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CAN raises concern over reported conviction of Christian woman in Borno

THE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed concern over the reported conviction and imprisonment of a Christian woman, identified as Lami Samuel Dawa, in Borno State.

CAN said the circumstances surrounding the conviction, particularly reports that the case arose from the conversion of an adult woman to Christianity, had raised serious questions about the protection of religious freedom and fundamental human rights in the country.

The association, however, said it was still verifying the precise facts and legal basis of the conviction.

In a press statement issued on Saturday and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN disclosed that an appeal had already been filed, adding that it was committed to allowing the judicial process to run its course.

The association stressed that every Nigerian had the constitutional right to freely choose, change or practise their religion or belief without coercion, intimidation or unlawful punishment.

It called on the relevant authorities to ensure that the rights of all parties involved in the case were protected and that justice was served in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the country.

‘Nevertheless, the case raises important questions about the protection of religious freedom and the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’ the statement said.

CAN further disclosed that it would continue to monitor developments surrounding the case and engage relevant authorities through appropriate legal and institutional channels.

Reaffirming its commitment to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, the association said it remained dedicated to protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of every Nigerian, irrespective of religious background.

The development comes amid renewed concerns over the protection of religious freedom and the rights of citizens to practise their faith in different parts of the country.

Truck drivers demand N2bn compensation over alleged assault by company staff

Three truck drivers allegedly assaulted by employees of Karma Agric Feeds and Foods Limited along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway have demanded N2bn in compensation over the incident.

The drivers Abiodun Gbolahan Ridwan Olajide 34 and Taiwo Yinusa 37 made the demand through a pre-action notice issued by their lawyer Mr Babatunde Jinadu of Justice and Peace Attorneys.

The alleged assault involving an Indian national and two other employees of the company was captured in a video that went viral on social media.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer DSP Ayanlade Olayinka the Commissioner of Police Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga directed detectives to identify and arrest those involved.

The suspects were identified as Olowu Oluwadamilare and Sodeke Olamide security operatives attached to the company and Harjit Singh a 46-year-old Indian national associated with the company.

They were subsequently arrested by operatives of the Oyo State Police Command and detained at the Special Enquiry Bureau Eleyele Ibadan for further investigation.

In the pre-action notice dated October 19 the drivers alleged that the incidents occurred on October 9 and 10 2026.

The notice stated that Gbolahan was assaulted on October 9 while Olajide and his truck assistant Yinusa were allegedly attacked the following day by Singh and other persons associated with the company including Oluwadamilare and Olamide.

It added that the second incident was recorded by Kehinde Nurudeen the driver of another truck at the company’s premises and that the footage subsequently circulated on social media.

The lawyer said the victims had access to the full recording which they intended to rely on as evidence in appropriate proceedings.

The notice also alleged that Olajide was handcuffed and restrained when the assault continued raising questions about whether the conduct amounted to attempted murder grievous bodily harm or other serious offences.

The drivers are seeking compensation for alleged assault attempted murder physical violence the unlawful retention of two trucks and loss of business revenue.

The notice stated: ‘In view of the seriousness of the incidents the physical injuries suffered by our clients the surrounding handcuffing and continued beating of Mr Ridwan Olajide the assault on Taiwo Yunusa the continued retention of the two trucks and the consequential business losses we have our clients’ instructions to demand the sum of (Two Billion Naira) from your company as damages arising from the incidents.’

We must enable people, build institutions that convert capacity into sustainable performance – Salami

Abiola Salami, Performance Strategist and founder, CHAMP Global Leadership Consulting, a leadership development and performance advisory firm, speaks to institutional investment in technology, people, infrastructure and innovation; and argues that innovation and adoption are not sufficient measures of institutional success. In this interview, Salami discusses why Nigeria needs a stronger approach to measuring institutional performance leadership ahead of the 2026 Peak Performer Africa awards scheduled for November 20. Excerpts by JOHN SALAU:

As a performance strategist, what role would you say governance and accountability play in institutional performance?

They are central. Strategy without accountability can become aspiration without delivery.

Governance without decision quality can become procedural compliance without effective oversight. Good governance should help an institution make sound decisions, identify risks, allocate resources responsibly and ensure that authority is matched by accountability.

Accountability also has to extend beyond assigning blame when something goes wrong. It requires clarity about who owns an outcome, the resources and authority available to that person, the standards against which performance is assessed, and the mechanisms for learning and correction. When these elements work together, accountability becomes a performance discipline rather than a disciplinary event.

