The Jigawa State House of Assembly has declared the recent impeachment of the Garki Local Government Speaker as illegal and without merit.

This was made known by Hon. Ibrahim Hashim Kanya, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, who spoke on behalf of the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, during a press briefing.

According to Kanya, the councilors who initiated the impeachment failed to follow due legal procedures and acted without informing the State Assembly, a step now required before any local council leadership changes can be made.

“The removal of the Garki Speaker was carried out in violation of established laws,” Kanya stated.

“Hence, the impeachment is nullified, and the speaker retains his position. Local government lawmakers must seek the consent of the state assembly before attempting such actions.”

The State Assembly’s stance follows a move by seven out of ten councillors in the Garki Local Government Council, who held a sitting on Friday to remove the then Speaker and appoint a new leadership.

Abdussamad Adam from Garki Ward was chosen as the new Speaker, with Magajin Dahiru (Siyore Ward) as Deputy Speaker, Danjuma Abdullahi (Gunku Ward) as Majority Leader, and Muhammad Sale (Largo Ward) as Chief Whip.

In response, some councillors criticized the intervention by the State Assembly, accusing its Speaker of overstepping his bounds and violating constitutional provisions that guarantee local government autonomy.

They argued that their actions were lawful and in line with the Nigerian Constitution, which grants autonomy to all three tiers of government.

The councillors also raised concerns about a lack of transparency and oversight in the operations of the Garki council under the previous speaker.

“We acted within our constitutional powers,” one councillor stated.

“We were not consulted or involved in decisions regarding financial spending, contract approvals, committee formations, or project oversight—issues clearly within our legislative mandate.”

Despite the local lawmakers’ objections, the State Assembly insists that the impeachment remains invalid unless its guidelines are followed.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State has reacted to Senator Uche Ekwunife’s refusal to accept a public challenge issued by Dr. Nonye Soludo, wife of Governor Charles Soludo, for a paternity test involving their respective children.

According to the party, Ekwunife’s decision to decline the test did not come as a surprise, citing her alleged fears over the possible implications of the test results.

Ekwunife reportedly turned down the challenge, stating that Dr. Nonye Soludo owed no one but her husband, Governor Soludo, an explanation.

She maintained that “only a woman knows the paternity of her children.”

In response, Evangelist Chinedu Obigwe, the Coordinator of the APGA Media Warriors, claimed Ekwunife’s refusal validated the innocence of Dr. Nonye Soludo regarding the allegations made against her by the former senator.

“I expected Senator Uche Ekwunife to chicken out of the paternity test challenge given to her by our own living Saint in the person of Her Excellency Nonye Soludo because of her despicable antecedents,” Obigwe said.

“Senator Uche Ekwunife could not take the challenge because of its grave implications at the end of the day.”

Obigwe went on to describe Dr. Soludo as a “lamb without blemish,” asserting that her character and integrity should not be questioned.

“Her Excellency Nonye Soludo, that is an undisputed living Saint, cannot be associated with Ekwunife and that is why she boldly challenged the public toilet her to a paternity test of their respective children.”

“My position is that when the name of a living Saint like Her Excellency Nonye Soludo is mentioned, the likes of Ekwunife should not be mentioned anywhere around her.”

“It is now on record that Senator Uche Ekwunife ran away from the paternity test challenge given to her by Her Excellency Nonye Soludo.”

Obigwe concluded by suggesting that Ekwunife’s refusal to participate in the test pointed to hidden truths she was afraid to reveal.

“The reason why Senator Uche Ekwunife chickened out of the paternity test challenge is because she has skeletons in her cupboard and cannot withstand the revelation the paternity test results will bring to her,” he said.

“In all honesty, Her Excellency Nonye Soludo is a role model to women that value their dignity more than gold, and for me, she is a living Saint on earth.”

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly denied reports suggesting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a validated list of the party’s state chairmen across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a statement posted on Sunday via X (formerly Twitter), ADC National Spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, refuted the circulating report as “fake news,” insisting that INEC has neither officially nor unofficially confirmed such a list.

