NEWSVERGE

2027: President Tinubu, APC pray court to dismiss Atiku’s alleged forgery suit

Taiye Agbaje — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:53:10 +0000

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu have prayed the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss, in its entirety, a suit filed by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of Action Democratic Congress (ADC).

It was reported that Atiku and ADC had, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, sued President Tinubu, APC and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over allegation that the president presented a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate to INEC.

Atiku, a former vice president, and his party, therefore, sought a court order disqualifying Tinubu and APC (1st and 2nd defendants) from the 2027 presidential election.

In a joint counter affidavit filed on Sept. 9 on Thursday, Tinubu and APC denied submitting any forged certificate to the commission either for the 2023 or 2027 presidential elections.

The APC Director of Legal Services, Mr Sanusi Samaila, who deposed to the counter affidavit dated Sept. 8, averred that President Tinubu did not submit any Form CF001 to INEC for 2023 or 2027 poll as claimed by the plaintiffs.

“The 1st defendant (Tinubu) emphatically denies the plaintiffs’ allegation of forgery and submission of forged certificate to the 3rd defendant (INEC) for 2023 or 2027 presdential elections.”

According to Samaila, the NYSC has never denied issuing National Youth service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate to the 1st defendant at the end of his service year.

“None of the documents the 1st defendant submitted to the 3rd defendant for the 2023 and the coming 2027 presidential elections was forged.

“1st defendant’s educational quaiilication and the National Youth service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate submitted to INEC were acceptable to INEC who later published his name and particulars as the presidential cancidate of the 2nd defendant in the 2023 presidential election as well as the upcoming 2027 presidential election as deposed to in Paragraph 14 of the plaintiffs’ affidavit.”

The APC legal director argued that contrary to Paragraph 27 of the affidavit in support of the originating summons, no constitutional provision had been breached nor had any injustice been done to the plaintiffs by the 1st and 2nd defendant’s action of submission of the president’s personal particulars to INEC.

He said Atiku was neither a member of APC nor an aspirant in the party’s presidential primary election conducted in May at which Tinubu emerged as its presidential candidate.

Looking at Atiku and ADC’s claims on Tinubu’s eligibility and his nomination as APC’s candidate, Samaila submitted that none of the plaintiffs participated in the party’s primary or process of nomination of its presidential candidate.

“The plaintiffs are not in this sult alleging any breach of the provisions of the Electorai Act or the 1999 Constitution by the 1st and 2nd defendants but they are only complaining about the nomination and submission of the name of the 1st defendant by the 2nd defendant to the 3rd defendant (INEC) for the coming 2027 presidential election.

“The plaintiffs are also not challenging any decision, action or activity of INEC in this suit,” he said.

He said by a letter dated June 26 attached as Exhibit APC 1, the party submitted the names of its candidates for the 2027 presidential and other elections to the electoral umpire.

He said INEC, by a copy of the acknowledgment of receipt of the profile of Tinubu which was attached as Exhibit APC 2, confirmed submission of the 1st defendant’s profile as presidential candidate on July 11.

In a written address attached to the application and filed by Chief Akin Olujinmi, SAN, the senior lawyer raised a number of objections to the originating summons.

Olujinmi observed that though the plaintiffs’ complaint is an allegation of forgery which is no doubt a crime, he said such allegation must be proved beyond reasonable doubt, citing Section 135(1) of the Evidence Act, among others.

“It is a settied law that the evidence required to prove that a certificate is forged is a disclaimer from the institution that Is said to have issued the certificate,” he said, citing a previous Supreme Court decision to back his argument.

According to him, without evidence from the institution or body that is purported to have issued the certificate or other document stating that it did not issue the certificate or document or that any part of the certificate or document is not made by it, it would be idle and useless to contend that it is forged.

He said the apex court had also held that “in order to prove forgery, or that a document is forged, two documents must be produced viz: the document from which the forgery was (a) made; and (b) the forgery or the forged document.”

