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  • Governors, Badaru, Dangote, Otedola, others bid Dantata farewell

    Governors, Badaru, Dangote, Otedola, others bid Dantata farewell

    Governors, eminent politicians, and leading industrialists, including Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, and billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, joined the families in bidding farewell to renowned business icon, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who was buried yesterday in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

    He died in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. He was 94.

    The remains of the late business mogul arrived earlier in the day and were interred at the historic Baqiyya cemetery after Asr (evening) prayer, fulfilling his lifelong wish of being laid to rest in one of Islam’s holiest cities.

    Footage on social media shows the atmosphere in Madinah was solemn yet reflective of a life well-lived, as prayers resonated through the Holy Mosque and the funeral cortege moved towards Baqiyya cemetery under tight but respectful security, attended by hundreds of mourners.

    Alhaji Dantata was one of Nigeria’s most prominent industrialists and patriarch of the famed Dantata business dynasty.

    His burial in Madinah marked the final journey of a man whose generosity, business acumen and vision shaped generations and strengthened Nigeria’s global economic standing.

    Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf; his Jigawa State counterpart, Umar Namadi and the 15th and the 16th  Emirs of Kano, alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and Muhammadu Sanusi II joined the family to honour the late elder statesman.

    Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar led the Federal Government’s delegation. He was accompanied by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, his Information , counterpart, Mohammed Idris, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development. Abdullahi Atah and  Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau .

    Former Governor of Kano State and immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje; former Governor of Jigawa State, Ali Sa’ad Birnin Kudu  and Chairman of the House of Reps Committee on Constitution Review, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, were also in attendance.

    In a rare and highly symbolic gesture, Saudi authorities allowed Governor Abba Yusuf; Governor Umar Namadi and Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, to view the body and offer a final prayer before the Janaza.

    Read Also: Gov. Yusuf leads Kano delegation to Dantata’s funeral in Madina

    The gesture was described as “a rare honour befitting a man of immense spiritual and social stature.”

    Governor Yusuf, told reporters after the burial: “This is a deeply emotional moment for all of us. Alhaji Aminu Dantata was more than a businessman; he was a father figure, a philanthropist, and a guiding light for generations of Nigerians. We pray that Allah grants him the highest rank in Jannatul Firdaus.”

     Namadi, who spoke from the Prophet’s Mosque after the funeral prayer, added that: “On behalf of the government and people of Jigawa State, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family and the entire people of Kano. May Almighty Allah dwell his soul in the most peaceful part of Paradise.”

    The late industrialist’s son, Sanusi , confirmed on his X account that his father’s body arrived safely in Madinah, accompanied from Abu Dhabi by Dangote, who personally escorted the remains alongside Otedola.

    “The body has arrived in Madinah this morning, and the Janazah prayer will be held at the Holy Prophet’s Mosque after the Asr prayer (around 1.30 p.m. Nigeria time). May Allah have mercy on his soul and grant safe return to the family, friends, and well-wishers who travelled to attend the Janazah in Saudi,” Sanusi stated.

    Earlier, the delegation visited the family’s residence at Mobeed Hotel in Madinah to deliver their condolences personally, before proceeding for the funeral rites.

    In an emotional moment, Muhammadu Sanusi II, led a special prayer for the late industrialist, highlighting his lifelong commitment to philanthropy, community development and commerce.

    He remembered the late Dantata as “a beacon of generosity, faith, and vision whose impact extended well beyond business into the heart of society.”

    “His life was a reflection of humility and service. Today, we witness the respect and love he earned in his lifetime. His memory will live on, not only through his family but also through the institutions and people he touched.”

    Eldest son of the deceased, Tajuddeen , expressed profound gratitude for the presence of the dignitaries, describing it as a testament to the love and respect his late father commanded across Nigeria and beyond.

    Dangote and Femi Otedola both thanked the delegation for standing by the family in their moment of loss.

