,..Pledges government’s support

By  Nwaeze V.C.

The Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Hospitality and Culture, Imo State, Rt. Hon. Barr. Ernest Ibejiako, has received members of the newly constituted Interim Management Committee of the Nigeria Hotel Association (NHA), Imo State Chapter, and reaffirmed the commitment of the Imo State Government to support the Association in its efforts to reposition the hospitality industry for sustainable growth and development.

The assurance was given when the Interim Management Committee, led by its Chairman, Chief Stanley Ohiri, paid the Commissioner a courtesy visit in his office.

Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Ibejiako stated that His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, Executive Governor of Imo State, remains committed to transforming the tourism and hospitality sector into a major driver of economic growth. He noted that the ongoing upgrade of the Imo Concorde Hotel to international standards has set a benchmark for excellence, which other hospitality establishments in the state are encouraged to emulate.

The Commissioner expressed satisfaction that the prolonged leadership crisis within the association had finally been resolved through the intervention of the Ministry. He observed that the formal presentation of the Association’s By-Law, duly adopted and signed on 7 July 2026, marked the beginning of a new era of unity, stability and purposeful leadership within the Association.

He reminded the Interim Management Committee of the critical responsibilities ahead, including the classification and standardization of hotels across the state, the extension of Orashi electricity to hospitality establishments, improved waste management, advocacy for better road infrastructure, and the promotion of quality service delivery within the industry. He stressed that close collaboration between the Ministry and the Association would be essential in achieving these objectives.

Hon. Ibejiako further urged the Committee to commence preparations for the conduct of credible, transparent and democratic elections that would usher in a substantive Executive Committee capable of providing stable and effective leadership for the Association.

Responding on behalf of the Committee, the Interim Chairman, Chief Stanley Ohiri, expressed profound appreciation to the Honourable Commissioner, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Sir TUC Nwokonkwo, and the Management of the Ministry for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment in restoring peace, unity and stability within the Nigeria Hotel Association, Imo State Chapter.

He assured the Commissioner of the Committee’s readiness to work harmoniously with the Ministry in advancing the growth and development of the hospitality industry in Imo State.

The members of the Interim Management Committee are:

– Chief Stanley Ohiri – Interim Chairman

– Nze Arinze Okeke

– Mr. Samuel Okoye

– Barr. Ikenna Emeh

– Chief Ifeanyi Igwe

– Mr. Tony Ukwuaka

– Barr. Amara Egbuchulam

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has denied issuing any access code to the Nafiu Gombe faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that the portal code for the party’s candidate nominations was granted exclusively to the Sen. David Mark-led leadership.

National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee at INEC, Mallam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, told our Correspondent yesterday amid escalating confusion within the ADC over which faction is authorised to upload candidates for the 2027 General Elections.

He said the commission’s records were unambiguous on the matter, noting that the Mark faction had already been cleared and had acted on that clearance well before a Monday appellate court judgment nullified the group’s state congresses.

“We never issued any access code to the Nafiu Gombe faction. Before the Court of Appeal judgement we had already issued the code to the Sen. Mark faction and they had submitted over 400 names and particulars of their candidates for the national level elections, including the president and his running mate,” Haruna told our Correspondent.

Gombe had, in a statement dated July 12, 2026, claimed to have successfully uploaded candidates for the presidential and National Assembly elections under his leadership.

“The African Democratic Congress, (ADC), under my leadership, has successfully completed the upload of our Presidential, Vice-Presidential, and National Assembly candidates on the INEC portal for the 2027 General Elections.

“This achievement demonstrates our Party’s firm commitment to safeguarding the interests of our founding and legacy members in the face of anti-democratic tendencies. As a Party, the ADC remains resolute in its mission to field credible, competent, and people-centered candidates who will provide purposeful leadership, promote good governance, and bring hope to the Nigerian people”, he said.

The ADC under Mark had accused the Gombe-led group of using forged documents purportedly issued by INEC to falsely claim it had uploaded the names of a presidential candidate and other nominees to the commission’s nomination portal.

The party asked INEC to investigate what it described as forgery and unauthorised use of official documents, warning that the development was capable of creating confusion and undermining public confidence in the electoral body.

