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Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has joined the call on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to abolish the 2% charge it receives from the payments of intending Hajj pilgrims from Nigeria.

IHR said the 2% charge by the country’s apex bank, which translates to $90 per pilgrim (N144,000), based on the N1,600 foreign exchange benchmark used by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has contributed to the high cost of Hajj for Nigerian pilgrims.

Saudi Arabia allocates 95,000 slots to Nigeria for the annual pilgrimage.

IHR said if the quota is filled, the CBN generates approximately $8,550,000 (N13.68 billion) in revenue yearly from Hajj payments by pilgrims.

IHR, in a statement on Sunday signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed, said following public outcry over the high cost of Hajj, ‘The CBN should abolish the revenue it collects simply for transferring Hajj payments to NAHCON’S IBAN account in Saudi Arabia’.

The statement added that, ‘While we do not claim that the payments are illegal, we believe that the CBN can waive them as their contribution to the reduction of Hajj fare in the country. Nigerian pilgrims are paying multiple service charges to various government establishments, which has jerked up the overall cost of the Hajj fare.

‘It should be noted that NAHCON has been funding its operations since 2019, relying on its service charge and relieving the government of Hajj operational costs. Such self-reliance measures need to be supported by other government institutions to guarantee seamless and efficient services for Nigerian pilgrims’.

The CSOs’ appeal follows similar calls by many Hajj stakeholders urging the Central Bank to waive the payments.

This year’s World Teachers’ Day takes on a special glow for us. From the first generation of students of the great Ede Muslim Grammar School including the sitting Governor of Osun State, AdemolaAdeleke, to several cohorts of the students of the Osun State Polytechnic as well asnumerous admirers of Dr. MojeedAdekunleLawal, today presents a most auspicious opportunity to applaud and celebrate a most inspiring TEACHER, leader and mentor. It’s another World Teachers Day.

MrLawal, BodaMojeedor Baba Lawal, depending on which generation of his beneficiaries you belong, made yet another history this year. Al-Hikmah University found our great mentor most fitting for the award of Doctor of Philosophy in Peace and Security Studies. He is therefore henceforth better referred to as DrMajeedLawalalternatively MajeedLawal, PhD.

Incidentally, DrLawal had produced PhD holders before he eventually decided to formally seek one. His isn’t a honorary thing either. Demystifying the hindrances of age related challenges as well as social inhibitions of multiplying responsibilities, our Oga chose to go do all the sweating of infinite fact seeking and verification, otherwise called research, to bag his PhD.

Far from being boastful, on the 3rdof April 2025 he modestly announced this to me via a short whatsapp message: ‘Salaam. I am happy to inform you that I completed my PhD program yesterday. Alhamdulilahi’ I echoed alhamdulilah at my end too and felt filled up with joy. ‘Congratulations sir. A dupe f’Olohun o! We can’t thank Allah enough.’

At the height of the excitement, I put a call through to Boda immediately. The officialdom dating back to 1976 when he taught us history has since given way. He excused that to inspire us so we could relate more informally as he monitored our progress through to our final year at EMGS even as he was away in Zaria where he did his first degree.

‘Oogbo, kororun but I’d resolved I wanted the PhD. I willingly surrendered to all the traumatic back and forth directives from my supervisor and the countless attendees of PhD seminar series. But here we are today. The experience is worth it. Respect to all PhD holders’ Dr. Lawal said as I smiled away at my end thankful to Allah for this spectacular, one in town, one in a generation accomplishment.

The call over, my mind flashed back to the combined discipline and industry this great teacher had demonstrated when he taught us History. His scholarly recall of the great empires of the past was as engaging as inspiring, leading us to, with annotated maps, do virtual exploration of Rivers Tigris and Euphrates, unknown to us that he had never gone near the historic region.

Often donning short sleeve shirts combined with wool trousers atop his favourite skull half shoes, Boda was endowed with such a sonorous voice so endearing that it could be mistaken for a woman’s. Although a holder of Ordinary Level Certificate at that time, we had thought he would teach us further in 1978. That was the same year Oga left for Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria for his Bachelor’s degree. Most incontrovertibly however, our teacher’s life remains a living textbook of resilience, leadership, and lifelong learning.

