Category: PM News

Hon. Suleiman Abubakar Magaji has said that infrastructure and development initiatives addressing practical community needs can provide a meaningful basis for engaging young Nigerians in public affairs ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to journalists at the flag-off and groundbreaking ceremony for the Lambata-Bida-Mokwa-Makera-Kontagora Federal Highway in Bida, Magaji commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the approximately ?1.5 trillion Federal Government project, which covers the reconstruction and dualisation of a 376-kilometre highway corridor in Niger State.

The project incorporates reinforced concrete pavement, an engineering approach intended to provide durability along a major transportation route serving communities, agricultural producers and commercial activities.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has extended warm felicitations to Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, the Baba Adini of Yorubaland and Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) of the Lagos APC, on the occasion of his 90th birthday.

In his congratulatory message, Governor Sanwo-Olu described Prince Olusi as an epitome of loyalty, trust and integrity, noting that Baba, who is also the Atobatele of Ekiti, possesses rare gifts of wisdom, patience and peacemaking.

The Governor recounted his personal experiences with Pa Olusi, saying his fatherly counsel has helped him in numerous ways in the discharge of his duties as Governor while navigating the political terrain.

‘Baba has taken me like a son – in fact, I am his political son! He has handheld me, advising me on several occasions on matters of politics and governance. He has done all these with reverence for the office that I occupy. Baba is a rare human being,’ Governor Sanwo-Olu said.

‘At 90, Baba remains a repository of wisdom and knowledge, especially on the political and historical development of Lagos and the Western Region of Nigeria. Baba will effortlessly make reference to different incidents that led to certain political decisions from the days of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Action Group, up to the current republic.’

Governor Sanwo-Olu further described Prince Olusi as a loyal party man who believes strongly in party supremacy.

‘As a committed politician, Baba Olusi believes that the party is supreme. He always says that no political group or association can stand the test of time if the party’s decisions are not obeyed by members,’ the Governor added.

‘As Baba, Prince Olusi, celebrates his 90th birthday, my prayer on behalf of my family and the good people of Lagos State is for him to enjoy good health for the rest of his life. I wish Prince Oluyole Olusi a happy birthday,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

The Federal Government has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the suspect who allegedly stabbed a medical laboratory scientist at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, condemned the attack on the health worker, Mr Lawal Olasunkanmi, describing it as ‘barbaric and unacceptable’.

In a statement issued on Monday night by Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Salako called on the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that the alleged assailant was brought to justice.

‘No grief, frustration or dissatisfaction with care can justify violence against a health worker performing his lawful duties,’ the minister said.

He assured the public that the ministry would monitor the case to ensure that justice was served.

Salako said the incident highlighted the need to enforce measures introduced by the ministry on Aug. 5 to improve the safety of health workers in federal tertiary hospitals.

He explained that the measures covered enhanced security, the establishment of violence-prevention teams, incident-reporting mechanisms, cooperation with law-enforcement agencies and improved procedures for handling complaints.

‘These safeguards must translate into effective protection for health personnel across health facilities,’ he said.

The minister also appealed to health workers at FMC Abeokuta, who had embarked on industrial action following the incident, to resume their duties immediately to prevent further disruption to healthcare services.

He urged the workers to allow the security agencies to conduct their investigation and discharge their responsibilities.

Salako called on the hospital management to provide the injured staff member with appropriate medical care and support, while ensuring that security arrangements were strengthened in accordance with Federal Government directives.

He also expressed the government’s condolences to the family of the deceased patient, noting that the loss of a loved one required compassion and appropriate attention.

The minister advised patients and relatives dissatisfied with services at the hospital to pursue their grievances through the facility’s formal complaints mechanism.

He said complaints should be examined fairly and resolved on their merits rather than through violence.

Salako reiterated that the protection of health workers was fundamental to the delivery of safe and uninterrupted healthcare.

