Governor Alia

The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has called on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, to halt any actions that might push Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State out of the party.

In a statement released on Sunday following a meeting in Abuja, the Forum expressed concerns about media attacks on Governor Alia by unnamed groups.

The statement, signed by the Forum’s chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, emphasized that Akume’s alleged actions against Alia could harm the APC’s prospects in the state during the 2027 election.

The Forum warned that the APC could not afford to lose Benue State or Governor Alia, praising his performance in office.

It added that if Alia were to defect to another party, like his predecessor Samuel Ortom, Akume should be held responsible.

“We cannot afford to lose Benue State, and we certainly cannot afford to lose Governor Hyacinth Alia, who has been doing well for the people.

The SGF and his supporters should not distract the governor from delivering the dividends of democracy,” the Forum stated.

In a response issued later on Sunday, SGF spokesperson, Terrence Kuanum, dismissed the Forum’s allegations as unfounded, accusing it of attempting to tarnish Akume’s reputation.

He strongly denied any involvement in media attacks on Alia, calling the claims baseless.

Kuanum also pointed out that the group, led by Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, had previously expressed satisfaction with Akume’s leadership.

During the 2023 third-quarter meeting of the North-Central APC in Jos, Zazzaga had commended the SGF for his leadership and direction, calling it purposeful and effective.

Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, has accused some party members of trying to mislead Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf by urging him to act independently.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Kwankwaso responded to individuals calling for his separation from Governor Yusuf.

He claimed that some people within the party, who may be aspiring for the governor’s position, are attempting to sow discord in order to further their own ambitions.

Kwankwaso denied accusations of interfering in the current administration’s affairs, stressing that he only provides advice when asked by the governor.

“Kwankwasiyya is a movement, not just a political party,” Kwankwaso explained.

“It is built on the trust of the people. If a governor or lawmaker we supported does not live up to expectations, the blame falls on both the individual and the movement.”

He further accused those urging Governor Yusuf to “stand on his feet” of having hidden agendas, believing that encouraging a separation would allow them to exploit any potential mistakes the governor might make for their personal gain.

“I thank the governor for standing firm against these individuals,” Kwankwaso concluded.

The Edo State Government has announced plans to compensate individuals whose lands or properties were illegally acquired or destroyed by the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Samson Osagie, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, revealed this in Benin on Monday.

He stated that under the previous government, certain community lands and properties were seized without compensation to their rightful owners.

Osagie emphasized that the current administration under Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo is committed to addressing these injustices to promote peace and unity in the state.

“There are many properties of Edo citizens who have worked diligently and invested in the state, which were forcibly taken without compensation,” Osagie said.

“This administration will ensure that owners of such properties are fairly compensated, and those whose land needs to be returned will have it handed back to them.”

The Attorney General confirmed that Senator Okpebholo’s administration would address all complaints and ensure that victims receive the compensation they are entitled to.

Osagie further assured that his ministry would handle any lawsuits that could disrupt the government’s work and would offer legal guidance to ensure that governance in the state is fair and free from oppression or victimization.

The Concerned Igbo Elites Forum has strongly criticized the Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for selecting Senator David Umahi, Minister of Works, as the 2024 Igbo Man of the Year.

The group labeled the nomination as “kangaroo” and unacceptable, accusing the faction of bias and favoritism.

In a statement issued by its Secretary, Dr. Kelvin Nwosu, the group expressed discontent with the decision, questioning how Umahi, despite his position as Minister of Works under President Bola Tinubu, could be chosen for the honor.

The forum pointed out that Umahi had made little progress in his role, failing to address the dire state of federal roads across Nigeria, as highlighted by the House of Representatives’ committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), which criticized him for the poor condition of roads under his watch.

The Concerned Igbo Elites Forum also raised concerns about the exclusion of other notable figures, such as Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.

They emphasized Kalu’s remarkable achievements, particularly his significant contributions to infrastructural development and his proactive role in supporting President Tinubu’s governance agenda.

The group expressed their opposition to what they described as a “fraudulent” nomination and urged other Igbo organizations and the broader Igbo community to reject the decision.

They called on the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to stop promoting “ghost achievements” and put an end to what they viewed as a politically motivated selection.

The Lagos State chapter of the Labour Party recently hosted a reconciliation meeting titled “We Can Be One” in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

The event took place on December 21, 2024, in Alausa, Ikeja.

The meeting brought together key party leaders and members, including Hon. Mrs. Foluke Osafile, who represents Amuwo Odofin Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly; Pastor Funke Awolowo, Head of the Party’s Directorate and Mobilisation; Chief Sam Okpala, the state secretary; and Pastor (Mrs.) Dayo Ekong, the state chairman, among others.

During the meeting, party leaders emphasized the importance of unity and forgiveness to strengthen the Labour Party’s prospects in upcoming elections.

Pastor Ekong, in her address, thanked party members for attending the event and commended Hon. Osafile for her unwavering support to the party.

She highlighted that unity and love were essential to maintaining the party’s credibility and success, urging members to remain committed despite any challenges or disagreements.

“Internal differences are natural in any political party, but how we handle and overcome them is what counts,” Ekong said.

“I urge those who feel overlooked or upset to embrace peace and unity. If we have wronged anyone, I take full responsibility.”

Osafile also spoke, expressing that the reconciliation effort was sincere, noting the presence of those who had previously felt aggrieved.

She remarked that the atmosphere was one of happiness and optimism, showing that the party was genuinely coming together ahead of future elections.

Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, has responded to Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, following Omokri’s comments about El-Rufai’s frustrations over not being appointed as a minister by President Bola Tinubu.

El-Rufai referred to Omokri as “a political mercenary” who works for any government or individual willing to pay him.

He also reminded Omokri of a past incident where he was accused of identity theft by an American woman, who claimed Omokri used her son’s name, Wendell Simlin, in an attempt to falsely connect former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Lamido Sanusi to Boko Haram.

Omokri had criticized El-Rufai’s recent remarks on the funding of a Lagos rail project, suggesting El-Rufai was frustrated for not being offered a ministerial position.

Omokri also referenced the previous $2 billion loan taken by the Nigerian government under former President Muhammadu Buhari to fund a rail project in Niger Republic, questioning why the Nigerian government should now fund the Lagos project.

He argued that Lagos contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economy and population, while Niger Republic, which received the loan, has little economic contribution to Nigeria.

In response, El-Rufai shared pictures of Omokri protesting President Tinubu’s election and making critical statements about him.

El-Rufai’s comment on Omokri’s “interesting lifecycle” drew attention to his shifting political loyalties based on financial gain.

El-Rufai’s remarks sparked discussions, especially among members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), some of whom viewed his criticism as an attack on President Tinubu’s administration.

Meanwhile, Senator Shehu Sani, a former lawmaker from Kaduna Central, took to social media to criticize El-Rufai, accusing him of hypocrisy.

Sani pointed out that El-Rufai had remained silent during Buhari’s presidency despite accusations of nepotism, particularly regarding political appointments in Northern Nigeria.

Sani also emphasized the lack of El-Rufai’s moral authority to speak on issues of lopsided appointments, given his past record.