Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives Philip Agbese has commended the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Bashir Bayo Ojulari for reforms he said had improved the company’s focus on public welfare and operational efficiency.

Agbese spoke to a select committee of the British Parliament at the House of Lords in Westminster about President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He said Ojulari’s leadership had shifted the NNPCL away from years of opacity elite capture and systemic waste towards reforms aimed at delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians.

The lawmaker described the changes as institutional reform designed to ensure the country’s petroleum resources serve the wider population rather than a privileged few.

‘Ojulari has moved NNPCL from an elites’ conspiracy of corruption to the saving grace of common citizens’ Agbese said.

‘What we are witnessing is not cosmetic reform. It is a deliberate effort to dismantle entrenched interests and rebuild the company as a national asset that serves the Nigerian people.’

He added that oil production had recovered contract reviews had reduced costs and remittances to the Federation Account had become more consistent.

According to him the improvements could provide resources for infrastructure security and social services across the country.

Agbese highlighted the reported increase in output by NNPC Exploration and Production Limited to multi-decade highs the restoration of monthly financial and operational reporting and progress on critical gas infrastructure including the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipeline.

He also said timely cash-call payments and improved transparency had helped restore confidence among joint-venture partners and international investors.

The lawmaker noted that delayed financial obligations opaque contracting practices and underperforming assets had previously contributed to the loss of public resources.

He said the current management has introduced greater commercial discipline and accountability emphasising long-term value creation in line with the Petroleum Industry Act.

‘When NNPCL operates as a true commercial entity instead of a political patronage structure every Nigerian stands to gain’ Agbese said.

‘Higher crude and gas production generates more foreign exchange and stronger Federation Account inflows supporting the public services ordinary citizens rely on.

‘The difficult decisions on loss-making refineries the insistence on value-for-money in contracts and the public disclosure of audited results show that the old culture of elite entitlement is being confronted. Ojulari has demonstrated that focused and courageous leadership can turn a troubled institution into a source of national strength.’

He added that the reforms had begun attracting significant investment interest citing pipelines worth tens of billions of dollars linked to gas supply agreements and deepwater projects.

Agbese linked these developments to wider efforts to commercialise Nigeria’s gas resources and reduce over-reliance on crude oil.

The Deputy Spokesman urged sustained international partnership with the reformed national oil company arguing that greater transparency and commercial credibility created a more reliable foundation for collaboration between Nigerian institutions and global energy stakeholders.

‘What is happening at NNPCL today shows that meaningful reform is possible when leadership places the collective interest above sectional advantage’ Agbese said.

‘The company is no longer structured primarily to serve a narrow elite. It is being repositioned as an engine that generates revenue creates jobs and advances the aspirations of the wider citizenry.

‘I encourage our international partners to recognise and engage this new reality. A transparent efficient and commercially focused NNPCL strengthens energy security and opens partnership opportunities for all who share an interest in a stable and prosperous Nigeria.’

In his concluding remarks Agbese emphasised that the progress recorded so far must be protected and deepened.

He described Ojulari’s tenure as a critical period in which habits of secrecy and waste were being replaced by measurable performance and public accountability.

The lawmaker expressed confidence that continued reform would further raise upstream output accelerate gas commercialisation and ensure that the benefits of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources reach ordinary households rather than remaining concentrated among privileged networks.

‘The true test of leadership is whether institutions serve the many or the few’ Agbese concluded. ‘Under Bayo Ojulari NNPCL is beginning to pass that test.

‘The shift from elite conspiracy to citizen-centred value creation is underway and must be sustained. Nigeria’s energy future depends on protecting this trajectory.’

The campaign Organisation of Senator Sharafadeen Alli the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State has dismissed allegations by Bimbo Adekanmbi against the senator as falsehoods aimed at undermining his growing popularity.

The organisation in a statement issued on Saturday by its Director of Media and Publicity Mr Bisi Oladele accused Adekanmbi of concocting lies to smear Senator Alli’s image and distorting historical facts to score cheap political points rather than presenting credible plans for the development of the state.

It said the allegations made during a radio interview reflected the desperation of the opposition to discredit Alli ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The statement recalled that Alli while serving as Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government maintained a record of prompt salary payments and workers’ welfare which earned him an award from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State.

It explained that the financial difficulties experienced by local governments following the January 1993 Federal Military Government policy on staff promotions and salary increases were a nationwide problem caused by inadequate allocations to implement the policy.

