The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Nwifuru seeks additional states for southeast

    Nwifuru seeks additional states for southeast

    …calls for rotational presidency to address national imbalance

    The governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has called for the creation of more states in the southeast to address what he described as a structural imbalance in Nigeria’s geopolitical framework.

    He made the call while receiving members of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, who were in the state as part of their nationwide public hearing.

    “To end regional squabbles permanently, I urge the National Assembly to constitutionally address marginalisation and structural imbalances,” the Governor said.

    “Out of the six geopolitical zones in the country, only the South East has five states. This anomaly breeds resentment and must be corrected.”

    Governor Nwifuru also advocated for the rotation of the presidency among all six geopolitical zones as a measure to promote equity and national unity.

    “It is unjust that since 1999, the South East has not produced a president. What is the essence of the geopolitical zoning if every zone cannot have the opportunity to occupy the presidency?” he asked.

    READ ALSO: Aiyedatiwa applauds Tinubu’s commitment to NDDC

    He further proposed a review of Section 308 of the Constitution to extend immunity to the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as their counterparts in the state assemblies.

    Reiterating his position on the establishment of state police, Governor Nwifuru urged the National Assembly to provide constitutional backing for it, dismissing fears that state governors would misuse the security structure.

    Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, said the team was in the South East for the zonal public hearing on the ongoing constitutional review.

    He acknowledged Governor Nwifuru’s active participation in previous review exercises during his time as Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.

    “We assure you that no part of the country will be shortchanged in this process,” Nwebonyi stated.

  • Why Abia monarch was suspended, by traditional rulers council

    Why Abia monarch was suspended, by traditional rulers council

    The chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mbah, has clarified that the suspension of Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, traditional ruler of Umudiawa Autonomous Community in Umuahia North LGA, was due to gross insubordination and defiance of the council’s directives, not political affiliation.

    Eze Mbah, reacting to online reports alleging that the monarch was suspended for supporting President Bola Tinubu and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu dismissed the claims as false and misleading.

    He stated that the suspension was purely an internal disciplinary action stemming from Eze Ofoegbu’s actions in running a parallel traditional institution under the name Southeast Progressive Traditional Rulers Forum, which, according to the council, has caused disunity among traditional rulers in the Southeast.

    Quoting the suspension letter dated June 6, 2025, Eze Mbah said:

    “Consequent upon your consistent and flagrant disregard for the instructions of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, particularly your role in parading a parallel Southeast Traditional Rulers Council… you are hereby suspended from the Council for six (6) months.”

    The letter further accused Eze Ofoegbu of bringing disrepute to the Abia Council of Traditional Rulers and tarnishing the image of the state government.

    READ ALSO: Six dead, three missing in Navy boat mishap

    Eze Mbah insisted that nowhere in the letter was President Tinubu or Rt. Hon. Kalu mentioned, stressing that the suspension had nothing to do with political loyalty or affiliations.

    “I wonder how any sane journalist could fabricate such a falsehood just to discredit the Abia State Government and the traditional institution, and to sow discord between us and the federal leadership,” he said.

    He urged the public to disregard the misinformation, describing it as the work of mischief-makers bent on creating unnecessary tension and division.

    It will be recalled that in March 2025, the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers disbanded all parallel traditional rulers’ associations in the state, following a resolution adopted during the council’s 9th Assembly held at JAAC House, Umuahia.

  • Tinubu’s supporters empower over 1000 Enugu youths, women with buses, motorcycles, cash

    Tinubu’s supporters empower over 1000 Enugu youths, women with buses, motorcycles, cash

    Supporters of President Bola Tinubu under the auspices of the Southeast Renewed Hope Agenda (SERHA), have empowered over 1,000 small business owners, farmers and petty traders in Enugu State with vehicles and cash support aimed at boosting their businesses and enhancing economic sustainability.

    The empowerment programme which was held in Enugu yesterday after the inauguration of the Enugu State chapter of the SERHA, saw items ranging from a bus, motorcycles, sewing machines, hair dryers and grinding machines being distributed to artisans.

