The Nation Newspaper

Category: Featured

  • Why I may not contest again after 2027, by Peter Obi

    Why I may not contest again after 2027, by Peter Obi

    The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has explained why he may not be able to contest for presidency after 2027.

    He said the 2027 general elections may be his final shot at the presidency.

    Obi confirmed he would contest in 2027 on the LP’s platform and hinted at a possible exit from active politics after that.

    He spoke in a seven-minute, 16-second video clip that has since gone viral. Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, confirmed the video saying “it was recent.”

    Obi explained that he would be 65 in 2027 and might not be willing to pursue public office beyond that age.

    READ ALSO: Security sector at Tinubu’s mid-term

    He said: “I believe we should have a retirement age for politicians. By 2027, I will be 65.

    “If the presidency goes back to the North in 2031, it may not return to the South until 2039 — by then, I will be 77. I wouldn’t want to run for office at that age. It would make a mess of everything”

    Obi assured his audience of continued support for young Nigerians who are serious about national transformation.

    “Even if I’m not contesting, I will always support those of you who are committed to real change, with whatever resources I can provide,” he stated.

  • Atiku, Obi, Amaechi at coalition talks

    Atiku, Obi, Amaechi at coalition talks

    • Malami, Babachir pledge support

    A group of Northern political elite may have thrown their weight behind a proposed national coalition movement to be led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

    The Nation gathered that the decision was reached at a meeting by the politicians under the aegis of the  National Political Consultative Group (North-NPCG), in Abuja yesterday.

    At the meeting, which was said to be non-partisan, were Atiku;  Datti Baba-Ahmed, Peter Obi; former  Justice Minister Abubakar Malami; and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)  Babachir Lawal.

    Erstwhile Minister of State for  Solid Minerals, Abu Bwari and former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Vice Chairman (North-West), Salihu Lukman, among other Northern political leaders were at the meeting that lasted over four hours.

    Obi, former Rivers Governor  Rotimi Ameachi and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees Chairman   Adolphus Wabara were also at the meeting to show solidarity with the group. 

    The Nation learnt that former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, who hosted Atiku in Ilesa at the weekend, joined the meeting virtually.

    The attendees kept sealed lips when approached by reporters after the meeting. However,  it was gathered that the formation of a coalition to present a formidable candidate against  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 topped their talks.

    READ ALSO: One day with President Tinubu

    A member of the group, who did not want his name in print, said they met to further consolidate North’s position ahead of the 2027 general election and to seek the support of like-minded individuals across the  “ South. ‘’

    He said: “Today’s (yesterday) meeting was essentially to review the position of our (North) region ahead of the 2027 general election as regards the coalition movement.

    ‘’We extended invitations to like-minded  persons or  leaders from the Southern part of the country.” 

    He, however, assured that ‘’a formal statement on the outcome of the meeting will be made available tomorrow (today). 

    Obi to North: vote for competence in 2027

      Obi, according to a statement by the Obi Media Outreach after the meeting, urged the North to vote for competence and capacity in 2027.

    He was also said to have described the North as the ‘’future and huge asset’’ of the country.

    According to the statement by Ibrahim Umar, the former LP presidential candidate, pointed out that crimes and insecurity in the North are caused by poverty.

    He advised the region to invest more in education because it is the easiest way to tackle the menace.

    Obi also noted that the North had for long voted for religion and tribe.

    He called on the electorate in the region to begin to vote for ‘’competence and capacity.’’

     The former governor also underscored the importance of trust among Nigerians to be able to tackle the myriad of problems facing the nation.

    Drawing an inference from some successful agrarian nations like Bangladesh and the Netherlands, Obi said the North has more potential than they.

    He stated that what was lacking in the North was good governance, good policies and implementation.

    Former Justice Minister Malami was said to have bemoaned the security situation in the North and called for a platform to address the challenge.

  • Wike’s walk back on peace deal sinks PDP deeper in confusion

    Wike’s walk back on peace deal sinks PDP deeper in confusion

    • Minister indicts Governor Makinde

    • Anyanwu shifts tomorrow’s NEC meeting 

     Two developments yesterday threw the crisis-ridden Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into more turbulence.

    Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike pulled out of the peace deal with the governors of the party.

    Disputed National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu shifted tomorrow’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

    Anyanwu, relying on his recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), declared as illegal the notice of meeting signed by Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo.

    He said a new date for the meeting fixed by the governors in conjunction with the National Working Committee (NWC) to kick-start the rebuilding process ahead of the early convention in August, will be announced.

    Another setback for the party is the expected closure today of its National Secretariat in Abuja by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) over non-payment of ground rent for over ten years.

    Wike, in a statement yesterday in which he explained the efforts to strike a peace deal, announced his exit from the plan and vowed to fight on until justice is served.

    He accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of obstructing the peace process after reneging on the agreement to sustain Anyanwu in office as national secretary in line with the judgment of the Supreme Court.

    Wike explained that he had pulled out of the reconciliation and repudiated agreements critical to the resolution of the lingering crisis, vowing to “fight on until justice is attained.”

    He described Makinde as the architect of the current crisis, recalling that he had told the Oyo governor that “non-adherence to agreements reached was the bane of the party, and that he was the chief culprit of this anomaly”.

    Wike said in a statement titled “PDP Crisis: My Position” that the peace terms were violated by Makinde.

    The statement reads: “Since the 2023 general election, the PDP has been wantonly swinging from one part of a slippery precipice to another, owing fundamentally to dishonesty and lack of trust amongst its key stakeholders.

    “To stem this ugly trend, efforts have been made to arrest this pernicious virus of dishonesty and treachery and enthrone fidelity to agreements with a view to stabilising the party and moving it forward.

    “To this end, a meeting of the G5 was held in Lagos. In that meeting, I made it clear to the Governor of Oyo State, HE. Seyi Makinde, that he was the architect of our problems, pointing out to him that non-adherence to agreements reached was the bane of the party, and that he was the chief culprit of this anomaly.

    READ ALSO: Security sector at Tinubu’s mid-term

    “At the end of the meeting, we resolved to bury the hatchet and make progress.

    “As a follow-up to the aforementioned meeting, there was an expanded meeting in Abuja involving HE. Seyi Makinde, HE. Umaru Fintri, HE. Bala Mohammed, HE, Bukola Saraki, and I in Saraki’s guest house.

    “In that meeting, I made it clear that I had no personal problems with HE. Bala Mohammed, except that he hides under the facade of Chairman of PDP Governors Forum to serially renege on agreements.

    “Tension rose mightily in the meeting, and it took all concerned to calm frayed nerves.

    “At the end of the meeting, we came to some resolutions, including: that Senator Anyanwu remains the National Secretary of the PDP in tandem with the Supreme Court judgment, all legal matters relating to Rivers State must be withdrawn by the National Legal Adviser, the suit on the state of emergency be withdrawn forthwith, and nobody should deviate from the agreements so reached.

    “In the light of the foregoing, they pleaded with me to attend the stakeholders’ meeting at the Bauchi Government Lodge, regardless of my many engagements.

