Prof. Edeoga,

Former Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Hilary Edeoga, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State.

Edeoga, a renowned Professor of Plant Taxonomy and Cytogenetics, made the move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he previously aspired to contest the 2023 Enugu governorship election.

The declaration took place during an emergency meeting of APC members at his Ogbuegu-Amede, Eha-Amufu Ward 4, in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, on Sunday.

Explaining his decision to join the national ruling party, Prof. Edeoga said it was driven by his desire to continue contributing meaningfully to national development.

“In Nigerian politics, it’s not the name that matters. What matters is the way one contributes to national development. It is the action of the people,” he said.

He further noted that most of his career had been at the federal level, which made aligning with the party in control of the central government a logical step.

“I’ve been a national player. The majority of my work has been at the federal level, as a teacher in a federal university and subsequently the Vice Chancellor of a federal university. So, I need to key into the federal system, and that’s why I needed to shift grounds,” he explained.

Prof. Edeoga also acknowledged the internal challenges faced by his previous party, stating:

“Again, you know that the party where I was has its internal problems. I can’t say that the Labour Party is bad or that the PDP is bad, no, I’m not that kind of a person. What I know is that wherever one finds himself, he should try and contribute to national development.”

The declaration was met with excitement and celebration among local APC members, who described Edeoga’s defection as a major boost for the party.

Welcoming him, Chief Innocent Achigbo, Chairman of APC in Eha-Amufu Ward 4, described the former VC as a “big fish” joining the party.

“We’re welcoming a big fish, a big masquerade coming from the PDP into our party, the APC. His name is Prof. Hilary Odo Edeoga. He’s an iroko coming into the APC. From today (Sunday), he is no longer a member of the PDP but APC,” he said.

Achigbo added that the emergency meeting was specially convened to honour Prof. Edeoga and others who joined with him.

“This meeting is just for his coming into our party and so, from now henceforth, he has become a member of the APC. Today is a great day in our ward. We’re excited because he is a big fish, a great fish that has come into the party. He will add great colour to the APC. He is a man who likes to support. I’m sure that henceforth he will boost the party in the ward, in the local government, and even in the state.”

Echoing the excitement, Mr. Okwudili Eze, Assistant Secretary of APC in Isi-Uzo Local Government, praised Edeoga’s political relevance and influence.

“Prof. Edeoga is a great son of Amede. We respect him so much. He is somebody that has impacted so many lives. He is a big fish, and we regard him highly. We are happy that he is coming into our party and he is very much welcome.”

“He’s going to add a lot to the party because he is loved by the people, he has followers, and he will help the party to grow,” Eze concluded.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has dissolved the State Executive Council with immediate effect, relieving all commissioners and special advisers of their duties, with a few notable exceptions.

According to a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, the affected officials have been directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or the most senior civil servants in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to the outgoing members of the cabinet for their service and commitment to the state, and wished them success in their future endeavours.

However, the dissolution does not affect several top officials, including:

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice

Commissioner for Health and Human Services

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security

Commissioner for Education

Commissioner for Works

Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperatives

Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion

Special Adviser on Lands, Survey, and e-GIS

In addition, all Directors General who are statutory members of the State Executive Council have been retained. These include:

Director General, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD)

Director General, SDGs and Project Monitoring

Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP)

No reason was officially provided for the partial cabinet shake-up.

The Nigerian Senate has received 61 proposals seeking the creation of new states across the six geopolitical zones of the country, according to Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity.

Speaking with journalists over the weekend in Ado-Ekiti, Adaramodu described the process of state creation as highly technical, requiring in-depth evaluation of demographic, geographic, and historical factors, as well as public consultation through hearings.

He explained that while 42 requests were earlier confirmed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio in July, the number has now risen by 19, bringing the total to 61 submissions under review.

“All of these proposals must go through a rigorous vetting process. The Constitution Review Committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, will collate, assess, and filter the submissions,” Adaramodu stated.

According to him, once the committee completes its review, a report will be presented to both chambers of the National Assembly.

“After that, the Senate and House of Representatives will hold joint public hearings where advocates and opponents of each proposal will be given the chance to present their arguments. Only after this stage will the legislature make any decisions,” he explained.

The proposals are part of the ongoing review of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, with state creation emerging as a prominent issue during recent constitutional review sessions held across northern and southern zones.

