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The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, yesterday dismissed his entire legal team.

He opted to conduct his terrorism trial personally before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Kanu, who announced the decision during yesterday’s proceedings, told Justice James Omotosho that he had taken back his case from his lawyers and was prepared to represent himself.

Lead defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court that the team’s presence was purely out of respect for the court.

He announced that the senior lawyers, including Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Joseph Akubo (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), and Emeka Etiaba (SAN), had withdrawn from the case.

Agabi explained: ‘The defendant has taken this case back from us, and we respect that decision.’

Justice Omotosho turned to the defendant for confirmation.

Kanu affirmed the sack of his lawyers, saying he would now handle his defence personally.

The judge then ordered all remaining members of the defence team, except the SANs, to leave the courtroom, a directive they immediately obeyed.

Kanu subsequently informed the court that he would not proceed with opening his defence as ordered, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him.

He raised four grounds for objection: first, that the Federal Government was allegedly in contempt of the Court of Appeal judgment, which, he claimed, had acquitted him.

The second ground was that the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013 and the Customs and Excise Act under which he was charged had been repealed.

The third basis, according to him, was that he had been denied a fair hearing owing to his detention by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Fourthly, he argued that a medical report submitted by a Nigerian Medical Association (NMA)-appointed team certifying him fit for trial was allegedly forged.

Kanu denied ever being examined by the said medical panel or providing any samples for testing.

He urged the court to declare the proceedings void and order his immediate release.

Responding, prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) argued that the issues raised were baseless and had been resolved in previous rulings.

He said Kanu’s claims should have been made formally via affidavit evidence, not oral argument.

Awomolo clarified that the Court of Appeal judgment Kanu relied on had been set aside by the Supreme Court on December 15, 2023.

He also faulted the allegation of forgery, noting that the same report had been reviewed and accepted by Kanu’s former senior lawyers without objection.

Justice Omotosho reaffirmed that all the issues raised by Kanu had been addressed in his September 26 ruling, where he held that the defendant had a case to answer.

He said the medical report had already been admitted and acted upon, and the court could not revisit it.

‘I call upon and appeal to the defendant to open his defence,’ the judge said.

‘This is the opportunity the Constitution grants him under Section 36-to be heard or to waive that right expressly or by conduct.’

At that point, Dr. Ikpeazu pleaded that Kanu be given time to gather his thoughts.

Kanu himself told the court that he had not had adequate time to prepare, having only three hours of consultation the previous day.

The prosecution did not object, prompting Justice Omotosho to adjourn the trial to today for Kanu to open his defence.

The judge disclosed that he had signed the witness summons requested by the defendant, allowing him to call witnesses, including former and serving governors, ministers, and security chiefs.

Puzzling and shocking. These words aptly describe information revealed by Senator Ali Ndume, while raising a motion that was adopted by the Senate on October 21. It was titled, ‘Urgent Need to Increase the Minimum Wage and Improve Conditions of Service for Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies.’

The lawmaker representing Borno South said, ‘The current minimum monthly wage for junior personnel in the Armed Forces ranges between N50,000 and N60,000, depending on rank.’ He argued that the pay was ‘grossly inadequate in light of current economic realities, inflationary pressures, and the soaring cost of living.’

Ndume said the country’s troops and security operatives deserved better compensation, considering the scale of risks they face and sacrifices they make to preserve national security. He noted that Section 217(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) empowers the Armed Forces to defend Nigeria from external aggression, maintain territorial integrity, and assist civil authorities in restoring order when called upon.

It is puzzling that the figures fall below the national minimum wage. President Bola Tinubu signed the N70,000 minimum wage bill into law in July 2024, after months of intense negotiations with labour leaders who had demanded a much higher minimum wage.

The question is: Doesn’t the national minimum wage apply to the country’s armed forces and other security agencies?

Also, the senator cited the minimum pay for soldiers in some other African countries, where he said they were better paid. ‘In Ghana, the entry-level pay for a private soldier is equivalent to about N180,000 per month; in South Africa, N250,000; in Egypt, N230,000-N280,000; and in Kenya, about N200,000, excluding operational allowances,’ he stated.

It is shocking that as Nigeria faces a security crisis worsened by terrorists and secessionists, the country pays the same category of soldiers far less. Banditry, herder-farmer conflicts, and oil militancy also contribute significantly to insecurity in the country, demanding the attention of its armed forces.

The Senate adopted Ndume’s motion, and urged the Federal Government through the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to review the pay and allowances of members of the armed forces.

