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  • 2027: North-Central APC Forum rejects calls for Tinubu to drop Shettima, endorses President, VP

    2027: North-Central APC Forum rejects calls for Tinubu to drop Shettima, endorses President, VP

    By Israel Adamu, Jos 

    The North-Central All Progressives Congress, APC, Forum has rejected calls for President Bola Tinubu to drop Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate in the 2027 election.

    The position of the North-Central APC Forum was made known in a statement released by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The APC Forum’s position followed agitation by some North-Central stakeholders, under the aegis of North-Central Renaissance Movement, who are calling on Tinubu to drop Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 election.

    The Movement asked Tinubu to pick a running mate from the North-Central as a condition for the zone to support his reelection.

    According to the Movement, the North-Central zone should produce Nigeria’s Vice President in 2027.

    However, rejecting the calls for Shettima’s replacement as Vice President, the North-Central APC Forum declared that its earlier endorsement of Tinubu for the 2027 election extended to the Vice President.

    According to the statement signed by Zazzaga, a member of the APC campaign council for the 2023 election, North-Central APC stakeholders are satisfied with Shettima, and are not involved in the calls for his replacement ahead of the next election.

    “The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum rejects calls on President Bola Tinubu to drop Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate in 2027. 

    “The calls are not coming from stakeholders of the APC in the North-Central. We disassociate ourselves from the calls and we hereby emphasize that our endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 election extends the Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

    “For emphasis, we hereby again endorse President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for the 2027 election.

    “We urge Mr President not to pay any attention to the antics of individuals and groups who are trying to derail his administration, which has recorded so much achievements towards repositioning Nigeria on the part of progress and sustainable growth.  

    “We are satisfied with the role being played by Vice President Kashim Shettima in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, and we also commend the harmonious working relationship between the President and the Vice President, which is being envied by those in the opposition, who are now trying to sow seeds of discord in the APC government.

    “The North-Central APC Forum stands on the Tinubu/Shettima ticket with which our party emerged victorious in the 2023 election,” the statement said. 

    The APC Forum, which had earlier promised to deliver six million votes for Tinubu in 2027, insisted on its determination to achieve the feat, as the people of the North-Central are happy with the President’s administration. 

    “We also restate that the six million votes we promised Mr President are intact. We are happy with the position of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the ministerial portfolios and other appointments given to the North-Central, as well as infrastructural projects in the zone. 

    “However, if there are other opportunities, including infrastructural projects, that can come to the zone, we will also appreciate them,” the statement added. 

    The APC Forum noted that, currently, in addition to the high profile position of SGF, occupied by Senator George Akume from Benue State, the North-Central zone is holding key ministerial portfolios, as well as some other important appointments in the Federal Government. 

    The statement identified key ministries headed by ministers from the North-Central to include: Ministry of Justice, headed by the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, from Kwara; Ministry of Information and National Orientation, headed by Mohammed Idris from Niger State; Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, headed by Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda from Plateau; Ministry of Women Affairs, headed by Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim from Nasarawa; Ministry of Special Duties, Intergovernmental Affairs, headed by Zephaniah Bitrus Jisalo, from the Federal Capital Territory, and Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, headed by Prof Joseph Utsev from Benue.

    It would be recalled that in December 2024, the North-Central All APC Forum endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office. 

    The Forum declared that it decided to endorse Tinubu for a second term because his administration has extended several opportunities to the North-Central zone since he assumed office as President in 2023.

    “The Forum equally evaluated the programmes and initiatives of the Federal Government and it is evident that, since the current democratic dispensation in Nigeria, no other President has given the North-Central as many opportunities as much as President Bola Tinubu.

    “No other President has brought as many infrastructural projects to the North-Central as the President Tinubu administration.

    “After assessing the state of the nation, the North-Central APC Forum is of the view that President Bola Tinubu has done well to earn a second term in office.

    “An assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s policies also shows that he is taking the country in the right direction and deserves the support of all Nigerians to get the country there.

    “The economic policies introduced by President Tinubu are already making the expected impact, with the recent strengthening of the Naira in the foreign exchange market, improvement in volume of oil production, and rise in foreign reserves, among others.

    “President Tinubu’s policies in the petroleum sector have already eliminated scarcity, and we believe that, with time, Nigerians will witness reduction in the cost of petroleum products, which would reverse inflation in the county.