According to the organisation the crisis persisted beyond Alli’s tenure and was eventually addressed through institutional measures including the establishment of the National Primary Education Commission in 1997 and the introduction of first-line charges for teachers’ salaries by 1999.

The SSACO challenged Adekanmbi to produce the report supporting his allegation of corruption against Alli or face a defamation suit. The campaign organisation accused Adekanmbi and his political associates of exploiting historical challenges to mislead the electorate insisting that no amount of alleged blackmail would diminish Alli’s political standing.

It further accused the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde of weakening local government administration in the state thereby denying residents at the grassroots the benefits of effective governance.

The statement said Alli if elected governor would revitalise the 33 local government areas strengthen their administrative and financial capacity and ensure that they effectively address the needs of their communities.

It added that his proposed priorities include reconstructing feeder and access roads to improve movement of people and goods and stimulate economic activities across the state.

The organisation expressed confidence that the electorate would reject Adekanmbi and Makinde in the 2027 elections insisting that the campaign would remain focused on restoring effective grassroots governance.

It challenged Adekanmbi to engage in issue-based political discourse rather than what it described as attempts to rewrite history for partisan advantage.

ESDIAC Global Systems Limited has secured a licence to operate in Nigeria’s data market marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion of telecommunications and digital communication services across the country.

A statement in Lokoja by the company’s Chief Executive Austin Ugbebor confirmed the development.

The statement revealed that the licence enables ESDIAC to provide cross-border data solutions international connectivity data top-ups and global eSIM services to Nigerian consumers and businesses through retail and merchant networks.

Founded by Nigerian-born entrepreneur Austin Ugbebor ESDIAC was established to address the high cost and limited accessibility of international communication for diaspora communities and globally connected consumers.

The statement added: ‘Through its international calling platform Wi-Fi connectivity solutions and global mobile network partnerships the company serves tens of thousands of users worldwide.

‘The new licence strengthens ESDIAC’s ability to participate directly in Nigeria’s domestic data market while supporting its broader purpose: making communication more affordable accessible and inclusive for individuals families and businesses across borders.’

ESDIAC commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for advancing policies aimed at liberalising Nigeria’s communications and digital economy. The administration’s reforms including the deregulation of the airtime credit and data advance sector are creating new opportunities for indigenous technology companies to compete.

innovate and contribute more meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic development.

‘We commend President Tinubu for his vision and determination to create a more open and competitive communications industry.

‘These reforms send a powerful message that Nigerian companies can build world-class technology solutions compete globally and create lasting value at home said Austin Ugbebor Founder and CEO of ESDIAC.

It declared: ‘The company is particularly focused on extending affordable data and communication services to underserved communities Nigerian businesses and the global Nigerian diaspora. ‘Our purpose is to connect people opportunity and markets.

‘This licence allows us to deepen our contribution to Nigeria’s digital transformation while building a more inclusive communications ecosystem for the future’Ugbebor added.

ESDIAC is a Nigerian technology company specialising in telecommunications and data-driven solutions. Founded with a mission to make international communication accessible and affordable the company serves business and consumer customers across more than 150 countries and 400 cities worldwide.

Operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested Shobande Taofeek aged 36 over the alleged vandalism and theft of railway infrastructure along the Arigbajo axis of Ogun State.

The operation recovered 16 railway iron rods and two gas cylinders.

A statement by the Command Spokesman Oluseyi Babaseyi said the Command arrested the suspect following intelligence on the vandalism and theft of railway materials.

He said ‘On 23 October 2026 SWAT operatives intensified surveillance and patrols in the affected area leading to the suspect’s arrest. He later led the operatives to an unfinished building where they recovered the stolen items as exhibits.

‘Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect allegedly confessed to involvement in similar offences on three previous occasions. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects connected with the crime and recover any additional stolen property.’

He said the Commissioner of Police in the State Bode Ojajuni has reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting public assets safeguarding critical infrastructure and bringing perpetrators of economic sabotage to justice.

He however urged residents to cooperate with the police by providing timely credible information to support crime prevention and ensure safer communities across Ogun State.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday inaugurated the national headquarters of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement in Abuja, urging members to intensify grassroots mobilisation and rally massive support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking at a colourful event in the nation’s capital, Mrs Tinubu described door-to-door campaigning as a vital avenue for engaging communities, listening to citizens’ concerns and communicating the achievements and policies of the President’s administration to Nigerians across the country.

