Category: Politics

A former National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party and ex-Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has revealed that there is mounting pressure on the Osun Sate Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Oyinlola, in an interview on Arise News’ Prime News on Thursday, described the situation as a common trend where the ruling party exerts influence on elected officials, leading to defections.

“It feels horrible, I would say, but the fact is that there is always enormous pressure from the ruling party on all the elected officers, and that’s what is producing this defection on them,” Oyinlola said.

According to him, the Osun governor has resisted the move because it would amount to political suicide, given the APC’s dwindling popularity in the state.

“Why my governor has not gone was just because it would be a dilemma. APC has not fared well with the people of Osun State, and I can say that. Telling him to roll over to APC will mean ruining his political career because the people will not go along with that. He knows it,” he added.

While confirming that the pressure on the governor persists, Oyinlola dismissed any notion that he might be considering defection, describing himself as “a battle-tested general.”

“No amount of pressure will shake me off my post,” he said, boasting of his experience as a former military administrator, a civilian governor, and a PDP national secretary.

‎Kano State Government has conveyed 588 students to 15 northern states under the Students Exchange Programme for the commencement of the 2024/2025 third term holiday.

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‎This was contained in a statement issued by the Director, Public Enlightenment, Kano State Ministry of Education, Balarabe Kiru, on Thursday in Kano.

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‎According to the statement, the students, comprising both males and females, are transported to various states participating in the programme.

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‎It said the states include Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Taraba, Yobe, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Gombe, Borno, Niger, Plateau, and Kwara.

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‎It said that Kano was one of the 17 northern states involved in the initiative aimed at promoting unity and cultural integration among the participating states.

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‎The statement, quoting the Director, Monitoring and Evaluation of the ministry, Auwal Muhammad Mustapha, said the government, under the leadership of Gov. Abba Yusuf, had provided all necessary logistics to ensure a smooth exercise.

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‎Mustapha stated that the governor had provided all the necessary financial support to ease their work and ensure the safe transportation of the students to their respective states.

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‎He also commended the Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Makoda, for the support given to the programme, considering its significance in promoting unity among the northern states.

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‎He appreciated the cooperation of parents and other stakeholders in making the Students Exchange Programme more effective and beneficial.

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NAN

The Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Motunrayo Adeleye, on Thursday, called for stronger collaboration among women in the South-West to close the gender disparity gap, strengthen families, and enhance women’s empowerment for a more stable and prosperous nation.

Adeleye made the call in Abeokuta while speaking at the Pre-Council Workshop for the Ministries of Women Affairs in the South-West zone, held in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.

The workshop is part of preparations for the 25th National Council of Women Affairs, slated to be held in Edo State later this year.

The commissioner described the workshop as more than a routine meeting, but rather a convergence of purpose—a call to action and an opportunity to reflect, reimagine, and realign collective strategies for empowering women, protecting the vulnerable, and strengthening families and communities.

“At a time when gender disparities continue to hinder collective advancement, this forum provides fertile ground for robust dialogue, policy brainstorming, and experience-sharing that will shape the outcomes of the forthcoming National Council of Women Affairs”, Adeleye stated.

She added, “Here in Ogun State, we take pride in our commitment to inclusive governance. Our Ministry has continued to implement impactful initiatives focused on gender equity, economic empowerment, child protection, and support for the elderly and persons with disabilities.

“But we know that no state can walk this journey alone. Collaboration, as we are witnessing here today, is the soul of progress. I therefore urge us to engage deeply, speak boldly, and listen intently.”

Adeleye urged participants to let their conversations be guided by facts, driven by compassion, and rooted in the vision of a Nigeria where women are not just seen but heard, respected, and empowered.

“Let us challenge ourselves to leave here not just with reports and recommendations, but with renewed resolve and actionable plans that will transform lives in every corner of our region,” she added.

Speaking at the workshop, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr Maryam Keshinro, emphasised the importance of the workshop, noting that it allows for critical brainstorming and knowledge-sharing on how to improve the lives of women across the country.

