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Omojuwa Named Jaiz Bank Ambassador After Rebrand

Writer and digital strategist, JJ Omojuwa is the new brand ambassador for Jaiz Bank Plc. The announcement was made on Tuesday on X, following the bank’s rebranding reveal on Monday.

At that rebranding event, Managing Director Haruna Musa called the transformation “a defining milestone” and said, “It is about who we are, what we stand for, and the future we are building.”

Company Secretary Mohammed Shehu added the refreshed logo and colors reflect “a renewed commitment to empowering individuals, businesses, and communities with smarter financial solutions.”

Meanwhile, prior to the announcement of his ambassadorial role, Omojuwa had earlier hinted at the partnership when he switched his display picture to yellow on Monday. The move quickly caught on, with hundreds of his followers doing the same in what could be described as a wave of yellow vitality across X.

In his own post on X on Tuesday following the announcement, Omojuwa reacted with modest pride, celebrating the announcement with his followers.

Reactions on X have been swift. Many users praised the choice, describing it as a masterstroke. Posts under the announcement thread also revealed a wave of new customer pledges, with several young professionals and entrepreneurs sharing that they had opened accounts or planned to do so. The platform buzz reflects how strongly his influence resonates with younger, digitally active Nigerians.

In a separate announcement, Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa was also announced as another brand ambassador.

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Writer and digital strategist, JJ Omojuwa is the new brand ambassador for Jaiz Bank Plc. The announcement was made on Tuesday on X, following the bank’s rebranding reveal on Monday.
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Nigeria’s ₦4 Trillion Electricity Bailout: Lifeline or Recurring Cycle?

By Ugo Inyama

Nigeria’s approval of a ₦4 trillion ($2.61 billion) debt refinancing plan for its troubled electricity sector is both bold and necessary. The intervention seeks to clear nearly a decade of arrears owed to 27 power generation companies—debts that have crippled liquidity and discouraged investment since 2015 (Reuters, 2025a). By issuing bonds through the Debt Management Office, the government hopes to ease immediate pressure and restore confidence. Yet the deeper question is whether this bailout signals genuine reform or simply extends a recurring cycle of debt and rescue.

The electricity sector’s challenges go far beyond unpaid bills. Eleven years after privatisation, generation remains stuck at an average of 4,000 megawatts daily—barely enough to power a mid-sized city, let alone a nation of over 220 million people. Gas shortages, grid collapses, and vandalism persist. Distribution companies, expected to be the commercial backbone of the sector, are financially distressed, with more than half currently under receivership (Reuters, 2025b). For businesses, the outcome is an overreliance on costly diesel generators; for households, it is erratic supply that undermines quality of life.

The government has presented this bailout as part of a broader reform package. Alongside the refinancing comes a 35% reduction in subsidies and tariff adjustments for urban consumers. These measures are projected to save more than ₦1.1 trillion annually and create conditions for financial sustainability (Reuters, 2025c). The logic is straightforward: a sector dependent on subsidies cannot attract serious private capital. Yet the risks are evident. Nigerians, already squeezed by inflation, currency depreciation, and high living costs, will expect tangible improvements in electricity supply as we move towards cost-reflective tariffs, without progress, reforms risk being viewed as added hardship rather than meaningful solutions.

History also tempers optimism.
• In 2017, the ₦701 billion Payment Assurance Facility (PAF) was launched to cover GenCo debts.
• In 2019, another ₦600 billion intervention followed.
• In 2020, a ₦1.5 trillion CBN power sector intervention was rolled out during the COVID-19 recovery programme.
• In 2021, an additional ₦140 billion loan was announced, targeted at mass metering.

Each of these efforts provided temporary relief but failed to address fundamental weaknesses: weak regulation, policy inconsistency, and poor enforcement. The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) reports that ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) owe distribution companies over ₦200 billion in unpaid electricity charges, undermining liquidity and weakening reform efforts (ANED, 2023; Punch, 2024). The result was predictable—arrears piled up again, dragging the sector back into crisis. This culture of MDAs and other politically protected entities failing to pay their electricity bills sends the wrong signal to consumers and discourages compliance across the system. Unless today’s much larger bailout is anchored by credible reforms and stronger governance, it risks becoming yet another temporary patch.

The broader development stakes make success imperative. Reliable electricity is not simply a utility but the backbone of growth. It powers factories, drives innovation, and keeps hospitals and schools functioning. Every blackout inflates the cost of production and undermines competitiveness. The World Bank (2021) estimates that Nigeria loses $29 billion annually due to unreliable power. No serious diversification or industrialisation agenda can succeed under such conditions. For Nigeria’s economy to grow beyond oil, stabilising the power sector is indispensable.

For the Federal Government, this bailout is both opportunity and test. It signals seriousness in addressing a long-standing obstacle, but it also raises expectations among citizens, investors, and international partners. Success could unlock long-delayed investment and mark a turning point in Nigeria’s reform trajectory. Failure, however, would deepen public cynicism and reinforce the perception that the power sector is trapped in cycles of bailout and relapse.

Ultimately, the ₦4 trillion bailout should be seen as both lifeline and warning. It offers critical relief, but it cannot be mistaken for a solution in itself. Nigeria must pair this intervention with stronger governance, stricter regulation, and transparent accountability. Without these, the cycle of crisis and rescue will persist. What the country needs is not another patch, but a sustainable path forward that finally delivers the electricity to power its economy and transform lives.

Ugo Inyama writes from the African Digital Governance Centre, Manchester, UK

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By Ugo Inyama Nigeria’s approval of a ₦4 trillion ($2.61 billion) debt refinancing plan for its troubled electricity sector is both bold and necessary. The intervention seeks to clear nearly
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Gov Eno Sets New Leadership Standard

By Anietie Usen

Forget about the multiple awards given to Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State by leading media organisations in Nigeria and beyond. For a moment, forget also about the recent ‘Governor of the Year Award 2025’, presented to Governor Eno by the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF.