Presidential candidate of the ADC, Atiku Abubakar, had also criticised INEC over the episode, accusing the commission of allowing the Gombe faction to upload candidates in violation of its own guidelines.

“On 11 July 2026, Nafiu Bala Gombe who parades himself as National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress ADC issued a statement that he has succeeded in uploading the names of his candidates on the portal of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC.

“The uploading of the names of candidates on INEC portal is part of the process of the 2027 General Elections made possible by the granting of access codes to  political parties in line with the umpire’s guidelines. Meanwhile, INEC has been mum, and has not denied or confirmed this obvious contradiction to the law and its own guidelines. Politicsnews alerts

“By granting access code to Bala Gombe, a pretender, laying claims to the chairmanship of the ADC, though the law is not on his side and INEC has since validated the chairmanship of the Sen. David Mark-led exco, the electoral umpire is once again manifesting its partisanship. This was the same thing that the Prof Joash Amupitan-led INEC did when it illegally removed the names of the duly recognised ADC exco following the judicial rascality of Justice Lifu in ignoring a superior ruling of an appellate court”, Atiku had said.

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has said he is unlikely to contest the presidency after the 2027 general election.

Speaking in an interview, our Correspondent, the former Anambra State governor said his decision is linked to Nigeria’s informal zoning arrangement, which rotates the presidency between the North and the South.

“For me, it depends on what happens. I don’t want to say it because people might think that I’m saying it because of some people,” Obi said.

He recalled answering a similar question from a secondary school student, explaining that if he does not become president in 2027, the presidency is expected to shift to the North in 2031.

“I said because if I don’t run now, by the next time it comes, believing in the zoning formula, it will go to the North,” he said.

“If it goes North in 2031, by the time it comes again to the South, I will be 78 years old, and I don’t think I would be doing this at that age.”

He said he could only consider another presidential bid if the presidency remained in the South in 2031, but stressed that such a scenario is unlikely.

“If it’s still in the South in the next election, maybe, but the probability is very slim. I don’t know until after the 2027 election,” he said.

Eminent Nigerians on Monday paid glowing tribute to late former President Muhammadu Buhari, on the occasion of his one-year remembrance held in Abuja.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was Special Guest of Honour, described his late predecessor as a leader Nigerians are not capable of forgetting because of his years of service to the nation.

Tinubu, who recalled the uncertain days of the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its progression from the main opposition party to the ruling party, told the gathering that he and the late president were “co-travellers on the long road of politics and national development.”

“We worked together through seasons of difficulty and seasons of hope. We shared a deep and abiding passion for a renewed, progressive, and prosperous Nigeria—a nation held together by brotherhood, settled in peace, and generous in abundance so that no citizen is left outside the circle of its promise.

“He gave everything he had to this country, and he gave it without reservation. He served with courage. He served with conviction and with a patriotism that never asked what the nation could return to him.

“From his years as a military leader to his transformation into a democrat and a determined defender of constitutional order, he embodied the very spirit of change and nation-building.”

Tinubu, represented by his deputy, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, declared that the best way to honour the late Buhari is to “carry forward the inheritance he left us: honesty, simplicity, and self-discipline.”

He further maintained that every ardent supporter, friend and family member of the former president must continue to strive, in their individual conduct, “to approach the standard he kept. That is the only tribute worthy of him, and it is one he would have asked for.”

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, faulted the narrative that the former president only favoured the North during his eight-year stewardship.

Gowon maintained that Buhari did his best for Nigeria and ensured that every section of the country was fairly treated.

He said: “I would like to say that President Buhari did his best for Nigeria. His sense of integrity and fairness knew no bounds…

“He cared for people. During his time in office, he worked for all Nigerians, not just for the North. Some people believed he governed only for the North, but that was not the case. He ensured that every state and every part of the country was treated fairly and equally. That remains to his credit.

“I want to thank all of you for coming to this first anniversary in remembrance of President Muhammadu Buhari and for honouring his years of dedicated service and sacrifice to Nigeria.”

Reminiscing on the APC presidential convention in 2022, where the incumbent, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emerged as the party’s presidential candidate, General Gowon recalled that it was merely a pay-back period for Tinubu, as the late Buhari gave support to his successor, who had stood by him to secure the APC ticket in 2014.