He stressed that hospitals must remain secure environments where medical personnel could perform their duties without fear of attack and patients and their families could seek treatment with confidence.

Lagos State can deliver better healthcare, education and other essential services by cutting waste and changing how public funds are spent, 2027 governorship hopeful Funso Doherty has said.

Speaking during an interview with Nevon Media, Doherty. the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate said Lagos had sufficient resources to improve essential services but needed better spending priorities.

‘The challenge of Lagos is not so much resources as it might be for many other states. The challenge is setting the right priorities, focusing government expenditure on the segments of society that need government intervention,’ he said.

Doherty, who recently unveiled a 34-point manifesto, had pledged free education through secondary school and technical colleges, free healthcare for pregnant women and children under 16, and free textbooks and nutritious meals for public school pupils. He also promised 150,000 housing units within four years.

Explaining his proposed approach to government spending, Doherty questioned the allocation of approximately ?80 billion for capital expenditure to the Lagos State House of Assembly in the 2025 budget, which he said exceeded the allocation for the entire health sector.

He argued that increasing investment in healthcare and education would better reflect the needs of residents.

‘The amount that we prioritise on health and education gives you a clear sense of the prioritisation that is attached to that number,’ he said.

Doherty also maintained that government projects could be delivered at significantly lower costs, citing informal polls he conducted suggesting that private-sector operators could execute some projects for less than half their reported government costs.

He insisted that the success of an administration should be measured by improvements in people’s lives rather than the amount of money spent.

‘Government can be doing activities all day and spending money from morning till night; it may not have any impact on the lives of the people. And that’s not governance,’ he declared.

The governorship candidate said his proposed administration would focus on efficient resource allocation, public welfare and measurable improvements in service delivery.

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has organised a pre-launch gathering of the Oba Erediauwa Memorial Lecture Series with the Nigerian historian, Prof. Osarhieme Osadolor, delivering the keynote lecture.

Osadolor said the writings of the late Oba of Benin, his public service and defence of Benin traditions offered valuable lessons in leadership and governance.

The lecture, themed: ‘Oba Erediauwa’s Voice in Discourse: Defining His Intellectual Legacy’, was organised as part of activities marking the 10th coronation anniversary of the current Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.

Osadolor described the late traditional ruler as a philosopher king, whose approach to leadership reflected Plato’s concept of governance guided by wisdom and commitment to the common good.

He argued that Erediauwa’s intellectual legacy deserved greater attention, particularly his writings and contributions to public discourse on governance, education, religion and the economy.

The historian traced Erediauwa’s journey from his early education and public service career to his ascension to the Benin throne in March 1979.

‘Born on June 22, 1923, as Prince Solomon Igbinoghodua Akenzua into the Benin royal family, Erediauwa studied law at the University of Cambridge, England.

‘After returning to Nigeria in 1952, he joined the public service, worked in various government offices and ministries, and rose to the position of permanent secretary before retiring in 1973.

‘He reigned as the Oba of Benin from March 1979, until his death in April 2016, during which he promoted Benin traditions and engaged in wider conversations on national development and public affairs,’ he said.

The lecturer highlighted the late Oba’s literary contributions, including his autobiography, ‘I Remain, Your Obedient Servant,’ and ‘The Cradle of Ideas,’ a collection of his speeches and writings published in 2013.

‘Oba Erediauwa’s writings and public interventions reveal a traditional ruler who understood the value of intellectual engagement and the need to balance traditional institutions with the demands of modern society,’ he said.

In his address, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, SAN, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, also underscored the historical value of Erediauwa’s intellectual contributions.

Omoregie noted that education of the late Oba, his public service experience and writings offered insights into Nigeria’s political development.

The vice-chancellor described the late Oba’s autobiography as an important historical resource, particularly for understanding events surrounding the Nigerian Civil War from the perspective of a former public servant.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his commitment to the Rainbow Coalition, insisting that the cross-party political platform will remain in place despite criticism from some All Progressives Congress (APC) governors.