    “I attended the meeting and clearly reiterated my earlier concerns, and to this end and in order to resolve all other lingering and pending issues, a committee was formed, headed by HE. Bukola Saraki.

    “It is disheartening to note that even before the Bukola Saraki Reconciliation Committee began its work, the gentleman’s agreement we reached at Saraki’s Guest House was already being crudely violated.

    “To my chagrin, Seyi Makinde had connived with Peter Mba of Enugu State to orchestrate the summoning of the meeting of so-called Southeast leaders to recommend that if Ude Okoye was not adopted as Secretary, they would pull out of the PDP.

    “I have since granted an interview to the effect that the resolution of the Southeast leaders can not hold.

    “Again, Makinde organised some people in the National Secretariat to insist that the Deputy National Secretary should act as National Secretary, in violation of the agreement earlier reached.

    “To attempt to give credence to this farce, a letter was written by the Deputy National Secretary calling for a meeting of the NEC of the party.

    “Furthermore, the letter confirming the candidacy of the governorship candidate of the party in the forthcoming governorship elections in Anambra State, duly signed by the National Secretary, Senator Anyanwu and the acting National Chairman, was portrayed as rejected by the party through a rebuttal letter signed by the National Publicity Secretary, acting on the orders of Makinde and Peter Mba.

    “All these actions are in complete violation of the agreements reached and would not do the party any good whatsoever.

    “On the 24th of May 2025, in Jos, for instance, a well-publicised and properly attended zonal elective congress of the PDP was aborted because the letter inviting INEC to the congress was signed by the Deputy National Secretary of the party.

    “INEC refused to attend because the proper signatory recognised by law, that is Senator Anyanwu, was not a signatory to the invitation notice. This is undeniably distasteful, provocative and annoying, to say the least.

    “I have painstakingly put out all these facts so that PDP members and the general public would know the truth.

    “I have been in this party since 1998 and have worked tirelessly for the survival of this party with all my strength, and it is on record that none of these persons have done anything close to what I have done to sustain this party.

    “What is more painful is that I contributed substantially to most of these governors winning their elections, yet I have not made any personal demands on any of them, and I would never do so.

    “Most importantly, I had thought that we could keep the trust amongst us, but since it is now obvious that they would continue to play games to the detriment of the party, as is the case in the current debacle in the Northcentral zonal elections, I have now firmly decided to pull out of all agreements hitherto reached. I have decided to fight on until justice is attained.”

    Makinde declined to comment last night. When contacted, his special adviser on media, Sulaiman Olanrewaju, simply said: “Mr. Governor has no comment.”

    Anyanwu’s hand was strengthened by INEC’s refusal to monitor the Northcentral PDP congress because the invitation to them was not signed by Anyanwu. 

    In the letter titled: ‘Postponement of the 99th NEC meeting,” Anyanwu warned against the violation of the PDP Constitution and the 2022 Electoral Act.

    The letter reads: “This is to formally inform leaders and members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great party that the proposed NEC meeting earlier announced to take place on May 27, 2025, has been postponed.

    “The postponement is to allow Senator Bukola Saraki’s Reconciliation Committee to complete its assignment of resolving some internal conflicts necessary to have a peaceful NEC meeting.

    “Accordingly, a new date will be formally announced in accordance with the PDP Constitution 2017, as amended, and the Electoral Act, 2022.

    “Therefore, any notice of NEC meeting or publication signed by the Deputy National Secretary in the guise of Acting National Secretary is illegal, unauthorised and should be disregarded.”

    Emergency BoT meeting today

    PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said an emergency meeting of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) is expected to be held today to resolve the crisis threatening tomorrow’s NEC meeting.

    He also urged NEC members to disregard the directive from Anyanwu, saying that the NEC meeting would be held as scheduled.

    The PDP Governors’ Forum on April 14 set the date for the meeting, which was subsequently ratified by the NWC.

    The governors also fixed August for an early convention to elect new national officers.

    At another meeting this month, the governors and the NWC set up the Bukola Sakari strategy committee to prepare grounds for a hitch-free NEC meeting and the convention.

    However, fears were rife at the weekend about the likely enforcement of the takeover of the PDP’s rented national headquarters at Wadata Plaza and the uncompleted 12-storey new building in the Central Area in Abuja.

    Also, there are feelers that pro-Anyanwu youths may storm the NEC meeting to protest moves by the party leaders to prevent him from playing his statutory roles.

    A letter by a chieftain, Odih Rowland, to the Acting Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, warned against manipulation and politics of exclusion by PDP leaders.

    It reads: “We write to express our deep concern and disappointment regarding the ongoing developments within our party.

    “We are compelled to state that if Senator Anyanwu, the National Secretary, does not participate in or sign for the NEC meeting scheduled for May 27th, we will mobilise our members to occupy the party secretariat.

    “We are tired of the perceived manipulation by certain governors, particularly the Governors of Enugu and Oyo States.

    “As loyal members who have laboured for this party for over 22 years, we cannot sit idly by while others seek to undermine our party’s integrity.

    “We hereby serve notice to the NWC that if our concerns are not addressed, we will be left with no option but to immediately occupy the party’s national secretariat on May 27th.”

    “We are prepared to defend the integrity of this great party with everything we’ve got.

    “We harbour no fear, but stand firmly in defence of our party’s principles and Senator Anyanwu’s tenure as National Secretary.

    “We reiterate that the only legitimate ways to remove national officers are through convention or death.

    “Since Senator Anyanwu is healthy and alive, we will stand with him until his tenure ends in December.”

  • One day with President Tinubu

    One day with President Tinubu

    The suave Ambassador Adekunle Adeleke, the State Chief of Protocol, walked into the waiting room and said the president asked for me. The inner caucus of the presidential staff were in the scribe’s office, including the chief security officer, Adegboyega Fasasi and personal assistant Kamorudeen Yusuf. Swathed in a sunny smile was the country’s First Physician, Dr. Ade Tinubu, who has only one patient: the First Citizen.

    After exchange of pleasantries, including Yusuf’s affable jibe at my fila, I was ushered into the president’s office. Poring over a document, President Bola Tinubu did not know my shadow was before him. Principal Private Secretary Hakeem Muri-Okunola welcomed me in and the president heard, looked up, smiled and offered me a handshake and I sat. He continued reading. Muri-Okunola, popularly known as HMO, informed me the president was absorbed in his daily briefings. Private secretary Adedamilotun Aderemi was beside him.

    I asked him how often he received the briefing. HMO said Monday through Sunday, with a chuckle. Prepared every day, the briefing was sometimes oral, but often both oral and written. The office is smaller than most ministers’ offices with its understated elegance.

    Once he stopped reading, I posed a question to him about security in Plateau State.

    “The Plateau State governor was here last night,” he remarked, and he reeled out an idea he was mulling to Mutfwang to put the guns at bay and bring peace and plenty to the Plateau. The idea is at gestation, disruptive and out of the box.

    “I was not in the battleground, but I didn’t sleep,” he said glumly about the bloodbath in the region.