The Senate’s Committees on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force are to ‘liaise with the relevant ministries and agencies to determine realistic remuneration benchmarks for different ranks, taking into account comparative international standards.’

It is condemnable and inexcusable that the authorities failed to act appropriately before this motion came up. They must not fail to do the right thing after the fact.

Enko Capital, the Africa-focused alternative asset manager with $1.3 billion in assets under management (AUM), has announced the first close of its impact focused private credit strategy (the Fund), raising $100 million toward its target of $150 million at final close, with a hard cap of $200 million.

Investors in the first close include British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution; IFC, a member of the World Bank Group; SICOM Global Fund Limited; one of Africa’s leading asset managers; a European impact investor; alongside African pension funds and family offices. The Fund provides US dollar-denominated private credit to mid-market companies across Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on established, cash-generating businesses in non-cyclical sectors such as agriculture, telecommunications, manufacturing, renewable energy, and financial services.

By offering flexible, tailored financing to well-managed enterprises often underserved by traditional lenders, the Fund seeks to address the structural credit gap facing mid-sized African firms and to demonstrate the commercial potential of private credit on the continent.

In a statement released on Tuesday and made available to The Nation, Managing Partner of Enko Capital, Alain Nkontchou, said: ‘The successful first close of Enko’s flagship private credit strategy underscores growing investor confidence in Africa’s sustainable development through private credit.

‘With the support of leading international institutional development and impact investors; and local partners, the Fund is strategically positioned to offer customised capital solutions to high-quality mid-market SMEs, unlocking growth, supporting job creation, and advancing sustainable development, while generating compelling risk-adjusted returns for our investors.’

Nkontchou added that ‘We are also proud that this marks the first investment under the partnership between BII and IFC, a collaboration that strengthens shared commitment to foster impactful, sustainable growth on the continent.’

Chief Executive Officer at BII, Leslie Maasdorp, said: ‘Our commitment to the Enko Impact Credit Fund reflects BII’s belief in the commercial potential of private credit in Africa and its role in closing the financing gap for mid-sized businesses.

‘By anchoring the fund’s first close, our aim is to send a strong signal to other investors, attract additional capital and help build a viable private credit market that supports businesses critical to economic growth in Africa.’

For Vice President of Industries, IFC, Mohamed Gouled, ‘Expanding access to finance for mid-sized companies is critical to accelerating inclusive growth across Africa.

‘IFC’s support for the Enko Impact Credit Fund demonstrates IFC’s commitment to channeling longer tenor and flexible funding to African businesses for growth and job creation.’

He stated that through this partnership, ‘We will support businesses across a range of sectors, from agribusiness to telecoms that are critical for sustained economic growth.’

Galatasaray’s Nigerian forward, Victor Osimhen has credited his Galatasaray’s teammates and fans for their collective roles following his impressive performance against Bodo Glimt on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League.

Osimhen scored twice in Galatasaray’s 3-1 win, setting a new personal record in the process.

His third minute opener became the quickest goal in the Champions League by a Galatasaray player while the brace against Bodo/Glimt also meant that he became the first player to score in seven consecutive European Cup matches. The previous record was scoring in six consecutive matches held by Burak Yilmaz.

But the 26-year-old striker was quick to downplay his personal feat , stressing that his achievement was a product of teamwork.

‘I don’t score these goals alone, and I don’t break these records alone. A big thank you to my teammates and the amazing fans. We’ll keep building on this momentum,’ Osimhen said. ‘I didn’t win this award alone, and I hope my teammates get their fair share of recognition as well.’

Emphasizing his commitment to the club’s success, the Super Eagles star concluded: ‘Whether through goals, tackles, or assists, my main focus is always to help the team succeed. These records are a result of our collective hard work.’

Major League Soccer has announced the finalists for its 2025 year-end awards .

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, who won last year’s Landon Donovan MLS MVP and whose three-year contract extension through 2028 was announced Thursday, is one of five finalists for the award again along with Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles FC), Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Evander (FC Cincinnati) and Sam Surridge (Nashville SC).

Messi led MLS in goals (29) and assists (19) this season. The other four finalists round out the top five goal-scorers, but Dreyer and Evander are the only two that are also in the top five for assists.

The three finalists for Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year are the Philadelphia Union’s Bradley Carnell, Vancouver Whitecaps’ Jesper Sorensen and San Diego’s Mikey Varas.