What is the implication of having an institution heavily dependent on the chief executive when it comes to performance?

It may perform impressively during that leader’s tenure, but the more important question is whether the institution has built the capability to continue performing when that individual leaves. Enduring performance requires leadership depth, succession planning, institutional memory, effective processes and a culture that supports sound decisions beyond the personality of the chief executive. A leader’s legacy should not be measured only by the results achieved while in office. It should also be measured by the institution’s readiness to continue delivering afterwards. This is why leadership continuity and succession are among the dimensions examined by the Performance Leadership Index.

What is the Performance Leadership Index?

The Performance Leadership Index 2026 is an evidence-led assessment developed by The Peak Performer Africa to examine institutional capability for sustainable performance. It is not designed to reward size, popularity or visibility.

It examines the evidence of how institutions establish direction, execute priorities, take ownership of performance, govern decisions, develop leadership capability and sustain results. The assessment uses ten dimensions i.e. Strategic Coherence; Execution Discipline; Performance Ownership and Accountability; Leadership Capability and Readiness; Leadership Continuity and Succession; Governance, Decision Quality and Behavioural Integrity; People, Culture and Organisational Alignment; Innovation and Organisational Adaptability; Stakeholder Confidence and Market Signals; and Enduring Performance.

Together, these dimensions encourage a more integrated view of institutional effectiveness.

How does the Index differentiate genuine performance from good corporate storytelling?

Our methodology uses the 5D Standard (i.e. Direction, Discipline, Depth, Dynamism and Durability) through evidence and disciplined assessment. It also applies the Four Proof Rule, which examines evidence of the system, the outcome, the time dimension and independent corroboration. The assessment considers the strength and consistency of the available evidence, rather than relying solely on what an institution says about itself. Evidence confidence and integrity checks are also part of the process.

A distinction must be made between a claim and proof of that claim. Having a policy does not automatically demonstrate that it is implemented effectively. Reporting an achievement does not, by itself, establish that the achievement is sustainable. The assessment is designed to reward substantiated institutional capability – not merely compelling narratives.

What does the Index mean for institutions that are recognised?

Recognition should mean something more than visibility. It should reflect evidence that an institution meets a defined standard. The Performance Leadership Index 2026 assesses institutions against a common methodology, with sector context considered in interpreting institutional performance. It is not intended to produce a simplistic league table of the largest or most popular organisations. The 2026 assessment covers 100 institutions, with 25 qualifying as PLI 25 Leading Institutions under the established assessment criteria. The assessment uses a threshold of 80 percent, alongside minimum requirements across the five dimensions, evidence confidence and integrity criteria. Recognition is therefore tied to the applicable evidence and qualification standard.

It should be understood in that context.

Do you think there is a need to measure performance leadership differently in Nigeria?

We have become accustomed to measuring institutional success through familiar indicators like revenue, profitability, market share, growth, asset size and visibility. These are important, but they do not tell the complete story. We must also ask how consistently an institution translates its strategic direction into results, how well it executes, whether accountability is embedded in its operating culture, how sound its governance, and whether it can sustain performance beyond the tenure of a particular leader. An institution can be profitable without being sufficiently resilient. It can be innovative without delivering a better customer experience. It can have an impressive strategy that never becomes an organisational reality. Performance Leadership challenges us to examine the connection between direction, capability, execution and outcomes. The question is not simply whether an institution is successful today. It is whether it has the leadership systems, organisational discipline and institutional foundations to sustain that success.

On Friday, November 20, 2026, at MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, The Peak Performer Africa will convene two connected experiences under the theme Unlocking Capacity. Redefining Performance. The evening programme, TPP Awards 2026, featuring the Performance Leadership Honours, begins at 6:00 p.m. It will include my keynote on The State of Performance Leadership in Nigeria and the unveiling of the Performance Leadership Index 2026, alongside institutional and individual recognitions under the applicable criteria. The morning experience, No More Shrinking; The Full Capacity Experience, begins at 8:00 a.m. and examines the utilisation of female capacity in Nigeria. The two conversations are connected by a national imperative: we must enable people to contribute fully and build institutions that convert capacity into sustainable performance.

Are you saying financial performance indicators are no longer relevant?