The statement was issued in response to a report, published by certain media outlets (not including DAILY GAZETTE) that falsely claimed INEC had confirmed ADC’s state chairmen nationwide.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission, to the best of our knowledge and verification, has issued no such confirmation,” Abdullahi stated.

He clarified that INEC only recognizes official party submissions made through the proper channels and only after internal procedures are followed in line with the ADC constitution.

“As of today, no such comprehensive list has been submitted or confirmed by INEC,” he added.

Abdullahi stressed that ratification of state leadership remains an internal affair, handled in accordance with ADC’s rules and processes.

The party also used the opportunity to caution its members and the public to beware of deliberate disinformation aimed at destabilizing the party.

This clarification comes amid ongoing internal disputes within ADC, including a recent leadership tussle involving the recognition of former Senate President David Mark as the party’s national chairman by INEC.

The development has led to a legal challenge, with a court recently summoning both David Mark and ADC’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, over the leadership crisis.

However, the party dismissed reports of any court injunction preventing INEC from acknowledging the Mark-led faction, calling such claims baseless fabrications driven by “desperate political jobbers.”

Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy and discipline, the ADC leadership encouraged stakeholders to rely only on verified communication from official party channels.

“We urge our members to remain focused and united as we resolve internal challenges and protect the party’s integrity,” Abdullahi said.

With the Anambra governorship election slated for November 8, the Soludo-Ibezim Campaign Organisation (SICO) has restated its commitment to running an issue-based and development-focused campaign, distancing itself from political distractions and personal attacks.

This reassurance was conveyed in a statement issued on Friday in Awka by the Director-General of SICO, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, who reaffirmed the campaign’s confidence in the leadership credentials and widespread support enjoyed by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim.

“We will not be distracted,” Chukwulobelu said.

“Our focus is firmly on the future of Anambra and the real issues that concern our people. The Soludo-Ibezim ticket represents continuity, competence, and a clear vision for the state’s long-term development.”

He noted that the Soludo administration’s track record over the past three years has set it apart, citing achievements in key sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic reform, all delivered without external loans.

“Governor Soludo has driven transformative projects and reforms across the state. These achievements speak for themselves and form the foundation of our campaign. We are asking the people of Anambra to judge us based on performance, not propaganda,” he stated.

Chukwulobelu emphasized that the Soludo-Ibezim team values the intelligence and expectations of Ndi Anambra and will continue to earn their trust through responsible governance.

“We do not take the support of the people for granted. Every vote will be earned through the value we have delivered and will continue to deliver. Anambra is a sophisticated state. It cannot afford to be governed by individuals lacking the capacity or integrity required for the job.”

He added that SICO remains focused on presenting a policy-driven agenda that reflects the aspirations of the people and positions Anambra as a model state in Nigeria.

The Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Hon. John Ogbodo, has called on party stakeholders, members and residents to unite in full support of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during the monthly meeting of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Nkanu West, held at the party secretariat in Agbani on Saturday, Hon. Ogbodo described Governor Mbah as a visionary leader whose administration has significantly transformed Enugu State within a short period.

“Governor Mbah has not only demonstrated competence and capacity, he has also shown the political will to deliver on his promises. From massive investments in infrastructure and healthcare to educational reforms and youth empowerment, the difference is clear. Nkanu West is proud to be associated with such a transformational leader,” Ogbodo said.

He urged party faithful to remain united, focused and committed to the ideals of PDP, noting that internal cohesion was critical to securing victory in 2027.

“Our strength lies in our unity. Let us continue to work together as one family. The PDP remains the party of the people and under Governor Mbah’s leadership, we are confident that Enugu State will continue to rise.”

Hon. Ogbodo also used the opportunity to appreciate Governor Mbah for the ongoing projects in Nkanu West, especially the rehabilitation of rural roads, upgrading of health centres and support for local farmers through state-sponsored agricultural schemes.

Party leaders, ward chairpersons, youth and women leaders and other stakeholders in attendance unanimously endorsed the governor for a second term, describing his governance style as inclusive, responsive and progressive.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the party reaffirmed its support for the governor’s administration and pledged to mobilise grassroots support across all wards in the LGA.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a national forum of former federal legislators has officially endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as their sole presidential candidate.