    We veered into agriculture, and his face lit up as he announced a Brazilian $2.5 billion investment in livestock. Feasibility studies had advanced for ranching.  He praised Livestock Minister Mukhtar Maiha, who is mooing well with his new job.

    “We are bringing in 2,000 tractors into the country,” he said. Just then National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu walked in, and quipped, “Hi Sam. Mr. President, how did he get into town and he went through my security net?” The president smiled, and Ribadu sat down, and the dialogue went into a plan to make cattle wear chips, to monitor, tame herdsmen violence and cattle rustling.

    The president remarked that the 33 items were too many before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting scheduled to hold in a moment. The unwieldy number could chip away at rigorous exchange and debate. He was working a mechanism to beat down the number so any item that escaped his eye or FEC did not end up in fraud. The Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, also entered and we exchanged greetings.

    Just then, Vice President Kashim Shettima entered, and he, too, was surprised to see me. He had a warm exchange with the president and thanked the Jagaban for his help.

    The cabinet was seated, and the president rose, and I followed his retinue to the chamber meeting, next door.

    Before deliberations and after the national anthem, President Tinubu swore in a commissioner for INEC and members of the Code of Conduct Bureau. Three absentees: FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi and Foreign Affairs Minister of State, Bianca Ojukwu.

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume was the scribe, and the president was addressed as Mr. Chairman. The meeting started in earnest with a memo from the president himself about insurance for key officers. But Creative Economy Minister Hanatu Musawa’s memo was the next to be read by Akume, about $100 billion programme.

    The president highlighted the Wole Soyinka Theatre, which he described as “a diamond in the rough,” and great revenue potential given its environment. Since her memo did not draw from the public till, the president said it was approved.

    Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had a few also that received approval but not before the president adverted to the antelope snafu at the Asaba Airport.

    Drama did not come until Works Minister Dave Umahi’s turn. Before that, he seconded virtually all proposals before his own memos. Of course, those of Education Minister Tunji Alausa, Health Minister Mohammed Ali Pate and Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari, among others had smooth sails.

    Pate’s memo resonated with the public private partnership to domesticate production of essential drugs to cut import cost and choke the market for fake and adulterated medicines.

    He drew applause for his honour as one of Time Magazine’s 100 influential persons. Kyari updated the president that of the 2,000 tractors anticipated, half had arrived.

    Umahi’s list was longer than anyone else, covering roads in all regions. He announced that 19 projects were ready for commissioning, and 25 others by December. Section one of the East-West Road, a section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road awaited the blare of traffic.

    Some roads in the Southwest raised some concern. They included the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa road, the Sagamu-Ore-Benin Road and the Ekiti-Akure-Benin road. The third generated a response from Solid  Mineral Development  Minister Dele Alake when he said, for 30 years, it had suffered neglect, and he “wholeheartedly support(ed) the memo.” The president asked, “are you sure” he has plied that road? And he said yes, eliciting laughter.

    Alausa observed that the Sagamu-Ore-Benin road was not only a deathtrap, it had many industries there, making it both a safety and economic urgency.  The Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Road, said Umahi, was emphasized when First Lady Oluremi Tinubu passed it in her visit to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). This essayist also drove through it a week ago when I visited OAU for a reading of my new novel, Juju Eyes. It took me an hour to return to Ibadan but two hours from Ibadan to Ife.

    All three projects were approved.

    But Umahi drew swords with Wale Edun, Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister of the Economy, when Edun said quite a few firms were prepared to bankroll the projects.

    Umahi threw the first salvo earlier, a comment that jolted the amiable air of the meeting.

     “Since Edun does not like to release money…” But Edun gave no riposte until Umahi had completed his presentation. Umahi said handing the projects over to bankrollers would mire the country in legal obligations because of the contract terms. It was a tense exchange between both men.

    “I won’t sign my pen on any such matter,” Umahi said.

    “You have a bad handwriting,” the president said sarcastically.

    Umahi said he would like to rest and he did not want such matters to keep him up at night.

    “You want to rest?” asked the president.

    “No sir. I mean after eight years. That’s what I mean, sir. I want to rest just like the president after eight years.”

    A laughter across the hall.

    Alausa said the roads were too urgent to bog us down by a committee to look into it. The president had the last word and said he would work with Lateef Fagbemi, the attorney general, to find a way out of the legal mire. The roads, he contended, were too important to be delayed by contracts.

    Whereupon the president asked Umahi about the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency of Nigeria (FERMA), what of all the engineers? Why can’t they maintain the roads? The agency is under Umahi, but it is underfunded. Umahi said FERMA has 7,300 engineers and for FERMA to do its job, it has to be by legislation. The president said urgent memo was needed to seek out how to make FERMA central to road infrastructure in the country. Umahi referred to Iddo Bridge and Carter Bridge in Lagos undergoing checks.

     Just as he was talking, Regional Development Minister Abubakar Momoh took Umahi on about FERMA negligence. He spoke with rage, and Umahi asked the president to take from Momoh’s budget to his ministry in order to fix roads in his domain. Momoh was livid as everyone else laughed.

    A little chuckle over a road that led to Ribadu town in Adamawa, and the president asked, “Ribadu?”

    Another laugh.

    Umahi said it was an important artery in the region. Another drama involved Ribadu when he explained the danger of dredging, some of them in the Lekki area.

    Read Also: ‘Politicisation of academic institutions destroying Nigeria’s education system’

     The president teased him to leave dredging and go to the forests and flush out the bandits.

    Ribadu held his own and said dredgers posed security threats, including oil pipelines. It led to discussion on vandalizations of bridges and manholes, and the president agreed with Gbajabiamila that a special legislation with stiff penalty should be enacted to punish the thieves and the enabling companies.

    The meeting cheered to the payment of IMF loan. Edun said it  made the government creditworthy. The president told me later that it resulted from discipline, adding that ways and means and the $7 billion debts were now behind the country.

    After the meeting, I commented to Alake on the feisty atmosphere. He said it was a carryover from Lagos when Tinubu was governor. It had a collegial air. The president did not hold a patriarchal hold on the debates. It was a FEC of self-expression.

    During lunch with him, I observed to the president it seemed we had just started to govern, given the deliberations.

     He held meetings I observed comings and goings like a fly on the wall. One was from Aminu Maida, who wanted the president’s backing on recent hirings and he was under political pressure to replace merit with corruption. “I believe in merit. Do what is right,” said Tinubu. Another special adviser updated him on CNG.

    HMO returned as the day was winding down to update him on  what was coming up. One of about an anticipated list. His trip to inaugurate Pope Leo XIV topped his priority. “I should get my suit ready,” he said.

    He would take his rest and return, and meetings would last into the night. “When his appointees are sleeping,” remarked his P.A. Yusuf. “The president is working at 2 am.” I had witnessed that once with Dangote, Akinyelure, Segun Osoba, Oshiomhole, Fubara, et al. A busy day, a busy president.

