Category: Auto Guid

Delivering the unanimous ruling of a three-member panel of Justices of the court on Wednesday, Justice Okon Abang held that Godwin’s bid to obtain leave to appeal a judgment of the Federal High Court delivered on 17 July 2024 was incompetent and unjustified.

Justice Abang ruled that although Godwin argued he was not personally named in the original suit, he was nonetheless a party by virtue of occupying the office of Deputy Governor at the time.

He described the applicant’s claim as ‘misleading and misconceived’, noting that the office he held was directly sued, making him bound by the proceedings and judgment of the court.

The three reliefs sought by Godwin in his application include: an extension of time to seek leave to appeal; leave to appeal as an interested party against the judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CV/178/2024 delivered on 17 July 2024; and extension of time to file the appeal.

However, Justice Abang held that the first two prayers of the applicant were incompetent, leaving only the request for extension of time to appeal for consideration by the court.

In resolving that issue, Abang reiterated the legal requirement that an applicant must provide ‘good and substantial reasons’ for failing to appeal within the prescribed period, as well as show that the proposed grounds of appeal have merit.

He held that when the Federal High Court, in its judgment, ordered the applicant to vacate the seat of Deputy Governor of Edo State, he used his executive authority and refused to vacate the office as directed.

Justice Abang said that when committal proceedings were initiated against him for his refusal to vacate office, the applicant rushed to the Court of Appeal to stop the proceedings. He held that the committal proceedings should proceed unhindered.

The court held that Godwin failed on both counts and faulted his explanation that he delayed action due to a ‘misapprehension’ of the need to appeal, describing it as a ‘lame and untenable excuse’.

Justice Abang, who described Godwin’s application as strange and peculiar, emphasised that the applicant was fully aware of the judgment and its implications but failed to act within the legally stipulated timeframe.

The appellate court further observed that the issues raised in the proposed appeal had been overtaken by events, particularly as Godwin’s tenure had already expired. As such, any appeal would serve no practical purpose and would amount to an academic exercise.

‘The purpose of this application is merely to frustrate ongoing committal proceedings,’ the court held, warning that judicial time should not be wasted on appeals that lack value.

In a strongly worded remark, Justice Abang cautioned public office holders against disregarding court orders, stating that ‘executive might has its expiry date’, stressing the supremacy of the rule of law.

Consequently, the court dismissed the application in its entirety and awarded costs of N500,000 against the applicant.

The ruling was concurred by the other members of the panel, who agreed that the application was frivolous, devoid of merit, and an abuse of judicial process.

It would be recalled that Justice James Omotosho had, in a judgment delivered on 17 July 2024, reinstated Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State following his earlier impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly.

The trial judge held that the removal of Shaibu from office and the subsequent appointment of Omobayo Godwin as his replacement by the Governor of Edo State was illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.

Aside from restoring him to office as Deputy Governor, the court held that all his salaries, allowances and benefits should be paid to him from 8 April, when he was illegally impeached, until the expiration of his tenure.

The trial court maintained that the reason the Edo State House of Assembly gave for impeaching the plaintiff was lame and smacked of an orchestrated political vendetta.

Shaibu, in his motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/321/2024, joined the Edo State Government, Edo State Governor, Edo State House of Assembly, Edo State House of Assembly Speaker, the Clerk of the Assembly, the Chief Judge of Edo State, IGP and Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) as the 1st to 8th defendants.

THE United States is moving to withhold 50 per cent of its aid to Nigeria under a new legislative proposal that ties continued support to measurable progress on security, civilian protection, and accountability.

The U.S. House Appropriations Committee approved the measure as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programmes appropriations bill, reflecting growing concern in Washington over persistent violence in Africa’s most populous nation.

The broader bill allocates about $47.32 billion for foreign aid and diplomacy, a reduction of roughly six per cent from the previous year.

If enacted, the proposal would require the Secretary of State to certify that Nigeria is taking ‘effective steps’ to address insecurity, protect civilians, and prosecute perpetrators before half of the allocated aid can be released.

Lawmakers linked the conditions to continued attacks by militant groups and violence affecting vulnerable communities.

