BREAKING: Babangida’s Son, Muhammed Rejects Tinubu’s Appointment As Chairman Bank Of Agriculture
Below is his resignation letter obtained by DAILY GAZETTE
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has announced plans to commence a nationwide strike starting Thursday, July 24, if the Federal Government fails to respond to its demands before the expiration of its 21-day ultimatum.
NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, made this known while addressing the press.
He emphasized that the association’s demands are not self-serving but essential for the survival of the country’s healthcare system and the well-being of medical professionals.
“We have made our position clear. The ultimatum ends on July 23, and if the Federal Government does not address our demands, we may have no choice but to proceed with a strike,” he stated.
Professor Audu criticized the circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which outlined revised allowances for medical and dental officers.
He explained that it introduced policies that had not been previously agreed upon by both parties and would negatively affect the remuneration and morale of health professionals.
“We have rejected that circular outright. We expect that any new directive affecting our members should be the outcome of mutual consultation, not something imposed,” he said.
He also detailed the efforts already made to engage government officials and avoid a total breakdown in healthcare delivery.
“The last meeting happened two weeks ago and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate; the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako; the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Hospital Services, and the representative of minister of labour were at the meeting, and some affiliate of the NMA were present, and I was part of that meeting as well,” he said.
Audu further revealed that a scheduled follow-up meeting was cancelled in the wake of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, stalling further negotiations.
The NMA had initially issued its ultimatum on July 2, following its objection to the circular, which it described as a breach of earlier agreements concerning medical professionals’ allowances and working conditions in federal public service institutions.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has refuted claims suggesting that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, would be ineligible to pursue their 2027 presidential nomination due to his ongoing LP membership.
Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, Interim National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, clarified this in a telephone interview with the DAILY GAZETTE.
According to him, “Peter Obi is part of the Coalition. Himself and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai were given special concessions by the party because their followers were given tickets to contest elections.”
He explained that the ADC permitted Obi to remain in the Labour Party while his supporters vie for the Anambra State governorship.
“In the case of Mr. Peter Obi, he has candidates for Anambra elections. Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has followers contesting by-elections,” he further clarified.
“The understanding is that since their followers had secured tickets in ADC and SDP, they stay back until the processes are completed. They will be allowed to join fully after the elections.”
Speculation had arisen because other key figures like ex-PDP Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former APC aspirant Rotimi Amaechi, had resigned from their parties.
However, Abdullahi insisted that ADC’s special treatment for Obi is because “he has his followers contesting for the Anambra State governorship election” while similarly granting leeway to Nasir El-Rufai in the SDP for the same reason.
Meanwhile, checks at the Labour Party’s national secretariat on Sunday revealed that Obi’s resignation is not under consideration.
At a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Friday, the party reiterated that Obi remains a Labour Party member. They also noted that his association with ADC is personal and flexible.
A representative from Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) affirmed this stance: “Peter Obi, for now, is a member of the Labour Party. When we reach the bridge, we decide how to cross it.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, has issued a stern warning to members and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), urging them to either leave Edo or beware.
“I want to send a message to people who call themselves ADC in this state. They should be very careful. Because we only have PDP remaining, not ADC. If you want to identify with ADC, you have to leave Edo for us,” Tenebe declared.
Capturing the heightened political climate, Tenebe’s remarks came on the heels of his party’s primaries.
He defended Governor Monday Okpebholo’s recent remarks threatening Peter Obi, former Anambra Governor and ADC chieftain, insisting the Governor acted appropriately.
“Well, since morning, when the primaries are going on, there have been criticisms all over the press over the statement the governor made yesterday when he was receiving the remaining PDP Edo Central, when he said Peter Obi had to take permission for his rallies.”
“I think the governor was right in saying that,” Tenebe said.
“He is correct. We support him in whatever he said. So, whatever anybody is saying, they are just saying rubbish.”
Looking ahead to the local government elections, Tenebe reaffirmed the APC’s resolve to consolidate its influence across Edo.
“We are going to campaign as if we have never campaigned in this state before. Because of the way we have taken this election seriously. We want to affirm that we won the last governorship election overwhelmingly,” he stated.
“We want to prove to the world that we actually won the election. We are not going to leave any stone unturned. We are also sure that anybody who tries to stand in our way, we will smoke that person out.”
