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Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his Lagos counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, traditional rulers, ministers, lawmakers, captains of industry, and other prominent Nigerians converged on Friday at Ajamimogha, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, to celebrate the fifth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.

The anniversary, held at the palace, drew sons and daughters of the Iwere nation from across Nigeria and the diaspora. It featured homage-paying and colourful cultural performances by several Itsekiri groups.

Speaking at the event, themed ‘Global Homecoming: Celebrating Our Cultural Renaissance, Unity and Transformational Progress,’ the Olu of Warri said the vision of his reign transcended the Itsekiri nation, stressing that the traditional institution could play a significant role in projecting Nigeria’s culture and values to the world.

‘What God is doing through this throne is beyond Itsekiri; it is for Delta State; it is for Nigeria. And it just goes to say that we are trying to imbibe a spirit of excellence in our beautiful regal culture. Because I know that when we are excellent in displaying our culture, Nigeria will be the envy of the world.

‘It is not just this throne; it is the entire traditional institution, and it will radiate to the way we do things even in business, the way we do things in educating our children, and I could go on and on.’

The monarch attributed the achievements of his five years on the throne to God, saying: ‘We broke out in song, exactly five years ago. If I had time, I would sing again. I am forever singing in my heart, giving God all the glory, all the praise. I will say it again: everything you see here is not me; it is God that is shining through me; it is God that is expressing himself through me. Itsekiri, we are just privileged to be first partakers through this vessel of what God is doing.’

He added, ‘I want to say thank you all for coming. I am overwhelmed by your support. I am overwhelmed by your prayers, and may God continue to bless every single one of us.’

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, in his remarks, described the king as a monarch with uncommon leadership abilities and commended his contribution to the development of Warri and the state.

‘From the splendour of the coronation, it was clear to discerning minds that a new realm of glory is under Ogiame Atuwatse III. He is a unique leader with uncommon leadership abilities; he is a cerebral monarch, a bridge builder, an exemplary leader, a man of grace.

‘He leads from the front and has an undying passion for the progress of not just Warri but the entire state. I want to place it on record that the Olu has taken more than a passive interest in my administration,’ he said.

The governor also commended the monarch for his decision to endorse President Bola Tinubu and himself for a second term, saying the decision was significant because traditional rulers were expected to remain fathers to all.

‘There was one thing he did when the Itsekiri nation hosted me: a political endorsement of Mr President and me. It was not an easy decision to take, because you are father to all. I thank you for that.

‘I want traditional rulers, who are custodians of tradition, to be able to speak when necessary, and he spoke that day,’ he said.

Oborevwori recalled the Olu’s appearance on a scooter during an inspection of the almost-completed Ode-Itsekiri Road.

‘He was a model. People were saying all sorts of things; they did not know he was trying to showcase a place they thought roads could never reach. Today I tell you, it is memorable and gratifying. It is a show of support for my government.’

The governor urged the people of Warri, Uvwie and environs to preserve the peace and unity that had existed among the various ethnic groups in the area.

‘We have coexisted peacefully for centuries, and there is no reason why that cannot continue. I urge all and sundry to shun inflammatory remarks, sheathe their swords and avoid other divisive tendencies that threaten the peace and stability of our dear state,’ he appealed.

He also commended the Olu’s visit to the Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh.

Among the dignitaries at the celebration were Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; Senator Joel Onowakpo-Thomas, representing Delta South; Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Arts, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, represented; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor; commissioners and other political leaders.

Traditional rulers from across the country also attended, including His Majesties the Alaafin of Oyo, Akeem Abimbola Owoade I; the Dein of Agbor, Keagborekuzi I; the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri, Igbi II; Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri, Monbene III; the Asagba of Asaba, Epiphany Azinge (SAN); the Obinof Aboh, Oputa III; the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi, Oba Elegushi Kusenla III; the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ogunoye III; the Emir of Zazzau, who also represented the Sultan of Sokoto; Oni of Ife, Ojaja II, represented by his wife, Olori Temitope Ogunwusi, among others.