    Otedola, who has long regarded Alhaji Aminu Dantata as a mentor and elder statesman, described his passing as “a monumental loss to Nigeria’s business community and to all who value integrity and vision in leadership.”

    Among other dignitaries in attendance were Chairman of the Kano Business Community, Sabiu Bako; Emir of Karaye, Muhammad Mahraz; prominent business leaders from across Nigeria; and religious scholars who paid tribute to Alhaji Aminu Dantata’s generosity, humility and contributions to Islamic causes.

  • JUST IN: Students protest renaming of Poly Ibadan after ex-Gov Olunloyo

    JUST IN: Students protest renaming of Poly Ibadan after ex-Gov Olunloyo

    Students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan have trooped out en mass to protest the decision of Governor Seyi Makinde to rename the institution after one of his predecessors, late Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo.

    Hundreds of commuters plying the ever-busy Sango-Eleyele Road in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, were stranded as a result of the protest.

    Makinde has few days ago renamed The Polytechnic Ibadan Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan.

    Olunloyo was the first Ibadan person to serve as the Governor of old Oyo State.

    He served between October and December 1983.

    The students in the early hours of Tuesday blocked the entrance gates of the institution.

    They also blocked the ever busy Sango -Eleyele Road.

    This made many commuters, residents and travellers plying the road to be stranded.

    Some staff are also stranded as the majority of them were unable to gain access to the institution.

    Read Also: Controversy over Makinde’s renaming Ibadan Poly after Olunloyo

    The Oyo State Road Transport Management Agency (OYTMA) in a statement by the Executive Chairman, Maj. Adekoya Rtd. enjoined commuters to use alternative routes for their movements pending temporary blockage of the roads.

    He wrote: “The general public are hereby informed of an ongoing student protest at The Polytechnic Ibadan, main Gate, the road in front of the school gate has been temporarily blocked.

    “Motorists heading towards Eleyele, Apete, Ijokodo, and nearby areas axis  from Sango and vice visa are advised to take alternative routes through Dugbe, Mokola or Ajibode to avoid delays and unnecessary confrontation.

    “We appeal to all road users to remain calm, cooperate with traffic officers, and follow all traffic  diversion signs.

    “Thank you for your understanding.“

  • Troops kill 10 terrorists along Nigeria- Cameroon border

    Troops kill 10 terrorists along Nigeria- Cameroon border

    Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Northeast Nigeria in collaboration with the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJNTF) have killed 10 Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during a fierce battle along Rann – Gamboru Ngala axis, close to the Nigeria – Cameroon border.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, revealed this in a statement on Monday night.

    Kangye said the operation was strategically designed and executed to flush out remnants of Boko Haram/ISAWP terrorists operating within the border communities.

    According to him, troops, acting on credible intelligence, “masterfully” stormed the terrorists’ hideout between Rann and Gamboru, resulting in an intense gun battle, where 10 terrorists met their waterloo, as a result of the troops superior firepower.

    Read Also: Troops kill one in fierce encounter with fleeing bandits

    “After the firefight, a huge cache of arms and ammunition were recovered from the scene, including some quantity of anti-aircraft ammunition,” Kangye said. 

    “The operation was part of a broader strategy to dominate the Southern Lake Chad axis and prevent cross-border movement of BH/ISWAP terrorists.”

    He said several arms and ammunition were recovered from the terrorists, which were being subjected to further technical analysis, “while search efforts are ongoing to locate possible escapees and other terrorists’ hideouts in the area.” 

  • Fed Govt offers visa waivers to Eastern Caribbean states

    Fed Govt offers visa waivers to Eastern Caribbean states

    Holders of diplomatic and official passports from Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) may no longer need visas to travel to Nigeria.

    There are seven member of the OECS. These are: Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

    This is courtesy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s waiver proposal.

