ABUJA DAILY MAIL

 A Political Analyst, Abu Hamisu, has stated that president Muhammadu Buhari's behavior has changed the mentality of the ruling party doing everything to ensure that it stays in power. Abu Hamisu went on to say that currently, president Muhammadu Buhari is behaving as if he is a member of the opposition party with the introduction of some policies that does not appear to promote APC's bid to retain power. Abu Hamisu said "specifically with the issue of new naira notes, I know it is a good policy but if you hear the huge amount that is used to maintain our currency is so alarming, and the people are trying to say that it is wrong. He went on to say that if you add the issue of fuel shortages and the unavailability of the naira notes in commercial banks, has further worsened the situation in the country and these situations has further strengthened the argument that president Muhammadu is acting like he is part of the opposition instead of part of the ruling party.

The Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola has affirmed President Muhammadu Buhari is strongly behind All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. He noted that the naira redesign policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) “is hurting Nigerians” and needs to be reviewed. He said: “I saw the President, and I’m not one to tell you what I discussed with the President in private. I saw him and what he told me dispelled all rumors and I didn’t ask him. “We were just having a conversation, and he (Buhari) just said “I’ve to do this… This is very important for our campaign”…that’s much I’m going to say. That dispels all of these hearsays.” Fashola further stated that Tinubu was fighting for Nigerians when he expressed concerns about the scarcity of the new notes. “It is in the interest of the opposition to create or spin a criticism of a impact of a policy, and that’s the impact of policy. “Our candidate has not said don’t change the naira, but it is ...

 The Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has said that the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu would emerge president in the forthcoming presidential election with a wide margin. The Governor who continued to strengthen his campaign for the presidential candidate, implored the people to support him because of his competence and capacity to redeem the country. The Governor made this revelation at Ondo Central Senatorial campaign rally which took place in Ondo town. He urged the people to transform their impressive turnouts at the party’s campaign to votes.

 The Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, has claimed that his intervention in the deadline for the use of old naira notes prompted the extension of deadline by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Tinubu, a former Lagos State governor revealed this on Sunday when he led other members of his campaign entourage on a courtesy visit to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare ll, in his palace in Benin City, Edo State. The CBN had fixed the deadline for the use of old naira notes for January 31, 2023; but announced it’s extension to February 10. The APC presidential standard-bearer said he has in the past few days been intervening on behalf of petty traders so that they won’t suffer the difficulties that may be occasioned with the scarcity of new naira notes. According to him, “Let me apologise to all the chiefs, respected leaders and traditional rulers for waiting since morning till now. “This is not intentional but because of national politics....

 The Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is expected to storm Anambra State tomorrow (Tuesday) in continuation of his February 25 election campaign rallies. Anambra State Coordinator of APC Presidential Campaign Council APC -PCC, Senator Margery Okadigo and her deputy, Senator Emma Anosike who disclosed this yesterday while inspecting the arena, stated: “as it stands, everything is set as Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has equally, approved Dr Alex Ekwueme square for the mother of all rallies in Awka”. Along with Chief Basil Ejidike, the party's state chairman, and the rally's organising committee chairman, Sir Azuka Okwuosa, Okadigbo and Anosike asserted that the state's 100,000 APC members and supporters would attend the Tuesday event, which they dubbed the "mother of all rallies" in Anambra. Women, young people, and others who were not APC members have been organising for Asiwaju Tinubu at the local le...

The Commander General of Nigeria Hunter and Forest Security Service, Amb. Joshua Osatimehin has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to sign into law the NHFSS Bill recently transmitted to him by the National Assembly. Speaking with newsmen in Abuja on the transmission of the Bill to President Buhari, the  Commander General said the passage of the  NHFSS Bill by the two chambers of the National Assembly last year was a welcomed development towards strengthening the protection of lives and property in the country. He stated that the move has showed the determination of the lawmakers towards combating insecurity in the country.. He comnended the two chambers for approving the Bill after legislative deliberation and public hearing on the Bill in the past six years. According to Ambassador Joshua Osatimehin, the Bill when finally signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari will give legal backing to the activities of NHFSS nationwide. The Commander General of NHFSS reiterated ...

