Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has expressed strong support for former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, amid ongoing money laundering allegations brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Speaking outside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, following Thursday’s proceedings, Agbese described the allegations as politically motivated and expressed confidence that Bello would emerge from the trial with his integrity intact.

“Yahaya Bello is one Nigerian who cannot and will never steal a dime from public funds,” Agbese stated.

“I have known him for over two decades. He is a patriot, a nationalist, and a selfless public servant dedicated to the development of his people.”

Agbese characterized the legal process as more of a test of character than an indication of wrongdoing, insisting that the former governor left office “poorer than he entered,” having invested his personal and public resources in the transformation of Kogi State.

“When he assumed office in 2016, Kogi was struggling with insecurity, poor infrastructure, and economic stagnation,” the lawmaker said.

“Bello introduced bold reforms, empowered young people, improved infrastructure, and prioritized education and healthcare.”

He cited several of Bello’s achievements, including the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, the Kogi State University Teaching Hospital in Anyigba, and various youth and women empowerment programs.

Agbese dismissed the EFCC’s allegations as part of a “politically orchestrated effort” to discredit Bello, whom he described as a rising star in Nigerian politics.

“This is not about accountability; this is about political vendetta,” Agbese claimed.

“Why is a man who left office without a mansion or offshore account being targeted? Because he dared to do things differently.”

He added that Bello’s record of fiscal discipline and transparency should be a model for other leaders rather than a reason for persecution.

The lawmaker called on Nigerians to support Bello and examine the broader implications of the charges being pursued.

“This trial is not just about Yahaya Bello; it is about the kind of leadership we want in Nigeria,” he said.

“He represents a generation of leaders who put service above self. Standing by him is standing for patriotic governance.”

Agbese concluded by expressing optimism about the eventual outcome:

“When this is over, I believe Yahaya Bello will not only be vindicated but will come out even stronger, with his credibility intact and his commitment to public service reaffirmed.”

The Minister of Works, Engineer David Umahi, has hit back at Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over comments regarding the cost of federal road projects, insisting that he is more experienced both as an engineer and in governance.

Umahi, who was inspecting the Abuja–Mararaba–Keffi road project alongside Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule on Saturday, addressed the growing public debate about the cost per kilometre of federal road projects, a discussion sparked by Makinde’s recent remarks.

“I have great respect for governors and the Governors’ Forum, but when someone who is clearly my junior in both engineering and governance speaks out of turn, I won’t keep quiet,” Umahi said.

“I’m an ‘A’ student in mathematics, and that’s one of my strengths.”

The minister explained that cost per kilometre for road construction varies based on multiple factors, including terrain, materials used, and scope of work involved.

He said the Keffi section of the road project was originally 43 km but had been extended to 45 km to utilise the ₦73 billion allocated by the previous administration.

“You can’t put one flat cost per kilometre,” he said.

“Using asphalt on shoulders is different from using concrete. When you add things like medians, site conditions, and scope, costs naturally vary.”

Umahi stressed that estimated project cost includes contingency provisions and Variations of Price (VOP), which may not even be used by the end of the project. Only after completion can the actual average cost per kilometre be accurately calculated.

“When the project is done, and unused contingency and VOP are removed, that’s when you can calculate a true average cost,” he added.

“Trying to oversimplify it is just mischievous.”

In what appeared to be a direct response to Governor Makinde, Umahi said:

“I understand that my brother and friend, Governor Makinde, made some comments. I respect him, but he studied electrical electronics engineering, this is civil engineering and road construction.
I am his senior both in engineering practice and in governance. If there’s anything he doesn’t understand, he should call and ask me.”

He continued, “I don’t want to join issues with him, but he should withdraw the claim that I’m ‘dancing around’ the issue. I don’t dance around anything. And if he insists, I invite him to a public debate on the subject.”

The minister also ridiculed what he called uninformed commentary, referencing AI searches and media reports:

“When people go around asking AI about the difference between average cost and estimated cost per kilometre, and AI ends up confirming what I said, that tells you something.
Even the NUC’s programme on professors agrees with me. In the field of practical engineering, God has made me a professor.”

Switching focus to the inspection, Umahi addressed the persistent traffic congestion along the Abuja–Mararaba–Keffi axis, saying a lasting solution would require cooperation from the Nasarawa State Government.

He said illegal roadside trading, shanties, and congestion have made expansion work difficult.

“We discovered that markets and traders have taken over the roadside in many areas. If the Governor agrees to remove those structures, we will add additional carriageways to ease the traffic,” Umahi stated.

