Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called on former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to apologise to President Bola Tinubu over claims that the President has been focusing national development efforts disproportionately on the South.

Responding to Kwankwaso’s recent remarks, Umahi described the statement as misleading and urged Nigerians to disregard it.

“To my brother, Senator Kwankwaso, you owe our President Tinubu an apology and a duty to withdraw your statement using the information I have provided herein for the benefit of Nigerians and the unity of the nation,” Umahi said in a statement posted on X by Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga on Saturday.

“I request the good people of Nigeria to ignore Senator Kwankwaso’s misleading statement and know that President Tinubu is fairly committed to developing every part of this country with fairness, equity, and the fear of God.”

Umahi accused Kwankwaso of trying to stir division under the guise of regional advocacy.

“Senator Kwankwaso’s comment was made intentionally to deceive our brothers and sisters in the North and to pretend that he loves the North more than any other leader from the North,” he said.

“I consider Senator Kwankwaso’s statement as a statement made out of desperation and as part of his struggle with a few others who believe that they can inherit the impeccable legacy of our dear late President Muhammadu Buhari, and that the only way available for them towards achieving the same is to be divisive and pretentious.”

“Trying to be like our late President Buhari cannot be a job of three decades and cannot be done with deceit.”

The minister also highlighted several major infrastructure projects currently ongoing in the North as part of the Tinubu administration’s national development efforts.

“As of today, we have 258 km ongoing at Kebbi section and 120 km ongoing at the Sokoto section. The total ongoing is 378 km by six lanes or 756 km by three lanes in the North,” he said, referring to the 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.

He added that the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road, a 439 km stretch, is being redesigned from flexible to rigid pavement to ensure durability, following the President’s directive and in line with other legacy projects.

“In the four legacy projects, the North has 52 per cent and the South 48 per cent. Within the ongoing projects as of today, the South has 409 km by three lanes and the North has 756 km by three lanes.”

He questioned why critics often overlook the scope of Northern projects.

“The facts are there. I wonder why people don’t talk about other legacy projects of Mr. President, but will always dwell on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. This road has only 220 km by three lanes in Lagos State, which is ongoing now.”

“Cross River and Akwa Ibom have 130 km by three lanes that is ongoing, whereas Kebbi alone has 316 km by three lanes that is ongoing. Sokoto has 240 km by three lanes that is ongoing. I think Senator Kwankwaso is not fair to Mr. President and the unity of our country.”

Summarizing his argument, Umahi insisted that President Tinubu has been fair in his distribution of development projects.

“I can say with all sense of responsibility that President Tinubu is a fair President. He has favoured the North in road development more than the South, especially the North West, where Senator Kwankwaso comes from,” he said.

Kwankwaso had made the controversial claim on Thursday during the Kano State Stakeholders’ Dialogue on the 2025 Constitutional Amendment, where he accused the federal government of sidelining the North in development matters.

“From the information available to us, it’s like most of the national budget is now tilting in one direction in this country,” Kwankwaso had said.

“Let me advise those who are struggling by all means to take everything to remember that some of the issues that we have in this part of the country today have to do with the lack of enough resources and mismanagement of the little that comes in.”

“That is why we have insecurity, we have poverty, and so on. It is happening here mainly, but like a desert, it would go everywhere.”

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has called a gathering of stakeholders for Monday, July 28, 2025, at its headquarters in Port Harcourt to unveil the revised timetable and guidelines for the 2025 Local Government Elections in the state.

A notice issued and signed by RSIEC Chairman Dr. Michael Ekpali Odey invites a broad cross-section of society including political party leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies, religious organisations, media representatives, professional bodies, civil society groups, NGOs, community-based organisations, and the electorate to attend the meeting in the RSIEC Auditorium at 239–243 Aba Road, scheduled to start promptly at 2:00 p.m.

“The Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Dr. Michael Ekpali Odey, hereby invites: Leaders of all registered Political Parties; Traditional Rulers; Security Agencies; Religious Organizations; The Media; Professional Organizations; Civil Society Groups; Non-Government Organizations; Community Based Groups and the Electorate, to a general stakeholders meeting on Monday, 28th July, 2025 at the RSIEC Headquarters, 239‑243 Aba Road, Port Harcourt by 02:00 pm prompt.”

“The highlight of the meeting will be the unveiling of the revised timetable and guidelines for the 2025 Local Government Elections in the state. All concerned should be seated at the RSIEC Auditorium by 02:00 pm, please.”

Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has extended heartfelt congratulations to his predecessor and political mentor, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on his latest academic honour.

Fubara, in a goodwill message issued on Saturday, praised Wike’s achievements following the conferment of a Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) by the University of Port Harcourt.