    “The APC North-Central Forum believes President Bola Tinubu deserves a second term to midwife these reforms which are already bearing fruit, and we call on all Nigerians to support his administration to improve the situation in the country.

    “After extensive considerations, North-Central APC Forum has given the President a passmark on insecurity, appointments, infrastructure, economy and other areas. We stand firmly behind President Bola Tinubu as his bold leadership has brought significant progress to our region, and we believe he is the right person to continue leading Nigeria towards greater prosperity.

    “We urge all Nigerians to rally behind the President and support him for a second term, to enable his administration to deepen the gains of his reform policies.

    “Just as we worked for his election in 2023, the North-Central APC Forum assures President Tinubu and all his supporters that we will again work for his reelection in 2027,” the North-Central APC Forum said in a statement released to announce the endorsement of President Tinubu for the 2027 election.

  • Fire razes parts of Jos main market in Plateau 

    Fire razes parts of Jos main market in Plateau 

    By Israel Adamu, Jos 

    A night fire has razed some sections of the Jos main market in Plateau state destroying properties  worth millions of Naira. 

    Our correspondent gathered that the incident happened before 11 30 Pm when residents had gone to bed, and despite efforts to contain the inferno by the state fire service and  individuals some goods, including  some shops were destroyed.

    Lamenting the losses in  the market  Mustapha Ibrahim,  the Chairman of Jos main market Association alleged that a power sourge might be responsible for the outbreak of the fire.

    He said several shops were razed and  properties destroyed in the unfortunate event. 

    Meanwhile the  Plateau state government has expressed deep sympathy and sadness over the unfortunate fire incident which gutted several stalls and destroyed goods worth millions of naira at the  Jos Main Market   on Tuesday. 

    A statement signed by Hon Joyce Lohya Ramnap , the  Commissioner for Information and Communication Plateau state reads that  the state government extends  it’s  sympathies to the affected traders and  their families .

    It reads that  ” The unfortunate fire outbreak is a  devastating blow to the state’s economic hub and we  shared in the grief of those who suffered losses.”

    “We  commended the bravery and swift action of the fire services and other volunteers who were  involved in putting out the fire .”

    Government is calling on all market stakeholders to work together in prioritising safety and implementing necessary measures to avoid a recurrence of such unfortunate events .

    Traders are urged to continue to keep the prevailing peace in the state in spite the hardship that they might be going through as a result of the inferno. 

    Note that Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration is commitment to stand with the affected traders during this challenging time and assure them of government’s support in mitigating the effects of the incident.

    The Governor His Excellency Barrister Caleb Manasseh  Mutfwang has also mobilised a team to look into the cause of the inferno  to forestal future occurrence, the statement further reads.

  • FG Declares 1st May, 2025 Public Holiday

    By Francis Wilfred 

    The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 1st May, 2025 as a public holiday to mark this year’s Workers’ Day Celebration. 

    The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Ministry’s 

    Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani. He reiterated the need for peace to drive industrialization and economic growth. 

    Dr. Tunji-Ojo commended workers for their diligence and sacrifice. Also, noted that workers’ efforts are largely responsible for the greatness of the country and the respect Nigeria commands in the comity of nations. 

    According to the Minister, ”There is dignity in labour; the dedication and commitment to the work we do, is vital to nation-building”. He therefore urged workers to imbibe the culture of innovation and productivity. 

    Dr. Tunji-Ojo encouraged workers to raise the bar of their trade to drive and upgrade the bar of governance and make all the people of Nigeria derive maximum benefit from the nation’s wealth.

    He assured Nigerians that, “this Administration is fully committed to the security of life and property of every citizen and foreigners in the country.”

    While wishing workers a happy celebration, the Honourable Minister urged Nigerians to keep hope alive as the present administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda he has promised.  

  • FG Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Economic Growth

    FG Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Economic Growth

    By Francis Wilfred 

    The Federal Government has reiterated its unwavering dedication to formulating and implementing sustainable economic and social policies aimed at improving the well-being of all Nigerians. 

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, in a statement signed by the Director, information and public relations, Segun Imohiosen highlighted this during a courtesy visit from the Governing Council of the esteemed Nigeria Economic Society (NES), led by its President, Professor Adeola Adenikinju, in Abuja.

