Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced a cabinet reshuffle that resulted in the removal of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and the appointment of new officials into key positions.

The changes were announced on Monday in a statement issued by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

According to the statement, Governor Makinde relieved Professor Olanike Kudirat Adeyemo of her duties as Secretary to the State Government with immediate effect.

The governor subsequently appointed Professor Musibau Adetunji Babatunde as the new SSG.

As part of the reshuffle, Barrister Temilolu Seun Ashamu was redeployed from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

Governor Makinde also named his Senior Special Assistant on Public Works, Ademola Aderinto, as a commissioner-designate. Aderinto is expected to be forwarded to the Oyo State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

In addition, the governor approved the appointment of Honourable Abiodun Adedoja as Special Adviser on Energy Security, while Kolawole Elijah Akanmu was appointed Senior Special Assistant on Budget and Economic Planning.

The newly appointed SSG, Professor Babatunde, is a distinguished economist and academic from the Department of Economics, University of Ibadan.

He previously served as Chief Economic Adviser to Governor Makinde during the governor’s first term and later as Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning.

Professor Babatunde holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, as well as Master’s and PhD degrees, from the University of Ibadan.

He earned his doctorate in Economics in June 2007 and joined the university as an Assistant Lecturer in November 2006.

He is currently a Professor in the Department of Economics.

In 2005, Babatunde received the World Trade Organization Doctoral Internship Visiting Scholar Support Award in Geneva, Switzerland.

He also emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student in the Master’s degree programme in Economics at the University of Ibadan and won the African Economic Research Consortium PhD Scholarship Award in Nairobi, Kenya.

His international exposure includes serving as Director in courses on Industrial Policy in Africa and Domestic Resource Mobilisation for Investment for African policymakers at the United Nations African Institute for Economic Development and Planning in Dakar, Senegal.

Professor Babatunde has consulted on several national and state-level economic projects, including studies on the impact of the Economic Partnership Agreement on Nigeria’s economy, export supply constraints, and output market initiatives.

He has also served as Chief Consultant on the Niger State Economic Development Strategy and Coordinating Consultant on the Niger State Vision 3:2020 and Local Governments Vision 3:2020 documents.

Imo State lawmaker, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, has officially defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the Action People’s Party (APP).

Making the announcement in his country home at Akokwa in Ideato North Local Government Area on Wednesday, Ugochinyere said his decision followed repeated failed efforts to revive the PDP in the state.

Recalling the challenges he faced within the party, including multiple court cases initiated against him by fellow PDP members, the lawmaker said, “From the day we started with PDP to this afternoon, we are still in court with our party in a bid to retain a seat they had never won in over fifteen years until we brought victory to them.”

“After surviving these ordeals in the past three to four years, why risk it again?”

He described the party’s treatment of him as insulting, noting that as the only federal lawmaker PDP had in Imo, he faced opposition from within.

“We want to build and earn every vote. That is why we moved to a political party we can develop from scratch, filled with the energy of young people. APP gives us the platform to achieve what we intend to do,” he added.

Ugochinyere also addressed recent controversies involving the Minister of the federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, urging him to refrain from making disparaging remarks about the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

He warned that any insult directed at the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator Azuta Mbata, should be considered an affront to the entire Igbo nation.

“To attack the President General of the Igbo nation is to attack the Igbo people everywhere. Igbos will not tolerate such actions for any reason,” he said.

He called on President Bola Tinubu to caution Wike and ensure he refrains from denigrating the Igbo.

Ugochinyere noted that the President General, Senator Mbata, has the respect of the Igbo worldwide, describing him as a figure fit to lead the race globally.

The lawmaker also expressed dissatisfaction with the police for inaction regarding individuals arrested over attacks on his residence, some of whom reportedly made confessional statements.

Ahead of the 2027 general election, former Enugu State chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Barrister Ugochukwu Agballa, has thrown his weight behind Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, officially recognising him as the leader of the party in the state.

Agballa, who had previously aligned with Chief Uche Nnaji, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, made the announcement on Friday during a visit to Governor Mbah, accompanied by his supporters.

Speaking at the event, Agballa said, “APC is now united in Enugu State. We will work together for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, who is now the leader of the APC political family in Enugu State.”

He added, “There is no longer a Dr. Ben Nwoye faction or a Ugochukwu Agballa faction in Enugu. We are all under the umbrella of Governor Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.”

Former senator and rights activist, Shehu Sani, has urged Nigerians in their middle years to move beyond social media commentary and become more directly involved in the country’s political process.