As a lecturer at Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, from 1999 until his retirement in 2020, Dr. Lawal left deep footprints across two departments-General Studies and Mass Communication. He taught courses ranging from Sociology of the Family to Mass Media and Society, always reminding his students that knowledge was not just to be acquired but something to be applied with conscience. His service went beyond classrooms: he chaired committees, directed programmes, mentored young academics, and carried the responsibility of leadership with humility.

What makes his story more remarkable today is that retirement did not mark the end of his learning journey. Instead, it opened a fresh chapter. At 70, the age when most people would prefer to look back somewhat complacent, Dr. Lawal looked forward-bagging a PhD.. His doctoral thesis on Conflict-sensitive reportage of political and religious conflicts in Osun State is not only a testament to his scholarship but also his enduring commitment to peace, justice, and society’s well-being. With all the unsettling, all-pervading disturbances, who can deny the strong for his expertise that would be supportive of the government of his former student, now Governor of Osun State.

Through decades of service, publications, and conference engagements that took him as far as Toronto and Baltimore, Dr. Lawal consistently demonstrated that teaching is not a career but a calling. His writings on conflict, communication, culture, and development continue to enrich scholarship and guide practice in Nigeria and beyond.

As we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, we do so with immense pride in a man who has lived the creed of education: to lead, to serve, and to learn without end. Dr. Lawal’s life reminds us that the best teachers do not retire-they evolve. Our own MrLawal has evolved from being simply MrLawal to DrLawal. The world in this age of internet laced with the virality of social media with the accompanying speed should take note in due reverence to our inimitable DrMajeedAdekunleLawal

To a relentless leader, a relentless learner, and a relentless teacher-we say: Happy Teachers’ Day, Dr. MojeedAdekunleLawal. May your story continue to inspire generations yet to come especially as you often speak well of your own teachers too.

During a recent conversation, DrLawal lamented the recent death of aprimary school teacher of his popularly known as Imam Dende, until recently the oldest of all imams of central mosques in Osun State. Imam Dende had taught DrLawal at the renowned Young TajudeenAgbangudu Primary School, Ede, Osun State. According DrLawal, Imam Dende’s former students include Professor Iysa Ade Bello, pioneer Sharia Law scholar at the Lagos State University and the University of Osun State, now Chairman of the Governing Council of Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State.

Born in Ede on March 25, 1955, Dr. Lawal has spent his seven decades shaping minds, nurturing futures, and exemplifying what it means to be a teacher for life. His thirst for knowledge has taken him throughthe lecture halls of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and later the University of Ibadan, where he honed his passion for communication, journalism, and sociology. But it was not just his degrees-Bachelor’s, Master’s, Diploma, and eventually Doctorate-that defined him. It is the way he has been teaching, leading, and inspiring.

Tunde Akanni is a Journalism and Development Communication Professor at LASU, Nigeria

Nigerian-born media entrepreneur and broadcast consultant, Ehijie Jeffery Ebhodaghe, has brought pride to the nation once again following his recognition at the African UK Trade and Investment Awards in London.

Ebhodaghe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Jeffwise Media Global Limited, received the award for Outstanding Corporate Excellence in Digital Innovation and Inclusive Impact – a recognition of his contributions to creativity, inclusion, and excellence in the global broadcast and digital media industry.

Expressing gratitude after receiving the award, Ebhodaghe said, ‘It is an encouragement and a motivation to do more,’ noting that the honour affirmed his years of dedication to advancing innovation within both the UK and African creative ecosystems.

The week-long UK Trade and Investment Conference and Awards 2025, held at the Royal National Hotel, London, was organised in collaboration with the African Chamber of Trade and the International Business Council. Ebhodaghe was selected after a rigorous review of his impact in promoting Africa’s broadcast and digital storytelling.

A native of Iki Opoji in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, Ebhodaghe’s passion for media began in his teens through his church’s media unit. After earning a degree in Political Science from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, he built a successful career across leading Nigerian media organisations such as Fam TV, Favour Television, EBS, NTA Benin, Kaftan TV, DTOS TV, and Wazobia TV, before relocating to the UK to obtain a Master’s degree in Digital Media from the University for the Creative Arts, Surrey.

His company, Jeffwise Media Global Limited, specialises in film production, digital marketing, live streaming, and technical training. It also runs a multimedia academy that trains young creatives in journalism, video editing, film production, and broadcast engineering.

