Author: Gabby

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has firmly denied allegations that its presidential running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, ever intended to depart from the party. Osa Director, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, clarified that these rumors are baseless and stem from efforts to discredit the NDC.

During an interview on Arise News, Director pointed fingers at the ruling party and certain opposition figures for fueling these false narratives. He emphasized that Kwankwaso never made any threats to leave, calling the reports mere conjecture spread by those who wish to undermine the party’s progress.

Director also highlighted instances of internal interference, particularly in Delta State, where an incumbent allegedly backed multiple aspirants against the party’s candidate, Collins Edema. This, he said, reflects the real challenges the NDC faces, not internal defection threats.

The controversy arose after media reports suggested Kwankwaso was unhappy with the replacement of his preferred candidates in Kano State, allegedly violating a power-sharing agreement. However, the NDC insists that the changes were made to honor the initial pact between the party structure and the Kwankwasiyya faction.

A document from the Kano State NDC Chairman, Hon. Hussaini Isah Mairiga, confirmed that the candidate substitutions were necessary to uphold the earlier agreement on ticket distribution. The party maintains that these adjustments were procedural and not a trigger for any departure threat.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has officially postponed the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I orientation exercise for corps members assigned to Niger State. This development was disclosed in a statement issued by Caroline Embu, the Director of Information and Public Relations.

According to the NYSC, the delay stems from ongoing refurbishment work at the Paiko orientation camp in Niger State. The state government initiated the renovations after a severe windstorm caused extensive damage to the facility. As a result, prospective corps members are advised not to report for the orientation course until further notice.

The scheme’s management is actively seeking an alternative location to host the orientation program. A new start date and additional details will be shared with affected individuals in the coming weeks. The NYSC expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to corps members and their families, while thanking them for their understanding and patience.

Former Plateau State Governor, Jonah David Jang, has voiced strong opposition to a recent Appeal Court decision that recognizes Hausa residents born and raised in Jos North Local Government Area as indigenes. In a statement released on Saturday, Jang argued that the ruling threatens the cultural identity and indigenous rights of Plateau State’s original inhabitants. He emphasized that indigene certificates are deeply tied to ethnic groups historically recognized as native to the state and should not be awarded based solely on long-term residency.

The court, led by Justice C. Donglong, delivered the judgment last week, declaring that a person of Hausa origin born in Jos North LGA is entitled to indigene status and an indigene certificate. The case was initiated by Fatima Baba Akawu and Baba Alhaji Akawu, who sought recognition for the first claimant despite her Hausa ethnicity. The court addressed four key issues, including whether Akawu’s birth in the area to a father who is a bonafide indigene qualifies her for such status.

Jang described the ruling as having serious implications for the state’s heritage and cautioned that it could permit non-indigenes to claim indigene certificates, thereby altering the existing framework. He stressed that debates over citizenship, residency, and indigeneity have long been central to Plateau’s political and social landscape, and he questioned the court’s haste in resolving a matter that could inflame tensions. According to Jang, preserving the distinction between residents and indigenes is essential to protect the interests, heritage, and political representation of indigenous communities.

While acknowledging that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to live and work anywhere in the country, Jang insisted that this does not automatically confer indigene status, which carries unique cultural and historical weight. He called on policymakers and stakeholders to carefully weigh any changes to indigene certificate policies to avoid unintended consequences. The former governor’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about identity and belonging in Plateau State, where ethnicity and residency have often been contentious issues.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Professor Francesca Bassey, has pointed to unauthorized land occupiers as the root cause of the escalating security issues on campus. During a recent visit to the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, HRM Hogan Itam, she presented official documents and compensation records to substantiate the university’s ownership of the disputed land. Bassey emphasized that the illegal settlements are not only encroaching on university property but also fostering a surge in criminal activities.

She revealed that individuals living in the occupied zones are allegedly involved in theft, attempted sexual assault on female students, and the distribution of illegal drugs within the campus. The financial toll on the institution has been severe, with losses amounting to over N300 million from stolen cables, sliding windows, and equipment from various faculties, including Engineering, Education, and Physical Sciences, as well as the University Staff School and the new auditorium.

The VC further recounted an incident where university security personnel were assaulted when they tried to stop someone from erecting a building on the institution’s land. The security team was chased away by individuals from the encroaching community, thwarting efforts to protect the university’s assets. This persistent encroachment has hampered the university’s ability to use its land for educational purposes and delayed critical infrastructure projects.

