Ekwueme in 1999, Obi in 2027: Can the North remedy its error

By Ike Abonyi

” _Compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece.”_ — Ludwig Erhard

The January 16, 2027, presidential election is significant for numerous historical reasons. It offers the politically dominant Northern region an opportunity to rectify the error it committed 27 years ago through the young officers of that era, led by Generals Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Aliyu Gusau. These three influential figures, whose effects on Northern politics remain evident, are all still alive and observing the consequences of the path the region—and the country as a whole—has taken because they firmly rejected the counsel of Northern political elders, then led by former President Shehu Shagari and Maitama Sule.

The elders had urged the military leaders in power at the time to transfer authority to Dr Alex Ekwueme, who had successfully organised the politicians and prepared them to assume power from the military.

For those Northern elders, a handover to Ekwueme would have ensured a smooth continuation of the longstanding political partnership between the North and the East. This relationship had functioned effectively and helped stabilise the country before the soldiers brought it to an end in 1983.

Moreover, they regarded Ekwueme as an excellent choice because he had served as Shagari’s Vice President for four years, acting as a versatile partner in the administration.

But the soldiers resented Dr Ekwueme’s boldness in challenging the military and effortlessly rallying politicians to discredit them. Instead, they wanted Ekwueme to go for the Senate President position, an offer he rejected outright; not after being number two, turned around years later to go for the number three position. The Generals were also more focused on restoring military solidarity and cohesion, which General Sani Abacha had seriously undermined by imprisoning their two highly respected senior officers, Generals Olusegun Obasanjo and Musa Yar’Adua, the latter of whom died in custody. For the soldiers, placing Obasanjo, who was not genuinely interested but was persuaded, ahead of Ekwueme addressed two critical problems they had created: appeasing the military community over Obasanjo’s treatment and Yar’Adua’s death, and placating the ethnic Yoruba, who had lost Chief Moshood Abiola in the political crisis.

A senior Northern political leader recently told me about the North’s regret over that political miscalculation. In 1998, those elders had conveyed the message to the soldiers metaphorically: if you must lend your wife to someone, it should be someone who will cause her the least possible harm by the time she is returned to you.

Looking at the region today and what it has become — a battleground, a centre of poverty production, a visibly divided region, and a political battlefield — is deeply disheartening. During this political era, the region has produced two presidents, Umaru Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari, and lost both of them. It has also produced three vice presidents: Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, and Kashim Shettima. Although all three are alive, they are politically embattled. Nigeria as a whole has remained in a political coma. After 27 years of uninterrupted so-called democracy, the country has arrived at a Bola Tinubu presidency under which 35 million citizens live below the poverty line, while Nigeria is shamefully ranked among the 60 poorest countries in the world. This is a nation counted among the ten most naturally endowed countries globally, with virtually every valuable resource beneath its soil by God’s design. Yet, what it abundantly offers the world is unprecedented poverty fueled by unprecedented corruption in high places.

Since this political dispensation began in 1999, Northern leaders have metaphorically held the knife and the yam, deciding when to cut and how much to share with other regions. Instead of putting the collective interests of the North first, however, individuals have prioritised their personal interests, frequently using religion as a cover while claiming to serve everyone and accumulating wealth.

Because religion, whether Islam or Christianity, cannot by itself produce physical development, the North has remained stagnant in human development during the past 27 years of a Northern Muslim-dominated political hierarchy and has become the poorest region in the country.

Today, five months before the 2027 presidential election, the geopolitical North finds itself at the same crossroads it faced in 1998, ahead of 1999 — this time, in the lead-up to 2027. Peter Obi now occupies the position once associated with Dr Alex Ekwueme, while Bola Tinubu, an Emilekon politician, has taken the place of Olusegun Obasanjo, a retired general. In the light of these narratives, has the region learned any lessons that will guide better and more pragmatic decisions in its own interest?

Does this present the North with an opportunity to correct the mistake of 1999, or are its leaders still motivated by selfishness and ego? I am sure these surviving Generals, all in their 80s and already approaching their departure lounges, will appreciate the correction in their lifetime.

If the North now acknowledges that its actions in 1999 established the wrong foundation for democracy — abandoning a more inclusive political trajectory in favour of ethnic and religious ownership of power — is it prepared to correct those wrongs, or will it persist along the same flawed path?

Northern leaders should now examine the paradox of Nigeria’s most politically influential region also being one of its most disadvantaged in human development.

Does the platform of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), offer the much-needed opportunity to correct these mistakes? Are Northerners prepared to set personal interests aside and reshape Northern politics for the benefit of the wider society? The central question is this: why do Obi and Kwankwaso appeal to people? Both have demonstrated strong records—Obi with his “consumption to production” philosophy, and Kwankwaso through his emphasis on education, employment, and healthcare. Their tenures in Anambra and Kano states respectively, where they exercised authority, reflect their dedication to these essential areas of poverty reduction.