Captains of industry and other dignitaries were also present.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has predicted a broader political realignment in the country ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying more politicians will soon join what he described as a ‘larger Rainbow Coalition’ in support of President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking on Friday in Abuja during an inspection of major infrastructure projects in the FCT, Wike said the recent visit of Osun State Governor-elect Ademola Adeleke to President Tinubu pointed to the emerging political configuration ahead of the presidential election.

The minister, who has remained one of the most vocal figures in the political camp supporting President Tinubu despite his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said the development should not be interpreted simply as an opposition alliance or partisan realignment.

According to him, the political landscape ahead of 2027 is changing rapidly, with politicians from different parties increasingly finding common ground around the Tinubu presidency.

Wike said Adeleke’s engagement with Tinubu showed that political actors can belong to different parties and still work together to secure the President’s victory in 2027.

‘What happened last night is a meeting to rebuild a larger Rainbow Coalition. And he (Adeleke) is supporting Mr President. He’s in a different party; I’m supporting Mr President, and I’m in a different party. So, it’s a larger Rainbow Coalition,’ Wike said.

He predicted the coalition would grow in the coming weeks, urging Nigerians to watch for further political moves ahead of the 2027 elections.

‘And in the next few weeks, watch what is going to happen. You will see a larger Rainbow Coalition in this country supporting Mr President,’ he said.

The FCT Minister’s comments come against the backdrop of growing political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with politicians across party lines positioning themselves for the next electoral battle.

While opposition parties and political groups have continued efforts to build a formidable platform capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Wike argued that the opposition was currently too fragmented and weakened by internal crises to constitute a serious threat to Tinubu.

He dismissed the notion of a clearly defined ‘leading opposition’ party, insisting that the political landscape had changed considerably.

‘When you say opposition, I’ve told you I don’t know what you call opposition, as far as there is no opposition now,’ he said.

The minister also took a swipe at members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) who, according to him, have claimed credit for Adeleke’s electoral success in Osun State.

Wike said such claims amounted to an attempt to reap political benefits from work they did not undertake.

‘All those ADC who are talking about ‘they helped Adeleke to win,’ they just wanted to go and harvest where they never planted,’ he said.

He maintained that Adeleke remained a member of the PDP despite securing his governorship ticket on the platform of the Accord Party, adding that the governor-elect’s political engagement with Tinubu was part of the wider realignment taking place across the country.

Wike’s remarks are significant coming from a senior PDP figure who has consistently supported Tinubu since the 2023 presidential election, despite the PDP being one of the major political platforms expected to challenge the President in 2027.

The minister has repeatedly justified his support for Tinubu on the grounds of political principles and national interest, while remaining critical of elements within his own party whom he blames for the PDP’s continuing crisis.

On Friday, he again argued that the PDP, which ordinarily should provide the strongest opposition to the ruling party, had been weakened by internal disagreements.

‘Ordinarily, it should have been PDP, but because of the crisis we’ve had, you can’t see a formidable party that you will call the leading opposition party,’ Wike said.

His comments appeared to be a direct response to questions about how opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, would interpret his interaction with Adeleke and the growing support for Tinubu.

Wike said he was not concerned about how political opponents viewed the emerging alliance.

He said, ‘I have told you when you say ‘leading opposition,’ I’ve told you that there’s no opposition.

‘What you have are people who are just trying to see whether they can be relevant’.

The minister further suggested that the political contest ahead of 2027 would be more favourable to Tinubu than some opposition figures might expect, given the fluidity of political alliances and the opposition’s inability to present a united front.

For Wike, the priority is victory, not political accommodation with opponents.

He said politicians should not expect him to make decisions based on whether such actions would be convenient for their political interests.

The minister’s position reinforces his increasingly prominent role in the political coalition backing Tinubu, despite his continued association with the PDP.

Wike was one of the five PDP governors who formed the G5 during the 2023 election cycle, demanding equity and internal reforms within the party.

