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The Director General of the Tinubu Must Stay Movement (TMSM) Engr. Marcel Ngogbehei has called on Nigerians across all political and social spectra to engage in a transparent factual and open discussion regarding the long-term impact of the current administration’s socio-economic and policy reforms.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday Ngogbehei emphasized that the movement’s mission is focused on evaluating the necessity and long-term implications of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies rather than blind political partisanship.

‘We are not defending Tinubu as a person. We are looking at the initiatives he has taken and asking ourselves whether based on the circumstances in which he got into power they are the right moves or the wrong moves’ Ngogbehei stated. ‘If you say they are the wrong moves if you were there what would you do differently?’

The group further highlighted that while the country faces immediate short-term economic discomfort tough decisions were essential to avoid severe financial collapse.

Recalling past economic warnings Ngogbehei referenced statements from former Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in 2013 regarding unsustainable fiscal trajectories warning against a reliance on heavy borrowing and ‘ways and means’ spending.

‘We need a very bold courageous strong leader that would do the right thing’ Ngogbehei said citing long-delayed national decisions such as the policy framework for state policing. ‘He’s bold enough to take the initiative that most leaders have run away from knowing that some of them rather want to play to the galleries and be all nice and leave a country that will collapse in the next few years.’

‘So for once I call on Nigerians and every citizen to come let’s have this discussion openly transparently no holds barred… We are advocates of freedom of speech freedom of expression freedom of gathering but we also are advocates of maintaining peace and order.’

Ngogbehei then reiterated that the Tinubu Must Stay Movement aims to foster civil and respectful dialogue without resorted to political mudslinging or name-calling.

‘The Tinubu Must Stay Movement is saying: come let’s have a sincere honest transparent and factual analysis of what he met what he has done the short-term impact and what the possible long-term implication is for the country’ Ngogbehei concluded.

Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar Namadi has approved ?1.478 billion for constituency projects across the state’s 30 constituencies including the construction of perimeter fences around graveyards.

The Commissioner for Information Youth Sport and Culture Dahiru Musa disclosed this while announcing the decisions of the governor-led Jigawa State Executive Council meeting.

The contracts valued at ?1478046426.30 aim to address identified community needs by providing and rehabilitating essential infrastructure and public facilities.

The projects include constructing perimeter walls around graveyards and constructing completing and renovating Jumu’ah and daily prayer mosques.

They also cover the construction and renovation of residences belonging to district and village heads across the state.

Other constituency projects include interlocking works installation of solar energy systems procurement of generators and the supply and installation of prayer carpets.

The package also provides mats for designated facilities across the benefiting constituencies.

The projects are expected to address community-level priorities particularly those relating to religious institutions traditional leadership structures and other public facilities.

The interventions also aim to improve access to alternative electricity sources upgrade existing infrastructure and enhance facilities used by residents in the benefiting communities.

The approval reflects the state government’s latest intervention under its constituency-based development programme which implements projects to meet local needs across Jigawa State.

Ogun State Government has suspended the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area Oba Akintunde Akinyemi with immediate effect over alleged partisan political activities.

The State Executive Council approved the suspension under Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law 2021 pending a detailed investigation into the allegations against the monarch.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat conveyed the decision in a letter dated October 20 2026.

The council according to the letter acted after several complaints about the traditional ruler’s conduct particularly his alleged involvement in overtly partisan political activities some of which he reportedly publicised.

The government noted that partisan politics contravenes customary law and is prohibited by statute warning that such conduct could undermine the dignity of the traditional institution and threaten peaceful coexistence among subjects with different political affiliations.

It said the suspension was in the interest of peace order and good governance in Ogun State particularly in Iselu Kingdom. At the same time officials conducted an official detailed review of the allegations.

As part of the conditions of the suspension Oba Akinyemi has been directed to vacate the palace and refrain from entering it throughout the period of his suspension.

He has also been instructed not to present himself as or claim recognition as the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom.

The government further prohibited him from wearing or using any crown whether beaded or otherwise ileke beaded staff irukere or other paraphernalia associated with the office of an Oba during the suspension.

The letter also directed the monarch to make himself available promptly for any meeting or sitting convened by the state government to investigate the allegations against him.

The letter was copied to the Secretary of Yewa North Local Government and the Commissioner of Police Ogun State Command for their information and necessary action.

Edo Queens and Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies will resume their WAFU-B Women’s Champions League final on Saturday October 24 in Burkina Faso after CAF annulled Edo Queens’ 4-1 penalty shootout victory. The match restarts from extra time at 2-2 with the winner securing the region’s final place at the continental finals just days later.