In a post shared on X on Saturday, Sani called on citizens in their 30s, 40s and 50s to stop confining their political engagement to online debates and instead seek elective offices, noting that many political positions are increasingly being occupied by much younger individuals.

He criticised surveys and narratives that portray Nigerian youths as more active on social media than in politics, arguing that such claims are misleading and do little to promote meaningful civic participation.

According to the former lawmaker, genuine political involvement requires more than digital activism, stressing that real change comes from participation in party structures, grassroots mobilisation and elections.

Sani wrote that many Nigerians in their middle years now find themselves represented by lawmakers significantly younger than them, yet remain content with engaging politicians only through comment sections on social media platforms such as Facebook, X and Instagram.

He urged such citizens to register with political parties, aspire to public office and offer their communities the kind of leadership they believe is lacking.

The former senator also advised prospective candidates not to be discouraged by financial constraints, insisting that lack of money should not be a barrier to political ambition.

He noted that many individuals currently in positions of power did not begin their political journeys with substantial resources, adding that perseverance and commitment were often more critical than wealth.

Sani maintained that withdrawing from active politics in favour of online criticism only reinforces the cycle of poor leadership, urging Nigerians to channel their energy from social media into contesting elections and shaping governance from within.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has explained the reasons behind his decision to withdraw a series of defamation suits against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and other individuals, describing the move as a conscious leadership choice informed by faith, restraint and the responsibilities of his office.

Akpabio’s explanation was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh.

According to the statement, the Senate President noted that while he had consistently defended his reputation through the courts, he deliberately chose to discontinue the cases to set a different tone for legislative leadership.

In a political environment where litigation has become a tool for reputation management, the statement said Akpabio’s decision was neither casual nor accidental.

It added that laying down legal battles he was fully entitled to pursue represented a shift from personal vindication to institutional stability.

Akpabio said leading a Senate of 109 members with diverse ambitions required moral authority, credibility and example-setting, rather than prolonged courtroom battles capable of distracting lawmakers from governance.

He noted that the National Assembly under his leadership had remained relatively calm and productive, recording the passage of over 96 bills within two years, with more than 58 already signed into law by the President.

According to him, the stability of the Senate was a product of deliberate restraint, consensus-building and avoidance of needless confrontation.

The Senate President stressed that the withdrawal of the lawsuits should be seen not merely as personal forgiveness, but as a public lesson in leadership and civic responsibility.

DAILY GAZETTE reports that Akpabio announced the withdrawal of all defamation suits at the beginning of the year, following a personal New Year resolution to forgive those he considered to have wronged him.

The decision attracted widespread attention due to the high-profile nature of the cases and the political tensions that had trailed them.

Akpabio traced the decision to a moment of personal reflection during a New Year Mass at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where a sermon on forgiveness, he said, spoke directly to him.

Addressing worshippers, the Senate President disclosed that he had instituted close to nine defamation cases against individuals over statements he believed damaged his reputation.

He said the priest’s homily prompted him to immediately instruct his lawyers to discontinue all pending lawsuits.

Among the withdrawn cases was a ₦200bn defamation suit filed in late 2025 against Akpoti-Uduaghan, following allegations of sexual harassment, which Akpabio had denied and challenged her to prove in court.

Earlier, Akpabio’s wife had also instituted separate defamation suits against the Kogi Central senator, alleging that comments made against her husband had injured the family’s reputation.

The legal disputes marked a significant deterioration in relations between the two lawmakers, particularly after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025.

The Kogi lawmaker had also approached the courts, filing a ₦100bn defamation suit against Akpabio and others over remarks she claimed were damaging to her reputation.

With Akpabio’s directive to his legal team, all defamation suits initiated by him have now been formally withdrawn, bringing an end to the widely publicised legal standoff.

Beyond the personal aspect, Akpabio said the decision reflected the broader demands of leadership, insisting that forgiveness, restraint and focus were essential to maintaining unity and effectiveness in the legislature.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, said only prayers and fasting could save Fubara from impeachment.

Speaking on Channels Television, Fayose advised the governor to be more accommodating and mindful of political realities.

Drawing from his own impeachment experience, he warned that power could slip away quickly.

Fayose accused Fubara of ingratitude towards Wike, arguing that the emergency rule earlier imposed in Rivers State was a lifeline that prevented his total political collapse.
Wike Calls for Unity

Meanwhile, Wike has urged political leaders in Rivers State to embrace unity and collaboration for the development of the state.

Speaking during a thank-you visit to Andoni Local Government Area, the FCT minister said political parties in the state had come together under a “Rainbow Coalition” to support Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

He said local political disagreements would be addressed later, noting that mistakes made during the 2023 elections would be corrected

There are strong indications that President Bola Tinubu has once again intervened in the escalating political feud between the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

A highly placed source close to the President disclosed that Tinubu has summoned Wike for talks over the Rivers crisis.