He confirmed that the Federal Government is ready to carry out the expansion once the state clears the right of way, noting that such collaboration is crucial to resolving bottlenecks in the area.

The Presidency has released the full list of 175 convicts and former convicts granted pardon or clemency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a sweeping move aimed at addressing historical injustices, promoting rehabilitation, and giving second chances.

The comprehensive list, made public on Saturday through a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, features a mix of high-profile individuals, death row inmates, non-violent offenders, and wrongly convicted historical figures.

According to the statement, the recommendations came from the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

Breakdown of the Clemency List

2 inmates released outright

15 former convicts pardoned – 11 of them posthumously

82 inmates granted clemency

65 had their sentences commuted

7 death row inmates had their sentences reduced to life imprisonment

Among the most symbolic decisions was the posthumous pardon of Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, executed in 1986 over an alleged coup plot, and Ken Saro-Wiwa along with the Ogoni Eight, hanged in 1995 under controversial circumstances.

Also included was Sir Herbert Macaulay, the Nigerian nationalist convicted in 1913 by British colonial authorities on charges of misappropriation.

The Presidency said the gesture corrects “historic injustices” and honours their legacy in Nigeria’s fight for freedom and justice.

“This move reflects the Tinubu administration’s resolve to correct long-standing wrongs and promote national healing,” the statement noted.

Clemency for Maryam Sanda, Farouk Lawan

The list also includes Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for the killing of her husband.

She was granted clemency based on demonstrated remorse and good behaviour during her time at Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, as well as emotional appeals from her family regarding the welfare of her two young children.

Former House of Representatives member Farouk Lawan, convicted for corruption, also benefited, as did Dr. Nwogu Peters, jailed for fraud. Both reportedly met the criteria of reform and good conduct.

A majority of the clemency recipients were inmates convicted of drug-related crimes, fraud, or illegal mining. Many had shown remorse and undertaken rehabilitation programmes, including vocational training and university studies via the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

For instance: Abiodun Elemero, serving a life term for cocaine trafficking, and Aluagwu Lawrence, jailed for Indian hemp possession, received clemency due to their reformation behind bars.

Also pardoned were 36 illegal miners, convicted in 2024, with Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis reportedly pledging to support their post-release reintegration.

Seven death row inmates, including Emmanuel Baba and Moses Ayodele Olurunfemi, had their sentences reduced to life imprisonment.

Their clemency was granted based on factors like remorse, advanced age, ill health, or educational achievements in prison.

Others who benefited from sentence reductions included Professor Magaji Garba and Major S.A. Akubo.

Presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga said the action underscores President Tinubu’s belief in second chances and a justice system grounded in fairness, rehabilitation, and compassion.

“This gesture reflects the administration’s commitment to justice tempered with mercy, especially for those who have shown genuine remorse and a willingness to reform,” Onanuga stated.

The pardons were approved during a recent Council of State meeting chaired by President Tinubu and are already being hailed as a bold step toward national reconciliation and restorative justice.

The move also honours the memory of victims such as Chief Albert Badey and others associated with the Ogoni Nine case, acknowledging their place in Nigeria’s complex history of activism, resistance, and struggle.

In a surprise emergency session, the Benue State House of Assembly on Friday approved Governor Hyacinth Alia’s request to obtain a ₦100 billion term loan, a move that has drawn fierce criticism from the state’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The loan approval came after Speaker Alfred Emberga read a letter from the Secretary to the State Government, outlining plans to use the funds for major infrastructure projects.

Among the stated purposes are; renovation and equipping of 23 general hospitals, Construction of science-specialist schools across the state, Completion of ongoing roads, bridges, and electrification works as well as establishment of skills acquisition centres and smart schools.

Others are; Upgrades for tertiary institutions and the Benue State University of Agriculture, Ihugh (IHUGH), Additional works across arterial corridors in Makurdi, Gboko and Otukpo.

The borrowing is structured as a 48‑month loan, with repayment expected from federal promissory notes and allocations via FAAC/IGR.

The PDP, through its Benue State Publicity Secretary, Tim Nyor, publicly denounced the approval as “reckless and insensitive” given the fragile economic conditions faced by citizens.

The party called for a reversal, urging the assembly to act as a check on the executive rather than a rubber stamp.

They questioned the timing, transparency, and implied fiscal risk of adding such a heavy debt burden to the state’s books without clear accountability mechanisms.

In response to mounting scrutiny, a spokesman for Governor Alia had earlier affirmed that his administration has not taken any new loans since assuming office in May 2023.

