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LG poll: Ondo workers, residents knock Aiyedatiwa over late declaration of work-free day
Workers and residents of Ondo State on Friday criticised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the late declaration of a work-free day ahead of Saturday’s local government election in the state. The governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, announced at around 7 pm on Thursday that there would be no official activities in the state
LG poll: Ondo workers, residents knock Aiyedatiwa over late declaration of work-free day
Workers and residents of Ondo State on Friday criticised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the late declaration of a work-free day ahead of Saturday’s local government election in the state.
The governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, announced at around 7 pm on Thursday that there would be no official activities in the state on Friday to allow workers to travel to their respective hometowns to participate in the council poll.
Expressing their displeasure at what they described as a lack of coordination within the government, a civil servant in the state, who gave her name as Mrs Bakri, voiced her dismay at how the government disrupted her plans for Friday.
According to her, she and her colleagues had waited in the office until 4 pm on Thursday, expecting a circular to be issued regarding a public holiday 24 hours before Saturday’s election. However, no such notification had been sent by the time they left the office.
Bakri revealed that she became frustrated when a junior colleague phoned her at around 8:00 pm to inform her that a work-free day had been declared.
Emphasising that she had planned to clear her workload before the weekend, she noted that the government’s delay would now cause the work to spill into the following week.
“My colleagues and I had assumed we would come to the office today, as the governor didn’t communicate any holiday during official hours. It was surprising to see a statement released after I was already home, preparing for the next day’s work.
“Aiyedatiwa needs to get his act together. He can’t run a whole state like a private establishment. It’s not acceptable. He said we should travel for the election, but he expects me, because of his last-minute announcement on Thursday night, to wake up on Friday morning and head to Idoani?” she said.
Similarly, a parent, Seyi Adu, lamented that she only learned about the holiday upon arriving at her son’s school, where teachers at the gate asked parents to take their children back home.
Adu stated, “I drove all the way from Ijapo to Aule Road, only to be told there’s no school because of a one-day holiday declared by the government.
“I can tell you that I wasn’t even aware tomorrow (Saturday) is election day.”
LG poll: Ondo workers, residents knock Aiyedatiwa over late declaration of work-free day
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- January 17, 2025
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Joe Biden most consequential president in US history — Nancy Pelosi
A former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, has described President Joe Biden as one of the most consequential presidents in American history. Pelosi made the statement during her farewell speech to Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday. She said the United States was fortunate to have Biden as
Joe Biden most consequential president in US history — Nancy Pelosi
A former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, has described President Joe Biden as one of the most consequential presidents in American history.
Pelosi made the statement during her farewell speech to Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday.
She said the United States was fortunate to have Biden as president because he understood the country’s values.
The 52nd Speaker of the US House praised Biden for his leadership role in uniting members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO.
She said: “President Joe Biden is one of the most consequential presidents in American history.
“With the wisdom and magnificent leadership of President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, our nation has been graced by four historic years of progress, hope, and unity for American families.
“With deep experience and global relationships rivalled by none, President Biden has masterfully led America on the world stage.
“Under President Biden’s visionary leadership, America has been unequivocal in its commitment to defending democracy here at home and around the world – and our NATO alliance is stronger and more unified than ever.
“America was fortunate to have a strong, steady, and wise commander-in-chief, honouring and promoting American values in the global arena.
“President Biden and Vice President Harris, with the partnership of Democrats in Congress, have built a towering legacy of extraordinary achievement for the American people.”
Joe Biden most consequential president in US history — Nancy Pelosi
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- January 17, 2025
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Land graft: Pakistani court sentences ex-PM Imran Khan to 14 years imprisonment
A Pakistani court on Friday sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan to 14 years imprisonment in a land corruption case. The judgment, said to involve the largest financial wrongdoing case Khan has faced, was delivered by an anti-graft court in a prison in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, where Khan has been jailed since August
Land graft: Pakistani court sentences ex-PM Imran Khan to 14 years imprisonment
A Pakistani court on Friday sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan to 14 years imprisonment in a land corruption case.
The judgment, said to involve the largest financial wrongdoing case Khan has faced, was delivered by an anti-graft court in a prison in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, where Khan has been jailed since August 2023.
The 72-year-old former cricket star was indicted on charges that he and his wife were gifted land by a real estate developer during his premiership from 2018 to 2022 in exchange for illegal favours.
Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, pleaded not guilty.