  • Port Harcourt Refinery on hold for 30 days

    Port Harcourt Refinery on hold for 30 days

    The Port Harcourt Refining shutdown for maintenance will be for 30 days, it was learnt last night.

    But officials gave the assurance that there will be no petrol scarcity during the period.

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) at the weekend halted operations to allow for checks on the equipment, raising fears of negative effect on petrol supply.

    The stoppage of operations came six months after the November 26, 2024 completion of its $1.5 billion rehabilitation.

    An official of the company told The Nation yesterday that it has made contingent arrangement to ensure seamless product (petrol) supply for the 30 days that the routine maintenance at the plant would last.

    Allaying fears of disruption in petrol supply or product scarcity , the official said the NNPCL will rely on multiple sources to ensure that Nigerians do not experience any form of hardship during the overhaul.

    The source said: “We have petrol stored in our reserves; we have Dangote Refinery to support the process with supply, these two sources will successfully cater for this period.

    “But should it become unavoidable, the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) will issue import licences to marketers for the product to be brought in, although we do not envisage the situation getting to this point.”

    READ ALSO: Security sector at Tinubu’s mid-term

    The maintenance, it was learnt, is in tandem with international standard of ensuring smooth operation of refineries.

    An insider’s source said: “Periodic checks are necessary to keep such facilities in top shape at all times. Usually, refineries are maintained between nine to 12 months. What the NNPCL has done is part of the maintenance schedule outlined for the refinery so that it can remain in top condition to continue to serve efficiently.

    “Even brand new refineries usually go for maintenance between nine to 18 months after commencement of operations.”

    Upon the completion of the maintenance, the Warri Refinery is expected to  boost petrol supply as the facility would just be ready to kick start petrol production again.

    According to our sources, the Warri Refinery is being hindered by a damaged part which cannot be sourced off the shelf.

    “The problem with Warri Refinery is a bad component which the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) has to manufacture for its replacement. The OEM said it takes 45 days to manufacture and deliver but there was a slight hitch which delayed the process; hopefully, it will be available soon and will complement supplies when the PHRC maintenance is completed,” the source said.

    In a statement at the weekend, NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer (CCCO) Femi Soneye described the shutdown as part of a planned maintenance and sustainability assessment aimed at ensuring optimal performance of the facility.

    He said that  updates about the development will be provided regularly through official channels.

    The statement reads: “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) wishes to inform the general public that the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) will undergo a planned maintenance shutdown.

     “This scheduled maintenance and sustainability assessment will commence on May 24, 2025. We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to ensure the maintenance and assessment activities are carried out efficiently and transparently.

    “NNPC Ltd remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering sustainable energy security.

    On November 26, last year, the NNPCL restarted the 210,000 b/d Port Harcourt refinery after three and a half years offline. Product loadings had begun after the plant’s smaller, 60,000 b/d capacity crude distillation unit (CDU) came into operation. The rehabilitation was handled by an Italian engineering firm, Maire Tecnimont.

    The Port Harcourt refinery was shut in 2020 after several years of low capacity utilisation. NNPCL had previously said it expects the initial 60,000 b/d phase to produce 12,000 b/d of gasoline, 13,000 b/d of diesel, 8,600 b/d of kerosene, 19,000 b/d of fuel oil and 850 b/d of LPG in the first year of resumed operations.

  • NCC orders telecom operators to notify consumers of major network outages

    NCC orders telecom operators to notify consumers of major network outages

    Concerned by the persistent network failures and poor service quality across the country, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom operators to inform consumers promptly of any major outages or disruptions that could impact network performance and service delivery.

    The directive follows mounting complaints from users over issues such as frequent network breakdowns, rapid data depletion, and excessive dropped calls, which have led to widespread frustration among telecom subscribers.

    In a statement signed by its Acting Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, the NCC said the move is in line with its commitment to ensuring transparency and aligns with the effective implementation of the Executive Order signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the start of his administration.

    The statement reads, “The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has mandated telecom licensees in Nigeria to inform consumers of major service outages on their networks through media channels, stating the cause(s) of the service interruption, and the area(s) affected by the service interruption/outage, as well as the time that would be taken to restore service. 

    “Consumers must also be informed one week in advance where operators have planned service outages.

    READ ALSO: Five Africa’s loudest countries in 2025

    “This development, contained in the “Directive on Reportage of Major Network Outages by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs),” is part of the Commission’s drive to ensure timely resolution of outages, enhance quality of experience for telecom consumers, and keep consumers informed.

    “According to the Directive, Mobile Network Operators, Internet Service Providers and other operators that provide last mile services will also provide proportional compensation, including extension of validity, as may be applicable and in line with the provisions of the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations, where any major network outage continues for more than 24 hours. 

    “It identifies three types of major outages to include: Any network operational condition such as fibre cut due to construction/access issues/theft & vandalism and force majeure that impacts five per cent or more of the affected operator’s subscriber base or five or more Local Government Areas (LGAs); having an occasion of unplanned outage of, or complete isolation of network resources in 100 or more sites or five per cent of the total number of sites (whichever is less) or 1 cluster that lasts for 30 minutes or more; and lastly, any form of outage that can degrade network quality in the top 10 states based on traffic volume as specified by the Commission from time to time.

    “In furtherance of this, the Commission has further directed that all Major Outages are to be reported by operators through the Commision’s Major Outage Reporting Portal, which is accessible to the public through the Commission’s website, www.ncc.gov.ng. The portal additionally discloses the identity of the culprit responsible for the disruption.

    Commenting on the directive and the major outage reporting portal, the director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Engr. Edoyemi Ogor stated that, “The Commission has trialled the reporting process and portal with operators for some months now before issuing the directive. 

    “By providing consumers and stakeholders in the telecommunications industry with timely and transparent information on network outages, we are entrenching a culture of accountability and transparency. This approach also ensures that culprits are held responsible for sabotage to telecommunications infrastructure.

    “This also aligns with our broader commitment to the effective implementation of the Executive Order signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which designates telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). It reinforces the need to safeguard these assets, given their centrality to national security, economic stability, and the everyday lives of Nigerians,” Edoyemi Ogor said. 

  • JUST IN: PDP crisis deepens as Wike ‘pulls out of all agreements’

    JUST IN: PDP crisis deepens as Wike ‘pulls out of all agreements’

    …says Makinde is architect of party’s crisis

     …vows to fight on till justice is served

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared his withdrawal from all previously reached agreements aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), pledging to continue the struggle until justice is achieved.

    In a personally signed statement on Sunday titled “PDP Crisis: My Position,” Wike expressed concerns over what he described as consistent breaches of agreed resolutions, specifically blaming Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for fueling the party’s internal problems.

    “I told Governor Makinde that non-adherence to agreements is the root of the PDP’s current troubles and that he remains the chief culprit in this regard,” Wike stated.

    He stressed that the agreements, including the recognition of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary in line with the Supreme Court judgment, withdrawal of all legal cases involving Rivers State by the party’s National Legal Adviser, and the immediate discontinuation of the suit seeking a state of emergency in Rivers, must be upheld without deviation.