Olujinmi, however, submitted that in the instant case, Atiku and ADC had produced no evidence from NYSC Directorate, disclaiming issuance of discharge certificate to the 1st defendant.

Besides, he said they had also not produced the document from which the alleged forgery was made and the alleged forged NYSC discharge certificate.

“We submit further that this being a declaratory action, the plaintiffs have the burden to prove their case.

“A declaratory relief is not granted by the court as a matter of course,” he said.

The lawyer, who argued that all the five questions raised by Atiku for determination were hypothetical and academic in nature, submitted that the the case is not found on any real facts.

“It is purely imaginary. The plaintiffs have not shown in their affidavit that they have suffered any infringement of their civil right and obligation by an act of the 2nd defendant.”

He further argued that the plaintiffs’ Relief 4 is statute-barred, in that they ought to have presented thelr complaint in regard to the 2023 and 2027 elections within 14 days of the presentation of the allegedly forged certificates but they did not.

According to him, it is clear from this provision that the period of 14 days should be counted from the date of the occurrence of the event, decision or action complained of.

“The question that follows from this is what time were the particulars of the 1st defendant submitted to the 3rd defendant?” he asked.

He argued that since Relief 5 is an appendage to Relief 4, it also should be struck out.

Olujinmi further stated that the suit is incompetent, being a pre-election matter.

According to him, for a pre-election suit to be competent, it must be justifiable within the definition of pre-election in Section 285(14) of the Constitution read along with Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act. 2026.

“While Section 29(5} of the Electoral Act provides that only an aspirant who participated in the primaries of a political party may file a suit in court to challenge the conduct of the primaries of the political party, Section 285(14) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, has defined matters which such an aspirant may complain about in a pre-election suit.”

The senior lawyer, argued that the plaintiffs lacked the locus standi to challenge the emergence of Tinubu as APC candidate.

He said the Supreme Court described such parties as “mere busybodies doing nothing but dabbling and pokenosing into the internal affairs of those other parties that do not, in law, directly affect their own interest and preparation for an election.”

He said the suit is improperly constituted as shown in their Reliefs 2 and 3, where the plaintiffs attacked the validity of Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which does not fall within the meaning of pre-election matter in Section 285{14} of the 1999 Constitution.

Besides, he argued that the plaintiffs failed to join the National Assembly which enacted the Act and the Attomey-General who is endowed with constitutional authority to represent the state in matters for or against the state.

Olujinmi, therefore, urged the court to uphold their preliminary objection and dismiss the case.

It was reported that the matter is currently before Justice Inyang Ekwo.

The court fixed Sept. 28 for hearing.

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Otti highlights 7 investment priority sectors in Abia

Rukayat Moisemhe — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:51:26 +0000

Governor Alex Otti of Abia has highlighted seven priority sectors and investment opportunities to drive industrialisation and economic development in the state.

It was reported that Otti made this known at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) “Meet the Governor Series” on Thursday in Lagos.

The ‌‌‍‍⁠⁠‌‍‍⁠‍‌‌⁠‌event had the theme: “Repositioning Abia for Enterprise, Industrialisation and Sustainable Economic Growth”.

The governor listed the priority sectors as agribusiness and agro-processing, trade and markets, creative and digital economy, manufacturing and industrialisation.

Others are Small and Medium Enterprise growth and the informal sector, inclusive finance, and diaspora investment and innovation.

He said the sectors were designed to leverage Abia’s productive base while creating opportunities for domestic and international capital.

Otti, declaring Abia “open for business”, highlighted reforms in fiscal governance, infrastructure, human capital development and investment opportunities across key sectors.

According to him, the state’s 2026 budget of N1.016 trillion allocates 80 per cent to capital expenditure.

He said internally generated revenue, targeted at N223.4 billion, was expected to fund recurrent obligations.

Otti said the approach was designed to channel external and private capital toward infrastructure and other growth-generating assets.

