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Prison Contractors Lament Over N30bn Unpaid Feeding Debt

 

Contractors responsible for supplying food to inmates across Nigeria’s correctional centres have raised alarm over unpaid debts allegedly owed by the Federal Government, amounting to over ₦30 billion.

According to multiple contractors who spoke to DAILY GAZETTE under anonymity for fear of victimisation, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) owes them several months of arrears, including a ₦7.7 billion backlog from late 2023, as well as an unimplemented feeding rate approved more than a year ago.

The suppliers complained that despite the government’s approval in August 2024 to increase the daily feeding allowance for inmates from ₦750 to ₦1,125, payments have continued at the old rate — creating an additional ₦23 billion shortfall.

“We have not been paid for months, yet we are expected to feed thousands of inmates every day,” said one contractor who supplies several correctional facilities.

“Banks are threatening to seize properties we used as collateral. Some of our colleagues have lost everything.”

Another contractor described the situation as “unsustainable,” explaining that many suppliers had resorted to high-interest bank loans to keep up with deliveries.

“We are feeding inmates at our own cost. We keep hearing promises that the reviewed rate will be implemented, but nothing has changed. How long can we continue like this?” he asked.

In August 2024, the Presidency approved an upward review of the daily feeding rate for inmates, from ₦750 to ₦1,125,  to cushion the effects of rising food prices and the removal of fuel subsidy.

The new rate was expected to take effect from August 1, 2024, improving meal quality and easing the financial burden on contractors.

However, over a year later, the revised rate remains unimplemented.

Findings by DAILY GAZETTE indicate that contractors are still owed ₦7.7 billion for supplies made between October and December 2023, while the unpaid balance from the unimplemented rate brings the total debt to about ₦30.7 billion.

Efforts to obtain official comments from the NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages as of press time.

However, a senior officer within the Service confirmed the development, noting that the Ministry of Finance had yet to release funds for the revised rate.

“Yes, it is true,” the official said.

“The contractors have met with the Comptroller-General over this matter, but the issue appears to be beyond his control. The Ministry of Finance hasn’t released the funds, and only what is released can be disbursed to the contractors.”

The officer warned that continued delays in payments could affect food supply and the welfare of inmates, posing potential security risks.

“Feeding is central to the stability of any correctional facility,” he added.

“If contractors pull out or fail to deliver because of unpaid debts, it could lead to unrest among inmates. The security implications are enormous.”

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2027: Sokoto Rep Member Steps Down, Urges Youth To Take The Lead

 

A member of the House of Representatives representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency in Sokoto State, Abdussamad Dasuki, has announced that he will not contest in the 2027 general election, saying his decision is a deliberate sacrifice to create room for younger Nigerians to serve.

In a statement obtained by DAILY GAZETTE on Sunday, Dasuki explained that his decision stemmed from a desire to strengthen democracy and encourage youth participation in governance.

“The Nigeria we yearn for is only possible through sacrifice,” he stated.

“After due consultation with my team, our leader, my family, and my conscience, I have decided not to seek re-election to the House of Representatives in 2027.

“This is not born out of fatigue or disillusionment, but a higher calling, a decision rooted in belief, in hope, and in the future we all desire to see.”

Dasuki, who began his political career in 2011, has served in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, the State Executive Council, and currently represents his constituency in the National Assembly.

He also chairs The Future Is Now Project, a youth inclusion platform launched in October 2025.

The initiative advocates that 70 per cent of seats in the House of Representatives be occupied by Nigerians under 40 by 2027.

According to the lawmaker, stepping aside was necessary to demonstrate consistency with his advocacy for generational renewal in Nigerian politics.

“I am still a youth by all standards, but I have crossed the 40-year threshold we proposed.
If we are to give meaning to our words, we must be willing to pay a heavy price.
This, my dear constituents, is that sacrifice. And so, I choose to make space for the vision we proclaimed,” he said.

Reflecting on his 14 years in politics, Dasuki expressed gratitude to his constituents and to former Sokoto State Governor and current Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, whom he described as a mentor and source of guidance.

