Category: Local

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar appears to have declared political war on governors elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and party officials opposed to his bid to form a coalition with other political parties against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite Atiku’s push for an opposition coalition, which he argues is the only viable path to unseating the APC in 2027, the PDP leadership has firmly rejected the idea. The party insists it is strong enough to defeat the APC without any alliance, provided it can put its house in order. In this regard, the PDP recently constituted a reconciliation committee headed by former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki. Tensions came to a head on Friday when Atiku visited Osun State for the coronation of the new Owa of Ijesaland, HRH Adesuyi Haastrup, but pointedly shunned Governor Ademola Adeleke and the state PDP leadership. Instead of paying a courtesy visit to the governor, Atiku met with former Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola, a key figure in his coalition plans. Sources within the PDP interpreted Atiku’s actions as a clear message of political hostility. “He has drawn the battle line because our governors are not with him on this coalition move,” a party source at the PDP national secretariat told our correspondent. The cold shoulder extended to Adeleke reportedly left the governor and PDP leaders in Osun State shocked, with many interpreting it as Atiku’s attempt to sideline the party’s established structures in pursuit of his 2027 presidential ambition. Political observers warn that Atiku’s gamble may backfire, especially in Osun State, where Adeleke remains highly popular, while Aregbesola’s influence is perceived to be on the decline. A senior state official described Atiku’s visit as a “deliberate slight,” adding: “It is a misstep. Aregbesola cannot win Osun for him in 2027.” Inside sources revealed that Atiku’s cold attitude towards Adeleke stems from the governor’s refusal to back the coalition plans, as well as suspicions that Adeleke may lean towards President Bola Tinubu in 2027. The development comes against the backdrop of longstanding political tensions between Adeleke and Aregbesola, who have publicly sparred over their respective performances in office. Despite the backlash, Atiku is forging ahead with his coalition plans. It was gathered that he and his allies—among them former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and Aregbesola—are set to meet in Abuja today to fine-tune their 2027 strategy. The group has reportedly settled on the Action Democratic Party (ADP) as the vehicle for their ambitions, after earlier considering the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Atiku’s camp is also banking on support from groups like the League of Northern Democrats (LND), which has vowed to mobilize across the North to back a new opposition front, either by registering a fresh party or merging into an existing one. However, the PDP appears unmoved. At a recent meeting, its governors reiterated their rejection of any coalition for the 2027 election, insisting the party is capable of defeating the APC on its own. Governor Adeleke was present at that meeting. As the political chess game heats up, all eyes are on how Atiku’s coalition gamble will unfold—and whether it will strengthen the opposition or fracture it further ahead of 2027.

An Abuja-based lawyer, Victor Giwa, has been dragged before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Apo over allegations of conspiracy, forgery, and impersonation in an attempt to deceive the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) into dropping a criminal case. Giwa, along with a co-defendant identified as Bukola, is facing a three-count charge marked CR/150/25, filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP). According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly fabricated a letter dated June 28, 2024, purportedly from the chambers of Chief Awa Kalu (SAN), urging the AGF to suspend Giwa’s arraignment in a pending criminal case. The letter, titled “Urgent and Solemn Appeal to Suspend the Arraignment of Our Colleague Victor Giwa on Charge Number: CR/222/2023,” was reportedly addressed to the AGF on Kalu’s official letterhead, falsely arguing that dropping the charges would serve the interest of “natural justice, equity, and fair play.” The prosecution alleged that the forged document was intended to mislead the AGF into halting Giwa’s arraignment, scheduled for July 2, 2024, before Justice Bature of the FCT High Court in Maitama. Giwa, along with property developer Cecil Osakwe and others, is also facing a separate nine-count charge involving allegations of illegal eviction, criminal intimidation, threats to life, and property damage amounting to N300 million. The case is being prosecuted by Rabiu Usman from the Legal/Prosecution Section of the Police, under the authority of the IGP. At the scheduled arraignment before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on Monday, proceedings were stalled as both defendants were absent. Giwa’s counsel, U.J. Udo, informed the court that his client was bereaved and had travelled for his sister’s burial, requesting an adjournment. Justice Onwuegbuzie granted the request, adjourning the matter to September 15, 2025, for arraignment. However, he issued a stern warning that no further delays would be tolerated.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has condemned the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for what it described as an “embarrassing invasion” and sealing of two of its offices in Abuja over alleged non-payment of ground rent. The tax agency, in a statement on Monday, described the FCTA’s action as unjustified and based on an error, claiming that the rent had been fully paid long before the incident. According to the FIRS, the demand notice from the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) for ground rent covering 25 years had been honoured in December 2023, with a payment of N2.36 million. However, despite repeated requests for a receipt, the FCTA failed to issue one, leading to a breakdown in communication. The FIRS stated that rather than resolving the matter administratively, FCTA officials chose to storm and seal its offices at No. 12 and No. 14 Sokode Crescent in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja. FIRS officials expressed outrage, describing the incident as a case of administrative negligence and a public embarrassment to a federal agency. The tax body has demanded a formal apology from the FCTA, warning that such actions undermine inter-agency collaboration and public trust.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of 24 individuals to strategic national positions across key government agencies. Notably, 11 of the appointees are from Northern Nigeria, reflecting the administration’s commitment to regional balance and inclusive governance The appointments, announced Friday, cover critical sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and social development. Among the notable Northern appointees are: A statement from the Presidency highlighted that the appointments were guided by the appointees’ alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration. It added that the selection process focused on capacity, expertise, and commitment to national development. “The appointments reflect President Tinubu’s dedication to harnessing talent from all regions to drive Nigeria’s progress,” the statement read, hinting that additional appointments from the North are expected in the coming months. Abubakar Umar Jarengol’s appointment as Executive Director, Operations at NAIC, was especially praised as a milestone for Adamawa State, with expectations that he will play a key role in strengthening the country’s agricultural insurance framework. 👉 Continue Reading: Tinubu’s 24 New National Appointments – Full List