Speaking on industry challenges, Ebhodaghe cited funding gaps and infrastructure issues in Nigeria, as well as cultural and racial barriers in the UK, but said these obstacles only fuel his determination.

‘I am proud to fly the Nigerian flag abroad,’ he said. ‘Our culture and resilience inspire me to tell the Nigerian story and project Africa positively to the world.’

His upcoming short film explores the experiences of Nigerian migrants in the UK, delving into themes of cultural integration, faith, and morality. ‘It’s a story about balancing survival with values in a foreign land,’ he explained.

Looking ahead, Ebhodaghe plans to expand Jeffwise Media’s global footprint and strengthen partnerships with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and the British Film Institute to promote African narratives internationally.

‘With this award comes greater responsibility,’ he concluded. ‘I want to inspire young Africans never to give up on their dreams – start small, think big, and act positively.’

The Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) has installed a 5KVA solar power equipment at the laboratory unit of the General Hospital, Ikot Abasi local government area of Akwa Ibom state.

The Director of Government and Public Relations Directorate, Mr. Aleksandr Ashkinazi, presented the solar equipment to the hospital on Friday on behalf of the Managing Director of ALSCON, Mr Dmitriy Zaviyalov.

He was accompanied by top management staff of the company.

The donation of the solar system is among series of life-touching interventions undertaken by the company as part of the company’s community social responsibility (CSR) to it’s host communities of Ikot Abasi and it’s environs.

Ashkinazi explained that the gesture was to enable the hospital laboratory have 24 hours power supply to enable it provide critical services to patients.

The Superintendent of the hospital, Dr. King Udoh, said that the intervention has to a great extent solved the epileptic power situation which drastically stalled laboratory operations.

Udoh said that before the company’s gesture, the hospital laboratory couldn’t carry out important analysis and investigations as many of it’s machines could not be powered.

According to him: ‘The hospital laboratory has really heaved a big sigh of relief with the installation of the 5KVA solar power equipment. Without light, we couldn’t carry out some investigations.

‘With the donation of this 5kva solar power by ALSCON the laboratory now has light to operate 24 hours a day without fear of power outage. We can now power our machines for optimal performance.

‘I have always known ALSCON when it comes to providing power to it’s host communities even before I was posted here. With this intervention I am sure that if they fully resume operations the host communities, Akwa Ibom state and the entire country will stand to gain.

‘If ALSCON can do this now that it is not operational it means they will do more when they commence operations.

‘I want to use this opportunity to urge the federal government to accelerate the process and remove all impediments hindering the restart of ALSCON’.

Senator Ekong Sampson (Akwa South Eket) hailed the CSR interventions of ALSCON.

Sampson made the remark when the management of the company led by its Managing Director, Mr. Zaviyalov, felicitated with him on his 2025 birthday at his residence in Uyo.

Zaviyalov who was represented by the Director of Government and Public Relations Directorate, Mr. Aleksandr Ashkinazi informed the Senator of several CSR interventions in communities by ALSCON including the recently 5KVA solar system donated to ease operations in Ikot Abasi General Hospital Laboratory with 24 hours power supply.

The delighted Senator Ekong Sampson commended ALSCON for all the people centered CRS to our people. The Senator stated further that ALSCON is his project.

He said ‘ALSCON is my project and it is the Federal Government policy and resolve to commence operation as soon as possible.

Sampson said he has presented the issue of the revamping of ALSCON in many legislative platforms including meeting several stakeholders such as the Attorney General of the Federation.

Some members of the Minority caucus in the House of Representatives under the auspices of Active Minority are set for a show down with their colleagues over plot to remove the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chindan (PDP, Rivers).

About 89 members of the minority caucus have thrown their weight behind Chinda warning that they would resist any attempt to remove him ahead of the planned meeting of the caucus schedules for Monday evening in Abuja.

Notice for the meeting was jointly signed on Sunday, October 5, by Hon. Agbedi Frederick, leader of PDP Caucus, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, leader, LP Caucus, Hon. Muktar Umar-Zakar, NNPP Caucus and Hon. Peter Uzokwe, leader, YPP.

However, three other parties who are members of the caucus, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) are not part of the signatory of those calling for the emergency meeting.

It was titled, ‘Notice of emergency meeting of the minority caucus of the House of Representatives’, and addressed to ‘All Minority Members of the House of Representatives’

The notice read, ‘You are hereby invited to an emergency meeting to discuss recent developments in the minority leadership, particularly to review the lawsuit instituted by Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, against all members of minority parties in the 10th House of Representatives’.

