The House of Representatives members from Anambra State have denied endorsing Governor Chukwuma Soludo for re-election ahead of the 2025 governorship election in the state. Leader of the Anambra State Caucus in the House of Representatives, and member representing Ogbaru federal constituency, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene in a statement on Sunday, admitted that he paid the governor a courtesy visit together with his colleagues at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia during the weekend, he however clarified that their discussions centred only on joining hands with the Governor to develop the state. Hon. Ogene who was reacting to a report on social media platforms entitled, “Anambra State Caucus, House of Representatives, Endorses Gov. Soludo”, described it as a blackmail on his members. He stated that even Governor Soludo who himself wrote on the essence of the visit to his X-handle, never made such wild claims. The Federal lawmaker blamed the claim of endorsing Governor Soludo as the handiwork of “middlesome interlopers”, saying the lawmakers had no cause to endorse anyone ” The statement titled, “Re: Anambra State Caucus, House of Representatives, Endorses Gov. Soludo – A Rebuttal” reads in part, “Our attention has been drawn to wild rumours, circulating across several WhatsApp platforms, to the effect that the Anambra State Caucus, 10th House of Representatives, has endorsed Governor Chukwuma Soludo for a second tenure in office. “Although the Caucus, made up of nine, out of its 11 members paid Governor Soludo a courtesy visit on Friday, June 28, 2024 at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, our deliberations centred primarily on forging a development synergy for the overall interest of our state. “Indeed, at no time during the almost five-hour chit-chat, during which both sides dissected the multifarious development and security challenges that confront our people – everyone was allowed to freely make contributions, in a free, no-holds barred manner. “As a matter of fact, Governor Soludo himself aptly captured the essence of our visit, when he wrote on his X handle thus, “Yesterday, I had the honour of welcoming the Anambra State Caucus of the Federal House of Representatives to the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia. It was a pivotal step towards fortifying our collaboration in infrastructural partnership and development. “Our discussions were marked by a shared commitment to transcend party affiliations and work together harmoniously to champion initiatives at the national level that will significantly benefit Ndi Anambra,” Governor Soludo wrote. “We wish to add that personal, or party aspirations, never featured in our exchanges during the visit. We, therefore, had no cause to endorse anyone. “As we begin this new chapter of development-centric collaboration between the Executive and Legislative arms, we urge meddlesome interlopers not to truncate this laudable gesture in the guise of projecting narrow partisan considerations,” the statement read further.

The Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade has said the inter-state rail system is strategic for the development of the South West region. Akinmade stated this on Saturday when speaking on the topic ‘Regional Integration and Development: The case of Ogun State’ at the Western Post 2024 annual retreat in Abeokuta. He explained that the Abiodun-led administration had strategically come up with the idea of speedy development through the concept of a Multi-modal Transport Management System, which connects the state with others in the region through air, water, rail, and road and also gives access to the rest of the world. Akinmade maintained that with railway interconnectivity, development in the southwest would be faster as the movement of people and goods is made easier. “The inter-state rail system that cuts across the states in the Southwest has been efficiently explored by Ogun State for effective connectivity in the region. Presently, the state has more rail stations than any other State; there are five different stations within the stretch of Lagos and Ibadan alone. “With an efficient rail system, an indigene of Ado-Ekiti can secure employment in Ogun State, get to the office every day from Ekiti and return at the closing hour around 5 pm, and before 7 pm he will be back in Ado-Ekiti. “That is the type of regional integration we are institutionalising in the State so that individuals in any of the States in the region can freely interact, transact and relax in the State without hindrance,” he said. The Special Adviser stated that oil exploration would soon commence in the state and that it would put the region on a more viable economic footing. He reassured that the Gateway International Agro-Cargo airport would be inaugurated soon, saying that it would be the best in the West Africa corridor with the largest runway and apron. Akinmade stressed that the airport would bring great relief to thousands of manufacturers operating in the state to get imported materials with ease and also transport their finished goods to the rest of the world without facing the traffic snarl in Lagos. The Special Adviser also disclosed that the government had constructed over 500km of roads across the State to make mobility easier and connect other States more effectively, adding that the roads had made regional integration possible considering the strategic location of Ogun State in the region.