    Senator Akume lauded the significant strides made under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the execution of crucial economic reforms.

     “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brings a wealth of experience to the table, having served with distinction in both the private and public sectors. His unique blend of experience has been instrumental in guiding our nation to its current economic trajectory, a growth rate that even some of the world’s most advanced economies are struggling to match. The President’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy, is a bold move with far-reaching positive consequences for the nation’s economic health, he stated.”

    “While such decisive actions may have immediate consequences, the ultimate goal and, more importantly, the eventual outcome, is the benefit it brings to the Nigerian people.” He added.

    Speaking earlier in the meeting, Professor Adeola Adenikinju, President of the NES, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for the courageous economic reforms undertaken over the past two years.

     “These reforms have been comprehensive, spanning the fiscal, monetary, and real sectors of our economy,” Professor Adenikinju noted. 

    While commending the key initiatives such as the petroleum subsidy reforms, the unification of the multiple exchange rate system, fiscal policy and tax reforms, and adjustments to electricity tariffs as significant steps in the right direction, he urged the President to embrace dynamic and economic Professionals to head sensitive economic parastatals for impressive results.

  • Northern CAN Chairman, Hayab emerges RAN National Patrons Forum’s Chairman 

    By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

    Country Director of the Global Peace Foundation and Chairman 19 Northern States’ Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Abuja, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, has officially assumed office as new Chairman of the National Patrons Forum of the Royal Ambassadors of Nigeria (RAN).

    The symbolic handing over event took place yesterday, during the 112th Annual Convention-in-Session of the Nigerian Baptist Convention,l in Lagos, marking a significant milestone in the history of the youth-focused missionary organization.

    In an acceptance speech, Rev. Hayab called on Nigerian youth to speak well of the country and to dream about positive things for the nation, according to statement made available newsmen in kaduna Tuesday.

    Rev. Hayab emphasized that members of the Royal Ambassadors must be peace builders and promoters of genuine interfaith collaboration wherever they find themselves.

    He also charged the new patrons to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the organization while upholding its values and mission.

    The session was presided over by the Marshal of the Royal Ambassadors of Nigeria, Coun. Bitebo Erogoba (Post Pleni), who reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the organization’s programmes. 

    He recalled with excitement the successful hosting of over 1,600 Ambassadors at the 8th RAN Jamboree held in Kaduna in September 2024.

    Dignitaries at the event included the President of the Baptist World Alliance Men’s Department, Dr. Dawari George; the National President of the Men’s Missionary Union (MMU), Dr. Julius Ojebode; the Marshal of the Royal Ambassadors of Africa, Coun. Ayo Adekunle; and the National Youth President, Amb. Dr. Toba Bamidele.

    In his message, the MMU National President praised the Royal Ambassadors for their discipline and urged men and boys to develop a lifestyle of prayer and fasting.

    Also delivering a sermon on the theme “Entering into Newness Through Fasting and Prayer”, Rev. Dr. Adeshina Abegunde emphasized that God delights in doing new things, cautioning that the absence of newness can lead to frustration and stagnation. He invoked blessings of newness upon the lives of the Ambassadors and the organization.

    A key highlight of the convention was the formal handover by the outgoing Chairman, Rev. Dr. Kehinde Olaleye, to Rev. Hayab. Seven new patrons were also inducted into the National Patrons Forum: Dn. Engr. Mfon Taiwo Enobong Essien, Mr. Victor Aduku, Dn. Hon. Samuel Ubankato Tanko, Mr. Bivan Steven Luka, Mr. Ezra Hassan Dantawaye, Engr. Dauda John Mbaya, and Dr. Thot Joseph Dogo.

    Speaking on behalf of the new patrons, Hon. Ubankato pledged their commitment to advancing the mission of the Royal Ambassadors of Nigeria.

    The Royal Ambassadors of Nigeria are scheduled to reconvene in October 2025 in Edo State for their National Leadership Training Conference.

  • ACF decries worsening, detoriating insecurity in northern Nigeria

    ACF decries worsening, detoriating insecurity in northern Nigeria

    By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

    Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), on Wednesday expressed serious regret over what it described as worsening and deteriorating situation of insecurity in northern Nigeria despite the best efforts of the country’s increasingly overstretched security forces.

