Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has warned local government and local government education authority officials who allegedly siphoned N30,000 Sallah gifts given to workers in the state to return the diverted funds or face serious consequences. The governor issued the warning on Friday while addressing a large crowd of well-wishers and supporters at the Government House, Sokoto. This was contained in a statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Governor, Abubakar Bawa, and made available to newsmen.According to the statement, the Governor expressed dismay over the nefarious attitude of some financial officers, especially at the local government level, who denied their staff the N30,000 approved as Sallah gifts by the state government. I wonder how somebody would deny our workers the stipends we gave them in order to make them financially stable during the Sallah festive season,” he added.. Those who diverted the funds must return them immediately, or else we will take punitive measures against them. We will ensure that the culprits reap what they sowed to serve as a deterrent to others. Governor Aliyu, therefore, charged all heads of agencies where such corrupt tendencies were perpetrated to hasten the compilation of all the affected workers and ensure that they are refunded. He also assured the people of the state of his administration’s determination to ensure accountability, transparency, and the prudent management of public funds for the good of all. This administration is all out to ensure zero tolerance for corruption and all corrupt tendencies. So, if anybody thinks he can loot public funds and get away with it, then he must be sick. This administration is a true reflection of the government of the people, for the people, and indeed by the people. So, we have a huge task ahead of us that we must carry out diligently without minding whose ox is gored. He further called on the people of the state to continue to rally around the present administration in its undying quest to deliver on its campaign promises.

Timothy Osadolor, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy National Youth Leader, responded to a recent comment made by Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State. Fubara had stated that because the PDP had let them down, they were now concentrating on a movement rather than the party Ajapareporter.com reported that Osadolor disclosed that the PDP was in court on the present political issue in Rivers State and has complied with all of Governor Fubara’s requests. However, Fubara did not offer the party’s assistance when they asked for it in the legal proceedings. According to Timothy Osadolor, “I am sure Governor Fubara would have realized that he made an unfortunate statement. It is unfortunate. First, there is nothing he wants the party to do that the party has not done for him. The party is in court over the same Rivers State matter. So, he cannot start asking the NWC to probate and reprobate at a time. He has been a politician, but you don’t need to be a politician to understand the workings of the Constitution.”  

Amid the political upheaval in Rivers State, Governor Sim Fubara has boldly affirmed that his unwavering faith in God provides him with strength and confidence. During a Sallah solidarity visit at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday, Fubara stressed that his belief in divine support shields him from fear and empowers him to confront his adversaries. ” It’ s a challenging environment, but being aligned with God means being on the winning side. With God by your side, there’ s no need to fear. While they may scheme and gather against you, ultimately, their efforts will lead to your triumph, ” Fubara expressed. His statements were made in the presence of Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, the Vice President General and Chairman of the Association of South- South Muslim Ummah of Nigeria, who led the visiting delegation. Governor Fubara’ s comments come amid an ongoing clash with his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The tension between the two political figures has been escalating, with Wike reportedly working against Fubara’ s administration. Despite these challenges, Fubara remains steadfast, expressing that the actions of his detractors will ultimately prove to be futile. Fubara also took the opportunity to reveal his main target: delivering the dividends of good governance to the people of Rivers State. He articulated his administration’ s commitment to improving the lives of the citizens and fostering an environment of opportunity and freedom. ” We have shown that we mean well for Rivers people. We have shown that this is not just a government that merely wants to control: it is a government resolved to give everybody opportunity, a government that allows you to feel free, and operate within the laws, ” Fubara said.

