Author Archives: News All Around

By Abdulrahman Kura
June 15, 2025

ASABA — Comrade Gbenga Fajoye, Chairman of the Unemployed Youths Association of Nigeria (UYAN) in Delta State, has dismissed concerns raised by some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC) over Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing them as disconnected from the evolving political landscape in the state.

Responding to criticism from PDP leaders such as former National Secretary Ibrahim Tauri and ex-Deputy National Publicity Secretary Diran Odeyemi, Fajoye said the governor’s move to the APC was rooted in a strategic commitment to governance, not political ambition.

“The youth of Delta State can clearly see the impact of Governor Oborevwori’s leadership. From road infrastructure to employment initiatives and grassroots empowerment, he has proven to be a visionary leader focused on development rather than party lines,” Fajoye stated during a press briefing in Asaba on Saturday.

He commended the governor’s decision as a bold and timely move, pledging that UYAN and other grassroots coalitions across the 25 local government areas of Delta State would mobilize in his support ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Those expecting electoral punishment are misreading the moment. Delta’s youth — the unemployed, the artisans, the students — recognize effective leadership when they see it. We are already preparing to defend our future with our votes,” he declared.

Challenging claims that the PDP remains firmly in control of Delta, Fajoye emphasized that political loyalty is shifting across the country, especially among younger voters who increasingly value performance over party affiliation.

“Politicians in Abuja making sweeping judgments about Delta need to visit the streets and speak with real people. This is not 1999. Young voters are no longer bound by blind party loyalty. We are loyal to our future, not political tradition,” he said.

He also accused members of the PDP NEC of exhibiting “elitist arrogance” by attempting to shame governors who prioritize governance over party loyalty.

“No one should hold an entire state hostage because of personal political interests. Governor Oborevwori has every right to pursue what he believes is best for Delta. And we, the youth, are prepared to back him — not just with words, but with action,” Fajoye added.

Fajoye called on the APC leadership to fully embrace Oborevwori’s grassroots network as a strategic asset, warning that any attempt to downplay the strength of youth mobilization would be a serious miscalculation.

“The 2027 elections will not be won through slogans or party colors. They’ll be won based on tangible results. Oborevwori will be judged not by the logo on his posters, but by the roads, bridges, and opportunities he’s delivered,” he concluded.

Governor Oborevwori’s defection on April 24, followed by that of Akwa Ibom’s Umo Eno on June 6, has stirred significant debate across Nigeria’s political space. While the PDP has threatened electoral consequences for the defectors, growing support among youth and grassroots groups may reshape the dynamics ahead of 2027.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured prominent Nigerians, including Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani and former lawmaker and rights activist Senator Shehu Sani, for their pivotal roles in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria.

Speaking during the 2025 Democracy Day celebration on June 12, President Tinubu acknowledged the sacrifices made by several pro-democracy advocates during Nigeria’s years under military rule. In a speech delivered before a joint session of the National Assembly, the President commended the bravery and enduring commitment of individuals like Uba Sani and Shehu Sani in advancing democratic ideals.

“These patriots stood firm when it mattered most,” Tinubu said. “Their courage helped shape the democratic foundation we stand on today.”

As part of the commemorations, President Tinubu conferred national honours on several distinguished Nigerians for their contributions to the democratic journey. The list includes academics, journalists, politicians, civil society leaders, and posthumous awardees.

Key honourees include:

Prof. Wole Soyinka – Grand Commander of the Niger (GCON)
Senator Shehu Sani – Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)
Governor Uba Sani – Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah – CON
Barrister Femi Falana, SAN – CON
Dapo Olorunyomi (Publisher, Premium Times) – Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)
Bayo Onanuga (Presidential spokesman) – CON
Ken Saro-Wiwa (Posthumous) – CON
Alhaja Sawaba Gambo – CON
Chief Bola Ige – CFR
Mobolaji Akinyemi – CFR
Others honoured include rights activists, lawmakers, journalists, and late pro-democracy campaigners such as Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Balarabe Musa, Chief Frank Kokori, and Odia Ofeimun.