Wike made the position known on Tuesday during a media chat with selected journalists in Abuja, where he reiterated his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, despite remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The former Rivers State governor maintained that his commitment was specifically to Tinubu’s second-term ambition and did not extend to endorsing governors seeking re-election.

‘What I’ve said to Nigerians and to Almighty God is, ‘I’m going to support Tinubu for him to realise his second-term ambition.’ I did not promise any governor,’ Wike said.

He challenged anyone with grievances against him to confront him directly rather than using the Rainbow Coalition as a basis for criticism.

Wike cited his support for some APC candidates, including Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, as evidence that his political decisions should not be misrepresented.

‘If you have any problem with me, come out back and face Wike. Don’t go on under the Rainbow Coalition. For the Rainbow Coalition, it has come. It will stay. There’s nothing anybody can do about it,’ he said.

The minister’s remarks come amid growing pressure from some APC governors, who have questioned his continued membership of the PDP while supporting Tinubu, the candidate of the ruling party.

The governors have argued that Wike must either formally join the APC or clarify his political allegiance, insisting that he cannot simultaneously belong to the opposition and mobilise support for the ruling party.

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal recently reiterated the position, saying political actors must choose a clear party affiliation rather than support different parties at the same time.

‘Our message is very, very clear: be on one side. You can’t be on two sides,’ Lawal said in an interview with Channels Television’s Inside Sources.

He added that the APC expected support for the party at every level, maintaining that its position on the matter remained unchanged.

The Rainbow Coalition is a cross-party political platform established to mobilise support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign. Wike has consistently maintained that his support for the president does not require him to abandon the PDP.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal for referring to him as ‘that guy’.

Speaking during a media parley on Tuesday, Wike claimed that he forced Lawal to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite the governor’s financial strength.

Wike said Lawal had money but could not stand against him politically.

‘Ask the governor of Zamfara State. When he was in the PDP, I chased him away. He had money, but they couldn’t withstand me,’ Wike said.

The minister also alleged that Lawal left the PDP with money he had reportedly kept for another person.

Wike said Lawal later joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite previously accusing him of working against the PDP in favour of the ruling party.

‘He had money plus other money I heard he was keeping for somebody. Ask him, he ran away from the PDP.

‘And I did him a favour. He now came to the APC. Meanwhile, this was one of the governors who said I was killing the PDP for the APC. The same person now ran to the APC,’ Wike said.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Modupe Oriyomi Ativie before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over an alleged visa fraud involving N31.06 million, $3,600 and pound 1,815.

Ativie was arraigned by the EFCC’s Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate before Justice A. T. Muhammed on a five-count charge bordering on alleged visa fraud, advance fee fraud and obtaining money under false pretences.

The EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, disclosed the development in a statement released on Tuesday.

The commission alleged that Ativie and her company, Eudora and Aegle Management Consulting Limited, collected money from individuals under the guise of securing Canadian visa-sponsored employment opportunities for them.

One of the charges alleged that the defendant and her company obtained N8.58 million from Atamuotoru Dikiari Michael through his sister, Rita Chikeru Owhonda, in July 2024, under the pretence of securing visa-sponsored employment for him in Canada.

Another count accused the defendant and her company of obtaining N22.482 million from Augustine Olague between November 21, 2024, and January 23, 2025, under the same pretext.

The offences are said to contravene Section 1(1)(a) and (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and are punishable under the relevant provisions of the law.

Ativie, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following her plea, prosecution counsel, I. Agwu, urged the court to fix a date for trial and order the defendant’s remand pending the determination of the case.

Defence counsel, J. Kehinde, subsequently applied for bail to enable the defendant to prepare for her trial.

In a brief ruling, Justice Muhammed ordered that Ativie be remanded in EFCC custody and adjourned the case until October 16, 2026, for a ruling on the bail application.