A former governorship aspirant under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has, during an interview on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television Programme, insisted that Senator Adams Oshiomhole would never join forces with Governor Godwin Obaseki to secure the victory of Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); as he revealed how the Governor purportedly said Senator Oshiomhole should not come to Edo State again. Pastor Osagie had said, “You will recall some years ago, what Governor Obaseki did to Oshiomhole, even trying to ban him from his own State; a Governor that you rode on his back; a Governor that made it possible for you to become Governor; you became Governor and you went out against him to the exent that you say he cannot even come to Edo State, that you would deal with him. People don’t forget, and the internet, you know, would make sure that you never forget. So, Oshiomhole is not a fool he knows who are his friends.”.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for Nigerians to make sacrifices to achieve the country’s greatness has sparked widespread criticism and demands for him to lead by example. Nigerians, civil society organizations, and opposition parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Young Progressives Party (YPP) have urged the president and his administration to demonstrate sacrifices before asking citizens to do the same. Tinubu had while addressing journalists after observing the Eid-el Kabir prayer at Dodan Barracks, Lagos, on Sunday, said that Nigerians must follow the path of sacrifice to make the nation great. “Being a very good citizen comes with responsibility. As citizens, what do you do to be a very committed member of our society? Go and sacrifice. Love your country, love your neighbours, share what you have with one another and be thankful to Almighty God. That’s all,” he had said. However, his comment has been met with anger and frustration. Many Nigerians who are struggling with poverty, inflation, and hardship feel that the government has failed to fulfil its promises and provide basic necessities like security, electricity, and infrastructure. Critics argue that the government’s removal of fuel subsidies, increase in electricity tariffs, and introduction of new taxes have further burdened citizens, making it unfair to ask for more sacrifices without providing relief or social safety nets. They point out that the cost of governance is high, and the president and his appointees should reduce their own expenses and lead by example. An economist and lecturer at Saadatu Rimi University of Education, Kumbotso, Kano, who is also the Director, Fiscal Discipline and Development Advocacy Centre (FIDAC), Dr. Abdulsalam Kani, said the government had failed to fulfil its promises made to Nigerians. “The government has removed fuel subsidy and increased electricity tariff, plunging many into difficulty. Nigerians were promised that Port Harcourt refinery will begin production in December last year, and that has not happened. Despite these and the failure of the administration to fulfil promises, they are making plans to buy new aircraft for the president and vice president,” he said. The Secretary-General, Nigeria Political Science Association (NPSA), Dr Bakare Adegbola, said: “The statement of the president is a normal thing politicians say during eid celebrations, especially Eid-el Kabir, which is all about sacrifice. But when politically contextualised, then we begin to read meanings to it. “An average politician cannot make sacrifices in terms of what they get when they get into power because they see the position as a business investment and must recoup their money,” he said. “However, before demanding such from the masses, he should have shown that he is leading from the front. The cost of governance is too high and yet, we are talking about buying new carriers for the president when we already have ten. Why not sell some of those ageing ones? “The number of cars in their convoys has shown that they are not making any sacrifice. They need to govern by example and take the lead in their campaign of sacrifice,” he said. Abdullateef Abubakar, a resident of Kano, said the Tinubu administration should rather reduce cost of governance instead of asking poor Nigerians to make sacrifices. He said the president made so much appointments who are paid allowances from the government’s coffers. “People are really facing difficulties. Food is beyond the reach of many families. What else do they want people to do,” he asked. The PDP and YPP have called on the president to stop corruption and profligacy in his government and demonstrate sacrifices before asking Nigerians to do the same. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the main opposition party, has urged President Tinubu to tackle corruption within his administration and lead by example before calling on Nigerians to make sacrifices. According to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, “If you look at our recent outing on the state of affairs in the country, we have told the president to take action and reduce profligacy and corruption in government. “Yes, we agreed that every citizen needs to make sacrifices, but the leadership must lead by example; the government should show the way in making sacrifices by leading by example. That way, the people will be connected to the government. “What we are saying as a party is that there are times everyone must make sacrifice for the good of the country, but the government must show the way by example; because that is the only way the people can be connected to the government. “What is happening is that Nigerians have resorted to providing their own security, they have taken over the role of government, because government has apparently failed them and they are disappointed”, he said. Ologunagba also said because of the situation in the country, “Majority of Nigerians have completely lost confidence in the APC government, which has failed to articulate any clear-cut, development-oriented policy direction that is geared towards guaranteeing the security and economic wellbeing of the people, leading to despondency and uncertainty”.

Chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima has decided to caution the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with regards to their interference in the ongoing Kano State political drama. Buba Galadima who cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration during an interview with ARISE TV few minutes ago, stated that the former Lagos State governor should be mindful of Kano State politics, adding that it will “destroy” his presidency if he continues to involve himself. However, Buba Galadima on revealing his reason for warning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with regards to such issue, mentioned that if Boko Haram terrorists can hold security agencies to ransom for years, then they should be careful of people like himself in Kano State. In his own words, Buba Galadima mentioned that; “If Boko Haram can hold security agencies to ransom for years, they should be careful of us in Kano.