The recognition, Tinubu said, is part of a broader effort by the federal government to memorialize the efforts and legacies of those who played vital roles in shaping Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

Former lawmaker and human rights activist, Senator Shehu Sani, has called on Nigerians to show empathy and compassion toward the orphans, widows, and widowers affected by the devastating floods in Mokwa, Niger State.

Senator Sani, who personally donated food items to the victims and their families, described the Mokwa flood as not just a disaster, but a national tragedy.

In a statement he personally signed, Senator Sani said, “The Mokwa tragedy is a dark cloud of responsibility hanging over the sky of our country.” He emphasized the need for the nation to learn from the incident by channeling its resources toward improving the lives of its people.

The former senator also urged the Federal Government to create a special budget aimed at rebuilding Mokwa into a modern town, as a tribute to the memory of those who lost their lives in the flood.

Apparently angered by the recent attacks on the President, Former lawmaker , Senator Shehu Sani took a swipe at the former Kaduna and Rivers State governors , Mal Nasir Elrufai,who and Routine Amaechi ,who accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating policies that heightened hunger and poverty across the country.

According to Shehu Sani, Elrufai and Amaechi should hold their heads in shame for failing to tackle same problems or insecurity; poverty and hunger during their days as Governors because they are the architects of banditry and hunger they talked about.

El-Rufai recently declared that Nigerians have allowed bandits to occupy positions of authority, while speaking at a Public Lecture to celebrate former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amechi, said, “What we have done in this country is to allow bandits, not the ones in the bushes, the urban bandits, to take over the governance of our country.”

However ,Shehu Sani who addressed journalists on State of the Nation at his Kaduna residence today, said all those who held public office and positions of authority under the former President Muhammadu Buhari don’t have the moral rights to speak about the issues of banditry, poverty and hunger because they failed to tackle them when in office.

He accused them of witch hunting and working against the Tinubu led government because they either failed to secure ministerial positions or appointed in the cabinet.

Speaking further he said ,”There is nothing wrong in criticizing a government or leader, but when it is done out of selfish interests rather genuine course it becomes a problem.

The Senator, who represented Kaduna Central zone at the 8th Senate, Shehu Sani, lambasted Elrufai and other leaders who controlled the affairs of the country, but failed to turn the Northern region into a socio-economic paradise over the years.

“Nigeria is not just a country; it is a country that came from horrible and terrible experiences as a nation. And we ought to learn from our past experiences in order not to repeat the same experience. So I want to call on the people to caution the elements who had the opportunity to turn the North into a paradise but left it as a hell; today, such elements are crying foul for no reason other than that they have been excluded from government.

“So their grievance is about their own personal interests and not about the people, not about the North, not about the masses, not about insecurity and governance. However, everybody has the right to voice their opinions, but it shouldn’t be done in such a way as to burn down the country.

“Under the last administration, all the security apparatus were of Northern extraction; they never stopped terrorism in the North, they never stopped banditry in the Northwest, they never stopped killings in Benue State, in Plateau, and most parts of North Central states.

“The insecurity in the North is not yet over. Bandits are still killing people; they are kidnapping people in Katsina State, they are still doing that in Zamfara State. There are major killings on the roads by bandits. But if we are going to compare it to where we are coming from, I think things are better. The Chief of Defence has relatively been able to bring peace to the southern part of Kaduna, which was neglected and abandoned when Governor Nasir El-Rufai was in power. We know the Birnin Gwari road; it used to be a road that was inaccessible because of banditry.

“Banditry happened every hour, not every day, for eight years along the Birnin Gwari road. Now people can travel day and night. When last did you hear of an attack since the attack on Kuriga school? When last did you hear of an attack on any school in the state? So for those of us, when you compare the government headed by someone who came from our own part of the country and the government headed by someone who is not from our own part of the country, I think it is important for those of us from the North to appreciate the relative progress they have made.