Adaramodu also addressed concerns about the 2024 budget cycle, emphasizing that the National Assembly is committed to ensuring that capital projects are not abandoned before the end of the fiscal year.

“Without a formal extension, any uncompleted projects risk being dropped from funding, and will have to wait another year to be included in the next budget,” he noted.

The former Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, VON, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, has declared that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State is warmly welcomed to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Okechukwu, a founding member of the APC, made this known in a statement released on Monday in Enugu, on behalf of the APC Foundation Members in Enugu State and the South-East region.

The statement was in response to remarks allegedly made by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, at a meeting in Enugu on Sunday.

Nnaji was quoted as suggesting that new entrants into the APC should prepare for internal competition.

Okechukwu cited Nnaji’s statement:

“Anybody who wants to run for the governorship of Enugu State, let him come to the APC, we will go to contest, we are waiting for them.”

In response, Okechukwu stated:

“We the foundation members of APC wish to state unequivocally that His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, and his group are wholeheartedly welcomed to APC Enugu State in accordance with the standard convention of our great party.”

“Gov. Mbah and his group should not be scared by anybody.”

He questioned why Nnaji, who previously belonged to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), would attempt to push away Governor Mbah, whom he described as an “exceptionally performing” leader.

“We are at a loss why Nnaji, who himself is from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is chasing away the exceptionally performing Gov. Mbah.”

Okechukwu urged Governor Mbah to disregard the comments made by the minister.

“For we the foundation members, Gov. Mbah should disregard our dear brother Chief Nnaji, because we want to win Lion Building for the first time and join 23 other states to guarantee President Bola Tinubu’s victory in 2027.”

He further advised Chief Nnaji to concentrate on his responsibilities at the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.

“Otherwise, we will not allow Chief Nnaji who came distant fourth with 14,575 votes in the gubernatorial election and fouled atmosphere for President Tinubu with 4,722 in the 2023 presidential election to rubbish APC again.”

The Presidency has dismissed growing rumours surrounding the health of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following reports suggesting he may have been bedridden and preparing for medical evacuation abroad.

The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) had earlier reported, citing sources, that members of the president’s medical team were on standby, with plans underway for possible overseas treatment.

The report also claimed that Tinubu had not appeared at any public event in several days and that Vice President Kashim Shettima had taken his place at key engagements.

An insider at Aso Rock was quoted as saying multiple scheduled appointments and engagements for the president had been either cancelled or quietly postponed throughout the week.

According to ICIR, the remainder of President Tinubu’s agenda had also been cleared to allow medical monitoring by his team.

However, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, pushed back against the claims, calling them unfounded.

“People just tell you all kinds of rumours that have no basis at all,” Onanuga told ICIR.

“He was in his office yesterday (August 5). I was with him. I went to see him. He came to work.”

Onanuga reiterated: “There is nothing wrong with the president. He is okay. He can choose to work from home or anywhere he deems fit,” he said.

The rumours followed the president’s absence from public functions since August 1, when he was last seen at the Progressive Media Summit in Abuja. At the event, he appeared in good health and encouraged young Nigerians in digital media to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Before that, on July 29, Tinubu had received the Super Falcons team after their victory at the WAFCON Championship in Morocco.

He stood throughout the event and personally congratulated each player and coach—while announcing monetary rewards that later sparked mixed public reactions.

However, his absence at a similar August 3 event honouring the D’Tigress basketball team, where Vice President Shettima stood in for him, raised further questions.

Although the presidency has continued releasing statements in Tinubu’s name, including one on August 6 announcing a healthcare initiative for retirees and increased pensions, there was no mention of when the corresponding meeting with the PenCom DG took place.

ICIR’s investigation revealed it occurred earlier and was held at the president’s private residence, not his office.

Onanuga later confirmed this detail.

The presidency also issued a condolence message on the same day following a tragic plane crash in Ghana that claimed several lives, including those of two government ministers.

FEC Meeting Postponed, Other Events Cancelled

The weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting did not hold last week. Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, had initially stated that the meeting would take place on August 6.

However, members of the cabinet were reportedly notified of a postponement, and none appeared at the Villa at the usual time.

When asked, Onanuga explained that the president had chosen to delay the meeting.

“Yes, he postponed it. It’s not an issue,” he said. “FEC can be held on any day, monday, Wednesday, or Thursday.”