He said the state had also recorded progress in fiscal transparency, ranking fourth in the BudgIT States Fiscal Transparency League in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Otti said infrastructure development remained central to the state’s strategy of opening up its economy to investors.

He said 414 roads had been completed across the state, while 82 others were ongoing.

The governor added that more than 10,000 solar-powered streetlights had been installed across Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia.

“Enterprise needs infrastructure: roads move goods, light creates safety, movement creates commerce. Abia is building the physical platform for investments,” he said.

Otti said the state’s investment opportunities had been structured across different segments of the value chain.

He said investors could participate at the plantation, processing, manufacturing or off-take levels.

“Under agribusiness and agro-processing, we have identified integrated livestock ranching and dairy, cashew and cocoa plantations, as well as rubber estates and processing.

“In manufacturing and industrialisation, there are opportunities in garment manufacturing, ceramics production and leather and tannery works.

“This is particularly as opportunities exist to scale Aba’s artisan base into formal, higher-volume production,” he said.

Otti also highlighted tourism and hospitality opportunities around Enyimba Hotels, Aba; Umuahia Recreational Park; and Ibom Waterfall.

According to him, opportunities in power, transport and logistics include utilities operation and maintenance and the Azumiri Seaport.

He described the seaport as a potential trade and logistics gateway.

Otti further highlighted the Abia industrial innovation park and economic zone as opportunities for serviced enterprise, industrial and commercial development.

In healthcare, he identified the proposed Abia medical city, specialist hospital and diagnostic centre as opportunities for investment.

He said the projects would support integrated medical and wellness infrastructure in the state.

The governor stressed that investments in education and healthcare were also ongoing because of the workforce required to sustain economic growth.

The NBCC President, Mr Abimbola Olashore, said Abia’s entrepreneurial spirit and Aba’s position as a centre for trade, manufacturing and indigenous enterprise provided a strong foundation for development.

Olashore said the opportunity was to build on these strengths and create an environment where businesses could scale and industries thrive.

He said entrepreneurs also needed an environment that would enable them to formalise and grow.

Olashore stressed that the business community’s ambition must be supported by confidence.

“Investors and businesses require clear and predictable policies, responsive institutions, quality infrastructure, security, access to markets and opportunities for meaningful partnership.

“This is why the relationship between government and the private sector is so important.

“Government creates the enabling environment; the private sector brings capital, innovation, expertise and enterprise. Together, they can create sustainable economic value,” he said.

Olashore reiterated NBCC’s commitment to serving as a bridge between business, government and opportunity.

He said meaningful dialogue must lead to meaningful action following a shared vision for growth and prosperity.

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2027: Post-primary election crisis rocks Ngor-Okpala APC

Peter Okolie — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:49:54 +0000

Fresh crisis has hit the Ngor Okpala Local Government Area chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following the outcome of the party’s primaries in Owerri Senatorial District of Imo.

At a stakeholders’ meeting held at Obiangwu/Ezemba Ward 10, on Thursday, party chieftains in the area expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the primaries.

In separate speeches, they accused the Local Government party executive of betraying them during the July primaries.

The Ward Chairman, Mr Christopher Ogu, said that frontline senatorial aspirant, Dr Chijioke Kaduru, was sabotaged, in spite of his significant financial investment in the party and empowerment programmes across the area.

Ogu said that Kaduru funded party activities across the 11 political wards in the area with half-a-million naira each before being sidelined in preference for a candidate from Owerri North.

Also speaking, the Director-General of Nkwa Chikwere Organisation, Mr Chukwuma Anuforo, warned that the post-primary grievances have triggered off mass defections to the Action Peoples Party (APP).

Anuforo warned that members were joining the opposition party in large numbers, threatening the ruling party’s chances in the 2027 General Elections.

“I fear that Ngor Okpala electorate will vote massively for Mazi Chima Amadi of the APP, if the leadership of the party at the state level doesn’t intervene,” Anuforo said.

The stakeholders demanded that Kaduru’s political structure be integrated to lead the senatorial campaign in Ngor Okpala LGA as a condition for their support.