She said the headquarters would serve as a central hub for coordination, idea development and the dissemination of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and message of shared prosperity to households nationwide.

The First Lady commended the convener and grand patron of the movement, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and other members for their commitment to grassroots political mobilisation.

She urged members to engage communities peacefully and respectfully, regardless of political affiliations, stressing that every Nigerian deserved to be heard and valued.

According to her, the movement must win the hearts and votes of Nigerians through messages of hope, unity, development and shared prosperity.

She said: ‘A message must consistently resonate hope, peace, unity, and development, especially the impactful progress the Tinubu administration has made so far.’

Mrs Tinubu also charged campaigners to communicate the government’s economic reforms and emerging opportunities, particularly those available to young Nigerians seeking employment.

She said the country was moving from implementing reforms to realising their benefits and building prosperity, urging members to explain these developments to citizens in communities across the country.

The First Lady cited advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics and electric vehicles as examples of changes creating new opportunities for young Nigerians.

According to her, the developments demonstrated that Nigeria was changing and that campaigners must communicate the opportunities emerging from the government’s policies.

‘Things are happening. Jobs are coming in. Investors are also coming in, in droves,’ she said.

Mrs Tinubu expressed optimism about the administration’s prospects in 2027, saying she wanted a Nigeria where citizens could enjoy improved infrastructure, efficient transportation and greater prosperity.

Also speaking, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, described the movement as an important platform for strengthening grassroots engagement, promoting national unity and mobilising support for the President’s second term.

Akpabio commended Tompolo and the movement’s national coordinator, Comrade Sunday Asuku, for establishing a campaign structure driven by support for the President’s policies.

He disclosed that the movement had visited 14 states, adding that its members were conducting door-to-door campaigns in states including Sokoto and Borno.

The Senate President urged members to use the campaign to listen to citizens, understand their challenges and explain the administration’s policies rather than merely solicit votes.

‘When you go from door to door, do not merely seek political support. Carry a message of the hope of the Renewed Hope of this President to them,’ he said.

Akpabio defended the administration’s economic reforms, including petrol subsidy removal, currency stabilisation efforts and tax reforms, arguing that the measures were intended to reposition the economy and improve Nigeria’s long-term prospects.

The Senate President also called on the movement to promote national unity, stressing that political mobilisation should transcend ethnic, religious and political differences.

‘Our diversity must never become our division. Our difficulties must never destroy our determination. And our politics must never become greater than our patriotism,’ he said.

In his goodwill message, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Honourable Benjamin Kalu commended Tompolo for setting up the movement.

In his speech, the Grand Patron of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, reiterated his call for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

He stated that the Movement has already taken the message of the President’s re-election across 14 states, with plans to take the campaign to the remaining states and the FCT.

He noted that President Tinubu has earned a second term in office for taking tough decisions that have resulted in the repositioning of the country’s economy and the improved performance of governors.

Speaking through the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Chief Kestin Pondi, the PBAT Door-to-Door Grand Patron described the commissioning of the Movement’s Abuja Head Office by Mrs Tinubu as a defining moment.

He said: ‘This is more than the opening of an office. It is the opening of a new front in the effort to carry the message of Renewed Hope to every Nigerian. The gracious inauguration of this headquarters by our esteemed First Lady gives added significance to our mission and strengthens our resolve to reach every household, unit, ward, community, market and worship centre to mobilise support for President Tinubu. We are here to win support for Mr President and to stand firmly behind all candidates of the All Progressives Congress across the country’.

‘In recent months, we have taken the message of Renewed

Hope to the people with conviction and purpose. We have listened to citizens, engaged communities and explained why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-a leader of courage, patriotism and steadfast belief in Nigeria-deserves the opportunity to serve a second term, with the presidential election scheduled for 16 January 2027.Our message is clear: Nigeria is not standing still; Nigeria is moving forward’.

In their separate goodwill messages, Governors Sheriff Oberovwori and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Delta and Ondo states respectively threw their backing for the movement, adding that they would work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Programme (HYPREP) has tasked the 500 beneficiaries of its N1 million postgraduate scholarship award with pursuing high-quality research programmes that address environmental challenges and shape Ogoniland’s future.

HYPREP’s Project Coordinator (PC), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, delivered the charge at the 3rd scholarship award ceremony in Port Harcourt.