The dispute eventually deepened divisions within the PDP, with Wike and his allies refusing to support the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Since Tinubu assumed office, Wike has maintained a working relationship with the Federal Government and has repeatedly expressed support for the President’s administration.

His latest comments suggest he expects more opposition politicians to cross party lines in support of Tinubu as 2027 draws closer.

While opposition groups have been exploring possible alliances, Wike argued that the absence of a dominant opposition platform has created room for the President to consolidate support across party lines.

One of the projects inspected was the N5 Extension in Life Camp, being constructed by Julius Berger.

The minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of the work and said the road was expected to be completed and handed over in December.

He also inspected the N1 Road project being executed by Arab Contractors.

Wike praised the quality of work on the project and confirmed that it was also scheduled for completion and handover in December.

The minister subsequently inspected the IBB International Golf Club, which is undergoing rehabilitation following intervention by President Tinubu.

He said the rehabilitation had become necessary, particularly because of complaints from members of the diplomatic community over its prolonged closure.

Wike directed that the facility must be reopened before the end of the year.

‘This golf course must be ready and be reopened by December. So we are giving it to Julius Berger to ensure that everything is done. And by December this year, the golf course will be reopened,’ he said.

According to him, Julius Berger was re-engaged for the rehabilitation because the company originally constructed the facility and therefore possessed the necessary technical knowledge of its design and standards.

He said physical work was expected to be completed by November, paving the way for the official reopening of the golf club in December.

Wike explained that the golf club was shut following an internal crisis, which eventually led to the appointment of a caretaker committee headed by the President of the Court of Appeal.

He commended the committee for its role in resolving the crisis and creating the conditions for the facility’s rehabilitation.

The minister, however, warned that the government would not continue to fund the club’s operations after its reopening.

He said the management must develop a sustainable revenue model capable of funding maintenance and other operational expenses.

‘I would believe, this time around, that when this is done, they should be able to raise funds by themselves to run this place. The government should not use public funds to come back to do it,’ he said.

Wike assured that the FCT Administration would continue to facilitate payments to contractors to ensure that the rehabilitation programme remained on schedule.

He stressed that the December reopening deadline for the IBB International Golf Club was sacrosanct.

The member representing Esan West/Esan Central/Igueben Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Marcus Onobun, has urged lawmakers in Edo State House of Assembly to reject a bill seeking to repeal the House of Assembly and Judiciary Financial Autonomy Law in Edo State.

He said it was during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki that Edo Assembly domesticated Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution, guaranteeing financial independence for state legislatures and judiciaries.

The former Edo Assembly Speaker, in a statement, said: ”No state action should now seek to reverse this democratic progress.’

He said the move to repeal the Financial Autonomy Laws contravened the fundamental principle of the separation of powers.

Onobun noted that a robust democracy relied on three co-equal branches.

He said: ‘Stripping the legislature of its financial autonomy destroys this vital system of checks and balances. A financially dependent parliament risks becoming a mere appendage of the executive, severely limiting its capacity for strict accountability, oversight and effective representation.

‘As a former Speaker, I urge the House to reject this proposal and protect its institutional integrity. Financial autonomy is a constitutional mandate, not a political privilege. Our democracy thrives best when the legislature remains truly independent.’

But Speaker of Edo Assembly, Yekini Idiaye, said the laws were not to be repealed but amended to strengthen project monitoring.

He said the House was not reversing the autonomy.

‘We are not reversing the autonomy. We are all beneficiary of the autonomy. The proposed amendment is focused on the capital project aspect of autonomy.

‘What we are trying to do, we are looking at the capital side of it, like the project. Some persons discovered that most projects are not executed.

‘So for us to have a good understanding of the purpose for which we got the autonomy, especially on the side of the project party… what we are thinking is that we want to create a form of an agency,’ he added.

Idiaye said the agency would be responsible for monitoring release of funds, execution and supervision of capital projects for both arms.

‘That all projects will be passing through that agency. They will be monitoring. As it is now, there is no proper monitoring.