They further urged Gov. Hope Uzodimma to call local party leaders to order to avoid APC’s failure in the area.

“Every leader should relocate to their ward and polling units to work for the party and stop giving false impression that all is well,” Anuforo said.

Responding to the complaints, the former Secretary to the Imo Government, Chief George Eche, aligned himself with the interest of the ward stakeholders, blaming local party leaders for failing to provide effective direction.

Eche appealed for calm among the stakeholders, promising continuous engagements to resolve the internal conflict and prevent full-blown party crisis before the 2027 polls.

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Plastic waste disposal raises concerns in Lagos

Mariam Hassan And Uchechi Afonne — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:47:01 +0000

Improper disposal of plastic waste is raising environmental concerns in Lagos, with residents calling for improved waste management and public awareness.

They made the appeal in separate interviews with our reporter on Thursday in Lagos.

Our correspondent who visited a school in Iponri, observed discarded plastic bottles, nylon bags and other plastic materials blocking a drainage channel near the canal.

Mr Abdulrasaq Abdulmujeeb, a resident of Iponri, said he disposed of plastic waste wherever he finished the contents.

“When I’m in a vehicle, I will just throw it outside the window,” he said.

Abdulmujeeb said he did not sort his waste because nobody had taught him about waste sorting.

“I never sort my waste, nobody taught me that one, so I don’t do it,” he said.

He urged the government to sensitise residents on indiscriminate dumping and provide adequate waste disposal facilities across the city.

Miss Esther Nwabueze, another resident of Iponri, said she kept plastic waste until she was going out before taking it along for disposal.

She attributed the dumping of plastic waste in waterways to people’s mindsets and the environments where they grew up.

Nwabueze warned that plastic waste dumped in drainage channels could cause blockages, flooding and accidents on major roads.

Mr Sani Mohammed, a shop owner in Iponri, said he disposed of plastic bottles, nylon bags and containers in trash bags or bins.

He said he sometimes reused plastic bottles or gave them to people who collected scrap materials.

Mohammed added that separating plastic waste from food waste made it easier for waste pickers to collect recyclable materials.

Miss Glory Abifarin, another Iponri shop owner, said she disposed of plastic waste in bins whenever they were available.

She called for better access to disposal facilities to encourage residents and businesses to manage plastic waste properly.

At Cemetery Roundabout in Amukoko, Mr Daniel Simon, a resident, said he separated plastic waste from other refuse.

He attributed indiscriminate dumping to inadequate waste bins in public places.

“If streets have waste bins, people will get used to putting their trash inside,” he said.

Another Amukoko resident, Mr Yakub Ali, said his disposal method depended on his location and that he did not separate his waste.

“In my opinion, if I’m walking along and there’s no dustbin, and I need to throw something away, I’ll just drop it,” he said.

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has raised concerns over the environmental impact of increasing plastic use.

Speaking at the Global Recycling Day 2026 programme in Oriade LCDA, Lagos, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager, LASEPA, said population growth had strained waste-management infrastructure.

Ajayi said changing lifestyles and increased plastic use were adding to the pressure, as many plastic materials take years to decompose.

He said the situation contributed significantly to environmental pollution and climate change.

He advocated recycling, reuse and responsible consumption, urging residents to sort recyclable materials, particularly plastics, and hand them over to recyclers.

Mr Friday Oku, President, Association of Scrap and Wastepickers of Lagos, said indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste was worsening environmental challenges in Lagos.

Oku told our reporter that said plastics dumped on roadsides and in drainage channels could obstruct water flow, increasing the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall.

He said improperly discarded plastics also polluted waterways and could threaten aquatic life.

Oku said reducing plastic pollution required better waste collection, source segregation and increased recovery of recyclable materials before they reached drains and waterways.

He urged residents to take greater responsibility for plastic waste disposal, adding that recycling could turn discarded materials into valuable resources.