    Also cash worth over N50 million, were distributed to empower small businesses and supporting families by the group which pledged to advance President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision.

    The SERHA National Coordinator, Hon. Belusochukwu Enwere, praised ward and local government coordinators’ dedication to mobilising support for the administration’s programmes, stating that the initiative would fulfill its mandate of lifting communities in Southeast.

    The initiative, he disclosed, was conceived to showcase the progress and development of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that supporters and stakeholders were drawn from Enugu state, all the local governments in the state as well as all the wards.

    READ ALSO: Why I abandoned law to pursue acting – Femi Adebayo

    Enwere, who expressed optimism that the resources distributed to the youths and women would grow their businesses and help them earn a better living, said “we are all united with a resolve for a better future through a people oriented administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He commended President Tinubu for establishing the South East Development Commission, describing it as a strategic initiative to accelerate regional development.

    “The strides recorded so far on the economy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and notable achievements in Education, Health, infrastructure, housing, power etc should be commended.

    “It is imperative to note that the Renewed Hope Agenda is a blueprint for economic transformation and national development.

  • Imo oil community kicks against alleged exploitation

    Imo oil community kicks against alleged exploitation

    Hundreds of women and youths from Umuokoroka village in Asa community, Ohaji/Egbema, Imo State, have expressed strong opposition to alleged exclusion from the signing of the Freedom To Operate (FTO) and Job Order agreement between Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited and some town union leaders. 

    The angry protesters, including youths and elderly individuals, carried placards with inscriptions such as “Give us back our land,” “Give us our rights, we are humans,” and “We need to see the FTO agreement.” 

    They chanted war songs and claimed they were tricked into signing an agreement that turned out to be an outright sale.

    Speaking to newsmen in Owerri on Saturday, the oldest man of Umuigwe kindred in Umuokoroka, Chief Celestine Azuoma Orji, alleged that Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited tricked them into signing a document that purported to transfer ownership of their land, contrary to the agreed-upon lease arrangement for oil exploration.

    Orji, 80, claimed that the oil company secretly partnered with certain Town Union leaders to marginalise the Umuokoroka kindred in the FTO and Job Order signing process.

    “The oil company, through some of its personnel allegedly colluded with some Town Union leaders to sign the Freedom To Operate (FTO) and Job Order agreements without involving the landowners or the kindred contact person,” he complained.

    This unilateral action sparked outrage, particularly since the company has begun rigging operations on the site, creating job opportunities that the Umuokoroka kindred feels it has been unfairly excluded from.

    “This action has the potential to cause unrest in the community. These oil companies deliberately act in ways that ignite violence in communities because they collude with individuals to the detriment of collective interests,” he pointed out.

    Another respected elder from the community Chief David Ogbuanu, represented by Joel Emezuo, appealed to the Hope Uzodimma-led government to intervene in the ongoing dispute, calling for a halt to the rigging process until the Umuokoroka kindred, as landowners, are properly included in the FTO and Job Order agreements.

    Read Also: Police confirm bomb blast at oil company in Imo community

    “The Job Order determines the authentic owners of the lands. The principal landowners cannot be short changed by few elements of Town Union leaders. 

    “We call on our people-oriented and compassionate Governor Hope Uzodimma to wade in and fish out the elements from the Town Union leaders who have sabotaged the agreement of the community. We cry to Government to save us from the arm twisting of the oil company and stop all processes until the principal landowners are carried along in the exercise”.

    Efforts to reach the Community Relations Manager of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited for comment were unsuccessful. 

    He did not respond to calls, texts, or WhatsApp messages as of the time of filing the report.

  • Group decries indiscriminate clampdown on Anambra traditional worshippers

    Group decries indiscriminate clampdown on Anambra traditional worshippers

    A rights group, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), has called on the Charles Soludo led-government administration in Anambra State to respect fundamental human rights of the citizens, particularly, traditional worshippers in the state.