Former Miss Tolotolo from the TV sitcom Papa Ajasco once again appeals for financial support to continue her cancer treatment following surgery to remove one breast. Enitan Bakare, the veteran actress who has been fighting a deadly cancer since 2020, expressed her gratitude to the public for their past assistance.

In a telephone interview with The Nation, she revealed that she needs help more than ever, as she is currently suffering a relapse and urgently requires chemotherapy sessions to prevent the disease from claiming her life. “I am appealing for help on all fronts. The pain is getting unbearable. I recently had rigour during blood transfusion and it almost cost me my life, so I decided to boost my blood till I’m good for another session.

“Right now, I’m due but I don’t have any money. I need money to remove the lumps that have grown again, so I can recommence my chemotherapy and radiotherapy. As a woman, I don’t want to cut off my second breast, but if that is the only way out, I just want to live. “My account number is: Enitan Bakare Access Bank: 1600249088. God bless you as you reach out,” she said.

The Kaduna State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, is set to bestow Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani with an Award of Excellence and Grand Patron of the NMA for his commitment to the transformation of the healthcare sector. In a letter addressed to the governor and signed by its chairman, Madaki David-Sheyin, the award comes as a recognition of the governor’s commitment to the welfare and progress of all medical professionals, even “in the midst of the economic crisis in the country and strangulating debt burden in the state.” According to him, the prestigious award will be presented to Mr Sani at the forthcoming annual general meeting and scientific conference in Kaduna on August 10, 2024. Mr Sheyin explained that some of the remarkable achievements that earned Mr Sani the honour include, “15% annual budgetary commitment to the health sector, and the distribution of medical equipment and consumables to 290 primary health care centres in Kaduna State. “Inauguration of 5 mobile medical trucks equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for rural areas, ongoing process for the employment of 89 medical doctors to enhance healthcare delivery.” Others are the “commencement of payment of the 100% 2014 CONMESS salary structure for doctors in the state to encourage retention, payment of the medical residency training fund, MRTF, for resident doctors, partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to address substance abuse in Kaduna State. “Renovation, reconstruction, and equipping of six general hospitals in Kaduna: Rigasa, Maigana, Gwantu, Kafanchan, Giwa, and Ikara [two in each senatorial zone], amongst several others.” The association added that the state has significantly become the first state in Nigeria to achieve 100% public healthcare facility coverage in Nigeria. “The Kaduna State Health Supplies Management Agency, (KADHSMA), has also successfully completed the onboarding and distribution of malaria, maternal, newborn, and child health medicines to the primary healthcare facilities in the state, including hard to reach centres. This great feat was completed on the 30th April, 2024, as all the 1062 public facilities in the state are currently enrolled in the drug revolving fund  scheme,” Mr Sheyin noted.

As the indefinite strike embarked upon by the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) lingers, the union has accused the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, of being behind the non-payment of May salaries to its members. Specifically, the union accused Na’Allah of instructing the school’s bursar and registrar to write the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System’s (IPPIS) office to stop salaries of academic staff for embarking on industrial action. Speaking in a telephone interview, chairman of UniAbuja chapter, Dr Sylvester Ugoh, alleged that the management opened a clock-in register for academic staff on May 29, with a threat to withhold salaries of those who fail to comply. “And true to his threat, he allegedly instructed the bursar and registrar to write to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System’s (IPPIS) office. I’m surprised he is saying now that he is not responsible for the non-payment of staff. There is a circular to that effect and he did not withdraw it.” Describing the action as illegal, he called for immediate withdrawal of the circular, even as he insisted that the strike is legitimate. He lamented that the development has caused untold hardship on members, who depend on salary for food and life-sustaining drugs. Meanwhile, the university management has given reasons for the delay in payment of salaries. A statement by the institution’s chief information officer, Maryam Mohammed, attributed the delay to operations of Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS). Mohammed, however, admitted that the vice chancellor was misinformed about the earlier reason for the delay in salary payment.