When Peter Obi describes Northern Nigeria’s vast landmass as the country’s future source of wealth, he also explains how that potential can be realised—by securing the region, providing employment for idle young people who may otherwise turn to crime, and supporting small businesses. His claim that Nigeria has no justification for being poor speaks directly to the region’s untapped and underdeveloped resources.

Millions of ordinary Northerners suffer under a self-serving political system. It is reasonable to conclude, without dispute, that Nigeria’s difficulties arise from elites’ political exploitation of the North’s numerical strength, as they convert religion, ethnicity, and poverty into electoral influence without using that influence to promote development. Next year’s election presents Northern voters with a significant opportunity to choose leaders capable of delivering security, education, employment, productive agriculture, and accountable governance. This explains why the Peter Obi/Rabiu Kwankwaso ticket resonates with many people in the North today. Former Vice President and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential flagbearer, Atiku Abubakar’s sentiment of being a Northerner appears not to be resonating not only because it will disrupt the zoning arrangement that is helping to stabilise the polity in the country but also because he belonged to the old brigade that had exploited the region. While he, like other Northern political leaders, has grown in wealth and fame, the region and majority of its people have been going down.

This Obi-Kwankwaso 2027 project may be the most sensible option for Northern leaders because, in a region burdened by poverty, it echoes John F. Kennedy’s warning: “Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.”

People also remember Frederick Douglass’s words: “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will,” but the youths of the North are already demanding it.

Self-serving leaders in the North, like their counterparts in other regions within the ruling APC, who are still living in the past, appear to be overlooking the shortcomings of President Tinubu, including his questionable background, the lack of transparency surrounding his records, and the obvious corruption under his administration. The main priority of such people is enriching themselves, even when it comes at the people’s expense.

Ultimately, it is therefore necessary at this juncture, while ending this conversation, to remind those who have chosen to ignore the region’s troubling circumstances and who have continued to exploit the North of the counsel offered by South Africa’s renowned cleric, Desmond Tutu, that “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” And when the time comes to hold the oppressors accountable, no one will be exempt. May God help us.

Shettima @60: ‘Don’t spend a kobo on gift for me’ -VP

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has appealed to Nigerians to mark his 60th birthday by donating to charitable causes rather than spending money on gifts or celebrations in his honour.

Shettima, born on September 2, 1966, turns 60 today, and made the appeal in a personal message titled “What I Ask For at Sixty”.

The Vice-President said reaching the age of 60 had deepened his resolve to prioritise gratitude, service and generosity over material accumulation.

He urged his friends, supporters, associates and well-wishers across the country not to spend money on birthday gifts, advertisements or other material gestures for him.

“Please do not spend a kobo on a gift for me, nor undertake any venture of material consequence in my honour,” he said.

Instead, Shettima asked those wishing him well to channel whatever resources they would have spent on birthday celebrations to a charity, worthy cause or individual in need anywhere in Nigeria.

He said such acts of kindness would represent meaningful prayers on his behalf.

“A nation is ennobled by the care it extends to those who need the strength of others,” he said, adding that generosity should not be measured solely by the size of the donation.

The Vice-President also reflected on the role of family, friends, teachers, colleagues and strangers in shaping an individual’s journey, saying Nigerians should repay such acts of kindness by extending help to others.

“Every hand that lifts another somewhere in Nigeria tomorrow will be a candle lit for me,” he said.

Beyond charitable giving, Shettima asked Nigerians to pray for him and the country, particularly for peace, prosperity, wise leadership and the fulfilment of Nigeria’s potential.

He described Nigeria as a country blessed with an industrious population, entrepreneurial spirit, youthful energy and rich cultural diversity.

Shettima expressed appreciation to Nigerians for the affection, friendship, loyalty and prayers that had accompanied him throughout his life, wishing them long life, good health and fulfilment. Authority,

INEC dismisses NDC’s allegations of candidates switching

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed allegations by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) that it removed the party’s validly nominated candidates for some State House of Assembly constituencies in Anambra and Benue states and replaced them with unauthorised names.

The party had in statement signed by it’s National Chairman, Cleopas Zuwoghe, accused the commission of substituting validly nominated candidates with “imposters”.

It accused INEC of systematically replacing candidates nominated by the party with names unknown to its leadership, particularly in constituencies in Anambra State, the home state of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The party alleged that INEC officials used the candidate-uploading process to impose candidates on it, claiming that the commission went behind the party to obtain Form EC9 from individuals whose names were subsequently published as NDC candidates.

But INEC in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, described the allegations as unfounded, insisting that candidate nomination remains the exclusive responsibility of political parties and that the commission has no legal authority to select, insert or substitute candidates for any political party.