    The group also urged the government to charge to court or grant administrative bail within the constitutionally prescribed time-frames, those arrested and detained for criminal offenses (felonies or misdemeanors or simple offenses).

    These demands were contained in a statement made available to journalists weekend in Enugu and signed by Emeka Umeagbalasi, Lead-Researcher/Head Intersociety, Chinwe Umeche, Human Rights Lawyer/Head, Democracy and Good Governance, Chief Anayo Leonard Okoli, Member of the Board, Comrade Chibueze Nwajiaku, Deputy Head, Policing and Law Enforcement Department and Comrade Samuel Kamanyaoku, Head, Field Data Collection and Documentation Department.

    The statement frowned at the state government’s security outfit, ‘Agunaechemba/Udo Gachi’ for the indiscriminate clampdown on traditional worshippers and chief priests of the anciently instituted communal deities, including custodians of ancient market deities with arrests and detentions without trial.

    The statement urged the state government “to desist from reckless resort to false labeling and hearsay conclusions and entertainment of frivolous or cooked up petitions, with which thousands of defenseless citizens have been arrested across the state and detained inhumanly without proper investigations and trials.

    “Processes leading to invocation of power of arrest by various conventional and unconventional security establishments across the state must be investigative and fair-hearing driven.”

    Intersociety claimed that reports at its disposal indicted the government of “indiscriminate breaches of citizens’ constitutional liberties by coercive agents holding brief for the Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo-led Government of Anambra State, brought to our advocacy attention by several victim-citizens and their relatives or close associates.”

    It claimed that “several citizens of the State indiscriminately are being labeled under controversial circumstances, hunted down and clamped into indefinite detention, ranging from three months to five months or more without trial or police administrative bail.

    “There are also strong pieces of evidence showing that the State Security outfit (Agunaechemba/Udo Gachi) has led the way by arresting several citizens and detaining them extra jus, extralegal and extrajudicial using “Okite Ritualism” or “being ritualists, kidnappers, armed robbers, internet fraudsters or herbalists providing charms to violent criminals” as a pretext or cover.

    “Chief Priests of the anciently instituted communal Deities including custodians of ancient Market Deities are among those framed or falsely labeled, arrested and detained without trial or threatened with arrest and detention under the above circumstances.”

    Read Also: Anambra 2026: Soludo’s ally Emecheta defects to APC 

    It said a 12-page letter had been addressed to the Anambra State Executive Council, through Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Secretary to the Government of Anambra State.

    It mentioned the ancient Udo Orie Market Deity and its chief priest as a reference point.

    The organisation said ignorance and lack of tradition expertise had led into generalized criminalization or false labeling and stigmatization of such sacred institutions of antiquity as “deities providing charms for ritualists, armed robbers, kidnappers and internet fraudsters or those engaging in Okeite money rituals”.

    “These abuses and infractions are also found to have become reckless using management, enforcement and operationalization of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, also found to be lacking credible research and investigative techniques and statistics”.

  • Deputy Speaker Kalu’s faith in Tinubu justified by President’s landmark tertiary institutions in South East

    Deputy Speaker Kalu’s faith in Tinubu justified by President’s landmark tertiary institutions in South East

    By James Nwachukwu

    In a historic and unprecedented move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently promulgated three landmark bills establishing three tertiary institutions in the South East region, marking a significant milestone in the region’s educational landscape.

    Never in the political history of the region has a President shown such foresight and generosity.

    From Abia to Imo States and to the rest of the zone, the development has heralded a moment of thunderous applauses and jubilations for Ndi Igbo as hope and opportunities to countless individuals and communities have been rekindled. 

    The institutions are: Federal College of Education, Bende; University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item, Bende in Abia State and the Federal University, Okigwe, Imo State.

    The establishment of the new tertiary institutions is expected to have a profound impact not just on the States but the entire region. The institutions will not only provide access to quality education but also drive economic growth, promote innovation, and develop a skilled workforce. 

    The Federal College of Education will produce highly trained teachers, while the University of Medical and Health Sciences will provide much-needed medical professionals to address the region’s healthcare challenges. The Federal University will also offer a wide range of academic programs, fostering intellectual growth and development.