The management of Federal University Dutsin-ma, FUDMA, Katsina State, has lauded the president of MAAUN Group of Universities, Prof. Adamu Gwarzo, for donating two ambulances and a 60-seater luxurious bus to the university. The vice chancellor of the university, Prof. Ar’mayau Bichi, made the commendation when he led the management staff of the university on a “thank you visit” to Mr Gwarzo in Kano recently. Mr Bichi, who expressed gratitude to Mr Gwarzo for his immeasurable support and assistance to FUDMA, said the visit was aimed at thanking him for the gesture, which he said was critical to enhancing teaching and learning in the institution. While acknowledging the various contributions made by the entrepreneur-cum-philanthropist towards the development of the university, Mr Bichi called for collaboration between the two institutions. He expressed hope that the gesture will continue to cement the existing cordial relationship between the two universities. During the visit, Mr Bichi presented letter of appreciation to Mr Gwarzo on behalf of the Senate, management staff, and students of FUDMA. In his remarks, Mr Gwarzo stressed the need for individuals to make a lasting impact and ensure that their achievements are recognised even after they are gone. He reaffirmed his commitment to improving education in Northern Nigeria by increasing the number of graduates and enhancing the quality of education. He further emphasised the need for universities to focus on branding, reputation, and building a strong academic image so as to attract recognition and opportunities across the globe. The founder of four universities also spoke at length on strategies for improving university rankings and securing grants for research projects. He also highlighted the significance of visibility, collaboration with international institutions, and the impact of rankings on a university’s reputation. While advocating for creating a conducive environment for intellectuals to thrive and contribute to the university’s advancement, Mr Gwarzo stressed the importance of universities creating their own pathways to success, rather than solely relying on government funding.

Reno Omokri, a socio-political activist, on Sunday accused the 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi of showing allegiance to the Biafra flag. This was as Omokri said Obi declared the obituary of his presidential ambition by calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB. Recall that Obi had urged President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to release Kanu, EndSARS protesters, and other freedom fighters locked up. Addressing journalists on Saturday in Anambra State, Obi said protesters and freedom fighters have the right to express their grievances through protest. However, posting Obi and Biafra’s flag on his X page, Omokri wrote: “The ‘Release Nnamdi Kanu Now’ statement by Peter Obi is the obituary of Peter Obi’s Presidential ambition. “By calling for the release of a man who made public broadcasts asking his supporters to kill Nigerian military and paramilitary forces wherever they find them and has neither apologised nor repented of that order, Peter Obi just showed his allegiance to the flag behind him in this photo and which he used for his Hero beer logo! “And by the way, anybody or group of people or movement that thinks they can intimidate me and prevent me from saying what I really believe at any point in time obviously does not know me. My body does not secrete the fear hormone.”

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani has said the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike is a beneficiary of the struggle for democracy by him, Mike Ozekhome, and other freedom fighters during the military junta. Sani said Wike would not have been a local government chairman, state governor, and Minister if not for the struggle by him, Ozekhome, and other freedom fighters during the military era. He was reacting to Wike’s recent remark questioning how much significance his presence made to make Nigeria better when he was a senator. Speaking at the Nigeria Annual Lecture and Gold Prize Award, 2024, an event organised to celebrate Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, Sani called on President Bola Tinubu to wake up and do what is right because Nigerians are suffering. But Wike questioned Sani for making such calls, asking that the former lawmaker tell Nigerians his key achievements in all the years he spent at the national assembly as a Senator. Reacting, Sani asked where Wike was when he was locked up in Port Harcourt prison during the military junta. Featuring on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Sani said: “Nobody can demean the struggle that we did to free Nigeria from military dictatorship, Mike Ozoekhome was a patriot. “If not for the struggle which we did to de-establish military dictatorship and establish democracy in Nigeria, people like Wike wouldn’t have become local government Chairman, governor, or minister today. “He’s a beneficiary of the struggle, the sweat, and all we have invested in it. And at a certain time, I was in Port Harcourt prison as a political prisoner; where was he then? He is a beneficiary of the struggle to which Nigerians have dedicated and committed their time to.”