    Wike maintained that since the concerned parties had failed to honour these resolutions, he was left with no choice but to withdraw from the reconciliation process and continue his fight for justice within the party.

    The statement read in part, “Since after the 2023 General election, the PDP has been wantonly swinging from one part of a slippery precipice to another, owing fundamentally to dishonesty and lack of trust amongst its key stakeholders. To stem this ugly trend, efforts have been made to arrest this pernicious virus of dishonesty and treachery and enthrone fidelity to agreements with a view to stabilizing the party and moving it forward.

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    “To this end, a meeting of the G5 was held in Lagos. In that meeting, I made it clear to the Governor of Oyo State, HE. Seyi Makinde, that he was the architect of our problems, pointing out to him that non-adherence to agreements reached was the bane of the party, and that he was the chief culprit of this anomaly. At the end of the meeting, we resolved to bury the hatchet and make progress.

    “As a follow-up to the aforementioned meeting, there was an expanded meeting in Abuja involving HE. Seyi Makinde, HE. Umaru Fintri, HE. Bala Mohammed, HE, Bukola Saraki, and I in Saraki’s guest house. In that meeting, I made it clear that I had no personal problems with HE. Bala Mohammed, except that he hides under the facade of Chairman of PDP Governors Forum to serially renege on agreements. Tensions rose mightily in the meeting and it took all concerned to calm frayed nerves. At the end of the meeting, we came to some resolutions, including: that Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains the National Secretary of the PDP in tandem with the Supreme Court judgement, all legal matters relating to Rivers State must be withdrawn by the National Legal Adviser, the suit on the State of emergency be withdrawn forthwith, and nobody should deviate from the agreements so reached.

    “In the light of the foregoing, they pleaded with me to attend the stakeholders’ meeting at the Bauchi Government Lodge, regardless of my many engagements. I attended the meeting and clearly reiterated my earlier concerns, and to this end and in order to resolve all other lingering and pending issues, a committee was formed, headed by HE. Bukola Saraki.

    “It is disheartening to note that even before the Bukola Saraki Reconciliation Committee began its work, the gentleman’s agreement we reached at Saraki’s Guest House was already being crudely violated. To my chagrin, Seyi Makinde had connived with Peter Mba of Enugu State to orchestrate the summoning of the meeting of so-called South-East leaders to recommend that if Ude Okoye was not adopted as Secretary, they would pull out of the PDP. I have since granted an interview to the effect that, that resolution of the South-East leaders can not hold.

    “Again, Seyi Makinde organized some people in the National Secretariat to insist that the Deputy National Secretary should act as National Secretary, in violation of the agreement earlier reached. To attempt to give credence to this farce, a letter was written by the Deputy National Secretary, calling for a meeting of the NEC of the party. Furthermore, the letter confirming the candidacy of the Governorship candidate of the party in the forthcoming Governorship elections in Anambra State, duly signed by the National Secretary, Senator Anyanwu and the acting National Chairman, was portrayed as rejected by the party through a rebuttal letter signed by the National Publicity Secretary, acting on the orders of Seyi Makinde and Peter Mba.

    “All these actions are in complete violation of the agreements reached and would not do the party any good whatsoever. On the 24th of May 2025, in Jos, for instance, a well publicized and properly attended zonal elective congress of the PDP was aborted because the letter inviting INEC to the congress was signed by the Deputy National Secretary of the party. INEC refused to attend because the proper signatory recognized by law, that is Senator Samuel Anyanwu, was not a signatory to the invitation notice. This is undeniably distasteful, provocative and annoying, to say the least.

    “I have painstakingly put out all these facts so that PDP members and the general public would know the truth. I have been in this party since 1998 and have worked tirelessly for the survival of this party with all my strength and it is on record that none of these persons have done anything close to what I have done to sustain this party. What is more painful is that I contributed substantially to most of these governors winning their elections, yet I have not made any personal demands on any of them and I would never do so.

    “Most importantly, I had thought that we could keep the trust amongst us, but since it is now obvious that they would continue to play games to the detriment of the party, as is the case in the current debacle in the North-Central zonal elections, I have now firmly decided to pull out of all agreements hitherto reached. I have decided to fight on until justice is attained.”

  • JUST IN: JAMB releases results of UTME resit exam

    JUST IN: JAMB releases results of UTME resit exam

    • …results of underaged candidates, ‘WhatsApp runs’ also released

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results of candidates who wrote the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) resit examination.

    The board also announced the release of withheld results of under-age candidates (except where litigation is involved), who performed below the established standards and those involved in ‘WhatsApp Runs’ and other misdemeanours.

    The results were released after a meeting of the Board’s Chief External Examiners (CEEs) in all states of the federation.

    JAMB announced the release of the results on Sunday in a statement by its Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin.

    The statement said that of the 336,845 candidates who were eventually scheduled after isolated good sessions of the affected centres were excluded and their previously unverified candidates were added, 21,082 were absent.

    It also revealed numerous alarming practices perpetrated by candidates, certain proprietors of schools/Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, which have exacerbated examination irregularities.

    The statement read: “It would be recalled that after the conduct of the resit examination, a meeting of the Board’s Chief External Examiners (CEEs) in all states of the federation was held to consider the results. In attendance at the meeting were a few notables.

    “After consideration of the report of the resit examination, and extensive deliberations thereon, a sub-committee, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University, Prof. Olufemi Peters, who is also the CEE FCT, was constituted to confirm that the results are in order.

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    “The CEEs reviewed the exercise and directed that an expert in psychometrics, Prof. Boniface Nworgu, be invited to analyse and endorse the results for subsequent release.

    “As part of the healing process, the meeting resolved that the withheld results of under-age candidates (except where litigation is involved), who performed below the established standards, be released.

    “Such result does not however qualify them for admission, as they had previously signed an undertaking during the registration process acknowledging that only those who meet the prescribed standards would be considered for under-age special admission.

    “Release of Result of Candidates involved in ‘WhatsApp Runs’ and other Misdemeanours: This category of candidates were found to have been involved in illicit solicitation of assistance. The meeting emphasised that its decision is not an endorsement of candidates’ unacceptable acts, rather a once and for all waiver. Candidates were thus advised to refrain from joining questionable ‘WhatsApp and other anti-social groups.’”

    The statement added: “All results are now released except those of candidates who committed examination infractions and those slated for mop-up examinations. While releasing the results, it should be emphasised that recent discoveries particularly by the security agencies have necessitated the withdrawal of some of the results of implicated candidates across the country whose results have been previously released.

    “Candidates with earlier released results need not recheck their results as candidates affected by the withdrawal are being notified through text messages on their registered lines, their profiles and emails.

    “It should be emphasised that the charges for shortcode of 55019/66019 (text messages) does not generate revenue to JAMB as being ignorantly peddled. The shortcode approach is to protect the critical data of the candidates and to curtail their cybercafé-extortion during their desperate check for results.”

    While noting the over 93 per cent attendance at the resit examination, the meeting offered all the candidates absent an opportunity to participate during the normal annual mop-up examination. 