For now, let’s go back to the basics to catch a glimpse of how this Governor drives his massive and ambitious developmental projects and programmes in his ever-rising sub-national on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

Perhaps if there is any government structure in the Executive branch of Eno’s Administration more important than the State Executive Council, it must be the monthly State Project Delivery Committee meeting. It is an informal structure, created from out of the blue by Governor Eno himself to suit his hands-on style of leadership.

For two days every month, Governor Eno locks up, nearly round the clock, his entire Cabinet, Delivery Officers along with key political stakeholders inside the premium Banquet Hall of the Government House. Only a brief lunch break is permitted and served on the spot. The duty of the Project Delivery Committee meeting is to critically evaluate the status of each project and programme being executed by the Administration.

It is usually a tense and sometimes unfriendly meeting. No jokes. Every Commissioner, Delivery Officer or project supervisor must be on top of his game to meet the high standards and demands of the Governor. He must also be able to convince the gathering, with facts, figures, pictures and videos that satisfactory progress and time lines are being made in each project and programme of the government.

Each Commissioner, sometimes in collaboration with the Delivery Officer, takes turns to make a PowerPoint presentation beamed on a massive HD digital screen for everyone to see. Often, it turns out to be the platform where the capacity and competence of the project and programme leadership is tested.

The presentation shows the status of the project or programme the previous month, the progress accomplished during the month under review, next steps, timeliness and challenges, if any. The contract sum of the project, mobilisation, project start and end dates, milestones and deadlines must not be left out. The purpose is to transparently plan, coordinate, monitor and track progress together with stakeholders over a specific period of time.

It is innovative. It has succeeded extensively in carrying along a cross section of the State leadership on the aggressive infrastructural development that Governor Eno is spearheading. It has also won the hearts of key stakeholders for Governor Eno, who is perceived as a transparent and inclusive leader that emphasises shared decision-making, participation and teamwork.

“We have never seen governance at this detailed and high level in this State and I have been around long enough to know”, Senator Effiong Bob, the Political leader of Uyo Senatorial District said in the July 2025 Project Delivery Meeting. It was the view that virtually all stakeholders shared at the July meeting.

“This is clearly one of the best ways to harvest knowledgeable inputs into project governance, keep project administrators and contractors on their toes and accomplish your project targets in time for the people who elected you into office. This is why Akwa Ibom State will continue to make quantum leaps in all indices of development”, Assam Assam, SAN, former Nigerian Ambassador to Russia, said also in the July 2025 stanza of the State Project Delivery Meeting.

But no one foresaw that the August edition of the State Project Delivery Committee would take a strange dimension. Instead of gathering stakeholders inside the Government House Banquet Hall as usual, Governor Eno surprisingly moved the all important meeting to project sites across the State. It was time to see first hand the projects that most stakeholders had been seeing as pictures on screens and publications.

For two hectic days, August 14 and 15, 2025, stakeholders led by Governor Eno, dressed in jeans, casual shirts and facecaps, rolled up their sleeves, jump into several buses that cut down the number of vehicles on the convoy and traversed the length and breadth of the State to inspect and evaluate first hand the actual status of many multi-billion naira projects.

“This is management by working around, MBWA”, the Governor told journalists who for two days trailed him to all 23 sites of major projects. By MBWA, he was referring to a management style popularised by David Warren, the former CEO of Motorola, where leaders intentionally spend time outside their offices to engage with the workforce rather than relying solely on formal communications channels.

In two days of MBWA with key stakeholders, Governor Eno, his cabinet, Delivery Officers and key stakeholders visited the sites of the Medical Village, Ibom International Hospital, the Elderly Citizens Centre, the CNG/Citi Bus Terminal, ARISE Shopping City, Ibom International Convention Centre/Hotel, Judiciary Village, the Security Command & Control Centre, AKBC House, Ibom Model Farm, Ibom Equipment Leasing Company, Ibom Aviation Village, International Terminal of Victor Attah International Airport, Airport Clinic, and the Incredible ARISE Resort, described by many as a “Wonderland”, where a ravaging erosion devastated landscape has been “miraculously” turned into a world class resort and tourism trap.

“You must be able to physically see your projects on the ground, beyond the briefings you are receiving in the office… So, we have visited 23 project sites in two days, and we have not even reached half of the projects we need to see. But the truth is, this gives us an on-the-spot idea of the actual progress we are making”. Governor Eno told journalists at the end of the two-day project inspections.

With the entire State virtually turned into a massive construction site, the ripple effect was noticeable everywhere the Governor and his team went. “In all the sites we have visited, what excited me so much, as you saw it yourselves, is the number of young people that these projects have engaged and impacted positively. Everywhere we went, we were received by crowds of young men and women working on construction sites, be they engineers, skilled workers or unskilled workers. In fact, there is a site where we have female civil engineers as Managing Directors of their respective companies. This gives me that joy that we are simultaneously and gainfully employing our youths, while embarking on many legacy projects…I feel very happy”.

According to the Governor: “These projects and the employment they generate… are my rewards to Akwa Ibom people…They are my gifts to the 354,000+ people who voted for me to provide good leadership to Akwa Ibom State… And that’s what we are doing”.

The recent Socio-Economic Impact Assessment of ARISE Agenda, published last month, with the Minister of National Planning and Director General of the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, in attendance, indicates that a total of 49,901 persons have so far been employed in the last two years of Umo Eno Administration. Skilled and unskilled labour employed at various project sites stand at 26,950 jobs, representing 85% employed persons between May 2023 and July 29, 2025.

The innovation of a high level Project Delivery Committee meeting that has increased the pace of project delivery in the State has not only been beneficial to the unemployed youths alone. The entire Cabinet of the Governor as well as the heads of government departments and agencies have gained enormously from the project delivery meetings.