The legislation also directs Nigerian authorities to prioritise support for victims, particularly internally displaced persons, and to facilitate the safe return and reconstruction of affected communities.

It calls for investigations and prosecutions tied to armed groups.

In addition, Nigeria would be required to match U.S. funding for supported programmes, effectively introducing a dollar-for-dollar framework that could increase pressure on government finances.

A committee statement said the bill aims to ‘hold foreign governments accountable for persecuting people of faith’, adding that assistance to Nigeria would remain restricted until ‘measurable actions are taken’ to protect vulnerable populations.

The proposal also places Nigeria under heightened congressional scrutiny, requiring the U.S. administration to notify Congress at least 15 days before any funds are disbursed.

The bill, however, is yet to become law and must still pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by the U.S. president.

Nigeria has previously rejected claims that violence in the country is driven by religious persecution, arguing instead that insecurity reflects a complex mix of terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts.

Nonetheless, the proposed measure signals a shift toward stricter U.S. oversight of foreign assistance and could reshape bilateral relations if approved.

Party leaders and stakeholders in Ekiti-South Senatorial District have endorsed the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the seat in 2027.

The leaders and the stakeholders in the six local government areas in the district jointly affirmed Adaramodu as their consensus candidate to remain in the Senate in 2027.

In a letter addressed to the Ekiti State chairman of the party, conveying the decision of the stakeholders, they disclosed that it was reached at a meeting held on April 13, 2027.

‘Following the due consultations with stakeholders, leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the ward, local governments and districts in line with the directive of the party to adopt consensus where possible, we hereby avail and affirm that Senator Adeyemi Raphael Adaramodu has emerged as the consensus candidate of our party for the position of Senator in the forthcoming senatorial election (2027),’ the letter reads in part.

The stakeholders said Adaramodu’s choice received ‘overwhelming support and without dissent’ at the meeting, adding that the decision was taken to ensure the unity and stability of the party, which they explained would guarantee victory for the APC in 2027.

The leaders of the six local governments, who jointly affirmed the endorsement were Idowu Isaac Dare (Ise/Orun; Gabriel Omoniyi (Emure); Oyebode Kayode (Ikere); Olajide Falae (Ekiti-South-West); Akinseye Adebayo (Gbonyin); and ?Chief Clement Ojo (Ekiti-East).

Workplace safety often sits quietly in the background until something goes wrong. It is treated like a checklist item rather than a core priority. But the reality is simple safety is not something you revisit after an incident it is something you build into every moment of work. When safety becomes an afterthought, risks grow unnoticed, small issues escalate, and preventable accidents occur. A truly safe workplace is not created by chance it is created by intention, consistency, and awareness. This blog explores why workplace safety deserves constant attention and how overlooking it can lead to serious consequences for both employees and organizations.

Small Oversights Lead to Big Consequences

It is rarely the major risks that cause accidents it is the small things that go unnoticed. A loose wire, a wet floor, or an improperly stored tool might seem insignificant in the moment, but these minor oversights can quickly turn into serious hazards.

According to Chopin Law Firm, workers compensation lawyer New Orleans firm, ‘When safety is not prioritized, these small issues accumulate. Employees may begin to ignore them, assuming someone else will address the problem or that it is not urgent. This mindset creates a chain reaction where risks are normalized instead of resolved.’

The danger lies in how easily these details are overlooked during busy workdays. Productivity often takes precedence, and safety becomes secondary. Over time, this imbalance increases the likelihood of accidents.

Addressing small issues immediately prevents them from becoming larger problems. A proactive approach to safety ensures that even minor concerns are treated with importance, reducing the chance of unexpected incidents.

A Reactive Approach Always Comes Too Late

Waiting for an accident to happen before taking action is one of the most common mistakes in workplace safety. A reactive approach focuses on fixing problems after they occur rather than preventing them in the first place.

Once an incident happens, the damage is already done. Injuries, downtime, and emotional stress cannot be undone by corrective measures alone. While learning from incidents is important, relying solely on this approach leaves gaps in safety.