Dreyer, who signed with expansion side San Diego and had 19 goals and 19 assists to lead the squad to the top seed in the Western Conference, is also one of three finalists for MLS Newcomer of the Year, alongside Son Heung-Min (LAFC) and Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire).

The MLS Young Player of the Year finalists (born on or after Jan. 1, 2003) are Orlando City’s Alex Freeman, Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna and the Seattle Sounders’ Obed Vargas.

The three finalists for MLS Defender of the Year are a pair of Philadelphia teammates in Jakob Glesnes and Kai Wagner as well as Tristan Blackmon of Vancouver.

MLS Goalkeeper of the Year finalists are Matt Freese of New York City FC, Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United) and Yohei Takaoka (Vancouver), who led the league with 13 clean sheets.

The finalists for MLS Comeback Player of the Year are Houston Dynamo’s Lawrence Ennali, Nick Hagglund of Cincinnati and Toronto FC’s Richie Laryea.

Finally, the three finalists for the Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award, which honours an MLS player who showed outstanding dedication to charitable efforts and serving the community during the 2025 season, are Ryan Hollingshead (LAFC), Luna (RSL) and Brad Stuver (Austin FC).

The winners for these awards will be announced throughout the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, which began Wednesday night with Chicago beating Orlando and Portland beating Salt Lake in the wild-card matches.

MLS Goal of the Year and Save of the Year will be decided by an online vote and announced on Oct. 27.

The MLS Best XI will also be revealed at a later date.

The Federal Government has promised to train about 960,000 Nigerian youths in technical and vocational skills.

The training is to be held under its Ministry of Education’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative after verification.

The government explained that the verification was designed to prevent fraud. It said over 250,000 trainees are currently enrolled in the first cohort, undergoing hands-on training across 2,600 centres nationwide.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa announced the programme yesterday during an inspection visit to selected TVET partner centres, including AFS Vocational Hub in Garki and Golden Finger Farms and Ranches Limited on the Kubwa-Zuba Expressway, Dei-Dei, both in Abuja.

Alausa described the programme as a clear demonstration of the power of political will behind government intervention.

He said: ‘From when we started conceiving this TVET initiative eight months ago to now seeing the first quarter of students being trained, it shows what is possible when there’s commitment. We took our time to curate the way this vocational training would be done. ‘We didn’t want this to be another era of scams. Every single one of the 960,000 youths was verified, using their NIN and BVN. We are paying the training centres and the vocational institutes directly.’

Alausa said the ministry identified about 86 trades across the country but narrowed them down to 28 key skill areas, including fashion and garment making, livestock production, GSM repair, plumbing, tiling, and farming.

He added: ‘We created a curriculum that is 90 per cent practical and 10 per cent theoretical. After developing it, we opened the portal to the nation. Within the first 10 days, almost 1.3 million people applied. We had to close it quickly. Out of the 1.3 million applicants, 960,000 youths were verified on the portal.’

Alausa noted that the initiative reflected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s belief in empowering young Nigerians with employable skills.

He said: ‘This President believes that the youth are the heartbeat of this nation. He is determined to give them the skills and opportunities they need to thrive. When he makes promises, he ensures those promises are fulfilled.’

The minister stressed that beyond skills acquisition, trainees would receive starter packs and grants to support their entrepreneurial journey.

Alausa added: ‘We don’t want them to remain job seekers; we want them to become employers of labour. Many of these trainees are graduates from universities and polytechnics, but now they’re getting real-life skills that will make them useful to themselves, their communities, and the nation.’

The minister stated that the training would run for six months at skills centres, 12 months at vocational enterprise institutes, and up to three years in federal and state technical colleges.

He reaffirmed that the TVET programme is operational in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Preamble

The Ability to speak or write is a special gift from the AlmightyAllah. With time, such ability may become a hobby and eventually grow into a skill. Speaking, no matter how eloquently, cannot be as important as getting audience. So is the case with writing. A speaker can be classified as an orator only by his audience. Radio and television broadcasters as well as public motivational speakers can attest to this. Similarly, an author or a columnist can be celebrated or denigrated only by his readers. Any writer who takes his readers for granted, therefore, can only do so at his own peril. Such a writer may not be qualified for an author or a columnist.

A Column by accident Memory lane

Ever since yours sincerely started writing this column in The Nation newspaper, in September, 2006, no week has passed by without a barrage of reations reaching me even on some occasions when the column is not published for one reason or another.