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Petrol marketer advocates modern pipelines for fuel distribution

Vivian Emoni — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:44:31 +0000

Chief Okadike Chinedu, an oil marketer, has urged the Federal Government to modernise petroleum pipelines to ensure seamless product distribution and reduce dependence on trucks.

Chinedu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Subas Nigeria Ltd., made the call while speaking with the our reporter on Thursday in Abuja.

He also called for the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s obsolete petroleum pipelines to improve fuel distribution and reduce transportation cost.

Chinedu, also Publicity Secretary, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), said Nigeria was originally designed to have 21 petroleum depots across the country, supplied through pipelines from the nation’s refineries.

According to him, the pipeline network connects refineries in Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt with depots across different parts of the country.

“For instance, the System 2E pipeline network links the Port Harcourt Refinery to its depot in Aba, Enugu and Makurdi, with petroleum products supplied to other areas.

“The system enabled independent marketers to obtain products within their areas of jurisdiction and distribute them to filling stations,” he said.

He, however, said the collapse of the refineries and poor management had rendered many of the pipelines obsolete.

According to him, the pipelines have become rusty because of prolonged neglect, while vandalism and insecurity have further affected their operations.

He said discussions on refinery investments should also address the rehabilitation of distribution infrastructure required to move refined petroleum products across the country.

Chinedu said reliance on trucks for petroleum distribution had increased transportation costs, with products sometimes transported over 500 kilometres to their destinations.

He said such long-distance transportation could take three to five days, thereby creating significant gaps in the petroleum products supply chain.

The marketer urged the federal government to collaborate with Chinese investors to develop modern pipeline systems capable of detecting vandalism and resisting corrosion.

He said modern pipelines would enable refineries to efficiently evacuate products once they became fully operational.

Chinedu said functional pipelines would also reduce the need for trucks to transport petroleum products over long distances, thereby reducing pressure on Nigeria’s roads.

He described the current dependence on road for fuel distribution as a serious threat to the petroleum sector and national infrastructure.

On immediate measures to ease fuel distribution, he suggested the use of cargo transportation, particularly through riverine areas.

Chinedu, however, said temporary measures would not address the fundamental challenges confronting petroleum products distribution.

He compared short-term interventions to using paracetamol to treat a serious chronic headache.

He said modern pipeline technology could detect people approaching the facilities and provide immediate feedback, while also enabling faster transportation of petroleum products.

He estimated that Nigeria was losing trillions of naira through inefficient fuel distribution, while stressing that the human and infrastructural costs could not be easily quantified.

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Court remands 35-year-old man for allegedly defiling 9-year-old girl

Onyeje Abutu-joel — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:43:05 +0000

A Makurdi Magistrates’ Court on Thursday ordered the remand of a 35-year-old man, Aondongu Orshio, in a correctional centre for allegedly defiling a nine-year-old girl.

Orshio, who resides behind Ronald Myin Petrol Filling Station, North Bank, Makurdi, is facing charges of defilement, rape, gross indecency and criminal intimidation.

The Magistrate, Mr Asemapend Uger, however, did not take the plea of the defendant for want of jurisdiction.

He remanded the defendant in a correctional centre and adjourned the case until Sept. 22 for mention.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp Jonah Uletu, told the court that Victoria Toraya reported the case at the C Division Police Station, North Bank, Makurdi.

Uletu said the complainant reported that on Aug. 28, the defendant allegedly asked her daughter to accompany him to Lafia Garage, North Bank, Makurdi, to buy mosquito coil and a recharge card.

He said that after purchasing the items, the defendant allegedly dragged the girl into an uncompleted building on their way home and forcefully had sexual intercourse with her.

The prosecutor said the complainant further reported that the defendant threatened her daughter not to disclose the incident to her or anybody.

He said that during police investigation, Orshio was arrested and allegedly confessed to committing the offence.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 284, 286 and 398 of the Penal Code Law of Benue, 2004.