    It added that this waiver was also extended to candidates who for whatever reason must have missed the main UTME.

    The statement further said: “The meeting condemned the involvement of some CBT centres in perpetrating serious registration and examination malpractices and resolved that all the implicated CBT centres should be blacklisted, while complicit owners should be prosecuted. In addition, the identified individuals, who directly registered the candidates with modified pictures and biometrics be apprehended and prosecuted.

    “The meeting observed with great concern the role of some tutorial centres in the perpetration of examination malpractices. It urged governments at all levels to take appropriate steps in ensuring that operators of tutorial centres are properly regulated, licensed and constantly monitored. This is to curtail the initiation of candidates into the path of dishonesty.

    “The meeting acknowledged the significant contributions of Computer-Based Testing in diminishing instances of examination malpractice and advancing the nation towards a digital society. Despite some shortcomings, CBT remains the viable option for ensuring a malpractice-free examination process.

    “The meeting acknowledged the detailed and rigorous processes adopted by the Board in the accreditation of CBT centres by state panels led by the CEEs. It was, however, advised that a reputable firm of management consultants be engaged to advise on improving the process of accrediting CBT centres, registration procedures, and other critical operational stages.

    “The meeting expressed with regret the attempts by some groups to exploit the unfortunate incident to disseminate tribal and sectional narratives. The unfortunate incident is not targeted at any section of the country, neither was it caused by any particular section of the country. It was emphasised that such narratives risk exacerbating existing divisions within society and even the JAMB workforce.

    “The meeting commended the Registrar and the Management of JAMB for the competent and sincere handling of the unfortunate accident and urged them to remain steadfast and courageous.”

    The statement added: “Consequent to the above, the result being released is as follows: Of the 336,845 who were eventually scheduled after isolated good sessions of the affected centres were excluded and their previously unverified candidates were added, 21,082 were absent. Despite the ongoing inquiries, performance analysis remains consistent (between 11% in 2013 and 34% in 2016) with results from the past twelve years as shown in the table below:

    “The misleading questions posed by certain individuals regarding candidates who allegedly scored highly in the cancelled sessions who might desire to retain their previous results are totally unfounded as only a handful scored up to 217 in the affected sessions, while 99% scored below 200 marks—indicating that there were no high scorers in the cancelled sessions of the affected six states.

    “It is not unexpected that given our circumstances, some opportunistic and mischievous individuals may attempt to exploit the situation for personal gain, thereby attempting to discredit not only the CBT process but also the Board itself. A notable example is Mr. Olisa Gabriel Chukwuemeka, a first-year Public Health student at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, who posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @swagpriest2, falsely claimed to have achieved a score of 326 in the 2025 UTME. This claim incited public outrage against the Board and was subsequently disseminated by various online platforms.

    “Upon investigation, the Board found Mr. Olisa’s assertions to be entirely fabricated as he had doctored his original 2024 UTME score of 203, misrepresenting it as a 2025 UTME result with a score of 326. In reality, he sat for the 2025 UTME in Lagos State, where his actual score (prior to withdrawal) was 180. Following the exposure of his deceit, Mr. Olisa deactivated his account on X. There are similar cases of opportunistic attempts.

    “JAMB has no reason to make money from such a service; rather, it subsidises the shortcode services and text messages to candidates.

    “While some Nigerians are busy dissipating energies on conspiracy theories and spread of hatred, our future is being put in jeopardy by advanced levels of digitalised fraud.

    “During the 2025 examinations, further high level malpractices were uncovered, which led to the withdrawal of some results and the arrest of several culprits across the country some of whom we understand have made useful confessions.

    “These unwholesome practices include:

    I. Collusion of certain CBT centre/school proprietors (with the connivance of accredited centres) to hack the networks of targeted CBT centres, thereby gaining control of candidates’ computers and remotely submitting their responses to the relevant local server of the centre as recently discovered by the security agencies to whom we are profoundly grateful.

    “It is important to note that each of the 882 centres utilised by the Board operates on a separate local server, and some of which had their local area network and servers compromised. The central server of JAMB remains secure and impervious to such breaches.

    “II. AI-enabled photo blending of candidates with impersonators, many of whom are current undergraduate students. III. Registration with combined fingers, which involves the combination of fingerprints from multiple persons for a single candidate’s registration.

    “IV. Extension of Local Area Networks (LAN) from centres to remote “strong rooms.” V. Pairing of Candidates with professional mercenaries (after wilful disruption of sitting arrangements) who had registered for the UTME for the purpose of access to the examination hall. Unfortunately, many undergraduates of tertiary institutions are found to be involved in this nefarious practice.

    “Over three thousand candidates nationwide have been identified as either accomplices or beneficiaries of this extraordinary examination fraud. As investigation progresses, all candidates implicated in these unwholesome activities will have their results withdrawn as soon as incontrovertible proofs are established, even if the results have been released.

    “The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) extends its gratitude to the security agencies for their support and commendable efforts in apprehending culprits involved in the rising menace of examination malpractice.

    “Appreciation also goes to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for their kind provision of a window for the 2025 UTME resit examination.

    Similarly, the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and National Examinations Council (for BECE) are commended for their support in rescheduling their examinations to accommodate the resit examination. We also commend the resilience of the candidates.

    “While thanking the governments and the good people of Nigeria, JAMB assures the nation of continuous sincere and dedicated service.”

  • Coalition: Atiku draws battle line with PDP govs, others

    Coalition: Atiku draws battle line with PDP govs, others

    • Shuns Osun governor, party chiefs during visit
    • Aregbesola’s, Adeleke’s alliance heads for the rocks
    • Fresh confusion over proposed PDP NEC meeting
    • Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, Amaechi, others meet today
    • Obi: I’ll run on Labour Party’s platform in 2027

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar  appears to have drawn the battle line with state governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) , and officials of the party who are opposed to his bid to enter into coalition with other political parties against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Despite Atiku’s insistence on a coalition, believing it is the only way the APC can be defeated in 2027, the PDP has stoutly rejected the move.

    The PDP says it is strong enough to wrest power from the APC and that all it needs to do is to put its house in order.

    In this regard, it set up a reconciliation committee headed by a former President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki.

    On Friday, Atiku was in Osun State where he shunned the state governor ,Senator Ademola Adeleke and the  state executives of the  party.

    Officials  of the PDP yesterday interpreted the action of the ex – Vice President as a declaration of hostility.

    “He has drawn the battle line because our governors are not with him in his move to forge a coalition and then run for president as usual,” a source in the PDP national secretariat told our correspondent yesterday.

    The former vice president and his allies in the coalition talks are due to meet in Abuja today for more discussion on the way forward.

    Top on the meeting’s agenda  is the platform they intend to use for the 2027 election.

    Presidential candidate of  the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, who is widely speculated  as Atiku’s possible running mate in 2027 said yesterday that he still looks forward to contesting the election on the platform of LP,  which means he is unlikely to go along with the coalition.