    Similarly, the institutions will also serve as hubs for research and innovation, driving technological advancements and entrepreneurship in the region. They will also attract investments, create jobs, and stimulate economic activity, contributing to the overall development of the South East.

    But the new institutions were not products of chance. They are outcomes of deliberate legislative efforts of worthy  Parliamentarians from the South East. While the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu who represents Bende Federal Constiuency of Abia State sponsored the first two bills, Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha representating Okigwe/Onuimo federal constituency of Imo State sponsored the third bill with commendable degree of lobbying by the Deputy Speaker. 

    Truth be told, the generosity of those infrastructures is the President’s concerted move to reintegrate Igbos into the national fabric, including key appointments which have earned him significant goodwill and support in the region.

    This has added to President Tinubu’s most notable achievements in the South East region.

    For all intents and purposes, Tinubu’s signing of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) bill into law in July 2024 unequivocally signaled his commitment to a detribalized leadership approach, showcasing his dedication to regional development, inclusivity, and national unity, and cementing his legacy as a leader who prioritizes the needs of all Nigerians, regardless of their geographical location.

    This landmark legislation incidentally sponsored by Kalu also, has paved the way for the commission to commence operations, with a mandate to drive development and growth in the region. The SEDC is expected to address the region’s infrastructure deficit, promote economic development, and improve the lives of South Easterners.

    Tinubu’s administration has also made significant strides in improving the region’s infrastructure. The ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction of major roads, including the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway, have improved transportation links and facilitated economic activity in the region.

    Efforts are also ongoing to enhance power supply in the region which have yielded positive results, with several new power projects commissioned to meet the growing energy needs of the South East.

    Also, Tinubu’s commitment to empowering the youth and promoting entrepreneurship in the South East region has been evident in his administration’s various initiatives. 

    There have also been youth empowerment programs and other credit initiatives by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) which have provided thousands of young people in the region with skills acquisition training, mentorship, and access to start-up capital. The initiative has not only equipped the youth with valuable skills but also empowered them to become job creators rather than job seekers. Similarly, traders, market men and women, the working class are also benefiting from the expansion of access to consumer credit by CREDICORP.

    Tinubu’s government has also demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting agriculture and food security in the South East region. The administration’s agricultural initiatives have provided farmers with access to improved seeds, fertilizers, and farm equipment, resulting in increased productivity and food availability in the region. 

    The promotion of agro-processing and value addition have also created new opportunities for entrepreneurs and small-scale farmers in the region.

    In the health sector, Tinubu’s government has also made significant investments with several new healthcare facilities commissioned in the South East region. 

    The efforts have improved healthcare delivery in the region and resulted in increased access to quality healthcare services, reduced mortality rates, and improved health outcomes for the people of the South East.

    Read Also: Manage expectations on falling prices, Yusuf tells Nigerians amid new tax regime

    At this juncture, it will be only pertinent to state that the signing into law of the bills has lent credence to Kalu’s fervent advocacy for the region to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. 

    The Deputy Speaker has been a strong advocate for support for the Tinubu administration, highlighting the government’s efforts to drive development in the South East.

    His tireless efforts to galvanize support for the President, predicated on the administration’s commitment to the region’s development and progress is demonstrable. And indeed, the results of those efforts are before all and sundry to behold.

    Of course, Kalu’s recent launch of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP), a platform designed to promote the President’s achievements and mobilize support across the South East region, has been a resounding success. 

    With over 20,000 members inaugurated in Bende, Abia State, as foot soldiers for President Tinubu, the platform has emerged as a potent force in bridging the gap between the region and national development. 

    The inauguration of the members are the glaring indicators of the region’s growing enthusiasm for the President’s agenda and its determination to support his re-election bid in 2027.

    Kalu’s assertion that the people of the South East will deliver a resounding 70% of their vote to President Tinubu in the 2027 general election indeed, indicates the President’s unwavering commitment to the region’s growth and development.