The lawmaker representing the Ikwuano, Umuahia North and South federal constituency, Obi Aguocha, has approached former President Muhammadu Buhari to advocate for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. During his visit to Buhari’s country home in Daura on Saturday, Aguocha extended an apology for Kanu’s actions, which have been a point of national contention. “For the missteps, utterances, and ill gestures of the past, especially on the part of my constituent and brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, I am deeply sorry,” Aguocha said. This meeting follows a recent appeal on June 23 by about 50 members of the House of Representatives, who have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to facilitate Kanu’s release. These legislators, under the banner of Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South-East, urged the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to utilise Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution to secure Kanu’s release, highlighting a growing legislative push for a resolution to this longstanding issue. In response, Buhari appreciated Aguocha’s efforts and expressed his openness to a political solution for Kanu’s situation. Buhari’s stance reflects a potential shift, considering his previous statement in January, where he described the extradition of Kanu to Nigeria to face trial as a “favour” by the federal government, which had other more severe options at its disposal. Kanu, a central figure in the call for the secession of the Southeastern region of Nigeria, was extradited to Nigeria in June 2021 after he jumped bail and fled the country. He was initially arraigned on charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement. Since his extradition, Kanu has expressed a willingness to negotiate with the federal government, seeking a peaceful resolution to the issues raised by the IPOB movement. Relatedly, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, on Saturday, called on President Tinubu to release the detained leader of IPOB from detention. Addressing journalists in Onitsha, Anambra State, Obi said there was no justification for the continued detention of Kanu, especially when the court had granted him bail. He pointed out that the Government must obey the law because it is a valuable asset that must be respected. Obi said: “Government must obey the law as the rule of law is an intrinsic asset that we must cherish and live with. And I have always said that I am going to discuss with every agitator. I plead with the government to ensure that all those who are in a similar condition are released and discussed with. We are a democratic nation and we should not be doing things that are arbitrary and not within the law.”

Former lawmaker, Shehu Sani, has disclosed an alleged political strategy by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and other Northern elites to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential elections. In a detailed interview with Sunday Sun in Abuja, Sani revealed that the strategy hinges on exploiting regional disparities and security challenges. Sani alleged that Atiku who was the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 elections, plans to capitalise on various issues, including the relocation of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) offices to Lagos State, the perceived dominance of South-Western appointees in Tinubu’s administration, and ongoing security concerns in Northern Nigeria. Sani noted that Atiku and his political allies intend to paint President Tinubu as favouring his regional base over the broader national interest. “They are trying to present him [Tinubu] as an ethnicist, a regionalist, and someone who betrayed Northern Nigeria despite receiving significant electoral support from the region,” Sani said. He described the move as a calculated attempt to sway Northern voters against Tinubu, framing it as a necessity to reclaim power. Despite revealing these strategies, Sani urged Atiku and his cohort to exercise patience and respect the informal rotational presidency arrangement between the North and the South. “Atiku has worked hard to promote peace and unity in Nigeria, and it would be prudent for him to allow the South to complete their tenure,” he added. Speaking on Atiku’s recent visit to Daura, he said, “You see, it is a tradition that each time there is a Sallah celebration, people pay homage to former leaders. You pay homage to former leaders so that you get the necessary blessings from them, but in the case of what has happened recently, the fact of the matter is that Northern political leaders are regrouping, and their focal point is Buhari. “They still want to use Buhari to whip up Northern regional sentiment as it was done in the CPC days and garner the votes they can in order to eject Tinubu from power. “There is no Northern leader today that can serve as a rallying point. He was the one who was a former president and he used to have a fanatical following. So, what they are trying to do is to present Tinubu as a bad case, as an ethnicist, as a regionalist, as a person who betrayed Northern Nigeria, as a man who was voted by the North, but he is serving his own people and the need for Northerners to wake up and evict him out of power. “It is their strategy. And they want to do that by making sure that that idea is sold to the Northern masses and then, from there, they seize power. But I have to draw attention to two facts – first of all, Buhari was a colossal failure. “He has led this country for eight years and he left the North worse than he met it, and the treasury of the country was looted under him; the economy was pillaged under him and the nation was plundered and terrorism and banditry was at the highest peak under Buhari administration.”

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