A proactive mindset shifts the focus to prevention. It involves identifying potential risks, implementing safeguards, and continuously improving processes. This approach reduces the likelihood of accidents and creates a more secure environment.

Safety should never be about responding to problems it should be about preventing them from happening at all.

Employee Well Being Depends on Safety

A safe workplace is directly linked to employee well being. When employees feel secure, they are more confident, focused, and productive. On the other hand, unsafe environments create stress and uncertainty.

Employees who worry about potential hazards are less likely to perform at their best. This not only affects individual performance but also impacts overall team efficiency.

Safety is not just about physical protection it also supports mental and emotional health. Knowing that their workplace prioritizes safety builds trust and morale.

Investing in safety shows employees that their well being matters. This creates a positive work environment where people feel valued and protected.

Productivity Suffers When Safety Is Ignored

There is a common misconception that focusing on safety slows down productivity. In reality, the opposite is true. Unsafe workplaces experience more disruptions due to accidents, injuries, and equipment failures.

When incidents occur, work stops. Investigations begin, resources are redirected, and timelines are affected. These interruptions can have a significant impact on overall productivity.

Consistent safety practices help maintain smooth operations. They reduce unexpected delays and ensure that work continues without unnecessary interruptions.

A safe workplace is an efficient workplace. Prioritizing safety supports both performance and long term success.

Safety Culture Starts from the Top

Leadership plays a critical role in shaping workplace safety. When leaders treat safety as a priority, employees are more likely to follow suit. However, if leadership overlooks safety, it sends a message that it is not important.

A strong safety culture begins with clear expectations and consistent actions. Leaders must model safe behavior, enforce policies, and encourage open communication about risks.

Employees look to leadership for guidance. When they see safety being taken seriously, they are more likely to adopt the same mindset.

Creating a culture where safety is embedded in daily operations ensures that it remains a priority at all levels of the organization.

Training Is Not a One Time Effort

Many workplaces treat safety training as a onetime requirement. While initial training is important, it is not enough to maintain long term safety.

Work environments change, new risks emerge, and employees may forget important procedures over time. Regular training reinforces knowledge and keeps safety practices fresh.

Ongoing education also allows employees to stay updated on new policies and techniques. It encourages continuous improvement and awareness.

Safety training should be an ongoing process, not a onetime event. Consistency in training helps build confidence and competence among employees.

Communication Prevents Misunderstandings

Clear communication is essential for workplace safety. Misunderstandings can lead to mistakes, and mistakes can lead to accidents.

Employees need to feel comfortable reporting hazards and asking questions. When communication is open, potential risks are identified and addressed quickly.

Lack of communication creates gaps in awareness. Employees may not fully understand procedures or may miss important updates.

Encouraging transparent and consistent communication ensures that everyone is informed and aligned. This reduces confusion and promotes a safer work environment.

Compliance Is More Than Just Following Rules

Safety regulations exist to protect both employees and organizations. However, compliance should not be treated as a minimum requirement.

Simply meeting basic standards is not enough to create a truly safe workplace. Going beyond compliance ensures that risks are minimized as much as possible.

Organizations that prioritize safety often exceed regulatory requirements. They focus on continuous improvement rather than just meeting expectations.

Viewing compliance as a foundation rather than a goal helps create a stronger and more effective safety strategy.

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Buba Galadima, has predicted a difficult path for opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, alleging systemic efforts to weaken alternative political platforms in the country.

Galadima spoke on Saturday at the Obi-Kwankwaso Unity Summit held in Abuja, where political actors and supporters from various opposition blocs gathered to strengthen their alliances and strategies for the next election cycle.

He said Nigeria’s challenges would not be solved by external forces, stressing that citizens must take responsibility for addressing the country’s problems through democratic means.

‘Nobody will drop from the moon to solve our problems. We Nigerians must rise and solve them ourselves,’ he said.

The ADC stalwart, however, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to dominate the political space and create conditions that could make it difficult for opposition parties to field credible candidates.

He cited ongoing legal disputes and internal crises within opposition parties as part of what he described as a broader strategy to frustrate their participation in the electoral process.