 The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against excessive fasting, saying it affects the kidney. Director-general of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who gave the warning at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, said “We are a very religious country, Muslims and Christians, we fast a lot, and it is part of the kidney problem. She said the body is supposed to have homeostasis balance, meaning the water level in your body must be enough to make the organs to function. “Some people will fast for 10, 20 days without drinking a lot of water. The kidney is being punished. “Now, if you put chemicals in it, it triples in an exponential manner, with damage to the kidneys. This is because the kidney does not have enough water to dilute and filter  Adeyeye added. She, therefore, urged Nigerians to fast with “common sense” and to always buy medications from pharmacies against buying from hawkers and corner shops.

 Indication emerged on Tuesday that the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal will deliver judgement on the disputed 2022 governorship poll on Friday, January 27, 2023. This was contained in a letter signed by the Tribunal secretary, David Umar, and pasted on the notice board of the Tribunal sitting at the State High Court, Osogbo, the State capital. Parties involved in the suit, however, confirmed that the Tribunal communicated the same date to them on Tuesday, January 24, even as the notice has further heightened anxiety among political players in the State. The 180 days as stipulated in the Electoral Act within which to hear the petition is expected to lapse on January 31, 2023. The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Adegboyega Oyetola, had filed a petition at the Tribunal challenging the declaration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of ...

A book on immediate past Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC and serving Mandate Secretary Transport Secretariat FCTA, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido will be launched next week Thursday, January 26 at the National Centre for Women Development, Abuja. The book titled: “Abdullahi Adamu Candido : Service Of Distinction (Golden Footprints and Selected Speeches)”, written by a senior special assistant on media, public relations and documentation to Candido during his tenure as AMAC Chairman, Chief Dayo Lawal has been described as an engaging account of the life, struggles and achievements of Candido.  The book traces in great details Candido's background, his political journey to AMAC and his footprints as Chairman of the Area Council between 2016 to 2022. The 150-page book written in lucid language is a beautiful collection of the landmark achievements and activities of Candido while in the office as AMAC Chairman. According to the author and the Candido Media Organisation, wh...

 The All Progressive Congress, APC Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator Kashim Shetima has paid a special homage to the Sultan of Sokoto and President General Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar the III in his palace. Senator Shetima said he was in Sokoto not for politics, but essentially to pay a respect to the Sultan of Sokoto on behalf of his principal the Presidential Candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu. ” I am here essentially to pay homage to Sultan and solicit for his prayers for a peaceful conduct of the 2023 Presidential and other elections in the country. “Because what bind us together is unity, the electoral cycle come and go, but the nation stays and he is the eminent traditional and religious leader in northern Nigeria. ” This seat of the caliphate ordinarilly should be our first point of call, so we are here essentially not on a political mission, but for us to pay honour to whom honour is due,” Senator Shetima stressed. On politics, t...

 The immediate Governor of Kebbi State and Director General of All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council, Alhaji Saadu Nasamu Dakingari has revealed that the northeners and the southerners had an agreement to vote for Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari, The Sun Nigeria reports. Dakingari stated this in Yauri town while addressing thousands of the party supporters from different tribes during the APC rally not to forget their promises to vote for Bola Tinubu. He said, "In 2015, we Northerners had an agreement with the Southerners to vote for Tinubu. He further added that out of all the major presidential candidates that are vying for the presidency seat, Bola Tinubu is the most qualified and most credible for the post. He revealed that Bola Tinubu has the experience to lead because he had shown his leadership skills in Lagos State and he was the same person who turned Lagos State t...

 Seyi Tinubu, son of the All Progressives Congress, APC Presidential Candidate for the general election slated in February this year at the weekend paid a visit to Maiduguri, the Borno state capital where he joined the leadership of Youth Mandate Group (YMG) in distributing food and non-food items to the needy. Seyi on behalf of the YMG donated a brand new ambulance, drugs and other medical consumables to State Specialist Hospital. While in Maiduguri, Mr. Seyi visited Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, the governor of Borno State, and His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi. The Son of the Presidential hopeful commended Governor Zulum and the security agencies for their relentless efforts in the fight against insurgency. He added that Zulum has demonstrated good leadership qualities under the APC -led administration, and therefore congratulated the resilient people of the state for the relative peace now enjoyed across all communities. The Governor...