    The president also  proposed the establishment of a formal Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement between Nigeria and the OECS, aimed at strengthening structured collaboration across key sectors and enhancing the historic ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

    Tinubu broke the news while addressing a special joint session of the Senate and House of Assembly of Saint Lucia at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande Resort.

     He emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to forging deeper partnerships with the OECS and its member states, spanning trade, investment, education, culture, health, and climate resilience.

    “In consideration of the strategic importance that my country attaches to OECS, we have formally established diplomatic relations with Saint Lucia. This diplomatic move is a symbolic bridge that will provide a gateway to fostering ties between us”, Tinubu said.

    READ ALSO: Umar unveils 38 ‘unsung June 12 heroes’ in military

     “To further deepen our partnership, I recommend that our two parties initiate negotiations towards a formal agreement on a joint commission or political consultation—such a framework will provide a structural platform to explore and advance cooperation across a broader range of mutually beneficial areas.”

    The president, who is on a state visit to Saint Lucia, was  received by the Saint Lucian legislature and leaders from across the OECS, including heads of government and representatives from Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, the Premier of Montserrat, Saint Martin, and Saint Vincent.

    Citing Nigeria’s economic reforms and outward-looking strategy since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu said his administration is keen on building strong international partnerships.

    “When I assumed the office of the President of Nigeria in May 2023, my administration embarked on series of economic and social reforms… to put the country on the path of sustainable growth and development,” he noted.

    He explained that the visit to Saint Lucia was in line with Nigeria’s renewed global engagement agenda and an effort “to explore areas of cooperation and collaboration between the Eastern Caribbean States.”

    President Tinubu identified trade and investment as core pillars of potential collaboration, pointing to Nigeria’s economic size and diversity.

    “Nigeria’s vast natural resources and its position as the largest market in Africa present significant opportunity for the OECS, both as a source of essential input and as a growing export destination,” he stated.

    “Together, we can leverage our respective strengths to attract investments, create jobs and foster joint ventures that benefit both our peoples,” the President added.

    He also highlighted the potential for deeper educational and scientific cooperation, advocating exchange programs between Nigerian and OECS maritime universities, saying “such partnerships will build technical capacity, but also foster mutual understanding and long-term academic collaboration”.

    Beyond education, the President called for joint scientific research initiatives to address shared health challenges, as well as climate adaptation strategies.

    “We can deepen our understanding and enhance collective resilience,” he said, referencing joint efforts on climate change, hurricane response, and sustainable agriculture to ensure food security.

    In addition to institutional cooperation, Tinubu called for greater people-to-people engagement through cultural exchanges, tourism, and visa facilitation.

    “It is essential that we invest in cultural and human exchanges that build mutual understanding from the ground up among our peoples,” he said, stressing the importance of heritage awareness among younger generations.

    “In a concrete step towards this goal, Nigeria is open to exploring a visa waiver arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS member states traveling to Nigeria. I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer institutional cooperation”, he announced.

    President Tinubu also pledged to extend Nigeria’s Technical Aide Corps to the OECS countries to support capacity development efforts across key sectors.

    “We will provide skilled professionals to support capacity building efforts across all sectors in your region,” he said.

    In a goodwill gesture, the President offered full tuition scholarships to students from OECS countries, stating: “I will establish full scholarship tuition for students of OECS.”

    Quoting both Marcus Garvey and an African proverb, Tinubu concluded with a call for unity, mutual support, and long-term partnership between Nigeria and the Eastern Caribbean region.

    “Let us journey together, united in purpose and fortified by our common heritage. Africa belongs to all of us. We need to continue to promote that”, he urged.

    President  Tinubu and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre of Saint Lucia have pledged to establish formal diplomatic relations between their two nations, marking a new chapter in Africa-Caribbean engagement.

    The commitment was made during President Tinubu’s courtesy visit to the Prime Minister’s residence in Castries on  Sunday. It was  the second day of his  visit to the Caribbean Island nation.