Referring to recent court rulings affecting the ADC, Galadima questioned the feasibility of the party meeting critical timelines required to present candidates, suggesting that the situation could leave the party without a presidential flagbearer.

‘Can all the processes be completed before the deadline? If not, can the ADC have a candidate? It is clear that some of us must begin to look for alternatives,’ he said.

He further alleged that attempts were being made to engineer divisions within opposition parties by promoting multiple presidential aspirants, thereby making consensus difficult.

According to him, the option of conducting direct primaries nationwide would also pose logistical and security challenges for opposition groups.

Galadima warned that opposition leaders should prepare for intensified political attacks, including what he described as coordinated media campaigns aimed at discrediting their candidates.

‘They will deploy social media influencers and columnists to attack our leaders. We must be ready to respond with facts,’ he said.

In a more alarming claim, the ADC chieftain cautioned that political desperation could escalate into violence, alleging that opposition figures might become targets.

‘If we are not careful, they may even attempt to assassinate some of our leaders,’ he said, without providing evidence.

Despite the concerns, Galadima expressed optimism that a united opposition could defeat the ruling party, drawing historical parallels to leaders once seen as unbeatable but later removed from power.

‘I dare say there will be a ‘Moses’ who will contest and defeat the APC,’ he added.

Also speaking at the summit, the Director-General of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, John Ughulu, urged Nigerians to begin grassroots mobilisation ahead of the elections.

He called on supporters to engage at the ward level to build a strong political base capable of challenging the ruling party.

The summit attracted prominent political figures and activists from the Kwankwasiyya and Obidient movements, including Aisha Yesufu and Isaac Fayose, underscoring ongoing efforts to forge a united opposition front ahead of 2027.

What motivates Nigerians living in Nigeria today? It will be interesting to know. What drives Nigerians to patriotism? Could it be the country’s leaders? Or can we say that the institutions through which the people are governed give them reasons to stay motivated and want to embrace patriotism? Look at the Nigeria Police Force. What impressions do people have of that very vital institution of Nigerian society? How do Nigerians perceive the Nigerian Judiciary? Remember, the Judiciary is often referred to as ‘the last hope of the common man’. The two chambers of the Nigerian parliament – the National Assembly are also there as a reflection of the country. The legislature is the first arm of a people’s government, and that is when democracy is taken as ‘the government of the people by the people and for the people.’

This early second quarter of 2026, Nigeria is fervently gearing up for the 2027 general election. The elections are coming in 2027 but the country is currently so fired up that people now think less of 2026 and its other potentials. All the instruments and apparatuses available to the country are currently mobilised towards the coming elections. Think about it and you will see that perhaps, the only source of motivation in the country at the moment is politics, politicking, elections and sundry matters.

Preparations for the next elections have brought the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the front burner of hot topics in the country. Also, the Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, is now a household name. He had his baptism of fire only recently. Quite uncharacteristically, the hitherto (or, should we say otherwise) unknown Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) had to devise means to protect himself when he recently came under hot lava which flowed from that unrestrained volcano called social media.

The volcanic eruptions around his personality and his integrity have now only temporarily stopped. We can all see the path the lava has created. This does not mean that the volcano is no longer active because the path is laced with questions that are still unanswered. Of course it is still very active and is rumbling, and that means that there could be more eruptions. So, the fire around the man at the helm of our ultra-sensitive INEC has only just subsided, it is not extinguished. In fact, it is smouldering, it is angry, it is combustible.

So, imagine how much positive and negative activity we have around a man that heads an institution like INEC. It is simply unhealthy for the job he was appointed to do. Professor Amupitan ordinarily should stand as a model of integrity and veracity, but he has questions dangling around his neutrality. That is a blight on the institution he is heading. It is a detraction from the respect such institutions should enjoy. And this signposts a lack of trust which could trigger voter apathy. Voter apathy signals failure on the part of INEC. But do they care?