For one, the project delivery meetings have become the veritable leadership training and mentorship venue for most members of the project delivery committee. Opportunities where aides understudy their leaders abound. The way the project delivery meetings are run include several key scenarios and roles that enhance leadership development and organizational continuity.

Equally important, the project delivery meetings provide the opportunity for peer review mechanism, whereby members of the committee assess the work or performance of their colleagues or peers, which helps them to improve and control the quality of work they handle thereafter.

In this milieu, the leadership style of Governor Eno is pivotal and to many, predictable. He is firm and fair. In other words, he is strict and consistent in upholding rules and expectations, but also considerate and accommodating, earning loads of respect in the process. Said one new Commissioner: “This man is good. I have learnt a lot about leadership in my few months here than all my academic life. He is unique and effective. He breaks the mold. Certainly, a new era of our State is in the making before our eyes. Can you imagine Akwa Ibom landscape when all these projects are completed in a few years’ time?”

*Aniete Usen writes from yo

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By Anietie Usen Forget about the multiple awards given to Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State by leading media organisations in Nigeria and beyond. For a moment, forget also
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NHRC: Swift Trials of Arrested Leaders of Ansaru Sect Must Start

• NUJ, IOM hail security forces, applaud FG for operation expansion to N’west, N’Central

•DSS tells court Owo Catholic church attackers had links with foreign terrorist groups

•Refutes claim alleged human rights violation suit triggered defendants’ arraignment

•Court okays shielding of prosecution witnesses’ identity

•Bandits kill 13 worshipers during morning prayers in Katsina

Michael Olugbode, Linus Aleke in Abuja, James Sowolein Abeokuta and Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the federal government to swiftly put every machinery in place to ensure swift trial of the arrested leaders of the notorious terrorist group, Ansaru, ensuring that they were held to the highest form of accountability befitting their heinous crimes.

The call was made yesterday by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, at the presentation of July 2025 Human Rights Dashboard in Abuja.

This was as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commended the government and its security forces for the recent successful operation that led to the capture of two high-ranking members of the Ansaru terror group.

In the same vein, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has also applauded the government for its leadership role in implementing Operation Safe Corridor, a model for the rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant ex-Boko Haram fighters, especially the expansion of the programme beyond the North-East to the North-West and North-Central regions.

Nevertheless, the Department of State Services (DSS), has cautioned a Federal High Court in Abuja against granting bail to the five men being prosecuted over their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack at St. Francs Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, in view of their alleged link with foreign terrorist groups.

The DSS also refutes claim that alleged human rights violation suit triggered defendants’ arraignment, just as the court has okayed the shielding of prosecution witnesses’ identity against likely harm.

Meanwhile, despite successes recorded by the nation’s security agencies, no fewer than 13 people have been killed during morning prayers in Mantau community, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The National Security Adviser, MalamNuhuRibadu had at a press briefing, weekend, disclosed that two terrorists, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar) and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka MallamMamuda), both leaders of Ansaru sect and on the wanted list of Nigeria, the US, UK and UN were captured in an operation conducted between May and July 2025.

However, Ojukwu, while lamenting the increase in killings of security personnel and auxiliary members of vigilante group, said there was urgent need to ensure that all needed apparatus were put in place to tackle insecurity, particularly terrorism in the country.

Ojukwu said: “From our observatory, we are gravely concerned by the resurgence and escalation of deadly violence in different parts of the country.

“In Sokoto, 15 men were killed in a reprisal attack by suspected members of Lakurawa. In Kebbi, a similarly tragic pattern emerged, with three police officers losing their lives in a failed abduction attempt.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the month of July represents the deadliest for vigilante groups in the country with a fatality of almost a hundred deaths. The role of vigilante in supporting our security and armed forces in the field of battle should not be lost on us.

“Their decimation portends danger for our collective security and the enjoyment of our liberties. These are not isolated incidents; they represent a failure of security, justice and accountability.

“We are seeing an increase in targeted killings of law enforcement agents; frequent kidnappings and killings by bandits; brazen acts of violence by cultist groups and widespread violations of the right to life, particularly in communities already vulnerable due to conflict and poverty.

“It is in this regard, that the National Human Rights Commission welcomes the arrests of the leaders of Ansaru, a deadly terrorist organisation which is responsible for gross human rights violations of Nigerians.

“We commend the Department of State Services, the Armed Forces and the Office of the National Security Adviser for this feat. There is much we can achieve in safeguarding our citizens and human rights if agencies collaborate and adopt human rights-based approaches.

“We call on the authorities to swiftly put every machinery in place to ensure swift trials of the terrorist leaders and ensure that they are held to the highest form of accountability befitting their heinous crimes.

“As we salute the courage and gallantry of our intelligence and armed forces, we call on other sectors of our security and law enforcement to rise up to the responsibility of safeguarding the human rights of Nigerians currently facing attacks in Benue, Plateau, Niger, Zamfara, Sokoto and Borno states all of whom, based on our dashboard for July are facing dire security situations.”

Ojukwu, therefore, asked security agencies to reaffirm their commitment to professionalism and human rights in their operations; government actors to address the root causes of these violations – poverty, impunity, and weak institutional responses.

He equally asked civil society and the media to continue raising awareness and putting pressure where needed; and all citizens, he called, to speak out and stand firm against violence, injustice, and indifference.

He disclosed that in the month of July, a total of 331,035 complaints were received by the commission across the nation.

“The most prevalent issues this month relate to law enforcement and human dignity, freedom from discrimination, and economic, social, and cultural rights. These are not new issues, but their persistence underscores systemic problems we cannot normalize.

“When dignity is undermined by those tasked with upholding the law, the social contract begins to erode. When people are denied equal treatment or suffer indignities due to who they are, we all suffer a loss in our collective humanity,” he said.

NUJ: Success is Evidence of Security’s Professionalism

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has commended the Nigerian government and its security forces for the recent successful operation that led to the capture of two high-ranking members of the Ansaru terror group, linking the success to security’s professionalism.

