Index to Nigerian Newspapers

Former governor of Rivers State and a minister-designate, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, visited the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Gnaduje, in Abuja. Wike, leader of the G-5 Governors, who worked against the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2023 election, has repeatedly denied plotting to join the ruling party. The PDP chieftain who is believed to have worked for the success of President Bola Tinubu during the presidential election in Rivers State, was received by Ganduje at his residence in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Details of the visit were sketchy but a post by the ruling party on X (formerly known as Twitter), indicates that the former governor’s visit to the APC national chairman was to congratulate him on his election to the position. Daily Trust reports that shortly before the senate confirmed him as a minister, Wike told BBC Pidgin why he had been hobnobbing with APC chieftains. The former governor, who had earlier used the illustration of malaria and cancer to dismiss speculations that he was on the way to the ruling party, gave clarification. Earlier when asked if he was thinking of dumping the PDP in the heat of the face-off with Atiku, Wike had said, “I get malaria, na cancer I dey find?”  However, defending his recent moves, including making it to Tinubu’s cabinet, the former governor said while someone can die of Malaria, a person with cancer can get healed if he has the opportunity of meeting a better doctor.

Former commissioners of Kaduna State who served under the immediate past Governor Nasir El-Rufai have reached out to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him not to backtrack on his commitment to appoint El-Rufai as a minister in his cabinet. The former commissioners, who convened in Kaduna on Tuesday under the banner of the Like Minds Forum of Nigeria, emphasised on El-Rufai’s enduring status as a strong ally of President Tinubu. They noted that even individuals who were considered adversaries of the former governor acknowledged this camaraderie According to them, El-Rufai played a pivotal role in ensuring the power shift to the southern region and the emergence of President Tinubu, defying all odds. The Forum said: “The allegations against El-Rufai amount to nothing more than the desperation of certain factions seeking retribution against him and attempting to tarnish and undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They explained that the people of Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria, and the entire nation, are deeply disappointed by the Senate’s failure to confirm Malam Nasir El-Rufai as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

 

Olawepo-Hashim, a past contender for president and a significant player in Nigeria's energy business, has praised the appointment of Hon. Zephaniah Bitrus Jisalo, a native of the FCT, as minister.He characterised the selection as proof of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's dedication to national cohesion.People from the grassroots have been flocking to congratulate the honourable gentleman because they realise how significant this is just to those who are from Abuja or the North Central.Jisalo, who previously represented the Abuja Municipal/Bwari Federal Constituency, is the first native person to be appointed minister since 1999.

Engr Udengs Eradiri, the Labour Party governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, urges youths to rise up against the old order and save the state. He believes coastal communities and ocean cities like Odioma hold the key to unlocking resource potential and a new Bayelsa. Eradiri plans to employ teachers, train them, and pay their arrears. He aims to revive Bayelsa's economy with agriculture and self-sufficiency in food production when elected.

Incidents of vandalism, arson, and thuggery in Kogi State have cast a frightening shadow on its political horizon ahead of the November 11 governorship poll. These reported violent activities have caused apprehension across the state as preparations for the election gather momentum, Daily Trust reports. A few months back, the public space was awash with news of the destruction and burning of party offices, posters, billboards, personal assault, and other violent activities in some parts of the west and east senatorial districts of the state. Daily Trust reports that some crises were reported in   Lokoja, Anyigba, Ejule, Ajaka, Odolu, Okpo, and Aloma that sent shock waves across the state. Odekina Ojonimi, a leader from the Biraidu community in Dekina LGA said the Abocho incident was just a tip of similar ugly incidents that had characterised the land over the vaulting ambition of politicians to retain or acquire power. “The political scenario in Kogi State can best be described as an unceasing roller-coaster. For years, it has been a violent ride on a slippery track that was dotted with twists and turns, as gladiators jostle for power. “The elections during the transition of power in the state had always been coated with thuggery, violence, intrigues, and maneuverings, with the citizens paying for it. Chairperson of Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET), Ambassador Idris Ozovehe Muraina, said curbing political violence in the coming election in Kogi requires a comprehensive approach involving multiple stakeholders and strategies. Ambassador Muraina said that individuals involved in perpetrating political violence should be held accountable for their actions, including establishing a strong legal framework that punishes perpetrators of violence and ensures swift and impartial justice.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State denied media reports that he rejected a ministerial nominee by his predecessor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai. He clarified that the reports were inaccurate and aimed to create tension between him and El-Rufai. Sani urged newsmen to maintain integrity by sharing verified and balanced stories contributing positively to the nation's progress.

The Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal on Wednesday nullified the victory of Sen. Abubakar Ohere as the winner of the Kogi Central Senatorial election. The court further declared Natasha Akpoti- Uduagan as the actual winner of the February Senatorial election in Kogi Central. The Tribunal Chairman, Justice K. A. Orjiako who read the unanimous judgment of the 3-man panel, said Ohere results were inflated in 9 polling units of Ajaokuta LGA while that of Natasha was intentional reduced in 9 of the same polling units by the INEC, as well as 3 other polling units result that was deliberately not entered for Natasha in the same LGA. The court after making the proper correction, declare Natasha Akpoti- Uduagan (PDP) as winner of the poll having polled 54,074 against Ohere (APC) who polled 51,291.