    Welcoming the Nigerian delegation, Prime Minister Pierre hailed the ongoing bilateral discussions as promising and said both sides were enthusiastic about the prospects of closer cooperation.

    “There is an air of enthusiasm and optimism about the future of relations between our countries,” he said.

    President Tinubu thanked the government and people of Saint Lucia for their warm reception and hospitality. He described Saint Lucians as “valued friends and brothers,” and emphasized the cultural and historical bonds between Nigeria and the Caribbean.

    “Our two nations are bound by history, culture, and common aspirations. We are determined to nurture and expand this relationship,” the Nigerian leader said.

    He affirmed that efforts currently underway would serve as a foundation for broader cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchange.

    These efforts, he added, would also help to improve consular services for citizens of both countries.

    “This is a bridge between Africa and the Caribbean, a pathway to deepen economic ties and foster mutual understanding. It reflects our desire to advance prosperity, solidarity, and sustainable development,” Tinubu said.

    The Prime Minister also spotlighted Saint Lucia’s emerging global cultural identity, citing the internationally acclaimed Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival as a model of cultural diplomacy with potential for partnership.

    “There is much that we can share with Nigeria as it seeks to establish itself as a centre for global entertainment, particularly in the film and music industries. Moreover, there is incredible potential for people-to-people exchange”, Pierre noted.

    Pierre lauded Nigeria’s historic achievements in higher education and praised Tinubu’s visit to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College as a significant gesture.

    He said the visit aligned with his government’s ambitious education policy, which aims to ensure that every household in Saint Lucia has at least one university graduate.

    “Nigeria’s accomplishments in higher education are historical and well known. Our distinguished Nobel Laureate, after whom the College was named, postulated that the key to development lay in education,” the Prime Minister said.

    The Saint Lucian leader also took a broader view of international affairs, pointing to the shifting nature of global power dynamics and the need for stronger South-South cooperation.

    “Your visit comes at a time of heightened global insecurity and fundamental shifts in the exercise of power by the major powers in the Global North. There is growing uncertainty about the basis and motivation underlying international relationships”, he said.

  • No community too small to enjoy democracy dividends, Tinubu assures Nigerians

    No community too small to enjoy democracy dividends, Tinubu assures Nigerians

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday said no Nigerian community was too small to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

    Tinubu said the inauguration of the newly constructed Giri District access roads was a testament to his administration’s commitment to opening up rural communities.       

     He praised FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for making the Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA) meaningful to rural dwellers.

     The President, represented at the inauguration by   House of Representatives Speaker  Tajudeen Abbas,  said history will never forget Wike for taking governance closer to  FCT  residents.

    READ ALSO: Four things to know about St Lucia as Tinubu visits Caribbean nation

    He said: “From the vast-spaced districts of Maitama, Jahi, Katampe, Wuye, Mabushi and the likes, to the towns of Gwagwalada, Kwali, Bwari and Abaji, and the growing communities of Kabusa, Ketti and now Giri district, your leadership has brought progress closer to the people.

    “You have not only embraced the visions of my administration’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, you have localised it, made it meaningful and made it real.

    “Your actions have brought quality and excellence to the dual states of communities long laid in the shadows.

    ‘’These newly constructed access roads are not just infrastructural achievements, but statements of intent, the intention to open up Giri District and the FCT.

     “Honourable minister, on behalf of myself, my administration and the good people of the FCT, I say thank you for reminding us that good governance is not about fanfare, but about footsteps.  Continue to shine your light, Nigeria sees it, and history will record it.

    ‘’This administration, no community is too small, area too distant and citizen too insignificant to benefit from the dividends of democracy.

     “To the contractors, the engineers, the labourers and the community leaders who supported this process, you have all played a part in building not just roads, but trust between the government and its people. 

    “And to the residents of Giri, I say may these roads lead you to greater opportunities. May they carry your children to school, farmers to markets, families to healthcare and dreams to reality.