“To my constituents, you gave me your trust, and I carried it like a badge of honour.
To our youth, I say: no more waiting, no more excuses, no more silence.
Take your place. Stand tall. Lead with courage, integrity, and vision,” he declared.

Dasuki emphasized that although he is leaving elective office, his commitment to public service remains unwavering.

He pledged to continue contributing to national development through mentorship, policy advocacy, and youth empowerment.

“As I step aside, I wish to bequeath a new legacy in Nigeria’s political history, one that showcases leaders who know when to exit, paving the way for a fresher generation,” he concluded.

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South East PDP Meets Enugu Acting Chairman Oruruo, Charts Path For Revival

 

The South East leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reiterated its commitment to rebuilding and repositioning the party in Enugu State, following recent political developments that have altered the state’s political landscape.

This resolution was reached during a meeting between members of the South East PDP Special Committee on Enugu Affairs and the Enugu State Working Committee, led by the Acting State Chairman, Barr. Steve Oruruo, in Enugu.

The engagement focused on reconciliation, revitalization of party structures, and renewed grassroots mobilization across the 17 local government areas of the state.

Speaking during the meeting, the Chairman of the Special Committee and South East Secretary of the PDP, Chief James Ugwu, described the gathering as a rallying point for unity and renewed strength within the party.

He said, “We are not discouraged. This is a time for rebuilding, reconciliation, and strategic engagement.”

Ugwu stressed that despite recent shifts in the state’s political alignments, the PDP remains a strong and resilient force in Enugu politics.

“We are mobilizing from the grassroots, reaching out to stakeholders, and realigning the party to truly reflect the will and aspirations of the people,” he stated.

According to him, the PDP’s longstanding presence and track record of governance in Enugu would serve as a foundation for its revival.

He assured members that the party’s structures remained intact and cohesive.

Also speaking, the Secretary of the Special Committee and South East Zonal Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Engr. Sir Chigozie Igwe, described the engagement as a significant step towards reclaiming the party’s dominance in Enugu.

He acknowledged the impact of recent political changes but maintained that the PDP remains focused on renewal and resilience.

“The PDP has been the cornerstone of Enugu’s political stability since 1999, and we are confident that our values, structures, and people-centered ideology will guide us back to victory,” Igwe said.

He further noted that while the exit of Governor Peter Mbah from the PDP came as a surprise and left a “sour taste,” the party remains undeterred in its mission to rebuild.

In his remarks, Barr. Steve Oruruo, the Acting Chairman of the PDP in Enugu State, commended the South East leadership for its steadfastness and reaffirmed his commitment to the collective revival of the party.

“We will not be distracted by political developments around us. Our focus is on rebuilding confidence and restoring the people’s trust in the PDP,” Oruruo said.

He continued, “Our party remains the people’s choice, a platform founded on service, accountability, and development. We will work tirelessly to reclaim our mandate and reassert the PDP’s leadership in Enugu State.”

The Special Committee on Enugu Affairs was mandated to spearhead reconciliation efforts, strengthen the party’s structures, and prepare the PDP for upcoming electoral contests.

According to Engr. Igwe, the committee’s focus is to foster unity, bridge internal divides, and rejuvenate the local structures necessary to sustain the PDP’s influence.

“We are building a movement that transcends individuals, one that represents the collective aspirations of the people of Enugu,” he added.

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Mbah’s Appointment As Chair Presidential Committee On Security, A Testament To Strategic Alignment – Dr. Chuma Ochie

 

The recent appointment of Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Security is a landmark recognition of visionary leadership, strategic acumen, and the dividends of intelligent political alignment.

It is both a personal commendation for Mbah’s transformative governance style and a symbolic validation of Enugu State’s growing relevance in the national political and security architecture.

This appointment did not come by accident; it is a deliberate acknowledgment of a governor who, within a short time, has demonstrated that security is the foundation of progress and that purposeful leadership can indeed restore hope and order.