He said: “As President Buhari prepared to leave office, he gave his full support to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to succeed him as President. I remember clearly how committed President Buhari was to ensuring that Tinubu received the same support that Tinubu had given him during his own presidential journey.

“This is something for which we must give President Buhari credit. He stood firmly behind President Tinubu so that he could continue serving Nigeria and do his best for the country, just as Buhari himself sought to do.”

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman, Central Planning Committee of the occasion, Boss Mustapha, described the event as “an occasion to reflect on a life of service and to preserve for future generations the memory of a man who devoted much of his adult life to the service of Nigeria.

“His passing came as a profound shock to the nation and elicited an extraordinary outpouring of grief across Nigeria, Africa, and many parts of the world…

“We remember a leader whose convictions shaped the decisions he took, whose sense of duty remained unwavering, and whose commitment to the Nigerian state defined his years in public service.”

In attendance were the late president’s wife, Aisha Buhari, and serving governors of Lagos, Ogun, Borno and Kwara states.

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, was represented by his deputy, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe.

Traditional rulers who graced the occasion included the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Emir of Katsina, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman; and the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, among other dignitaries.

The Allied People’s Movement (APM) confirmed yesterday that it had successfully uploaded the details of Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, to the platform of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 elections as its presidential candidate.

The party said Makinde’s “growing popularity” had positioned him as a strong contender for the nation’s highest office as political parties prepared for the race.

INEC had initially set July 11 as the deadline for political parties to upload the names of their presidential and National Assembly candidates to its portal but later extended it to July 14.

The National Publicity Secretary of the APM, Mr Abubakar Yusuf, told reporters in Abuja on Monday that the party met the deadline and successfully uploaded the names of Makinde, his running mate and its National Assembly candidates.

According to him, the party has continued to gain momentum among Nigerians, especially following the entry of Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, and Makinde into its fold, adding that the APM is determined to win the 2027 presidential election.

Yusuf said: “We have uploaded the details of our presidential, vice-presidential and National Assembly candidates as required by INEC. This marks another important milestone in our journey towards offering Nigerians a credible, competent and people-oriented alternative in the 2027 general elections.

“Our confidence is rooted in our continuous engagement with Nigerians and the array of highly credible candidates we are fielding at all levels.

“The APM is proud of the quality of leaders flying its flag across the country. Our candidates are men and women of proven character, integrity and outstanding performance in their respective fields. They embody the values of accountability, service and purposeful leadership that Nigerians have consistently demanded.

“Across the country, citizens have expressed deep concerns about the rising cost of living, widespread insecurity, unemployment and declining economic opportunities. These are genuine concerns that require practical solutions and compassionate leadership, which only the APM can offer.

“With an APM-led administration and Makinde at the helm, the welfare of Nigerians will be at the centre of government policies.

“We have a presidential candidate who not only has the commitment but also the leadership capacity and competence to secure our nation, rebuild the economy and ensure that every Nigerian enjoys the dividends of good governance.

“Our presidential candidate stands out as a leader whose record speaks for itself. Without argument, his achievements have earned him national recognition as one of Nigeria’s best-performing governors, and that is why Nigerians want him as President.

“We all know that Governor Makinde has earned a reputation for the prudent management of public resources and responsible governance. These principles will guide an APM government at the federal level.

“Beyond his impressive performance in office, Governor Makinde represents a new generation of leadership. He combines experience with relative youth, energy, vision and the capacity to unite Nigerians across political, ethnic and religious divides. We firmly believe he possesses the competence, character and courage required to reposition Nigeria and restore confidence in governance.”

Citing the case of Governor Bala Mohammed, who is one of the party’s senatorial candidates, Yusuf noted that his wealth of experience would be an asset to the APM.

He added: “In Bauchi State, Governor Bala Mohammed, our senatorial candidate, brings a wealth of experience and leadership that will further strengthen the party’s vision of effective representation and national development.

“Together with our other candidates, he will play a vital role in advancing the APM’s mission of delivering responsible governance.”

He criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government, saying it had been unable to address the country’s worsening security and economic challenges.

Yusuf said: “The failures of the APC administration have made it clear that Nigeria needs a new direction anchored on competence, accountability and people-centred leadership, which only the APM can offer Nigerians.”

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) yesterday said it has begun challenging the Court of Appeal’s judgment at the Supreme Court regarding its ward, local government and state congresses, insisting that the ruling has no effect on the emergence of its candidates for the 2027 general election.

