Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will emerge victorious in all the South South states during the 2027 general elections.

Akpabio made this statement during a meeting with Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, at his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, over the weekend.

The Senate President also described the election of Okpebholo as Edo governor in the September 21 off-season election as a divine intervention meant to bring relief to the people of the state.

Currently, the APC governs two South South states — Edo and Cross River — while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) controls the remaining four states in the region: Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta.

Akpabio, who is a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, explained that his defection to the APC was driven by the desire to ensure that the South South region becomes more influential at the national level.

He emphasized that his move was aimed at improving the representation of the people from the region and securing their share in the national decision-making process.

“When I joined the APC, my goal was to align the South South region with the center and ensure that we have a voice in the affairs of the country,” Akpabio said in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Mr. Anietie Ekong.

He also expressed optimism that, with the current political climate and calculations, the APC is set to make significant inroads into the South South region in the upcoming elections.

Akpabio believes that securing victory in these states will significantly boost the region’s development and change its trajectory for the better.

Governor Okpebholo, in his remarks, stated that his visit to Akpabio was an opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from the Senate President’s wealth of experience.

He praised the development he had witnessed in Akwa Ibom and expressed gratitude for Akpabio’s guidance.

“Seeing the remarkable progress in Akwa Ibom, I have come to learn from you and seek your advice to better serve my people,” Governor Okpebholo said.

The Senate has informed Nigerians that the passage of the N49.7 trillion budget for the 2025 fiscal year will not occur before January 31.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented the 2025 budget, totaling N49.7 trillion, to a joint session of the National Assembly on December 18, urging lawmakers to pass the appropriation bill without delay.

Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, revealed on Monday in Abuja that budget defense by ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) would begin on January 7.

He added that the joint committees of both the Senate and House of Representatives on Appropriations would present the final report of the budget on January 31.

The appropriation bill has already passed its second reading in both chambers of the National Assembly.

Senator Adaramodu confirmed that the joint committees would start meeting with MDAs on January 7 and the final budget report would be submitted on January 31.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has explained that he sponsored 70 students to study Artificial Intelligence (AI), Forensic Science, and Robotics abroad as part of his efforts to bridge the gaps in these fields and accelerate Nigeria’s development.

Speaking at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on Sunday, as the students prepared to depart on Ethiopian Airlines, Barau said the initiative was aimed at addressing challenges within Nigeria’s education sector.

He also gave each beneficiary 200 dollars as part of their support for the journey.

“The major challenge in the education of our youth, particularly in the northwestern part of Nigeria, is that although we have a large youth population, they are not adequately educated. I believe that educating our youth is the key to solving our problems,” Barau stated.

He emphasized that human capital development is crucial to national progress, noting that the initiative complements the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in providing educational opportunities to disadvantaged students who lack the financial resources to pursue their education.

Barau revealed that upon completing their studies, the beneficiaries would be empowered to become self-sufficient by establishing their own businesses.

He assured that the sponsorship would continue annually, with more students set to benefit in subsequent batches.

A total of 70 students, consisting of 65 males and 5 females from the three senatorial districts of Kano State, were offered admission to pursue higher degrees in AI, Cybersecurity, and Robotics Science at international institutions.

The first batch of students began their journey at exactly 1:20pm on Sunday.

In September 2024, Senator Barau had presented the admission letters to the students, underlining his commitment to supporting the educational growth of the youth in his constituency.

The Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Prince Engr. Lawrence Ezeh, PhD, brought immense joy and festive cheer to the people of Mburubu community in Nkanu East Local Government Area, as he marked Christmas with an extraordinary gesture of giving, on Saturday.

A proud son of Mburubu, Prince Ezeh demonstrated his strong commitment to the welfare and advancement of his people through a series of thoughtful and impactful donations.

In the spirit of the season, Dr. Ezeh provided 30 bags of rice to each village in Mburubu, ensuring that no household was left without food during the holiday period.

