The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Most of Adeleke’s appointees would rate his third anniversary poorly – APC

    Most of Adeleke’s appointees would rate his third anniversary poorly – APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has said that many members of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s cabinet and appointees would give his administration a low rating as it marks its third anniversary.

    Speaking during a press conference at the party’s state secretariat along the Osogbo/Ibadan Road on Thursday, APC leaders declared that they are fully prepared to defeat the governor in the 2026 election.

    The party’s Director of Media, Chief Kola Olabisi, criticised the administration for what he described as poor performance despite increased federal allocations resulting from President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.

    According to him, the state relies heavily on federal allocation without making efforts to boost internally generated revenue.

    He accused the governor of favouritism in project execution and appointments, alleging that most completed projects and political positions are concentrated in Adeleke’s hometown and community.

    Olabisi also faulted the prolonged two-month strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), which he said has left thousands of cases unresolved and crippled judicial activities in the state.

    Similarly, former Commissioner for Information, Chief Sunday Akere, stated that as many as 60 percent of Adeleke’s cabinet members and appointees would score his administration low. He argued that the state has drifted toward “systemic failure” under the current government.

    Akere further alleged that the administration operates with only two arms of government, contrary to the constitutional requirement for separation of powers and functional institutions, warning that the situation reflects deeper governance challenges in the state.

  • Wike revokes Apo-Karshi road contract

    Wike revokes Apo-Karshi road contract

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday announced the revocation of the contract for the 13-kilometre Apo-Karshi Road, which was previously awarded to Kakatar Construction Company Ltd. in 2011.

    Wike said this in Abuja during an inspection tour of ongoing road projects, including the Karu-Customs-CBN Road, Gishiri-Katampe Road, and Apo-Wasa Carriageway.

    The minister, who expressed dissatisfaction with the previous contractor’s pace, disclosed that the project has been re-awarded under an emergency arrangement to SCC, a firm he described as having the required capacity.

    “Let me tell you the truth, we have terminated that contract; it has been re-awarded to SCC. If you go there now, you will see that they have started work,” he said.

    Wike stressed that road contracts should not be used to play politics with the welfare of the people.

    “We cannot continue to play politics when it comes to the welfare of the people. That road has been terminated,” he said.

    He also revealed that the road from Kubwa to Bwari has been awarded and that work has commenced, adding that it will serve as an alternative route.

    During the inspection at the Karu site, the minister assured a shop owner whose property was marked for demolition that the government would pay adequate compensation.

    He noted, however, that emotions would not be allowed to override public interest.

    “You cannot do something to block the water channels, and we are even sympathetic by saying that we were going to give you money, but we must allow the water to have its way, because if not, it will cause much flooding.

    “That will also not be good for the people living around there. So sometimes we should not be emotional. She’s crying. She did the wrong thing,” he said.

    He explained that the demolition was necessary to allow the free flow of water and prevent flooding in the area.

    The minister also expressed satisfaction with the warm reception he received from residents in the project areas, stating that it was an indication that people were pleased with the government’s development strides.

    “I have always said, what makes the government feel relaxed is when the people are happy. Of course, the very essence of governance is to make people happy and provide what improves their lives,” he said.

    Wike noted that the ongoing road projects would be commissioned during the third-anniversary celebration of President Bola Tinubu.

    The minister, however, stated that the FCTA would not award new contracts in 2026 but would instead focus on completing all ongoing projects.

    “In 2026, we are not likely to initiate any new projects. We want to make sure that the projects we have started this year will be completed in 2026,” he said.

    Wike further said the decision was informed by the fact that 2026 is a political year, hence the need to deliver on all ongoing projects for the benefit of all.

  • Shettima mourns Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, says Nigeria lost a beacon of knowledge

    Shettima mourns Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, says Nigeria lost a beacon of knowledge

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of eminent Islamic scholar and leader of the Tijjaniyya Muslim Brotherhood in Nigeria, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, who died on Thursday at the age of 101.