    ‘’As your President, I’m proud of what we celebrate here and even more committed to seeing more of such milestones replicated across the nation.

     “I stand before you, not only to inaugurate a road, but also to express a deep and heartfelt appreciation to the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom  Wike, a man whose quiet diligence and visionary leadership have continued to transform the landscape of the Federal Capital Territory. 

    ‘’The roads we inaugurate here in Giri District are more than accessible. They are bridges of inclusion, signals of recognition and instruments of national unity. They remind us that development must reach the outskirts just as it touches the surface.

    “Honourable minister, your words speak for themselves in every corner of the FCT.’’ 

     Earlier,   Wike accused the authorities of the University of Abuja(now Yakubu Gowon) of land grabbing.

    Wike said he has directed the FCT Director of Land to give them 4,000 hectares out of 11,000 hectares that it had already fenced. 

    He said: “The university, on its own, grabbed 11,000 hectares. No document, nothing. I said that would not happen.

    “What you see there is fencing everywhere. Before you know it, they will sell our land.

    “I have told the Director of Land and relevant agencies to carve out 4,000 hectares and give to the university.

    This road being inaugurated  has helped us to stop the land grabbing by the university.’’

     The minister said the Giri access roads would open up the district where many institutions are domiciled.

  • Ganduje’s replacement likely at July 24 APC NEC’s meeting

    Ganduje’s replacement likely at July 24 APC NEC’s meeting

    A replacement for former All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje may be picked on July 24 during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting it was learnt yesterday.

    The decision to hold a meeting on that day was taken at yesterday’s emergency National Working Committee (NWC) meeting at the party secretariat in Abuja.

    The meeting was presided over by Acting National Chairman, Dr. Ali Bukar Dalori, who has taken following Friday’s shock resigantiion by Ganduje.

    The former Kano State governor resigned less than two years in the saddle.

    Ganduje said he left the job with immediate effect to enable him attend to his heath.

    Dalori said while in-charge, attention will be given to party discipline, reconciliation, communication, member mobilisation, and broader stakeholder engagement.

    The acting chairman, who was Deputy National Chairman (North), assured party leaders and members of his readiness to serve, promising to ensure the unity and progress.

    He acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor and promised to steer the party with transparency and a deep sense of purpose.

    He eulogised Ganduje, saying he provided experienced leadership, steadfast commitment, and a clear sense of direction.

    “On behalf of the entire APC family, I express our heartfelt gratitude to him and wish him full recovery and strength as he focuses on his health and personal well-being,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Umar unveils 38 ‘unsung June 12 heroes’ in military

    “It is a responsibility I embrace with full awareness of the challenges ahead and the expectations of millions of our members and supporters across the nation.

    “As someone who has served faithfully within this party and as a longstanding member of the NWC, I assure you of my dedication to carrying out this role with transparency, inclusiveness, and unity of purpose,” he said.

    Appreciating his colleagues in NWC for their loyalty and support, he stressed the need for the committee to work together as partners in the collective task of safeguarding the party’s unity, discipline, and direction.

    Dalori said: “This is a period for consolidation, not conflict. For maturity, not division. And for vision, not personal ambition.

    “We must keep our eyes on the bigger picture: delivering good governance to the Nigerian people, deepening democracy within our party structures, and preparing for the future with clarity and determination.

    “As we head toward 2027, we must begin now to strengthen our internal processes, reconnect with our grassroots, and re-energise our structures across all levels.”

    The acting chairman reaffirmed the NWC’s unwavering support for the bold reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He said: “The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a campaign slogan; it is a living roadmap that is already addressing fundamental challenges in our economy, security, and national cohesion.

    “The APC remains the political vehicle to drive this transformation, and we will stand by the president in full loyalty and partnership.

    “To all party members and stakeholders, I urge us to stay united.

    “Political transitions often create uncertainty, but we must not allow it to breed disunity.

