptable to me and I am going to work for my party.

    “I worked for him (Otti). Even my brother who was running for governor in APP (All Peoples Party), I called him to cooperate with him (Otti) because we were going to support him and that is the truth.”

    Assessing Otti’s government in the past two years, Senator Kalu said: “If he has done better, I don’t know about that because the money that I received in eight years is what Alex Otti receives in four months.

    “He is just repainting and rebuilding the roads that I built as a governor between 1999 and 2007.

    “I have not seen any new major road that he has done.

    “I am in the Senate. All the roads that I am doing now are new farm roads. I have not seen him go into farm road.

    “Within two years, I had done what people believed in this state which made the then President Olusegun Obasanjo named me “Action Governor “.

    “Under my watch in Abia, education was free, healthcare services were free. The truth is that, I have not seen what they have done.

    “I know that he has tried rebuilding the road that I did; Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Ohafia road, which  stayed for so long (two years) before completion. I don’t know what they have done and why the noise in the social media. This business is not done on social media, it is done at the right time.”

    “My support for him is gone. It’s for the APC now.”

    On the statement that he will fail in his Senatorial ambition in 2027, Kalu said: “History will show who will fail.

    “Otti said that people plans to rig should write their Will. I have never rigged election before. Nobody has ever accused me of that and I don’t do that.

    “Even the people that took me to court didn’t say that I rigged election anywhere and I don’t do that and I don’t support that. We want the will of the people to prevail.

    “This is two years to the election and I want to tell you that we are very prepared. I can tell you that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win the state. We will win the three Senatorial District seats and you will see it.

    “I am on the field. Before, I use to sit in Igbere, but now, I will leave my gate for the general good of the party.”

    He refuted  the claim that APC in the state was balkanised, stressing that the goal of every member of the APC  is to win election.

    “I am not sure that Otti is going to join APC. I am not the owner of the party, if he (Otti) joins the party, well, what happened in 2023 will happen again.”

    My words to Abians is that, the OUK that they know is back. I am back in the field. They know that when I am in the field, the masses will rejoice. I am back because I want to be back.

    On why he was going back to the Senate, Kalu said: “What am I doing in the Senate that other senators are not doing? You can see that the development here is unprecedented.

    “I can beat my chest to say that not up to 20 senators out of the 109 have done what I have done there in six years.

    “Abia North and Abia  will be shortchanging themselves if they don’t send me back to the Senate.

    “I am building roads and schools in Isiala Ngwa, I am building roads in Aba and every other place even though I am from Abia North.”

    On perceived performance of Southeast political leaders who are not at par with their counterparts in other parts of the country, Kalu said: “The President is the President of all and we are still Senators . We are still running paripasu. The Class of 1999 is so blessed by God. The late President Umar Musa Yar’ Adua was Class of 1999. President Tinubu is Class of 1999. Maybe after this  President, another  governor from the Class of 1999 will become the President.

    On creation of more states, the former Abia governor said: “I cannot talk about state creation because constitutional amendment is a very difficult issue and if the President has the will to do it and members of the National Assembly are united , there will be creation of another state and I support creation of one state out of the existing five states.

    “My opinion might be different from others. For me, they should take somewhere in Imo, Anambra and Delta with capital in Oguta. I don’t care what name that they will call it, I have said this times without number. I am a man with fair mindedness and one who speaks the truth at all times. I believe that if the Igbo will come together and pursue the state that I am proposing, it will be  viable.

  • 133 NSCDC commandants decorated with new ranks

    133 NSCDC commandants decorated with new ranks

    The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has decorated 133 newly promoted Commandants of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) with their new ranks.

    The minister urged them to brace up and prove their mettle in response to the security challenges facing the country.

    He noted that it had become imperative for them to upscale intelligence gathering to enhance national security.

    Tunji-Ojo, who was represented by the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Corrections, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin (retd.), hailed the NSCDC for its contribution to the nation’s security architecture.

    Reflecting on the additional responsibility of protection of Very Important Personalities (VIPs) formerly bestowed on the Nigeria Police, the minister urged the newly promoted senior officers and other personnel of the corps to justify the confidence reposed in them by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He noted that the merit-based promotion was aimed at boosting the morale of the officers for effective discharge of their duties.