Let’s just leave the Judiciary out of today’s discussion. The Judiciary is one institution that has received its share of angry bashing by Nigerians, through the instrumentality of the activities of political parties and politicians. It is even a consideration among millions of keen observers that, in Nigeria, there is no line separating the two arms of government. Some still insist that there is a blurred line of separation among the three arms of government. How blurred or pronounced the lines are has remained a lively and active debate – is there even a line? The conclusion among millions of tired Nigerians is that the third arm of government cannot be disentangled from the Executive because the executive serves as its fingers. So, without the fingers, the arm might just be less than useful.

The Police? That institution, in terms of morals, is currently a ‘no-go area’, apologies to General Ibrahim Babangida. In 1994, General Babangida convened a constitutional conference and gave the conference two areas it could not discuss – unity of Nigeria and the corporate existence of the country. It called those a ‘no-go area’. So, with what he did at that time, Babangida shook hands with a clenched fist, and today, we are still trying to unravel what it means to be a motivated Nigerian. Discussing the Nigeria Police Force which we see and which we read about would be a deliberate plunge into a known crocodile-infested water. So, it is a no-go area for me.

I will leave you, dear reader, to your opinion on the activities of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force. They are our sons, daughters, brothers, fathers, mothers, friends and associates. The personnel are from the same society like all of us, including that gang among the Police Force whose member, ASP Nuhu Usman, shot a suspect already tied and subdued like a game, in Effurun, Delta State.

The Nigerian Armed Forces as another of our institutions which might also have been a no-go area, but we are in such a situation in which we must keep shouting to be able to get help. However, we might need to look outside the Nigerian Armed Forces to know where the help would come from for beleaguered citizens in various IDP camps scattered around the country. Nigerian soldiers from all the branches of the Armed Forces are doing well on the field, but the Nigerian Armed Forces are not doing well in the offices where decisions on how to tackle the growing insecurity are taken.

Meanwhile, have you noticed the new narrative in government circles about our thriving insecurity? Nigeria’s government officials at various levels have started pushing the description of our security plight as a product of political shenanigans of the opposition to the ruling party. Those who should provide security of life and property have now resorted to blaming opposition politicians as the cause of Nigeria’s insecurity! The condescension is both alarming and disheartening. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said Nigerians are being murdered everywhere, every day as a result of the activities of opposition politicians preparatory to the 2027 elections. Akpabio is the head of that institution which is the bastion of democracy. He said that Nigerian citizens who are daily losing their lives to terrorism and banditry should beg opposition politicians to desist from killing them, rather than turn to the government whose primary responsibility is to provide security.

How is Akpabio’s National Assembly encouraging patriotism? How could Nigerians tap motivation from the kind of things their political leaders say? At the sub-national level, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has echoed Akpabio. Be assured that that argument of theirs would be the singsong in a matter of weeks. And when this happens, how would the beleaguered people of Eda Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State be strengthened? How will other communities in Ekiti State, plagued by insecurity like Oke Ako, Iyemero, Irele, Itapaji and others be motivated as Nigerians? Meanwhile, those seized from their church in Eda Oniyo are still in captivity!

The internally displaced camps in Nigeria are now worse than concentration camps. Amnesty International, as it has always done, called for a look into the condition of those camps and raised fresh issues about the condition of the one in Yipata NYSC Camp in Kwara State. Those in the 300 or so camps are not motivated in any way and might find it hard to embrace patriotism, because they landed in such shelters in the first place because the government failed them.

In these institutions and, from what could be received as information about the country, do we have reasons to stay motivated as Nigerians? What are those things which might attract people from various other corners of the world to come to Nigeria and share in our life? Motivational experts and marketing gurus need to come here and help us. Sam Levenson, at the very beginning of his autobiography ‘Everything But Money’, told what motivated his parents’ migration to the United States. ‘My parents came to America by invitation. Those who had landed here before them sent back picture postcards of a lady called Miss Liberty. Printed on them were these words:

‘Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!’

Who or what can motivate Nigerians now? Football? What, please? Or should Nigerians just look inwards? To find what really? Levenson said his parents were ‘tired, poor, huddled, yearning to be free, wretched, homeless and tempest-tost.’ His parents’ 19th Century is Nigerians’ 21st Century lot. We need motivation, urgently.