When Governor Peter Mbah assumed office in May 2023, Enugu State was caught in the suffocating grip of insecurity, especially the infamous “Monday Sit-at-Home” that crippled economic activities, eroded investor confidence, and instilled fear in the populace. Mbah approached the challenge with uncommon courage and strategic clarity.

Through a blend of intelligence-driven policing, community collaboration, and decisive governance, he dismantled the culture of fear and restored normalcy to the state.

His unyielding stance that “we cannot build prosperity on the foundation of fear” resonated deeply, and his insistence on enforcing lawful order was matched by his investment in modern security infrastructure—technology-backed surveillance systems, operational logistics for security agencies, and community security initiatives that enhanced local intelligence gathering.

Today, Enugu stands as a reference point in the Southeast for security restoration and public confidence.

Governor Mbah’s success in reclaiming the state from the clutches of non-state actors is one of the boldest security recoveries in recent Nigerian history.

His model, which is anchored on a firm leadership complemented by dialogue, social reorientation, and institutional reforms, has not only restored peace but has created an enabling environment for massive economic rejuvenation.

It is no coincidence that the state has witnessed an upsurge in investment interest, infrastructural development, and a new sense of civic pride. His record underscores a profound understanding that security and development are two sides of the same coin.

Mbah’s appointment, therefore, is both a recognition of proven capacity and a strategic move by the Tinubu administration to bring tested reformers into the heart of national security discourse.

It symbolizes trust in a leader whose results speak louder than rhetoric. As Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Security, Mbah brings to the table not only his tested administrative skills but also his field-tested insights into the peculiar security dynamics of Nigeria’s subnational spaces.

His approach to security is pragmatic, data-driven, and rooted in inclusive governance; attributes that Nigeria urgently needs at the national level.

Beyond personal merit, the appointment also highlights the wisdom in Governor Mbah’s strategic political realignment of Enugu State with the center.

His decision to cooperate with the Federal Government, rather than operate in isolation, has opened doors of partnership and national relevance for the state.

In Nigeria’s federal structure, alignment with the center ensures access to resources, visibility, and inclusion in national decision-making.

For Enugu, this move is already yielding tangible dividends: federal attention, infrastructural collaboration, and now, leadership in a key national committee.

It is a case study in political maturity: that constructive engagement with the center is not subservience, but strategy.

In essence, Mbah’s appointment is a threefold victory: for him as a trailblazing governor, for Enugu State as a model of security transformation, and for the federal government as it seeks to harness competence for national stability.

It affirms that performance commands recognition, that leadership anchored on vision and courage earns trust, and that strategic alignment brings dividends.

Dr. Peter Mbah’s emergence at the center of Nigeria’s security policy circle is not just a reward for excellence; it is a reaffirmation that in the politics of results, competence is the ultimate credential.

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Retired Soldiers Protest Lavish ‘Lifetime’ Benefits For Sacked Service Chiefs

 

The recently retired Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, along with the outgoing Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, are set to receive extensive retirement benefits following their removal.

These include bulletproof vehicles, domestic aides, and lifetime medical care.

Their exit followed President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of new service chiefs on Friday.

General Olufemi Oluyede is the new Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General W. Shaibu takes over as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke becomes Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas is now Chief of Naval Staff.

The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position.

According to the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTCOS) for officers, service chiefs are entitled to generous retirement packages, including One bulletproof SUV and a backup Peugeot 508, with the SUV replaced every four years, Five domestic aides (two cooks, two stewards, one gardener), a personal assistant, and an aide-de-camp/security officer, Three service drivers, a service orderly, a nine-man guard unit, and retention of personal firearms to be retrieved upon death and Medical care both in Nigeria and abroad, with senior officers’ coverage reportedly higher than the standard $20,000 per year allowed for lieutenant-generals.

The policy specifies that benefits apply only if retired officers do not accept other public appointments, except when assigned by the President.

Many retired soldiers have protested the disparity in treatment between senior officers and junior personnel.