No fewer than 300 Master’s degree and 200 Doctoral degree scholars benefited from the gesture. It is part of the human capacity-building (livelihood component) in the United Nations Environmental Cleanup (UNEP) report and recommendations on the Ogoni cleanup.

Earlier, the consultant who handled the screening and selection process for HYPREP disclosed that over 2000 people applied for the grant, 1,500 participated in the first selection test, and 500 qualified after the final screening.

Addressing the beneficiaries, the PC told them that the fund is not for funfair or jollification, but a reminder of the role they have to play and the future they owe Ogoniland, the people, and posterity as young professionals.

He urged them to leverage the ongoing Ogoni cleanup exercise and produce quality, publishable research that addresses critical environmental, intellectual, and leadership needs in the area.

He said, ‘… beyond the grant, this intervention is also about renewing hope and the future we are co-creating in Ogoni. Today, I want to have a candid conversation with you, beyond the grant, this intervention is also about renewing hope and the future we are co-creating in Ogoni.

‘As you may already know, education gives you knowledge, but it also places a responsibility on you to use that knowledge to improve society.

‘I encourage you to see this scholarship as a call to service. As researchers in different fields, you must understand that you play an important role in shaping Ogoni’s future.

The Ogoni community looks to you for ideas, leadership, and solutions to the challenges facing our people.

‘You are expected to question old and unsustainable ways of doing things, develop new ideas, innovate, create opportunities, and help build a society where the next generation can live in peace and sustainable economic prosperity.

‘It is in recognition of this responsibility that HYPREP is investing in your education and professional development.’

Further, Zabbey gave a deeper reason for spending the huge amount on the Scholars, saying, ‘This scholarship intervention is one way HYPREP is contributing to that objective by building human capacity, expanding opportunities, and preparing our people to participate across different sectors of the economy.

‘The programme was conceived and is being implemented to reinforce the role of researchers and intellectuals as drivers of development. Through these efforts, HYPREP has become a major contributor to the region’s transformation and an important partner in shaping our communities’ future.’

Speakers at the ceremony praised HYPREP under the current Administration for its commitment to implementing UNEP report recommendations and the Agency’s mandate.

At the event, Prof. Barinedum Nwibere, a member of the HYPREP Governing Council, charged the people of Ogoni to shun baseless, unconfirmed, and destructive criticisms of HYPREP and instead ask meaningful questions to address their confusion about the Agency’s activities.

In response, some beneficiaries thanked HYPREP and its managers for their transparency and sincerity in handling the Scholarship screening process, and urged them to maintain the standard.

A postgraduate student of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (Mathematics Education), Mrs Uloma Celestine-Gbara from Boa Community, Gokana Local Government Area, who benefited from the gift, expressed gratitude to HYPREP and assured that the fund she received would go a long way in defraying her academic expenses, including payment of tuition fees, engaging in research work, and publishing some of her ready articles.

Youths in the Etim Ekpo and Ika Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State have endorsed President Bola Tinubu, the Senate President, Senator Godswill, Governor Umo Eno, and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates as their sole choices for the 2027 general elections.

They also pledged to mobilise grassroots support for Clement Jimbo and Sir Boniface Ebewo for the Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika federal constituency and Ika State Constituency, respectively.

The youths of the two local government areas made the declaration at a grand rally organised at the Council Secretariat, Utu Etim Ekpo, on Thursday.

Thompson Thompson moved a motion endorsing the candidates, and Mr Mfron Akpan seconded it before Akaninyene Eyo conducted a voice vote.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, urged party members to remain committed to the APC and work together to secure victory for its candidates in the forthcoming elections.

Ekpo, who described himself as a constituency member, expressed confidence in the party’s leadership and predicted victory for its candidates.

He called for the re-election of President Tinubu and Senate President Akpabio, endorsed Governor Eno for a second term, and expressed confidence in Clement Jimbo and Boniface Ebewo’s electoral victory.

The minister also commended Governor Eno for creating what he described as an enabling environment for political leaders to discharge their responsibilities, stressing that the governor deserved another term in office.

Earlier, in their welcome remarks, the Chairmen of Etim Ekpo and Ika Local Government Areas, Gideon Uwa and Utibe Nwoko, respectively, said the rally was convened to reaffirm the two local government areas’ commitment to the APC and its candidates at all levels of government.