The announcement of the ruling was, however, delayed three times, most recently on Monday, following talks between the government and Khan’s party.
DAILY POST gathered that Bushra Bibi, who is in her late 40s and was out on bail, was taken into custody after she was also convicted in the case.
“Whilst we wait for the detailed decision, it’s important to note that the Al Qadir Trust case against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi lacks any solid foundation and is bound to collapse,” said the foreign media wing of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party in a statement.
The judgment is regarded as the biggest setback for Khan and his party since their surprisingly strong performance in the 2024 general election, when their candidates, forced to contest as independents, won the most seats but fell short of the majority needed to form a government.
Jailed since August 2023, Khan has been facing dozens of cases ranging from charges of graft and misuse of power to inciting violence against the state after his removal from office in a parliamentary vote of confidence in April 2022.
He has either been acquitted or had his sentences suspended in most cases, except for one involving charges of inciting supporters to rampage through military facilities to protest against his arrest on May 9, 2023.
His supporters have led several violent protest rallies since the incidents of May 9.
Land graft: Pakistani court sentences ex-PM Imran Khan to 14 years imprisonment
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- January 17, 2025
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Biden urges Netanyahu to accommodate legitimate concerns of Palestinians
The outgoing U.S. President, Joe Biden, on Thursday urged the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to find a way to address the legitimate concerns of Palestinians for the long-term sustainability of Israel. Biden has faced criticism from multiple human rights advocates for his military and diplomatic support for Israel during its military assault on Gaza,
Biden urges Netanyahu to accommodate legitimate concerns of Palestinians
The outgoing U.S. President, Joe Biden, on Thursday urged the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to find a way to address the legitimate concerns of Palestinians for the long-term sustainability of Israel.
Biden has faced criticism from multiple human rights advocates for his military and diplomatic support for Israel during its military assault on Gaza, which has claimed the lives of Palestinians.
He has at times been critical of Netanyahu but has maintained firm support for Washington’s ally.
Washington announced on Thursday that it expected a ceasefire deal between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas to take effect on Sunday.
DAILY POST reports that the bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing at least 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages.
According to Gaza’s local health ministry, Israel’s subsequent military assault on Gaza has killed no fewer than 46,000 Palestinians, while displacing nearly its entire population and causing a hunger crisis.
The United States has for decades supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, proposing the creation of a state for Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza, alongside Israel.
Netanyahu has stated that Israel must maintain security control over all land west of the Jordan River, a stance that would preclude a sovereign Palestinian state.
The International Court of Justice has stated that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and its settlements are illegal.
Biden urges Netanyahu to accommodate legitimate concerns of Palestinians
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- January 17, 2025
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Fix northern electricity or resign – Zungura to Minister of Power, Adelabu
Dr. Sanusi Balarebe Durumin Zungura, Chairman of the “Mu Hadu Mu Gyara” group in Kano, has strongly criticized the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, for his remarks about the challenges of repairing electricity infrastructure in northern Nigeria. Zungura accused the minister of showing disregard for the northern region, which constitutes half of Nigeria, and called
Fix northern electricity or resign – Zungura to Minister of Power, Adelabu
Dr. Sanusi Balarebe Durumin Zungura, Chairman of the “Mu Hadu Mu Gyara” group in Kano, has strongly criticized the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, for his remarks about the challenges of repairing electricity infrastructure in northern Nigeria.
Zungura accused the minister of showing disregard for the northern region, which constitutes half of Nigeria, and called for his immediate resignation.
Speaking during an interview on GTR Hausa, Dr. Zungura expressed disappointment with the minister’s statement that the government could not repair a critical transmission line in the North due to persistent insecurity.
“The Minister of Power has no regard for the North. If he cannot fix electricity in the North, he should step down from his position as a minister,” Zungura said.
He criticized the minister’s reasoning that insecurity was the primary hindrance to fixing electricity infrastructure, emphasizing that ensuring security is a responsibility of the federal government.
“If the insecurity is the problem, it is the government’s job to ensure security and fix the infrastructure. They must do whatever needs to be done to address this issue,” he added.
Zungura highlighted the economic repercussions of the North’s power challenges, warning that failing to repair electricity infrastructure would severely impact businesses.
“Businesses in the North are struggling. They want manufacturers in the region to rely on gas, which is unrealistic. Businesses cannot survive solely on gas-powered manufacturing, as it will lead to higher production costs and, ultimately, a higher cost of living,” he said.