    In an opening remarks, Chairman Board of Trustee (BoT) ACF, Alhaji Bashir M. Dalhatu said the forum observed that the situation, particularly that of insecurity, in Northern Nigeria, has not improved.

    “As a matter of fact, and despite the best efforts of our increasingly overstretched security forces, it has gotten worse and keeps deteriorating by the day”, he said.

    He lamented that the senseless killings have persisted in parts of Plateau, Borno, Benue, Niger, Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, and other parts of the North.

    “In spite of this, we wish to assure all the people of the North of our determination to take all necessary measures in consultation and collaboration with our political, traditional, religious and other leaders to bring this crisis to an end in the shortest time possible.

    “While on the subject of violence and killings, we must review and condemn in the strongest possible terms, the growing hostility and attacks against Northerners that choose to live or pursue livelihoods in the southern states of Nigeria.

    “Even innocent Northerners on journeys through southern states get killed or subjected to inhumane treatment, a tragedy which unfortunately successive administrations in this country have failed to stop”, the chairman said.

    The forum also expressed worry on alleged maltreatment and attacks on Northerners in the South, saying its especially ironic and painful given the fact that, for centuries, the North has kept its doors wide open and welcomed people from all parts of Nigeria, courtesy of our unlimited hospitality and brotherhood.

    “It is deeply regrettable therefore that Southerners have refused to reciprocate this noble gesture by the North. In fact, in many parts of the South, especially in the Southeast, a Northerner cannot expect to acquire one square foot of land not to speak of owning any significant landed property.

    “The time has come for governors and legislators in the Northern states to carry through a comprehensive reform of the system of land ownership and control.

    “The need for this reform is self-evident, especially given the current mad scramble for land in the North by foreigners. Authorities in the North must ensure that Northerners do not become landless in their own territory.

    “As you all might have noticed, the growing hostility and hate mongering against Northerners in the South, appears to be exacerbated by the current unequal and discriminatory policies of the federal government toward the North.

    “These negative developments have prompted a growing disenchantment and disillusionment amongst Northerners against the Federation of Nigeria. Some in the North now openly question the rationale or justification for remaining in the union.

    “The law creating the FCT Abuja in 1976 specified a number of actions to be taken by the federal government as preconditions for the area to become the federal capital territory.

    “One important condition was that the indigenous population within the area demarcated as FCT would be paid adequate compensation and relocated to the neighboring states that currently include present day Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Kogi and Kaduna.

    “It has been about 50 years since that law was passed but the federal government has failed to adequately implement its provisions. As a matter of fact and much to the regret of fair-minded Nigerians, the indigenous people of the FCT, have been forcefully driven away from their ancestral land and rendered landless and homeless through no fault of theirs.

    “This injustice and maltreatment of the indigenous people of the FCT Abuja call for an urgent review. The time has come for Nigeria to fulfil its obligations towards the indigenous people of Abuja, including the creation of their own state within the federation of Nigeria.

    “The view has been expressed and it bears repeating here, that current preoccupation with the 2027 national elections is premature and a disservice to the principle of the 4-year-term-limit given to elected officials.

    “For the moment, it will suffice to say that Northern Nigeria is watching and auditing the actions of the elected and appointed officials; especially at the federal level.

    “As a matter of fact, we have received a number of proposals from some of our elders that this body appoints a special committee that will conduct a detailed study and a review of the policies, projects and programs embarked upon by the current government and determine how they have impacted the various parts of the country, particularly Northern Nigeria.

    “This is perhaps the best way to determine whether or not our interests are being sufficiently accommodated. For the avoidance of doubt, we must reiterate our faith in the principle that says all politics is local.

    “In other words, Northern Nigeria will remain faithful not to particular politicians or political parties but to those who care about our regional interests and are willing to promote and protect them.

    “It is clear that Northern Nigeria is today bedevilled by numerous existential problems, some off which I have tried to highlight above. What is not in doubt is the fact that the North has in abundance what it takes to compete and prevail in any fair competition within the federation of Nigeria and even within the larger African continent.

    “The North has 19 out of the 36 states. We also have the FCT as a waritable component. We have a majority in the Senate, the House of Representatives, the National Economic Council as well as the Council of States.

    “The North occupies close to 75% of Nigeria’s land area and about 60% of the population. Am area this big and this strong can never be subdued by any opponent provided we remain united and place our region above all other considerations. No questions about it, united we stand, divided we fall!

