Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has extended his congratulations to Hon. Obinna Oriaku, recently appointed as the Abia State representative on the Federal Character Commission (FCC), along with other commissioners from the Southeast region.

Oriaku, a former Commissioner for Finance during the administration of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, was among the newly appointed chairman, secretary, and 36 state representatives announced by President Bola Tinubu earlier in the week.

In a statement released on Wednesday by Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Governor Otti described the appointment as a call to selfless and impactful public service.

“The Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has felicitated with the newly appointed Commissioner representing Abia State in the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Obinna Oriaku,” the statement read.

Otti expressed gratitude to the President for the appointment and urged Oriaku to uphold the values of equity and fairness in line with the FCC’s mandate.

“The governor thanked the President for the appointment and tasked Hon. Oriaku to use the opportunity to serve selflessly.”

He reiterated the importance of the FCC in maintaining balance and inclusivity in public sector appointments and distribution of resources, urging Oriaku to approach the role with integrity and commitment.

Governor Otti also pledged the full support of his administration to help Oriaku and other appointees from the region succeed in their duties.

In addition to Oriaku, Otti extended congratulations to other newly appointed FCC commissioners from the Southeast, including:

Peter Eze (Enugu State)

Jerry Alagbaoso (Imo State)

Nnoli Nkechi Gloria (Anambra State)

Barr. Nwokpor Vincent Nduka (Ebonyi State)

He noted that the appointments offer a unique opportunity to advance the collective interests of the Southeast and foster national unity.

“He urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by their appointment,” the statement added.

Governor Otti called for collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure the appointees contribute meaningfully to national development and uphold the principles of equity in governance.

Former Sokoto State Governor and current Senator, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has publicly addressed his recent questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), insisting that neither the agency nor any political force can intimidate him.

Speaking in Sokoto after his release, Tambuwal described his interaction with the anti-graft agency as a “brief visit,” saying he voluntarily appeared before the EFCC on August 6 for questioning.

Following the initial interrogation, he was allowed to leave but was required to return on August 10 and 11 for further questioning.

After several hours of interrogation during his second visit, Tambuwal requested to go home.

However, EFCC officials demanded that he produce two sureties specifically directors in the Federal Civil Service with letters of introduction from their employers before his release could be granted.

Tambuwal stood firm, telling the officials,

“Tell the EFCC chairman that I am a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, a two-term Governor of Sokoto State, a serving Senator and a Commander of the Order of the Niger. I should be released on self-recognition.”

Despite appeals from his legal team, which included three Senior Advocates of Nigeria, the EFCC refused to alter the bail conditions, leading to Tambuwal’s overnight detention.

He was finally released the following morning after fulfilling the bail requirements.

The Senator questioned the timing of the EFCC’s actions, suggesting a political motive behind the probe.

He referred to a “kangaroo commission of inquiry” set up by the current Sokoto State administration to investigate his tenure, which he believes was politically driven.

“Why now?” Tambuwal asked, hinting at efforts to discredit him and silence critics of President Bola Tinubu’s government.

He contrasted two political sides in Nigeria today:

“There are those with Bola Tinubu and his government and those who stand with the people of Nigeria. We have chosen to stand with the people.”

Tambuwal also criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), referencing the popular saying: “Once you join the APC, whatever your sins, they are forgiven.”

He rejected any notion of switching political allegiance and reaffirmed his commitment to the coalition for national rescue.

“I cannot be intimidated. I cannot be blackmailed. No one can tarnish my record,” Tambuwal declared.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that all preparations for the bye-elections scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025, have been finalized.

This update came via a statement issued on Thursday by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, following the commission’s weekly meeting in Abuja.

Elections will be held across 16 constituencies in 12 states, comprising:

Ssenatorial seats in Anambra and Edo

Federal constituencies in Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, and Oyo

State assembly seats in Adamawa, Anambra, Kaduna (2), Kano, Kogi, Niger, Taraba, and Zamfara

Additionally, court-directed re-runs are scheduled to take place simultaneously in Enugu South I (Enugu State) and Ghari/Tsanyawa (Kano State).

Olumekun assured that all non-sensitive election materials have been dispatched to respective states and that election technology, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been set up and tested.

Recruitment and training of ad hoc personnel, along with security and logistical arrangements have also been completed.

The final shipment of sensitive materials is expected to arrive as planned.

INEC is urging political parties, candidates, voters, media, observers and other stakeholders to comply strictly with election regulations to ensure a smooth process.

Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, has thrown his full support behind Mrs. Justina Amaka Azuka, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Onitsha North I Constituency seat in the Anambra State House of Assembly.

Senator Umeh made the endorsement on Thursday. He urged the people of Onitsha North I to honour the memory of Mrs. Azuka’s late husband, Hon. Justice Chukwunenye Azuka, who was kidnapped and brutally murdered in 2024.

“This is not just about politics. This is about justice, continuity, and honouring a legacy,” Umeh said.

“I call on all voters in Onitsha North I to come out en masse and vote for Mrs. Justina Amaka Azuka, the wife of our murdered colleague, so she can continue the selfless service her husband began.”

Late Hon. Justice Azuka had been a dedicated public servant and a respected lawmaker in the Anambra State House of Assembly before his untimely death.

Mrs. Azuka, now contesting under the ADC banner, has pledged to uphold her husband’s vision and projects for the constituency, focusing on community development, youth empowerment and justice reform.

Senator Umeh praised her courage in stepping forward despite personal tragedy, describing her candidacy as a symbol of resilience and a unifying cause for the people of Onitsha.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged his supporters to throw their full weight behind the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the upcoming bye-elections scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025.