He also called on northern senators to take decisive action against the minister, accusing him of failing in his responsibilities.
“I urge our northern senators to remove the minister because he has no regard for us or our people and has proven to be a failure,” Zungura stated.
The criticism follows Minister Adelabu’s comments during a Senate Committee on Power meeting in Abuja on Monday.
While defending the 2025 budget, the minister admitted that the national electricity grid remains vulnerable to frequent collapses, citing vandalization and unaddressed transmission line repairs in the North as major challenges.
“There is no end to frequent national grid collapses at this time. However, the government is working to reduce the frequency of collapses and ensure a short turnaround time to restore the grid,” the minister said.
He added that vandalization remains a significant issue in the power sector.
DAILY POST gathered that the national grid collapsed eight times in 2024.
Fix northern electricity or resign – Zungura to Minister of Power, Adelabu
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- January 17, 2025
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Israel, Hamas sign hostage-ceasefire deal following intense negotiations
After extended diplomatic efforts mediated by the United States and Qatar, Israeli and Hamas negotiators have finalized a hostage release and ceasefire agreement in Doha. The deal, reached early Friday morning, represents a significant step toward ending the 15-month Gaza conflict that began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The agreement, initially announced
Israel, Hamas sign hostage-ceasefire deal following intense negotiations
After extended diplomatic efforts mediated by the United States and Qatar, Israeli and Hamas negotiators have finalized a hostage release and ceasefire agreement in Doha.
The deal, reached early Friday morning, represents a significant step toward ending the 15-month Gaza conflict that began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
The agreement, initially announced on Wednesday, awaits formal approval from Israel’s full cabinet, which is scheduled to convene on Saturday night.
This timeline has delayed the expected release of the first group of hostages from Sunday to Monday. The decision aims to allow opponents of the deal sufficient time to file appeals with Israel’s High Court of Justice.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the agreement, stating that the security cabinet will vote on Friday, followed by the full cabinet over the weekend.
Despite the delays, officials have stated the importance of ensuring that legal and procedural requirements are met.
Under the deal’s first phase, Hamas has agreed to release 33 hostages classified as “humanitarian” cases, including women, children, elderly individuals, and the sick, over a 42-day period.
The status of all hostages remains uncertain, as Israel has not yet received confirmation of the condition of each individual.
A total of 98 hostages are currently held in Gaza, according to Israeli estimates, including the bodies of at least 36 confirmed deceased.
Future negotiations are expected to address the release of all remaining hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire, signaling potential progress toward a broader resolution.
The agreement has sparked tension within Netanyahu’s coalition. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has threatened to resign if the deal is approved, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is reportedly considering similar action.
These developments reflect ongoing discord within the government over how to handle negotiations with Hamas.
Critics have also questioned the delay in implementation, citing Jewish laws permitting the violation of Shabbat to save lives. Proponents of the delay argue that opponents must be afforded time to challenge the agreement in court.
While the Biden administration has expressed concern over potential complications caused by the delay, a senior U.S. official sought to downplay the issue, stating the importance of focusing on the deal’s successful execution.
The coming days will be critical as Israel seeks to balance legal, political, and humanitarian considerations while navigating the complex dynamics of this historic agreement.
Israel, Hamas sign hostage-ceasefire deal following intense negotiations
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- January 17, 2025
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Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road to be completed in 14 months – Minister Idris
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has assured Nigerians that the rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano dual carriageway will be completed within 14 months. Speaking during the inauguration of the rehabilitation of Section 1 of the road, covering the Abuja to Kaduna segment, on Thursday, Idris emphasized the government’s commitment to delivering
Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road to be completed in 14 months – Minister Idris
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has assured Nigerians that the rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano dual carriageway will be completed within 14 months.
Speaking during the inauguration of the rehabilitation of Section 1 of the road, covering the Abuja to Kaduna segment, on Thursday, Idris emphasized the government’s commitment to delivering the project on schedule.
“President Bola Tinubu is very committed and determined to ensure that this road from Abuja to Kano is completed in record time of 14 months,” the minister stated.
The project, which was split into three sections for efficient execution, includes Section 1 from Abuja to Kaduna, Section 2 from Kaduna to Zaria, and Section 3 from Zaria to Kano.
According to Idris, this segmentation was necessary to expedite construction and ensure smooth progress.
“This is the reason the government cancelled the road contract with the former contractor, who said it would complete the road in three years. The government refused and insisted on a 14-month timeline,” Idris explained.