The government points out that spending on external loan servicing, reported at ₦4.53 billion between June 2023 and June 2024, was for obligations inherited from previous administrations, not fresh borrowings.

The Leader of the Osisioma Ngwa Legislative Council in Abia State, Victor Ngwakwe, has resigned his position, citing frustration over what he described as the complete takeover of local government funds by the Abia State Government.

Ngwakwe, who represents Osokwa Ward, said councillors have been rendered ineffective due to the denial of access to local government allocations, which he claims are centrally controlled from Umuahia, the state capital.

“Our people are not asking for too much, just the basic services that government is supposed to provide,” Ngwakwe said.

“But unfortunately, councillors have no resources to meet these expectations. The state government has taken over everything, and the grassroots are suffering for it.”

He accused the state government of violating the 1999 Constitution and the Local Government Act, which prescribe financial autonomy for local councils.

Ngwakwe alleged that all financial decisions are made at the Government House in Umuahia, sidelining elected local representatives.

Ngwakwe’s resignation has spotlighted long-standing concerns about the lack of financial independence at the local government level in Abia.

A fellow councillor, speaking on condition of anonymity, corroborated the allegations.

“We receive N240,000 monthly as councillors, and that’s all. We don’t see budgets, we’re not involved in project planning or execution, and we have no idea how funds are spent,” the councillor said.

“It’s like we’re just figureheads. We don’t approve budgets, we don’t monitor spending, yet the councils reportedly receive over ₦400 million to ₦500 million monthly.”

The councillor claimed that the pressure on Ngwakwe to resign intensified after he publicly questioned how such large sums are managed without transparency or councillor input.

“He posted online asking why we get only N240,000 when the councils receive hundreds of millions. That post made the powers that be uncomfortable, and shortly after, he was forced to resign.”

The source also described a climate of fear and sycophancy within the local government system, saying many councillors avoid speaking out to protect their political futures.

“Too many councillors are afraid to challenge the status quo. Sycophancy has become the norm in Abia. Anyone who speaks out is seen as a troublemaker.”

Ngwakwe’s resignation has renewed public debate about local government autonomy and financial transparency in Abia State.

Analysts say the incident could spark broader demands for reform and legislative accountability at the grassroots level.

As of press time, the Abia State Government has not issued an official response to the allegations or the resignation.

The Deputy Leader of the Osisioma Ngwa Legislative Council has reportedly assumed the role of Acting Leader, pending further decisions.

The Councillors’ Association of Abia State has also not commented on the matter.

Professor Amupitan

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cautioned the Nigerian Senate against rubber-stamping President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for the position of INEC Chairman, warning that the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy is at stake.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, called for a thorough and non-partisan screening of the nominee, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), whose name was recently endorsed by the National Council of State to succeed outgoing INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

“This is not a mere appointment. It’s a defining moment for our democracy,” Ologunagba said.

“The Senate must rise to its constitutional duty and ensure this is not a rubber-stamp process.”

While acknowledging the president’s constitutional right to nominate a candidate, the PDP emphasized the Senate’s role as a democratic safeguard.

“The Senate is the last line of defense for democracy,” Ologunagba said.

“They must put the nation above party interests and confirm only candidates who can rebuild public confidence in the electoral system.”

He noted that INEC’s credibility had been severely questioned in recent elections and insisted that only a truly independent electoral body can restore faith in Nigeria’s democracy.

Ologunagba also dismissed recent defections from the PDP as “politically induced” and “tactless distractions” orchestrated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He accused the APC of using intimidation and financial incentives to lure opposition lawmakers, claiming these efforts are part of a broader plan to undermine the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“These defections are not based on ideology or principle, they are bought and paid for,” he said. “But they won’t stop Nigerians from demanding better.”

According to the PDP spokesperson, the real issues that will shape 2027 are not political defections but the rising insecurity, economic hardship, and poor governance under the APC-led federal government.

“Nigerians are not decamping from hunger. They are enduring hardship and are ready for change,” Ologunagba said.

“When the time comes, they’ll vote for a party that has a track record of delivery, and that party is the PDP.”

He further claimed the APC is increasingly uneasy about the PDP’s internal unity and its preparations for its upcoming National Convention, calling the ruling party’s tactics “desperate and outdated.”

Ologunagba concluded by urging the Senate to set a precedent for electoral accountability by properly vetting the INEC nominee.

“This is about institutions, not individuals. If we get INEC right, we give Nigerians hope. If we get it wrong, we deepen distrust and jeopardise 2027.”