In a statement following the appellate court’s judgment in Abuja, the party’s national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the verdict as “legally unsustainable” and said the party was confident the apex court would overturn it.

The ADC maintained that the judgment relates solely to the election of its ward, local government and state executive committees and does not invalidate the direct primaries through which its candidates emerged at all levels.

The party also drew attention to the dissenting judgment delivered by the presiding Justice, arguing that it more accurately reflected the settled position of the law and the party’s case.

The opposition party urged its members and supporters across the country to remain calm and focused despite the court ruling.

The Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT), an elite assembly of Southeastern Nigerian intellectuals, traditional rulers and stakeholders, have condemned what it calls the systematic suppression of the opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that no democracy develops without a vibrant opposition.

ILT cautioned that if the clampdown on the opposition is not urgently checked, it could seriously diminish the integrity of the 2027 general elections.

The group’s position came amid the recent alarm raised by the presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr. Peter Obi, over his safety and systematic frustration of his businesses, as well as the several judicial pronouncements against the key opposition parties aimed at destabilizing their preparations for the 2027 polls.

ILT also recalled that Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, had in the past warned Mr. Peter Obi, threatening that his security was not guaranteed in his state, and noted that actually when he visited Edo State early this year for  political activities, gunshots were fired at him and others in his  entourage.

According to the group, the emasculation of the opposition could wreck Nigeria’s hard fought democracy and cause serious political instability in the country.

ILT, in a statement signed by Prof. Elochukwu Amucheazi, the President and Prof. Jerry Chukwuokolo, the Secretary, also frowned at the use of state institutions, including the judiciary, security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to incapacitate the opposition parties, to make them unable to compete with the ruling party for the 2027 general elections.

“The democracy we are enjoying in Nigeria did not come on a platter of gold. It is a product of a long-drawn political struggle against military rule. Ironically, those in power in Nigeria today, who do not want the opposition to breathe, pride themselves as key players in the struggle for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria. The same people who claim to be champions of democracy are emasculating the opposition”, the group noted.

“The Igbo Leaders of Thought strongly condemns the ongoing suppression of opposition in Nigeria. If not curbed, it could derail plans for the 2027 general election, cause serious political instability, and derail our hard on democracy. Nigeria cannot afford another major political crisis arising from election. The country suffered dearly because of the mistakes of past elections.

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat the mistakes” ILT warned, and remained Nigerians of the violent political protest (Operation Wetie) that took place in 1962 in Western Nigeria which triggered a chain of events, including bloodletting and burning of properties, which eventually led to the first military coup in Nigeria on January 15, 1966.

“In the Second Republic, a disputed governorship election triggered a devastating political upheaval in Ondo State, resulting in widespread burning of properties and loss of severally lives, ultimately paving the way for another military intervention in 1983.

“If we cannot remember what happened in the First and Second Republics, we should be able to remember the political violence that trailed the 2011 presidential election, which according to Human Rights Watch, claimed over 800 lives in Northern Nigeria, including innocent youth corps members. We are not in any way trying to engage in scare mongering, but just appealing to those in authority in Nigeria to do what is right.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has narrated how he unknowingly met with the Director-General of the fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, Adeniyi Adeyemi.

The Abia State-born politician stated that he met with Adeyemi in his office after receiving what appeared to be an official letter bearing the Presidency’s insignia.

Speaking during yesterday’s plenary in support of a motion seeking an investigation into the activities of the alleged council, Kalu said he was among those deceived by the group’s claims of legitimacy.

“I rise this morning to support the motion that has been properly moved by my friend and brother from Plateau State. It is quite embarrassing that people have the kind of boldness exhibited, moving around with what is not in existence, carrying themselves as if they are a legal entity,” he said.

Kalu disclosed that his office received a letter dated May 2, 2025, on a letterhead bearing the Presidency and identifying the sender as the Director-General of both the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council.

“On the 2nd of May, 2025, my office got a letter. That letter had the Presidency on top of the letterhead. It had the Office of the Director General, the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council. Two councils under one DG,” he said.

According to him, although some aspects of the letter raised doubts, it contained what appeared to be authentic details, including an address at the Federal Secretariat Complex and a government website.