The Diocesan Bishop of Ijebu South-West, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Right Reverend Dr Babatunde Ogunbanwo, has urged the federal government to seek intervention from the international community to tackle banditry and terrorism.

He noted that if these twin problems are not tamed headlong, the nation would continue to wanton in destruction.

Bishop Ogunbanwo stated this while delivering the presidential charge to the First Session of the Sixth Synod of the Diocese with the theme ‘The Baton Of Faith Must Not Drop. Pass It On’, hosted by St Peter’s Anglican Church, Idowa, in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Friday.

The cleric, though commended the effort of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the fight against insurgency, said the federal government should seek assistance where the ‘government cannot competently tackle the problem.’

He stressed the need for government and all security agencies to constantly review strategies for greater improvement in the security situation of the country.

Bishop Ogunbanwo said that various attacks being recorded in some parts of the country were a clear indicator that there is a resurgence and regrouping of insurgency.

The Diocesan Bishop of Ijebu South West, The Right Reverend Dr Babatunde Ogunbanwo in a group picture with the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, The Most Revd Dr Micheal Olusina Fape; the Chancellor of the Diocese, Justice Jumoke Pedro, the wife of the Bishop, Mrs Olatundun Ogunbanwo; the Chancellor of Kaduna Diocese, Hon Justice Oludotun Adefope-Okojie; the chairman of the Synod, Otunba Robert Adenaike and bishops from other Dioceses.

The Bishop also addressed the issue of genocide against Christians and other citizens, saying the massacre of Christians and the destruction of some local communities were carried out in the interest of some political and religious entities.

‘In a situation where the government of Nigeria cannot competently tackle the problem, we appeal that the international community should be invited to come to our aid. After all, Nigeria has served in many international peacekeeping forces.

‘President Donald Trump has named our problem and also done the right thing by intervening temporarily. However, we need more intervention from our security personnel so as to save lives and tame the twin problems, since there are elements of criminality and insurgency in what we are suffering in Nigeria, but the barefaced denial of the problem is completely unacceptable.

‘Nigeria is bleeding, and the lives of our citizens are being wasted.’

He emphasised the sanctity of the country, and called for effective policing and protection of lives and property, arguing that such moves would guarantee economic revival and growth.

On the tax system, the Bishop advised the government to protect low-income earners by exempting basic food items and small businesses.

While asking the nation’s economy managers to watch out for the ‘red flags’ that could derail the economy, saying’ the N152 trillion public debt means that nearly 50 percent of the budget revenue will go into debt servicing.’

In his message to the Synod, the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, The Most Revd Dr Micheal Olusina Fape, described the theme of the Synod as apt.

Fape, who doubles as the Diocesan Bishop of Remo, said there is nothing better than the passing of the baton from one generation to another, in order not to be a disconnect

The Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Sikiru Kayode Okuribido, identified secularism, moral decline, materialism, and spiritual complacency as some of the distractions facing today’s Church.

He said, ‘These forces are constantly threatening to weaken our grip on the baton. If we are not careful, we risk becoming a generation that holds the baton loosely or worse, drops it entirely.’

The political equation in Kogi East took a new turn on Saturday as former SDP governorship candidate in the November 2023 Kogi election, Alhaji Yakubu Murtala Ajaka, officially announced his bid for the Senate on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), attributing his decision to mounting appeals from leaders and residents across the district.

In a statement, Ajaka explained that his entry into the race followed prolonged consultations with a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including elders, youth organisations, political allies, and community members.

He noted that the calls for him to contest were persistent and unified, driven by a shared desire to strengthen the district’s voice and reposition it for greater political relevance at the National Assembly.

Ajaka revealed that a recent visit by a delegation of respected Kogi East elders proved pivotal in shaping his final decision, describing the engagement as both symbolic and compelling.

‘Their guidance and sense of unity underscored the responsibility we owe our people in advancing development across the district,’ he said.

Accepting what he described as a collective mandate, Ajaka declared his readiness to represent the district in the Senate.

‘I have resolved to answer this call to serve the people of Kogi East Senatorial District,’ he stated.

