Former Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, on Wednesday, announced a ₦1 billion endowment fund for the people of Sokoto State, acknowledging gaps that may have arisen during his time in office.

Bafarawa, who served as governor from 1999 to 2007, said the donation was part of his commitment to supporting the people, especially during the current economic hardship in Nigeria.

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Speaking at the event, Bafarawa, now 70 years old, expressed a sense of responsibility to give back to the community that had shown him goodwill throughout his political career.

“My desire is to fill whatever gaps may have been created, whether consciously or unconsciously, during my time in office. Some may view this as atonement, but I see it as reciprocity for the support and love I received.”

Bafarawa acknowledged the severe economic conditions affecting Nigerians and emphasized the importance of helping those in need during this challenging period.

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“There can be no better time to embrace my ‘giving back’ philosophy than now when the people are experiencing severe hardship,” he added.

He further sought forgiveness from Sokoto residents for any mistakes made during his tenure and urged the people to view this gesture as a means of addressing any shortcomings from his time in office.

The administration of the ₦1 billion fund has been placed under a committee chaired by Malam Lawal Maidoki, head of the Sokoto State Zakkat and Endowment Board.

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The fund is intended to address the welfare of the state’s citizens.

At the event, Sheikh Isa Talatan Mafara urged the committee to prioritize support for internally displaced persons, who he described as some of the most vulnerable members of society.

In addition, Professor Mansur Ibrahim called on Nigerians to remain patriotic and focus on the development of the country.

Shu’aibu Mungadi, chairman of Vision FM, praised Bafarawa’s initiative, describing him as a great leader with a deep sense of responsibility for the well-being of his people.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims made by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, that he honored an invitation from the anti-graft agency.

According to the EFCC, Bello remains wanted in connection with an alleged ₦80.2 billion money laundering case.

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In a brief statement issued on Wednesday, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale clarified that the former governor has not surrendered to the agency, contrary to what was reported by Bello’s media team.

Earlier, a statement from Bello’s media office had suggested that the former governor had voluntarily appeared before the EFCC after consultations with his family, legal advisers, and political allies.

The statement, signed by Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, further emphasized that Bello’s decision was a responsible move, and expressed hope that the EFCC would handle the case professionally while respecting his rights.

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“We believe the EFCC will maintain professionalism and uphold his fundamental rights as a Nigerian citizen,” the statement read.

However, in response, Oyewale questioned how someone declared wanted could claim to have received an invitation from the EFCC, stressing that there is a subsisting arrest warrant for Bello.

“Reports suggesting that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is in our custody are false. The EFCC confirms that Bello, who has been declared wanted over an ₦80.2 billion money laundering case, remains at large. The warrant for his arrest is still active,” Oyewale stated.

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Ahead of the upcoming local government elections in Enugu State slated for September 21st, former member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Obinna Ijere, has officially defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), DAILY GAZETTE reports.

Ijere, who formerly represented Udenu Constituency but was removed by the Court of Appeal, was warmly received by PDP stakeholders on Tuesday.

In a video obtained by DAILY GAZETTE, Some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party in Enugu have hailed his defection, describing it as a significant boost to their efforts to consolidate power in the state.

A senior PDP official, speaking to DAILY GAZETTE on the condition of anonymity, remarked, “the defection of such a high-profile figure from the Labour Party shows that people are realizing that the PDP remains the best option for Enugu State. We welcome our new member and look forward to working together for the progress of our state.”

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Meanwhile, the Labour Party has downplayed the defection, with a stakeholder dismissing it as a personal decision that would not affect the party’s strength or electoral chances.

Political analysts view this development as part of the shifting alliances and realignments that often characterize pre-election periods in Nigeria.

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As the Edo State governorship election on September 21, 2024, draws near, Bishop Samuel Omede, the campaign Director-General of Labour Party (LP) candidate Barrister Olumide Akpata, has expressed high confidence in their chances of winning.

Speaking in an interview, Omede highlighted the extensive groundwork done by the Labour Party, which he believes positions them for an unprecedented victory against the two major contenders, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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Omede noted that Edo State has suffered under 24 years of misrule by PDP and APC.

He criticized their administrations for exacerbating poverty, unemployment, and infrastructural decay.

According to Omede, Akpata and his deputy, Yusuf Asamah Kadiri, SAN, are the leaders the state needs to reverse these trends and restore hope.

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He described Akpata’s candidacy as a direct response to the overwhelming desire of Edo citizens for change and an escape from what he called the “purgatory” of past administrations.

When questioned about the realities of election campaigns and whether Labour’s optimism was misplaced, Omede argued that the sentiments on the ground were overwhelmingly in favor of Akpata.

“Our people’s backs have been pushed through the wall by extreme hunger, unmitigated hardship, and flamboyant but empty claims of infrastructural development.
Edo people have had enough,” he declared, adding that the LP’s campaign had reached every corner of the state, from rural communities to major urban centers.

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He criticized the current PDP administration under Governor Godwin Obaseki for its handling of the economy, claiming that while revenues had increased significantly, the people had seen little benefit.