Represented by Ameh Esther from the ministry, Keshinro said the deliberations would focus on the presidential priority areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda, especially as they relate to actualising the presidential mandate for women, children, families, and vulnerable groups.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Adejumoke Adewole, said the workshop offered a valuable opportunity to reflect, deliberate, and assess the progress made in advancing the rights and well-being of women and the girl child in Nigeria.

Adewole added that the state government is proud of its proactive measures, including the establishment of Gender Desk Officers across ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as relevant local government areas. These measures have created referral pathways for survivors of gender-based violence and run grassroots awareness campaigns

Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, on Wednesday swore in a new Head of Service and six commissioners, while also announcing the reassignment of three others in a major cabinet reshuffle.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Enugu, saw Dr Godwin Anigbo formally appointed as Head of Service.

The new commissioners and their portfolios are: Engr. Benjamin Osita Okoh, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure; Prof. Benedett Ekwutosi Okoli, Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Eradication; Enyinna Franklin Ogbonna, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources; Dr. Samuel Ogbu-Nwobodo, Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Industry; Prof. George Ugwu, Commissioner for Health; and Engr. Ben Collins Ndu Jr., Commissioner for Water Resources.

Additionally, three commissioners were reassigned to new roles: Dr. Felix Nnamani, now Commissioner for Labour and Employment; Dr. Malachy Agbo, now Commissioner for Information; and Engr. Gerald Otiji, now Commissioner for Housing.

The oath of office was administered by a representative of the Ministry of Justice, Chizoba Ogbodo.

Mbah charged the appointees to hit the ground running, stressing that there would be no honeymoon period.

He said the administration had, in two years, stirred high expectations among the people of the state as well as Nigerians in general and could not lower its performance across sectors.

The governor said, “You would soon notice that here in Enugu, we have steered such a high expectation among our people. And every day it feels as though we are presenting a scorecard.

“Therefore, you have to hit the ground running, as there will be no honeymoon period for you, unfortunately.

“We set targets, we set goals, and we have key performance indicators. We have measurable indicators; hence, we have to measure and we have to constantly take analysis of where you are in respect to the set goals and what your results are. Those key performance indicators are key to us and we will measure you based on these outcomes and results.”

He further charged the appointees to work as a team, in line with the established cultures of the administration.

“We also recognise teamwork champions. We do not encourage working in silos. You have to work as a team. We believe that by working as a team, we are able to accomplish our collective goals. You should not see your colleagues as rivals. They should actually complement your efforts instead.

“Our modest accomplishment in the state so far is not done by a single champion. We like to recognise our successes as team efforts,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of other appointees, Dr. Ogbu-Nwobodo thanked the governor for finding them worthy out of the many other highly qualified Enugu citizens and beyond, assuring that they would not let him down.

“Since you chose to entrust us with this sacred duty, as you make history on a daily basis. We will keep faith with our Oath of Office. We will be loyal and dedicated in the discharge of our duties. We will strive to contribute to the nationally acknowledged success that your government has become,” he said.

The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Victor Udeh; several commissioners and senior appointees of government; and the spouses of the appointees.

President Bola Tinubu has written to the Senate, seeking confirmation of Prof. Yusuf Mohammed Yusuf as a Commissioner of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission.

The request was contained in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read during plenary on Wednesday.

According to the President, the nomination was made in accordance with Section 21 of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission Act, 2022.

Yusuf is being nominated to replace Prof. Fatima Alkali, who was initially nominated on June 2, 2025, but failed to appear before the Senate for screening and confirmation.

“Whilst I hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the nomination of Professor Yusuf Mohammed Yusuf in an expeditious manner, please accept, Distinguished Senate President and Senators, the assurances of my highest consideration,” the President wrote.

In response, Senate President Akpabio referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative action.

The committee is expected to scrutinise the nomination and submit its recommendations to the Senate in due course.

A former aspirant of the Labour Party in the 2024 Edo Governorship Election, Kenneth Imasuagbon, on Wednesday joined the African Democratic Party, accompanied by his supporters.

Imasuagbon also picked up the party membership card in Benin after his admission into the party.