” We have seen many things that were brought in, and we only demand more. But my message is also to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that more should be done in terms of addressing challenges in the Northern part of Nigeria, and critics should be listened to, and where there are lies, they should be responded to. And this country will be great if there is development in all parts of Nigeria,” Shehu Sani said.

By Emmanuel Ochigbo
Energy & Policy Correspondent

Abuja, Nigeria — A storm of public outrage is brewing as over thirty civil society organisations (CSOs) have called for the resignation of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, over what they describe as a “monumental fraud” involving refinery maintenance contracts.

At a joint press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, the CSOs accused Kyari and the NNPCL of mismanaging billions of dollars allocated for the turnaround maintenance (TAM) of Nigeria’s four refineries, all of which remain non-functional despite repeated financial commitments by the federal government.

“Over $25 billion has been spent on refinery maintenance in the last two decades, yet not a single litre of fuel has been refined locally under Kyari’s leadership,” said Comrade Ibrahim Yusuf, spokesperson for the Coalition for Energy Justice and Accountability. “This is not just mismanagement—it is a betrayal of public trust and a deliberate act of economic sabotage.”

The coalition announced plans to launch a nationwide protest beginning next week, demanding not only Kyari’s resignation but also an independent judicial panel to probe all refinery rehabilitation contracts awarded since 2019.

Among the specific allegations raised by the CSOs were:

The award of multi-billion naira contracts to companies with no prior expertise in refinery engineering;

Lack of transparency and due process in contract bidding and approvals;

Payment of huge sums to contractors despite little or no progress on the ground.

The Port Harcourt refinery, for example, was supposed to resume partial operations by December 2023 following a $1.5 billion rehabilitation contract awarded in 2021. But as of May 2025, the facility remains idle.

Halima Adamu, Executive Director of the Centre for Oil Sector Reform, described the situation as “an organized daylight robbery.” She said, “Our investigations show that some of these contracts were awarded without following procurement laws. In some cases, payments were made in advance with no performance guarantees.”

The CSOs also raised concerns that the ongoing fraudulent practices at the NNPCL could sabotage the current administration’s economic reforms and compound the already dire cost-of-living crisis.

Efforts to obtain a formal response from the NNPCL were unsuccessful. However, a senior NNPCL official, who requested anonymity, dismissed the claims as politically motivated, asserting that the Port Harcourt refinery would commence operations before the end of the year. “We are ahead of schedule and working in phases. The CSOs are simply uninformed,” the source claimed.

Despite such assurances, public confidence remains low. With Nigeria still importing nearly all its petroleum products and citizens bearing the brunt of skyrocketing fuel prices, many see the CSOs’ planned protest as a justified expression of public anger.

Energy analyst Dr. Chioma Okeke said the crisis reflects deeper structural issues within Nigeria’s oil governance framework. “We need more than just Mele Kyari’s resignation. We need a comprehensive audit of NNPCL operations and a long-term restructuring of the oil sector. Otherwise, this cycle of corruption and inefficiency will continue.”

As preparations for the protest intensify, the ball is now in President Bola Tinubu’s court. Will he respond with swift action to restore confidence, or will this scandal further deepen public cynicism about his administration’s anti-corruption stance?

The man UBA SANI has been a gift from God Almighty to the people of Kaduna State, making him stand out in his administrative responsibilities, governance, and accountable style of leadership.

He is unique in his personal endeavours—an embodiment of peace and an epic representation of a unifier. Within his 730 days in office, he has unleashed his untapped potential in leadership and governance, underscoring his commitment to the improvement of peace, stability, and security in the state.

Governor Uba Sani has attained a remarkable level of success across core sectors of governance, including Security, Economy, Education, Health, Governance, and Infrastructure.