He also linked his ambition to broader political dynamics, stressing the importance of fostering unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) while supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Observers believe this approach reflects a calculated effort to balance grassroots representation with alignment to national political interests as the 2027 general elections approach.

‘This aspiration goes beyond representation,’ Ajaka added. ‘It is about rallying support for the success of President Tinubu’s administration and contributing to the consolidation of his mandate ahead of 2027.’

He disclosed that further consultations are underway, including planned engagements with key figures such as Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, aimed at building consensus and strengthening collaboration.

Ajaka assured that his campaign would prioritise inclusiveness, accountability, and sustained interaction with constituents.

‘I remain committed to ensuring that every decision reflects the collective interest of our people,’ he said. ‘Their welfare will always come first.’

With his declaration, political watchers anticipate heightened activity and possible realignments within Kogi East as aspirants and stakeholders begin strategising for what is expected to be a keenly contested senatorial election.

The member representing Darazo-Ganjuwa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Mansur Manu Soro, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Soro announced his exit in a letter dated May 1, 2026, addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Ganjuwa Ward, Ganjuwa Local Government Area.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises titled the letter ‘Resignation of Membership.’

‘I wish to refer to the above subject matter to communicate my decision to resign my party membership effective April 30, 2026,’ he wrote.

He attributed his decision to the lingering internal crisis within the party.

‘My resignation is caused by the internal division and irreconcilable wranglings bedevilling the party over the last two years,’ he added.

Soro expressed appreciation to the PDP for the opportunity to serve.

‘I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the party for giving me the rare privilege to represent my beloved constituency, Darazo/Ganjuwa, at the National Assembly,’ he said.

The lawmaker did not disclose his next political platform, despite previously indicating interest in contesting for the Bauchi Central Senatorial District seat.

The relative calm among pensioners, particularly in Oyo State, is the result of a change in government that is now favourable to us. Before Governor Seyi Makinde came on board, there were frequent street protests, media outcries, and so on, because our entitlements were not paid and were blatantly denied. It was not due to a lack of funds, but rather a lack of commitment on the part of previous governors, a mindset that did not prioritise pensioners. It was a terrible experience. During the administration of a former governor, retired primary school teachers were not paid gratuities based on the assumption that they did not vote for him in the election that brought him to power. All efforts by our union to make that governor see reason and take care of our members were futile.

But when Seyi Makinde came in, he immediately began addressing anomalies in the payment of pensions and gratuities. On the day he was sworn in, he even surrendered his salary to be added to what the government would pay pensioners. Not only that, he abolished the practice of paying pensions in percentages. Before he came on board, a month’s pension was often paid in instalments over three months. We were treated with disdain by past administrations. We were not respected; in fact, our lives did not seem to matter, and some died needlessly because they could not afford basic medical care. But when Makinde came, the narrative changed and we regained our dignity. We began to receive our pensions on or before the 25th of each month, just like civil servants. He has also given us Christmas bonuses for three consecutive years.

In January last year, he carried out a review based on our submissions and approved a minimum pension of N25,000 for Oyo State pensioners. He also addressed all outstanding pension increases, to the extent that pensioners in Oyo State now earn more than their counterparts in other states. Why would we protest against a government that treats pensioners this way?

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, South-West zone, where I serve as PRO, has also been vocal about the plight of pensioners in other states. We meet every two months, and at each meeting I highlight issues affecting pensioners, especially in the South West. This has prompted governments in those states to respond more positively, though not always satisfactorily. That is why there is relative calm across the region. However, other governments are still not doing as much as Seyi Makinde is doing in Oyo State.

Since February this year, Governor Makinde has been paying about N6 billion monthly to pensioners: N3 billion for those who retired from ministries, departments, and agencies, and N3 billion for those who retired from local governments, including primary school teachers and local government workers. I am yet to see any other governor in the federation doing this. That is why there is calm, and why we occasionally organised rallies of appreciation. In January this year, during an interfaith programme, we even presented him with a white horse. We have been cooperating with his administration, and our hope is that his successor will also be kind to pensioners and workers.