The arrest of Mahmud Muhammad Usman (alias Abu Bara’a) and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri (alias MalamMamuda), as announced by the National Security Adviser, MalamNuhuRibadu, the NUJ said was a significant victory in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

NUJ’s commendation was contained in a statement by its President, AlhassanYahyaAbdullahi.

It states that Ansaru, a dangerous splinter faction, had been responsible for many of the country’s most brutal attacks over the past decade.

“This breakthrough, which was the result of sustained intelligence efforts, shows the bravery and professionalism of our security agencies.

“The digital evidence recovered from this operation is a valuable resource for dismantling terror networks and preventing future attacks. It also reflects a more advanced security strategy that prioritizes precision, intelligence, and long-term national security.

“The NUJ salutes the men and women who risk their lives daily to keep our country safe. “We urge the government to continue supporting our security institutions and ensure that justice is served quickly and transparently.

“Terrorism threatens our peace, development, and democratic values. As journalists and defenders of the public interest, the NUJ stands in solidarity with all efforts to restore lasting peace and security in Nigeria.

“We encourage all Nigerians to remain vigilant, support security efforts, and resist narratives that seek to divide us. Together, we will overcome.”

IOM Hails FG for Expanding Operation Safe Corridor to N’West and N’Central

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has applauded the federal government for its leadership role in implementing Operation Safe Corridor, a model for the rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant ex-Boko Haram fighters, especially the expansion of the programme beyond the North-East to the North-West and North-Central regions.

Deputy Director of General Operations of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), MrsOgechi Daniel, gave this applause when she paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

A statement by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General TukurGusau, said the visit provided an opportunity for both parties to deepen discussions on strengthening cooperation in peacebuilding, migration management, and countering violent extremism across Nigeria.

She affirmed IOM’s readiness to deploy experts on Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration, and Reconciliation (DDRR) in new areas such as Zamfara State.

The IOM Deputy Director-General also highlighted the importance of improving data for disaster risk reduction and working in a coordinated manner with national stakeholders.

She noted that IOM provides technical support in border management and early warning systems and maintains a field presence in all member states of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

She further disclosed that IOM recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Development Office to commence Phase 4 of rehabilitation and community-based reintegration.

While appreciating the federal government for creating the space for IOM to operate in Nigeria, Mrs Daniel reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to supporting safe returns and local integration of internally displaced persons with a focus on development.

She stressed that joint research collaboration would be critical in ensuring the sustainability of peace and reintegration approaches across Nigeria.

In his response, the CDS welcomed her to the Defence Headquarters and acknowledged IOM’s long-standing partnership, particularly in the North-East.

He emphasised the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with IOM and other stakeholders in advancing peace and stability despite the challenges of limited funding.

“We support everybody that makes our work easier,” General Musa noted.

He said the visit underscored the shared commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and IOM to deepen collaboration in addressing insecurity, displacement, and migration challenges while promoting sustainable peace and development.

Owo Catholic Church Attackers Had Links With Foreign Terrorist, DSS Tells Court

The Department of State Services (DSS) has cautioned a Federal High Court in Abuja against granting bail to the five men being prosecuted over their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack at St. Francs Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, in view of their alleged link with foreign terrorist groups.

The DSS, in a counter-affidavit to the defendants’ bail application, also raised concern about their capacity to interfere with prosecution’s witnesses if granted bail in view their alleged antecedent and propensity for violence.

The five were IdrisAbdulmalikOmeiza (25 years), Al QasimIdris 20 years), JamiuAbdulmalik (26 years), AbdulhaleemIdris (25 years) and MomohOtuhoAbubakar (47 years).

They were arraigned on August 11 on a nine-count terrorism charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025 filed by the DSS).

In the counter-affidavit, the DSS stated that the offences for which the defendants were standing trial were very serious, with capital punishment if convicted.

It added that the defendants were standing trial for acts of terrorism, which led to the death of about 40 persons and caused grievous injury to over 100 worshipers at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State on 5th June, 2022.

“There is very high likelihood of defendants evading trial in view of their connection to foreign fighters linked to Al-Shabab terrorist group.

“The defendants’ accomplices are still at large and have been making frantic efforts to monitor their trial, intimidate witnesses and free the defendants from lawful custody,” it stated.

The DSS disclosed that it was “currently investigating the leads with a view to apprehending those individuals, planning to intimidate witnesses and compromise the trial in the interest of the applicants.

“The prosecution witnesses have expressed fears of attacks by defendants’ cohorts and have stated that they will not attend court sessions except their fears were allayed.

“This necessitated the filing of an ex-parte application for witness protection.

“The prosecution has demonstrated readiness for speedy trial of the substantive charge. That defendants have not presented any evidence to show that they have credible sureties.

“It will not be in the interest of justice and security of prosecution witnesses to grant the application for bail,” the DSS said.

Defence lawyer, Abdullahi Mohammad had, while moving the bail application on Tuesday, noted that his client’s had been in custody since they were arrested in 2022.

Mohammad said his clients were ready to present credible and reliable sureties to demonstrate their willingness to stand trial.

Prosecuting lawyer, Dr. CalistusEze, urged the court to reject the bail application for being unmeritorious.

Eze stated that there were ongoing threats to would be witnesses of the prosecution, which the defence lawyer was aware of.

After taking arguments from both lawyers, Justice EmekaNwite adjourned till September 10 for ruling on the bail application.

Earlier at the commencement of proceedings, Eze told the court that although the case was scheduled for Tuesday for the prosecution to open its case, it would not be able to proceed because the DSS has handed the case to a senior lawyer, AyodejiAdedipe, SAN to lead the prosecuting team.

Eze prayed the court for an adjournment to a later date before which the DSS would have processed the necessary fiat from the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to enable Adedipe to fully take over the handling of the case.

