Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has inaugurated Barr. Aber Serumun Deborah as the state’s first female Secretary to the State Government (SSG). The ceremony took place at the Government House in Makurdi on Thursday.

Governor Alia praised Barr. Aber’s appointment as a significant step towards recognizing and empowering women in leadership roles.

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He emphasized the administration’s commitment to merit-based and inclusive governance.

“The appointment of Barr. Aber Serumun Deborah as the first female SSG reflects our administration’s belief in the capabilities of Benue women and our dedication to fostering diversity in leadership roles,” Alia said.

The governor expressed strong confidence in Barr. Aber’s capacity to manage her new responsibilities effectively, including coordinating government activities and promoting sustainable development.

He assured her of full support from his administration and encouraged collaboration among public servants, stakeholders, and citizens for the state’s advancement.

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In her acceptance speech, Barr. Aber thanked both God and Governor Alia for the opportunity. She promised to diligently serve in her new role and align her efforts with the administration’s goals for a more prosperous Benue.

Barr. Aber’s appointment follows the resignation of the former SSG, Prof. Joseph Alakali.

Hajiya Fatima Aliyu Aminu Garu, the wife of Hon. Aliyu Aminu Garu, representing Bauchi Federal Constituency, is facing criticism for distributing sugarcane sticks to youths as part of an empowerment effort.

The event, captured in photos that have since gone viral, has been met with derision and condemnation from various quarters.

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The Bauchi State Chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has expressed its disapproval of the initiative.

PRP State Secretary, Abdulazeez Haruna issued a statement criticizing the gesture as inadequate and out of touch with the real needs of the constituency.

He stated, “This gesture is far below the standard expected of our representatives. The people of Bauchi Federal Constituency deserve more than superficial handouts. They need substantial developmental programs that address their actual needs and challenges.”

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Haruna called for accountability from Hon. Aliyu Garu, demanding a detailed account of his legislative contributions and developmental projects.

“We want to know what tangible benefits he has provided to the people of Bauchi Local Government Area. What significant bills has he sponsored? What projects has he supported to improve the lives of his constituents?”

He urged the lawmaker to focus on genuine, impactful initiatives rather than token gestures and called on the people of Bauchi to hold their representatives accountable for meaningful progress.

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Haruna also promised that the PRP is prepared to offer more effective and responsive representation.

Attempts to reach Hon. Aliyu Garu for comment were unsuccessful, but an aide confirmed that the lawmaker is currently out of the country on official business.

Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, has expressed grave concerns about the escalating tensions among political actors in Edo State as the September 21 governorship election approaches.

In an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Itodo warned that the situation in Edo State appears increasingly volatile, with rising activities from cult groups and reported attacks on political candidates and their supporters.

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Itodo urged security agencies to uphold impartiality and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to appoint individuals of high integrity to oversee the election.

He highlighted that the current environment suggests that political actors are gearing up for conflict rather than a democratic election.

He said, “The increase in cult group activities, attacks on candidates, and destruction at party rallies indicate that the political landscape is not preparing for an election but for a confrontation. Security agencies and INEC must prioritize the safety and interests of the people.”

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Itodo warned that if voters feel unsafe, they may not participate in the election, thereby disenfranchising the people of Edo.

He urged both political sides to prioritize the state’s well-being and adhere to democratic principles.

The Yiaga Africa executive director emphasized that security operatives must conduct their duties with impartiality and transparency to build trust among stakeholders.

Additionally, he stressed the importance of deploying individuals of exemplary character to manage the election to ensure a credible and secure process.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the immediate redeployment of the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, ahead of the September 21 governorship election.

The party is urging the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to take swift action, citing concerns that Dr. Onuoha’s position could lead to a biased and compromised election.

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The PDP, in a statement by its Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, also requested the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to remove the current Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Nemo Edwin-Iwo. According to the party, the redeployment of these officials would help restore trust in the election process and ensure a peaceful, fair contest.

Damagum criticized the police for disbanding the Edo State Security Corps, a unit set up by the Edo State House of Assembly.

He argued that this move by the police has escalated tensions, threatening the security and safety of Edo residents ahead of the election.

Additionally, the PDP accused Dr. Onuoha of partisanship, claiming that he is sympathetic to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and cannot be trusted to oversee a credible election.

