Stella Oduah, the former Minister of Aviation, recently spoke at an event in Abuja, expressing confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration to steer Nigeria’s economy towards stability and growth.

She commended Tinubu’s focus on practical policies aimed at strengthening the nation’s economy and infrastructure, particularly highlighting his commitment to the development of the South East region.

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Oduah praised Tinubu’s leadership style, describing him as a silent achiever who prioritizes tangible results over empty rhetoric.

She emphasized the administration’s efforts to unlock Nigeria’s productive potential and create employment opportunities, especially for the youth, through initiatives like the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Oduah lauded Tinubu for his commitment to youth inclusion in governance and his bold steps in addressing economic challenges, such as clearing the foreign exchange backlog to strengthen the Naira.

She also commended the appointment of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as the Coordinator of APC activities in the South East, citing his efforts to bring federal presence and development to the region.

Oduah attributed her recent joining of the APC to Uzodimma’s leadership and his popularity in the South East.

She urged the Igbo Business Community to support President Tinubu, Governor Uzodimma, and the APC, emphasizing the benefits of embracing a government that values inclusivity and economic progress.

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf responded to his predecessor, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, on Sunday, challenging claims of failure in the current administration and highlighting what he described as Ganduje’s misrule during his eight-year tenure.

Governor Yusuf, through his spokesperson Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, expressed regret that Ganduje focused on nonexistent failures in the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) government instead of addressing the issues surrounding his own governance.

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He criticized Ganduje’s tenure for alleged corruption, diversion of public funds, and the sale of government properties, asserting that his eight months in office had already surpassed Ganduje’s two unproductive terms.

Governor Yusuf urged Ganduje to focus on defending himself in court rather than further engaging in media skirmishes.

He referenced the infamous video allegedly showing Ganduje pocketing dollars, purportedly received as kickbacks from a contractor, and other corruption scandals associated with his administration.

The statement underscored the need for accountability and transparency, calling for the release of the EFCC report on the alleged Dollar saga and other corrupt practices during Ganduje’s tenure.

“We wish to reaffirm the present administration’s resolve and readiness to make Ganduje and his co-travellers face the full wrath of the law for thier intentional wrong doings,” the statement added.

Governor Yusuf, however, maintained that his administration is multifacetedly inclined, prioritizing focus and attention on socio-economic and physical infrastructure developments for the overall well-being of Kano and the good people of Kano State.

“Governor Yusuf believes that for anyone to assume that efforts to unravel the issue of corruption charges against Ganduje and members of his immediate family are an attempt to cover up, clearly means, such category of people are either under false illusion or being economical with the truth.

“For whatever option, the Kano State government would advise the acting national chairman of APC to show cause why his name, that of his family, and the entire people of Kano should permanently erase from the global embarrassment that the dollar video has generated.

“The administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf emphasized that it would leave no stone unturned to pursuing the dollar video scandal to logical conclusion. He therefore requested the release of the forensic investigation conducted by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFFC, on the ‘Gandollar saga’, in 2018, for public consumption”, he stated.

On the allegations of poor governance in Kano despite the increase in federal allocation, Governor Yusuf stated that his administration “is still struggling to recover from state of bankruptcy Ganduje plunged the state in the last eight years.”

“We wish to warn Ganduje to stop dragging the name of President Bola Tinubu into his corruption saga, as we believe that our able and well respected President does not interfere into cases before the courts of competent jurisdiction, as we witnessed during our trying times at the Supreme Court when he allowed justice to prevail for the opposition parties,” the statement added.

The Rivers State Police Command has issued a stern warning to all parties involved in the political turmoil within the state to refrain from actions that could escalate tensions and disrupt peace.

In a statement released in Port Harcourt, the state’s capital, spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, emphasized the command’s commitment to maintaining order and preventing any attempts to disturb the prevailing peace.

The statement highlighted the command’s awareness of recent statements made by politicians that have the potential to incite violence, urging them to exercise caution and responsibility in their remarks.

The statement read, “The Rivers State Police Command is fully aware of the numerous political statements and sentiments that have been circulating within the state.

“In the light of these developments, we would like to inform the general public and the esteemed people of Rivers State of the following:

“The Nigeria Police Force is the statutory and constitutional authority entrusted with the responsibilities of enforcing laws and orders, as well as protecting lives and properties, among others.

“The Rivers State Police Command, as an integral part of the Nigeria Police Force, is firmly committed to upholding and enforcing all laws and orders within the state.”

The statement added that the command would not “stand idle and allow any individual or group to disrupt the existing peace in the state under any guise or pretext.

“The Rivers State Police Command will not hesitate to take decisive action against any person or group of persons found to be in violation of the laws and orders of the state.”

The command “implored members of the public to maintain peace and abide by the laws of the land.” and urged those involved in the ongoing political unrest “to seek peaceful/lawful means to address your grievances.”