    Political sources said yesterday that Gov.Adeleke may have incurred Atiku’s wrath on account of  his (governor’s) stand on the coalition being promoted for  the former VP’s 2027 presidential bid.

    Atiku had gone to  the state for the coronation of the new Owa of Ijesaland, HRH Adesuyi Haastrup.

    He also  refused to meet with the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sunday Bisi and other members in the state.

    Instead he  paid a courtesy call on ex-Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who is his new coalition ally.

    According to findings,  Atiku’s cold attitude shocked Adeleke and PDP members in the state.

    It was gathered that the ex-VP was unimpressed by lack of a firm commitment to his 2027 ambition by the governor and as a result, decided to draw the battle line early in the day with him.

    Political observers in the state believe Atiku might have miscalculated because apart from being a sitting governor,  Adeleke’s popularity is at its peak in the state while Aregbesola’s influence is dwindling.

    A senior government official, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “the ex-VP shocked the governor and PDP members by not notifying the state government of his visit. He did not pay a courtesy call on the governor and there was no notice to the state chapter of PDP of his coming.

    “It is convenient for him to call his shuttle a private visit but as the former VP, he is under our care.

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    “It is a slight to shun the governor and visit Aregbesola in Ilesha. The message is clear to all. He has something up his sleeves.”

    Asked what might have accounted for Atiku’s attitude,  the source said: “Maybe he is acting on body language or intuition to reach conclusions on Governor Adeleke who is amiable and amenable. I think for an experienced politician like Atiku, it is too early to arrive at any conclusion. He has a presumption that the governor has a mindset for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

    “The second reason which is definitive is that Atiku is desperate for a new coalition and he knows that Governor Adeleke might not leave the PDP. Not coming to the governor was a message that he was done with the PDP.

    “But Aregbesola cannot win Osun State for him in 2027. We wish Atiku good luck. His attitude has earned him more disdain than anything in Osun. It was a misstep.”

    Atiku’s behaviour toward Adeleke was the subject of political discussion in many parts of the state all through Friday and yesterday. 

    Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe was yet to respond to questions sent to his WhatsApp line.

    A PDP source said he wasn’t  surprised that  there is a political misunderstanding between the President and Governor Adeleke.

    The source added: “As a matter of fact,  when Sen. Isiaka Adeleke died, President Tinubu wanted Governor Ademola Adeleke to succeed his brother but Aregbesola refused. Adeleke  was denied the ticket because of his closeness to the then President of the Senate  Dr. Bukola Saraki. He left APC for PDP and won the senatorial ticket.

    “When the President asked why Governor Ademola Adeleke was refused APC senatorial ticket, the powers-  that-  be in Osun then  said he might contest for the  governorship. Asiwaju then asked ‘why not?’ Everything has come to pass, ” he said.

    Unknown to many, a cold war has been brewing between  Adeleke and Aregbesola over their performances in office.

    In the last few weeks,  Adeleke and Aregbesola have taunted each other at public functions in what appeared a sign of frosty relationship.

    At a Rotary District  Conference in Ede, Osun State, Aregbesola,  who was the guest speaker,  spent quality time to reel out his achievements. He spoke of  how he transformed Osun State.

    But  Adeleke, who came midway into Aregbesola’s lecture was ‘unsettled ‘  by what his predecessor said.

    When it was his turn, Adeleke, who took style to say he was building on Aregbesola’s achievements, said the era of half salary was gone; he has not borrowed a dime; the Debt Management Office (DMO)  has confirmed that the  state  has cleared 40% of inherited debt since he  came into office.

    He also said that he has completed a 14-kilometre dual carriageway in Ilesha and established University of Ilesha with 70 courses accredited.

    “It is a matter of time before we end the alliance with Aregbesola, ” a PDP source added.

    At a meeting  last month , PDP governors ruled out coalition with other parties for the 2027 presidential election.

    The governors said the PDP was strong enough to oust the APC from power but welcomed any party that may want to join it.

    Adeleke was at the meeting.

    Atiku is nonetheless forging ahead with his bid to enter into coalition with interested parties.

     Last week, he and his coalition partners announced that they would use the ADP, instead of the SDP they had earlier announced, as the vehicle to realise their 2027 dream.

    Atiku, others  push ahead with coalition despite PDP’s stance

     It was gathered yesterday that members of  the Atiku-led coalition will meet in Abuja today to perfect their plan ahead of 2027.

    Some of those expected at the meeting are the immediate past governor of Kaduna State,Mallam Nasir El Rufai,former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi and former Osun State governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

    It was gathered that the group is banking on the support of the likes of the League of Northern Democrats (LND) which said last week that it was mobilising intensely across the north while considering the   options of registering a new opposition political party or fusing into an existing one.

    It said in a communiqué that it would support the National Opposition Coalition Group chaired by Sen. President David Mark in “driving the transitional politics towards the 2027 general elections.”

    I’ll contest on Labour Party’s platform, says Obi

    Obi,in a video interaction with his supporters yesterday said he would contest the 2027 election on the platform of the LP.

     “I will still continue to run in the Labour Party. I’m a member of the Labour Party,” he said in response to  a question by one of his supporters.

    He blamed the federal government for the crises in the PDP and LP,saying: “What is happening in the Labour Party and the PDP is caused by the government, quote me anywhere.

    “We had a problem in our party before, in the past; Yar’Adua was the President. I went to him then; he called the INEC chairman (Prof. Maurice Iwu) and told him ‘I don’t want any problem in any party. We were forced to fix it.

    “But today, in all the parties, there are problems; these are deliberate problems caused by the system. These are some of the things I want to clean up if I have the opportunity.

    “Parties will function very well because you can’t have a system working without a strong opposition.”

    No coalition yet, we are discussing how to move Nigeria forward, says Obidients’ National Coordinator

     National Coordinator of the Obidients Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko said there was no agreement in place yet on whether the group should join a  coalition of political parties ahead of the 2027 general election. 

    Tanko told The Nation by  telephone that what is currently going on is discussion among respected Nigerians who are concerned about the way the country’s democracy is going.

    He said ” It is just a group of persons who have tremendous respect for each talking about how to move the country forward.

    “They are concerned about what is happening in our country and the way our democracy is going. They are concerned about reforming our electoral system to avoid what is going on right now when people are decamping anyhow.

    Maybe if we had done this before now, people would  not be decamping the way they are doing now, taking the mandate of one party to another. It’s like having a football match and in the middle of the game, you jump from your team to the other because they are winning. If we allow that to continue, you won’t have anybody left in the opposing team to complete the game.”

    Fresh confusion over PDP NEC meeting

    A letter written  yesterday in the name of the embattled national secretary of the PDP,Samuel Anyanwu,has sparked confusion over the party’s much rescheduled National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

    Daboikiabo  Warmate, spokesman to Anayanwu said in the letter that the NEC meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, 2025 had been put on hold owing to what he called constitutional breaches.

    He claimed that  a purported letter illegally signed by the Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo inviting party members to the meeting was in violation of the party’s constitution which authorized the substantive National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu to act in that line of duty.

