Author: Gabby

The Ijesa Community Development Assembly (ICDA) has formally announced the transition of the Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Akanbi Adediran. According to a statement released on Wednesday by Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Olayinka Fasuyi, and obtained by DAILY POST, the revered monarch “took his final bow and joined his ancestors” earlier on May 6, 2026.

Describing the event as a period of profound grief, the ICDA highlighted that the late traditional ruler served as a pillar of culture and a unifying force within Esa-Oke and the broader Ijesaland region. His reign was marked by dignity, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to fostering peace, unity, and progress across his territory.

The statement characterized Oba Adediran as “a monarch of quiet strength and thoughtful leadership who upheld the responsibilities of his office with honor.” It further noted that he dedicated himself to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Esa-Oke throughout his tenure. The assembly emphasized that he provided stability during uncertain times and played a calming role in addressing communal challenges.

Beyond traditional duties, the late king actively supported initiatives aimed at advancing education, social harmony, and community development. Described as a father figure, his leadership was said to have nurtured unity and strengthened communal bonds among the people of Esa-Oke. His contributions extended beyond his immediate domain to the broader development of Ijesaland.

The ICDA extended its condolences to the royal family, the people of Esa-Oke, the Obokun Local Government Traditional Rulers Council, and the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.

The Enugu State Government has confirmed plans to commence construction of a 660-megawatt coal-fired power plant this coming July. This ambitious initiative aligns with Governor Peter Mbah’s broader vision of expanding the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.

During a solidarity visit from the Organised Private Sector Nigeria (OPSN) at the Government House in Enugu on Wednesday, Governor Mbah disclosed the timeline and scale of the project. He noted that the groundbreaking marks a significant leap from merely establishing an electricity market to actively generating power. Enugu, he recalled, became the first subnational entity to create an electricity market following constitutional amendments that moved electricity to the Concurrent List, enabling states to engage in generation, transmission, and distribution.

“We have moved beyond just setting up the electricity market to focusing on producing electricity locally,” Mbah stated. “In July, we will break ground for a 660MW coal-fired plant. The construction period is 24 months, meaning we aim to commission the plant by July 2027. After that, power outages in Enugu will be a thing of the past, both for businesses and residents. Electricity will also be the cheapest in the country due to cost efficiency.”

The governor addressed environmental concerns by highlighting the premium quality of Enugu coal. “Our coal has a sulfur content of less than 0.5 percent and a calorific value of around 7,000 kilocalories per kilogram,” he explained. “Only Japan approaches this quality. Instead of exporting raw coal, we will add value by using it for electricity generation.”

Mbah emphasized that the project was thoroughly researched over two years, including securing coal assets to ensure a steady supply. He also outlined other initiatives to enhance the business climate, such as investments in security, a one-stop investor shop, a technology incubation center, and an Artificial Intelligence Institute in partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission. “AI is projected to contribute $20 trillion to the global economy in four years. We want Enugu to be a producer, not just a consumer,” he added.

The OPSN, which includes NECA, MAN, NASSI, NASME, and ECCIMA, endorsed Mbah for a second term. Dr. Ugochukwu Chime, OPSN convener and NECA South East Zone chairman, praised the governor’s achievements in security, infrastructure, and urban renewal. “Your private sector background has proven invaluable in driving economic growth and job creation,” he said.

Other leaders, including Dr. Maduka Onyishi and ECCIMA President Engr. Nnanyelugo Onyemelukwe, lauded the administration for transforming Enugu into a hub for business and investment. They presented several locally made products to the governor as a token of appreciation.

Former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has clarified that he holds no authority to determine the outcome of the ongoing emirship dispute, emphasizing that only the Supreme Court and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf can resolve the matter. Speaking through Muhammad Garba, his former commissioner of information and chief of staff, Ganduje addressed recent media reports suggesting he had endorsed Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano.

Ganduje explained that during the swearing-in ceremony of the deputy governor, he referred to Sanusi by his traditional title purely out of respect and protocol, not as a formal endorsement. He expressed regret that the gesture was misinterpreted and blown out of proportion by some media outlets. The former governor stressed that the emirship tussle remains sub judice and urged caution to avoid any actions that may be viewed as contempt of court.

He recalled that the Court of Appeal has ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the Supreme Court’s final judgment. According to Ganduje, the current legal position recognizes Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano and Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 14th Emir, until the apex court delivers its verdict, expected in April next year. As a former governor, he said he has no constitutional role in recognizing or rejecting any claimant, and the matter rests solely with the judiciary and the state government. He called on all parties to exercise restraint and await the court’s decision.

Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi has offered a robust defense of the recent amendments to the Senate’s standing orders, clarifying that the primary objective is to safeguard institutional knowledge and foster stability within the upper legislative chamber.

Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Wednesday, the lawmaker dismissed allegations that the revised rules were meant to single out any individual. Instead, he emphasized that the changes mirror the evolving character of the legislature itself.

According to Nwebonyi, the Senate under Godswill Akpabio’s leadership bears little resemblance to its predecessors from 1964 or 1999. He argued that contemporary parliamentary realities demand legislators who possess up-to-date experience in national affairs.

“The amendments were not designed to target a particular person,” Nwebonyi stated. “Our goal is to preserve institutional memory and guarantee continuity. Experience is critical because the Senate of today is not the Senate of 1964 or 1999. We need someone familiar with recent political developments in the parliament to steer the Senate as its President or Deputy President. That is the sole rationale behind the change.”

As reported by DAILY POST, the Senate adopted the amendment on Tuesday through a voice vote presided over by Akpabio. The new rule restricts eligibility for presiding and principal offices to senators who have completed no fewer than two consecutive terms. Only current members of the 10th Senate who secure re-election to the 11th Senate in 2027 will qualify for top leadership contests.

This development unfolds against a backdrop of speculation that former governors and ex-senators—including Hope Uzodimma, Ifeanyi Okowa, and Ovie Omo-Agege—may be plotting a return to the Senate ahead of the 2027 elections, potentially with leadership ambitions.

A Gusau Magistrate Court in Zamfara State has mandated the state police commissioner to probe a criminal complaint lodged by a former lawmaker, Yusuf Alhasan Kanoma, against Mustafa Jafaru Kaura, an aide to the governor. The allegations include defamation, death threats, and inciting public disorder.

During the hearing, Magistrate Murtala Abdullahi issued the order, referring the case to law enforcement for a comprehensive inquiry.

The state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulaziz Sani (SAN), represented by the Director of Litigation, argued for transferring the case to the Ministry of Justice, citing Section 211 of the 1999 Constitution. However, the complainant’s lawyer, Barrister Surajo Garba Gusau, objected, stating that such a move was unsuitable given the circumstances.

Gusau alleged that the defendant had avoided service and mobilized thugs to impede court officials from delivering summons at his home. He insisted that the Attorney-General should facilitate justice rather than attempt to assume control of the case.

While acknowledging the Attorney-General’s constitutional authority, the counsel emphasized that those powers must be exercised lawfully, particularly in light of the severity of the allegations.

The court has now ordered a police investigation, and further proceedings will be determined based on the outcome.

The Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) has unveiled plans to introduce a paid parking system on designated roadways across the state, with the rollout scheduled to commence before the end of 2026. This initiative aims to address the persistent issue of disorderly roadside parking that has long contributed to traffic congestion in the bustling commercial hub of Africa.

Adebisi Adelabu, the general manager of LASPA, made the announcement during a meeting with Akeem Dauda, the chairman of Ikeja Local Government Area, along with other council officials. The details were later confirmed through a statement released by Dunkwu Divine, the agency’s Head of Public Affairs.

Under the new On-Street Parking Scheme, a pilot phase will first be implemented in select local government areas, including Ikeja. Adelabu highlighted that the program is designed to bring better organization to parking, enhance traffic circulation, and create job opportunities for local residents. She stated, “This scheme will not only improve parking management but also help decongest our roads and provide employment, especially for those living in the pilot areas.”

The LASPA chief clarified that the authority over parking operations had previously rested with local governments but was transferred to LASPA following a decision by the Conference of the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas. She noted that local councils would receive benefits in proportion to their level of cooperation and urged them to actively facilitate the scheme’s launch. Adelabu also emphasized the agency’s commitment to engaging with stakeholders and incorporating their input to ensure the program’s success.

In response, Chairman Dauda expressed support for the initiative and pledged the council’s cooperation. He called for robust public awareness campaigns to prepare residents adequately before the system begins.

The state government envisions the paid parking plan as a key component of broader efforts to alleviate traffic snarls and eliminate haphazard parking, particularly in commercial zones like Ikeja, Lagos Island, Surulere, and Apapa. Unregulated parking in these areas has frequently narrowed lanes, disrupted traffic flow, and hampered economic activities. With this new policy, LASPA hopes to restore order and improve mobility across Lagos.