“When I saw this, I looked down at the letterhead. I saw the Federal Secretariat Complex, Phase 3, 2nd Floor, Central Business District. I also saw the website, pfipc.gov.ng. It was a bit confusing for me. Some of the information looked credible, some did not,” Kalu stated.

The deputy speaker stated that he directed members of his team to verify the office address before approving a meeting with the group.

“I sent my team to go and verify the existence of this organisation at the said address. They came back confirming that this organisation was in the said location. I then gave approval for them to come and have the interaction they had written for,” he said.

Kalu explained that the visitors had requested a meeting to discuss constitutional amendment, economic governance, legislative priorities and collaboration on foreign investment, but the discussion took a different direction.

“They said they wanted to discuss the 10th House of Representatives Constitution Amendment process and its implications for economic governance, legislative priorities that can enhance investor confidence, and areas of collaboration between the National Assembly and the Council to drive foreign investment,” he said.

However, he added, “When they came and started engaging, the issues they mentioned in the letter were not what they engaged on. They did not talk about the Constitution that we were amending. They were more about photo taking.”

The Deputy Speaker said the experience underscored the need for stricter verification of organisations claiming government affiliation.

“This goes on to show that a beautiful letterhead that has the Presidency is no longer confirmation that an agency is legal. It goes to show that an address that shows Federal Secretariat does not mean that that particular agency is legal,” he said.

He urged lawmakers to support the motion and conduct a thorough investigation into how the alleged council operated.

“It is our duty, based on Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution, to dig deeper into this matter. I urge members to support this motion for the House to show Nigerians that we are in support of transparency and accountability in governance,” Kalu added.

PUNCH Online reports that the council sparked nationwide controversy after it appeared as one of the beneficiaries in the 2026 Appropriation Act despite the Presidency insisting that no such agency exists under the Federal Government.

The controversy broke after the National Assembly passed the 2026 budget with allocations to the council, raising questions over how an agency later disowned by the Presidency found its way into the federal appropriation process.

The Presidency subsequently distanced itself from the council, maintaining that President Bola Tinubu neither approved its establishment nor appointed anyone to head it.Following the development, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, petitioned security agencies over the alleged impersonation of the Presidency and the use of documents purportedly linked to the agency, leading to investigations by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.

Matthew was subsequently arrested and detained by the police before being arraigned on allegations bordering on forgery, impersonation and related offences.

He has, however, consistently maintained his innocence, insisting that all documents in his possession were legitimately obtained.

As public outrage intensified over the agency’s inclusion in the federal budget, Tinubu directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate how the council was inserted into the 2026 Appropriation Act despite not being recognised by the Federal Government.

The President also ordered that everyone found culpable in the alleged budget insertion be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law, while directing relevant authorities to unravel the circumstances that led to the controversial allocation.

The House of Representatives yesterday rejected a proposal to invite President Bola Tinubu to explain the alleged suspension of funding for zonal intervention, popularly known as constituency projects, during a rowdy plenary over delays in the implementation of the 2026 budget.

The drama followed the consideration of a motion sponsored by the member representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency of Abia State, Alex Ikwechegh, on the poor funding of appropriated budgets and delayed release of capital funds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

Earlier, the member representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency of Delta State, Benedict Etanabene, raised a constitutional point of order, informing the House that he had seen a circular from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation announcing the suspension of funding for zonal intervention projects pending fresh verification requirements.

Etanabene urged the House to exercise its constitutional oversight powers by inviting President Tinubu and members of his economic team to explain the reported suspension.

“I wish, Mr Speaker, that the Constitution be tested. I want to urge this House to agree that we summon Mr President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria together with his financial team to please come to this House… to brief Nigerians exactly what is happening because the stories are not complimentary at all,” he said.

He added, “We cannot explain to the constituents what is happening… Presently, in Nigeria today, we are implementing 2024, 2025 and 2026 budgets running concurrently. This is not in the best interest of everybody.”

The proposal triggered heated exchanges, with lawmakers shouting across the chamber as members took opposing positions.

Moving the substantive motion, Ikwechegh argued that the credibility of the appropriation process depended on the timely release and utilisation of budgeted funds.