In response, the Efut traditional leadership condemned the encroachment and the associated crimes, including vandalism and attacks on security staff. They reaffirmed their support for UNICROSS, recognizing its role in education and community development, and pledged to collaborate with the university to restore peace and order.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has officially announced the creation of governing councils for multiple state-owned higher education institutions. Additionally, he has designated Alhaji Muhammad Hamim Nuhu Sanusi, the Emir of Dutse, as the Pro-Chancellor of Sokoto State University. These decisions are effective immediately and are intended to improve oversight and management within the state’s education sector.

The newly formed councils cover a wide range of institutions, such as the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Shehu Shagari College of Education, Shehu Shagari University of Education, the College of Agriculture in Wurno, Sultan Abdul Rahman College of Health Technology in Gwadabawa, the College of Legal and Islamic Studies, and the College of Nursing Science in Tambuwal.

In an official statement released by Abubakar Bawa, the Director General of Media and Publicity to the Governor, specific chairpersons have been appointed for each council. Alhaji Yusha’u Kebbe will lead the council for the College of Nursing and Midwifery, while Professor Aminu Salihu Mikailu takes the helm at Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic. Ambassador Sahabi Isah Gada was chosen to chair the council for Shehu Shagari College of Education, and Professor G. V. Ardo was appointed to head the council for Shehu Shagari University of Education.

Further appointments include Alhaji Yusuf Jega as chairman of the council for the College of Agriculture in Wurno, and Alhaji Yusuf Muhammad Goronyo for Sultan Abdul Rahman College of Health Technology in Gwadabawa. Justice Ladan Buda Tsamiya will oversee the council for the College of Legal and Islamic Studies, and Professor Hamza Muhammad Maishanu will lead the council for the College of Nursing Science in Tambuwal.

Each council comprises a mix of academics, government officials, representatives from professional bodies, and key officers from the respective institutions. Their primary responsibilities include setting policy directions and supporting institutional growth.

The state government has expressed optimism that the newly established councils, along with the Emir of Dutse as Pro-Chancellor of Sokoto State University, will significantly enhance the quality of tertiary education and governance throughout Sokoto State.

Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State, has announced that his government is on heightened alert in response to the escalating security challenges plaguing the nation. He outlined plans to implement advanced technological measures aimed at fortifying the state’s security framework and ensuring the safety of its citizens.

During a strategic gathering of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Lodge in Ibara, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun expressed deep worry over the increasing incidents of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping throughout the country. He reassured residents that his administration would take decisive actions to prevent criminal elements from establishing a presence in Ogun.

“We are stepping up by using technology to protect the lives of our people. We will not sit back and wait for any attack,” Abiodun declared. He emphasized that the government would prioritize the safety of residents through substantial investments in security infrastructure, closer cooperation with law enforcement agencies, and ongoing community involvement initiatives.

The governor stated, “Our government reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding lives and property in Ogun State. Through targeted spending on security infrastructure, collaboration with security bodies, and community participation, we are committed to preserving Ogun as a safe, peaceful, and attractive destination for investment.” He noted that particular focus would be given to securing schools and academic institutions, as children represent the future of the state and must be shielded from harm.

Abiodun explained that security around schools has been bolstered through enhanced surveillance, strategic placement of security personnel, improved inter-agency cooperation, and the use of modern technology to monitor at-risk areas. He stated that these steps are designed to discourage criminal activities and maintain safe learning environments.

The governor also revealed that while his administration has invested heavily in infrastructure, there will now be a stronger emphasis on human capital development and social welfare programs to alleviate the impact of current economic hardships on citizens. He reiterated his pledge to enhance the well-being of the people and ensure that the benefits of democracy reach every segment of society.

Additionally, Governor Abiodun praised APC members in Ogun for conducting peaceful and orderly primary elections, calling it a sign of political maturity, unity, and discipline. “Our primary was inclusive, transparent, and fair. We came together, discussed, and selected our candidates without conflict. Although many aspired, only one could win. Those who stepped down for others are the unsung champions of this process,” he remarked.

Earlier, Ogun APC Chairman Chief Yemi Sanusi lauded party members for their exemplary behavior during and after the primaries, noting that the strategic meeting aimed to boost preparations and mobilization for the 2027 general elections.