Mohammad did not object to Eze’s request for an adjournment. He also did not object to another application by Eze, seeking the protection of the identity and other personal particulars of the prosecution’s witnesses.

In the application, the prosecution prayed the court to issue an order to protect the identity and other personal particulars of the prosecution witnesses and an order allowing the prosecution witnesses to testify while hooded and veiled off from the view of all other individuals except the counsel on both sides.

The prosecution also urged the court to issue an order to prevent the mentioning of the real names of prosecution’s witnesses in its orders, judgments or records which are accessible to the public, and an order allowing witnesses should be identified with a combination of some alphabets.

In a brief ruling, Justice Nwite granted the application.

While exiting the court, Mohammed told journalists that although he has not had the opportunity to see his clients in custody, he was told by them that they were well attended to.

Bandits Kill 13 Worshipers During Morning Prayers in Katsina

No fewer than 13 people have been killed during morning prayers in Mantau community, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. NasirMu’azu, confirmed the death of the worshipers in a statement yesterday.

Mu’azu, who did not mention the date of the incident, said it occurred when the criminal elements launched a reprisal attack on the community.

“The Katsina State Government today announced immediate security reinforcements and support measures following a tragic incident in the UnguwanMantau community, Malumfashi Local Government Area, where 13 residents lost their lives during morning prayers.

“The Muslim members of the community were praying in the mosque during the Fajr prayer when the criminal element started shooting sporadically in the mosque.

“The attack was in retaliation for the community’s successful defence efforts two days earlier. The people of UnguwanMantau decided to lay an ambush against the bandits and killed many of them.

“They rescued victims taken from RuwanSanyi village, seized 3 motorcycles, and 2 AK 47. The security agencies are now on the ground in UnguwanMuntau to restore normalcy.”

He, however, said the air component commander of the Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Police Force had been deployed to “clear those bandits because during the rainy season, bandits hide under the crops to perpetrate their evil acts.”

While reiterating the state government’s unwavering commitment to eliminating criminal elements from the state, Mu’azu said “We are working towards bringing the bandits to book.

“As Government, we salute the gallantry disposition of the people ofunguwarMantau, and we are committed to fighting these bandits and ensuring safety across our communities.

“The State Government extends heartfelt condolences to the families affected and reaffirms its unwavering support for community-based security initiatives while working to eliminate criminal elements from the region.”

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• NUJ, IOM hail security forces, applaud FG for operation expansion to N’west, N’Central •DSS tells court Owo Catholic church attackers had links with foreign terrorist groups •Refutes claim alleged
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Court Freezes Bank Accounts Linked to Ex-NNPCL GMD, Kyari, over Suspicious Transactions

Alex Enumahin Abuja

Justice EmekaNwite of a Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, ordered a temporary freezing of four bank accounts of the immediate past Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), MrMeleKyari.

The freezing of the four accounts in Jaiz Bank, was sequel to ongoing fraud investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The order to freeze the said accounts was issued in a ruling on an exparte application argued by the lawyer, who represented the anti-graft agency, OgechiUjam.

The ex-parte application marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1641, though dated August 8, was filed August 11, and specifically sought for the court’s order freezing the bank accounts listed in the schedule.

The applicant persuaded the court to order the temporary freezing of the said accounts, so that the commission would be able to conclude its findings, as investigation was still ongoing.

It was the claim by the EFCC that the four bank accounts belonged to Kyari, “who is currently being investigated in a case involving conspiracy, abuse of office and money laundering, pending the conclusion of the investigation.”

In a short ruling, Justice Nwite held that there was enough reason as shown by the applicant to warrant granting the motion.

“I have listened to counsel to the applicant and gone through the affidavit evidence with the exhibits and written address attached. I found that this application is meritorious and it is hereby granted as prayed,” he said.

He subsequently adjourned till September 23, to enable the EFCC conclude and report back to the court.

The affected accounts were Jaiz Bank account number 0017922724 with account name: MeleKyari; Jaiz Bank account number 0018575055 with account name: Guwori Community Development Foundation; and Jaiz Bank account number 0018575141 with account name: Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief.

The anti-graft agency said the application was brought on three grounds, arguing that the bank accounts under investigation were linked to misappropriation of funds and criminal breach of trust.

It added that preliminary investigation revealed that the accounts were linked to Kyari, who allegedly took advantage of the complainant as a contract facilitator and laundered proceeds of unlawful activities.

“That there is need to preserve the funds in the identified bank accounts pending the conclusion of investigation and possible prosecution,” the EFCC stated.

In an affidavit attached to the motion, Amin Abdullahi, an EFCC investigator attached to the Special Investigation (SIS) Unit, said the agency received a petition dated April 24 from the Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law against Kyari.

He said he was part of the team assigned to investigate the matter.

“That upon receipt of the petition referred to in Paragraph 4 above, my team carried out several investigation activities which included seeking and obtaining bank records from commercial banks,” he said.

Abdullahi said the probe also involved obtaining corporate details from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) concerning bodies linked to the case, as well as inviting and interviewing individuals and company representatives.

The investigator revealed that about N661,464,601.50 suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities were traced to four different accounts.

He added that the funds were traced to Kyari, who allegedly opened multiple accounts in Jaiz Bank used to receive suspicious inflows from the NNPC and various oil companies.

According to him, records further revealed that the accounts were controlled by Kyari through family members acting as fronts.

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Alex Enumahin Abuja Justice EmekaNwite of a Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, ordered a temporary freezing of four bank accounts of the immediate past Group Managing Director (GMD) of
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Governors Launch Platform to Attract FDIs, Say $2bn Yearly Inflow Less Than 0.5% of GDP

•US govt lists areas of key investment attention in Nigeria

•Abdulrazaq puts annual infrastructure financing gap at $100bn

ChuksOkocha in Abuja

State governors in the country yesterday floated an investment platform to enable the 36 states attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs). They said “NGF Investopedia” was launched because the $2 billion yearly foreign investment inflow was less than 0.5 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The investment initiative came as Councillor for Economic Affairs, United States Embassy in Nigeria, Christine Harbaugh, pledged the American government’s support for projects that showcased investment opportunities in various Nigerian states.