The meeting is scheduled for The Envoy Hotel in Abuja, but as at last night, the venue of the meeting was said to have been changed to Conference Room 028 in the House of Representatives New Building at 8pm.

Chinda had filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja and secured an injunction stopping the Speaker of the House, the Clerk and leadership of National Assembly Grimm accepting any letter purported to have emanated from the minority parties removing him as minority leader.

While Chinda alleged that the only reason advanced by those plotting his removal was his closeness to FCT Minister, Nyelsom Wike, some minority lawmakers are accusing Chinda of not providing leadership and working behind closed doors for the ruling APC.

The Nation gathered last night that the Active Minority group, led by a PDP member from one of the Northern states has been holding series of meeting in Abuja ahead of the resumption of plenary on Tuesday, October 7th.

A member of the Active Minority, who is privy to the meetings and spoke on condition of anonymity said they were prepared to counter the moves by certain interests in the PDP and the ADC bent on replacing Chinda because of his affiliation to the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike.

‘We have stumbled on a plot by certain leaders in the PDP and ADC to replace the minority leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda. His only sin is the allegations that he is close to the FCT minister, Chief Wike.

‘But I can assure you, we are ready for those sponsored to come to the floor and execute this insidious plan. Our group, the Active Minority is prepared to resist this because Hon. Chinda has discharged his responsibilities as an opposition leader very well.

‘As I speak with you, the Active Minority has a membership strength of 89 members and more members are identifying with us. Mind you, the entire opposition lawmakers are about 140 and we have an overwhelming majority to counter any undemocratic move’.

When asked about the list of the Active Minority, the lawmaker said ‘We are keeping our identities under wraps until the House resumes. We don’t want to let the cat out of the bag now. Our strategy is also within us until we meet at the battle field’.

SpeKing on why they choose to support the minority leader, the lawmaker said ‘Hon. Chinda’s unwavering commitment to upholding democratic principles and advocating for the rights of the Nigerian people has set him apart as a beacon of hope in times of uncertainty.

‘Chinda has since 2023 vehemently stood against the defection of opposition lawmakers to APC. One of Chinda’s notable contributions lies in his staunch opposition to members of the opposition defecting to the ruling party, citing violations of constitutional provisions and electoral laws.

‘He has always been a strong voice drawing the attention of the leadership to at least obey the law and do what is right.

‘In the face of adversity and resistance, Chinda has stood firm in his convictions, fearlessly challenging the status quo and holding the government accountable for its actions. His vocal stance on critical issues has resonated with many, inspiring a sense of unity and solidarity among those who seek a more just and equitable society.

‘By setting a precedent of integrity and adherence to legal frameworks, he encourages others to follow suit in promoting a fair and transparent governance system. So, why would you suddenly decide to remove such an effective leader from his position because of a flimsy excuse that he’s close to Wike. Why don’t you go and face Wike and leave Chinda alone?

‘Again, Chinda’s relentless pursuit of transparency and accountability underscores the importance of strengthening democratic institutions to foster a resilient system of governance in Nigeria.

‘His dedication to uplifting the voices of the often overlooked in decision-making processes showcases a deep-rooted commitment to inclusivity and representation.

‘Most importantly, Chinda has demonstrated exceptional leadership by spearheading the sponsorship of various bills and motions that address pressing issues facing the nation. So, we cannot allow such an excellent material to be thrown under the bus. All we are saying is Chinda must stay’.

Former Military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has remembered his ancestral root in Kumurya village, Bunkure local government area of Kano State, where his grandfather was born.

Babangida’s grandfather, Malam Ibrahim, was born and raised in Kumurya village under Rano emirate before he relocated to Wushishi, Niger State, as a trader.

Upon leaving office as Military Head of State in 1993, Babangida realised he did not bequeath an impressionistic tangible legacy for the Kumurya community.

He however, vowed he must build a project for them before he departs the planet earth.

The last time the issue tugged his heart, Babangida invited Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil -the Chairman, Kano State Council of Ulama, to Minna in August, where he enquired from the Sheikh the kind of project that would serve the people of his origin.

