Governor Soludo,

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has concluded its local government primaries in Anambra State, dropping five incumbent council chairmen as part of a broader reshuffle ahead of the August 29, 2026 local government elections.

The final list of candidates, released by the party’s publicity leadership, showed that 16 sitting chairmen secured return tickets, while five were replaced following the primaries conducted across the state’s 21 local government areas.

Those affected include the chairmen of Onitsha South, Idemili South, Aguata, Anaocha, and Ekwusigo councils.

Party sources indicated that many of the displaced officials had earlier served two terms as transition committee chairmen before emerging as elected council leaders under APGA.

Their replacements include new candidates selected for Ekwusigo, Aguata, Idemili South, Onitsha South, and Anaocha LGAs, in what observers describe as a strategic political recalibration within the party.

The development has generated mixed reactions across Anambra, particularly as the affected chairmen are widely seen as allies of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and were previously perceived as politically secure.

While the party has not officially stated the reasons for their removal, insiders suggest the move is aimed at revitalising grassroots governance and introducing new leadership dynamics ahead of the polls.

Speaking on the development, APGA’s national publicity leadership dismissed claims that the decision was punitive or based on performance concerns.

According to the party, the affected chairmen had demonstrated capacity but needed to give way for fresh participation and renewed ideas in local administration.

The party maintained that the reshuffle reflects its commitment to strengthening grassroots governance by injecting new energy into the local government system while acknowledging the contributions of outgoing chairmen.

The changes highlight evolving internal power dynamics within APGA as it balances continuity and renewal in preparation for the council elections.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission had earlier released the timetable and guidelines for the 2026 local government elections, assuring residents of a credible and transparent process.

Chairman of the commission, Genevieve Osakwe, said the primaries would be closely monitored to ensure compliance with electoral regulations and fairness among participating political parties.

The Abia State Government has announced plans to clear unpaid salary arrears owed to former local government councillors who served between 1999 and 2022, in what officials describe as a step toward resolving longstanding labour grievances.

Governor Alex Otti disclosed the decision during a meeting with members of the Association of Former Elected Councillors in Umuahia, assuring them that payment would commence before the end of the month and be executed in phases.

According to the governor, the liabilities were inherited from previous administrations and had been complicated by legal disputes and inconsistent settlements.

He explained that his government chose to address the issue comprehensively after reviewing the claims and the court processes tied to them.

Otti noted that governance should be driven by responsibility and problem-solving, stressing that all categories of public workers, including former officials and pensioners, deserve fair treatment.

He maintained that settling the arrears aligns with his administration’s commitment to justice and equitable compensation.

He also commended the councillors’ association for withdrawing ongoing court actions, describing the move as a confidence-building step that made reconciliation and harmonisation of claims possible.

The governor directed relevant officials, including lawmakers and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to formalise the association’s structure to facilitate engagement and coordination going forward.

In separate remarks, political stakeholders and lawmakers praised the initiative, urging the beneficiaries to support the administration’s policies at the grassroots.

The National Secretary of the Labour Party also lauded the decision, describing it as consistent with the party’s governance philosophy.

Earlier, the association’s leadership expressed appreciation to the government for addressing the long-standing issue, noting that neglect by previous administrations had caused severe hardship among members.

They described the planned payments as a restorative step that would bring relief and closure to affected councillors.

Governor Abba Yusuf has relieved Buba Galadima of his position as Chairman of the Governing Council of Kano State Polytechnic, as part of ongoing reforms in the institution.

The decision was announced in a statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa.

According to the statement, the governor has approved the appointment of the Emir of Gaya, Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, as the new chairman of the governing council.

The government said the move followed restructuring efforts designed to align the polytechnic with the administration’s Kano First Agenda and improve institutional performance.

Although the governing council’s tenure is three years, the chairman’s appointment was terminated before its expiration to support ongoing reforms.

The governor expressed appreciation to Galadima for his service to the institution and wished him well in his future endeavours.

He also charged the new chairman to deploy his leadership experience and capacity toward repositioning the polytechnic for improved academic standards and administrative efficiency.

Former Nasir El-Rufai has accused the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), led by Nuhu Ribadu, of procuring around 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate, reportedly sourced from a supplier in Poland.

El-Rufai made the allegation in a letter to ONSA, requesting clarification and reassurance regarding the substance and its management.

He emphasized that thallium salts are highly toxic and strictly regulated, highlighting the need for public safety, accountability, and trust in national institutions.

In the letter, he sought information on the intended purpose of the thallium sulphate, the supplier’s identity, whether the import was covered by existing chemical or defense permits, the total quantity and concentration, storage and security measures, regulatory oversight involving NAFDAC, NCDC, and other relevant agencies, as well as any public-health risk assessments or hazard mitigation plans.

“I want to stress that this inquiry is made in good faith, solely to ensure that due processes, safety standards, and transparency are observed. Public confidence in the integrity of national institutions is strengthened when potential risks are openly addressed and managed,” he stated.

El-Rufai also commented on X, saying: “It’s a matter of concern if anyone brings in any poison, more so an odourless, colourless one.”

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has declared that the South-East geopolitical zone is poised to deliver 90 per cent support for President Bola Tinubu in the February 20, 2027, presidential election.

Umahi made the statement on Saturday while inspecting projects along the Alaoji axis of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, stressing that the region must take strategic political decisions.

He commended President Tinubu for his legacy projects in the South-East and warned that failing to back him could undermine the region’s progress.

“All the marginalisation we once complained about has been addressed by the president. Unless we are not truthful to ourselves, there is no more marginalisation in the South-East,” Umahi said.

Highlighting the significance of federal appointments and projects, the minister added, “Giving the Ministry of Works to the South-East is no small feat, because we have never had it before. The ongoing work along the Port Harcourt–Enugu corridor reflects the president’s good intentions and commitment. This is the time for payback.”

Umahi recalled that during his tenure as Deputy Governor and Governor, no federal road projects were allocated to Enugu State.

“Today, we boast of numerous projects worth trillions of naira across the South-East, comparable to other regions. The largest legacy projects of the president are right here. We also have key appointments, including service chiefs, benefiting our region,” he said, urging citizens to support Tinubu and set aside sentiment or non-strategic considerations.

He assured contractors handling the expressway of prompt release of funds to ensure timely completion ahead of the presidential tour of the South-East and South-South in May.

Umahi also praised Arab Contractors for their dedication to the project despite funding constraints, noting that the government inherited 2,068 ongoing projects totaling 19 trillion naira when President Tinubu assumed office.

He explained, “Out of the 8.3 billion naira allocated in Sukuk, 2 billion remains claimable. As directed by the president, 30 percent of the 2025 budget will be paid, with the remaining 70 percent migrated to 2026 starting in April. The work must continue, and Arab Contractors have done an exceptional job.”

Regarding the Port Harcourt section of the expressway, Umahi said the second carriageway has had all major works completed, with only the combined and wearing course remaining.

He detailed a redesigned service lane with 20 cm lumps, sand, stone base, cement-treated stone base, and a final 20 cm concrete layer. The section is designed to last 50 years.

The minister encouraged public engagement and transparency, adding, “Criticise us and praise us; nothing goes wrong. We remain committed to ensuring progress. All projects have been submitted to the ICPC for evaluation.”

Umahi also visited the Port Harcourt axis being executed by an indigenous contractor. Present during the inspection were the Senior Special Assistant to the President on the South-East, Barr. Chioma Nwaeze, the Project Manager for Arab Contractors, Mr. Mah Moud, and aides to the minister.