    READ ALSO; Still on Nigeria’s re-designation as ‘country of particular concern’

    Tunji-Ojo assured all NSCDC personnel that the Board of Interior was ready to grant requests that would translate to outstanding performance and commitment to duty.

    NSCDC’s Commandant General, Prof. Ahmad Audi, tasked the officers on the need to mentor their subordinates to enable them to reach the zenith of their careers.

    He assured them of timely redeployment and cautioned against any form of lobbying in the service.

    Audi assured the officers that his administration would allow merit and performance to guide all processes.

    Responding on behalf of the newly promoted officers, Commandant Ekanem Ekpenyong pledged to consistently ensure delivery of effective services with integrity and strict adherence to the Oath of Allegiance.

    The Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, was also decorated with his new rank as Assistant Commandant of Corps.

  • ‘We will actualise Hashim’s presidential ambition’

    ‘We will actualise Hashim’s presidential ambition’

    • Four support groups meet in Kano, renew strategies

    Four support groups backing the presidential aspiration of Dr. Gbenga Hashim have promised to intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure the actualisation of his ambition.

    The groups said they would no longer work for politicians who use their supporters as stepping stones to power and abandon them afterwards.

    They expressed commitment to ensure that Hashim becomes the President in 2027.

    The support groups said his leadership would place Nigeria on the path of development, peace and progress.

    The groups are: the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, led by Hajiya A’isha Mustapha; Gbenga Hashim Group (Party Structure), led by Miko Isyaku; Gbenga Hashim Support Group, led by Khalifa Muhammad; and the Gbenga Hashim Vanguard.

    A statement by the National Coordinator of Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Abdurazak Hamzat, said the groups passed votes of confidence in Hashim and urged their members and supporters to return to the grassroots to mobilise widespread support for his presidential bid.

    READ ALSO: Kano’s unfolding power game

    Addressing the supporters, Hamza expressed appreciation to all those backing Hashim, describing him as a well-prepared and capable leader.

    “We should continue to mobilise support for Dr. Gbenga Hashim. He has advised and assisted governments of many countries to achieve economic growth and development. He will definitely provide the leadership Nigerians are yearning for if he becomes our president in 2027,” Hamza said.

    Also, the Northwest Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Vanguard, Aminu Bala, stressed the need for inclusiveness, urging support groups to relate with and welcome individuals across party lines in order to broaden the support base for Hashim.

    He underscored the strategic political importance of Kano, describing it as a major political hub whose support could significantly influence other states in the region to rally behind Hashim’s presidential aspiration.

    Hashim’s Chief of Staff, Kamaldeen Sani Adebayo, said the aspirant’s track record as a successful global businessman with enterprises in Nigeria and across several countries qualifies him for the nation’s highest office.

    He conveyed a goodwill message of the aspirant to the various support groups and assured them that he would remain committed to them.

    Adebayo said they would not be abandoned if he eventually emerges as the democratically elected President of Nigeria.

    Hajiya Mustapha urged coordinators from all local government areas of the state to intensify their mobilisation efforts to ensure victory for Hashim in 2027.

    There were goodwill messages from leaders of the various support groups, all reaffirming their resolve to work collectively towards the success of Hashim’s presidential ambition.

  • SDP: Adebayo is nation’s pride

    SDP: Adebayo is nation’s pride

    The Acting National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, has described its 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, as the nation’s pride and a proud emblem of his generation.

    Gombe stated this in a goodwill message yesterday in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, to mark the 54th birthday of the party’s former standard bearer.

    The party expressed gratitude to God for the gift of Adebayo to mankind and to the country at this season.

    It noted that the media entrepreneur’s “uncommon depth, fecund mind, and noble character – attributes” are widely celebrated by millions within and outside the country.

    The statement reads: “Prince Adewole Adebayo’s vision for  a better Nigeria, his commitment and contributions towards building a good Nigerian society, and making life truly meaningful for all, irrespective of class, status, or creed, are worthy of national recognition and celebration by all true lovers of Nigeria who mean well for our country.