Khalil told IBB that his grandpa’s people now have schools and mosques, so an hospital would be ideal, to stop or reduce to barest minimum maternal and child mortalities and other preventable deaths in the area. Babangida approved.

The village was agog on Sunday as the hospital foundation was laid. Gidan Jefau -the family house of IBB’s late grandfather, also came alive.

At the land where the hospital foundation was laid, General Babangida, represented by General Halliru Akilu, explained that the gesture was fulfilled after 27 years.

IBB said he was proud of his roots in Kumurya, Kano, which had been legendary even before colonialism.

Gen. Akilu said: ‘The former Head of State invited Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil to Minna in August this year and after a discussion, the Sheikh told him that Kumurya lacks a health facility.

‘Babangida, being very generous, therefore supported the idea of building a hospital which he dedicates to his parents and his late wife, Maryam.’

Akilu said he would not give further details of why it took this long before Babangida remembered his roots, noting that the village head was aware of previous attempts to build an Islamiyya school and a mosque for the community.

Akilu further said, even as Head of State, IBB lived and worked with illustrious sons of Rano emirate who are known for their patriotism and dedication to duty.

He listed Generals Murtala Muhammed, Sani Abacha and Babangida as former Heads of State from Kano, adding that General Abdulsalami Abubakar is also traced to Kano, even though many may not know.

The Emir of Rano, Muhammad Isa Umar, said the day was special for the emirate where parents of the former head of state hailed from.

He revealed how Kumurya town is so important to the emirate, disclosing that during the war against Ningi emirate, the late emir of Rano, Alhaji Umaru, was camped there to protect the emirate against invaders.

‘The former head of states (IBB) is very proud of Kumurya and when I was district head of Bunkure, I personally knew of his plans to bring development to the village. This hospital, when completed, will certainly cater for women and children and the general people of Kumurya,’ the emir said.

Village head of Kumurya said, in addition to the hospital, Babangida is rebuilding the mud house known as Gidan Jefau belonging to his uncles, expressing gratitude for the gesture.

Gen. Babangida (Rtd), has revealed that ‘Ibrahim’ in his combination of names is his grandfather’s. And that while joining the military, he was being mistaken for a Yoruba, so he added Babangida in the end to prove his northern ancestry.

He narrated that his great grandfather had migrated from Sokoto to Kumurya in Kano where he gave birth to his grandfather, Ibrahim, who moved to Kontagora before settling in Wushishi, Niger State, where his father, Badamasi, was born.

Badamasi then moved from Wushishi to Minna in 1941 where he gave birth to IBB in August that year.

The Big Brother Naija Season 10 finale reached a thrilling climax on Sunday as seven housemates were evicted during the live show, leaving Imisi and Dede as the last two contestants battling for the N80 million grand prize.

The night was packed with tension and excitement, beginning with the eviction of Kaybobo, Isabella, Mensan, and Jason Jae, followed by Sultana, Kola, and Koyin.

In a dramatic twist, Big Brother revealed that the prize fund had fluctuated throughout the season, with deductions made for each use of the red telephone.

Interestingly, Kaybobo’s immunity had been purchased using the housemates’ collective funds.

However, the contestants managed to restore the grand prize to N80 million before the season’s close.

As the show wrapped up, anticipation soared among fans awaiting the announcement of the ultimate winner.

Imisi’s humour and relatability have made her a crowd favorite, while Dede’s daring personality has kept audiences divided and deeply engaged.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu withheld assent to the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill due to concerns about its mandate section and the proposed one percent Freight Stabilisation Fee.

Speaking with reporters on the sidelines of the visit of the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, over the weekend in Lagos, Akutah explained that the issues raised have since been addressed and the revised Bill is currently before the National Assembly for review before being resubmitted to the President.

‘The NPERA Bill was returned by Mr. President to the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice for advisory due to issues raised over the mandate section of the Bill, the one percent Freight Stabilisation Fee, and the new role of the Shippers Council as the Port Economic Regulator,’ he said.

Akutah added that the Shippers Council has since met with the Attorney General of the Federation, and all contentious areas have been clarified to ensure the Bill’s smooth passage and eventual assent.

‘Those issues created a little bit of confusion, but that has been resolved because the Gazette of the Presidential Order of 2015 and the regulations of 2015 have all been handed over to the Minister of Justice.

‘So, they have now looked at it again to see that the Council mandate has changed by the order of the president appointing the Shipper’s Council as the Port Economic Regulator.

