Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has approved the promotion and conversion of 2,114 civil servants, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and public service reform.

The approval follows the successful completion of the November and December 2025 promotion and conversion exercises conducted across various cadres in the state civil service.

Chairman of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission, Robison Odo, disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the decision takes immediate effect and includes all financial benefits attached to the new ranks.

According to him, the exercise covered officers from Grade Levels 01 to 17 who passed the required interviews and examinations.

He added that all administrative processes have been concluded to ensure prompt implementation and payment of entitlements.

“The governor has approved the promotion and conversion of 2,114 officers who participated in the 2025 exercise. The approval takes immediate effect, along with the financial implications,” Odo said.

He further assured that efforts are underway to reflect the changes in the state payroll without delay.

Odo linked the development to the administration’s broader focus on workers’ welfare, highlighting the state’s N80,000 minimum wage, above the national benchmark, as part of ongoing efforts to improve conditions for civil servants.

He also noted that salaries, pensions, and gratuities continue to be prioritised despite significant investments in infrastructure.

Also speaking, the Head of Service, Dr Godwin Anigbo, described the promotion exercise as part of wider reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency in the public sector.

He cited ongoing initiatives such as the transition to digital operations through capacity-building programmes, plans to establish a public service training institute, and efforts to equip workers with modern skills for improved service delivery.

Anigbo added that collaboration between the Office of the Head of Service and the Civil Service Commission remains key to maintaining discipline and aligning the workforce with the state’s development agenda.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Tuesday returned to court for his formal arraignment following a brief compassionate release to attend his mother’s burial.

El-Rufai appeared before the Kaduna State High Court amid heavy security, marking his first court appearance since the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) granted him temporary release last week.

The former governor, who had spent over a month in detention, is facing a 10-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, fraud, money laundering, and unlawful possession of public property.

He had earlier been arraigned before Justice Rilwan Aikawa, with the court fixing March 31, 2026, to hear pending applications, including his bail request.

The ICPC had on March 27 allowed him to travel for the burial of his mother, Hajiya Ummar El-Rufai.

The funeral, held in Abuja, drew several high-profile political figures from across the country.

Video footage circulating online showed El-Rufai arriving at the court premises in a white pickup vehicle, dressed in a light-blue agbada and accompanied by security operatives and aides.

He is being arraigned alongside Amadu Sule on multiple charges, including intent to commit fraud and conferring undue advantage.

Following the proceedings, the anti-graft agency is expected to transfer the case to the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where his bail application will be determined.

El-Rufai has, however, denied all allegations against him, maintaining his innocence as the legal battle unfolds.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Yola, Adamawa State, has affirmed the election of Hon. Misa Musa as the duly elected member representing Ganye Constituency in the state House of Assembly.

In its ruling, the appellate court dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Hon. Buba Mohammed Joda, for lacking merit, thereby upholding the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.

The court also sustained the earlier judgment of the Election Petition Tribunal, which had struck out Joda’s petition challenging the outcome of the rerun election.

Justice Patricia Ajuma Mahmoud, who delivered the judgment, awarded a cost of N3 million against the appellant in favour of the respondents.

The ruling effectively brings to a close the prolonged legal contest over the Ganye Constituency seat, following the by-election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the death of the former lawmaker, Abdulmalik Jauro Misa, in May 2024.

Meanwhile, the newly elected National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba Ahmed, has called on Nigerians of integrity to join the party, pledging a commitment to justice and national transformation.

In a statement shared on social media, Baba Ahmed said the PRP remains focused on addressing Nigeria’s challenges, particularly in the North, stressing that the party is driven by principles rather than the pursuit of power or wealth.

“If we were after positions, we would have joined the APC, ADC or PDP long ago. We are committed to rebuilding Nigeria with people of integrity who value justice and defend the poor,” he said.

By Dr. Malachy Chuma Ochie

The just concluded APC National Convention 2026 has further validated the strategic foresight of Peter Mbah in aligning Enugu State with the All Progressives Congress.

His promise to reposition the state, and indeed the South-East, at the center of Nigerian politics is steadily taking shape through tangible political gains.

One of the clearest indicators of this progress is the strengthening of Enugu State’s presence in both zonal and national party structures.