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Nigerian referee bags world wrestling certificate

Abdulrahman Yahaya — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:41:17 +0000

Nigerian Wrestling Referee Adebiyi Olusegun has successfully attained level 2 United World Wrestling (UWW) Referees Certification, the Nigerian Wrestling Federation announced.

This is contained in a statement by Promise Okotoko, the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) Media Assistant, on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that Olusegun completed the level 2 Referees certification Course held during the 2026 African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt.

It was reported that Olusegun was sponsored by the NWF in line with the Federation’s commitment to strengthen the capacity of Nigerian wrestling officials.

President of the NWF, Bashir Adeniyi, said Olusegun’s achievement reflects the vision of the present NWF Board to invest not only in athletes but also in referees, coaches and other technical officials.

Adeniyi said that expertise such as Olusegun’s is essential to the growth and development of wrestling in Nigeria.

“This achievement is a clear demonstration of our commitment to building a strong and sustainable wrestling system in Nigeria,” Adeniyi said.

“Our focus extends beyond athletes to include referees, coaches, and other technical officials because their competence is vital to the continued growth of the sport,” he added.

While congratulating Anthony, the NWF boss urged him to keep striving for excellence.

“We are delighted with Olusegun’s progress and proud to see him attain this important international qualification.

“I encourage him to remain dedicated and continue striving for excellence. The sky is truly his starting point.

“I urge other young and aspiring referees to embrace development opportunities and prepare themselves to represent Nigeria with distinction,” Adeniyi said.

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Akpabio petitions DSS over purported anti-North comment

Kingsley Okoye — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:37:48 +0000

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) over a purported anti-North statement allegedly attributed to him.

A viral statement allegedly quoted Akpabio as threatening that Northerners would suffer if President Bola Tinubu lost the 2027 presidential election.

Mr Jackson Udom, Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on Media, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.

Udom said the petition, signed by the Akpabio’s Chief of Staff, Mr Chinedu Akubueze, urged the DSS to urgently investigate the dissemination of the alleged false, inflammatory and divisive statement.

He said the graphic, bearing Akpabio’s photograph and designation, attributed the following words to him: ‘Northerners you will be the ones to suffer the most if you allow Tinubu to lose the election.’

“Unequivocally, the President of the Senate did not make this statement.

“No date, venue, speech, interview, video, audio recordings, official statement or credible news report has been produced to authenticate it.

“The graphic carries no identifiable publisher’s mark or verifiable source,” he said.

Udom said the statement appeared to have been deliberately manufactured and presented as an authentic quotation for the purpose of deceiving unsuspecting members of the public.

He said those behind the scheme intended to provoke regional resentment against Akpabio and portray him as threatening people in the Northern part of the country.

According to him, preliminary examination of publicly accessible Facebook records identified some persons as among the earliest traceable amplifiers of the purported fabricated graphic.

He listed the persons as Abdullai Musa, who posted the graphic in a Facebook group styled ‘Sheik Muhammad bin Uthman Group 24”.

Others were Uzoma Chilaka, whose Facebook post allegedly reproduced the graphic commentary expressly credited to him, and Mr Ibrahim Ammar, a verified Facebook account that subsequently reproduced the graphic and similar commentary.

“These persons should not be presumed guilty before investigation.

“Nevertheless, their early and substantial roles in circulating the material make them persons of interest, who may possess information capable of identifying the graphic designer, original uploader, sponsors, intermediaries and distribution network,” he said.

Udom said their publication records, devices, communications and the provenance of the image should therefore be investigated in accordance with the law.

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Security tightened in Awka ahead of Tinubu’s wife visit

Lucy Osuizigbo-okechukwu — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:53:16 +0000

Security has been beefed up across Awka ahead of the visit of the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu to the state on Thursday.

Our correspondent observed situation of things in Awka, reports that there was visible presence of security personnel at strategic locations in the town.

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and local vigilance groups were deployed at strategic locations to maintain law and order.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said security personnel had been fully mobilised to ensure a peaceful and safe visit of the President’s wife.