 The National Domestic Card program will start to be implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, in an effort to completely phase out ATM cards and standardize payments. Nigerians will start standing in line at their banks for new cards on January 16, 2023. The new card, according to the CBN, will lower demand for dollars as more banks stop using naira cards for overseas transactions

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has, a few weeks before the commencement of the 2023 general elections, appointed Mahmud Jega as his Special Adviser on Public Affairs. Jega is an ace columnist. He resigned last year as columnist and chairman of the Editorial Board of Daily Trust. A statement, however, made available to newsmen on Sunday by Tinubu’s spokesperson, Tunde Rahman, confirmed Jega’s appointment. The appointment, according to him, was to strengthen the APC presidential candidate’s media office. The former Governor of Lagos State also appointed Abdulaziz Abdulaziz as his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity. Rahman noted in the statement obtained by Naija News that the two appointees would deploy their expertise and deep understanding of political issues across the country, particularly the north, in shoring up the activities of the media team. The statement read” “Following his stint as a lecturer in Biological Sciences at hi...

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, has disclosed that his attitude on not being frivolous with public finances is being mistaken as stinginess. As a stingy man, Obi said the country will be safer in his hands and that he will be able to invest in the economy, education, health, and other areas to improve the nation. The LP presidential candidate stated this in Akure, Ondo State capital on Saturday while seeking the support of people ahead of the February 25 poll. He claimed that unlike other people whose genuine names, schools they attended, and parentage cannot be tracked, he and his running mate, Senator Ahmed Datti, are persons with traceable backgrounds. They said that I’m stingy, we want stingy people now, so that we can keep the money. We want to make sure we use your money to transform the country. “This election is about character and people we can trust. Everybody knows the schools my running mate and I attended. You all know our age, our schools an...

 Indications have emerged to suggest that governorship candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in states controlled by aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party known as G-5 Governors are not happy with the party (APC) ahead of the general elections slated for a few months away from now. Findings conducted by Saturday Telegraph during the week revealed that candidates of the APC in Oyo and Rivers States, Senator Teslim Folarin and Tonye Cole, are feeling alienated by the perceived decision of the leadership of the party to pay premium on wooing the opposition instead of boosting their campaigns. The leadership of the APC had in recent times been making frantic efforts to profit from the crisis within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) whose five elected governors and other stakeholders are up in arms against the party’s leadership over the continued stay of the National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, in office. The aggrieved governors led by their Rivers State...

There was ceremony both at the private residence of Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi at Adiabo town and at the Obong of Calabar palace in Calabar South consequential upon the judgment by the Supreme Court sacking him. The monarch, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, was by the apex court ruling dethroned after years of legal tussle. But the Supreme Court gave him a leeway to participate in the fresh election process which it (the court) ordered. The Supreme Court which sacked the Obong on Friday also ordered a fresh election in which he is eligible for the throne and the Etuboms’ Traditional Council has affirmed that Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu still remained the candidate it would select as king. The judgment, which climaxed 15 years of legal tussles, was written by Justice Amina Augie and read by Justice Akomoye Agim of the apex court. It upheld the earlier judgment of the Appeal Court, Calabar. This will be the fourth time the Obong will be removed for another selection exercise. In Suit No. HC/102/...

 Ganduje has said the state would repeat the 1993 presidential election feat when it supported a southern candidate and rejected its own son. He made the statement, during a campaign tour with the All Progressives Party (APC) candidates vying for different positions for the upcoming general elections, as he visited the district head of Kibiya, Sunusi Abubakar Ila, after holding a campaign rally and consultations in Rano and Bunkure. He said, “That showed the political maturity and dexterity of Kano citizens. We voted for Chief MKO Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and rejected Bashir Othman Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC). This is because we all believed in national integration and competence.” Reminding Nigerians that the APC presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, supported northerners on different occasions to clinch the presidency, the governor recalled that “Tinubu was an instrument behind making Atiku Abubakar to become the presidential candidate...

 Federal government has flagged off capacity building on emotional intelligence aimed at increasing self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management, for improved service delivery by the rank and file of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). The commencement of the one day sensitisation workshop and capacity building by the minister of Police Affairs, Dr. Muhammad Maigari  Dingyadi took place at the Murtala Nyako Multi-purpose hall in Yola, Adamawa State. The ministry’s spokesperson, Bolaji Kazeem, stated in a statement that the minister said due to the demanding nature of police duties, a police officer is exposed to stress and anxiety which could be transferred to members of the public resulting in infractions noting that near absence of self-management in some policemen has resulted in bringing the reputation of the entire force to odium and near disrepute.  In his words, “the good news is that the Ministry of Police Affairs is working closely wi...