‘So we want to have an agency that we want to amend. So that they will be the one monitoring the release of funds, the execution, the supervision. And when you finish, you bring your certificate, take it to the agency.

‘What we are saying is that the amendment is not going to affect the financial aspect of it. It is the operational side of it that it will affect. I don’t even want to say the capital,’ he concluded.

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, on Friday revealed that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will release $119 million in additional financing to deploy interconnected and isolated mini-grids in Nigeria.

The agency’s Managing Director, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu broke the news in Abuja as REA entered into a N50 billion collaboration agreement with Alpha Morgan Bank to establish a financing support framework that will help accelerate electricity access in unserved and underserved communities across Nigeria.

He said, ‘And we are expecting at any moment from now additional financing of $119 million from JICA that will also be used for the deployment of interconnected mini-grids and isolated mini-grids.’

Under the agreement, Alpha Morgan Bank will provide up to ?50 billion in project financing to eligible renewable energy developers participating in REA-led programmes, including the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Project. Eligible developers will have access to revolving loans of up to ?10 billion per developer, with proposed tenures of 12 to 24 months, subject to the Bank’s credit assessment and approval.

Alpha Morgan Bank will provide up to 70 per cent counterpart funding for eligible projects. The partnership is designed to address one of the major challenges facing renewable energy developers: access to affordable and timely financing.

By improving access to credit, the collaboration is expected to enable developers to procure equipment, complete projects more efficiently and expand electricity services to households, public institutions and businesses in rural and underserved communities.

Aliyu said the collaboration would strengthen private-sector participation in Nigeria’s energy transition and help close the electricity access gap. ‘Access to finance remains critical to the successful delivery and scale-up of decentralised renewable energy projects. This partnership provides a practical financing mechanism that can help developers move from project approval to implementation more quickly, while expanding reliable electricity access to communities that need it most.’ According to Alpha Morgan Bank Managing Director/CEO Ade Buraimo, the partnership reflects the Bank’s commitment to sustainable development through innovative financing. ‘Access to reliable electricity is fundamental to economic growth and improved livelihoods. Through structured financing and advisory support, our collaboration with REA will help bridge the gap between renewable energy projects and the capital required to deliver them.’

The REA boss said the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will release $119 million in additional financing to deploy interconnected and isolated mini-grids in Nigeria.

At the MOU signing, Alpha Morgan Bank, represented by the Executive Director, Mrs. Doyin Anyaehie, noted that reliable electricity is a basic necessity and critical to economic activity, particularly for SMEs and rural communities that cannot sustainably afford alternative power sources. ‘Alpha Morgan Bank is proud to partner with the REA to provide financing to eligible renewable energy developers under the DARES programme for the provision of reliable electricity to underserved communities.’

The partnership will also provide eligible developers with financial advisory support, while REA will facilitate project approvals, grant agreements, and verification.

The collaboration is expected to strengthen the link between public-sector funding and private-sector finance, accelerate renewable energy deployment, and support the Federal Government’s objective of expanding reliable and sustainable electricity access across Nigeria.

Two persons lost their lives, while two others sustained varying degrees of injuries, in a tanker fire explosion along the Agu-Awka axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Awka.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday night in front of a fuel station, involved a fully loaded diesel tanker belonging to Shafa Filling Station and a 911 truck loaded with bags of feed.

The diesel truck reportedly suffered brake failure and collided with the 911 truck, resulting in a fire.

Confirming the incident, the Chief Fire Officer of the State Fire Service, Engr. Chiketa Chukwudi, said two people lost their lives, while two others who sustained varying degrees of injuries were rescued and rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

Chiketa, who was personally present at the scene, commended the firefighters for their prompt response and urged motorists and other road users to exercise extreme caution, particularly when approaching sloping areas and when trucks are loaded with petroleum products.

While assuring the public that the situation had been brought under control, the Fire Chief encouraged them to remain calm and go about their normal activities.

He also reiterated a call to motorists to ensure their vehicles were properly maintained and that critical components, especially braking systems, are routinely checked to prevent avoidable accidents.