    In a condolence statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President described the late cleric as one of Nigeria’s greatest reservoirs of Islamic knowledge, whose teachings, wisdom, and exemplary life shaped generations of Muslim faithful across the country and beyond.

    “We have lost a spiritual guide, a teacher, and a moral compass whose dedication to Islamic scholarship spanned more than a century. Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi was among the great pillars of Islamic knowledge in our time. His life was a demonstration of faith, learning, and service to Allah and humanity”, Shettima said.

    The Vice President noted that Sheikh Bauchi’s remarkable longevity was itself a divine blessing, allowing multiple generations of Nigerian Muslims to drink from his well of knowledge and spiritual guidance.

    He hailed the late scholar’s pivotal role in strengthening the Tijjaniyya Brotherhood in Nigeria and West Africa, describing him as a towering figure who lived fully for the propagation of Islamic teachings.

    “We find comfort in knowing he lived a long, fulfilled life devoted to Allah and to uplifting humanity. His legacy of scholarship and service will continue to inspire us all,” Shettima added.

    Offering prayers for the repose of the late Sheikh, the Vice President asked Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

    He also extended condolences to his family, followers, and the wider Muslim Ummah.

  • ADC sacks lone NASS member Abejide

    ADC sacks lone NASS member Abejide

    …as lawmaker laughs off purported expulsion

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has ratified the Kogi State Executive Committee’s decision to expel Hon. Leke Abejide, citing what it described as multiple acts of indiscipline.

    Abejide, the lone ADC lawmaker in the National Assembly who represents the Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopa Moro Federal Constituency, was removed after what party leaders said were repeated violations of party rules and conduct.

    He has been a loyal member of the party since the 9th Assembly.

    Announcing the decision after its meeting at the party’s National Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, stated on his X platform that the party would not condone behaviour that undermines its values.

    “The party reaffirmed that it would not tolerate any acts of indiscipline from its members as it seeks to build a party founded on discipline, character, and integrity,” Abdullahi wrote.

    The NWC also directed state and local party organs to expedite the formation of executive committees across all levels.

    “Furthermore, the party also directed the state leadership of the party to ensure that all vacant positions in the ward, local governments, and state executives of the party are filled in accordance with the approved transition guidelines that were earlier issued, ahead of the congresses whose timeline would be announced soon,” he stated.

    However, when contacted through a WhatsApp message for his reaction to the expulsion, Abejide laughed off the development with an emoji while stating, “My reaction will come after the court judgment.”

  • Lagos unveils 3-year plan to deepen citizens’ participation in governance

    Lagos unveils 3-year plan to deepen citizens’ participation in governance

    The Lagos State Government has introduced a three-year Strategic Plan and Communication Strategy (2025–2027) designed to enhance public participation in governance and strengthen the relationship between government and residents.

    The documents were formally presented on Monday by the Office of Political, Legislative, and Civic Engagement (OPL&CE) during an event held in Ikeja.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative, and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun, said the initiative is aimed at improving communication of government activities, boosting public trust, and widening opportunities for Lagosians to contribute to policy formulation.

    Abiodun noted that with Lagos being a highly diverse state, residents must play an active role in shaping policies that affect their lives. He added that the new strategies will help promote a culture of continuous public participation.

    According to him, the plan aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda by strengthening transparency, improving synergy between the executive and legislature, and ensuring that all stakeholders—formal and informal—are included in decision-making processes.

    He listed proposed engagement tools to include strategic dialogues, structured town hall meetings, digital feedback platforms, advisory mechanisms, and targeted civic education programmes.

    Abiodun also highlighted the CitizensGate platform as a major tool for seamless interaction between residents and government, describing it as part of efforts to remove barriers to civic engagement.

    He urged Lagosians to collaborate with the government, stressing that governance thrives on transparency and collective participation.

    The Permanent Secretary of OPL&CE, Engr. Sholabomi Shasore said the implementation of the new strategy will involve a wide range of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, media practitioners, civil society organisations, social media influencers, community associations, and filmmakers.