    “As he adds another year to his eminent and impactful life, we encourage him to remain focused and undeterred in his mission of making our nation great again.”

    Also in a statement yesterday in Abuja, the Chairman of SDP Forum of State Chairmen, Femi Ferrari Olaniyi, described the former SDP standard bearer as a visionary leader whose life reflects selfless service, commitment to national development, and a deep passion for justice and unity.

    READ ALSO; Still on Nigeria’s re-designation as ‘country of particular concern’

    He said the celebration was not merely for marking another year, but an honour for a lifetime of dedication to the Nigerian people.

    Olaniyi said Adebayo’s leadership qualities and unwavering devotion to democratic ideals continued to inspire party members and citizens across the country.

    The forum’s chairmen prayed for God’s continued guidance, strength, and good health for the party’s former presidential candidate as he continues to serve the nation.

  • 1,216 artistes, delegates, production team hit Lagos for Ninth AFRIMA

    1,216 artistes, delegates, production team hit Lagos for Ninth AFRIMA

    Lagos has once again come alive as 1,216 artistes, delegates, and members of the production team entered the city for the ninth edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

    The figure was announced at the Welcome Soirée for nominees and guests at the home of the British Deputy High Commissioner, which officially marked the start of AFRIMA Week.

    Speaking at the event, AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, said the turnout showed the growing strength of African music and how AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union Commission, is using the platform to enhance creative economies of African countries.

    He said: “This year’s AFRIMA has once again demonstrated the immense power and global pull of African music. As we speak, a total of 1,216 artistes, delegates, and members of our production team have arrived in Lagos. This number includes 732 artistes and managers, 301 delegates from across Africa and the diaspora, and 183 technical production professionals working tirelessly behind the scenes.

    READ ALSO: Kano’s unfolding power game

    “You can imagine how that number can impact our economy, how much benefit Lagos’ tourism capacity demonstrates. It is huge for us and we are happy to work with the Lagos State government and other partners to bring this benefit to our economy and our city.”

    Dada said AFRIMA understands the power and value of music as a force for good, which drives integration and inclusion, promotes peace across Africa and the world, as well as fuels economic growth within the creative industry.

    “First, music is a powerful tool for integration and inclusion. Second, it is a catalyst for peace, both across our continent and globally. And of course, music is a driver of economic growth within the creative industry.

    “For us, AFRIMA is about connecting people. We do not see colour. What we see is talent, whether you are white, black, blue, or green. What matters to us is the humanity that exists in all of us. That shared humanity is what has informed our partnerships and our purpose,” he added.

    Dada thanked the Lagos State government and AFRIMA partners, including First Bank, Guinness, Glenfiddich, and the Swedish Government.

    The AFRIMA President also expressed appreciation to the United Kingdom (UK) Government for hosting the event, saying: “We do not take this partnership for granted.”

    Also, British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter applauded the strong ties between the UK, Nigeria, and Africa through music.

    The envoy said African artistes are achieving major global success.

    He added that Afrobeats is “now dominating the charts in the UK and across the globe. It is extremely important for us that we continue to build our connection to music and other creative industries. The UK is committed to partnerships that bring mutual economic development”.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said: “Lagos is Africa’s cultural capital, a city where creativity lives loudly, where ideas scale rapidly, and where talent finds opportunity. Through the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, we remain unwavering in our commitment to building an enabling ecosystem where creatives can thrive, collaborate, and compete successfully on the world stage.”

  • Foundation distributes food items to households in Lagos Community

    Foundation distributes food items to households in Lagos Community

    A non-governmental organsation (NGO), Fatade Idowu Foundation recently distributed essential food items to residents of Adamo Community in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State.

    The foundation stands as a people-driven initiative committed to uplifting communities through compassion, service, and purposeful intervention.

    Rooted in a deep understanding of grassroots needs, the foundation continues to bridge the gap between hope and tangible support for individuals and families who need it most.

    This outreach, according to the organisers, provided timely relief to households, re-affirming the foundation’s commitment to addressing immediate social and economic challenges faced by community members.