This is not just because I called the column a participatory one in its maiden edition but mostly because some readers who had long been familier with it since its inception in Concord newspaper, in 1982, acknowledge its quality and appreciate the methodology with which it is presented to showcase Islam to the world every Friday. For instance on a particular topic entitled: NO! MR. PRESIDENT, NO!, published in this column on February 2, 2007, when a onetime Army General from the Southwest, (Chief) Olusegun Okikiolakan Aremu Obasanjo was at the twilight of his second term of four years in office as Nigerian PresidentI, I received 189 phone calls, 107 text messages and 1143 written comments through the e-mail. That was about five months after the commencement of this column in The Nation newspaper. After I left Concord newspaper in 1989, most readers of this column followed it to other Nigerian newspapers like Vanguard, The Monitor and The Nation. Some even followed it to some foreign magazines such as The Inquiry, Al-Afkar, Africa Now, At-Tawheed and a host of others including some academic journals. Thus, questions, observations and comments kept coming consistently into this column from various parts of the world in form of reactions.

Comment

Now, 13 yeas after the column debut in The Nation newspaper, I consider it fair to refresh the memories of its original readers by recalling some of those reactions in retrospect if only to further confirm that readers, like customers, are kings and queens in their own rights, in the market of literacy. After all, it is only a novice writer that will close his ears or eyes to readers’ comments even if such comments are negative and bitterly reprobative. Ordinarily, as a columnist, I often feel psychologically elated when reactions to my column come in torrents from different conceivable angles, based on different perceptions.

Some Published Reactions

It should be noted that the few reactions received over some publications, over a decade ago, and published below were randomly selected from the piling chunk in my kitty at that time. Those reactions were, however, not necessarily more important than many others which were not published then. Meanwhile, in the spirit of participatoriness, some reactions to this column will, henceforeth, resume publication from time to time, as space may permit. This may strengthen the trust of the readers in the interactiveness of the column.

While thanking all the readers of this 37 years old column, particularly those who have been reacting to it (home and abroad), since its inception, for their encouragement and well wish. I pray the Almighty Allah to appreciate their good intentions and encouraging actions as He (Allah) alone can reward them abundantly.

First meeting with the Sultan

It came as an undreamt surprise when my telephone rang at exactly 11.50 am on the first Sunday in February, 2007. My first reaction after pickimg the call was: ‘who is on the line, please?’ especially when the call came without an identity. The caller simplay identified himself as SA’AD Abubakar. I immediately searched my brain for a possible familiarization with that identity. But while doing that, I did not know that I was repeating the name Sa’d Abubakar in a seeming soliloquy until His Eminence said: Ah!Don’t you know anybody bearing that name?. And in my reaction, I said the only person I can think of that bears that name is the new Sultan. It was then that His Eminence said: alright, this is the Sultan. At that moment, dumpfounded. The only clear words that I could utter were ‘Your Eminence!’ before I went stammering. I was overwhelmed. In that telephone conversation,

With a tone of commendation, His Eminence appreciated my writings and said that he had been reading my column since the now defunct Concord days. He counselled me never to relent especially in calling a spade a spade as I had been doing. And, as the Commander of the Muslim faithful, (Amirul Muminin), he showered royal prayers on me and promised to be calling again in future.

That was one call that made, not just my day, but probably my year. It was one reaction that confirmed my observation once expressed in an article in this column about this new Sultan shortly after his instalation.

By that surprise call alone, the new Sultan added to the chain of ‘FIRSTS which I listed in the mentioned article. In my 25 years of experience in journalism, as at that time, I could not remember when any public figure of Sultan’s status ever made a similar call to any common journalist except when seeking a media favour.

A Launch with his eminence

About two weeks after the above narrated encounter with him on the telephone, His Eminence called again to invite me to Kaduna from Ibdan for a launch with him. And, at his palace in Kaduna, This great Sultan sat down with me on bare carpet where we took a special launch together. That was my first experience of royal conduct in Nigeria’s Sultanate.

By his conduct and actions so far, since he came to the exhalted throne, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, has shown, by all means, an exemplary leadership for other Nigerian leaders or aspiring leaders to emulate. With him, Nigerian Muslims are being reminded of the Caliphate time of Umar Bn Khattab and Umar Bn Abdul Aziz when it was established and entrenched that leadership is neither by vicious display of force nor by crude bully and animalistic brutality. May the Almighty Allah be merciful to Nigerian Muslim Ummah by preserving the life of this Sultan with divine guidance and protection for the good of this life and that of the Hereafter. We also pray that the glow of His Eminence’s crescent may be brazenly kindled for a long, long time to come without experiencing an eclipse. Amin.