 The national leader and presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, paid a courtesy visit to the governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, on Wednesday, January 11, 2023.  The APC presidential campaign train landed in Enugu State on Wednesday. The campaign was attended by thousands of supporters who came from different parts of the state.  Tinubu received a rousing welcome from jubilant supporters at the campaign venue. The presidential candidate pledged to make Enugu and other southeast industrial hubs if elected president in February 2023.  Shortly after the campaign rally, Tinubu paid a courtesy visit to Ugwuanyi at his office in the Michael Okpara Government House.  Ugwuanyi is one of the aggrieved governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), known as the "G5 Governors." The governor warmly received Tinubu led him into his office, where they had a closed-door meeting.  The governor of Imo State, Hope U...

A Yola High Court presided over by Justice Mohammed Danladi Tuesday sacked Senator Ishaku Abbo as the APC Senatorial candidate for Adamawa North senatorial zone for this year’s election. The court sacked Senator Abbo on the ground that he was expelled from the party by his ward in Mubi North local government area of Adamawa. Justice Danladi, held that the Senator and APC are bound by the resolution of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Mubi North Local government chapter’s executive expelling him from the party on the  7th of October 2022. Alleged assault: Court admits CCTV footage, statements as evidence against Sen. Elisha Abbo. The court also averred that Senator Abbo is not entitled to enjoy any right or privilege accorded to APC members. Recall that the Mubi North LG executive of the party had on the 7th of October 2022, approved the expulsion of the Senator as recommended by the party’s disciplinary committee. The court further restrained APC under which the Senator is seekin...

 President Muhammadu Buhari urged Adamawa State electorate to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate Kashim Shettima as president and vice president in the forthcoming elections as well as all the candidates of the party for Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assemblyatives and House of Assembly seats.  The president spoke at the APC presidential and governorship campaigns in Adamawa State yesterday. He said, “I am delighted to be here today in Yola, Adamawa State, to be part of the campaign of our candidates for different offices in the country, starting from presidential, to gubernatorial, national and state assemblies. It is the All Progressives Congress (APC) from top to bottom.  “APC for President! APC for Governor! APC for Senate! APC for House of Representatives! APC for Assembly members!’’ the President noted. Buhari said the APC had a vision of making Adamawa State more peacefu...

 Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has warned against emerging threats to the 2023 general election, particularly the grand plots by anti-democratic forces to remove the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu from office over alleged assets declaration ahead of the 2023 general election. IPAC gave this warning yesterday during a media briefing held at its head office in Abuja. Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has warned against emerging threats to the 2023 general election, particularly the grand plots by anti-democratic forces to remove the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu from office over alleged assets declaration ahead of the 2023 general election. IPAC gave this warning yesterday during a media briefing held at its head office in Abuja. In a speech written by the chairman of IPAC, Engr Yabagi Yusuf Sani and presented by Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, it noted that several attempts have been made...

 The Chief Whip of the House of Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has claimed that former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, made a deal with them that he would serve for only one tenure, then hand over to the former military President, Ibrahim Babangida. He said that after getting into office, Obasanjo reneged on that promise, and even went ahead to plot going for a third term in office. He disclosed this in a video which was shared by the former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, on his verified Twitter handle. He said - "He's supposed to be one-term President. That's the promise he made to us in Otta. There was a deal made, it's not a lie, it's the truth, I was there. He said he would do one tenure, then Babangida would continue. This was a deal made, Babangida is alive, Obasanjo is alive. Let any of them contradict it and we'll go to NTA and talk about it." Speaking further, Orji Kalu said that he confronted Babangida several times about the promise Obas...

 The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi past records as Anambra state governor has been brought to bear in a Channels Townhall meeting. The questionnaire who asked Peter Obi why he subjected the health sector to such a long strike during his administration.  Peter Obi in response to that question alleged that there are certain things that goes on behind the scenes that people who are not in government have no clue about. Obi claimed that the people in charge of the health sector frustrated his government despite the investment in which they had made to make the sector to work. He revealed why that strike went on for months, he said, ''That is a very good question. I thought you would have said what happened between me and them and how it ended. The health workers are not the only people who went on strike, the NUT also went on strike. And this is the reason why, when we came in, things were not working in the health sector.  I didn't have one single sch...