Not at all. Financial performance remains essential. My argument is that we should distinguish between measuring results and understanding the institutional capabilities that produce and sustain those results. Profitability tells us something important about an institution. But it does not, by itself, tell us how effectively the organisation manages risk, develops future leaders, maintains governance standards, aligns its people, adapts to disruption or prepares for leadership succession. The objective is not to replace financial indicators. It is to complement them with a more complete understanding of institutional performance. A stronger measurement approach helps boards and executives understand not only what happened, but also the systems and leadership disciplines that made it possible and whether those systems can continue to deliver.

How should businesses do outside investing in innovation to boost institutional performance?

They should begin by defining the outcomes that matter before celebrating the activity. If an institution invests in digital banking, for example, it should examine not only transaction volumes and adoption but also reliability, security, complaints resolution, inclusion and customer trust. If it invests in employee development, it should examine whether leadership capability improves, execution becomes stronger and business outcomes change. If it introduces a new strategy, it should track whether priorities are understood, resources are aligned, responsibilities are clear and intended outcomes are achieved. In my latest Guardian column, I make a related argument about digital banking that the deployment of technology is not the same as the achievement of better performance. The same principle applies across sectors. The discipline is simple; connect investment to capability, capability to execution, and execution to evidence of results.

What do you consider a call to action after a possible engagement with this approach?

I would encourage boards and chief executives to ask five questions. First, is our strategic direction clear enough to guide choices and resource allocation? Second, do we have the discipline to execute our priorities consistently? Third, is accountability connected to outcomes rather than activity alone? Fourth, do our governance, leadership and people systems support the performance we expect? Finally, are we building an institution that can sustain its results over time? These questions can expose gaps that conventional reporting may not make sufficiently visible. The value of measurement is not the score itself. It is the quality of the decisions that follow.

Finally, what is your advice to Nigerian business leaders on deepening institutional performance?

Do not confuse activity with achievement, visibility with capability, or short-term success with enduring performance. The institutions that will matter most in the years ahead are those that can demonstrate a clear direction, execute with discipline, take ownership of outcomes, govern responsibly and sustain results. Nigeria does not lack ambition. We must become more deliberate about building the institutional capability to turn ambition into performance.

Insecurity: Senator Karimi hails DSS director’s professionalism in Kogi

The Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Sunday Steve Karimi, has commended the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kogi State, Bashar, for his professionalism and efforts to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges in the state.

Karimi, in a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja, praised the DSS director for his proactive approach to security operations, particularly his involvement with field personnel in efforts to rid the state’s forests of criminal elements.

The senator also commended Bashar for maintaining political neutrality and demonstrating professionalism in handling political matters, regardless of party affiliations.

He noted that the DSS director had consistently worked to maintain a peaceful political atmosphere in Kogi State by preventing thuggery, intimidation and violence during political campaigns and other public engagements.

Karimi cited an incident during one of his recently concluded town hall meetings in Kabba, where suspected hoodlums allegedly dressed in police uniforms attempted to disrupt the gathering in the early hours of the morning.

According to him, the DSS director swiftly deployed personnel to the area after receiving intelligence about the incident, preventing the suspected hoodlums from disrupting the programme or causing damage.

He said the prompt intervention of the security operatives forced the suspected hoodlums to flee before they could carry out their alleged mission.

The senator described the response as an example of effective intelligence gathering, timely intervention and responsible security leadership.

Karimi said the DSS director’s commitment to protecting lives and property, as well as his non-partisan approach to political security, deserved recognition and encouragement.

He urged security agencies to sustain their collaboration and remain professional in carrying out their responsibilities to ensure lasting peace, political stability, and security across Kogi State.

Arusha to host 300 climate scientists as El Niño raises concerns over extreme weather in Tanzania

Arusha. Climate scientists from around the world are expected to meet in Arusha to assess El Niño-related rainfall patterns and other extreme weather events amid growing concerns over changing climate conditions.

The meeting comes as El Niño conditions strengthen, with experts forecasting average to above-average rainfall in several parts of the world during the current rainy season.

The discussions will take place during the Third Meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group I, scheduled for November 2 to 6.

More than 300 scientists from 75 countries are expected to attend. Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba is due to officially open the meeting.

Speaking to journalists in Arusha on Sunday, November 1, 2026, Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) Director-General Ladislaus Changa said the meeting had been organised by the IPCC, its Working Group I Bureau and TMA.

Mr Changa, who is also an IPCC vice-chair, said the meeting would allow leading scientists to review evidence on climate change, including rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and the increasing occurrence of extreme weather events.