Director-General of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulateefShittu, said the infrastructure financing gap in the country was estimated at $100 billion annually, and nearly $1 trillion over the next decade.

The 36 states collectively budgeted more than N17.5 trillion for capital projects in 2025, reflecting their commitment to transform infrastructure and social services. Yet, financing constraints and fragmented entry points often prevented investors from engaging in large scale investments in the states.

Chairman of NGF, AbdurahmanAbdulrazaq, who was represented by the governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. SuleAbdullahi, said Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, was endowed with abundant human and natural resources.

“Yet, over the last decade, our FDI inflows have averaged only $2 billion annually, which is less than 0.5 percent of GDP,” Abdulrazaq stated.

He said, “These investments are mostly concentrated in oil and gas, telecommunications, real estate, and agriculture. While important, they have not reached the depth or breadth required to catalyse true subnational transformation.

“At the same time, African Direct Investment (ADI) into Nigeria has been steadily growing, with regional investors from South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, and Ghana expanding into sectors, such as banking, fintech, agribusiness, and infrastructure.

“This intra-African capital is particularly important under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as it signals a growing confidence among African partners in Nigeria’s markets and opportunities.”

The NGF chairman stated, “Yet despite these inflows, the annual infrastructure financing gap for Nigeria is estimated at $100 billion — a gap that states bear the heaviest responsibility to bridge. Public budgets alone cannot solve this.

“To unlock prosperity, we must mobilise both global and African capital to finance projects that create jobs, modernise infrastructure, and drive inclusive growth.

“This is the purpose of the NGF Investopedia: to serve as a one-stop shop for investors, providing credible, transparent, and curated pipelines of projects across all 36 states.

“It is not just a catalogue — it is an entry point, showing investors not only where to invest, but also how to invest in Nigeria with confidence.

‘’This vision would not be possible without the partnership of our sponsors and allies.”

Abdulrazaq added, “Afreximbank, which will deploy innovative financial instruments to move state projects from pipeline to bankability and financial closure.

“UNDP, which will support our states in building the institutional capacity needed to sustain credible investment pipelines. MOFI will pool post-launch resources to reinforce investor confidence and unlock blended finance opportunities.

“Together, these partnerships ensure that the Investopedia is not just a publication, but a living platform that will drive investment into our states in the years ahead.”

Abdulrazaq said the vision of the investment initiative was, “To position Nigeria’s states as credible, competitive destinations for capital and to unlock prosperity for millions of our people.”

He added, “When an investor builds a road, funds an agro-processing facility, finances renewable energy, or supports ICT infrastructure, the benefits extend beyond financial returns — they create jobs, improve livelihoods, and drive sustainable development.”

He commended Cavista Holdings, which partnered the governors in developing the NGF Fund roadmap.

Abdulrazaq stated, “The NGF Fund will complement Investopedia as a pooled investment vehicle — a financing arm to channel catalytic capital into vetted subnational projects.

“Anchored on NGF’s governance and fiduciary credibility, and supported by MOFI, NSIA, CBN, Afreximbank and other DFIs, the NGF Fund will ensure that opportunities highlighted in the Investopedia translate into real investments on the ground.

“To our distinguished investors, both here in Nigeria, across Africa, and globally, I extend this invitation: Partner with Nigeria’s states. The opportunities are vast, the commitment is firm, and the time is now.

“With the NGF Investopedia, backed by strong partnerships and the NGF Fund, we are sending a clear signal: Nigeria’s sub-nationals are open, credible, and investment-ready. Together, we can bridge the infrastructure gap and unlock a new era of prosperity for our people.”

The NGF director-general, Shittu, described Nigeria as a land of opportunity.

He expressed gratitude to Afreximbank, UNDP, and MOFI, saying, their “partnership ensures that the Investopedia is not only launched but sustained”.

Shittu said, “Your contributions give this platform both strategic weight and technical depth.

“This initiative is a collective achievement. Our state investment agencies, NGF secretariat technical teams and partners have worked tirelessly to provide data, shape the pipeline, and ensure readiness.

“Their contributions underpin this publication and demonstrate that Nigeria’s States are now open for business.”

He listed three things that the investment platform would bring to the sub-nationals to include, “simplify investor access by consolidating credible projects into one gateway; provide confidence through due diligence and transparent presentation of opportunities, and mobilise partnerships that go beyond financing to include technical support, capacity-building, and risk mitigation.

“This is why today matters: we are no longer just discussing potential, but presenting bankable pathways for global, African, and domestic capital to flow into our states.

“The prosperity that will follow — in jobs, infrastructure, and inclusive growth — will stand as a legacy for this generation of governors and leaders. To the CEOs, MDs, and industry leaders present here today: your presence signals confidence—and it emboldens our states. Together, we can transform Nigeria’s investment landscape.

“Nigeria’s states are now open for business. The opportunity is real; the readiness is present. Let us now engage, partner, and deliver.”

Harbaugh said the United States would support Nigeria in the areas of agriculture and digital economy, trade and business environment, transparency and accountability, as well as the health sector.

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•US govt lists areas of key investment attention in Nigeria •Abdulrazaq puts annual infrastructure financing gap at $100bn ChuksOkocha in Abuja State governors in the country yesterday floated an investment
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Akinwumi Adesina: Africa Must Plug $580bn Leak to Reduce $2tn Debt

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), DrAkinwumiAdesina, has called on African governments to end corruption and illicit capital flows that cost the continent more than $580 billion annually.

Adesina, in an interview with Bloomberg in Maputo, Mozambique’s capital, maintained that if African leaders are to deal with a debt pile that’s approaching $2 trillion, it must begin to take visible action to end sleaze.