‘So, those aspects that needed to be corrected have been corrected, and the bill has gone back to the National Assembly on its way back to Mr. President for assent.

‘There was a little bit hitch, but we have overcome that hitch. So, it is now on track heading back to Mr. President. But the National Assembly still has to look at it because of those corrections that were made.

‘You can’t correct a bill that has been passed without the National Assembly looking at it. The corrections are not so many, just a few of them regarding the mandate and then regarding the 1 percent freight fee.

‘The Bill is still with the National Assembly. You know that they have been on recess. They were supposed to resume last week, but I think they moved it forward.

‘As soon as the National Assembly resumes sitting, they will look at this quickly and then do all the corrections and send it back.’

Shedding more light on the corrections done on the NPERA Bill, Akutah explained that, ‘On mandate, the issue was whether the Council has the mandate to become the Port Economic Regulator. That mandate was given to the Council under the Presidential Order of 2015. This fact was not very well known to the Ministry of Justice at the time when the Bill came back to them.

‘Also, the regulations of 2015, which have copiously given the nitty-gritty of what the Port Economic Regulator will do, were also not known at the time when the Bill got to the Ministry. So, the Ministry of Justice called us and we provided all those details to them.

‘Then the provision regarding the 1 percent freight stabilisation fee. The provision appeared to be saying that the freight fee was going to be the funding of the agency, whereas it is the revenue to be generated by the agency. So, those corrections have been made,’ he said.

Afrobeats singer and entrepreneur, Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, has announced his intention to contest for the presidency in an African country.

The music star made the disclosure in a video, revealing that he had been reflecting on stepping into public service and now believes the time is right to share his ambition.

Mr Eazi, in a lighthearted tone, said his decision was driven by a desire to serve, not for financial gain.

He said, ‘I have been thinking about it. I think it’s time to share it with you guys. Some of you might be from some countries, specifically in Africa, and you are looking for a president; a president who is not looking for money and power but forward-thinking, young, active and can move your country better. So, I’m officially putting myself forward for the presidency.’

All Progressives Congress (APC), Kayode Ojo, and Governor Biodun Oyebanji clashed on Sunday over alleged attacks, intimidation, and harassment of supporters ahead of the governorship primary.

Ojo accused agents of the state government of masterminding politically motivated violence, unlawful arrests, and persecution of his supporters across various communities in the state.

Speaking at a press conference in Ado-Ekiti, Ojo, through the Head of the Kayode Ojo Team, Olukayode Oluyemo, alleged that several of his supporters had been unlawfully arrested, detained, and assaulted in a bid to weaken his growing political base.

According to him, incidents of attacks had been recorded in Igede-Ekiti, Otun-Ekiti, Ikere-Ekiti, and Emure-Ekiti.

He further claimed that intelligence reports indicated plans by political thugs allegedly loyal to the governor to disrupt his ward-to-ward campaign tour scheduled to begin on Thursday.

Ojo also cited a viral video in which threats were allegedly issued against him and his loyalists.

‘We have credible intelligence that some political thugs, believed to be loyal to Governor Oyebanji, are threatening to disrupt our campaign activities,’ Oluyemo said. ‘We urge security agencies to prevent any breakdown of law and order. Peaceful competition is the bedrock of democracy and must be protected.’

He further decried the alleged vandalisation of his campaign offices and properties belonging to his supporters, describing the incidents as ‘a direct assault on democratic rights and a violation of both the Nigerian and APC constitutions.’

Ojo demanded the immediate release of all detained supporters, an independent investigation into the alleged attacks, and sanctions against any public officials found guilty of abuse of power.

He warned that using state institutions to suppress political opponents could endanger peace and stability in the state.

However, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Yinka Olatunbosun, dismissed the allegations as baseless and mischievous, accusing Ojo of seeking cheap publicity to cover up his political unpopularity.

‘No popular aspirant or loyal APC member will accuse the government of blocking their movement or attacking their supporters. It’s not only untrue but a figment of imagination – a lie from the pit of hell,’ Olatunbosun said.

He added that Ojo was merely attempting to drag the governor’s name into controversy to justify an anticipated poor performance in the forthcoming APC governorship primary. ‘Politics requires mutual respect, collaboration, and camaraderie – not frivolous claims or media drama,’ he stated.