    The synergy between the President’s agenda, amplified Kalu’s RHP is poised to yield a new era of progress and prosperity to ultimately realize the aspirations  of the South East.

    With the President’s vision for a more prosperous and developed Nigeria, the South East can always anticipate a brighter future, replete with opportunities for economic advancement, infrastructural development, and human capital growth. 

    Therefore, as the region continues to reap the benefits of the administration’s initiatives, it is increasingly likely that the region will rally behind President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Nwachukwu is a public affairs analyst from Umuahia, Abia State Capital. 

  • Yahaya Bello: Flawed, misunderstood yet impactful

    Yahaya Bello: Flawed, misunderstood yet impactful

    By Hafsat Ibrahim

    In an era where media narratives often prioritize sensationalism over substance, it is crucial to uphold the timeless principle of fairness. The moral compass enshrined in the Golden Rule—“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”—calls for empathy and balanced judgement. But, in the rush to castigate, this ideal is frequently abandoned. The public discourse surrounding former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is a prime example of this trend.

    On June 25, 2025, an opinion by Bolanle Bolawole titled “FG, NUJ on Yahaya Bello: Insensitivity, Impunity or What?” criticized the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) for bestowing a Lifetime Achievement Award on Bello. The article described the recognition as insensitive and unjustifiable, accusing the former governor of cowardice, impunity, and corruption.

    While the author has the right to express his views—and public officials must certainly be held accountable—it is equally vital to present a more nuanced perspective that reflects the full spectrum of a public figure’s legacy. To judge solely by allegations without contextualizing achievements is to reduce a complex individual to a caricature.

    This piece does not seek to exonerate Bello from ongoing legal or political controversies. However, as a journalist who covered his administration extensively and interacted directly with the man behind the headlines, I find it imperative to spotlight the side of Yahaya Bello that many reports overlook.

    Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “The Danger of a Single Story” remains relevant here. The former governor’s legacy deserves to be viewed through multiple lenses—not just those of his critics.

    Bello’s administration was, in many respects, one of the most media-friendly in the country. His support for journalism extended beyond rhetoric into policy and tangible actions. He established an enabling environment for media professionals in Kogi State and actively supported journalists through targeted empowerment initiatives.

    In 2020, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), under then-President Mustapha Isa, publicly lauded Bello’s efforts to build media capacity. The Guild even urged other state governors to emulate Kogi’s example—particularly the Annual GYB Workshop for Crime and Political Correspondents, a flagship program that equipped reporters with critical skills.

    In 2021, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) commended Bello for his financial interventions that supported journalists and their families in times of dire need. One notable case was the donation of ₦2.5 million to support surgery for the wife of a Vanguard correspondent, Mrs. Bolu Obahopo, who sustained critical injuries in a car crash.

    Read Also: Hijrah: MUSWEN, ADSN, MCLS urge Nigerians to unite

    In 2023, then NUJ President Chris Iziguzo acknowledged Bello’s continued investment in media development. Through initiatives like the GYB Essay Competition, the former governor encouraged professional excellence, offering generous financial rewards to winners and reaffirming the value of journalism in democratic development.

    Beyond the media space, Bello’s administration achieved landmark progress in infrastructure and human capital development. His government initiated and completed the state’s first-ever flyover in Lokoja, linking major highways and boosting intra-state mobility.

    Bello also established two state universities and a teaching hospital to expand access to education and healthcare. The Reference Hospital in Okene remains a standout project, lauded for its modern facilities and advanced medical equipment.

    His EBIGO initiative—representing the major ethnic groups in Kogi (Ebira, Igala, and Okun)—was a bold attempt at bridging long-standing ethnic divides. The administration promoted inclusion by appointing women, youth, and persons with disabilities into strategic roles, not as tokenism but as a deliberate policy to redefine representation in governance.

    Admittedly, I was once skeptical of Governor Bello’s leadership. However, direct engagement through a book project titled “Yahaya Bello: 47 Narratives on a Change Agent” offered a different perspective. The compendium, written without his knowledge and presented as a birthday surprise, chronicled his achievements across sectors—from security to education, infrastructure, and economic reform.