Ikenga said the measures were aimed at ensuring adequate security before, during and after the visit.

The First Lady is expected to inaugurate the National Community Food Bank Programme for the South-East geopolitical zone and an empowerment programme for 5,000 residents of the state.

She is also expected to visit the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, where she will inaugurate an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre.

Some residents of Awka expressed optimism and enthusiasm over the visit, describing it as an opportunity for the state to benefit from the Federal Government’s interventions.

Mr Chimsom Onwudinjo, a businessman, said he was pleased the First Lady’s visit to the state and inauguration of projects lined by in the state.

“I am happy that the First Lady is coming to Anambra. It shows that the federal government is paying attention to the needs of our people.

“We hope that the projects and empowerment programmes will have a direct impact on the lives of ordinary residents,” he said.

Mr Kingsley Chikwe, a retired teacher, said the visit would further strengthen the relationship between the federal government and the people of the state.

“We are happy to receive the First Lady. Beyond the ceremony, we expect the programmes she is inaugurating to benefit the people, especially the poor and vulnerable.

“The food bank programme, in particular, is important because many families are struggling with the rising cost of food,” he said.

Similarly, Mrs Ekene Okpe, a civil servant, welcomed the visit and urged the organisers to ensure that beneficiaries of the empowerment programme were selected transparently.

“We want the empowerment to get to the right people and not just those who are politically connected.

“The federal government should also continue to focus on improving the welfare of people in the South-East, particularly women, youths and vulnerable families,” she said.

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‎Ashiru condemns alleged attack on ADC members, calls for investigation

Moses Kolo — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:51:23 +0000

The Kaduna State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr Isa Ashiru, has called for investigation into an alleged attack on party members during a rally in Kaduna.
‎Ashiru made the call in a statement issued by his Media/Spokesperson, Mr Abdulwaheed Adubi, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday.

‎According to the statement, some ADC members and supporters were allegedly attacked during a rally in Kaduna town organised by the Arise & Shine Isa Ashiru Support Group to commemorate the flag-off of the party’s governorship and State House of Assembly campaigns.

‎‎It alleged that members of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVIS) disrupted the rally and harassed and intimidated some participants.

‎‎The statement further alleged that some participants had their phones and other valuables taken during the incident.

‎‎Ashiru also alleged that two female ADC members sustained injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

‎‎He expressed concern over the alleged incident, noting that KADVIS, as a state-supported security outfit, was expected to maintain order and protect participants at public gatherings.

‎‎The ADC candidate said the organisers had reportedly obtained the necessary permits from relevant law-enforcement authorities before proceeding with the rally.

‎‎He described the incident as unacceptable, saying political differences should not be allowed to undermine peace, democratic participation and citizens’ rights.

‎‎Ashiru urged KADVIS and other security agencies operating in the state to remain professional, impartial and politically neutral in the discharge of their duties.

‎‎“Political competition is not a war. We may belong to different political parties and hold divergent views, but we remain citizens of the same Kaduna State,” he said.

‎‎He called on relevant security authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice, regardless of political affiliation or status.

‎‎Ashiru urged ADC members and supporters to remain calm, law-abiding and peaceful, assuring them that the party would continue to pursue its political objectives through democratic and legitimate means.

‎‎He also appealed to political leaders, party supporters and other stakeholders to avoid inflammatory statements and actions capable of heightening political tension in the state.

‎‎The candidate said Kaduna residents deserved a political environment where ideas could compete freely and citizens could make political choices without fear or intimidation.

‎‎Ashiru reaffirmed his commitment to an issue-based campaign centred on peace, unity, development, accountability and good governance.

‎‎He said the 2027 elections should focus on competing visions for the future of Kaduna State rather than violence, intimidation or harassment.

Efforts to get an official reaction from KADVIS did not yield results but a personnel who spoke under anonymity denied the allegation and urged politicians not to drag the organisation into politics.

“We will investigate if we get petition from anyone regarding any misconduct by our personnel,” he said.

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