    Community leaders openly commended the foundation, describing its efforts as thoughtful, well-coordinated, and genuinely beneficial. Their commendation reflects the trust the foundation has earned through its respectful engagement with the community and its focus on meaningful impact rather than publicity.

    Fatade Idowu Foundation operates with a clear philosophy: sustainable development begins with empathy and collective responsibility. By working closely with local leaders and residents, the foundation ensures that its interventions align with real needs and create lasting value.

    As it continues to expand its reach, the foundation remains dedicated to promoting social welfare, strengthening community bonds, and inspiring a culture of giving. Its work in Adamo Community is not just an isolated effort, but a reflection of a broader mission to support communities with dignity, accountability, and genuine care.

  • EPL: Arsenal go six points clear after goalless draw with Liverpool

    EPL: Arsenal go six points clear after goalless draw with Liverpool

    Arsenal missed a chance to move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League as they were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Liverpool.

    The Gunners, who had won their five previous Premier League matches, came into the match with a golden opportunity after title rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa both drew on Wednesday.

    Last season’s champions Liverpool, who came into the game on a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions, were without Hugo Ekitike which meant Arne Slot was forced to name a starting line-up without a recognised striker.

    The Gunners dominated the opening 45 minutes, but it was Liverpool who had the best chance when Conor Bradley seized on a mix-up between David Raya and William Saliba and sent a chipped effort against the crossbar.

    Arsenal fired a number of crosses into the box but there was nobody on hand to apply a finishing touch.

    Liverpool were then the better team in the second half and looked more of a threat going forward, but neither side could find a way to take the three points.

    Home substitute Gabriel Martinelli angered Liverpool in stoppage time, sparking a melee when he crudely attempted to push Bradley off the pitch after the defender went down close to the touchline with a painful knee injury.

    Martinelli was booked after the incident and Bradley was taken away on a stretcher with hands over his face.

    The result means Arsenal stay top, now six points ahead of their closest rivals, while Liverpool remain fourth.

    BBC SPORTS

  • Real Madrid beat Atletico to reach Spanish Super Cup final

    Real Madrid beat Atletico to reach Spanish Super Cup final

    Federico Valverde scored a stunning early free-kick as Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid to set up a Clasico meeting with Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.

    Rodrygo doubled Real’s lead in the 55th minute before Alexander Sorloth pulled a goal back for Atletico, but it was the 13-time Super Cup winners who prevailed to reach Sunday’s final (19:00 GMT).

    Thursday’s semi-final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was only 77 seconds old when Los Blancos captain Valverde sent a 30-yard free-kick fizzing past Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak into the top corner.

    Rodrygo doubled Real’s lead 10 minutes into the second half with a cute finish past Oblak, though his excellent first touch to control a Valverde pass before accelerating away from defender Robin Le Normand was the highlight.

    Sorloth rose above Raul Asencio at the back post to head home and halve the deficit with more than half an hour still to play, but that was the only one of Atletico’s 22 attempts to be converted.

    The Norwegian striker somehow headed wide late in the first half when Conor Gallagher found him with an inch-perfect delivery, before Julian Alvarez – goalless in his last eight La Liga outings – snatched a shot wide deep into second-half injury-time.

    Xabi Alonso’s side – without the injured Kylian Mbappe – had to sweat for the win.

    Rodrygo and Vincius Junior – the latter without a goal in 16 games – had opportunities to score in both halves, but Los Blancos were holding on by the end.

    Their reward for doing so is the chance to win the second Clasico of the season, after they defeated Barcelona 2-1 at the Bernabeu in October.

    Hansi Flick’s side reached the final by thrashing Athletic Club 5-0 in the first semi-final on Wednesday.

    The Spanish Super Cup is taking place in Jeddah after Saudi Arabia and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) extended a deal to play the tournament in the country until 2029.

    BBC SPORTS

  • Tiemo commends Tinubu over Abe’s appointment as NUPRC chairman

    Tiemo commends Tinubu over Abe’s appointment as NUPRC chairman

    President General, Indigenous People of Niger Delta (IPND), Mr. Pumokumo Tiemo, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the appointing Senator Magnus Abe as Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

    Abe’s was nominated by Tinubu and his name  already forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.  