 The Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State and leader of the party in Lagos East Senatorial District, Otunba Amid Adekunle Oduborisha, has dumped the party as he joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at a rally in the Ikorodu area of the state yesterday. Oduborisha and his AMIKO group were formally received into the APC at the flag-off ceremony of the campaign of Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, a representative of the Ikorodu Federal Constituency who is seeking re-election. Benson who was received by a mammoth crowd at the event held at the Ikorodu Ferry Terminal, urged the people of Ikorodu to continue to keep faith with the APC. He called on them to vote massively for all the party’s candidates in the 2023 general elections, from the presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, Senator Tokuboh Abiru, himself and the House of Assembly candidate, Gbolahan Ogunleye, during the elections. Speaking at the rally th...

 As the cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria which restricts the amount of cash that can be withdrawn by customers over the counter and via Automated Teller Machines (ATM) begins nationwide tomorrow, bank branches have been told not to pay the redesigned Naira notes over the counter. A bank staff who confirmed this development said a memo to that effect was issued on Friday, January 6 2023, said they were told to only load the new notes into ATMs and not issue them over the counter. Although the new notes are still scarce with some bank staff confirming that they do not have while those that said they have said they have only a few which is not enough to serve their customers. The memo titled “Urgent Update on Currency Redesign” and signed by the group head, Retail Operation, stated, “The CBN has mandated that we immediately stop the Over-the-Counter payment of the new N200, N500 and N,1000 currency. Instead, all new notes should be loaded into the ATMs for customer withd...

 Eight Labour Party (LP) state assembly candidates, on Friday, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa State. The eight candidates are from Auyo, Kirikasamma, Bulangu, Malammadori, Kafin Hausa, Birniwa, Guri and Kaugama constituencies. The politicians were received by Governor Muhammad Badaru, at an event in the government house, the governor’s media aide, Habibu Kila, said in a statement Mr Kila said the governor also received a member of the northern presidential campaign council of the Labour Party who dumped the party and joined the APC.

 Shiite Muslim leader Ibrahim El-Zakzaky has denied reports alleging that he endorsed the presidential candidate of the Labour party, Peter Obi, or any other of the candidates vying for the presidency in February. This comes after a viral report speculated that the cleric had endorsed Obi following the several high profile endorsements of LP flag bearer by former president Olusegun Obasanjo and Edwin Clark, a Niger Delta leader. The post also allegedly urged 8 million Shiite Muslims to get their Personal Voters Card so as to vote for Peter Obi at the 2023 presidential poll. Speaking about the development, one of the cleric’s lawyers, Marshall Abubakar (of the Falana & Falana Chambers) told newsmen that the purported endorsement of Obi or any other presidential candidate is fake news. He also confirmed that “some presidential candidates” have approached the cleric for endorsement. He added that his client believes that the ongoing presidential campaign lacks ideology that would ...

 The Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress has released a revised campaign timetable indicating that President Muhammadu Buhari would attend the party’s presidential campaign in at least ten states of the federation. In a statement Friday morning, the party’s campaign spokesperson, Festus Keyamo, said Mr Buhari would be available to wave the broom and mobilise voters in Adamawa on 9 January, Yobe on 10 January, Sokoto on 16 January, Kwara on 17 January and Ogun on 25 January. The President, Mr Keyamo said, would also be physically present at the rallies in Cross River on 30 January, Nasarawa on 4 February, Katsina on 6 February and Imo on 14 February. Mr Buhari will also participate in the grand finale of the APC presidential campaign in Lagos on February 18 ahead of the election on 25 February, the campaign spokesperson said. The President had, on 15 November 2022, attended the flag-off of the APC presidential campaign in Jos, the Plateau State capital. He...

The DSS arrests terrorists behind Kogi’s explosione Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested the mastermind of the Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack which occurred on 29th December, 2022, in Okene, Kogi State. The VBIED exploded near the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene hours before the arrival of President Buhari to commission some projects. The Service’s spokesman, Peter Afunanya, in a statement on Wednesday,  said Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru (aka Abu Mikdad) and one of his associates, Saidu Suleiman were arrested on 3rd January, 2023. Otaru, he said, sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot while attempting to escape. He is currently receiving treatment at a health facility. Afunya said that during investigations, it was ascertained that Otaru was a high commander of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and either coordinated or was involved in the following dastardly operations: *The 24th June, 2022 attack on Nigeria Police Area Co...

Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry Enugu, Father Ejike Mbaka, on Wednesday, returned to the church ground in Enugu State after months of suspension. Mbaka was received by scores of supporters who marched alongside a vehicle conveying him to the Adoration ground in Umuchigbo Nike, Enugu. The jubilant residents were excited as some were dancing along the road on Wednesday. The Star had reported that Mbaka was ordered by the ministry in October 2022 to go to a monastery for deep prayers to ask God for proper directions over his calling which he made controversial. The Enugu Catholic Diocese also appointed Rev Fr Anthony Amadi to replace the controversial cleric as the director of the Adoration Ministry. The Catholic Diocese had said the teachings and utterances of the cleric at the Catholic Ministry were not consistent with the teachings and faith of the church. This came after Mbaka called the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, a stingy man, and directed his...

 The APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday in Kano State, expressed optimism that his party would capture Kano State and Nigeria as a whole, come 2023 elections. Tinubu, who was accorded a rousing reception by the people of the state, was in Kano for the flag-off of the Northwest presidential campaign rally. He thanked the people of the state for their overwhelming turn out, support and cooperation. Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje appealed to the party supporters to vote for APC from top to bottom in the forthcoming general elections. He assured the APC presidential candidate that the Kano people’s votes were for APC, saying the people have seen dividends of democracy provided by the APC administration. The governor said the party acknowledged and was motivated by the mammoth crowd that received the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in Kano. “The success of the rally is a clear statement and demonstration of the preference of Kano people as regards the choices before them. “The su...

As part of its series of campaign strategies, the Candido Progressives Network for Tinubu/Shettima has concluded plans to hold a public lecture in support of APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima. In a statement by the group's national Publicity Secretary, Chief Dayo Lawal, informed that the lecture which has two papers to be delivered by two prominent party chieftains will be held tomorrow, Thursday January 5 at the Women Development Centre, Central Area Abuja. The first paper titled "The Emerging New Nigeria: Lagos/Borno Examples will be delivered by a former APC Senatorial Aspirant for FCT, Pastor Adedayo Benjamin Laniyi, while Hajia Farida Odange, SSA on Special Duties to FCT Minister of State, will delivered the second paper with the topic "FCT Women In Politics. Lawal revealed that the lecture was part of the group's campaign strategies to inform and educate the electorate the many reasons why Tinubu ...

 The Presidency on Monday hit back at former President Olusegun Obasanjo over comments he made about the Muhammadu Buhari administration in his open letter to Nigerians on New Year day. In the new year message titled, “My appeal to all Nigerians particularly Young Nigerians,” Obasanjo said Nigerians “moved from frying pan to fire and from mountain top to the valley” after electing President Buhari to office in 2015. According to the former president, seven years of Buhari’s administration “have no doubt been eventful and stressful years for many Nigerians” hence the citizens must vote wisely when they go to the polls on February 25, 2023, to remedy the damages done to their future by the current administration. “Those of us who are alive should thank God for His mercies, brace ourselves for the remaining few months of this administration and pray and work very hard for an immediate better future – future of liberation, restoration and great hope and expectation,” Obasanjo had said,...

 The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has vowed that it will no longer keep mum on constant outburst by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike against the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubabar. Recall that Governor Wike who had demanded the resignation of the PDP national Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu as condition to support Atiku in the February election, had on several occasions, tackled the former vice president. On Monday, Wike, while reacting to the endorsement of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi by Atiku’s former principal, Olusegun Obasanjo, mocked Atiku, saying something must be fundamentally wrong. Reacting, PDP in a statement issued and signed by the spokesperson and Director Public Affairs PDP Presidential Campaign Management Committee, Senator Dino Melaye, asked Wike to be ashamed of himself. The statement reads, “Wike should be ashamed that he has constantly solicited the attention of Atiku by his continuous disrespect and unwarranted insult of a man ...

Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, a former External Affairs Minister, has slammed former President Obasanjo for releasing a statement about the upcoming general election and hinting at his preferred presidential candidate. He added that the former president has had his tenure and that he should go home and just be quiet.  He further stated that Obasanjo was part of the foundation of Nigeria's problems and that he was only coming to present himself as a problem solver. Speaking further, he stated that Obasanjo behaves like General Gowon and Abdusalam. According to him, "Some of us believe that he also is part of the foundation of the problems that we have in this country, and one of the things that I have said is that once you have occupied that post of president and you have served your term, please go home and be like General Gowon, be like General Abdusalam, just be quiet." You've had your term and let others get on, but for you to create problems for us and then you come back...