Buba Galadima, Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has made a bold statement, declaring that if he were President, he would order the detention of anyone who mentions ethnicity in his presence. In an interview with Arise TV, Galadima emphasised his commitment to uniting the country and focusing on the people’s needs rather than perpetuating ethnic divisions. Galadima stressed that, as a leader, he would prioritise the country’s progress over ethnic considerations, stating that discussions about Igbo, Hausa, Fulani, or Yoruba would be met with swift action. He believes that by eliminating ethnic rhetoric, Nigeria can move forward and address its pressing issues. According to him, “We can’t do better if we talk about ourselves. We must be talking about the people; we must be talking about the country. Now, if I were the president of this country and anybody comes on Newspaper or social media to talk to me about Igbo, Hausa, Fulani, or Yoruba, I’ll just send him to detention

Former Edo Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shaibu has declared support for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo September 21 poll Senator Monday Okpebholo. He described the APC standard bearer as one of the two home boys among the 16 candidates. The other home boy, he said, is the governorship candidate of Labour Party (LP) Olumide Akpata, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). He said the two home boys possess the characteristics to truly move Edo forward. Shaibu, a former member of the House of Representatives, spoke with reporters at St. Paul Catholic Church on Airport Road, Benin during the Fathers’ Day celebration. Read Also: Why I took a break from ministry – Yul Edochie He described the standard bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, a product of godfatherism, which, according to him, former Governor Senator Adams Oshiomhole fought against. He said: “I will support a home boy. I came in to contest to be the Governor of Edo State, because I needed governance to return to a home boy, somebody who understands our plight, somebody who understands what the people are feeling. Even the United Nations talks about the NEEDS assessment. “We do not want an outsider. We have experimented with an outsider, and it is not working. So, this time round, we want a homeboy. I came into the contest as a home boy, but today, we have only two home boys in the major political parties: one is in the LP, and the other is in APC. I decided to follow the home boy in the APC. “Asue Ighodalo they are parading in the PDP is an outsider, and we have also agreed that no more godfatherism in Edo. The man PDP is parading is the godson of Governor Godwin Obaseki. There is no way a godson can be governor of Edo State again. “I am a very good learner. Learning is what is most important in our lives. We must continue to learn till we die. Obaseki says everybody has the right to support whoever he wants to support, but he also forgets that he does not have the right to stop anybody from supporting whoever he wants to support. So, it is my right to also decide who I want to support.” Shaibu, an ex-President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), also maintained that he cannot be accused of anti-party activity for supporting APC’s governorship candidate while he is still a member of the PDP. He said: “It is not an anti-party activity. In the last election, Obaseki was one leg in LP, and the other leg in PDP. So, my decision cannot be described as anti-party activity.” The former Edo Majority Leader maintained that APC’s Okpebholo, a grassroots politician, has the experience, capacity and capability to move the State to the next level. He said: “Enough of English that takes us nowhere. We are talking about good governance. Okpebholo understands the plight of Edo residents. He who wears the shoe knows where it pinches. Asue Ighodalo, who has never voted in any election, how can he be seeking for our votes? “Why are some people comparing Asue Ighodalo, a Lagos-based lawyer, with Okpebholo, a sitting senator (of Edo Central Senatorial District), who is really a home boy? “When Olumide Akpata and Okpebholo get home to their people, they will speak their languages, unlike Asue Ighodalo.”

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has pledged to provide exceptional leadership that prioritises the welfare of the people and assured that his administration would operate with the fear of God to make the people of Rivers State proud. He made these remarks during a baby dedication service for the family of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wordu at the Royal House of Grace International Church in Rumueme Community, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, on Sunday. He said: “For us, by the special grace of God, He has placed us, today, to watch over the affairs, not to control, but to watch over the affairs of this state. I am not controlling, but watching the affairs, and I will watch through the fear of God. “I will watch, understanding that one day, I will leave and account for the way I had watched over the affairs of all of us.” He added: “It’s when you are of the mind of controlling power, that you will become obsessed. But when you are watching, you know that one day, you will leave and another will take over. “So, I will watch with the fear of God, and I will make every one of you proud. I will make a difference in leadership, and that difference will be to give everybody the opportunity to be free in this state.” The governor, who donated N100 million to the church, expressed his gratitude to the church for its fervent prayers, attributing his administration’s strength and bold implementation of impactful policies to this spiritual support. He further emphasised that these prayers have been instrumental in advancing the progress and growth of Rivers State. “No man is more powerful than God. And even the heart of that wicked and heartless man or whatever you want to call it, is in the palm of God’s hand. “It’s like water that God turns in directions He wants. So, it’s only God that will continue to help us. And I know that He will lead us to a successful end,” he said.