His Excellency’s commitment to safeguarding the state—most notably through the strategic approach employed in addressing security threats, especially in the Birnin-Gwari/Giwa axis—has earned him accolades and recognition for his novel and effective methods in protecting lives and property. Furthermore, he has proven himself a strong and determined leader who does not entertain the word “impossible.” He has bridged the gap of nepotism and tribalism, ensuring inclusivity and unity by carrying everyone along, regardless of faith, tribe, belief, or personal sentiment. This has fostered peace, unity, and inclusiveness in governance.

The Magic Leader has, within his two years in office Supported security operatives in the state with 100 brand-new operational vehicles ,1,500 motorcycles, and various incentives to combat insecurity.

Gov.Uba Upgraded 14 General Hospitals and over 200 Primary Health Care Centers to Tier 2 facilities equipped with modern tools and technology.

Initiated 79 road projects covering 819KM, with 49 roads completed.
Sponsored WAEC and NECO examination fees payment for 5,000 public school students, and cleared outstanding debts associated with foreign scholarship students.

Launched rural electrification projects and empowered over 50,000 youth, farmers, and women in agriculture, business, and innovation.
Provided solar streetlights to improve community security and access.

Built 62 new schools comprising over 650 classrooms, and established skills acquisition/vocational centres across the three senatorial districts.

Strengthened traditional institutions, distributed 23 SUVs to traditional rulers. Attracted both foreign and local investments, thereby boosting the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Created a Ministry for Youth Development and ensured that 69.7% of appointed officials are youth and women, promoting inclusive governance.

His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani, has distinguished himself through purposeful leadership, impactful and inclusive government.

His two years in office have been a testament to visionary leadership and dedication to the welfare of the people of Kaduna State.
Indeed, he is a unifier, a builder, and a symbol of hope and transformation.

Compiled by,
Hon. M.K Uthman,
S.A on Legal Matters to the Governor of Kaduna State.

Lawyers of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Saturday, confirmed receipt of details of a suit filed by the Federal Government against the lawmaker in a case involving her and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, saying they will present their defences in court at the appropriate time.

In a statement by Dr Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, the lawyers also sought the prayers and support of all.

The statement reads; “At about 2:30pm on Friday, the 23rd of May, 2025, in the premises of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, we received the information filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions DPP containing three counts bordering on allegations that our client, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria made imputations which she had reason to believe will harm the reputation of Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We received the said information on behalf of our client upon a letter of authority duly issued by her and filed in the Registry of the said Court.

“The Legal team would adequately prepare all factual and statutory defences available to our client and place same before the Court during trial. We count on the prayers and solidarity of all.”

The Federal Government had instituted a suit against Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan on May 16 over alleged defamatory remarks made on live television.

It accused the senator of “making imputation knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person”, citing Section 391 of the penal code, CAP 89, laws of the federation, 1990. The offence is punishable under Section 392 of the same law.

The government also listed the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, among others, as witnesses.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had reportedly accused Akpabio and Bello of plotting to assassinate her.

The allegations followed her suspension from the Senate over a sitting arrangement which she deemed punishable.

She had thereafter accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, petitioning both the Inspector General of Police IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, demanding a probe of her alleged traducers.

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Honorable Yazid Shehu Danfulani, Turakin Zamfara, on his recent appointment as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC).

Chairman of the forum, Comrade Danjuma Paul, in a statement described the prestigious role as not only a significant milestone in the distinguished career of Hon. Danfulani but also a beacon of hope and progress for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

“Honorable Danfulani, your leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to excellence position you as the ideal choice to guide NAIC toward greater heights,” the statement read.

The forum highlighted Danfulani’s educational background, noting his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Arts and Management from the University of Hertfordshire in the UK, as a strong foundation for his new role. His professional experience, which includes stints in banking, computing, and business administration, was also cited as an asset to his leadership at NAIC.

The NSCF emphasized that Danfulani’s previous roles—particularly at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and as Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Zamfara State—have equipped him with a deep understanding of financial systems and the economic dynamics of the agricultural sector.