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The party also demanded the immediate release of 10 PDP members arrested in connection with the election, vowing not to sign any peace accords until their grievances were addressed.

Governor Godwin Obaseki had earlier expressed similar concerns, accusing the police of bias against the PDP and alleging that the party’s leaders were being targeted to weaken their chances in the upcoming election.

This tension culminated in the PDP’s refusal to sign the National Peace Accord, a pact designed to ensure a peaceful, violence-free election.

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While representatives of 17 other political parties signed the accord, the PDP state chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, and the party’s governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, declined to do so.

They stated that the party would not enter into any agreement while its members were being unlawfully detained.

The Chairman of the Peace Accord Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), emphasized the importance of the accord, urging candidates to commit to peaceful campaigns and respect the election’s outcome.

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However, the PDP insisted that it would only participate in the peace accord after its concerns were fully addressed.

In response, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reassured all parties that the police would remain neutral and committed to providing a fair and secure environment for the election.

He called for all stakeholders to maintain peace and trust in the democratic process, assuring voters that their rights would be protected.

Meanwhile, Bishop Matthew Kukah, Convener of the National Peace Committee, encouraged the people of Edo State to come out and vote peacefully.

He urged candidates to seek legal recourse if dissatisfied with the election results, reminding them that the peace committee has mechanisms in place to address election-related disputes.

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has explained its refusal to sign the National Peace Accord for the upcoming September 21 governorship election, citing concerns of bias by the police.

Despite being present at the event, PDP State Chairman Dr. Tony Aziegbemi and the party’s candidate Asue Ighodalo chose not to sign the accord, alongside representatives from 17 other political parties.

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Earlier, Governor Godwin Obaseki had hinted at the possibility of the PDP pulling out of the peace agreement.

He accused the police of working in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC), pointing to the recent arrest of 10 PDP leaders who were seen as key figures ahead of the election.

According to Obaseki, this demonstrated that the police, under APC influence, were biased from the outset, making it impossible for the PDP to sign an agreement overseen by a partial umpire.

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Aziegbemi echoed this sentiment, questioning the validity of signing a peace accord while several PDP members remained in detention without trial.

He further criticized the Inspector General of Police (IGP), accusing him of unprecedented bias and demanding the withdrawal of external police forces currently operating in Edo State.

Meanwhile, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Chairman of the Peace Accord Committee, emphasized that the purpose of the peace accord was to ensure a peaceful, hate-free, and violence-free election, where candidates respect the outcome as long as it is deemed fair and credible.

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He urged all parties to prioritize the interest of Edo State’s people above individual ambitions, stressing that peace is crucial for the state’s progress.

In response to the PDP’s concerns, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reassured all stakeholders that the police would remain impartial, professional, and committed to ensuring a level playing field for all political parties.

He called on all parties to embrace peace and respect the democratic process, ensuring a credible and fair election where voters can exercise their rights without fear or intimidation.

The chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed concerns about the country’s current state of affairs under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

In a recent meeting held in Abuja, the APC States Chairmen’s Forum resolved to seek an audience with the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and President Tinubu to address pressing issues affecting the nation.

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Alphonsus Ogar Eba, Secretary of the APC States Chairmen’s Forum and Chairman of the Cross River State APC, told reporters after the meeting that Nigerians are facing challenges related to worsening insecurity, economic hardship, fuel price hikes, increased electricity tariffs, and other issues.

Ogar, flanked by acting forum chairman Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi and other state chairmen, emphasized that the forum aims to discuss these matters privately with the federal government and the NWC.

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He stated, “The Forum of APC States Chairmen met to discuss concerns regarding the party’s democratic values and the success of our APC-led administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. We have resolved to hold closed-door meetings with the NWC and government to address the situation in the country.”

Responding to questions about the economic hardship faced by Nigerians, Ogar acknowledged the complaints and assured that the forum would engage the federal government to find solutions. He added that it would be premature to comment further until those discussions are held.

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The chairmen also addressed internal party matters, including the extension of the caretaker committee of the Rivers State APC, led by Chief Tony Okocha.

The forum believes that this decision by the NWC, under the leadership of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, will strengthen the party as it prepares for the 2027 elections.

The forum further praised the performance of Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State and now Minister of the FCT, highlighting his achievements in security, infrastructure, and human capital development.

However, they declined to comment on whether non-performing ministers should be removed from office.