    Behind closed doors, associates spoke of a disciplined and results-oriented leader who demanded performance and accountability. Contrary to the popular portrayal, I observed a leader deeply invested in measurable outcomes and long-term impact.

    Even after leaving office, Bello has exhibited political maturity by refraining from interfering in his successor’s administration. In a polity where former governors often seek to dominate their successors, this restraint is notable and commendable.

    None of this is to deny that Bello, like every public figure, has his flaws. His administration attracted criticism and faced controversies, some serious enough to warrant legal scrutiny. But does this invalidate every contribution he made? Must we erase his achievements in favour of a single, damning narrative?

    The Yahaya Bello I encountered was neither saint nor tyrant, but a leader with a complex legacy—flawed, certainly, yet visionary and impactful in measurable ways. To understand his contributions requires stepping beyond polemics and considering the full story.

    In our fast-paced digital age, reputations can be dismantled overnight. The media must, therefore, serve not only as a watchdog but also as a steward of truth—truth that embraces complexity, context, and compassion.

    Let us not allow a singular narrative to overshadow a multifaceted legacy. Let us remember that while a person’s flaws may be visible, their positive contributions deserve equal recognition. History will always judge with a greater perspective than headlines. And journalism, at its best, must reflect that.

    Hafsat Ibrahim writes for Politics Digest, Wuye, Abuja.

  • Adeniji seeks passion-driven learning, self-reliance among students

    Adeniji seeks passion-driven learning, self-reliance among students

    The Chief Executive Officer of Buff-I-Limited and a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Dr. Anthony Adeniji, has called on young learners to adopt passion-driven learning and self-reliance as tools for national development.

    Adeniji made the call while delivering the keynote address at the Valedictory and Award Ceremony of St. Louis Grammar School, Mokola, Ibadan, for its graduating students.

    The event, themed “Roots and Wings,” marked the school’s first official send-off ceremony.

    Speaking on the importance of building strong foundations, Adeniji described “roots” as a learner’s sense of identity, value system, love, support structure, and self-worth. He said these, combined with “wings”, symbolising independence, curiosity, and resilience, equip students to pursue their dreams with confidence and purpose.

    Read Also: Upsurge in rape, robbery cases sends fears into KWASU students

    Using metaphors such as the “game of life,” binocular prisms, and mentorship, Adeniji emphasised the need for skill development, networking, and a strong spiritual foundation to guide learners in achieving their goals and fulfilling their destinies.

    Dr. Adeniji, younger brother to Professor Grace Oloukoi, the immediate past Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Management and Design at Lead City University, underscored the importance of balancing stability with exploration in a fast-changing world.

    The school’s principal, Dr. Yemi Shadare, an alumnus and the first indigenous principal, was also in attendance, alongside parents, staff, and students who celebrated the landmark occasion.

  • I am not borrowing N100b to fund projects, says Okpebholo

    I am not borrowing N100b to fund projects, says Okpebholo

    • PDP to invoke FOI law on Okpebholo’s borrow plan

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, is not obtaining any N100billion loan from any bank to fund his projects.

    Rather, Okpebholo said the facility approved by the state House of Assembly was a guarantor for contractors handling critical infrastructural projects.

    Okpebholo, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said the guarantee would enable contractors secure funding for project execution from First Bank Plc.

    He explained that his clarification was to correct any misconception suggesting that he had obtained an approval to borrow the money.

    According to him, “The arrangement is specifically a contractor loan facility designed to empower nominated contractors with direct access to capital for their projects, with the State’s guarantee underpinning the financial transaction.

    READ ALSO: PDP to INEC: Tell us our secretary!

    “This innovative approach is a deliberate move by Governor Okpebholo’s administration to accelerate the development of key infrastructure across Edo State. The funds, which will be disbursed by First Bank Plc directly to the contractors based on their project demands, have a tenure of 40 months.