Sgt. Zaki Williams, representing over 700 discharged soldiers, condemned the luxurious benefits for service chiefs while junior officers struggle for unpaid entitlements.

“After years of service, many of us can’t even afford land or build a house,” Williams said.

“We’ve waited for promises that never came. Meanwhile, the senior officers enjoy houses, cars, and other perks.”

Another retired officer, Abdul Isiak, described the situation as deeply unfair, noting that many junior officers have lost faith in the system.

Some have considered protesting again, while others have resigned themselves to silence.

Reports suggest that more than 50 senior officers across the Army, Air Force, and Navy may soon be forced into retirement following the appointments.

This follows military tradition, where officers senior to newly appointed service chiefs typically retire.

Sources indicate that officers from earlier courses (Courses 39 and 40) will be affected, opening vacancies and promotion opportunities for others.

The retention of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has drawn mixed reactions.

Chief Bode George, a PDP chieftain, argued that only the establishment of state police can address insecurity effectively, while noting that the President’s appointments reflect regional and ethnic balance.

Meanwhile, APGA and YPP praised the decision, stressing the President acted in the nation’s interest.

However, some observers expressed concerns that retaining the IGP, whose tenure is already overdue, could limit the introduction of fresh perspectives and reforms in the security sector.

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Police Thwart Robbery Attempt, Arrest Two Suspects In Bauchi

 

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspected armed robbers in Azare town, Katagum Local Government Area, after they were found with two locally made firearms and a stolen motorcycle.

The command’s spokesman, Mr. Ahmad Wakil, told journalists on Sunday that the incident occurred on Saturday around 5:00 am when police received an alert from a resident in the Gandum Wambai area.

“The caller reported that armed men had raided his business, GKY Food and Oil Mills, and fled with a motorcycle after threatening the occupants with guns,” Wakil said.

He explained that officers from the Azare Divisional Police Headquarters, working with local vigilantes, pursued the suspects and arrested them at Lafiya village along the Lafiya–Gwasame road.

Items recovered included the stolen Bajaj motorcycle and two locally made guns.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the officers and vigilance group for their swift action and reassured the public of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

Wakil added that investigations are ongoing to determine if the suspects are connected to a larger criminal network.

He urged residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to help maintain peace and security.

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Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today, October 26, 2025

 

On Sunday, October 26, 2025, the naira continued to weaken, trading at approximately ₦1,459 per US dollar on official forex windows.

Meanwhile, rates in the parallel and cash markets remained significantly higher, reflecting strong demand for dollars amid limited supply.

Analysts note that the persistent pressure on the naira stems from increased foreign currency demand, which continues to outpace availability, keeping parallel-market rates elevated.

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Yahoo Boys Are Geniuses Who Need Guidance, Not Condemnation – Obi

 

Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has described many Nigerian internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, as highly intelligent individuals whose talents need redirection rather than condemnation.

Speaking on Saturday at the Golden Health Conference held at the Archbishop Patterson Auditorium, All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha, Obi argued that some of these young people possess creativity and courage that, if properly channelled, could contribute meaningfully to national development.

“Some of our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation. Their creativity and courage, if properly guided, can drive innovation and national development,” he said.

“Instead of discarding them, let’s find ways to channel their energy into technology, enterprise, and problem-solving.”

Themed “Money Beyond Wealth,” the conference focused on rebuilding moral values and promoting ethical leadership among Nigerian youth.

Obi disclosed that he cut short a two-day engagement in the United Kingdom to attend the event, describing it as a “timely platform to address a vice that has eroded our values, the uncontrolled pursuit of material wealth.”

He lamented that Nigeria cannot progress while celebrating corruption and dishonesty, stressing that “a nation that rewards wrongdoers cannot build integrity.”

“Money is important, but it is only a small part of true wealth,” Obi said.

“Real wealth uplifts both the individual and the community. It promotes education, reduces poverty, and creates opportunities for others to live with dignity.”

The former governor noted that the relentless chase for money has weakened the country’s moral foundation, insisting that leaders must serve as examples of honesty and responsibility.