Popularly called the ‘Rice Man’, Imasuagbon had previously contested for the governorship seat under the Peoples Democratic Party and the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, now known as the All Progressives Congress. He lost the Labour Party ticket to Olumide Akpata in 2024.

However, he said he would continue to look at the party that was working for genuine change in the country and Edo State.

He said, “The African Democratic Congress is the only alternative political party that will rescue Nigeria from its present pitiable state. I saw the Labour Party as a rescuer, but unfortunately it turned out to be a sham. The ADC is in tandem with his belief as a person who has the common man at heart.

“I have found an alternative. I have found a credible vehicle. An alternative that is genuinely for change. An alternative that wants to reduce the price of food. An alternative that loves the common man. An alternative that loves the Okada rider. An alternative that loves the widow. An alternative that loves the students. That alternative is ADC.

“Therefore, I call on all well meaning Nigerians to join the moving train. We have decided today to rescue our dear country. This is the vehicle. There is no other one.”

Imasuagbon lamented that due to the harsh economic conditions in the country, he can no longer distribute rice to Edo people, particularly the less privileged, as he used to do during Christmas.

“I’m tired, very tired that a bag of rice that was sold ₦7,500 some years ago is now being sold for over ₦100,000. I can no longer buy rice to share with the poor people and widows of Edo State. I’m really tired.

“I’m tired because I can no longer buy fuel. Some years ago, fuel was ₦65 per litre, today it is almost a ₦1000. Nigerians are tired. We are concerned that our children will graduate but be unable to find jobs.

“We are all Nigerians. Nobody can threaten anybody. We want to make Nigeria and Edo better than we met them. I am not satisfied with the poverty in the land. I am calling on all Nigerians to join in. I am ready to lead the battle for change.”

Earlier, the state party chairman, Kennedy Odion, described Imasuagbon as a man of the people. He said the ADC, being a moving train, has provided a platform for every Nigerian with the aim of rescuing the country.

Odion, who said the road to rescue Nigeria may be rough but shall surely be a reality, asserted that Nigerians will soon experience a massive exodus to the party.

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State says his administration is committed to resolving pension challenges through honest dialogue and inclusive decision-making.

Otti said this on Tuesday when the national leadership of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners paid him a visit in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state.

He noted that resolving the pension challenges in the state required collaboration, deep reflection, and goodwill from all parties involved.

He clarified that the backlog of pensions predates his administration but expressed his willingness to manage the situation.

He said that the exact figure of the backlog of pensions had remained uncleared as pension obligations kept growing with ongoing retirements.

He also said that there was a political will to solve the problem and expressed confidence in finding a workable solution.

The governor recalled inviting the state NUP leaders to his office on assumption of office to begin talks on the pension crisis.

He also recalled his administration securing N10 billion to offset part of the pension arrears based on amounts owed.

According to him, pensioners owed N1 million or less were paid in full, while larger amounts received partial payments.

Otti noted that in spite of the intervention, the state NUP leaders misrepresented the facts and frustrated genuine efforts at reconciliation.

Earlier, the National President of NUP, Mr Godwin Abumisi, urged the governor to forgive the state chapter of the union and reopen discussions.

Abumisi said that the document the state leaders of NUP signed with the government concerning gratuity was signed in ignorance and should be set aside in good faith.

“Whatever document they signed with the state government concerning their gratuity was signed in ignorance.

“I am here to plead with you to discard that document. After they signed it, they reported to me at Abuja and I said it is not done.

“We are not here today to argue whether they did it or not. Your Excellency I plead that you forgive them, they don’t know what they are doing,” he said.

Abumisi also commended the governor for prioritising salaries, pensions, and infrastructure describing him as a “star performer”.

Otti however thereafter immediately set up a negoriating team to be led by his Special Assistant on Labour Matters, Mr Godson Anucha, to revisit the state pension challenges.

Other members of the team include include the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, the Chief of Staff Dr Caleb Ajagba,Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, as well as the Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, Dr Betty Emeka-Obasi.

(NAN)