Idris highlighted the critical importance of the project to Nigerians.
“The President has given a matching order, and the National Assembly is fully cooperating to ensure there are no issues,” he added.
The Minister of Works, Mr. David Umahi, also played a pivotal role in advancing the project, having addressed and resolved controversies surrounding the road’s previous delays.
“With all hands on deck, within 14 months, we are going to have a brand-new road from the Abuja end to Kano,” Idris confidently declared.
The rehabilitation work involves a comprehensive overhaul of the road infrastructure, including scarification and pulverization of the existing surface, embankment filling, and provision of reinforced concrete-lined drains.
The scope also includes the installation of median barriers, hydraulic structures, and a 200-mm thick continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) on the carriageway and shoulders.
Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road to be completed in 14 months – Minister Idris
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- January 17, 2025
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Katsina medical doctor shot by terrorists still alive – Police
The medical doctor, Dr Murtala Sale-Dandashire, who was shot at Kankara General Hospital in Katsina State by bandits is alive, the Police Command in Katsina, has confirmed. DSP Abubakar Aliyu, the command spokesman, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Katsina. The news that the doctor, Mr Sale-Dandashire was shot by
Katsina medical doctor shot by terrorists still alive – Police
The medical doctor, Dr Murtala Sale-Dandashire, who was shot at Kankara General Hospital in Katsina State by bandits is alive, the Police Command in Katsina, has confirmed.
DSP Abubakar Aliyu, the command spokesman, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Katsina.
The news that the doctor, Mr Sale-Dandashire was shot by the terrorists went viral via X handle.
According to the spokesman, “The news making the rounds that a medical doctor shot dead at Kankara General Hospital is not true.”
The spokesman confirmed that he was shot but is currently responding to treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina.
He added that the terrorists equally abducted three persons during the attack.
Aliyu said that the police were making efforts to arrest the perpetrators, and rescue the abducted victims.
Katsina medical doctor shot by terrorists still alive – Police
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- January 17, 2025
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Alleged Money Laundering: Court denies former ex-governor El-Rufai’s aide, Saidu bail
A former Chief of Staff to ex-governor Nasiru El-Rufai, Alhaji Muhammadu Bashir Saidu, has been denied bail by a High Court in Kaduna State in a money laundering case filed against him. The court refused the bail application when the case was heard on Thursday. It cited the fact that a formal charge had already
Alleged Money Laundering: Court denies former ex-governor El-Rufai’s aide, Saidu bail
A former Chief of Staff to ex-governor Nasiru El-Rufai, Alhaji Muhammadu Bashir Saidu, has been denied bail by a High Court in Kaduna State in a money laundering case filed against him.
The court refused the bail application when the case was heard on Thursday.
It cited the fact that a formal charge had already been filed against Saidu at Kaduna State High Court II.
The judge directed the applicant to apply for bail at the court where the charges are pending.
Kaduna State Director of Public Prosecution, Samson Irimiya, Esq., representing the state government, informed newsmen that the arraignment of Saidu is scheduled for January 21, 2025, before Justice Isa Aliyu.
According to Irimiya, “The bail application was refused primarily because a formal charge had been filed.
“It is appropriate for the applicant to seek bail at the court where the charge is pending.”
Oladipo Tolani, SAN, Counsel to Bashir Saidu, also confirmed the directive to transfer the bail application to the appropriate court.
Saidu, who served as Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance, is also facing allegations of money laundering.
Saidu is alleged to have sold $45 million in hard currency belonging to the Kaduna State Government, valued at N18.4 billion, at the undervalued rate of N410 per dollar instead of the parallel market rate of N498 per dollar.
The alleged act was committed in 2022 that resulted in a loss of N3.9 billion to the state government.
The N3.9 billion discrepancy, the prosecution claimed, was laundered by Saidu, in violation of Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Alleged Money Laundering: Court denies former ex-governor El-Rufai’s aide, Saidu bail
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- January 17, 2025
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N2.4trn Regional Commissions budget: North-Central laments exclusion, alleges marginalization
The North-Central All Progressives Congress, APC, Forum has cried out over the exclusion of the North-Central region from the N2.493 trillion allocated to regional development commissions in the 2025 proposed budget. The Forum, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, in Abuja on Friday, said the absence of a regional development commission
N2.4trn Regional Commissions budget: North-Central laments exclusion, alleges marginalization
The North-Central All Progressives Congress, APC, Forum has cried out over the exclusion of the North-Central region from the N2.493 trillion allocated to regional development commissions in the 2025 proposed budget.