The endorsement was announced during the Southern Summit 2025 held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Themed “National Unity: Bedrock of Nation Building,” the summit brought together former lawmakers to reflect on national issues and chart a course forward.

Speaking at the event, Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, praised President Tinubu’s leadership, citing major reforms that have shaped the administration since 2023.

These include removal of subsidy fraud benefiting a minority, implementation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and Passage of tax reforms aimed at promoting fairness and accountability.

Gbajabiamila described these actions as the work of a leader focused on future generations rather than political gains, stating:

“These are not the actions of a politician thinking about the next election. They are acts of extraordinary statesmanship.”

He criticized political actors who exploit national divisions for selfish interests and urged the former lawmakers to rally support for Tinubu’s re-election bid, highlighting his commitment to unity and progress.

At the conclusion of the summit, the forum released a communiqué, signed by Hon. Samson Osagie, expressing full support for Tinubu’s re-election.

Key points include Adoption of Tinubu as sole 2027 presidential candidate, Call for unity and support across regions, particularly urging the South to back Tinubu for a second term, Commendation of government reforms, such as: creation of Regional Development Commissions, local Government Autonomy, deregulation of the electricity sector and the Student Loan Scheme (NELFUND), as we as calls for the creation of State Police.

The forum also acknowledged the Northern Caucus’s endorsement of a Southern presidency, affirming that Tinubu should complete the South’s two-term cycle.

“We call on the South to support the North in 2031 to take up their tenure. We must all pursue a national agenda of unity and peace,” the communiqué read.

Hon. Rapheal Igbokwe, the forum’s National Coordinator, emphasized the importance of national unity and encouraged further cooperation between federal and state governments to maximize the impact of the ongoing reforms.

He also called on the Federal Government to consider post-service benefits for former legislators and urged that they be included in political appointments.

In attendance were Senator Ken Nnamani, former Senate President, Hon. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh and Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speakers of the House, Sen. Ndoma Egba, former Senate Leader, Sen. Adegbenga Kaka and Sen. Lekan Mustapha, among others

The Rivers State Government has formally begun its transition from emergency rule back to democratic governance, with an inter-denominational Thanksgiving Service scheduled for Sunday at the Ecumenical Centre on Abonima Wharf Road in Port Harcourt.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Secretary to the State Government, Ibibia Worika, announced that the event marks the start of a broader programme to restore full civil authority in the state.

The Thanksgiving is expected to attract prominent government officials, traditional rulers, industry leaders, and security chiefs.

“The Government of Rivers State is pleased to invite the Permanent Secretaries, Local Government Chairmen, Heads of State Security and Para-Military Agencies, Traditional Rulers, Chairmen and members of Boards and Governing Councils, Captains of industries, Government Officials and invited guests to the Inter-Denominational Church Thanksgiving Service, as part of transition activities to usher in Democratic Governance in Rivers State,” the statement read.

According to the programme, guests are expected to be seated by 9:30 am, with the service scheduled to begin at 10 am.

The Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), will serve as the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion.

This development comes six months after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, following a prolonged political crisis.

The President’s directive led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The emergency, initially slated for six months, was triggered by escalating tension between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The power struggle had resulted in major institutional breakdowns, including the controversial demolition of the House of Assembly complex in late 2023.

The crisis deepened amid disputes over legislative legitimacy, rising security threats particularly militant activity and pipeline vandalism and widespread concern about constitutional violations.

The Supreme Court, in a subsequent ruling, strongly criticised Fubara’s handling of the Assembly crisis, describing it as “despotism” and concluded there was “no functioning government” in the state.

To restore order, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator, tasked with overseeing the state’s affairs throughout the emergency.

While executive and legislative functions were suspended, judicial institutions remained operational.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, defended the imposition of emergency rule, describing it as a last-resort measure after failed mediation attempts and a thorough review of legal and security issues.

He said the federal government acted to prevent a total collapse of governance in the state.

Sunday’s Thanksgiving service is the first public event signaling Rivers State’s gradual return to normalcy.