Obi in a post on his verified facebook page on Thursday, directed all members of the Obidient movement and the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) to “vote ADC all the way” in the 16 states where the bye-elections will take place.

“Kindly note that because the Labour Party has no recognised candidates by INEC due to the internal crisis, I humbly urge every member of the Obidient and COPDEM families to go out and vote for the coalition political party, African Democratic Congress (ADC), in their respective states,” Obi stated.

The elections which will cover two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies and nine state assembly seats are being closely watched as a litmus test for party strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi’s departure from the Labour Party comes amid months of internal wrangling within the party.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently announced that the Labour Party has no validly nominated candidates for the bye-elections due to unresolved disputes over leadership and primaries.

Obi widely regarded as the face of a new political movement in Nigeria, now appears to be aligning more closely with the ADC which has presented itself as a viable third force committed to democratic reforms and grassroots development.

“The struggle for Nigeria has started,” Obi declared.

The ADC, which is fielding candidates across all 16 states in the bye-elections said the endorsement is a welcome development and a boost to the party.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has unveiled a modern transport system set to create over 20,000 jobs and significantly contribute to both the state and national economies.

The governor made this known on Thursday during the inauguration of the New Enugu Transport Management System, alongside the commissioning of five ultra-modern bus terminals located in Holy Ghost, Gariki, Abakpa, and Nsukka, as well as the launch of 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mbah said the ambitious infrastructure push was part of his administration’s promise to raise living standards and transform Enugu into a modern economy.

“The projects delivered are part of the promise we made to the people to ensure world-class infrastructure, which will not only uplift the economy but dignify their living standard,” he stated.

The governor said the initiatives would spur economic growth, projecting Enugu’s GDP to rise to $30 billion and Nigeria’s to $1 trillion in the next six years.

“Transport remains the central pillar of modernisation and a measure of the people’s progress, touching every aspect of human life,” he said.

He also revealed plans to roll out 2,000 hybrid vehicles to support the new system, which prioritizes accessibility, affordability, and environmental sustainability.

“The CNG buses, equipped for persons with disabilities, will reduce household transport expenses by over 40% and serve routes leading to schools, markets, and major public areas,” Mbah noted.

Mbah credited President Bola Tinubu’s subsidy removal policy as a catalyst for change.

“I must commend President Bola Tinubu, whose vision and wisdom to remove fuel subsidy, have led to all the projects and change to a new transport system based on 21st-century infrastructure,” he added.

He also praised the efforts of the State Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Obi Ozor, contractors, and stakeholders who ensured timely delivery.

Governor Mbah highlighted ongoing infrastructure development across the state, including: remodeling of bus stops across Enugu metropolis, modern e-ticketing to reduce revenue leakage, rebuilt roads within cities and towns.

Others are; Enugu Air which was recently launched, Planned rail and waterway transport systems among others.

Transport Commissioner, Dr. Obi Ozor described the new terminals as key components of Enugu’s transformation.

“Each terminal is designed to handle over 10 million commuters annually. They feature air-conditioned halls, lodging, eateries, solar lighting, surveillance systems, and covered walkways,” he said.

Ozor called the development a testament to Mbah’s commitment to making Enugu a model for infrastructure in Nigeria.

Chairman of Enugu North Council Area, Dr. Ibekaku Onoh, thanked the governor for revitalizing urban transport.

“We appreciate the order, beauty, jobs, and comfort these terminals have brought, alongside other projects like smart schools and health centres,” Onoh said.

Former Senate President and current ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct Saturday’s nationwide bye‑elections with impartiality, transparency, and integrity, warning that failing to do so could further erode public trust in the electoral process.

In a goodwill message to ADC candidates competing for Senatorial, House of Representatives, and State Assembly seats across 10 states, Senator Mark stressed that “all eyes are on the commission” to rectify the controversies that have tarnished past elections.

According to his Media Adviser, Paul Mumeh, Senator Mark declared:

“These elections are an opportunity for INEC to redeem its image and prove that the will of the people can prevail without manipulation or intimidation.”

The ADC is fielding candidates in Anambra, Edo, Oyo, Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, Niger, and Ogun States.

Describing his party as a “child of necessity” born from Nigerians’ yearning for genuine change, Senator Mark implored voters to trust the ADC with the chance to deliver better governance.

He also commended the courage and dedication of ADC candidates, urging them to adhere to electoral laws while staying vigilant against malpractice.

Additionally, he called on security agencies to ensure a level playing field:

“Let the votes count. Let the people decide. That is the true test of democracy,” Mark declared.

Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State will begin a three-week medical leave starting Monday, August 18, 2025, to address health-related concerns.

This was disclosed in an official statement released on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu Zango.

Governor Radda thanked the people of the state for their support and understanding, emphasizing the importance of taking time off to focus on his health.

“Taking the necessary steps to prioritize my health is essential so I can continue to serve effectively and make the best decisions for our state,” Radda stated. “I look forward to returning to my duties as soon as I finish my medical check-up.”

To ensure uninterrupted governance during his absence, Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal, HCIB (Sarkin Fulanin Jobe), will assume the role of acting governor.

The governor expressed full confidence in his deputy’s ability to lead the administration with commitment and responsibility.

“We wish to assure the public that all ongoing initiatives, programs, and projects will continue to progress without interruption,” the statement added.

Governor Radda has been a driving force behind the “Building Your Future Agenda,” a policy framework aimed at improving infrastructure, education, and economic growth in the state.

The administration reaffirmed its commitment to continuity in governance and expressed optimism about the governor’s full recovery and return.