Some reders reactions

Femi, EFCC is on the side of the poor that is why the thieves in high places want to destroy it. Someday, state power will become the oppressed and the oppressors will fall to rise no more’. Amos Ejimonye, Kaduna.

‘Mr. Femi Abbas, your write -up on EFCC made my day glorious. Tafa Balogun, former IGP, saw danger in the enormous power conferred on the youthful Ribadu. Ehinderos greed for power conspired with Ribadu to oust him. The same Obasanjo will consume both Ribadu and Ehindero after April polls. You have said it all. Keep watching. God bless you’. Afolabi, ACP, (rtd).

‘Salam alaikun,

I read The Nation Newspaper published on February 2, 2007. In fact, I like the way you advised Mr. President. May Allah reward you abundantly. Keep it up, it is part of Jihad.

May Allah SWT, continue to protect you as He may continue to enrich your thinking. Last Friday’s essay was prophetic’. A.A. Amoo, Ede .

‘Dear Brother, your write-up on Mr. Presidents inconsistencies last Friday was very superb. May Allah continue to increase your knowledge’. Owolabi Abdullah.

‘Your article: NO! Mr. President NO! is a great piece and a great voice of hope at a time of sickening sycophancy. God bless you for it’. Dele, Lagos .

‘Femi, your 02-02-07 article brought out tears from my eyes, I found it hard to eat. Seriously, I became sleepless. May God see us through this terrible mess? Segun Eleshin.

‘Salam!

Good write-up in The Nation this morning. Please keep it up’. Lai Olurode, UNILAG.

‘Salam,

Brother Abbas, thank you for your great contribution on Muslim family. What I read on The Nation newspaper last December 2006 concerning Muslim-Family was a good Article. I will be expecting more from you’. Abdul -Yekeen Mustapha. Owo Poly, H.N.D 2, BAM, Ondo State . Mas-salam.

‘Dear Femi Abbas, your article today on the atrocities of the current regime under the topic: NO! MR, PRESIDENT, NO! is an eye opener. It reminds me of your powerful column in the good old days of Concord newspaper.

You are a special gift to Islam in Nigeria. I hope that one day you will be recognized by Nigerian Muslim community as the late Abul Ala Al- Maududi was recognized in India or Ahmad Deeda in South Africa. And, if not, may Allah recognize you and shower you with the rewards of the Prophets great scribe, Zayd bn Thabit. Jazakumu – Llah khayran’. Idris Mustapha, Zaria .

‘Brother Femi Abbas, I did not know that you write a column in The Nation newspaper until my attention was drawn to it this morning. The last time I read your article was in Vanguard and that was over five years ago. The analysis on the EFCC is fantastic as usual. I had always believed that the establishment of the EFCC was a good action based on a dirty intention.

The recent developments in the country concerning that commission have vindicated my belief. And, your analysis tallied with my thought on the commission. I totally agree with you that the commission is a peculiar mess to Nigeria, created by the current peculiar ruling class to further oppress the populace in the name of fighting corruption. Now that I know of this column, The Nation automatically becomes my paper. God bless you’. Sherifah Abdullah, Lagos.

‘Femi, thank you for your brilliant Friday sermons, coming up in form of a column. Without a gun or sword, you have voluntarily chosen to be the people?s soldier defending us fiercely against the raging tsunami of the satanic forces who, unfortunately, happen to be our rulers today. I particularly enjoy your writing on Mr. President?s perception of national security and of course, the one on EFCC. If columnists like you were many, who can call a spade its real name, perhaps Nigeria would not have slipped into the hands of devils. Please fire on. Your pen is mightier than their missiles’. Bayo Jemitan, Ilorin .

‘Hello! Femi, Reading your column every Friday is like drinking cold, fresh water after a long trek in a hot desert. I am not a Muslim, but I see your column as one for all good Nigerians and not Muslims alone. With your article: ?NO! MR. PRESIDENT, NO!? published on February 2, 2007, you have endeared me to The Nation Newspaper. If what you are doing in that column is what Muslims call Jihad then I am for it. Don?t rest on your oars. May God strengthen your fortress in all directions?’ James Ahamisu, Asaba.