Describing Wike as a “visionary statesman” and “transformational leader,” Fubara said the recognition was well-deserved and underscored Wike’s legacy of excellence in public service and national development.

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Rivers State, I extend my warmest congratulations to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), His Excellency, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, GSSRS, CON, on the conferment of the prestigious Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) Honoris Causa by the University of Port Harcourt,” Fubara stated.

The Governor emphasized that Wike’s commitment to infrastructure, governance, and education had earned him not only accolades but also the trust and admiration of many Nigerians.

“This distinguished recognition is not only a celebration of your illustrious accomplishments but a testament to your enduring impact, as a transformational leader, visionary statesman, and proud alumnus whose contributions have significantly advanced the cause of education and national development,” he said.

The statement comes shortly after Fubara and Wike reconciled, ending a prolonged political rift that had destabilized the state’s leadership and led to President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, which included the suspension of elected officials and declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Reflecting on Wike’s continued influence, Fubara noted:

“Your unwavering commitment to infrastructural development, both in Rivers State and now in the FCT, along with your legacy of service, has inspired renewed hope in governance and uplifted countless lives across the country. It is only fitting that your alma mater honours you for your outstanding dedication and the strategic role you continue to play in shaping Nigeria’s future.”

He concluded with warm wishes, adding: “We take immense pride in this remarkable milestone and join you in celebrating yet another feather to your cap. May this recognition fuel even greater accomplishments in your continued service to our nation.”

Pastor Femi Emmanuel, Presiding Pastor of Livingspring Church and a senior chieftain of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), has called on Christians across Nigeria to actively participate in politics.

He emphasized that the Church possesses the numerical strength, intellectual capacity, and financial resources necessary to positively influence governance.

Speaking during a thanksgiving service to mark his 70th birthday at the church’s headquarters in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Emmanuel who is also a former Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly challenged Christian leaders to step beyond prayer and fasting to engage in the political process.

“Prayers and fasting alone cannot deliver Nigeria,” he said, urging Christians to leverage God-given tools to effect real change in the nation.

He noted that while divine intervention has long been sought, the Church must now act on the resources already provided.

“The Church has failed by assuming politics is dirty and leaving it to career politicians. That mindset is part of why the nation is where it is today,” Pastor Emmanuel declared.

He stressed the importance of grassroots political education and called on Christians to get involved in delegate systems and candidate selections, asserting that without participation, the Church’s voice would remain absent in national decisions.

The celebration drew an esteemed audience of political leaders, clerics, and Christian community members, all gathered to honor Pastor Emmanuel’s contributions to ministry and national development.

Among the dignitaries were former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) (represented by Bishop Olubunmi Banwo, National Chairman of the Bible Society of Nigeria), Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Bishop David Oyedepo, PFN National President Bishop Francis Wale Oke, Emeritus Primate Sunday Ola Makinde, Dr. Supo Ayokunle, and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung.

Governor Makinde praised the celebrant’s spiritual leadership and national vision:

“A rare leader whose spiritual insight and commitment to state and national transformation have touched countless lives.”

He lauded Pastor Emmanuel’s advocacy for moral governance, describing him as:

“A voice of reason and wisdom in turbulent times.”

Also speaking at the event, Solomon Dalung reflected on Emmanuel’s journey from politics to the pulpit:

“A fantastic Nigerian who once ventured into politics but was divinely redirected into God’s vineyard.”

Dalung praised Emmanuel as: “One of the most enduring and practical preachers of our time,”

While aligning with the pastor’s message by noting “Prayer without political action is not enough to change Nigeria.”

He encouraged Christians to step into political leadership and added:

“Pastor Emmanuel is a statesman in the pulpit,” recognizing his impact on national unity and discourse.

From the religious front, Bishop David Oyedepo, Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, praised Emmanuel’s legacy:

“Pastor Femi Emmanuel has been a torchbearer of truth and kingdom advancement. His legacy is one of courage, vision, and undiluted passion for souls.”

Similarly, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, General Overseer of The Sword of the Spirit Ministries and PFN President, described him as:

“A man of deep convictions and an unrelenting pursuit of God’s purpose.”

He commended Emmanuel for mentoring emerging leaders and urged younger pastors to emulate his example.

Speakers at the service recounted Emmanuel’s early career as a civil engineer, his time as a legislator, and his eventual emergence as a widely respected cleric and social commentator.

In his own remarks, Pastor Emmanuel expressed heartfelt gratitude:

“At 70, I am deeply humbled. I thank God for preserving my life, for growth in ministry, and for the grace to serve.”

Reflecting on his personal and spiritual journey, he added: “With Jesus Christ in my life, the journey became easier,”