He said, ‘The Anambra State Fire Service has responded to a serious road traffic accident involving a fully loaded diesel tanker belonging to Shafa Filling Station and a 911 truck loaded with bags of feed along the Agu-Awka axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Awka.

‘The incident occurred in front of Jezco Fuel Station, Agu-Awka, at 2326 hours on Thursday, 20th August, 2026, and was reported to the Anambra State Fire Service, which promptly mobilised its firefighters and firefighting equipment to the scene.

‘Preliminary information indicates that the accident occurred when the diesel truck reportedly suffered brake failure and collided with the 911 truck, resulting in a fire outbreak.

‘Sadly, two people lost their lives in the incident, while two others who sustained varying degrees of injuries were rescued and rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

‘As at the time of this report, firefighters remained at the scene, working to control the situation and prevent further escalation.’

The Hausa Community in Ondo State has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima remain the best leadership option for Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

They made the declaration on Friday in Akure during a mobilisation programme organised by the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT), a political support group backed by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Speaking at the event, the State Leader of the Hausa Community in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Bala Umaru, expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s administration’s ongoing reforms in agriculture, security, infrastructure and other sectors.

Umaru said the Hausa community, from the 18 local government areas of Ondo, has endorsed President Tinubu and his Vice President, Shettima, to reposition the country for sustainable development.

He observed that the administration inherited significant economic and social challenges but had demonstrated commitment to addressing them through reforms and interventions targeted at food security, infrastructure, transport, investment, job creation and economic growth.

‘Today is more than a political gathering. It is an opportunity for us to speak with one voice about the Nigeria we want, and the kind of leadership we believe can take us there.

‘The leader is none other than His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and our decision as the Hausa community in Ondo State is to support his administration and endorse him alongside our Vice President, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, for a second term in office,’ Umaru said.

He also lauded the Federal government’s road construction projects, saying improved road infrastructure was essential to the economic activities of northern Nigerians who transport agricultural produce to different parts of the country.

‘In the history of Nigeria, there is no President who has embarked on massive road construction like the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

‘Good roads play a significant role in the economy of we northerners. They make it easier for us to transport our goods, especially farm produce, to any part of the country,’ he said.

Umaru also appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the administration, stressing that some of the reforms would require time before their full impact could be felt.

He further cited Tinubu’s contribution to the political emergence of former President Muhammadu Buhari as one reason the Hausa community should reciprocate the support.

‘These are not things that can be achieved overnight. They require patience, consistency and cooperation from all Nigerians.’

‘President Tinubu also played a significant role in installing the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. It is just natural for any northerner to support President Tinubu’s second-term bid,’ he said.

Umaru said the community’s decision was also motivated by its desire for a peaceful, prosperous and united Nigeria.

He applauded the Minister of Interior, Dr Tunji-Ojo, for his leadership, commitment and development initiatives.

The Director-General of GMT, Hon. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, said the Hausa endorsement was part of the group’s wider mobilisation of ethnic communities and non-indigenes across Ondo State for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.

Yusuf-Ogunleye said the group had previously secured endorsements from the Ebira and Igbo communities, adding that the Hausa community had now joined the campaign.

‘Different ethnic groups in Ondo State have been endorsing President Tinubu. We started with the Ebira community. Last week, the Igbo community did their own. Today, the Hausa people from all 18 local government areas are here to endorse the President’s second-term bid,’ he said.

He said the Hausa community had acknowledged what he described as the achievements of the Tinubu administration and decided to support the President despite the possibility of other aspirants from the northern region contesting the presidency.

‘That is the spirit of sportsmanship. That is the spirit of oneness,’ he said.

Yusuf-Ogunleye added that the Hausa community, which he described as committed and loyal, supported Tinubu in the 2023 election and had resolved to back him again in 2027.

He also commended Tunji-Ojo for providing resources to mobilise residents and non-indigenes across the state in support of the President.

Similarly, a member of the GMT Board of Trustees, Hon. Adekola Olawoye, SAN, described the gathering as a significant mobilisation event and expressed satisfaction with the turnout of Hausa residents from the 18 local government areas.