The final ended 2-2 after 90 minutes on September 5. Officials then sent the teams straight to a penalty shootout which Edo Queens won 4-1 without playing extra time.

Ampem Darkoa protested through the Ghana Football Association. CAF found breaches of Articles 13.1 and 72.4 of the competition’s regulations which require two 15-minute periods of extra time in a tied final before penalties can be taken.

The Nigeria Football Federation appealed on behalf of Edo Queens arguing the club should not bear the consequences of officials’ error since the players had followed the referee’s instructions in good faith. The CAF Appeal Board upheld the annulment.

The match resumes with two 15-minute periods of extra time at 2-2. If neither side scores a winner another shootout will decide the WAFU-B representative. The ruling also calls for different match officials for the continuation.

The decisive half-hour comes just days before the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League begins in Egypt leaving both teams little time to prepare.

CAF has confirmed Egypt as host for the second year running. It is the country’s third time staging the competition following the inaugural edition in 2021.

Defending champions AS FAR and fellow Moroccan side FUS Rabat have qualified alongside South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim Cameroon’s Lekié FF and Mali’s USFAS.

The remaining berths go to Egypt’s host representative and the winner of the Edo Queens-Ampem Darkoa tie.

AS FAR arrive as holders after winning the 2025 title. Sundowns champions in 2021 and 2023 will be chasing a third continental crown.

Akwa Ibom state governor Umo Eno has announced a cash gift of N20000 to all corps member deployed to the state.

Eno gave the gesture yesterday during end of the orientation course for Batch ‘C’ Stream 1 at the NYSC Camp Ikot Itie Udung Nsit Atai Local Government Area.

The Governor also directed that a 10-minute silence be observed in honour of the late Etimbuk Daniel an Akwa Ibom indigene serving in Enugu who died recently during his service year.

Eno represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Development Dr. Ekanem Ekerete Paul congratulated the corps members for completing the orientation course with courage and discipline.

He noted with satisfaction that the exercise was concluded without any casualty.

Eno urged the corps members to regard their places of primary assignment as opportunities to serve the nation with honesty commitment and selflessness and to play active roles in promoting civic responsibility peaceful coexistence and national unity.

He assured them that Akwa Ibom is peaceful secure and hospitable asking them to respect the socio-cultural values of their host communities and build lasting relationships beyond their service year.

The Oba of Benin Oba Ewuare II held a thanksgiving service on Tuesday at the historic Holy Arousa Church in Benin City Edo State as part of the activities marking his 10th coronation anniversary.

A large crowd accompanied the monarch as he walked alongside his convoy to the church drawing residents and traders onto Akpakpava Road to catch a glimpse of the procession.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo also joined the monarch’s convoy to the worship centre while traditional praise singers and drummers entertained the crowd with songs.

High-ranking chiefs and prominent figures at the ceremony wore traditional red-and-white attire.

The Holy Arousa Church believed to have been built in the 15th century by the Portuguese is overseen by Oba Ewuare II and serves as his place of worship.

During the service the church’s priest Chief Igbinoghodua Edebiri delivered a sermon in the Edo language calling for unity among worshippers.

The monarch accompanied by his wives also approached the altar to offer thanksgiving.

Speaking at the event the Edo State Commissioner for Mining Mr Kayode Iriabekhai said the gathering was an opportunity to celebrate a traditional ruler whose reign had brought peace to the state.

Iriabekhai also commended the monarch for supporting Governor Okpebholo since the governor assumed office.

The ember months-September October November and December-often bring increased road travel festivities and rushes and unfortunately a spike in crime and accidents.

Here are five practical ways to stay safe:

1. Be extra security-conscious

Criminals often exploit the festive rush. Avoid late-night travel don’t display valuables openly stay alert at ATMs and in markets and secure your home properly before travelling. Share your location with trusted family members when on the move.

2. Drive safely and avoid night travel

The rush to meet year-end targets leads to reckless driving. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition obey speed limits avoid overloading and never drink and drive. If possible avoid night journeys and always use reputable transport companies.

3. Be financially disciplined

Don’t fall for get-rich-quick schemes fake promo messages and desperation-driven fraud that spikes during this period. Verify all transactions avoid spending under pressure and plan your budget to reduce unnecessary financial stress.

4. Watch your health and environment

The harmattan stress and party season can take a toll. Stay hydrated get enough rest despite the hustle be cautious about what you eat or drink at parties and keep your home fire-safe as many homes use candles and decorations.