By: Kamal Yalwa Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, announced that preparations for the launch of the $5 billion African Energy Bank (AEB) have reached their final phase. This follows a high-level review meeting in Abuja with Afreximbank President Professor Benedict Oramah and African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) Secretary-General Dr Farouk Ibrahim. According to a statement by the minister’s media aide, Nneamaka Okafor, critical legal and governance frameworks have been finalized, and capital mobilisation efforts are progressing well, with strong commitments from both APPO member states and private investors. The AEB, headquartered in Abuja, is a newly formed continental institution designed to address Africa’s energy financing gap amid declining foreign investment driven by the global energy transition. The bank aims to mobilise capital for vital energy infrastructure and projects, with an initial capital target of $5 billion and plans to scale up to $120 billion. Lokpobiri described the AEB as “a transformative financing platform” that will accelerate energy security and economic growth across Africa. He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support in advancing the initiative, adding that Nigeria’s role as host country underscores its leadership in Africa’s hydrocarbon sector. APPO Secretary-General Ibrahim praised Nigeria’s swift efforts to meet the criteria for the bank’s establishment, noting a unified commitment to affordable and sustainable energy access. Afreximbank’s Oramah added that the bank is ready to contribute its capital and expertise to ensure the success of the launch. The parties confirmed that a launch timeline and the date for the inaugural board meeting have been fixed and will be announced soon. Separately, Lokpobiri also flagged off construction of the permanent site of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy, Alkaleri (BOGAA), highlighting it as a key element in Nigeria’s strategy to develop skilled manpower for the energy sector. He emphasized that President Tinubu has approved critical regulatory licenses for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project to increase national production. Lokpobiri reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s energy sector to drive industrial growth and boost revenue. Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, welcomed the federal government’s support, calling the academy a strategic investment in education and energy innovation that will benefit the entire country. Lokpobiri also encouraged collaboration between the academy and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) to ensure long-term sustainability.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the long-awaited operational launch of the Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB), with Mr. Adeniran Aderogba appointed as its pioneer President and CEO. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made the announcement on Thursday, describing the development as a historic breakthrough for West and Central Africa after a 16-year delay. The RMDB, originally conceived in 2009 by member states of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), is expected to fund key infrastructure and logistics projects across the sub-region. Oyetola praised President Tinubu’s decisive leadership in breaking the deadlock, noting that the bank’s takeoff aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The RMDB will provide long-term funding solutions for projects including port development, fleet expansion, shipping logistics, and intermodal transport systems. “This is a moment of great significance for Nigeria and the entire sub-region,” Oyetola said, adding that the bank will boost regional integration and economic cooperation. Mr. Aderogba, who brings over three decades of experience in maritime finance and investment, previously held leadership roles at NIMASA, First Atlantic Bank, and MBC International Bank. He is also the founder of CLG Securities Limited and has led over $5 billion in structured finance transactions. A Fellow of ICAN and an alumnus of the University of Lagos, Aderogba’s appointment is seen as pivotal in steering the RMDB towards impactful delivery in the maritime sector.

BENIN CITY, MAY 22, 2025 — Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has raised alarm over the severe economic impact of cultism and related violence, revealing that the state loses over $1 billion in potential investments annually due to insecurity. Speaking in Benin City on Wednesday, the governor decried the spate of cult-related killings and disruptions, warning that the violence is deterring investors, hampering tourism, and damaging the state’s economy. “Cultism has not only led to tragic loss of lives and property, but it has also discouraged much-needed investments and tourism, thereby slowing down economic growth,” Governor Okpebholo stated. Citing data from the Diaspora Commission, he noted that while Edo tops the list of states receiving the highest remittances from the diaspora, “95% of the repatriated funds end up in other states due to security fears. Our people are afraid to come home to invest.” He said cult-related violence over the past five years has resulted in a loss of disposable income, business closures, and a decline in tourism — all of which have undermined the state’s business environment. According to a statement by his spokesman, Fred Itua, the governor emphasized that critical infrastructure and commercial hubs have also suffered, with some enterprises forced to suspend or cease operations altogether. Governor Okpebholo, however, expressed optimism, noting that the state’s ongoing crackdown on cultism is showing results. “We have declared total war on cult-related activities and are seeing more stakeholders step up to support this cause,” he said. “Edo State has immense economic potential. We will not allow violence and cultism to define our future. The government is restoring peace, attracting investments, and repositioning our economy for sustainable growth.” He called on Edo indigenes, both at home and abroad, to support the state’s development by investing locally and working with the government to eradicate cultism and insecurity.