    Tiemo, in a statement on Thursday, said: “Indigenous People of Niger Delta (IPND) received this appointment as a win for Nigeria and for the Niger Delta region, which has borne a disproportionate burden in sustaining Nigeria’s economic prosperity through decades of upstream activity.

    “ We believe this appointment strengthens confidence in upstream governance because Senator Abe understands, from lived experience, the realities of Nigeria’s producing areas and the urgent need for stability, fairness, and practical engagement across host communities and operators 

    READ ALSO; Youths clash over Fubara’s impeachment proceedings

    He added: “ In this regard, we look forward to a smooth and timely confirmation process, so the Commission’s board can proceed with clarity of purpose in support of regulatory effectiveness, investor confidence, and improved stakeholder relations in the upstream sector.

    “We wish Distinguished Senator Magnus Ngie Abe wisdom, strength, and a successful tenure.

     “ Indigenous People of Niger Delta (IPND) is ready to give him unreserved support to ensure the success of his administration in ways that promote peace, accountability, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large”

  • Youths clash over Fubara’s impeachment proceedings

    Youths clash over Fubara’s impeachment proceedings

    The Rivers State Youth Parliament (RSYP) and the South South Youths Initiative (SSYI) have disagreed over the ongoing move by the Rivers Assembly to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara 

    The RSYP in a statement by its Speaker, Wisdom Bruce, declared support for the decision of the lawmakers to investigate Fubara on alleged gross misconduct.

    The statement said: “This action, though long overdue, is both timely and necessary in the overriding interest of peace, stability, democratic governance, and the collective future of the people of Rivers State.

    “Over an extended period, the state has witnessed persistent political tension, breakdown of trust among critical stakeholders, and repeated breaches of peace accords brokered severally by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other well-meaning national leaders. 

    “These peace agreements were entered into in good faith, with the clear expectation that all parties would respect their terms in the spirit of reconciliation, unity, and responsible leadership. 

    “Regrettably, these agreements have been consistently violated by the governor of Rivers state thereby undermining national efforts to restore calm and political stability in Rivers State.

    “The Rivers State Youth Parliament views these repeated breaches as a grave affront to democratic norms, constitutional responsibility, and the authority of conflict-resolution mechanisms established to protect the peace and welfare of citizens.

    READ ALSO: Senator Kalu replies Otti, says Tinubu, APC will win Abia in 2027

    ” Leadership at all levels must be anchored on accountability, respect for dialogue, and adherence to agreements reached through lawful and inclusive processes. Where these principles are persistently disregarded, constitutional remedies must be pursued without fear or favour.

    “We emphasise that impeachment, as provided for under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is not an act of vendetta but a legitimate democratic process designed to safeguard governance, uphold the rule of law, and protect the public interest. 

    “The Rivers State Youth Parliament is particularly concerned about the long-term consequences of prolonged political crises, economic stagnation, loss of investor confidence, and shrinking opportunities for young citizens, lack of employment and others. Our generation bears the brunt of governance failures, and we therefore cannot remain silent when leadership actions continually threaten peace and development”.

    But the South South Youths Initiative (SSYI) condemned the renewed impeachment proceedings against describing the move as ill-conceived and destabilising.

    SSYI said youths across the South-South region, particularly in Rivers were deeply disturbed by the impeachment notice issued by the State House of Assembly.

    The position of the group was contained in a statement by its National President,  Imeabe Saviour Oscar on Thursday. 

    Saviour said the action by the lawmakers was coming at a time when Rivers people expected cooperation between the executive and the legislature to restore effective governance after what it described as a six-month near collapse during the period of emergency rule.

    He said: “Rivers youths are appalled that this is coming at a point when we are all expecting that the legislature would work closely with the governor to give Rivers State the desired governance that has been lacking since the return from Emergency Rule.  

    “While other states are talking about governance, Rivers State is still playing politics despite coming out from a six-month near collapse of governance. This is most unfortunate. Even though we are aware that the country is about to enter a political season, this action by the Assembly is too sudden and ill-conceived.”

    The group appealed to the lawmakers to work with the Governor to deliver good governance instead of distracting his administration and advised Fubara to remain focused despite what it described as political distractions.