They urged party members and supporters to sustain grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

Reinforcing the message of unity, Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN and the Political Leader of Etim Ekpo, DIG Udom Ekpoudom (Rtd.), declared that stakeholders across the area were united in their support for President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, Governor Eno, Clement Jimbo and Boniface Ebewo, who is seeking the APC ticket for the Etim Ekpo State Constituency seat in 2027.

The youths, through their representatives, Goodnews Obidiah and Mfonobong Moses, also reaffirmed their commitment to the party’s candidates, pledging to mobilise their peers and communities towards the APC’s success in the forthcoming elections.

Speaking on youth development, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Ekerette Ekanem, highlighted the Eno administration’s interventions in education, youth empowerment, infrastructure, and employment. He urged the youths to recognise the importance of sustained development and remain actively involved in the political process.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Inibehe Silas, said women in Etim Ekpo and Ika were prepared to mobilise support for the APC candidates. She described the party as central to Akwa Ibom State’s political future and called on women to remain united and committed ahead of the elections.

Responding to the endorsement, State House of Assembly candidate Sir Boniface Ebewo and House of Representatives candidate Hon. Clement Jimbo pledged to promote proactive leadership, strategic empowerment, and participatory representation, prioritising the needs of the people.

The State APC Women Leader, Obonganwan Obonodo Uko, and the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, Dr Saviour Enyiekere, also delivered goodwill messages, with Dr Enyiekere addressing the gathering on the need for party unity and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Minister of Works David Umahi has declared that Peter Obi is not the best presidential candidate the South-East can produce.

The minister also accused the former Anambra State governor of failing to consult influential political leaders in the region before pursuing his presidential ambition.

Umahi made the remarks during an interview with ARISE Television on Friday, as political alignments ahead of the 2027 general election gather momentum.

‘Peter Obi is not the best of our finest in the South-East. He’s not the best; he can never be the best,’ the minister said, insisting that the region has other qualified political figures capable of aspiring to Nigeria’s highest political office.

The former Ebonyi State governor argued that anyone seeking to emerge as the political standard-bearer of the South-East must engage governors and other influential stakeholders rather than pursue an ambition that carries the expectations of an entire region without adequate consultation.

‘You cannot play politics in the South East without consulting people like us,’ he said.

Umahi added that if he were seeking the presidency, he would first consult widely with political leaders before presenting himself as a candidate.

‘If I were contesting, I would have consulted,’ he said.

His remarks have brought the question of political representation, regional consensus and the choice of a presidential candidate from the South-East into sharper focus ahead of the 2027 election.

Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party, emerged as a formidable opposition figure after winning all five states in the South-East. His performance, which also secured him substantial support outside the region, helped establish a political movement that remains influential in national electoral discussions.

However, Umahi’s position reflects the growing disagreement among political leaders from the region over whether Obi should automatically be regarded as its preferred presidential candidate.

The minister also challenged the suggestion that the South-East’s next presidential candidate should necessarily come from Anambra State, Obi’s home state.

He argued that other states in the region should have the opportunity to produce a candidate, pointing to Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia and Imo as states whose political leaders could also aspire to the presidency.

Umahi’s argument introduces another dimension to the debate over regional representation: whether the South-East should rally behind the candidate with the strongest electoral appeal or seek a broader political understanding among its leaders over who should represent the zone.

The debate comes against the background of the South-East’s longstanding agitation for greater representation in the country’s highest political office. The region has five states, fewer than any other geopolitical zone, and its political leaders have frequently disagreed over the most effective strategy for securing the presidency.

For Obi’s supporters, his performance in 2023 demonstrated that he could mobilise voters across regional boundaries and challenge the established political order. They regard his electoral showing as evidence of his national appeal rather than merely a product of regional sentiment.

Umahi, however, maintained that Obi’s electoral performance should not automatically translate into an unquestioned claim to the South-East’s political leadership.

His criticism also raises questions about the relationship between popular support and elite political consensus in Nigeria’s electoral system.

While a candidate may enjoy considerable grassroots enthusiasm, securing the support of influential political actors can be important in building alliances, mobilising resources and broadening electoral reach. Yet, the extent to which consultations among political elites determine voter preferences remains a subject of political debate.

Umahi’s intervention is particularly significant because he is not only a former governor of Ebonyi State but also a senior member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of President Bola Tinubu.

He has repeatedly defended Tinubu’s prospects in the South-East, expressing confidence that the ruling party can improve its electoral performance in the region in 2027.

The minister has attributed the region’s overwhelming support for Obi in 2023 partly to dissatisfaction with what he described as its marginalisation under the previous administration.