“Be assured that the command remains neutral and apolitical in all matters pertaining to the current political situation,” the statement read.

Peter Obi, the flagbearer for the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential elections has affirmed his dedication to the party, dismissing speculations of his departure.

During an interview in Gombe, after inaugurating a borehole at Tike Ram Market in Pantami, Gombe State, Obi emphasized his commitment to fostering harmony within the party to surmount its current hurdles.

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He expressed confidence in the LP’s ability to address its challenges and move forward united, underscoring his determination to contribute to the party’s stability and progress.

“No, there is no such thing as leaving the Labour Party. I am for peace; I like peace. I believe we are one people.

“Our concentration should be on peace and I believe that we will resolve all situations,” he said.

On recent speculations of him running for the 2027 presidency with former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Obi said: “Well, I’m more interested now in Nigeria’s success today than tomorrow.

“We are always concentrating on the election rather than what Nigerians are going through.

“My commitment is about Nigerians living in a better society, given a better life and that’s my concern,” he said.

On why he donated the borehole, the former governor of Anambra said he had been going around in the spirit of Ramadan to support Nigerians, especially the poor to help cushion the impact of the current challenges.

“I’m here in Gombe and I came to Pantami market to help them in the area of water supply that is the borehole I just inaugurated.

“You can see the business here, all the rams and everything here but they don’t have water.

“We will support some individuals which we will do remotely and send them some little money. About 100, that will be done.”

There were speculations that Obi might have started shopping for another political platform, in spite of being guaranteed the LP 2027 presidential ticket at its convention.

NLC spokesman, Benson Upah, last Sunday, said the NLC would not stand in the way of Obi, should he decide to defect to another political platform.

Upah said: “The right of choice is available to Mr Obi. If he chooses to leave the party, that is his preference. We can’t sit in judgment over him on that.

“But if he chooses to remain, of course, Peter Obi is an asset any day. I rest my case on that,” he said.

In the latest developments surrounding the impeachment proceedings against Edo State’s deputy governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu, the investigative panel chaired by Justice Stephen A. Omonuwa (rtd) has wrapped up its hearings.

The panel, convened by Chief Judge Justice Daniel Okungbowa, was tasked with probing allegations of perjury and divulging government secrets leveled against Shaibu by the Edo State House of Assembly.

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The panel’s decision to conclude its proceedings came after Shaibu’s continued absence, despite previous opportunities provided for him to defend himself against the accusations. Despite being represented by Professor Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN) initially, Shaibu and his counsel failed to attend subsequent sessions, prompting the panel to move forward.

During the hearings, the Edo State House of Assembly, represented by counsel Ohiafi Joe, presented its case, asserting that the deputy governor had violated his oath of office and engaged in gross misconduct.

Despite repeated adjournments to allow Shaibu to present his defense, his absence persisted, leading the panel to make the final decision to adjourn indefinitely.

Justice Omonuwa’s ruling, “the panel will now retire to compile its report, which will be submitted to Chief Judge Justice Okungbowa for further action.”

This marks a significant development in the ongoing impeachment saga, leaving the fate of the deputy governor in the hands of the judicial process.

Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State, alongside the All Progressives Congress (APC), is set to commence their defense on April 15th at the state’s governorship election tribunal in Abuja, countering the petition filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Murtala Ajaka.

The tribunal, chaired by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, scheduled this date following the closure of the SDP’s case after presenting 25 witnesses out of an initial 400.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will also present its defense with two witnesses.

The SDP and Ajaka contest Governor Ododo’s victory in the November 11, 2023 poll, listing INEC, Ododo, and APC as respondents.

However, during the recent proceedings, objections arose when Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, attempted to lead witness Edidiong Udoh, a Digital Forensic Expert, in evidence.

Lawyers representing INEC, Governor Ododo, and the APC raised concerns regarding the witness not being listed in the proof of evidence and the late submission of the witness’ analysis reports.

Despite Okutepa’s insistence that the witness was listed in the petition and the report was front-loaded, objections were raised.

Udoh, the digital forensic expert, requested to amend a statement on oath but faced opposition from the respondents’ lawyers.

They argued against such amendments, and the tribunal advised them to raise their objections in their final written addresses.

During cross-examination, Udoh disclosed that he led a team of seven experts in conducting the analysis, but objections were raised regarding the inclusion of their names and signatures in the report.

The witness clarified that as the team leader, he signed the report, which did not depend on SDP’s petition.

Discrepancies emerged regarding figures in the witness’ report conflicting with those in SDP’s petition. Despite this, Udoh maintained the independence of his report from the petition’s figures.

Additionally, questions were raised about Udoh’s familiarity with the term “dactylography,” which he associated with fingerprint analysis, despite it not being included in his curriculum vitae.