Olawoye said the group had been engaging different ethnic communities in the state as part of its mobilisation strategy.

‘We have been mobilising non-indigenes in the state, different ethnic groups, to support the President. Our target is one million votes for the President,’ he said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate arrest of a suspected promoter of a fictitious Federal Government agency and the suspension of three permanent secretaries following fresh findings by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The directive followed the discovery by the anti-graft agency of another alleged fake government establishment, the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, which reportedly secured office accommodation within the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) without presidential authorisation.

ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, disclosed the development on Friday after briefing President Tinubu on the commission’s widening investigation into fictitious government agencies and apparent vulnerabilities in public sector administrative processes.

Aliyu identified the alleged promoter of the purported agency as Prince George Buchi Nwabueze, who, according to the commission, operated under different variations of his name.

He said the names included George Nathan Nwabueze, Honourable George Buchi Nwabueze, Prince George Buchi Nwabueze and George Buchi Nwabueze.

According to the ICPC chairman, President Tinubu, after receiving a comprehensive briefing on the findings, directed the immediate arrest of Nwabueze and the suspension of three permanent secretaries pending further investigation.

Aliyu named the affected permanent secretaries as M. S. Danjuma, Engr. Nadungu Gagare and Richard Pheelangwah.

The ICPC is expected to establish the roles, if any, played by the suspended officials and other individuals in the creation, accommodation and operation of the purported government agency.

The commission is also engaging relevant officials in the OSGF to determine how an unauthorised organisation obtained accommodation within government premises and operated in an environment capable of lending it an appearance of official legitimacy.

‘I have briefed Mr President comprehensively on these new developments. ICPC will continue with its investigation’, Aliyu said.

The fresh discovery emerged from the ICPC’s investigation into the fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), which had earlier prompted Tinubu to order a wider probe into how unauthorised bodies could present themselves as agencies of the Federal Government.

The PFIPC controversy broke in July after the Presidency disowned the organisation, warning Nigerians and the international community that it had no connection whatsoever with the Federal Government.

The Presidency had said the body, which presented itself as the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council and claimed to operate under the Nigerian Presidency, was fictitious and had not been created or authorised by President Tinubu.

The organisation had reportedly paraded individuals as officials of the purported council, using titles and structures designed to create an impression of presidential authority.

Following the discovery, Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate the circumstances surrounding the emergence of the PFIPC, identify those behind it and establish whether serving or former public officials facilitated its operations.

The President also ordered a broader examination of the administrative processes through which entities are established within government, as concerns mounted that loopholes in the system could be exploited to create fictitious agencies or confer an appearance of official recognition on unauthorised organisations.

The PFIPC investigation subsequently expanded beyond identifying its promoters to examining institutional and administrative weaknesses that might have enabled the organisation to operate and portray itself as a government body.

It was in the course of that wider investigation that the ICPC uncovered the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, deepening concerns over the possible proliferation of unauthorised entities exploiting government structures and nomenclature.

The significance of the latest discovery, it was gathered, is that the purported office was allegedly able to secure physical accommodation within the OSGF premises despite having no authorisation from the President.

The ICPC is consequently probing the processes through which the office gained access to the government facility, those who approved or facilitated the arrangement and whether other officials were involved.

Aliyu said the development had reinforced the need for tighter administrative controls and closer scrutiny of government institutions and internal processes.

He also commended Tinubu for directing a policy audit of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and internal government procedures, saying the exercise would help expose weaknesses capable of being exploited by individuals seeking to operate outside established government structures.

‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, must be commended for the proactive step of directing the policy audit of MDAs and internal government processes towards strengthening government governance system’, the ICPC chairman said.

The latest discovery has significantly broadened the anti-graft commission’s investigation from the activities of one fictitious organisation to the processes within the Federal Government that could allow unauthorised entities to acquire the trappings of official agencies.

Investigators are expected to determine not only those behind the two purported bodies but also whether lapses, complicity or abuse of administrative procedures by public officials enabled their operations.