His generosity extended further with a significant cash donation of one million naira to each village, aimed at easing the financial burdens that many families face, particularly during the holiday season.

The most remarkable aspect of the celebration was Dr. Ezeh’s dedication to the youth of Mburubu.

In a bid to foster entrepreneurship and empower the younger generation, the Prince gifted 10 young individuals with mini buses, giving them the means to start their own businesses and contribute to the region’s economic development.

Additionally, Prince Ezeh bolstered his commitment to youth empowerment with a donation of two million naira in cash to the Mburubu Youth, an initiative designed to support their entrepreneurial ventures and promote self-sufficiency within the community.

DAILY GAZETTE reports that the event was graced by a large turnout of community leaders, dignitaries, and residents, all of whom expressed deep appreciation for the continuous support Prince Ezeh has provided to Mburubu.

His philanthropic efforts have reinforced his position as a devoted leader and advocate for the progress of his people.

In his address, Prince Ezeh emphasized the importance of unity, hard work, and collective action in driving the development of Mburubu. He urged the youth to embrace the opportunities provided, work diligently, and contribute positively to the prosperity of the kingdom.

Prince Ezeh also took the opportunity to call for continued support and prayers for the administration of Governor Peter Mbah.

He highlighted that unity between the community and the state government would serve as a catalyst for sustainable development and a brighter future for Mburubu.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticized former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, calling him the “greatest rent seeker” in the state and accusing him of politically betraying him.

Wike responded to Odili’s recent remarks in which he praised the current Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, while criticizing Wike’s tenure as governor.

Wike, speaking during a Special Thanksgiving Service organized by the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, took aim at Odili, saying that he would not be surprised if Odili even arranged a new marriage for Fubara.

He accused Odili of seeking political gain by praising whoever is in power, even at the cost of abandoning his past allies.

Wike recalled how Odili had once praised him profusely during his time as governor, even going as far as hanging portraits of Wike in various parts of his home, including in the kitchen and toilets.

He referred to Odili as a “sycophant” who had turned from being a respected elder statesman to a political opportunist.

“An elder statesman should not be a sycophant all the time,” Wike said. “You spent eight years as governor and now you are praising someone who hasn’t even spent a year in office. What does that say about your credibility as an elder?”

In his attack on Odili, Wike also pointed out the former governor’s involvement in the political and economic affairs of the state.

He claimed that Odili had turned Rivers into his personal estate, with his wife holding a key position and his children securing influential roles in the state government.

Wike also accused Odili of having replaced his late brother’s son with his own daughter for a political appointment.

Responding to Odili’s comments that Governor Fubara had prevented Wike from turning the state into a “private estate,” Wike sharply questioned the former governor’s actions during his own tenure.

“Who has turned Rivers State into a private estate?” he asked, noting the political dominance of Odili’s family in key state institutions.

Wike also referenced his efforts to revitalize Odili’s political career, particularly in the creation of PAMO University and his support in building a mansion for Odili.

He expressed disappointment that Odili, after benefiting from his political support, would now turn against him.

“Odili’s Christmas Carol is a joke. He’s reduced himself to a laughing stock. He was the one who once praised me to the heavens, and now he’s doing the same for Governor Fubara, someone who hasn’t even completed a year in office,” Wike remarked.

The minister further recalled Odili’s past actions, stating that while Odili had been sidelined after his tenure as governor, Wike had revived his career politically.

He also recounted how Odili had criticized Wike’s leadership before but now appeared to be fully aligned with the current administration, despite his earlier opposition to Fubara.

On the matter of his leadership and legacy, Wike defended his record, asserting that he had done more for Rivers State than any of his predecessors, including Odili.

He mocked Odili for claiming that Fubara had surpassed the achievements of past governors, including his own.

Wike concluded by reflecting on Odili’s political hypocrisy and questioned his integrity.

He urged the public to see through the former governor’s sudden shift in allegiance and to recognize the opportunistic nature of his political behavior.