“The powers of appropriation in the National Assembly, and the credibility of the budget rests not only on the size of the figures appropriated, but on the fidelity and timeliness with which appropriation funds are released, cash-backed and utilised for ministries, departments and agencies,” he said.

He noted that ministers and heads of MDAs had disclosed during the 2026 budget defence sessions that many agencies received little or no capital releases in the 2025 fiscal year.

Ikwechegh also recalled that President Tinubu had directed the immediate settlement of verified contractor liabilities estimated at about N1.5tn and approved the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee to harmonise records and facilitate payment.

Despite the directive, he said, releases to MDAs had remained slow, stalling projects and worsening contractors’ financial challenges.

The lawmaker further criticised a June 29, 2026 Treasury circular issued by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation requiring a Certificate of Verification and Compliance from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs before payments could be made for constituency projects.

According to him, the directive introduced fresh bureaucratic bottlenecks that could further delay project execution.

However, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas ruled that the proposal to invite the President was out of order, saying it was not part of the substantive motion before the House and was inconsistent with parliamentary procedure.

The House subsequently adopted the substantive resolutions of the motion, urging the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget Office of the Federation, Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Central Bank of Nigeria to prioritise the timely release and cash-backing of appropriated funds.

Lawmakers also called for a clear schedule for the release of funds for the 2026 fiscal year and the speedy settlement of verified contractor liabilities.

The House further urged the Office of the Accountant-General to review the June 29 Treasury circular and harmonise it with the President’s directive to prevent further delays in the execution of constituency projects.

To strengthen oversight, Abbas constituted a 12-member ad hoc committee chaired by the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Abubakar Bichi, to interface with relevant fiscal authorities and report back to the House within four weeks.

The Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, said Nigeria must resist any hint of selective justice that erodes public trust and threatens national unity.

Obi said this in a statement posted on his verified X handle yesterday.

He was reacting to the viral video of Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, telling President Bola Tinubu that they don’t deserve what is happening to them.

“I woke this morning in America and was deeply moved by an emotional viral video of Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, prompting deep reflection on our nation’s future.

“Regardless of the allegations against Mallam Nasir El-Rufai or any other citizen, justice must be transparent and fair, with reasonable bail conditions that should not be seen as punitive before trial. In a democracy governed by the rule of law, institutions exist to protect every citizen’s rights, regardless of their background.

“We must resist any hint of selective justice that erodes public trust and threatens national unity. Those tasked with enforcing our laws must act professionally and strictly follow due process.

“Let us strive for a Nigeria where the law is paramount, and where every citizen is guaranteed dignity and justice. This is the foundation of the New Nigeria we envisage,” Obi tweeted.

The House of Representatives was yesterday thrown into a rowdy session as lawmakers clashed over a motion seeking to summon President Bola Tinubu to explain the alleged non-funding of constituency projects.

The tension followed the consideration of a motion sponsored by the member representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency of Abia State, Alex Ikwechegh, who decried what he described as poor funding of appropriated budgets and persistent delays in the release of capital funds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

The motion came on the heels of a Constitutional Point of Order raised by the member representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency of Delta State, Benedict Etanabene, who informed the House that he had seen a circular from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation announcing the suspension of funding for zonal intervention projects pending fresh verification requirements.

The debate quickly divided the chamber, with lawmakers across party lines expressing frustration over what they described as the slow implementation of projects approved by the National Assembly.

While the motion enjoyed overwhelming support, attempts by some members to oppose aspects of it were drowned out by loud shouts and protests from their colleagues, forcing the Speaker to repeatedly call for order.

Moving the substantive motion titled, “Urgent need to address the poor funding of appropriated budgets and delayed releases to MDAs as revealed during the 2026 budget defence sessions,” Ikwechegh argued that the credibility of the appropriation process depends not only on the passage of the budget but also on the timely release and utilisation of funds.

He said, “The powers of appropriation in the National Assembly, and the credibility of the budget rests not only on the size of the figures appropriated, but on the fidelity, timeliness with which appropriation funds are released, cash-backed, and utilized for ministries, departments, and agencies.

“The House also notes that during the 2026 budget defence sessions, honourable Ministers and heads of MDAs disclosed deeply troubling levels of funding of 2025 budget, including sectors that recorded zero capital releases for the entire fiscal year, and others that received only a token, a fraction of their appropriated capital votes.