The suspension of the three permanent secretaries is expected to allow the ICPC to investigate their possible roles without interference while the search for Nwabueze and the examination of other individuals linked to the alleged scheme continue.

The commission said its investigation would continue as it seeks to unravel the circumstances surrounding the establishment and operation of the purported agencies and identify any further weaknesses within the public service that may have facilitated them.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Olooye Adegboyega Adegoke, on Thursday held a closed-door meeting with a chieftain of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and grassroots politician, Alhaji Abdul-Rasheed Adebisi Olopoeyan, in Ibadan.

Adegoke was accompanied to the meeting at Olopoeyan’s residence in Basorun by the ADC Deputy National Women Leader (South-West), Alhaja Kafilat Omolabake Olayiwola, popularly known as Aje-Iya.

Details of the meeting were not disclosed, as both Adegoke and Olopoeyan declined to comment on the issues discussed.

However, sources said the meeting was likely connected with the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.

Adegoke and Olopoeyan were political allies in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before moving to the APM and ADC respectively.

The meeting comes amid reported disagreements between Olopoeyan and Oyo State Governor and APM presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, over the emergence of candidates for the December 2026 local government elections.

It was gathered that Olopoeyan and Makinde are backing different candidates ahead of the local government poll, which is expected to shape political alignments ahead of the 2027 general election.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed relevant federal agencies to collaborate with the Sokoto State Government to prevent a recurrence of the boat accident in Gorau Community, Goronyo Local Government Area, which claimed several lives and left others missing.

The President specifically directed the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to work closely with the state government to ensure that waterway safety standards are strictly enforced.

Tinubu gave the directive on Friday while reacting to the boat mishap, which he described as a tragedy, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The President also commended emergency responders and local authorities for their swift intervention in rescue and recovery operations following the accident.

Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life, Tinubu extended his condolences to the bereaved families, as well as the government and people of Sokoto State.

‘The news of this boat mishap deeply saddens me. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families during this difficult time. I pray that God grants the departed eternal rest and gives their loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,’ the President said.

He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident and assured the people of Sokoto State of the Federal Government’s support as they grapple with the tragedy.

The latest directive underscores concerns over recurring boat accidents across the country and the need for stricter enforcement of safety measures on inland waterways.

Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has begun tracking of projects worth N1.7billion in Anambra and Ebonyi states.

The projects being tracked are constituency projects attracted by some federal lawmakers in the state across federal constituencies.

The tracking team, on arrival in Ebonyi State, visited some projects across Izzi/Abakaliki and Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo federal constituencies.

The team inspected a solar-powered motorised borehole at Otsokpuru in Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency attracted by the member representing the constituency, Emmanuel Uguru.

It also tracked a solar-powered street lights project at Nkwagu market attracted by Mr Uguru and another solar-powered street lights in Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency attracted by Kama Nkemkanma.

Other projects include solar-powered boreholes in selected communities in Abaomege, Oshiri and Ugwulangeu in Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency attracted by Kama Nkemkanma.

The team also tracked three projects attracted by the former lawmaker who represented Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency, Livinus Makwe.

The projects are: Building of ultra-modern toilet block facility with solar-powered boreholes and overhead tank at Ugwulangwu Market, Ugwulangwu, Ohaozara Local Government.

Others are construction of a block of three classrooms with pupils’ furniture at Ukawu Secondary School, Ukawu Onicha Local Government and building and furnishing of community hall with VIP toilet facilities at Afor Egunkwo, Onicha-Igboeze, Onicha Local Government.

In Anambra State, ICPC has commenced Phase 8b of its Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Exercise, covering 19 projects worth over N1 billion across the state’s three senatorial zones.

Team Lead, Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Group (CEPTG), Nzebunachi Chukwuma, told reporters that the exercise, which began on Tuesday, was designed to promote good governance, transparency and accountability in the implementation of government projects nationwide.

He said it was being conducted simultaneously in 21 states and would continue for seven days.