5. Stay informed and stay connected

Follow credible news for travel advisories road conditions and security alerts in your area. Keep emergency contacts handy keep your phone charged and let family know where you are during trips or outings.

Twenty years apart but very similar. Yet very different in hegemonic politics! But first the uncanny similarities – and differences – in two ruling parties!

In 2007 the PDP was the undisputed lord of the political manor. Indeed by 2008 the late Vincent Ogbulafor then PDP national chairman was so flush with power he bragged his party would rule for the next 60 years – in the first instance!

Behemoth PDP had just fair or foul muscled the 2007 vote. Pumped with power and glory Ogbulafor couldn’t see anything tripping the juggernaut any time soon. Yet 18 years on the PDP is a miserable ‘also-run’ in the run-up to 2027!

In 2007 the ruling APC wasn’t even born until 2013 when legacy opposition parties fused – the first of such in democratic Nigeria. Yet now it’s the new colossus sending a chill down the spine of its confused partisan opposers.

Almost 12 years in power and angling for its own 16-year stretch mercifully none in its ranks is screaming 60 years – as Ogbulafor rashly did in PDP’s ninth year in power.

Yet the similarities between PDP and APC couldn’t be more uncanny.

In 2007 the PDP controlled between 29 and 31 states (out of 36) – depending on what time in 2007 you’re counting from. After that horrible election the PDP had grossed 31 states.

It due time however it would be rid of at least four states – Edo Ondo Ekiti and Osun – states the courts found it had grabbed at that grand heist. That was the beginning of its end in power.

In 2026 the APC is entering the 2027 elections with 31 out of 36 governors. Add the two non-APC collaborative governors – APGA’s Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra) and Accord’s Ademola Adeleke (Osun) – the number rises to 33 (out of 36). That’s a new record for a political behemoth!

Between 2003 and 2007 – two extremely controversial polls – President Olusegun Obasanjo had used guile and brute to hammer into shape PDP’s rogue hegemony.

Aside from leashing intra-PDP dissent he mercilessly cracked down and thoroughly subverted PDP governors who dared to have own minds. In Plateau it was suspect emergency rule plus a latter-day impeachment of Governor Joshua Dariye.

In Oyo it was rogue impeachment later set aside by the courts – just to put the fear of God in the opposition. The Supreme Court voided Dariye’s removal too.

Why? Obasanjo even told Governor Rashidi Ladoja (now the reigning Olubadan) to kiss the sole of the late Lamidi Adedibu Obasanjo’s Oyo PDP ‘garrison commander’ – or kiss his governorship bye-bye! That spurred Lodoja’s ‘simple minority’ impeachment!

But the opposition too have accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) between 2023 and 2026 of a similar skullduggery to build up his own APC into a fearsome electoral fortress for 2027.

In truth even without an Obasanjo-like brute force the political high fashion between 2023 and 2026 was for opposition governors to cross into the ruling party. Such peculiar uprooting – pioneered by Delta’s Sheriff Oborevwori – wiped PDP clean from both the South-South and the South East.

But even with Tunubu’s inter-partisan charming – sweet to APC but outright gall to the opposition victims – much of that was possible because the PDP most times had fallen on its own sword.

That was clear from Governor Umo Bassey Eno while crossing from PDP to APC. He claimed with his first-term feats he could win re-election on any platform. But he was fleeing the PDP because the division in there might render him platform-less in 2027!

The PDP is yet out of its war of attrition even if the Nyesom Wike faction now has legal recognition!

But if the ruling PDP was similar to APC in power politicking it’s the stark opposite in performance record.

In 2007 the Second Niger Bridge was still the beatific election-season video to charm the blissful South East electorate who seemed sworn to PDP till death did both part!

The Lagos-Ibadan expressway was all bedecked with President Obasanjo’s regnant portraits mouthing some remedy. But though a death trap the promise of Bi-Courtney Highway Services Ltd (BHSL) coming to the rescue never materialized.

By swearing 2007 would be do-or-die President Obasanjo had foresworn that election to more brawn than brain – and it delivered on that brutal and grotesque promise.

The APC infrastructure run into 2027 is a diametric opposite. Under President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) both the Second Niger Bridge and the Lagos-Ibadan expressway were done and dusted!

To boot David Umahi PBAT’s Works minister has not only delivered a revamped First Niger Bridge (opened by Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa in the First Republic: 1960-1966) he’s already mulling turning Lagos-Ibadan expressway from tar to reinforced concrete – lasting no less than 50 years with routine repairs!