Petition Triggered Investigation

The EFCC said the prosecution followed a petition by Michael Aiamunotorudikari, who alleged that he and other victims lost money in different currencies to the defendant.

According to the petitioner, his sister introduced him to the company’s services in June 2024 after it was presented as an agency facilitating Canadian visas and employment opportunities for Nigerians seeking to travel abroad.

He alleged that he initially paid $5,800 into an account associated with the defendant’s business and later transferred N8.58 million into another account linked to the defendant.

The petitioner further claimed that the defendant became unreachable after receiving the payments and that his efforts to recover the money proved unsuccessful.

The commission said its investigation revealed that the defendant received a total of N31.062 million from the petitioner, as well as $3,600 and pound 1,815 from other alleged victims.

The case has been adjourned until October 16 for a ruling on the defendant’s bail application, while the allegations remain before the court.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win the presidential election in the territory in 2027 because of the key achievements of his administration in the areas of security, rural-urban infrastructure and native community engagement.

Wike said this during a media chat in Abuja on Tuesday while dismissing claims that the administration was playing defensive politics in Abuja, emphasising that governance in the capital is now anchored on visible, measurable results.

He noted that by bridging the gap between the city centre and its outlying satellite communities, the administration had fundamentally reshaped public perception.

He stressed that, apart from numerous life-impacting projects executed and inaugurated in the nation’s capital by the Tinubu administration, 10 others would be ready for inauguration in December.

The minister identified the road networks linking suburban corridors such as Apo-Karshi and Kubwa- Bwari as key projects that would be dear to the residents.

‘Tinubu has also decentralised security operations by erecting two new police stations in every area council.

‘There is also a broad stakeholder inclusion, uniting political leaders, former lawmakers, and local council chiefs across party lines in support of government policies,’ he said.

Wike also defended the Tinubu administration’s handling of issues affecting FCT indigenous communities, including traditional institutions and appointments.

He challenged critics to identify another civilian administration that had done more to accommodate indigenous interests through appointments and other measures.

He expressed confidence that the administration’s activities had taken its message directly to residents, adding however, that the final electoral outcome would be determined through the democratic process.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has named Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke; Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori; Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo; former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola; and Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, among members of its revised Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general election.

The revised list, made available to journalists on Tuesday, places President Bola Tinubu at the head of the council, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, serving as vice-chairmen.

Other vice-chairmen include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Senator Abdulaziz Yari has been named Director-General of the council. His deputies include Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who will oversee mobilisation.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila will handle administration, while Ibrahim Kabir Masari will oversee logistics and operations. Former Speaker Aminu Masari has been assigned parliamentary mobilisation, while Minister of Works David Umahi will coordinate infrastructure mobilisation and sensitisation.

James Faleke will lead election planning, coordination, monitoring and mobilisation. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has been appointed secretary of the council, with Senator Ajibola Basiru as deputy secretary and Hadiza Bala Usman as assistant secretary.

The council has also designated coordinators and co-coordinators for the six geopolitical zones. They include Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu and Victor Giadom for the South-South; Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Tjeoma Arodiogbu for the South-East; and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Prince Oladiran Iyantan for the South-West.

For the North-Central, Muazu Bawa Rijau and Niger State Governor Umar Bago were named, while Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and Garba Datti Muhammad will coordinate the North-West. Former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff and Idris Suhaibu will oversee the North-East.

At the state level, the list includes governors and other political figures as campaign coordinators. They include Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal.

The council also features former governors and party chieftains as advisers, including former APC national chairmen Adebisi Akande and Abdullahi Adamu, former Ogun State governors Ibikunle Amosun and Segun Osoba, former Osun State Governor Iyiola Omisore, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, Senator George Akume and Wale Edun. Obafemi George has been named adviser on media.

Additional appointments cover the directorates responsible for election planning, logistics and operations, with several party officials, professionals and other political figures assigned secretarial, deputy and membership roles.