While nations also need access to more concessional financing — and debt-restructuring where necessary — curbing outflows is crucial, Adesina, the lender’s president said.

Illicit financial flows and rising debt have become two of the most pressing challenges facing African economies today. Every year, the continent loses money through illegal channels such as tax evasion, trade misinvoicing, corruption, smuggling, and money laundering.

These outflows drain resources that could otherwise fund infrastructure, education, health, and job creation. According to international estimates, Africa loses more through illicit financial flows than it receives in aid and foreign direct investment combined.

At the same time, Africa’s debt burden has risen to worrisome levels as many countries continue to spend a growing portion of their revenues servicing external loans, leaving little fiscal space for social investment.

“It doesn’t matter how much water you pour into a bucket if the bucket is leaking,” he said during the interview. “If you’re able to reduce the leakages to illicit capital, also corruption and all of these things, Africa will be able to keep a lot of these resources and meet the amount of infrastructure it needs,” Adesina added.

The AfDB estimated in May that Africa loses about $1.6 billion daily to what it termed “financial leakages.” That figure includes the loss of $90 billion a year to illicit financial flows, with $275 billion “siphoned away” by multinational corporations shifting profits, and $148 billion going astray because of corruption.

The continent faces an annual infrastructure backlog of as much as $170 billion — which will be critical to address for economic development and job creation, the Bloomberg report said.

Yet many governments are grappling with the rising cost of servicing loans, which is at the highest level since the last debt crisis in the early 2000s, according to a working paper by the Boston University Global Development Policy Center and the Institute for Economic Justice.

More than half of African governments spend more on interest payments than public health, the working paper found.

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Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), DrAkinwumiAdesina, has called on African governments to end corruption and illicit capital flows that cost the continent more than
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Again, Edun, Cardoso Meet on Deepening Coordination between Fiscal, Monetary Policies

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

About two months after their last meeting, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun yesterday met with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Wale Edun on how to deepen coordination between monetary and fiscal authorities with a view to sustaining macroeconomic stability, strengthen investor confidence, and unlock private sector growth.

Both of them had met on the subject-matter on June 17, 2025 when the minister visited the CBN Governor at the apex bank’s headquarters in Abuja.

Like the previous meeting, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. ZacchAdedeji was also in attendance at yesterday’s meeting, according to a statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Finance, Mohammed Manga.

Edun reportedly reaffirmed at the meeting that close alignment between fiscal and monetary policy was critical to consolidating President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, ensuring inflation is contained, revenues are mobilised efficiently, and credit flows effectively to productive sectors.

The statement read: “In a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s economic fundamentals, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, today, held a strategic meeting with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, at the CBN Headquarters in Abuja.

“The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. ZacchAdedeji was also in attendance.

“The high-level engagement focused on deepening coordination between monetary and fiscal authorities to sustain macroeconomic stability, strengthen investor confidence, and unlock private sector growth.

“The Honourable Minister reaffirmed that close alignment between fiscal and monetary policy is critical to consolidating President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, ensuring inflation is contained, revenues are mobilised efficiently, and credit flows effectively to productive sectors.

“As the Nigerian economy continues to navigate complex global and domestic challenges, this meeting sends a strong signal of the government’s determination to work towards a more stable and prosperous economic future for all Nigerians.

“With coordinated policy efforts and a shared vision for economic growth, Nigeria is poised to unlock new opportunities for development and prosperity,” the statement concluded.

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Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja About two months after their last meeting, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun yesterday met with the Governor of
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Abia Benefits from $750m World Bank Renewable Energy Programme, Collaborates with ISA to Develop Mini-grids

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogoin Umuahia

The Abia State Government has intensified its search for alternative sources of energy to enhance power supply in the state and minimise reliance of residents on the national grid for their electricity needs.

To this end, the State Commissioner for Information, Prince OkeyKanu, said the Abia government has elected to participate in the Distributed Access to Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) programme.

He said that the $750 million World Bank intervention and renewable energy development programme “will in no small way boost the electricity sector of the state”.

Kanu, who spoke with journalists after the meeting of the State Executive Council, said that Abia was collaborating with the International Solar Alliance(ISA) to develop regulations for the operation of the mini-grid system for electricity power distribution in the state.

He stated that Abia was desirous of playing big in the power sector by making huge investments as well as getting the private sector investors to capital into power sector.

According to him, the collaboration with ISA would enable Abia government to achieve its agenda of building a robust power sector adding that it would .

He said: “This collaboration will enable ISA to support the state government through the use of power and public utilities to establish a thriving environment that will attract investments and sustain solar power projects in the state, thereby driving growth and mitigating climate change”.

ISA is a treaty-based international organization formed in 2015 by India and France and presently has 123 member countries. It aims to promote solar energy and reduce the cost of solar power generation through a dedicated platform for cooperation among solar resource rich countries and the wider global community.

Kanu said that Abia has already prepared a fertile ground for a thriving power sector following the enactment of the State Electricity Law 2025, which effectively domesticated power generation and distribution under state government control.

He stressed that the state government was ready “to exploit to the fullest, the whole gamut of the state’s electricity value chain in order to drive industrial growth in the state”.

The Information Commissioner also stated that the decision of government to use direct labour in execution of road projects was yielding the desired results as more and more roads were being rehabilitated.

He said that the State Ministry of Works has undertaken no fewer than 54 road projects that have either been completed or ongoing across the state.

Kanu noted that through direct labour, government has been able to save huge amounts of money that would be channeled to other sectors for the holistic development of Abia.

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Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogoin Umuahia The Abia State Government has intensified its search for alternative sources of energy to enhance power supply in the state and minimise reliance of residents on the
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Wike Backs August 30 Rivers Local Government Elections

•Defends Tinubu, says president approachable

•Attacks Amaechi again, states his presidential bid dead on arrival

•Reveals Babachir livid with Tinubu because he wasn’t picked as VP

•Feigns ignorance of planned PDP convention

Emmanuel AddehandOlawaleAjimotokan in Abuja

In spite of mounting opposition from stakeholders against the proposed local government elections in Rivers state scheduled for August 30, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of the state, NyesomWike, yesterday said the election will go on as planned.