‘Thank you for reminding us of the late great leader, General Murtala Muhammed, in your article of last Friday titled-?EFCC: LET THE TRUTH BE TOLD?. If anybody is qualified to be called the father of modern Nigeria it is General Muhammed and not the leopard called Obasanjo, now parading himself as such. Through your article, we still remember that great leader (Murtala Muhammaed)? revolution, reformation and reorientation of Nigeria within six months of his governance. Murtala was an impartial creator and executor of ideas. He was an exemplary leader who started reformation of our society with himself. He surrendered his personal property to the state because he believed that he wrongly used his office to acquire it before he became Head of State. And, he never sold any state property to himself at give-away price. Neither did he flout the law of the land despite the fact that he was a military Head of State. That was a leader by all standards. He and not the current impostor, self-styled messiah (Obasanjo), should be called and recognized as the father of modern Nigeria’ . Ademola Atolagbe, Owu, Abeokuta .

‘Hello! Femi, you are not alone in your opinion on President Obasanjo?s misconception of national security. Having moved from the prison to the Presidency without rehabilitation and reorientation, the man lost touch with modern reality and ruled with a prisoner?s vision. He has forgotten how Abacha started and ended. Such is the characteristic of African leaders. By the time he leaves the office very soon, and joins the league of former Presidents, God willing, his eyes will be open to the reality of what Nigeria is. Those who refuse to learn from history will surely bear the brunt of history’.

Okey Ibeabuchi, Owerri.

‘Mr. Abbas, with your article published on December 1, 2006, entitled ?- GOD! GIVE US A LEADER?.? You touched the hearts of most living Nigerians. That prayer was a precise summary of all prayers which most Nigerians have been offering especially about leadership. What remains for us is simply to say Amen. God bless you’. Daniel Akpan, Calabar.

NB: Very soon, this column may begin a Jihad against two major scourges threatening to devour our dear country soul and body. One of the scourges is corruption. The other is religious hate speeches. The damages done to Nigeria by these two vices in the past three decades are better left to imagination. As a religious column, it becomes necessary to address these two vices for the sake of peaceful co-existence of the citizens in the present and in the future. In doing this, issues causing both scourges will be examined and assessed from all angles with a view to educating the populace on how to overcome them. Readers are expected to contribute to this Jihad if only to enable peace and prosperity reign in our country. And, by the grace of God, we shall not fail to succeed. Welcome on board. Meanwhile a second part of this article may be written in this column next week. Watch out for it.

The Kogi West FGYB Legacy Group, comprising stakeholders from the seven Local Government Areas of Kogi West Senatorial District, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for re-election.

The endorsement is contained in a communique at the end of a strategic meeting held in Kabba, Kogi State, on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

The communique was signed by its Drafting Committee Chairman, Kingsley Olorunfemi Fanwo; Secretary, Tanko Mohammed; and Member, Shaibu Ipinmisho on behalf of the group.

The stakeholders unanimously passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu, citing his bold economic reforms, efforts towards energy stability, and massive infrastructural development across the nation.

They pledged over 90 percent of the votes from Kogi West Senatorial District in future elections, in recognition of his people-oriented leadership.

The meeting commended Ododo for his impactful leadership and remarkable achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare delivery, agriculture, youth and women empowerment, and humanitarian development.

The stakeholders particularly lauded the governor’s strategic approach to tackling security challenges across the State, especially in Kogi West, and for fostering peace and stability in all communities.

The meeting applauded the Governor for his ongoing and completed projects across Kogi West Senatorial District.

These include: including massive projects at the Kogi State University, Kabba, the Model Secondary School, Okebukun, and the Township Road reconstruction projects in Mopa and Ayetoro Gbede.

The stakeholders commended the take-off of projects at the U.K-funded College of Education (Technical), Mopa.

They expressed deep appreciation for the Governor’s personal visit to troubled areas and his efforts in ensuring security in the Senatorial District.

The group called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and citizens to support government efforts towards restoring and sustaining peace across Kogi State.

They reaffirmed their unwavering support for the administrations of President Tinubu and Governor Ododo, pledging to mobilize citizens in support of government policies.

The meeting commended security agencies for supporting Governor in ensuring security in District. Local hunters also commended for complementing security agencies in Kogi West.

The stakeholders resolved that leaders of every LGA in Kogi West should mobilize people to participate in Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), and commended the stakeholders’ turnout.

Earlier, during the meeting, the APC Chairman, Kogi State, Hon. Abdullahi Bello, said party is for progressive people with loyal leaders.