ICIR also learned that several high-level meetings were quietly shelved, including one scheduled for August 5 with close allies of former President Muhammadu Buhari within the APC.

When pressed on the president’s repeated absences, Onanuga responded:

“Why must he be at all functions? He has a deputy. He can delegate. Do you want him to be doing public parade or something?”

Concerns over the president’s health have persisted since he assumed office in 2023, largely due to his frequent international travel, often to France, for what are officially described as “working visits” or “private trips.”

Below is a summary of President Tinubu’s major trips abroad since assuming office:

June 2023: Attended the New Global Financial Pact Summit in Paris (4–5 days)

January 2024: Took a 14-day private trip to France, returned in early February

August 2024: Brief four-day trip to France

October 2024: Two-week working vacation in the UK and France during his annual leave

November 2024: Three-day state visit to France at the invitation of President Macron; total stay around five days

February 2025: Private visit to France en route to AU meetings in Addis Ababa (approx. 7–8 days)

April 2025: Two-week working visit, with time spent in both France and London (14–19 days)

These repeated visits have continued to spark questions about the true purpose of the trips, especially as details are often sparse and updates minimal.

Still, the presidency maintains that the president is in good health and fully capable of discharging his duties.

“The president is working,” Onanuga emphasized. “That’s what matters.”

Senator Ogba,

Senator Obinna Ogba, founder and President of Legacy FM and Television in Ebonyi, has refuted claims that Governor Francis Nwifuru influenced his decision to suspend the station’s acting General Manager, Mr. Godfrey Chikwere.

Chikwere was removed from his position over what the station described as “gross misconduct” and violation of its internal code of conduct.

His suspension followed criticism of the state government aired on his programme Inside Politics, where he hosted journalist Charles Otu to discuss performance issues involving Ebonyi State officials .

Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki, Ogba maintained that Chikwere’s behaviour repeatedly flouting company policy despite warnings, was behind the decision, not any political pressure.

“He has been doing well, but you know in every organisation, there are codes of conduct … if you listened to the announcement of the suspension, it was very clear that it was for not obeying the code of conduct of the establishment.”

“I have warned him before now, first one, second one, … so I felt so bad when I started hearing people saying that the government or governor directed the suspension … I took exception to that, and I felt it was an insult to my person.”

Ogba emphasized that he established Legacy FM before Governor Nwifuru took office, and that the governor has never interfered in the station’s operations.

“I established Legacy FM before this governor came on board, and since its establishment, the governor has never interfered, and nobody has, not even me. … When I couldn’t stomach it, I asked him to go and rest for a while, and it has nothing to do with the government of Ebonyi State.”

Ogba expressed willingness to reinstate Chikwere once he demonstrates contrition, apologizes to management and recommits to the station’s code of conduct.

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has firmly denied claims linking him to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja by the Head of his Media Office, Ahmad Sajoh, Fayemi dismissed recent allegations purportedly attributed to former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, suggesting that both men were involved in founding a new political coalition under the ADC banner.

Recall that a growing coalition of prominent opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Babachir Lawal, Rotimi Amaechi, and others, has reportedly aligned with the ADC in preparation to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

While Fayemi has been mentioned in certain quarters as being part of this political movement, he has now firmly distanced himself from the claim.

“We unequivocally state that these claims lack any basis. Dr Fayemi remains a committed member and leader of the APC in Ekiti State,” the statement reads.

“At various public forums in Ekiti and nationwide, he has consistently affirmed his dedication to the APC, working to address its challenges and advance its progressive ideals for Nigeria. Nothing has changed.”

The former governor also emphasized his ongoing support for the incumbent Governor of Ekiti State:

“Furthermore, Dr Fayemi has publicly endorsed His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji, governor of Ekiti State, for re-election, clearly supporting his candidacy for the APC gubernatorial ticket. This underscores his loyalty to the APC.”

Fayemi also cast doubt on the authenticity of the comments attributed to Amaechi, saying there was no verifiable source to confirm he made them.

“Despite efforts to verify this statement, which has gained traction on social and digital media, we have found no credible evidence to support it.”

“No video of Hon. Amaechi making these claims or reports from reputable media organisations has been located. It is possible that Amaechi did not make the statement or was misquoted.”

He urged Nigerians to remain cautious and discerning about politically charged content circulating online.

“We urge members of the public to treat any news concerning Fayemi with caution, particularly when it originates solely from social media.”