    “We must avoid actions and words that divide us and focus on what binds us — our shared belief in the promise of Nigeria and the future of the APC…

    “I appeal to each and every one of you — let us renew our commitment to the APC. Let us work together with sincerity, courage, and faith in our mission.”

    “Let us honour the past, serve the present, and prepare for a brighter future — as one united and determined APC family.”

    In attendance were the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru; Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter; National Vice Chairman (Southsouth), Victor Giadom; National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Isaacs Kekemeke; National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Muhammed Arugungu; National Vice Chairman (Southeast), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu; National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel and National Leader Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), Are Tolu Bankole.

    Others were Deputy Women Leader, Zainab Ibrahim; Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Durometer Meseko; National Treasurer, Matthew Oguru; National Auditor, Senator Mohammed Maikafi; National Vice Chairman (Northwest), Mohammed Datti; National Welfare Secretary, Donatus Nwapa; National Legal Adviser, Prof. Abdulkadir Kana; National Vice Chairman (Northcentral), Muazu Bawa Rijau; National Women Leader, Dr. Mary Alile; and National Vice Chairman (Northeast), Dr. Salihu Mustapha.

  • PDP recognises Anyanwu as national secretary

    PDP recognises Anyanwu as national secretary

    The showdown expected at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat between two camps who were at daggers drawn ended as an anticlimax yesterday.

    On Sunday, the split National Working Committee (NWC), each backed by governors and elders, scheduled two meetings for the same venue.

    They took different positions on who the National Secretary of the party is, and whether the 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting would be held.

    However, it ended in a peaceful agreement.

    The Board of Trustees (BoT), whose chairman Senator Adolphus Nwabara spat fire on Sunday in opposition to Senator Samuel Anyanwu as secretary, retreated to a meeting at the Yar’Aduna Centre.

    Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo State) and Peter Mbah (Enugu), backing the anti-Anyanwu group against the position of the others, met at the Bauchi State Governors Lodge.

    In the end, all came together to attend the enlarged caucus and stakeholders meeting called by Acting National Chairman Iliya Damagun at the secretariat.

    At the end of the meeting, two critical decisions were taken – the recognition of Anyanwu as National Secretary and fixing of July 23 as the date for the 100th NEC meeting.

    The NEC meeting will approve the convention date and set up machinery for it.

    READ ALSO: Four things to know about St Lucia as Tinubu visits Caribbean nation

    At the meeting were Governors Makinde, Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa); former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Senator Seriake Dickson, Prof. Jerry Gana, Sunday Udeh-Okoye, Chief Eddy Olafeso, and Chief Ali Odefa.

    Others were Senator Ben Obi, Chief Bode George, Mrs Josephine Annenih, Hajia Inna Ciroma, Chief Jones Onyereri and Chief Austin Nwachukwu from Ebonyi State, who is the chairman of the Forum of the 37 states and Abuja PDP chairmen.

    The meeting was also attended by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, House of Representatives Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda; members of the PDP National Working Committee, Secretary of the Board of Trustees and former PDP Chairman, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, current and former national principal officers of the party, current and former principal officers of National Assembly, deputy national officers of the PDP, many state chairmen, National Ex-Officio members, BOT members, immediate past governorship candidates.

    The National Organising Secretary,  Captain Bature Umar, described the attendance as broad-based.

    He said: “For this meeting, we have accredited 25 national officers, 10 governors, 37 state chairmen, 19 senators, 22 members of the House of Representatives, 31 former principal officers, 33 former governors, 34 former NEC members,  56 members of the Board of Trustees and 30 national ex-officio members, totalling 320 persons accredited for this meeting.”

    Damagum told reporters that he and Anyanwu will sign a formal notice for the next NEC.

    He said: “So, to our detractors who thought this meeting would go off course or perhaps, be the end of the party, the beauty of the PDP is that it is the only party in this country that has the mechanism to resolve its own problems democratically.