His remarks follow Governor Okpebholo’s warning that Peter Obi’s security could be jeopardized should he enter Edo without official clearance.
Cyril Maduabum, the former Director-General of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, has officially resigned from the PDP and declared his affiliation with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a growing opposition coalition.
In a statement announcing his departure, Maduabum expressed disappointment over what he described as the deteriorating state of the PDP, a party he said he once served with honour and commitment.
“After deep reflection, extensive consultations, and careful evaluation of the current political realities within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to resign my membership of the PDP with immediate effect.”
A two-term member of the House of Representatives, Maduabum said he had devoted a substantial part of his political journey to shaping the PDP into a platform for national progress.
“As a committed democrat, a two-term member of the House of Representatives, and former Director-General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, I have dedicated significant portions of my political life to building the PDP as a platform for democratic consolidation and national development.”
However, he lamented that the core values of the PDP have been compromised by individuals he described as power-hungry and undisciplined.
“However, the soul of the party I once served with pride has been hijacked by self-serving, unscrupulous elements who are more interested in personal power grabs than in party discipline, internal democracy, or national interest.”
He added that the PDP has degenerated into disarray, characterized by internal betrayals and systemic collapse.
Maduabum, now aligning with the ADC, praised his new party as a promising alternative committed to integrity and inclusive leadership.
He described the ADC as “a beacon of hope for good governance, integrity, accountability, and inclusive politics.”
On his 64th birthday, former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, reiterated his stance against personal extravagance and the misuse of public resources, calling on Nigerian leaders to redirect wealth toward public service.
Marking the occasion on Sunday, July 20, Obi issued a heartfelt message urging supporters and well-wishers to channel their goodwill into impactful social causes rather than celebratory spending.
“As I turned 64 years old yesterday, I must confess that the current state of our nation makes the idea of personal merriment even more difficult to contemplate,” he said. “The scale of suffering and deprivation among our people weighs heavily on the conscience.”
He urged that rather than celebrating him, people should support those in need or invest in struggling sectors like education and health.
“This is why I have once again requested that all those who wish to celebrate me should instead channel their resources towards helping the poor or supporting our struggling health and educational institutions.”
Obi, who is widely known for his frugal lifestyle and dedication to public service, shared several past examples of how he declined lavish gestures in favor of more meaningful societal contributions.
“One institution generously offered to build a house for me in the village. When I asked for the estimated cost, they said it would be ₦120 million. I humbly requested that the funds be redirected to build classrooms in three educational institutions at Agulu, Ekwulobia, and Abatete. They obliged—and the impact was far-reaching.”
Another instance involved a group planning to spend ₦20 million on a party in his honor. Instead, Obi suggested they buy computers for schools.
“Their eventual donation of 200 desktops was distributed to schools across the state, enhancing learning for many students.”
Similarly, he recounted how an organisation shifted its original plan of celebrating him by donating buses instead—benefitting institutions and even the legendary Old Rangers Association.
As he reflected on Nigeria’s current state, Obi expressed his hopes for a more equitable society and leadership that prioritizes the common good.
“I especially prayed for our beloved country, Nigeria, that God may touch the hearts of our leaders, and awaken in them the realisation that public funds are meant for the public good. May we all find strength and grace to keep striving for a more just, compassionate, and equitable society.”
Bayelsa State has formally requested the creation of 25 additional local government areas (LGAs), aiming to raise its current number from eight to 33.
The demand was presented during the South-South Centre A Zonal Public Hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution, held in Yenagoa on Saturday.
The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo (SAN), made the case before the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee, arguing that the existing LGAs are overstretched with some covering more than 150 communities.
According to him, Bayelsa has the capacity, both structurally and financially, to support the proposed new councils.
A statement from Daniel Alabrah, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Douye Diri, revealed that Bayelsa also used the platform to advocate broader reforms.
These included a restructuring of the local government system, the guarantee of local government autonomy, and an overhaul of the exclusive and concurrent legislative lists.
In addition, the state called for significant amendments to the Constitution that would enhance the credibility of the electoral process and the independence of the judiciary.
Central to Bayelsa’s proposals was a push for a truly federal system, based on fiscal federalism.
Bayelsa proposed that states should control natural resources, both onshore and offshore within their jurisdictions, retaining 60% of the revenue and remitting 40% to the Federal Government.
On the issue of national security, Bayelsa reaffirmed its support for the creation of state police, describing it as essential for decentralised governance and effective crime control.