Aside from the Loko-Oweto bridge (that links Benue Plateau Nasarawa et al to the South-South and South East) PMB had started – and PBAT delivered – the ecologically challenging Bodo-Bonny project.

Bodo-Bonny is the first-ever road and a medley of bridges that link Bonny Island Nigeria’s rich gas capital to the Ogoni country in the Rivers mainland.

A hostile and delicate terrain notwithstanding PBAT perhaps is using the Bodo-Bonny inspiration to build the long dreamed of Lagos-Calabar coastal road – a project many South-South homers as Donald Duke governor of Cross River when Tinubu was governor of Lagos are busy squealing is impossible!

There is also the Sokoto-Badagry expressway coming to life at last!

So two ruling parties in a stretch of 20 years. Similar in partisan intrigues but different – as day is to night – in sheer verifiable performance! What easier way to gauge a government’s performance than verifiable physical projects?

So the PDP in 2007 headed to the election with vain glory and a brutish swagger. That made the sitting president to roar: ‘do or die’! But the APC is entering 2027 with verifiable projects in about every part of the country.

Added to a penetrating nationwide structure – 33 governors to PDP’s 31 in 2007 – it’s tempting to dismiss the election as a wrap for the ruling party. But is it?

Somewhat the APC echoes Achilles in Greek mythology. Achilles’ mother holding him by the heels had plunged the infant into the Styx – one of the foreboding rivers of the Greek underworld.

So Achilles became an invulnerable battle tank – except at the heels where his mother had held him during that magical dip. Hence ‘Achilles heel’ as a fatal weakness.

As scary as the APC armada is its Achilles’ heel may well be the soaring cost of living. It should do everything in its policy regime to correct that weakness.

MILO Nigeria and former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa have concluded the inaugural MILO × Ahmed Musa Sports Clinic and Tournament in Kano providing 2500 young footballers with coaching mentorship and competitive matches.

Over two weeks participants took part in 10 coaching sessions and played matches under Musa and other coaches. The programme combined football training with lessons in teamwork discipline resilience and confidence.

The clinic ended with a tournament at the Ahmed Musa Sports Complex in Kano where Khamis Football Academy won the inaugural title. Participants received cash prizes certificates and football equipment.

Musa who is a MILO Brand Ambassador said talent alone was not enough for young players.

‘Young players need good coaching regular competition and people who will guide them’ he said. ‘My message to these players is simple: keep training listen to your coaches and work hard every day to improve.’

He also called for greater investment in grassroots football stressing the need for quality coaching structured development and regular competition for young players.

Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah Category Lead at MILO said the programme was designed to help young people build confidence and develop values beyond sport.

‘Our partnership with Ahmed Musa brings together MILO’s longstanding commitment to sports development and the experience of an athlete whose journey from grassroots football to the highest level can inspire the next generation’ he said.

Musa whose football career began in northern Nigeria and reached the top level of the sport was a source of inspiration for the participants.

MILO said the clinic builds on its commitment to youth development through school-based and grassroots sports initiatives in Nigeria.

Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an 85-year-old grandmother Grace Ehimeka popularly known as Mama Grace with 15 bags of cannabis weighing 179kg.

The grandmother in her statement according to the NDLEA admitted ownership of the illicit drugs while begging for forgiveness.

According to her ‘I am a widow and started selling cannabis over two years ago just to survive. My family members have warned me to stop but I kept postponing my decision to stop. Officers if you give me another chance I will never sell cannabis again.’

Edo NDLEA Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju in the statement said five other suspected drug traffickers were arrested in coordinated raids across the Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Ofoyeju said the operations led to the recovery of 407.39kg of cannabis and other illicit substances including 546 grams of loud 114 grams of tramadol four grams of diazepam and three grams of swinol.

He listed the suspects to include Ali Garba Habib Braimoh Musa Mubid Ayo Aigberadion and Hope Okoro.

The state NDLEA commander warned that old age was no excuse for criminality and assured that the command remained committed to ridding the state of illicit drugs.

According to him ‘You cannot hide under the canopy of old age and perpetrate acts that violate the law. The octogenarian Grace Ehimeka was apprehended on October 16 2026 in her house at Warake community. This is a bad example for her children and grandchildren.

‘The arrests and drug seizures are part of the agency’s renewed drive to eliminate criminal elements from the state. We urge members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to assist in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.’