 Elder statesman, Tanko Yakasai has reacted after the former President Olusegun Obasanjo endorsed the presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi ahead of the 2023 poll. According to Tanko, Obasanjo is just wasting his vote, adding that the 2023 contest is a race between two top contenders. Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday, January 1, publicly declared support for Peter Obi to win the 2023 presidential election. Obasanjo made the declaration on Sunday in an open letter to the youths in Nigeria Obasanjo urged young Nigerians to exercise their right, take active part in the 2023 elections and defend their votes However, in a statement released by Tanko Yakasai, while reacting said "Obj endorsement insignificant. The 2023 contest is a race between two top contenders, and even the gap between the major contender is so wide that no one will waste his or her vote on a contestant that is far far behind these big two "And whoever chooses to elect somebody that has no significance in...

 Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike on Saturday visited the Chairman PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Governor Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom State. Wike while fielding questions from Journalists after a visit by the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, who described his visit as a brotherly visit to Governor Wike. When quizzed further as to why the visit was necessary, Governor Emmanuel said “I and Wike have been exchanging brotherly visits, so there is nothing strange about my visit. The issues we discussed are private because brotherly conversations are very private”. Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom confirmed that the issues they discussed were hinged on how they as brothers, can better their states and the country.

 The presidential flag bearer of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) Mr Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Malam Nuhu Ribado and Governor Badaru of Jigawa State are currently in the holy city of Makkah to perfume Umrah. The trio were pictured wearing the Harami and about to start the mandatory circulation of the holy Kaaba. The presidential campaign of the ruling All Progressive Congress has navigated across much of the states in the six geopolitical zones of the country. The campaign exercise will continue after the return of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and will be officially closed in January. The APC presidential flag bearer put a temporary stop to his nationwide campaign to perform the Umrah which has a lot of significance and spiritual blessings in Islam. The Umrah also involves some strict religious exercise such as navigation of the holy Kaaba, visit to the Prophet's mosque and superegatory prayers.

The National Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria, NACHPN, has called on the Federal Government to give due attention to the scheme of service of its members in year 2023. In his New Year message; the National President of the Association, Comrade Kabir Yahaya Ahmed advocated level 17 as retirement point for Community Health Practitioners, level 8 as entry point while level 10 should be the entry stage for Community Health Officers and level 14 as retirement point for Community Extension Workers just like other professionals in the country. Comrade Kabir Yahaya Ahmed also stressed the need for more welfare package, accommodation, training and retraining as well as necessary facilities that would improve the productivity of community health practitioners towards boosting health care delivery in 2023 most especially at the grassroots. He equally called for the recruitment of more community health workers nationwide towards addressing lack of manpower in Primary Health...

 The Vice Presidential candidate of the Al Progressive Congress, Senator Kashim Shettima, shortly after a rally held in Lafia, Nassarawa state, gave his thoughts about the lingering PDP crisis and stated that the aggrieved governors of the PDP, the G-5, might eventually support the presidency of the APC candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.  Senator Shettima further described the Governor of Rivers State and the leader of the integrity governors, Barrister Nyesom Wike, as a heavyweight politician and an optimist who will help in the collaboration between the APC and the G-5 Governors. According to him, “Wike is a heavyweight politician, and I believe that what binds us together as a nation supersedes what divides us; politics is meant to be a source of national unity and not a cause of conflict.” So, if the G-5 decides to support us, which I hope and believe they will, it’s going to be a game changer, and I believe the country will be better off.”

 President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) has reappointed the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Moji Christianah Adeyeye for the second tenure of five years. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha (CFR) conveyed the approval of the President to Prof. Adeyeye whose tenure renewal took effect from 1st December 2022. A release by Abubakar Jimoh, the director (Public Affairs) NAFDAC states that Prof. Adeyeye’s reappointment came closely on the heels of her track record of monumental achievements and successes in the last five years especially the attainment of World Health Organisation (WHO) Maturity Level 3. Prof. Adeyeye who officially assumed duty today (Friday) was received by some staff at the Corporate Headquarters in Abuja. She will be unfolding her plans for the second tenure after the holidays.

 The President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, on Friday said President Muhammadu Buhari will sign the 2023 appropriation bill on Tuesday, January 3 2023. Lawan stated this after a closed-door meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Lawan, who arrived at the State House few minutes before 3:00pm, said he discussed the President’s recent additional loan request and the 2023 appropriate bill. He rued the signing of the appropriation bill is a bit later than that of the 2022 which was signed on December 31 2021.