“State police will strengthen the capacity of states to fight crime and provide adequate security,” the state argued, adding that “the agitation for state police is in the spirit of true federalism.”
Speaking earlier at the session, Governor Douye Diri described the constitutional review exercise as long overdue and necessary to reflect modern realities.
“Bayelsa is committed to the emergence of a truly federal system and structure that is genuinely just, equitable, responsive, and demonstrably dedicated to the holistic development of not just the state or the Niger Delta region but also the Nigerian federation,” Diri stated.
He further emphasised the need to address historic injustices stemming from the unequal creation and distribution of LGAs and natural resources.
Also at the hearing were representatives of the Delta and Edo State Governments.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, was represented by Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, while Dr. Samson Osagie, the Attorney General, represented Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo. Both states backed the constitutional reform process, describing the current constitution as outdated and flawed.
“The Constitution is a very controversial document that requires urgent reform,” both states echoed.
Professor Julius Ihonvbere, Majority Leader of the House of Representatives and Chair of the South-South Centre A, assured participants that all submissions would be carefully reviewed.
“The stakeholders’ engagement is aimed at having a more inclusive democratic governance,” he said.
The event drew a large crowd of dignitaries, including Dr. Gloria Diri, wife of the Bayelsa governor; Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; and members of the House of Representatives from Bayelsa – Fred Agbedi, Marie Ebikake, Dr. Mitema Obordor, and Rodney Ambaiowei.
Others in attendance included Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Abraham Ingobere, Delta Speaker Emomotimi Guwor, and traditional rulers such as King Alfred Diete-Spiff and King Bubaraye Dakolo, alongside leaders from Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo states.
A significant momentum is building in the 10th National Assembly in support of creating Anioma State, which would become the sixth state in Nigeria’s Southeast geopolitical zone.
Approximately 90 senators surpassing the constitutionally required two-thirds majority are now backing Senate Bill 481.
Spearheaded by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), the initiative has drawn support across party lines, religious affiliations, and regions. Notable endorsers include:
Their collective backing signals a nationwide endorsement and improves the bill’s chances of legislative and executive passage.
Nwoko’s May 27, 2025 letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the urgency of advancing equity, justice, and national cohesion through this constitutional amendment.
Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani, the former All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Adamawa State, has officially left the ruling party and declared her defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a viral video currently circulating online, Senator Binani was seen holding the ADC flag while addressing her supporters. During her speech, she publicly confirmed her decision to join the coalition-backed opposition party.
“We have embraced the ADC, and we’re ready to move forward under its banner,” she said.
Expressing discontent with the current state of affairs within her former party, Binani added: “We ask God to separate us from those who are corrupting the party while pretending to walk with us.”
Binani had previously contested the 2023 governorship election on the platform of the APC, where she emerged as a formidable challenger to the incumbent, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in what was considered one of Nigeria’s most intense and controversial electoral contests that year.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has appointed media personality and former Big Brother Naija contestant, Munirat Antoinette Lecky, widely known as Anto Lecky, as his Senior Special Assistant on Tourism and Creative Economy.
Her appointment was officially communicated through a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor. The appointment takes effect from June 23, 2025.
In the letter, the government stated, “I write to inform you that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved your appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism and Creative Economy with effect from June 23, 2025.”
“The remuneration attached to the appointment is as provided for in the relevant regulations currently in force in the Edo State Public Service. Please accept my hearty Congratulations.”
Lecky is expected to play a key role in revitalizing the state’s tourism and creative sectors, especially in light of efforts to recover and showcase Edo’s cultural heritage.
This includes preparations around the return of looted Benin bronzes and the development of new museum infrastructure.
Anto Lecky first rose to national prominence as a semi-finalist on Big Brother Naija, one of Africa’s most popular reality shows.
Since then, she has built a robust career in media, project management, and advocacy for creative industries.
Prior to this appointment, she served as the Arts and Special Projects Lead at ElectHER, a non-governmental organization championing increased women’s participation in politics.
She was also the Programme Manager at Kunle Afolayan Productions Film and Television Academy.
Her diverse experience includes working as Head of Operations at Nigeria’s first private basketball league and hosting the lifestyle and travel TV show Sights of Flavours on DStv.
Currently, Lecky also holds a federal role as Special Assistant on Digital and New Media to the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu.