“The agricultural sector is vital to Nigeria’s economy, providing livelihoods for millions and contributing significantly to national food security. Under your stewardship, we are confident that NAIC will continue to evolve, implementing strategies that not only protect farmers from unforeseen risks but also promote sustainable agricultural practices,” the forum said.

The NSCF expressed confidence that Danfulani’s vision will inspire trust among stakeholders, encouraging innovation and collaboration within the agricultural ecosystem.

“We commend you on this well-deserved appointment, which is a testament to your hard work, expertise, and unwavering commitment to national development. The NSCF stands ready to support your initiatives and collaborate in any capacity that will advance the goals of NAIC and the agricultural sector in Nigeria. Once again, congratulations on this significant achievement. We wish you every success as you embark on this new journey,” the statement concluded.

ENDS

Ahead the 2027 general elections , the core stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in the Northwest geo-political zone converged on Kaduna on Saturday to declare a vote of confidence on the leadership and administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The event was lit up by arrival of the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Kaduna Governor, Senator Uba Sani, Speaker of House of Representatives , Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas and Senator Shehu Sani ,whose return to party excited the large crowd of party supporters present at the event.

The arrow heads of the party have not only decided to mobile support for President Tinubu but work ensure his resounding victory across the zone

At the meeting,the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abas, moved the motion for the endorsement of the President, while Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, seconded the motion, passing a vote of confidence in Tinubu for the second term in 2027.

The event took place at the Indoor Sports Hall of the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall, Murtala Square, Kaduna on Saturday.

This was after the Kaduna State Governor and APC North-West Co-ordinating Governor, Senator Uba Sani, called upon Speaker Abas to step forward before the gathering to move a motion for the endorsement.

Abas said, “Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to witness a history. My name is Abas Tajudeen, the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives and I move on behalf of the entire APC family of the North-West Zone Stakeholders emphatically a motion of a vote of confidence in our dear President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for his progressive governance, improving leadership and his unwavering support for the socio-economic development of the North-West geo-political.

“In so doing, unequivocally, endorse him as our only preferred candidate for the 2027 elections. I so do!”

The Speaker later put the motion to a voice vote for the stakeholders, where they all overwhelmingly affirmed the endorsement of the president for continuity in 2027.

In return, all the APC governors in the NorthWest Zone were offered automatic tickets for second term in the 2027 governorship elections as announced by the National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, in his address to the gathering.

According to Ganduje, there is “no vacancy” in Aso Rock, come 2027.

Thereafter, a communique on behalf of stakeholders from the zone was read by the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani.

The party leaders including Ganduje, three governors of Kaduna, Uba Sani, Jigawa, Namadi and Kebbi, Nasir and Speaker of the House of Representatives, ministers as well as party executives, overwhelmingly declared their supports for the president during the APC North-West Zone Stakeholders meeting.

Governors of Katsina and Sokoto states sent their representatives.

Among other party faithful at the gathering are Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, and Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal.

Others are a former Speaker and governor of Katsina, Bello Aminu Masari, a former senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial, Shehu Sani, a former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Ahmed Yerima, former House of Representatives members from the zone, former governor of Zamfara, Mahmud Shinkafi, former governor of Kebbi, Senator Adamu Aliero.

The chairman of state chapters, state and federal legislators, as well as ministers, heads of federal agencies, including senior political appointees, were also at the meeting, themed: “Consolidating on our gains, facing the future together.”

The foundation for the endorsement of the President was laid when the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, while addressing the stakeholders, asked: “Aso Rock”? with the stakeholders responding by saying” no vacancy.”

With the response from the gathering, Barau said, “So it is clear in 2027, we are going to have a landslide victory, inshallah. So let us continue on the way we are going. Let us continue to cooperate, work with the president, work with everybody, cooperate amongst ourselves so that we have the desired victory.”

He said the defection of stalwarts of the opposition political parties to the party (APC) was as a result of the performance of Tinubu in addressing the challenges bedevilling the country.