    “As you can see, all our governors attended the meeting, and all members of the NWC are on the same page.

    “So, you will no longer be seeing all these press releases and counter-press releases.”

    He explained that the proposed enlarged National Caucus and NEC meetings gave way for the stakeholders’ meeting, following the consultations that heralded consensus-building.

    Bauchi Governor Mohammed, who thanked his colleagues and state party chairmen, said  PDP had overcome its problems.

    He added: “This is a miracle of the PDP, the party that has history, that has the pedigree and the human capital to deliver Nigeria.

    “We have been engrossed in controversies and challenges, not created by us, but created for us, and we have been discussing and making progress, unlike the other parties, irrespective of the manifestations and the perceptions there.

    “The news of people leaving the party is all cosmetic. It will not diminish us.

    “I must thank the leaders and all the organs of the party, especially the BoT, the caucuses of the National Assembly, and most importantly, my colleagues and the NWC.

    “I must tell the world that the NWC has collapsed all differences, all wrangling.

    “They met before this meeting. What you have been seeing in terms of press releases has stopped, and you will not see them again, and that is what the BoT chairman is telling you.

    “We are all on the same page. There is no excuse for coalition, no excuse to form any stakeholders’ meeting other than that of the NWC.”

    The chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, said the party would survive the plots of its enemies to sabotage it.

    He said: “I have always contended that this party will never die, no matter what her detractors feel.

    “This party will never die, and we thank the NWC for coming together once again, believing that Nigerians have enormous faith and hope in the PDP.

    “What is happening here today will shock so many people and I’m sure they will start planning again to bring problems; NWC, don’t allow a crack anymore, because once they now see us coming together, they will wonder why, what happened, who is the native doctor that made this possible, because they do not believe in God. They will start doing something else to destabilise us.”

    Senator Moro and Chinda affirmed their colleagues’ commitment to unity and peace in the party.

    Heavy security at secretariat

    Security men, comprising the Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), arrived at the party’s national headquarters with their trucks and barricaded the roads leading to the entrance of the secretariat.

    They also chased away suspected thugs who had earlier arrived at the secretariat.

    Some BoT members who came to the secretariat were also denied access to the building.

    One of the security agents hinted that they were deployed to maintain peace by not allowing any of the meetings to be held at the secretariat.

    Some of the BoT members denied entrance into the premises including Maina Chiroma and Chief George.

    A former National Secretary of the party, Mr Umar Tsauri, who was also denied access, said the security operatives claimed that they were acting by ‘order from above’.

    George described the activities of the security agents as ”madness” that must be avoided.

    Police deny action

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command denied that the party’s office was sealed.

    According to a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, police officers were only deployed to the venue to maintain law and order and ensure public safety in line with the constitutional mandate.

    She said: “The FCT Police Command is aware of the news making rounds alleging that police sealed off the PDP Secretariat in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

    “The Command wishes to categorically state that this information is false, misleading, and does not reflect the true situation on ground.

    “Police officers were only deployed to the venue to maintain law and order and ensure public safety in line with their constitutional mandate.

    “At no time was the Secretariat sealed off by the police.”

  • BREAKING: APC NEC meeting holds on July 24

    BREAKING: APC NEC meeting holds on July 24

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has scheduled July 24 for a crucial National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to nominate a new national chairman.

    The meeting follows the resignation of former chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje last Friday.

    Read Also: 2027: Delta Central APC women endorse Tinubu, Oborevwori as candidates

    In the interim, Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, was appointed as Acting National Chairman and formally assumed office on Monday.

    Speaking to reporters after an emergency NWC meeting at the party’s national secretariat, Deputy National Secretary, Barrister Festus Fuanter, confirmed the NEC meeting date and said a formal notice has already been sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Details shortly…

  • JUST IN: Dalori chairs APC NWC meeting

    JUST IN: Dalori chairs APC NWC meeting

    The acting National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori has fully taken charge of the party’s highest administrative organ.