    “Finally, as we approach the momentous occasion of the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the ACF, the Secretary General will give you further briefing on the state of its preparations. I beseech you to place your best endeavors towards achieving a very successful outcome”, he stated.

  • CRA raises alarm over plot to force Adamawa Female Christian Vice Chairman to resign

    CRA raises alarm over plot to force Adamawa Female Christian Vice Chairman to resign

    By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

    The Christian Rights Agenda (CRA), has raised alarm over plot to force Mrs. Peace Audu to resign her position as Vice Chairman of Fufure Local Government Area of Adamawa state so as to stop her from being sworn in as substantive chairman following the death of the Muslim chairman Mr. Shuaibu Babas over a week ago.

    In a statement issued on Monday by its Secretary General Rev. Kallamu Musa Ali Dikwa, the CRA noted that by law Mrs. Peace Audu who was elected as Vice Chairman in 2024 with Mr. Babas should have been sworn in within 24 hours of his demise.

    However, up to the time of issuing this statement, the Adamawa state government under a Muslim Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has refused to swear her in.

    CRA gathered authoritatively that some powerful Muslim leaders including the newly installed Emir of Fufure, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sani Ahmadu Ribadu and other Muslim leaders in the state have vowed that a Christian cannot be made Chairman of the local government which informed the decision of the statement to halt her swearing in.

    CRA condemned this flagrant violation of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as sees this action as an assault to the Christendom.

    “In a state that is about 70 percent Christian and yet a Christian is being denied her rightful position of becoming local government chairman because of her religion.

    “We call on the Federal Government through the Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi to intervene and stop this brazen violation of the Constitution.

    “We can on the Christian community in Adamawa state to stand in solidarity with our sister who is being denied her rightful position because if her faith.

    “We see this as part of the islamisation agenda where every important position of government is to be taken over by Muslims.

    CRA further called on the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN to always be proactive in defending Christians from the northern part of the country, who are under persecution.

  • NASS ROOF: LEAKING OR NOT LEAKING?

    NASS ROOF: LEAKING OR NOT LEAKING?

    PATRICK WEMAMBU

    Clearly, the last may not have been heard about the N38bn renovation of the National Assembly’s White House – accommodating both the Senate and the House of Representatives which was said to have been completed between 2022 and 2024.

    A gigantic project which has been mired in controversy for years, the ghost of the renovation job resurrected Saturday following reports in certain sections of the media that the roof of the National Assembly had started leaking again. The heavy rainfall the day before was alleged to have triggered the leakage – raising yet fresh concerns regarding the quality and value of the massive contract under review.

    It would be recalled that an online platform had on Saturday, reported that a storm from the heavy downpour Friday affected the renovation work carried out by the Construction company handling the project leading to the said roof leakages.

    Reporting further, the medium also surmised that some staff of the National Assembly had lamented that had the N38bn renovation work been awarded to Julius Berger, the seeming perennial quagmire would have become a thing of the past.

    However, reacting to the Online report, an official of the construction firm, Mr. Olalekan Adebiyi, explained that an investigation carried out by his team through their subsidiary company revealed that there was no leakage from the roof at the White House segment of the National Assembly.

    He said; “The report to us is unfounded and simply put, it is envy, because if it were Julius Berger that carried out the renovation work, no such fake report would be written against it. I wonder why some Nigerians always like to be enemies of their fellow countrymen for no good reason whatsoever.

    “We checked and found out that it was an ingress of water that came through the smaller windows at the upper part of the chamber building that flooded the floor and not roof leakage. The said story or report has no single picture of points of leakages from the roof, which, to us, is very unprofessional and unethical.

    “The report is fake, as there was no leakage from any point on the roof. We did a good job and stand by it, and shall surely be vindicated as more and more rain will still fall in the coming weeks and months.”

    Which beggars a very pertinent question at this juncture. National Assembly Roof: Leaking or not leaking?

    Going down the memory boulevard, the issue of the NASS leaking roof dates back a couple of years ago. During the 9th NASS, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, then Minority Leader once raised alarm over the continuous leaking of the roof of the parliamentary chambers – describing it as dangerous to lawmakers’ safety.