Omede pointed to the state’s growing internally generated revenue (IGR), which has risen from ₦15 billion to ₦65 billion, yet public infrastructure remains neglected, and workers continue to suffer under hyperinflation and poor wages.

Omede was also quick to dismiss the notion that incumbency powers, federal might, or wealth from APC and PDP could sway the election outcome.

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He suggested that Edo voters were too enlightened to fall for last-minute handouts or flashy campaign tactics.

“If that’s all APC and PDP have to offer, they will be disappointed,” he said, stressing that the electorate was aware of the current administration’s failures.

Addressing concerns over regional representation, particularly the call for the governorship to rotate to Edo Central Senatorial District, Omede acknowledged the sentiment but highlighted the importance of competence over tribal affiliations.

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He noted that Labour Party’s primaries had been open to all candidates and that Akpata won due to his qualities and not regional politics.

However, Omede reassured the people of Edo Central that the Labour Party remains committed to fair power-sharing in future elections.

Omede emphasized that the Labour Party’s focus is on delivering tangible solutions to the people’s problems, contrasting this with the PDP and APC’s unfulfilled promises.

“Edo people deserve better, and we are ready to provide that,” he stated confidently, urging voters to turn out in numbers to bring real change to the state through Akpata’s leadership.

The leadership and entire structure of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have formally merged with the Labour Party (LP), currently the ruling party in the state.

This merger was led by the NNPP’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Ukpai Iro Ukpai, who expressed his full support for Governor Alex Otti’s administration.

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Governor Otti, while receiving the NNPP members, assured them of equal rights and privileges within the Labour Party, emphasizing that the party operates without discrimination.

“Labour Party treats everyone equally, whether you are just joining today or have been here before,” Otti remarked.

The governor thanked Dr. Ukpai for his continued support and reaffirmed his administration’s focus on improving the welfare of Abians.

He announced that the government had begun settling outstanding salary arrears, amounting to nearly 18 billion naira, owed by previous administrations.

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Otti explained that 1.5 billion naira will be released monthly to clear these arrears within a year.

“We are paying back the debts from past governments. Our focus is on the welfare of the people, not on politicians or elites,” Otti stated firmly.

NNPP leaders in the state, including Dr. Ukpai Iro Ukpai and state coordinator David Urum, praised Governor Otti’s leadership and vision for Abia.

They explained that the decision to collapse the NNPP structure into the Labour Party was well thought out and driven by a shared commitment to progress in Abia State.

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Dr. Ukpai further declared, “This is not just a defection; it is a calculated move to join forces with Governor Otti to move Abia forward.”

The event saw the official presentation of the Labour Party flag to the new members, with many former NNPP candidates and officials in attendance.

It marked a consolidation of political power under Governor Otti’s leadership, with expectations that the merger will strengthen the Labour Party’s influence in Abia State.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has suspended Hon. Otonye Briggs, the Caretaker Committee (CTC) Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, and appointed Hon. Bitebobo Nelson Amieye as his replacement.

A source within Government House, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development but did not provide an official government statement.

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Governor Fubara also instructed Briggs to immediately hand over all council properties in his possession to the newly appointed CTC chairman.

While no official reason has been given for the sudden suspension, reports suggest that it may be linked to Briggs’ failure to implement the governor’s directive on local empowerment programs.

Sources claim that other LGAs have already initiated empowerment schemes, but the Akuku-Toru leadership under Briggs has been slow to act.

Governor Fubara had previously emphasized the importance of these programs in providing support for residents and empowering his political base across the state’s LGAs.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged caution regarding the proposal by the National Assembly to introduce diaspora voting in Nigeria, citing both constitutional and logistical concerns.

The Senate, following its October 2023 retreat in Ikot Ikpene, Akwa Ibom, announced its intention to amend the Electoral Act to enable Nigerians living abroad, particularly those serving in essential roles such as military, paramilitary, and embassy staff, to participate in presidential elections.

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While the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has expressed support for this move, APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, highlighted the need for a thorough review of the legal framework.

Speaking on Tuesday, Basiru acknowledged the appeal of diaspora voting but emphasized the importance of adhering to Nigeria’s constitutional requirements.

Basiru pointed out that under the current law, to win a presidential election, a candidate must not only secure a majority of votes but also achieve at least one-quarter of the votes in two-thirds of Nigeria’s states.

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He questioned how votes from abroad would be assigned to specific states, warning that this issue requires careful consideration.

“The constitutional requirement is not just about securing the majority of votes but also about winning one-quarter of the votes in two-thirds of the states. So, how do you allocate diaspora votes to these states?” Basiru asked.

He further urged lawmakers to prioritize the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, which already faces significant challenges in ensuring credible elections within its borders.

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“We must critically evaluate the legal and logistical aspects before expanding voting to other jurisdictions. It’s an aspiration worth pursuing, but not at the cost of undermining the integrity of our elections,” Basiru stated.

Meanwhile, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele had previously expressed optimism about the proposal, noting that a bill on diaspora voting had already been introduced in the 10th Senate, with plans for a second reading soon.

He emphasized the significance of this development, calling it a positive step forward in electoral reform.