    He is holding meeting with members of the National Working Committee (NWC) at the party’s National secretariat in Abuja. 

    He was appointed on Friday following the  resignation of the former National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

    At the meeting are the National Secretary,  Senator Ajibola Bashiru; Deputy National Secretary – Barrister Festus Fuanter; National Vice Chairman (South South) – Hon. Victor Giadom; National Vice Chairman (South West) – Hon. Isaacs Kekemeke; National Organising – Alhaji Muhammed Suleiman Arugungu; National Vice Chairman (South East) Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu; National Youth Leader – Dayo Israel and the National Leader Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) – Are Tolu Bankole.

    Read Also: Dalori in as Ganduje quits APC chair on health grounds

    Others in attendance  are Deputy Women Leader – Hon.Zainab Ibrahim, Deputy National Publicity Secretary – Hon. Durometer Meseko, National Treasurer – Matthew Oguru, National  Auditor – Sen. Mohammed Maikafi, National Vice Chairman (North West) Hon. Mohammed Datti, National Welfare Secretary – Hon. Donatus Nwapa, National Legal Adviser – Prof. Abdulkadir Kana and National Vice Chairman (North Central) Hon. Muazu Bawa Rijau.

    Details shortly…

  • JUST IN: Jubilation as Shinkafi Volunteer Forces kill bandit commander in Zamfara

    JUST IN: Jubilation as Shinkafi Volunteer Forces kill bandit commander in Zamfara

    Details have emerged on how notorious bandit kingpin Kachalla Yellow Danbokolo died at the weekend  in Zamfara State after an earlier gun battle with Shinkafi Volunteer Forces in the State. 

    Danbokolo’s death is being wildly celebrated in Zamfara State and many parts of the Northwest States as many locales know him as the leader of Bello  and the most dreaded bandit in the zone, even more dangerous than his cousin, Bello Turji, whom they describe as a mere spokesperson. 

    Security sources said Danbokolo and more than 173 bandits were killed after the blistering surprise attack  by the volunteer forces.

    The sources could, however, neither  confirm nor deny the role of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the recent onslaughts which has greatly decimated the bandits, stating that the secret police has rather maintained shealth mode in these operations, “covert assault.”

    According to the sources, Danbokolo, who sustained serious gun injuries during the attack, died over the weekend and was buried on Saturday. His death and that of several fighters loyal to him were reportedly being celebrated, particularly by residents of Kurya District in Shinkafi LGA, whom he had terrorised for yesrs.

    One villager said: “We are in serious celebrations mood. It is hard to believe that Danbokolo, a man whose name used  to strike fear in our hearts, is no more. I can authoritatively tell you that Danbokolo is the man behind the mask. He is the overall Commander. Turji merely communicates, while dreaded Danbokolo is the executioner of all the evil. 

    “Not only Danbokolo was killed, at least, 173 bandits, loyal to him have been killed and buried within the week and several of them have fled the community. We see them running away after every raid on their hideouts,” he said.

    Another resident confirmed that “known loyalists of Turji are now in a state of fear and confusion, and that some are now seeking  to  surrender as they see the end in sight.”

    He said: “This is the first time we believe that these bandits will soon be gone for good. Bello Turji has no hiding place. Knowing that his days are numbered, he and some of his foot soldiers have begun to desperately beg for amnesty. “

    These strikes by the volunteer forces on Turji’s main stronghold are the first since the onset of organised banditry in the region. 

    It has devastated the bandits including the death of Danbokolo, who residents believe is the Commander of terror. While DSS has remained silent, these volunteers, however, keep referencing support from the Agency.

    The source also retaliated that locals in the area have been massively jubilating following the killings, with most farmers expressing the hope that they won’t have to pay taxes to bandits in this farming season.

    They thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinibu for the intervention.