    Said he during plenary on the day in question; ”Our chamber is leaking. While coming into the chamber this morning, we noticed the cleaner making frantic effort to scoop the water.

    “This is dangerous to our day to day lawmaking, we cannot be representing our people and speaking for them under a leaking roof.”

    He called on the authorities of the National Assembly to do the needful with a view to averting the total collapse of the edifice.

    Reacting to the point of order, the then Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila commended the Minority Leader for the Point of order – saying it had been noted.

    Time was when leaks from the roof of the National Assembly building disrupted plenary sessions.

    Parliamentary activities during heavy downpours were stranded sometimes for several minutes inside the chambers until the rains subsided.

    The lobby of the National Assembly became impassable while cleaners immediately mobilised to clear the pool of water.

    June 23, 2021, during plenary, then President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, said the reported roof leakage at the National Assembly had defended its request for the approval of the former figure of N37 billion for the renovation of the assembly complex.

    Lawan stated this in his remarks on two Points of Order raised by then Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Sen. Sabi Abdullahi, during plenary on the leaking of the roof.

    His words; “the fact that there was a leakage, to me it is a clear testimony, confirmation and vindication of the position the National Assembly took initially.

    “By the time we came into office and our endorsement, the Speaker and I found it necessary to go round this Senate and we found out dilapidation and degradation.

    “In fact, anyone who sees what we have here knows that this place is overdue for rehabilitation. It is even worse downstairs.

    “So, we complained to the President that there is the need to rehabilitate and renovate the National Assembly complex after in use for about 20 years and not rehabilitated at all.

    “The President was gracious and he asked us to come back, engage the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) who are the owners of this building and the technical side of the National Assembly and some contractors to come up with what we need to rehabilitate here and the cost. In fact, I fought against the initial submissions because I was to take the document directly to the President.”

    The FCDA awarded the N38bn contract in 2021 to address matters affecting renovation of the Complex including roof leakage, outdated air-conditioning, furnishings and replacement of faulty audio systems.

    Although some Online platforms are awash with photographs of sections of the National Assembly Complex allegedly affected by the leakage of the roof – a visit to the National Assembly for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation yielded no positive result. This is because there was no visible sign of the affected roof or traces of pool water around the premises.

    Notwithstanding, the management of the Complex and the Federal Capital Development Authority must rise up to the situation by ensuring proper monitoring of the project. There should be a prioritization of open and honest communication towards ensuring the correct information on the vexed issue.

    Accordingly, therefore, a briefing of the Senate and House of Representatives Press Corps by both the Construction firm and the NASS Complex Management with a view to remedying the current information situation on the matter is sine qua non.

    At the risk of playing the devil’s advocate – needless to say – inhabiting a bicameral legislative congress with a ‘leaking roof’ poses grave danger not only to the Distinguished and Honourable members therein but also to those not directly involved in the law-making process.

    PATRICK WEMAMBU, is Ag. Editor, The Daily Times Newspaper. He can be reached through p.wemambu@ dailytimesng.com

  • Gov Oborevwori reaffirms prioritizing of Corps members’ welfare, upgrading of camp facilities

    Gov Oborevwori reaffirms prioritizing of Corps members’ welfare, upgrading of camp facilities

    By Anne Azuka

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has reaffirmed that the State government would continue to prioritize the well-being of corps members and committed to upgrading the facilities at the Issele-Uku orientation camp.

    Oborevwori who stated this at the Opening/Swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream 1 Orientation Course for Corps members deployed to the State, at the NYSC Permanent Orientation camp, Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state.

    The governor, represented at the ceremony by the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Bar. ThankGod Harry Trakiriowei posited, “our vision is to make this camp one of the best in the country, equipped with modern infrastructure and capable of offering a world-class orientation experience”.

    “With God’s help and prudent resource management, we are
    confident this vision will be realized”, he added.

    The governor who formally declared the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream 1 Orientation Course open encouraged Corps members to actively participate in all scheduled activities, including leadership and citizenship training, physical drills, cultural education and sporting events.

    Oborevwori said that the State Government remained fully committed to the safety and welfare of all corps members posted to the State.

    “We have engaged and sensitised
    relevant stakeholders, including community leaders and residents, to treat corps members with utmost care, respect and hospitality.