He said the discussions would contribute to the preparation of the IPCC’s Seventh Assessment Report (AR7), which is expected to provide scientific evidence to help governments develop climate policies and strategies.

‘The work involves assessing how climate systems are changing, the extent of global temperature increases and whether extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall, droughts and strong winds, are becoming more frequent and intense,’ he said.

Mr Changa said the process was part of the IPCC’s broader mandate to provide governments with scientific information on climate change and its implications for various economic and social sectors.

‘For Tanzania, as the host country, the meeting will also provide an opportunity for our scientists and their counterparts from other African countries to engage with international experts, exchange knowledge and strengthen their participation in scientific research on climate change,’ he said.

Arusha resident Judith Kimaro said residents hoped the meeting would produce findings that would improve the reliability of weather forecasts and help them plan for changing weather conditions.

Former commissioner dumps PDP for APC in Gombe

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on Saturday, received former Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Mohammed Adamu Damji, into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Damji, who is a former Executive Chairman of the Gombe State Board of Internal Revenue and former Managing Director of the Gombe State Investment and Property Development Company, defected from the Nyesom Wike-backed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC.

He visited the governor at his office in Government House, Gombe, accompanied by former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sen. Usman Bayero Nafada.

Welcoming Damji into the APC, Governor Yahaya, who is the party’s leader in the state, assured him of an inclusive platform to deploy his experience, networks and political goodwill towards strengthening the party and advancing the development of Gombe State.

The governor expressed confidence that Damji’s entry would further strengthen the APC, while reiterating his commitment to unity, progressive leadership and the collective pursuit of the state’s development agenda.

In his remarks, Damji assured Governor Yahaya that he would mobilise his political networks and grassroots support for the APC and its candidates in the 2027 general elections.

He specifically pledged support for the party’s governorship candidate, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, and other candidates across all levels.

Damji also commended Yahaya’s leadership and developmental efforts, describing his administration’s performance as a reflection of purposeful leadership and commitment to the progress of Gombe State.

He expressed confidence in the APC’s prospects in the forthcoming elections and pledged his full support towards ensuring the party’s success.

7 types of paralysis you should know

Paralysis is the loss of the ability to move parts of the body normally. It can happen suddenly or develop gradually, depending on what is affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves or muscles. The condition can affect one side of the body, both legs, all four limbs or a specific part of the body. In some cases, movement is completely lost, while in others, a person may still have limited movement or weakness.

Stroke, spinal cord injuries, infections, nerve disorders and other medical conditions can cause paralysis. Recognising the different patterns can help people understand what the condition means and why prompt medical assessment is important.

In this article, Tribune Online highlights seven types of paralysis you should know.

Monoplegia

Monoplegia affects one limb, meaning one arm or one leg. The affected limb may become completely paralysed or significantly weaker than the other limbs. Depending on the underlying cause, the condition may develop suddenly or gradually.

Damage to a particular area of the brain or spinal cord, nerve injury and some neurological conditions can result in monoplegia. A person who suddenly develops weakness or inability to move one arm or leg should receive urgent medical attention, particularly if there are other symptoms such as difficulty speaking or facial weakness.

Hemiplegia

Hemiplegia affects one side of the body, usually involving the arm and leg on the same side.

Stroke is one of the most common causes, although brain injuries, tumours, infections and other neurological conditions can also cause it.

The weakness may affect the face as well as the arm and leg. Depending on the severity and cause, movement may be partly or completely lost. Sudden weakness or paralysis affecting one side of the body is a medical emergency because it may be a sign of stroke.

Paraplegia

Paraplegia mainly affects both legs and sometimes parts of the lower body. It commonly results from damage to the spinal cord, particularly injuries affecting the lower part of the spinal cord. Other possible causes include certain diseases and conditions that damage the spinal cord or nervous system.

People with paraplegia may also experience changes in sensation and problems controlling the bladder or bowel. The extent of paralysis depends on where and how severely the spinal cord has been affected.

Diplegia

Diplegia refers to paralysis or significant weakness affecting the same parts of the body on both sides, with the legs commonly more affected than the arms. It is often associated with cerebral palsy, particularly forms in which muscle control and movement are predominantly affected in the lower limbs.

A person with diplegia may have difficulty walking, maintaining balance or controlling movements of the legs. The severity varies considerably from one person to another.