He commended former Governor Yayaya Bello raising people at the grassroots and laid a solid foundation for the incumbent Gov Ahmed Ododo to build on.

He emphasised that APC stakeholders meeting would strengthen the party in the state and the country at large.

Bello urged members to be focused and united, and beware of inexperienced and self-centered politicians.

The APC Chairman commended President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigerians urged party members sustain support for Tinubu and Gov. Ododo.

The Commissioners: for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones; for Finance and Budget Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Idris; and for Environment and Ecological Management, Hon. Olusegun Joseph, spoke on behalf of Kabba-Bunu, Yagba East and Yagba West respectively, lauded Gov. Ododo and President Tinubu’s unprecedented achievements.

The meeting was attended by all Commissioners, LG Chairmen, Assembly members, Federal Lawmakers and all former and present political appointees from Kogi West, as well as former Sen. Smart Adeyemi.

Other Signatories for each of the seven LGAs are: Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly – Lokoja LGA; Cdr Jerry Omodara rtd, State Security Adviser – Kabba/Bunu; and Dr. Mrs Folashade Ayoade – Secretary to the State Government – Yagba East.

Others include: Hon. Kingsley Fanwo- Commissioner for Information and Communications – Mopamuro LGA; Engr. Bashir Gegu, Commissioner for Solid Minerals – Kogi LGA; Engr. Olusegun Joseph, Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management – Yagba West; Dr. Helen Adeniyi, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology – Ijumu LGA.

There is division in the Northern Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the endorsement of former Minister of Special Duties in the Jonathan Administration, Kabiru Taminu Turaki (SAN) for the position of National Chairman as consensus candidate by some party leaders from the region.

While Turaki was endorsed in Abuja at a meeting of party leaders led by the governors, other leaders from the Northwest rejected the endorsement, saying that they were not consulted.

Following the adoption, Turaki’s name is expected to be presented to delegates at the November 15 Convention in Ibadan to replace the outgoing National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum.

But the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, said Northwest had no hand in the selective endorsement.

The opposition party had zoned the National Chairman to the North and the presidential ticket to the South.

At its last National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the party resolved that while all party positions should remain in their current zones, they should be micro-zoned by zonal leaders among the states constituting the region.

However, the proposed convention is a matter of litigation at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Also, crisis has broken out between the Board of Trustees (BoT) and the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who alleged that the signature on the party’s letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the convention co-signed by him and Damagum was forged.

Sixty three-year old Turaki, who hails from Kebbi State, Northwest zone, is one of the Deputy Chairmen of the Convention Organising Committee.

He was endorsed as candidate at the meeting of PDP Northern Stakeholders on Wednesday at the Adamawa Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri announced the endorsement at the end of the meeting, which was attended by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed , Plateau State Governor Caleb Matfwang, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas.

Fintiri said all the 10 positions in the National Working Working (NWC) zoned to the North would be micro-zoned through consensus.

He however, clarified that the adoption of consensus does not preclude any member of the party from contesting for any position in the party.

Aspirants for positions in the National Working Committee will appear for screening at the national headquarters, Legacy House, Abuja on Tuesday.

Fintiri said in a statement last night that Monday is the last day for the purchase of nomination forms.

The statement reads: ‘The screening of all aspirants for various National Offices in the 2025 PDP Elective National Convention has been scheduled for Tuesday, 28th October, 2025.

‘The Screening is to hold at the National Convention Organizing Committee (NCOC) Secretariat Conference Hall, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja at 2pm while the Screening Appeal has been slated for Thursday, 30th October, 2025

‘To this effect, Monday, 27th October, 2025 has been approved as the last date for the submission of already completed Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms by all aspirants to the NCOC Secretariat.’

Signature not forged

The BoT said the allegation by Anyanwu that his signature was forged is wrong.

BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara said in a statement that the National Secretary had misled party members and the general public.

The statement is titled: ‘Re: Allegation of forgery by Senator Samuel Anyanwu – A clarification of facts.’

Wabara said ‘the said INEC notification letter was jointly signed by the National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary, on the 25th of August, 2025, during the 102nd meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP.’

He said the signing took place in the presence governors, BoT members and NEC members.

Wabara recalled that after signing the letter, Anyanwu was inaugurated as the Secretary of the Contact and Mobilization Sub-Committee for the convention.

He insisted that in that capacity, he co-signed official communications of the sub-committee, including letters of appointment issued to its members, alongside the Sub-Committee Chairman, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri.