The Forum, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, in Abuja on Friday, said the absence of a regional development commission for the zone, which has made the region to miss out from the N2.493 trillion budget, amounted to injustice and marginalization.
Among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, only the North-Central is yet to get a regional development commission.
The five regional development commissions are Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for the South-South; North West Development Commission, NWDC, South West Development Commission, SWDC; South East Development Commission, SEDC; and North East Development Commission, NEDC.
The five development commissions are under the Ministry of Regional Development, which was created by President Bola Tinubu in October 2025 to replace the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
A breakdown of the N2.4 trillion budget for the Ministry of Regional Development, according to allocations to the five development commissions, is as follows: Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, N776.53 billion; North West Development Commission, NWDC, N585.93 billion; South West Development Commission, SWDC, N498.40 billion; South East Development Commission, SEDC, N341.27 billion, and North East Development Commission, NEDC, N291 billion.
Moves by leaders of the North-Central to get a development commission for the zone have not been successful. A bill for the establishment of the North-Central Development Commission passed first and second readings but could not get presidential assent before the expiration of the 9th Senate with the end of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
A fresh bill seeking the establishment of the North Central Development Commission is currently pending before the National Assembly.
However, in the statement made available to journalists on Friday, the North-Central APC Forum frowned at the “neglect and marginalization of the region”, despite what it described as the massive support enjoyed by the Tinubu-led Federal Government in the geopolitical zone in the 2023 election.
In the statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, a member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in the 2023 election, the APC Forum expressed concern that the absence of a development commission for the North-Central, and its exclusion from the N2.4 trillion budget for the regional development commissions, would have a negative impact on the development of the region.
Parts of the statement read, “The North-Central APC Forum is crying out over the shocking exclusion of the North-Central geopolitical zone from the N2.4 trillion allocated to the regional development commissions in the 2025 budget. The N2.4 trillion will fund capital projects and other developmental initiatives in five of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with the exclusion of the North-Central.
“This injustice is unacceptable to the people of the North-Central, who deserve to be treated as equals to other Nigerians, rather than being subjected to marginalization and neglect.
“For us in the North-Central APC Forum, this is even more worrisome because in the last election, after the South-West, the North-Central is second in terms of general acceptability of President Bola Tinubu.
“The North-Central worked hard to deliver the government and we feel sad and disillusioned that it appears that we are being rewarded with neglect and marginalization.
“Also, it is on record that the North-Central is the first zone to endorse President Bola Tinubu for a second term because we believe in his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The exclusion of the North-Central region from the N2.4 trillion allocated to the other geopolitical zones, through the various regional development commissions, is a huge disappointment to the people of the zone, who believe so much in the APC-led Federal Government.
“Should the North-Central miss out from the budgetary allocations to the regions in the 2025 fiscal year, it would lead to an irrecoverable setback for the growth and development of the region.”
The APC Forum appealed for acceleration of the process for establishment of a development commission for the North-Central. It also made a case for a supplementary budget to capture the region in the 2025 budget.
“The North-Central APC Forum calls for accelerated enactment of the legislation for establishment of the North-Central Development Commission, in time to ensure inclusion of the region in the 2025 budget. We also call for a supplementary budget to fund projects under the anticipated North-Central Development Commission within the 2025 fiscal year, as is the case with other regions.
“No section of the country should be left behind in the quest for development, therefore we demand that the North-Central must not be made to move at a slower pace than other geopolitical zones,” the statement added.
The APC Forum, in the same vein, noted that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, should be at the forefront of the push for the establishment of the North-Central Development Commission, instead of engaging in a power tussle with Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia.
“This is one of the reasons why we have been asking the SGF to carry the entire North-Central along and stand as the leader of the zone. He should leave local politics alone and concentrate on championing the cause of the North-Central,” it stated.
The APC Forum equally urged the North-Central Governors Forum, led by Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, to push for the establishment of the North-Central Development Commission.
“The governors of the North-Central states should not be silent on this issue. We expect the North-Central governors to spearhead the push for establishment of a development commission for the region. We urge the governors in the zone to make this objective a priority,” it demanded.
In the same vein, the North-Central APC appealed for the support of all Nigerians to “right the wrong” done to the geopolitical zone.
N2.4trn Regional Commissions budget: North-Central laments exclusion, alleges marginalization