Speaking on a national television yesterday, Wike argued that the so-called eminent persons from the state who do not want the election to hold do not mean well for Rivers state and should be ignored.

The planned Rivers state local government election has drawn opposition from a wide range of political leaders, party factions, and civil society groups, who have all questioned its legality and fairness.

A long list of prominent Rivers stakeholders, including AtedoPeterside; former governor Celestine Omehia; former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman UcheSecondus; former Minister, AbiyeSekibo; Senator Lee Maeba; DakukuPeterside; Senator Andrew Uchendu; Tele Ikuru; FafaaPrincewill and Tonye Cole, among others, recently petitioned President Bola Tinubu, describing the exercise as unconstitutional.

Among others, they pointed to breaches in procedure, particularly the failure of the state electoral body to give the mandatory 90-day notice.

But Wike stated that there was nothing eminent about the aforementioned persons, arguing that if they were important, they will support the election which has been fixed by the Military Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-EteIbas (rtd), who many argue lack the constitutional authority to conduct democratic polls.

“Because I have money that’s what makes me eminent? If anybody is eminent there, they should support that election. Because if you don’t, you are bringing the state backward. When you say unconstitutional, who interprets what is unconstitutional. Does it lie in their mouth to say something is unconstitutional?

“For Christ’s sake, you have the court that has been given the responsibility. Take up the challenge and go to court and say this is unconstitutional. And let the court be able to decide. How will our laws grow, it’s not by writing to the president saying it’s unconstitutional.

“What has ever happened that you have said it’s unconstitutional. Have they read the emergency powers of the president?. Did you know the supreme court said there is no government in the state?

“The supreme court sacked all the local governments and said no caretaker. That you can’t have money for all the local governments. The state government has no budget. How would you run the state government at that time if the president did not take the powers that he took.

“The state would have been something else. Now, as part of restoring democracy at the local government level, we say look, you have to conduct the local government election,” Wike stated.

The FCT minister vowed to campaign for his candidates from next week, noting that the local government election will go on as scheduled.

“I’m going for campaign next week. I will. I’m going to campaign for my local government. I believe we have done quite a lot and the PDP will win in my local government,” he pointed out.

Besides, the minister dismissed insinuations that President Bola Tinubu was unapproachable, stressing that the president cannot personally attend to everyone. He maintained that governance involves teamwork and that Nigerians should engage ministers and presidential advisers rather than expect direct access to the President.

“When you say Mr President is unapproachable, and the government is unapproachable, what do you call a government? Must everybody reach Mr President? Is that the way the government runs?

“If everybody in this country refuses to reach out to ministers or special advisers and just wants to see Mr President, how many people can he attend to at a time? I am a minister, if you have a problem regarding the activities in the FCT, have you tried to reach out to the FCT minister?” he queried.

He was responding to recent comments by a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), BabachirLawal, who had described Tinubu and his administration as inaccessible.

Wike also claimed that Lawal turned against Tinubu after he was allegedly overlooked for the position of vice president in 2023.

He said: “When Mr President chose his vice-presidential candidate, I was one of those BabachirLawal visited. He came to my house in Port Harcourt. What was his anger? His anger was that he thought Mr President would have chosen him as the vice presidential candidate. Having not done that, he let loose.”

Wike described Lawal’s criticisms of the president as disrespectful, advising that if Lawal had issues with Tinubu, there was “nothing wrong” in addressing them directly with the president.

Besides, Wike attacked his predecessor in office, ex-Governor RotimiAmaechi, maintaining the presidential ambition of the former Transportation Minister was dead on arrival and dismissing Amaechi’s claims that he will end corruption in one month.

Amaechi, who is now a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) opposition coalition, had said the party was determined to wrest power from Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 poll.

Wike added: “He (Amaechi) knows he won’t get the ticket. I read that he said he knows the weaknesses of the president, so he knows how to defeat him, but he also knew the weaknesses of the president in 2022 when the president defeated him mercilessly in the primary.

“Nigerians know the last person they will give a ticket to because they know it (Amaechi’s bid) is dead on arrival.”

In the same vein, Wike faulted Amaechi’s ability to fight corruption and enthrone good governance, saying he had no respect for the judiciary and the rule of law when he was Rivers state governor.

“He was a governor for Rivers State and what can be more corruption when you don’t want an arm of government to exist. Can there be good governance without obeying the rule of law?

“A man who was a governor refused the judiciary to operate. A man who was a governor sealed off the state high court for almost two years. The man who wants to say he will stop corruption was a man who refused the judiciary to exist, and stopped the high court for nearly two years. People had cases in court.

“People have their businesses in court to settle. The court was shut down. Almost two years. You should obey the recommendations of the National Judicial Council. The Judicial Service Commission made a recommendation to the National Judicial Council for appointment of who would be the substantive chief judge. And it is the incumbent of the National Judicial Council to recommend based on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission.

“The governor refused saying that he would not obey the National Judicial Council which is the apex body that recommends appointment of judges and chief judges in the case. Can such a man really be the one that can fight corruption in one month,?” Wike asked.

Wike also feigned ignorance of the forthcoming PDP convention scheduled for Ibadan in November, saying that as a member of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party, nobody had told about the convention.

“No, there is no decision on the PDP Convention. I am not aware that there is any convention in Ibadan. We are meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) and we are going to challenge it. As a NEC member I have not been told and nobody has invited me for a NEC meeting to say that NEC has held a meeting,” Wike said.

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•Defends Tinubu, says president approachable •Attacks Amaechi again, states his presidential bid dead on arrival •Reveals Babachir livid with Tinubu because he wasn’t picked as VP •Feigns ignorance of planned
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