According to Umahi, the situation has changed under Tinubu, with the appointment of South-East politicians to important federal positions and the administration’s infrastructure commitments providing reasons for the region to reconsider its political choices.

He has consequently argued that the South-East should support Tinubu’s re-election bid rather than assume that Obi remains its only viable presidential option.

The position places Umahi among the prominent South-East political figures seeking to weaken the perception that the region’s electoral future must revolve around Obi.

Nevertheless, whether the minister’s assessment reflects the wider mood of voters in the region remains uncertain. Obi’s 2023 performance demonstrated his ability to attract substantial support, but reproducing that result in 2027 will depend on several factors, including party organisation, political alliances, voter mobilisation and the broader national contest.

The debate over the region’s preferred candidate is also complicated by the absence of a universally accepted formula for determining who should represent it in the presidential race.

While some political leaders favour consultation and consensus among established stakeholders, Obi’s supporters are likely to argue that the candidate’s popularity and electoral record should carry significant weight in deciding who has the strongest claim to the ticket.

Umahi’s remarks therefore go beyond a personal assessment of Obi’s suitability for the presidency. They expose a deeper disagreement over political strategy within the South-East: whether the region should consolidate around a candidate who has already demonstrated substantial electoral appeal or pursue a wider agreement among its political leaders.

With the 2027 election approaching, that disagreement could influence the region’s relationship with the major political parties and determine the extent to which its leaders can agree on a common political direction.

For now, Umahi has made his position clear: Obi should not be regarded as the South-East’s automatic or best choice for the presidency, and any claim to represent the region must contend with the views of other political leaders and the interests of the wider zone.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged other states to adopt the Rainbow Coalition model, saying it has promoted peace, political stability and cooperation among rival parties in the territory and Rivers State.

He said the arrangement had brought leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) together to pursue common interests, demonstrating that political differences should not breed violence or hostility.

Wike spoke during an interactive engagement with political leaders, traditional rulers, women and youths in Kuje Area Council, Abuja.

‘If Nigerian politics can come to this level, we will not be hearing about fighting; we will not be seeing ourselves killing each other,’ he said.

The minister said the coalition had created an atmosphere in which politicians from different parties could work together, adding that the approach was also being implemented in Rivers State.

He maintained that the arrangement would promote inclusive representation and ensure that candidates received support across party lines.

Wike cited former FCT Senator Philip Aduda as an example of a politician whose support base extended beyond one party, stressing that effective representation required leaders to remain accessible to their constituents.

He urged Kuje residents to learn from the 2023 elections and make informed choices ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying voters should prioritise performance, accessibility and accountability over political promises.

The minister criticised what he described as inadequate engagement between the incumbent senator and constituents, contrasting it with Aduda’s relationship with the people.

‘Aduda knows them. Aduda knows when they have problems. Aduda knows when they are sleeping, and Aduda knows when they are crying. That is the essence of representation,’ he said.

Wike cautioned residents against entrusting their future to politicians he described as ‘political gamblers’, urging them to assess candidates based on their records and commitment to the people.

On infrastructure, the minister promised that the road project linking the Airport Road-Tipper Garage corridor to Gwagwalada would be completed and commissioned by the end of December.

He recalled that traditional rulers in Kuje had identified the road as a priority during an earlier visit, urging the administration to address its poor condition.

Wike said the first phase of the project had been commissioned, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima representing President Bola Tinubu during activities marking the administration’s third anniversary.

‘Let me assure you, to the glory of God, by the end of December, we will also commission the one that leads to Gwagwalada,’ he said.

He urged residents to compare the road’s previous condition with its present state, describing the project as part of efforts to improve connectivity and living conditions in satellite communities.

The Hakimi Agwai of Kuje Area Council, Shuibu Pada, assured the minister of the area’s support, promising that residents would reciprocate the administration’s interventions through their votes.

He, however, appealed for the extension of road construction to interior communities, including routes linking Rubochi, Kwali and neighbouring settlements.

Pada said that while ongoing projects had improved access along major corridors, communities outside those routes also needed government attention.

Earlier, Senator Jibrin Wowo declared support for Tinubu and the APC, saying political stakeholders in Kuje had consulted and agreed to back the party in the forthcoming elections.

He said the consultations involved women, youths, elderly residents and traditional rulers, adding that the community was prepared to demonstrate its appreciation of the administration’s interventions at the polls.