By Boniface Myom  The minister of state for the FCT Dr  Ramatu Aliyu, has condoled the FCT Traditional Council of Chiefs  and the residents of Kwali Area Council over the death of a second class traditional ruler, HRH Dr Sha'aban Audu Nizazo 111, Etsu Kwali. He  died at the Nisa Premier hospital,  Jabi in Abuja, yesterday. In a condolence message personally signed by the Minister of State, Aliyu described the paramount ruler as a mentor who has inspired many in the discharge of his traditional duties.   The letter reads in parts: "It is with great sadness that I learnt of the death of our royal father, the Etsu Kwali, HRH. Late Sha'aban Audu Nizazo. He was a true ruler who served his subjects and the descents of Kwali with love and distinction.   "My deepest sympathies to the FCT Traditional Council of Chiefs and residents of Kwali area council especially the family for this great loss. "They say there is nothing so royal as kindness, and not...

 The President, Mohammadu Buhari says the governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello disobeyed him. The president made this revelation on Thursday at the commissioning of some legacy projects in Kogi State Buhari said he had attempted to stop governors and ministers from naming projects after him, but Bello went ahead and named Muhammadu Buhari Square and the Civic Centre after him. Buhari commissioned a new Confluence University of Science and Technology at Osara, Reference Hospital at Okene, and township road networks in Idah, Okene and across the three senatorial districts. Other projects include Ganaja Flyover, Model Science Secondary School, Muhammadu Buhari Square and Civic Centre in Lokoja. “I thank the Governor and the people of Kogi state for naming it (Muhammadu Buhari Square and Civic Centre) after me. Here, I have to digress; I attempted to stop governors and ministers from naming projects after me, but the Governor disobeyed me here”, Buhari stated. Before the president arri...

 The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has confirmed that he and his colleagues in the G-5 group of aggrieved governors in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have entered into agreement to work for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Presidential Flag-bearers. Wike spoke to the BBC after a marathon meeting with APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and top party officials in London. According to him, the immediate assignment now is for the G-5 to meet with the leadership of the APC in the South under the guidance of former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transport, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi; and the Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege. Below is excerpts from Wike's interview with the BBC: "I have instructed my colleagues in the G-5, the only party that can win the 2023 Presidency is All Progressives Congress APC, and we must do everything possible to approach the Southern Nigeria Leadership of the party under my immediate past succ...

 The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has begun some crucial steps toward cementing the policy measures amidst early successes from the recently released twin policy on the cashless economy. The Naira redesign and the implementation of new restrictions on bank cash withdrawals are the cornerstones of the twin policy, which aims to reduce corruption while establishing a functional monetary system and security environment. The apex bank has also stated that the policy has achieved certain successes that have laid the groundwork for the new reinforcements. In order to increase understanding of the cashless policy, particularly in rural areas, marketplaces, and underserved populations across the six geopolitical zones of the country, the essential steps include the beginning of a statewide stakeholder engagement and enlightenment campaign. The apex bank, in collaboration with Bankers Committee and Share Agents Network Expansion Facility, SANEF, is also enhancing Agents' capacity to carry ...

 The five aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party governors have met with the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu in London, the United Kingdom. The APC standard bearer was said to have lobbied for the endorsement of the five governors during the marathon meeting which was held on Tuesday. Governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu states and some political heavyweights from the South had vowed not to support the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over the refusal of the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, to resign after Atiku obtained the presidential ticket of the party. But hours after the governors meeting with Tinubu, the PDP said it was not aware of their parley with the ruling party’s presidential candidate, noting that as far it was concerned, the governors were in the UK on vacation. The main opposition party, however, threatened to punish the governors fo...

 The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, is scheduled to meet with the five disgruntled governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Before the general elections in 2023, the G-5 of disgruntled governors will meet with Tinubu to finalize their agreement. The meeting will take place this week in one of the European nations, according to a source close to Tinubu who talked with Reporters. The meeting was scheduled, according to the source, who would not provide the precise date of their meeting, to explain their agreement on the 2023 presidency with the governors. The G-5 governors—Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu)—would reveal their favored presidential candidate following the meeting, the source claimed. This occurs shortly after the G-5 flew from Nigeria to the UK for a strategic conference. According to the source, "The G5's endorsement for Tinubu will be a ...