    “Every citizen wants the government to communicate with them. This plan shows what needs to be done. Your expertise is essential in amplifying our message and ensuring citizens are well engaged,” Shasore said.

    A participant at the event and human rights advocate with Yiaga Africa, Cynthia Mbamalu, applauded the initiative, noting that civic engagement remains the foundation of democracy.

    “You cannot talk about democracy without citizens’ participation. Democracy survives on the active involvement of the people. The strategic documents will help identify policies that strengthen the relationship between the government and the citizens,” she said.

  • Lamido gives PDP 10-day ultimatum to resolve internal crisis, seeks dissolution of Ibadan convention

    Lamido gives PDP 10-day ultimatum to resolve internal crisis, seeks dissolution of Ibadan convention

    Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to resolve what he described as deepening internal crises threatening the stability of the party.

    Lamido issued the warning while addressing hundreds of supporters—including former chairmen, commissioners, and long-time political associates, who visited him and called for the dissolution of the Ibadan elective convention.

    They also urged the immediate constitution of a national caretaker committee to navigate the party through its current challenges.

    The former governor decried what he described as the sidelining of long-standing stakeholders like himself by “new forces” seeking to alter the PDP’s established structure. 

    He alleged that efforts to diminish his political relevance were partly responsible for the present turmoil.

    Lamido clarified that his recent legal actions were not motivated by personal ambition or a desire for party leadership, but by a commitment to preserving the PDP’s legacy and defending his fundamental rights, which he said had been violated.

    He insisted that, based on the PDP constitution, Umar Damagum and Senator Samuel Anyanwu remain the legitimate national leaders of the party until their tenure concludes on December 8, 2025. 

    Allowing the party to drift without clarity, he warned, would jeopardise the plans of aspirants, current officeholders, and those seeking re-election.

    “I am pushing for a caretaker committee. I am calling on Wike, Damagum, and others to forgive one another and support the formation of a unified caretaker body,” he said.

    Lamido urged the PDP’s top hierarchy to convene a joint meeting to discuss the party’s challenges honestly and chart a path toward restoring cohesion and credibility.

    He also appealed to his supporters to remain calm and patient until December 8, stressing that developments within the party in the coming days would determine its direction moving forward.

  • Reps summon BPP, Budget Office, others for evasion of power sector probe

    Reps summon BPP, Budget Office, others for evasion of power sector probe

    The House of Representatives ad-hoc committee investigating Nigeria’s power sector reforms and expenditure from 2007 to 2024, has summoned the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), the Budget Office of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Power and Office of the Auditor General evading legislative oversight.

    Chairman of the committee, Arch. Ibrahim Almustapha Aliyu, issued the summons during a continued investigative hearing on Thursday, expressing frustration that several government institutions had repeatedly ignored official correspondence and failed to submit documents crucial to the probe.

    Aliyu said the committee would no longer tolerate what he called “an emerging pattern of avoidance” by agencies expected to provide clarity on decades of public spending in the electricity supply industry.

    He directed the agencies to appear no later than 8 December 2025, warning that failure to do so would compel the House to invoke its constitutional powers.

    According to him, the committee had written to the agencies multiple times—starting from 12 November, with follow-up letters on 19 November and subsequent reminders—yet received no acknowledgment or submission. “We are getting increasingly frustrated,” he said. “We cannot pre-empt their reasons for refusing to appear, but these ministries and agencies are critical to the success of this investigation.”

    Members of the committee earlier endorsed a motion urging the chairman to grant a short extension for the agencies to appear while also expanding the mode of communication.

    The lawmakers suggested that invitations be published in the media to ensure no MDA claims ignorance of the summons.

    The chairman upheld the suggestions, announcing that the committee would publish its invitations and also issue fresh letters as a final goodwill gesture before deploying legal instruments under Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution, which empower the National Assembly to compel attendance and demand documents from any person or authority.

    He said the evasions recorded so far risk undermining the probe, which aims to establish how trillions of naira invested in the power sector over 17 years have failed to translate into stable electricity for Nigerians.