Seyi Makinde has found two keys that have brought peace to the labour sector in Oyo State: prompt payment of salaries and pensions, and prompt attention to the entitlements of both workers and pensioners. Workers receive promotions as and when due and are sponsored for training locally and internationally. Pensioners are paid promptly and enjoy other benefits that improve their quality of life.

From what you have said, the governor appears to have raised the bar of care for pensioners and workers. What are your expectations from the administration that succeeds him?

To say that Governor Seyi Makinde has raised the bar for pensioners’ welfare is an understatement. He has done remarkably well for both workers and pensioners in Oyo State. While the Federal Government pays a minimum wage of N70,000, Makinde pays N80,000. As for our expectations of his successor, we hope and pray that whoever comes next will follow the same path or even improve on it. We expect that pensions and other entitlements will continue to be paid promptly, and that gratuities will be paid without interruption. We also hope that the next governor will have the commitment to release billions of naira for gratuity payments, just as Makinde has done.

Let me state emphatically: if any successor attempts to return us to the dark days before Makinde’s administration, pensioners in Oyo State will resist. We will return to the trenches, in collaboration with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and workers across the state. Whoever becomes governor must prioritise our entitlements.

Some may ask whether government exists only to pay salaries and pensions. Oyo State’s economy is largely driven by the civil service. Salaries and pensions are key drivers of economic activities. When that money circulates in the economy, markets thrive. If a new governor reverses this progress, it will not only hurt pensioners and workers but also traders, artisans, and the wider population. We will not accept a return to the past. This is a clear warning to whoever intends to govern Oyo State next. We may be getting older, but our ranks are strong and growing. If more than 50,000 pensioners take to the streets in protest, the implications will be clear. We expect good governance from Makinde’s successor.

The high cost of fuel is biting hard on Nigerians. How are pensioners affected?

Pensioners are among the most vulnerable Nigerians. If the wealthy and large corporations are complaining about inflation, the situation is even worse for pensioners. It is unfortunate that the current government appears indifferent and has not put adequate measures in place to cushion the effects. There seems to be more focus on the 2027 elections than on the welfare of citizens, even as people struggle to afford food and medication. The situation is dire for pensioners. For now, many of us are forced to stay indoors and manage as best as we can, hoping for better governance in the future.

It is May Day today (Friday). What memories does the commemoration bring back for you as a labour leader and now a pensioners’ leader?

In the past, May Day was eagerly anticipated as a time when governments would announce positive measures and palliatives for workers. People returned home happy and hopeful. However, over the past two decades, this has changed. Governments have shown less interest in the welfare of workers and pensioners.

Today, May Day is no longer something many look forward to. We observe it mainly because it is statutory. In recent years, how often have governments used May Day to announce meaningful benefits for workers and pensioners? It rarely happens. We simply mark the day, thank God, perform labour activities, and move on, without expectations. It is also worth noting that New Year announcements, which once brought hope, no longer do. Even during military regimes, such announcements often contained good news for citizens. Over the past twenty years, governance has declined, and expectations have diminished. We celebrate May Day simply because we are alive to witness it, not because we expect anything significant from government. That said, I cannot say what Governor Makinde may do, but generally, expectations are low.

Is unionism today what it was during your time in the NLC and TUC?

No two individuals or regimes are the same. I must say that the labour movement of the past was more dynamic and effective than what we see today. Many current labour leaders are not willing to make the sacrifices required for workers’ welfare. Without sounding immodest, I have put my life on the line for pensioners and faced serious risks without backing down. The labour movement today is different from what it was in the days of Pa Michael Imoudu, Wahab Goodluck, and even Adams Oshiomhole. The narrative has changed.

What is your advice to Nigerians as the country prepares for another round of general elections?

First, I urge all eligible voters who have not registered to do so and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards. Nigerians must be vigilant. The political space is now filled with both genuine and dubious actors making promises and distributing small gifts. If they truly cared, they would have acted earlier, not just during election season.

People should see such gestures as bait. If offered money, they may take it, it is public money, but they should vote wisely for candidates who will genuinely serve the people and improve their quality of life.