“The House is aware that these disclosures are consistent with repeated protests staged in 2025 and early 2026 by indigenous contractors of Nigeria that have invested heavily to do business with the Nigerian government at the Federal Ministry of Finance and at the gates of the National Assembly; on one occasion, disrupting plenary sittings because due to unpaid certificates for completed and verified projects with many contractors unable to service bank loans obtained to execute government projects.”

Ikwechegh recalled that President Bola Tinubu had, at a Federal Executive Council meeting on December 10, 2025, directed the immediate settlement of verified contractor liabilities estimated at about N1.5tn and approved the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee to reconcile records and facilitate payment.

According to him, “The House is also aware that His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Federal Executive Council of 10th December, 2025 expressed grave displeasure at the backlog, directed the immediate settlement of verified contractor liabilities of about N1.5tn and constituted an inter-Ministerial Committee to harmonise records and deliver a lasting funding solution, declaring his readiness of the government to even borrow when necessary to settled verified obligations.

“The House is further aware that directive of the National Assembly approved the borrowing in excess of N1tn specifically to finance the settlement of outstanding obligations on completed and verified capital projects, in addition to dedicated provisions in the 2026 Appropriation Act for contractor liabilities, while the Honourable Minister for Finance have announced the clearance of substantial sums announcements, which contractors dispute as partial announcements.”

He expressed concern that despite the presidential directive and legislative approvals, the release of funds to MDAs had remained slow.

“The House is concerned that notwithstanding the clear directive of the President, the legislative approvals and the ministerial assurances releases to MDAs remain slow, if I may say unexistent, stalling critical projects, escalating contract costs, exposing contractors to insolvency, and rising non-performing loans and eroding public trust in the budget of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, approved by this parliament.”

The lawmaker also criticised a Treasury circular dated June 29, 2026, reportedly issued by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, which requires a Certificate of Verification and Compliance from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs before payments can be made for constituency projects.

He said, “The House is disturbed by recent newspaper reportage of a federal treasury circular dated 29th June, 2026 issued by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, halting payments for zonal intervention and constituency projects, unless a certificate of verification and compliance is first obtained from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, a directive which however well-intentioned, introduces yet another layer of bureaucratic bottlenecks at the very moment Mr President has demanded speed and risks turning back the hands of the clock by subjecting duly appropriated, procured, and executed projects to further delay.”

Nigeria Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has insisted that President Bola Tinubu is tired and needs to go home and rest in 2027.

Obi stressed that he is not desperate for power but wants Nigeria to work.

In an interview with media personality, Chude, Obi said Tinubu’s administration has sent more Nigerians into poverty.

According to Obi, some Nigerians doing well in business have resorted to selling kuli-kuli.

He said: “Tinubu is tired and needs to go home and rest. When Tinubu came into power 87 million Nigerians were in poverty but today it’s 140 million.

“Insecurity has gotten worse. Which hope are they going to renew again? You can’t renew failure.

“I am not desperate to be President of Nigeria. There’s a way you will fail in school, they will ask you to leave the school.

“People who had business when you came into power are now people who are selling kuli-kuli.”

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, said he may not be alive to contest the poll, alleging that the government is frustrating his activities and targeting opposition figures.

Obi made the remarks during an interview on With Chude, which media personality Chude Jideonwo posted on X yesterday.

Responding to a question on whether there was a possibility he might not be a candidate in 2027, Obi said, “Not even a candidate. I might not even be alive. I’m telling you.

“Every single thing I do for a living, this government is frustrating it. Deliberately so. Everything. So, there is even a possibility, if they have the opportunity, I will not be alive.”

He, however, clarified that he was not making direct accusations but described daily experiences of obstruction.

“It’s not an accusation. I know. I get frustration every day. Because you do things that you think would be normal—it is not normal anymore.

“They won’t come directly and say, ‘Oh, we’re doing this,’ but you can see their hand in virtually everything,” Obi said.

Asked whether the government was attacking him personally, the former Anambra State governor said the alleged treatment extended to members of the opposition.

“They are attacking everybody who is in opposition personally. I am being attacked personally. Everything. Even to provide me with necessary things that I should have been entitled to, not at all,” he said.

Obi cited an incident at an airport where he claimed officials locked his car despite other vehicles being parked in the same area.