Early rehabilitation, including physiotherapy and other supportive care, can help many people improve movement and independence.

Quadriplegia or tetraplegia

Quadriplegia, also called tetraplegia, affects all four limbs, usually as a result of significant damage to the cervical spinal cord. The extent of paralysis can vary. Some people may retain limited movement in their arms or legs, while others may lose movement and sensation almost completely.

Depending on the level of spinal cord injury, breathing and other essential body functions may also be affected. Spinal cord injuries causing quadriplegia require specialised medical care and long-term rehabilitation.

6. Facial paralysis

Facial paralysis affects the muscles used for facial movement. A person may have difficulty smiling, closing one eye, raising an eyebrow or moving one side of the face normally.

Bell’s palsy is a common cause of sudden facial paralysis and often affects one side of the face.

However, facial weakness can also occur with stroke and other neurological conditions.

This distinction is important. If facial weakness develops suddenly alongside arm weakness, speech difficulty, confusion, severe headache or problems with balance, emergency medical care is required because stroke may be responsible.

7. Generalised paralysis

Generalised paralysis affects large portions of the body and can involve multiple limbs.

It may occur in serious neurological or neuromuscular conditions that interfere with communication between the nerves and muscles.

Guillain-Barré syndrome, for example, can cause rapidly progressive weakness that may eventually affect the muscles needed for breathing. Generalised paralysis can therefore be a medical emergency, particularly when weakness progresses quickly or breathing and swallowing become difficult.

APC boasts of 13m members nationwide structure ahead of 2027 elections

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has said its nationwide organisational structure extensive presence and approximately 13 million verified members give it an advantage over opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party’s National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda stated this on Sunday while receiving a pre-election fact-finding mission from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.

Former Sierra Leonean Vice-President Victor Bockarie Foh led the delegation.

Yilwatda said years of deliberate political organisation had positioned the APC to mobilise voters effectively across the country.

He maintained that the party’s membership strength and established structures gave it a solid foundation ahead of the 2027 elections.

A statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by Abimbola Tooki Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy to the APC National Chairman quoted Yilwatda as making the remarks during the meeting.

‘Our party is the largest political party in Nigeria. In terms of structure organisation and membership no other political party comes close to us. We are approximately three times larger than the next political party in the country’ Yilwatda declared during the meeting.

The party chief revealed that the APC’s 13 million registered members across all local government areas are backed by a verifiable database and membership identity cards linked to National Identification Numbers (NIN) and voter registration details.

He added that the ruling party boasts over 261000 elected executive officers spanning ward local government state and national structures.

Highlighting the party’s elected representation as proof of national acceptance Yilwatda pointed out that the APC holds 31 out of the 36 state governorship seats 88 seats out of 109 in the Senate and 208 out of 360 seats in the House of Representatives in addition to dominating state Houses of Assembly.

The National Chairman noted that the APC’s platform remains the primary vehicle for political aspirants nationwide citing the over 7000 aspirants who contested in its internal primary processes.

He noted that while several unsuccessful aspirants eventually picked tickets in opposition parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) the APC recorded very few post-primary court cases.

Emphasising candidate readiness Yilwatda revealed that the APC has fielded candidates for all available elective positions inaugurated its campaign council and completed its candidate upload on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.

He urged the electoral body to stick strictly to its published election timetable to ensure a fair transparent and predictable contest for all participants.

‘We believe INEC should stick to its timetable. The rules must apply equally to every political party. The electoral process must be fair transparent and predictable without adjusting deadlines in a manner that gives any party an undue advantage’ he said.

Despite the ruling party’s overwhelming structural advantage Yilwatda assured the visiting ECOWAS delegation that the APC remains committed to democratic principles and will not use its strength to intimidate or suppress opposing voices.

He cited past anti-government demonstrations such as the ‘Tinubu Must Go’ protests as proof that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration fully protects democratic space.

‘Being the largest political party does not mean that we want to suppress anybody. We want a democratic environment in which every party can organise campaign and seek the support of Nigerians without fear’ Yilwatda stated.

In his remarks the head of the ECOWAS mission Victor Bockarie Foh commended Professor Yilwatda for the detailed presentation clarifying that the delegation’s assessment would rely strictly on scientific data collection observation and verification.