According to the source, the meeting is expected to take place outside Nigeria, as the President is currently abroad.

DAILY GAZETTE also learnt that Fubara travelled out of the country on Thursday aboard a private jet, with plans to meet Tinubu in France.

Fresh Impeachment Move Against Fubara
The President’s intervention comes amid a renewed impeachment move against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly reportedly loyal to Wike.

During plenary on Thursday, presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, read a notice outlining allegations of gross misconduct against the governor.

The allegations include the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and refusal to comply with the Supreme Court ruling on the financial autonomy of state legislatures.

The deputy governor was also accused of reckless and unconstitutional expenditure, obstructing the Assembly from carrying out its duties, and conniving with unauthorised persons to occupy government offices without legislative screening.

Amaewhule said the impeachment notice would be served on Fubara within seven days and adjourned plenary till January 15.

He described the process as being in the interest of Rivers State, accusing the governor of refusing to present the 2026 budget to the House.

Notably, the allegations mirror those previously raised before Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025, which led to the six-month suspension of Fubara and his deputy.

Although Tinubu later brokered peace between Fubara and Wike, tensions resurfaced shortly after the emergency rule ended.

Tinubu Warns Against Destabilisation
Speaking on the renewed impeachment plot, the source said the President was alarmed by the developments and had moved to rein in Wike.

The source warned that removing the first Ijaw governor of Rivers State could trigger unrest among Ijaw youths, with possible consequences for national security and oil production.

He noted that one of the key reasons for the earlier state of emergency was the fear of a breakdown of law and order, adding that the President would not allow actions capable of reigniting instability.

Another senior aide confirmed that Tinubu was currently in France and would later proceed to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, but said he was unaware of any scheduled meeting with Wike.

The aide, however, noted that Wike would ordinarily have no reason to travel to the UAE except for an appointment with the President.
APC Leaders Raise Concerns

At the APC national secretariat, a senior administrative official revealed that party leaders were unhappy with Wike’s actions and were planning to meet Tinubu upon his return.

According to the official, APC leaders believe Wike should respect the President and the party, particularly since Fubara is now aligned with the APC and recognised as the party leader in Rivers State.

Some party leaders, the source added, believe Fubara should be allowed to complete his tenure, regardless of whether he seeks a second term.

Efforts to reach Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, were unsuccessful.

However, an ally of the minister confirmed that Wike would return to Abuja on Sunday but declined to comment on his itinerary or any planned meeting with the President.

She dismissed claims that Wike was behind the impeachment plot, insisting that Rivers lawmakers were acting independently and denying that the minister was disrespecting the President.

Party Chief, Ex-Lawmaker Express Worries
A member of the APC National Working Committee described the situation as dangerous, urging Tinubu to urgently caution Wike.

The official warned that actions capable of provoking insecurity in Rivers State undermined national interest and portrayed the President as weak.

He added that Nigeria was already grappling with multiple security and diplomatic challenges and could ill-afford another major political crisis in an oil-producing state.

Similarly, former Rivers East Senator, Andrew Uchendu, described the prolonged crisis as an embarrassment to the state.

Speaking on a Port Harcourt radio programme, he called for a roundtable dialogue involving all parties and elder statesmen to resolve the dispute.

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N1.47 trillion into law, paving the way for accelerated development and inclusive growth across the state.

The governor assented to the bill on Wednesday during a meeting of the Kano State Executive Council at the Government House in Kano.

Speaking shortly before the signing, Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Alhaji Ismail Falgore, described the budget as historic, noting that it is the first in Northern Nigeria to cross the N1 trillion benchmark.

He explained that the Assembly approved the appropriation bill to provide the executive arm with the legal authority required to continue and expand development projects aimed at improving the welfare of Kano residents.

Falgore added that lawmakers would maintain strict oversight to ensure proper implementation and responsible use of public funds.

The appropriation law, amounting to N1.47 trillion, was passed by the House of Assembly last week during plenary, following detailed deliberations at the Committee of the Whole and its third reading by the Clerk of the House, Alhaji Bashir Diso.

Governor Yusuf had earlier presented a budget proposal of N1.3 trillion to the Assembly, tagged the “Budget of Infrastructure, Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development,” before upward adjustments during legislative review.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline, the governor assured that the budget would be efficiently implemented to enhance the living standards of the people.

He stressed that priority would be given to critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare and social welfare to drive sustainable development and deliver tangible benefits to citizens across the state.