    According to the statement, the national Secretary of PDP, Most Distinguished Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, is neither aware  nor directed the Deputy National Secretary to issue such notice, therefore remains a nullity.

    “We therefore, urge and advise all state chairmen and esteemed members of NEC of our great party to disregard, any of such notice of invitation that does not emanate from the National Secretary himself, the Most Distinguished Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu till further notice”

    While relying on the provision of the constitution of PDP, he  said, “It is expedient to emphasize that, following section 36 (1)b, of the PDP constitution as amended in 2017, it is one of the core responsibilities/functions of the National Secretary and not the Deputy National Secretary to issue notice of NWC, NEC, CAUCUS and CONVENTION.”

    “And all extant and relevant laws in the PDP constitution as amended in 2017, and the supreme court judgement, points to the fact that, Most Distinguished Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, as always, remains the National Secretary of PDP and in due time will issue the notice.”

    He told  party leaders, members, and critical stakeholders that the meeting would not take place  as scheduled until issues affecting the party were resolved.

    Northern leaders endorse Tinubu for 2027, back reforms in security, economy, governance

     The Northern Bridge Builders Forum, a coalition of respected leaders from the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), yesterday threw  its weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s administration and endorsed him for a second term in 2027. 

    The forum commended his sweeping reforms in security, the economy, local government autonomy, and national unity.

     Speaking during a press conference at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, the Convener of the forum, Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya, said the group, made up of eminent personalities from the three northern geopolitical zones, gathered to evaluate the impact of federal government policies on the region and the nation since President Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023.

     According to Senator Ikenya, who was flanked by his members, the Northern Bridge Builders Forum resolved to support the President’s reform agenda while also proposing key recommendations to address rising security concerns and economic pressures in the region.

     The forum acknowledged the administration’s strategic focus on national security, particularly in the northern states plagued by insurgents, bandits, and other criminal groups. 

    It hailed the proposed establishment of Armed Forest Guards, now before the National Assembly, as a commendable move to combat insecurity in forested areas.

     However, the forum raised the  alarm over renewed deadly attacks in states like Borno, Zamfara, Benue, Plateau, Katsina, Sokoto, and Niger, warning that groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other criminal gangs appear to have regrouped and rearmed.

     “The resurgence of violence in our communities is alarming. The wanton destruction of lives, farms, and properties reinforces fears that terrorist groups are once again gaining ground,” Ikenya said. 

    The forum praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as bold and necessary.

     While acknowledging the hardship that followed the removal of fuel subsidy, they said the increased monthly allocations to states and repayment of Nigeria’s IMF debts were signs of economic progress.

    They also lauded the President for stabilising the currency and attracting foreign investments, referencing praise from the British High Commissioner as evidence of growing international confidence in Nigeria’s economy.

    “Though the economic reforms have caused some short-term pain, we believe they lay the foundation for a more prosperous and stable Nigeria.

    One of the key highlights of the forum’s deliberations was support for the implementation of local government autonomy. 

    They hailed the Tinubu administration’s efforts, especially its successful legal battles at the Supreme Court to uphold the constitutional rights of local governments to financial independence.

    The forum urged state governors to comply fully with the implementation, which they said would fast-track grassroots development and bring governance closer to the people.

    The Northern Bridge Builders Forum applauded the President’s inclusive leadership style and efforts in promoting national cohesion across ethnic and religious lines.

     They described Tinubu’s approach as tolerant and dialogue-driven, citing the appointments of Vice President Kashim Shettima and SGF George Akume as symbols of northern inclusion in national leadership.

    “The North is well represented and has confidence in the team Mr. President has assembled,” Senator Ikenya added.

    In their final communiqué, the forum urged Nigerians to be patient and continue supporting the Tinubu administration’s reform agenda. 

    They resolved to consolidate and sustain recent security gains, particularly in the North; urge the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the Armed Forest Guards Bill; provide timely farming inputs to improve food productivity; and introduce short-term economic relief measures to cushion the current hardship.

    The forum publicly endorsed President Tinubu for a second term, citing his “visionary leadership and courage in initiating necessary reforms.”

    “In view of the efforts so far, the Northern Bridge Builders Forum unequivocally endorses Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for a second term in 2027 to continue the good works he is doing,” Ikenya declared.

  • Sultan lauds Tinubu for promoting religious tolerance

    Sultan lauds Tinubu for promoting religious tolerance

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, has praised President Bola Tinubu for promoting religious tolerance in Nigeria, saying the move was responsible for the economic gains recorded across the country.

    The Sultan made the commendation yesterday  at the commissioning of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Darul’Ilm Centre for Islamic Studies in Kaduna built and donated by the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Tosin Ajayi.

    The Sultan, who urged Nigerians to de-emphasize religious and ethnic differences, said it was the ability of other economically successful countries to overcome these differences, that led to their greatness.

    He commended President Tinubu  for appointing Ajayi as DSS DG, saying the appointment had helped the president build several bridges of cooperation across the country.

    The Sultan described the resolve of Ajayi, “a Christian, to build an Islamic school for orphans and the less-privileged  as a legacy project which would outlive most persons present.” He further described the project as a big statement which he urged Nigerians to emulate.” Doing things like this will make Nigeria a better place”, noted the Sultan.

    “The coming together of people of different faiths and ethnicities will help bridge the gaps of disunity and de-emphasize the problems of this country. The presence of heads of sister security agencies here today shows the synergy amongst our security services and the trust they have in  Tosin Ajayi,” observed the Sultan.

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    Speaking, the DSS boss, who was represented by a retired director of the Service, Alhaji Ahmed Zalmar, said he began nursing the idea to build the school during his years of service in the state.

    The law setting up the DSS, he said, empowers the secret police to prevent five major threats to internal security, including espionage, insurgency, sabotage, subversion and terrorism.

    As a trained security officer, said the DSS boss, “he identified reducing discontent in the populace as a powerful counter-subversion strategy. He said he identified education as a key method of dousing discontent.

    “The latest of such is the building and donation of the well-furnished modern Islamic school with support from my friends and associates, which also reflects the core mandate of President  Tinubu.”

    “It is also part of my policies to improve the nation’s internal security architecture through conventional and non-conventional engagements,” he added.

    The DG stressed that he chose to channel the support for the well-being of vulnerable and needy groups through several social projects, including building of schools, places of worship and sport centres, among other centres.

    He clarified that had never used operational funds or budgetary provisions for the philanthropic gestures aimed to win the hearts of the vulnerable population towards defeating insurgency and terrorism.

    “I have always channeled parts of Corporate Social Responsibilities and other financial support from stakeholders for such purposes,” he said.

    Also speaking at the event, Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, who was accompanied by his Budget and Economic Planning counterpart, Atiku Bagudu, emphasised the importance of education to Nigeria’s future.

    He praised President Tinubu’s support for faith-based education initiatives and school feeding programmes.

    “By 2050, 25 percent of the global workforce will be African, with many from Nigeria,” noted the minister, stressing that, in spite of challenges, progress was evident in economic growth, increasing foreign reserves, stabilising inflation, and decreasing food and energy prices.