‘Our monitoring is scientific and our decisions on issues are based on scientific observation. We verify information before making any pronouncement and we use a robust data-collection system. Our reports are therefore not arbitrary’ Foh stated

He explained that the mission engaged relevant political stakeholders to gather information and perspectives to support its assessment of Nigeria’s electoral environment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said the engagement would meaningfully contribute to the mission’s understanding of the political landscape and the conditions for conducting next year’s elections noting that the session provided valuable insight into Nigeria’s political readiness ahead of the polls.

Umahi dismisses Peter Obi’s presidential ambition, says he is not better than him

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed Peter Obi’s presidential ambition, questioning the former Anambra State governor’s qualifications compared with other prominent South-East politicians, including himself.

Umahi also declared that the South-East had no presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, urging the region to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid instead of backing Obi.

The former Ebonyi State governor argued that supporting Tinubu for another four-year term would strengthen the South-East’s chances of securing the presidency when it becomes the region’s turn.

He made the remarks in Abakaliki during a town hall meeting organised by the Directorate of Infrastructure, Mobilisation and Sensitisation of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council.

Umahi called on religious and traditional leaders in the South-East to openly support Tinubu, warning against remaining neutral in the political debate ahead of the 2027 elections.

Addressing the gathering, the minister said, ‘I want to tell our religious leaders and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), do not stay on the fence. I know when I was struggling to be Governor, CAN took a decision and said justice must prevail. CAN, don’t keep quiet; let us toe the path that must sustain our freedom. ‘There is no way an Igbo man, after staying for 60 years, will want to be President for four years. There is nobody that can accept that. The North has not accepted to be President for four years. Somebody was telling me that Atiku’s son bought buses and donated to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and said this is a personal donation.

‘Igbo man needs wisdom, not sentiments. Igbo man should not allow people to be dishing hate speeches on social media on their behalf. Today, our people in commerce, we clear our goods with ease. Today, our roads are being revived in the path of economic activities. Today, we can boldly say we have been integrated. The last time they were choosing service chiefs, it was the Naval Chief. This time, it is Chief of Air Staff, Minister of Works, other Ministers, SSAs, what else? When I say South-East have been fully integrated and included, I mean it.

‘My mouth will not shut up because I am telling our people for a reference for tomorrow. We are supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to finish his remaining four years so that the South-East would have strategically supported another region. So that when it is our turn, we will not get this thing by hate speeches; they will not give to us by sentiments. If strategic leaders of the South-East say this, you will now insult them.

‘You insult anybody who is not supporting Peter Obi. Anybody who is not supporting Peter Obi is a saboteur; you insult the person. Who is Peter Obi better than? Who is he better than? Is he better than Sam Egwu? Is he better than Elias Mbam? Is he better than the Lion of the South-East, myself? Is he better than Anyim Pius? Who is better than?

‘So, I don’t want us to be deceiving ourselves. We don’t have any presidential candidate in the South-East. We have people who are vying; Ebonyi has a right to make a choice. Traditional fathers, do not stay on the fence; religious leaders, do not stay on the fence. Our people in the North do not; our people in the South-West, they do not. Guide our people, let them know what,’ the minister stated.

Umahi further claimed that the South-East had benefited from greater political inclusion under Tinubu’s administration, citing appointments into key government positions and ongoing road rehabilitation projects.

He also pointed to improvements in the ease of conducting business, arguing that the region should consider its political interests before making decisions about the 2027 presidential election.

We will not allow prolonged deadlock to breed resignation, Senekis says

The Government remains committed to achieving a just, sustainable and functional solution to the Cyprus problem, based on the agreed framework and relevant United Nations resolutions, Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis said on Sunday.

“We will not allow prolonged deadlock to breed resignation, nor will we allow time to become a silent ally of partition,” he said.

Addressing a memorial service for the fallen and missing residents of Kythrea, Senekis said President Nikos Christodoulides was continuing efforts to overcome the prolonged deadlock and resume substantive negotiations from where they were interrupted in 2017.

He said the Greek Cypriot side remained ready to make use of every opportunity for progress, with the assistance of the United Nations and more active involvement by the European Union, in order to create the conditions for restarting the peace process.

Acknowledging that the path remained difficult, the Minister said the Turkish side’s continued demands for a partition-based solution ran counter to the agreed framework for resolving the Cyprus problem.

He reiterated that any solution should provide for the withdrawal of occupation troops and exclude outdated guarantees and intervention rights.

“However long the occupation may last, it does not become lawful, and injustice, however much it may be presented as normality, remains injustice,” Senekis said.