    ” Additionally, we continue to
    encourage the private sector and employers of corps members to support NYSC activities, particularly Community Development Service (CDS) projects.

    ” These partnerships not only uplift our host communities but also provide you with opportunities to make meaningful contributions”, he stressed.

    He further encouraged them to build friendships, foster unity and embrace the values of discipline and service., Just as he urged them to adhere to the camp’s rules and regulations and make the most of this formative period of their adult life.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the State Coordinator, NYSC Delta State, Mr. John Kwaghe disclosed that a total of one thousand eight hundred and two (1802) prospective Corps
    members, comprising eight hundred and twenty nine (829) males and nine hundred and seventy three (973) females, were registered as at midnight on Friday, 25h April, 2025.

    He expressed appreciation to the quick
    intervention of the State Government in repairing some of the critical Camp facilities destroyed by the rainstorm shortly before the commencement of the on-going 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream I orientation exercise.

    “The intervention of Your Excellency in replacing six (6) Electric poles, and other accessories have restored power supply to the Orientation camp”, he acknowledged.

  • I’m taking charge of party structure, don’t believe in any faction in APC, Oborevwori declares

    I’m taking charge of party structure, don’t believe in any faction in APC, Oborevwori declares

    By Anne Azuka

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Monday declared that he has officially taken charge of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta state.

    Oborevwori made the declaration when he officially led all leaders and members of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State into the All Progressives Congress(APC) in a big ceremony in Asaba.

    The atmosphere was electrifying as thousands of supporters, state officials, and national political heavyweights gathered to witness what many now describe as a “political tsunami”, the complete collapse of PDP structures in Delta into APC.

    Governor Oborevwori made it clear that; “this is not mere defection but a movement. We consulted widely from the National Assembly, the leadership, stakeholders at the state, local government, and ward levels. We have all agreed that we must move together”.

    He stressed that the decision was born out of gratitude for the support shown by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a genuine desire to work from within to bring meaningful development to the people of Delta State.

    “You can’t repay love from outside. You have to be inside to do it and do it well,” Oborevwori stated.

    He however, dismissed any talk of divisions within the APC in Delta State, saying; “as I have come, there will be no more faction. In APC, the governor is the leader of the party in the state. I don’t believe in any faction, everybody must queue behind the party structure”.

    However, Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who graced the occasion and represented President Bola Tinubu, hailed the move as a historic political shift in the South-South region.

    He described the event as a “political tsunami,” noting that it is rare to see an entire government: governor, deputy governor, all National Assembly members from the state, the State House of Assembly, 500 councillors, all council chairmen, and ward executives move en masse into another party.

    “What testimony could be greater than this?” Shettima asked. “You are now not just members; you are leader of the APC.”

    He further affirmed that according to APC’s constitution, the governor is the leader of the party structure in his state, sending a clear message that Oborevwori is now fully in charge of the Delta APC.

    Shettima made a passionate appeal to the Oborevwori to carry his friend, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege along in the leadership of the party.

    On his part, Imo State Governor and Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, showered praises on Governor Oborevwori’s leadership.

    Uzodimma described Oborevwori’s move to the APC as wise and timely, assuring Deltans that this will take the state to even greater heights.

    “This is a win-win for everyone. Support your governor. Support the APC. Support development,” Uzodimma said.

    Also speaking, the immediate past Delta governor and PDP Vice Presidential candidate in the 2023 general, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa said the move was carefully thought out and widely consulted before it was made.

    “I have sacrificed everything for the best interest of Delta, and this decision is no different,” Okowa explained.

    He urged all Deltans, whether old APC members or new ones, to embrace each other and work together in unity.

    “Together, we can dominate the politics of Delta State. We must support the governor and Mr. President to bring true development to our people,” Okowa concluded.

    As the Cenotaph, the venue of the declaration rocked with chants of victory and unity, it became clear that Delta’s political equation has changed forever.

    No fewer than 16 governors, the National Chairman of APC, Abudullahi Ganduje, many APC national leaders, amongst all graced the occasion.

    Daybreak Nigeria learnt that Delta, once an opposition state has now firmly embraced the center, a realignment that could define elections and governance in years to come.

    The message was simple but powerful: Delta State is no longer in opposition. It has joined the Renewed Hope Agenda, and Governor Oborevwori is leading the charge with full authority and a united APC structure behind him.