‘Honourable Minister, I want to assure you that we in Kuje Area Council have sat down and agreed that Kuje people are going to vote APC from top to bottom,’ Wowo said.

The FCT APC Chairman, Tanko Yamawo, commended the administration’s infrastructure programme and political engagement, saying the coalition had encouraged leaders of the APC and PDP to work together.

He described the willingness of rival political stakeholders to sit at the same table as a significant development in Kuje’s political environment.

Yamawo added that improved roads had reduced travel difficulties between Kuje and neighbouring communities.

The FCT PDP Chairman, Ismael Dogora, also praised Wike, saying the coalition had reduced political hostility and created an atmosphere of unity.

He said the current political campaign season had been different from previous exercises, with no reported incidents of cars being smashed, attributing the development to the minister’s efforts to unite political stakeholders.

Dogora said the administration had addressed some demands that previously prompted protests by residents, adding that the people were prepared to reciprocate through their support.

The Kuje women leader, Aishatu Yakubu, commended the administration for recognising women’s role in political mobilisation but called for greater inclusion of women in governance and decision-making.

She also appealed for more road projects to benefit communities across the area council.

Also, the Kuje Area Council Chairman, Samuel Shekwolo, praised Wike for bringing indigenous and non-indigenous communities in the FCT under one political umbrella.

He said the minister had changed the narrative of underdevelopment in Kuje, where some young people previously felt the area was known mainly for its prison because of inadequate infrastructure.

Shekwolo said the political landscape had changed significantly, with members of the ruling party and opposition now working together.

He urged residents to honour their commitments at the polls on January 16, 2027, by supporting Tinubu, Aduda and Dablandi Chiya.

He said the administration’s interventions had given the people reasons to support the coalition and sustain the prevailing political cooperation.

The Ondo State Government said it has intensified measures to prevent an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the state by deploying four ambulances to transport suspected cases and placing health personnel on alert.

The Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, revealed this on Saturday in an interview in Akure, the state capital.

Odimayo also said the state had begun training health workers, strengthened disease surveillance, and intensified public awareness campaigns to ensure prompt detection and reporting of suspected cases.

He explained that the measures were part of the state’s proactive response in line with national guidelines, stressing that no Ebola case had been recorded in Ondo.

Odimayo said the government had set up a committee to coordinate preparedness efforts and sent team members to Abuja for specialised training to strengthen the state’s response capacity.

‘The state is doing a lot. We have already set up a committee that is working. We have sent some of our team to Abuja for some training programmes.

‘We have just procured so many ambulances in recent times, about 15 of them. So all we need to do at this time is to dedicate some, about four, in line with the national guidelines for movement of cases, in case we have cases,’ he said.

According to him, the health facilities and health posts across the state had been alerted to remain vigilant, recognise Ebola symptoms, and report suspected cases promptly through established channels.

He said the government was also arranging isolation, personal protective equipment, and other emergency logistics to protect health workers and limit transmission risk.

Odimayo said community mobilisers had been directed to sensitise residents, while radio jingles, educational materials, and media engagements were used to raise awareness and discourage panic.

‘We have our agents, our community mobilisers. We have informed them to inform the people at the grassroots level. We have also produced jingles and written materials that people will be able to utilise,’ he said.

He advised residents to remain calm, maintain good personal hygiene, wash their hands regularly, and avoid direct contact with the bodily fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola.

Odimayo advised residents to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and to promptly report suspected cases to health authorities.

He also assured residents that the government was strengthening surveillance and emergency response systems to prevent the disease from gaining a foothold in the state.

The governor’s aide further said that health facilities and health posts across the state had been alerted to strengthen vigilance, familiarise personnel with Ebola symptoms, and adhere strictly to established reporting procedures.

He said the government was working to ensure that suspected cases were identified and referred through appropriate channels without unnecessary delays.

According to him, the state was aligning its surveillance and reporting mechanisms with national protocols to support a coordinated response involving health facilities and relevant emergency agencies.

He added that the government had arranged isolation for suspected cases to support appropriate medical assessment and reduce the risk of transmission.

The health adviser further said that personal protective equipment (PPE) had been provided through the state’s designated emergency management agency, while logistical arrangements were being reviewed to ensure that necessary materials could reach health facilities and health posts when required.

He, however, emphasised that protecting healthcare workers was an essential component of the preparedness strategy, noting that personnel must have the appropriate equipment and knowledge to handle suspected cases safely.