The tribunal admitted Udoh’s certificates as exhibits despite objections from the respondents’ lawyers, who questioned the authenticity of photocopies and the absence of original documents.

As the defense prepares to present its case, the tribunal continues to navigate through legal arguments and evidentiary challenges in the ongoing electoral dispute.

In a fresh development, the Kano State government has initiated legal proceedings against former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his wife Hafsat Umar, and six others.

This move comes as the state government files a suit before a State high court.

The additional defendants named in the suit include Ganduje’s son, Umar Abdullahi Umar, as well as Abubakar Bawuro, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Ltd., Safari Textiles Ltd., and Lesage General Enterprises.

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The prosecution counsel, Muhuyi Magaji Esq, and others have filed a copy of the suit, outlining eight charges against Ganduje and the seven others.

The charges pertain to allegations of dollar bribery, misappropriation of funds, and diversion of funds amounting to billions of naira.

The charges read;

“That you, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje Sometimes between the period of January 10th 2016 or thereabout, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, while serving as the Governor of Kano State and being a public servant in the government of Kano State corruptly asked for and received the sum of $ 200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand United State Dollars) being benefit for yourself from one of the beneficiaries of contracts awarded by the Kano State Government on your instruction and approval as part of your function as the Governor of Kano State thereby committed the offence of official corruption contrary to and punishable under Section 22 of The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission Law 2008 (as amended), Law N02 of 2009, Laws of Kano State of Nigeria.

“That you, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje Sometime between the period of February 2017 or there about, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, while serving as the Governor of Kano State and being a public servant in the government of Kano State agreed to do or caused to be done an illegal act, to wit, dishonestly and/or corruptly to your own advantage collected a kick back of the sum of $ 213,000 (Two Hundred And Thirteen Thousand United State Dollars) being money generated from people and entities seeking or holding the execution of Kano State Government contact and or project for the remodeling of Kantin Kwari textile market as a bribe through one of the contractors (agent) thereby committed the offence of official corruption contrary to and punishable under Section 22 of The Kano State Public Complaints and Anticorruption Commission Law 2008 (as amended), Law N02 of 2009, Laws of Kano State of Nigeria.

“That you, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje Sometimes between the period of September 2020 and march 2021 or there about, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, together with one Hafsat Umar (your spouse) and Abubakar Bawuro, a Business man, Safari Textile Ltd, a limited liability company, wholly owned and maintained by the 3 rd Defendant, agreed to do an illegal act to wit: dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of (One Billion Three Hundred and seventy Six million Naira) through account No. 7085982019 belonging to the 3rd Defendant being monies earmarked and approved for the purchase and supply of face marks and other hospital equipment for the health sector, thereby causing wrongful loss to the people and government of Kano State and thereby jointly committed the offence of Criminal Conspiracy contrary to section 96 and punishable under section 97 of The penal code (as amended) CAP,105, Vol.2. The Laws of Kano State of Nigeria, 1991.

“That you, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Sometimes between the period of September 2020 and January 2022 or there about, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, together with one Hafsat Umar (your spouse) and Abubakar Bawuro, a Business man, Safari Textile Ltd, a limited liability company, while entrusted with the sum of (One Billion Three Hundred and seventy Six million Naira) or dominion over the said sum, earmarked for the purchase and supply of face masks and other hospital equipment dishonestly misappropriated and/or converted the said sum to your own use through account No. 7085982019 belonging to the 3 rd defendant, thereby jointly committed the offence of Criminal Breach of Trust contrary to section 311 and punishable under section 312 of The penal code (as amended) CAP,105, Vol.2.

“That you, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje Sometimes between the period march of 2021 or there about, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, while serving as the Governor and being a public servant in the government of Kano State for your own benefit and that of your immediate family conspire with the 4th defendant (Umar Abdullahi Umar) being your biological son using defendant (Lamash Properties Ltd) a company owned and or operated by members of your family including the 4th defendant and dishonestly allocated 501 (five hundred and one) high density plots of lands you hold in trust for the benefit all Nigerians at Zawachiki layout No. TP/KNUPD/256B in the name of 6th defendant company under the pretext of site and services arrangement in the land compulsory acquired by you being the Governor of Kano State from destitute members of the public (peasant farmers) were it was sold and the proceed part of which the sum of (Seven Hundred Million Naira) was deposited in the account of Bureau de change operator vision Steel link Ltd No. Domicile at Access Bank where dollar equivalent was given to the defendant to the detriment of the people and government of Kano State thereby jointly committed the offence of Criminal Conspiracy contrary to section 96 and punishable under section 97 of The penal code (as amended) CAP,105, Vol.2. The Laws of Kano State of Nigeria, 1991,” the charges reads.

The suit is also attached with a 15 prosecution witnesses list and their statements.

However, a date is yet to be fixed.