The emergence and consolidation of leaders such as Ben Nwoye as Deputy National Chairman (South) underscore the growing relevance of Enugu State voices at the highest decision-making levels of the party.

At the regional level, the rise of figures like Mrs. Aji as Zonal Woman Leader reflects an expanding footprint for Enugu indigenes in South-East APC leadership. This development is significant, as it signals not just participation but active involvement in shaping the direction of the party within the zone.

Such positions provide platforms for advocacy, mobilization, and coordination, which are critical elements in building lasting political relevance.

Beyond individual offices, the convention facilitated deeper integration of Enugu stakeholders into key committees and strategic blocs within the party. These structures, though less visible, are where critical decisions are shaped ranging from electoral strategy to policy alignment.

Enugu State’s inclusion in these circles enhances its access to federal opportunities and strengthens its bargaining power. Importantly, these gains lend credence to Governor Mbah’s central argument: that political alignment with the ruling party is a pathway to inclusion, influence, and development.

The convention did not merely offer symbolic acceptance; it provided a framework for sustained engagement at both regional and national levels.

In essence, the outcomes of the APC National Convention mark a turning point. Enugu State is no longer on the margins but is steadily finding its voice within the corridors of power.

Through calculated engagement and strategic positioning, Governor Mbah has begun to deliver on his promise of bringing the South-East closer to the center of Nigeria’s political and developmental agenda.

Former Deputy Governor of Kano State, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), sparking fresh speculation about shifting political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.

Gawuna made his decision known in a resignation letter dated March 29, 2026, addressed to the APC chairman of Gawuna Ward in Nassarawa Local Government Area.

He described his exit from the ruling party as a personal and voluntary decision.

“I hereby formally resign my membership of the All Progressives Congress with immediate effect,” the letter stated.

He also expressed gratitude to the party for the opportunities he had during his time as a member.

A major figure in Kano politics, Gawuna was the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 elections, where he secured 890,705 votes, emerging as one of the leading contenders in the race.

Although he did not disclose his next political move, sources indicate he is expected to meet with former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, fueling speculation of a possible alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Kwankwasiyya movement.

His resignation comes shortly after he stepped down as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, in compliance with a presidential directive requiring political appointees to resign in line with the Electoral Act.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has issued a strong warning to the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, demanding urgent action over the rising wave of killings in Plateau State.

Reacting to the deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, which claimed over 30 lives, the Kogi Central lawmaker said the incident underscores the government’s failure to adequately protect Nigerians.

In a statement shared on her social media platform, she described the attack as yet another tragic reminder of worsening insecurity across the country.

“Angwan Rukuba is a brutal reminder that Nigerians remain unprotected,” she said, recalling the assurances given by the Defence Minister during his Senate screening, which had raised public expectations.

However, she criticised the defence leadership for failing to match promises with action, issuing a blunt challenge:

“Prove now that you are different and secure lives, or step aside. Enough of condolences, enough of excuses. Nigerians want results.”

The attack has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly in vulnerable communities repeatedly targeted by violence.

Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has condemned the killings, describing them as “heinous,” and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.

During a visit to the affected community, the governor expressed solidarity with grieving families and assured them of government support.

He also announced that the state would cover the medical expenses of injured victims and ensure proper burial arrangements for the deceased.

Mutfwang further emphasised the need for collective action, urging community leaders and stakeholders to work together with government authorities to restore peace and prevent further attacks.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Senator Ibrahim Ida as the new Chairman of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), alongside fresh nominations to fill vacancies in the National Population Commission (NPC).

The appointments were announced on Monday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, seven nominees have been selected as federal commissioners to represent their respective states in the National Population Commission, subject to confirmation by the National Assembly.

Ibrahim Ida, a former senator who represented Katsina Central, brings a wealth of experience to the role.

He holds a Master’s degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Ibadan and a Law degree from the University of Abuja.

His career spans public service roles, including Commissioner of Finance in Katsina State and Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.

In a related development, President Tinubu also appointed Dr Yusuf Mohammed as Chairman of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaltungo.

Additionally, Bala Mohammed Bello has been confirmed as Special Adviser to the President on Political Economy.

Bello, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, holds degrees in Accounting and Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and has held senior roles in Nigeria’s financial sector.