“I had a case recently at the airport, where people who work in the airport came and locked my car. And I said, ‘It’s me.’ The person in charge said he doesn’t care.

“But I said, ‘Look at the cars of other people.’ And you could see them talking to each other, as if, ‘Who is this one?’”

He further alleged that some people now avoided publicly associating with him for fear of becoming targets.

“And I see people I know at the airport, they will not greet me because they are fearing that if they greet me…”

The former Labour Party presidential candidate also claimed that some supporters had discouraged him from attending family events.

“And I have people send me invitations and say, ‘My son, my daughter is wedding, but please don’t come,’” he said.

Obi did not provide evidence to support his allegations during the interview, and the Federal Government had yet to respond to his claims as of the time of filing this report.

Aslam Aliyu, a political ally of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has said there is no vacancy in the Presidential Villa until 2031.

Aliyu said President Bola Tinubu will emerge victorious in the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement she released in Abuja, announcing her resignation from the ADC and defecting to the All Progressives Congress, APC, Aliyu called the opposition party a “hoax.”

Aliyu also showed her support for Tinubu, saying her choice came after many years of working with the opposition, which she said did not offer a real plan for the country’s progress.

“After almost twenty years of working hard to make progress, it’s very clear that the opposition doesn’t have a real plan for development or a practical and lasting solution to save the country,” she said.

Aliyu said the opposition group didn’t have trust within its own members.

She also said the ADC didn’t have a real plan for the country, arguing that their approach was just criticizing the federal government without giving any real solutions.

She said, “Nigeria is fed up with political figures who only take photos and act like they’re filming, but don’t really care about the country.”

Aliyu asked her followers to become members of the APC and said that President Tinubu will win another term in 2027.

She said, “There are no available rooms in Aso Rock Villa because President Tinubu will win the presidential election in 2027, thanks to Almighty Allah.”

….Warns mischief makers

Satisfied with his leadership style and commitment to the development of the oil producing areas of Imo State, the Niger Delta Youth Stakeholders Forum has unanimously passed a Vote of Confidence on the Managing Director of Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), Chief Austin Onyedebelu.

The Vote of Confidence came on Tuesday when leaders of the Forum led by Comrade Wisdom Nwauwa, paid a courtesy visit to the ISOPADEC MD, in Owerri.

The youth leaders highlighted several challenges confronting communities in the oil producing areas and appealed for sustained government intervention to address developmental needs across the region.

Reacting, the MD  detailed the group on the Commission’s ongoing projects and programmes, explaining that ISOPADEC remains committed to delivering meaningful development to the people.

Onyedebelu noted that the Commission regularly engages traditional rulers, youth leaders, women groups and other stakeholders to ensure inclusiveness and transparency in its operations.

The ISOPADEC boss further assured the delegation that his office remains open to every citizen of the oil producing region, encouraging stakeholders to continue offering constructive suggestions that will enhance the Commission’s performance.

Speaking, Comrade Nwachukwu Charles Oringo, President of NDYM, Imo State Chapter, commended Onyedebelu for his accessibility, responsiveness and developmental initiatives, saying the youth are impressed by the level of work being undertaken by the Commission.

The youth, satisfied with Onyedebelu’s achievements, unanimously endorsed his leadership style,   urging all stakeholders from the oil producing communities to unite behind his leadership in the interest of peace, stability and sustainable development.

The Forum also expressed optimism that Onyedebelu’s emergence as the Chairman of APC in Imo State would further strengthen his access to Governor Hope Uzodimma and attract greater developmental attention to the oil producing communities.

“The dual responsibility places the ISOPADEC MD in a strategic position to facilitate stronger collaboration between the Commission and the state government, a development we believe will translate into unprecedented growth for the Niger Delta communities in Imo State”, the youth added.

The Forum, however, warned individuals allegedly sponsoring campaigns of blackmail and distraction against the Managing Director to desist.

They also advised those interested in succeeding Onyedebelu to allow him complete his tenure, stressing that unnecessary distractions and politically motivated attacks would only undermine the Commission’s developmental mandate.

The youth reaffirmed its commitment to supporting every genuine effort aimed at improving the welfare of the people of the oil producing areas and pledged to continue partnering with ISOPADEC in promoting peace, accountability and sustainable development across the region.