    “We cannot continue this way,” Aliyu said. “These agencies must come forward with their records. The Nigerian people deserve answers.”

  • Tinubu’s security recruitment order a turning point in insurgency war – Minister

    Tinubu’s security recruitment order a turning point in insurgency war – Minister

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent directive authorising the recruitment of additional personnel into the Army, Police, and other security agencies will mark a decisive turning point in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.

    The Minister made the remark during an interactive session with All Progressives Congress (APC) support groups at Radio House, Abuja, noting that the President’s new security measures demonstrate the administration’s resolve to restore peace and protect all Nigerians.

    “We are faced with the urgent need to defeat terrorism and banditry and keep the nation safe for everyone, irrespective of their tribe, language, or religion, as guaranteed in our constitution,” he said, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to ending insecurity.

    He also stated that several of the administration’s campaign promises have already been fulfilled.

    According to him, achievements include the implementation of the students’ loan scheme, the removal of fuel subsidy corruption, increased federal allocations to states, the entrenchment of local government autonomy, and the establishment of development commissions across all regions.

    “Our economy has rebounded, our foreign reserve is growing, and inflation is dropping. We have embarked on massive infrastructure development across all sectors and in all six geopolitical zones,” he added.

    Speaking on youth empowerment, the Minister noted that an unprecedented number of young people have been appointed to lead Ministries, Departments, and Agencies under the Tinubu administration. He urged APC support groups to intensify efforts in promoting government programmes and highlighting their impact.

    Leaders of the visiting groups, Mrs. Adenike Abubakar and Dr. Abiola Moshood, pledged continued and unwavering support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu, West African leaders hold emergency virtual meeting on Guinea-Bissau coup

    BREAKING: Tinubu, West African leaders hold emergency virtual meeting on Guinea-Bissau coup

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday joined other Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in an extraordinary virtual summit convened to address the political crisis in Guinea-Bissau, following a coup in the country on Wednesday.

    The emergency meeting, held via Zoom, brought together West African leaders in a rapid diplomatic response to the unfolding situation.

    Meanwhile, the Guinea-Bissau military, which seized power on Wednesday after arresting President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, has announced General Horta Nta Na Man as the head of a transitional government for one year.

    Read Also: Jonathan safe, out of Guinea-Bissau – FG

    A photograph released by the State House Media Department showed President Tinubu participating in the high-level virtual session from Abuja.

    President Tinubu was Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government for two consecutive terms until June 2025, when he handed leadership over to the Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio.

    ECOWAS has been grappling with a resurgence of coups across the region in recent years, and Thursday’s emergency summit signalled the bloc’s resolve to prevent further destabilisation. 

  • Ibadan poised for rapid economic growth, says Olubadan Ladoja

    Ibadan poised for rapid economic growth, says Olubadan Ladoja

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has expressed confidence that Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, will soon experience swift and positive economic transformation.

    He gave the assurance while receiving members of the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Association of Oyo State during a courtesy visit to the Oke Aremo Palace.

    The monarch, a seasoned businessman, said manufacturing remains more profitable than distribution, noting that increased local production would boost wealth creation and expand job opportunities.

    To tackle long-standing challenges facing manufacturing companies in Ibadan, such as inadequate electricity, poor water supply, and bad roads, Oba Ladoja revealed that the Olubadan-in-Council has established an Economic and Investment Committee to proffer practical solutions.

    Read Also: Ladoja elevates five High Chiefs, receives PFN delegation

    Earlier, the founder of the FMCG Oyo State branch, Mrs. Apeke Adeogun, congratulated the monarch on his ascension to the throne and prayed for his continued health and long life.

    She assured him that the association is committed to contributing to the economic progress of Ibadanland.

    In a related visit, the management of JAIZ Bank Plc, Ibadan branch, also paid homage to Olubadan.

    The Group Head, Mr. Ismail Arowolo, pledged the bank’s support for the city’s rapid economic development and for initiatives that empower both corporate organisations and individuals.