“No society can move forward when dishonesty is celebrated and integrity is mocked. Leadership must reflect the values it preaches,” he added.

Obi urged Nigerian youths to embrace hard work and the dignity of labour, saying that great nations are not built through miracles but through consistent effort and innovation.

He also called for justice, equity, and fairness in governance, emphasizing that true national development can only be achieved through honesty and shared purpose rather than ethnic or religious bias.

“No tribe or religion buys bread cheaper than another,” Obi said.

“Nigeria is blessed with abundant resources; what we lack is the will to do what is right.”

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NARD Announces Indefinite Nationwide Strike Over Unmet Demands

 

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike set to commence on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:59 pm, citing the Federal Government’s failure to address its long-standing demands.

This move is expected to severely disrupt healthcare services in public hospitals across the country.

The decision followed a five-hour emergency meeting of NARD’s National Executive Council (NEC) held on Saturday.

After reviewing the government’s response to their 30-day ultimatum, the NEC, NARD’s highest decision-making body, voted unanimously in favor of a full-scale industrial action.

NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, announced the outcome in a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle early Sunday.

“The NEC has unanimously directed us to declare a TOTAL, COMPREHENSIVE AND INDEFINITE STRIKE ACTION to commence on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.,” Suleiman stated.

He emphasized that the association’s National Officers Committee (NOC) has been mandated to enforce the resolution in full compliance with the NEC’s directive.

“We have reported back to NEC, and NEC has decided. The NOC will carry out this directive to the letter,” he said.

The association noted that detailed strike guidelines have been issued, covering monitoring procedures, “no work, no pay” policies, and compliance measures for branches across the federation.

Each hospital branch has also been instructed to convene emergency congress meetings ahead of the strike to brief members and ensure unified action nationwide.

Dr. Suleiman also alleged that some individuals within and outside government circles were working against the welfare of young medical professionals.

“There are elements with exploitative motives targeting resident doctors in this country. We shall collectively resist such attempts,” he warned.

In preparation for the industrial action, NARD advised its members to properly handover patients, engage the media, and hold community sensitization meetings with traditional and religious leaders.

“Trust the process, believe in your leaders, engage constructively, and remain resolute. Victory is certain,” Suleiman encouraged members.

A full communiqué and press conference are expected in the coming days to outline the association’s minimum demands and clarify its next steps.

The looming strike comes amid worsening staff shortages in Nigeria’s healthcare system, driven by the ongoing migration of doctors abroad seeking better pay, working conditions, and career opportunities.

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Peter Mba: All Eyes And Ears Over Enugu

By Nnamdi Anigbo Roosevelt

When vigilance found a name, it chose His Excellency Peter Ndubisi Mba.
When destiny sought a guardian, it rested on Enugu’s own Lion in Lion Building.

Security under Governor Peter Mba did not merely improve , it transcended.
He redefined the very grammar of safety. Enugu, once vulnerable and weary, now breathes under the watchful gaze of a visionary.

He saw lapses, and turned them into lessons.
He met weaknesses, and forged them into strengths.

The once dilapidated security architecture now stands as a fortress , with new and Trained Distress Rapid Response (DRS) Squads, sleek Toyota patrol units, and Hilux fleets roaring through the roads of Enugu like sentinels of dawn.

From the Lion Building, Mba watches with eyes of light , ultra-modern optic cameras that sweep through streets and alleys, capturing truth in real time. Through a foreign surveillance partnership, Enugu now hums in sync with the orbit , a digital guardian over the Coal City, where crime dares not hide.

Car snatching is a relic of the past; black spots have melted into memory. The night, once feared, now glows again with laughter and movement.

Even in lands where technology wears crowns, America and Israel , insecurity yet breathes. But in Enugu, under Peter Mba, insecurity gasps for air.

MBA’s reign isn’t just leadership , it is guardianship.
Not just governance but omniscient stewardship.

Peter Mba is all eyes and all ears ,
And Enugu sleeps in the comfort of his watch.

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