    “The Edo State Government is fully committed to fulfilling its guarantee obligations by ensuring timely payments to the bank as agreed, thereby guaranteeing the seamless and expeditious execution of these vital projects.

    “This pragmatic and fiscally responsible model underscores Governor Okpebholo’s strong commitment to delivering on his mandate for infrastructural development, ensuring that contractors are well-resourced to complete projects efficiently, and ultimately improving the lives of Edo citizens.”

    But, the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it would invoke the Freedom of Infromation (FoI) law to compel the governor to obtain details of the loan from the Assembly.

    It also would demand the list of the projects to be financed, names and profiles of the contractors and the loan agreement, including interest rate, tenure, repayment terms as well as disbursement schedule.

    The state Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, in a statement, said it would also deman records of proceedings and resolutions on the loan by the State Executive Council (SEC) and House of Assembly.

    He said: “We say no to this reckless and dangerous borrowing and want to remind Okpebholo and his handlers that Edo people will not idly watch them mortgage the future of the State and its people to fund and satisfy the insatiable appetite and opulent lifestyle of his godfathers and political cronies.

    “If this new loan is accessed, Governor Okpebholo would have effectively doubled the state’s domestic debt profile in less than eight months. It took 34 years by governors of Edo State to incur N112billion debt.

    “This is an alarming development that raises serious questions about the long-term fiscal sustainability of the state.’’

  • Cross River PDP coalition urges senator to take over party

    Cross River PDP coalition urges senator to take over party

    PDP Support Group in Cross River State has  called  on Senator Sandy Onoh and other chieftains of Peoples Democratic Party to change the ‘incompetent and anti-people’ governance of APC in the state.

    At a news conference in Abuja, the coalition, which comprises grassroots mobilisation arms of PDP, including Presidential Support Group, Community Development Clusters, and Youth Fronts, declared its readiness to wrest power from APC in 2027.

    The group noted the need for a united and coordinated front by PDP leaders to rescue the state from socio-economic and developmental decay.

    Spokesperson, Mike Ekanem, said the group is disheartened at Governor Bassey Otu, whose actions have drawn public outrage.

    He condemned  the disruption of a scheduled Federal Government-backed Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) project opening in Calabar.

    READ ALSO: 2027 coalitions and collisions

    He said such tendencies expose the  government  as lacking in strategic vision, maturity in governance, and commitment to progress.

    It frowned at the economic performance of the state, noting that the state’s 34th ranking of 36 states in VAT remittances for Q1 2025 underscores Otu’s economic shortcomings.

    The group said Cross River generated a paltry N2.86 billion in VAT, compared to much smaller states like Ekiti, Ondo and 20 others and attributing it to failure to stimulate economic activity, attract investments, or create a conducive environment for businesses.

    It decried failure of the state to capitalize on its tourism and agricultural potential like previous administrations that leveraged on assets like the Obudu Cattle Ranch and utilization of the Calabar Carnival to stimulate the economy of the state.

    The coalition  frowned at the governor’s lack of performance across critical sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and job creation. According to the group, no tangible democratic gains have reached the people of Cross River since Governor Otu took office, with many communities experiencing worsening hardship and government neglect.

    It however, expressed its resolve to target every seat the party currently holds in the Senate and House of Representatives.

     “Our mission is clear – to restore competence, responsibility, and people-centered leadership at all levels. We are not just targeting the governorship; every APC lawmaker from Cross River is on notice,” the spokesperson added.

    As part of its broader strategy, the group has called on Senator Sandy Onoh, known for his bold stance and proven capacity, to assume a central role in the liberation movement.

     “We believe Senator Sandy Onoh has what it takes to galvanize stakeholders and lead the battle to reclaim Cross River for the people. This is not a personal ambition; it is a generational duty,” the group emphasized.

    The PDP Support Group urged other prominent party stakeholders, including former governors, national assembly members, and youth leaders, to close ranks and prioritize the collective goal of ending APC misgovernance in the state. “This is a rescue mission. The time to act is now. Cross River deserves better.”