The former Senate President also said that in his capacity as Sub-Committee Secretary, he also signed and transmitted a letter seeking financial approval for the inaugural meeting of the sub-committee.

Wabara said these verifiable correspondences, bearing his signature, are in the custody of the Party and relevant Convention Committees.

He added: ‘In view of these incontrovertible facts, the BoT finds Senator Anyanwu’s claim of forgery to be baseless, misleading, and to say the least, reprehensible being inconsistent with the documented record of events.

‘Such allegations, regrettably, can only be interpreted as a deliberate attempt to cast aspersions on the integrity of the Party’s leadership and processes, and to misinform security agencies and the general public.’

Why his nomination is faulty

Bature said the Northwest was not consulted before Turaki’s choice was announced by Fintiri.

He told reporters after a meeting of some Northwest leaders in Abuja that while the position was micro-zoned to the region, its leaders never met to take a decision on who should be adopted as candidate.

He said it was wrong for the Adamawa governor to announce a concensus candidate when the zone was not consulted.

Bature said: ‘This meeting was at the instance of the Governor of Zamfara, with a view to adopting a particular individual for the national chairman zoned to the Northwest.

‘A meeting was held yesterday with other leaders of the northern zones, and the name of an individual was reportedly adopted. The Northwest has not met to agree on that position. That’s why we came for this meeting, and unfortunately, that meeting again was postponed.

‘So, what we want to make clear to everybody is that this zone has not adopted anybody as a candidate from this zone for the Peoples Democratic Party. There is a lot of resentment due to a lack of consultation among the leaders of this zone.

‘We believe we are the strongest zone in the PDP, and the attitude of our leaders in this regard made us take this position that we disagree with the governor’s position of yesterday, and we are going to have our own candidate that we will nominate for that position.’

He added: ‘The Northwest is the zone to which the national chairman has been zoned.This position has been determined by other zones, and we feel it is unfair for other zones to determine a particular candidate when this zone has not been consulted. That’s why we are taking this position.

‘He said they can go ahead. Those who are interested in contesting can go ahead to contest. Do you think that’s fair, and is there any need for disagreement when it’s open that you can contest? If it’s open, then, why did they adopt somebody else? That would be the question you should have asked him.

‘If it’s an open contest, they should have allowed others to come out and contest. They shouldn’t have just zoned it to one person. If he knew that the chairmanship position has been zoned to the Northwest, why should he adopt a candidate when he has not met others?That’s why we’re here today.

‘Consensus about who? Consensus is made by consultation. We have not been consulted. The governor himself zoned these positions to the North West. We were supposed to meet yesterday at the instance of the Zamfara governor, who said he was traveling, and that meeting was suspended until today.

‘The governor then sat down and adopted a candidate. We didn’t sit down in the North West to adopt a candidate. That’s why we are expressing this position. As far as we are concerned, we do not have a candidate recognized as the North West candidate.

‘We are all stakeholders here. We are all party chairmen. We are all members of the National Assembly. None of us was consulted. We were at the meeting when these positions were zoned to the North West.

‘So, if Governor Fintiri can adopt his own in the Northeast, why can’t we, stakeholders of the Northwest, be allowed to sit down and adopt our own candidate?

Second Aba Reunion Global Convention is set to hold in Atlanta, Georgia , United States next year.

A planning committee has been put in place, comprising Board of Trustees members and members in United States, United Kingdom, and Nigeria.

Chief Chuck Enyinna, a Dallas-based businessman and president, said the convention would hold at Jazzy J Banquet Centre in Georgia.

‘The Banquet Centre is at 5134 Old National Highway, Suite 1 College Park, Georgia,’ Enyinna said.

He said the committee has also secured bookings for members desiring to lodge at Marriot Hotel in Atlanta.

Okechukwu Waboso, a BOT member and head of the committee, said: ‘We are on track to host our members, and for us in Atlanta, we have completed arrangements for venue, consumables, and lodging.

‘We are negotiating to have a seamless transit from the airport to Marriott Hotel and the Banquet Centre on days of the convention,’ Waboso said.

Aba Reunion is a global association for men and women who grew up in the commercial town of Aba from the 1970s to the early 1990s.

The first convention attracted professionals, businessmen, and politicians and was in Dallas in 2024. Enyinna said members in Atlanta, would vote to ratify a proposed homecoming convention in 2028.

Members, friends and associates should contact Chuck Enyinna on +1817-264-1137.