The Commission rejected the allegations, saying its role in monitoring political party primaries was strictly limited to statutory oversight and did not give it the power to determine who should emerge as a party’s candidate.

“Candidate nomination is, by law, the exclusive responsibility of political parties. INEC has no legal authority to select, insert, or substitute a candidate for any party,” the commission said.

It explained that monitoring party primaries was an oversight responsibility and did not confer any authority on its officials to impose candidates on political parties.

According to INEC, all 22 registered political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections designated two technically trained officers to manage their candidate nomination processes.

The commission said the officers were trained by INEC before being granted access to the candidate nomination portal.

It further explained that access codes to the portal were issued directly to the national chairmen of the respective political parties.

“The portal access codes were issued directly and in person to each party’s National Chairman, and not by proxy,” the statement said.

INEC said candidate lists were subsequently generated from submissions made by the political parties and jointly signed by their national chairmen and national secretaries through the Form EC9 series, covering Forms EC9A to EC9G.

The commission consequently rejected claims that its officials independently uploaded or altered candidate information submitted by the NDC.

“Therefore, any claim that the Commission independently uploaded or altered candidate information is unfounded and untrue,” INEC stated.

The commission further said it was in possession of documentary evidence contradicting the NDC’s allegations.

“As a matter of fact, the Commission has in its possession, Form EC9E where these candidates were listed and submitted to the Commission duly signed by the National Chairman and the National Secretary of the party,” it said.

The development follows an escalating dispute between the NDC and INEC over the list of candidates published for the 2027 State Houses of Assembly elections.

The NDC, in its earlier statement, had specifically alleged that 10 names published in Anambra State constituencies were not authorised by the party. It claimed that the disputed names had not emerged from its nomination process and that its genuine candidates had been prevented from being uploaded.

The party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, had called on the INEC Chairman to immediately investigate the matter and determine how the disputed names came to be published as NDC candidates.

The party had also alleged that similar discrepancies existed in Benue, Imo and other states, describing the development as part of a wider pattern aimed at frustrating opposition parties.

It had vowed to pursue the matter in court and seek the restoration of what it described as its authentic candidates.

INEC, however, maintained that its candidate nomination process was designed to preserve the authority of political parties while ensuring accountability and transparency in the electoral process.

The commission said the documentation in its possession showed that the disputed candidates were formally submitted by the NDC’s authorised leadership.

The latest response from INEC therefore places the burden of explaining the disputed submissions squarely on the political party, particularly given the commission’s insistence that the relevant Form EC9E was duly signed by the NDC National Chairman and National Secretary.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to providing a level playing field for all political parties and other stakeholders ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The Commission remains committed to transparency, accountability and providing a level playing field for all stakeholders in the electoral process,” Haruna said. Authority.

₦19.1tn phantom subsidy: Nigerians too poor for high fuel costs, says ADC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the Presidency’s claim that implementing its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar’s, proposed petrol subsidy to bring pump prices down to about ₦600 per litre could cost Nigeria ₦19.1 trillion annually.

The party described the estimate as a “phantom figure,” accusing the Presidency of creating a hypothetical subsidy model based on a $40-per-barrel differential and then using the resulting projection to discredit Atiku’s proposal.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the Presidency had failed to demonstrate that the proposed policy would actually require ₦19.1 trillion annually.

The party argued that the fundamental issue was that millions of Nigerians could no longer afford the cost of unsubsidised fuel and that any petroleum policy must therefore take the welfare of citizens into account.

According to the ADC, Atiku’s proposal was fundamentally different from the former petrol subsidy regime because it would shift government intervention from imported refined products to domestic production.

It explained that the proposed model would provide a controlled crude-feedstock incentive to qualifying Nigerian refineries under a benchmark-and-ceiling arrangement.

Under the arrangement, government would establish a benchmark crude price consistent with a targeted maximum domestic petroleum-product price. If the market price remained at or below the benchmark, no subsidy would apply. Where the price exceeded the benchmark, government would cover only the qualifying difference, subject to an approved fiscal ceiling.

The party therefore rejected the Presidency’s assumption of a permanent $40-per-barrel subsidy.

“The Presidency cannot simply take its own $40 assumption, multiply it across an assumed volume and announce the resulting number as the cost of Atiku’s subsidy plan,” the ADC said.

It argued that the Presidency was attacking the old import-dependent subsidy model rather than Atiku’s proposed production-support system.

The party said the old model involved importing refined petroleum products, spending foreign exchange to subsidise them and then consuming them domestically.

By contrast, it said Atiku’s proposal would involve using Nigerian crude in Nigerian refineries to produce petroleum products for domestic consumption, with surplus products potentially exported.

The ADC maintained that such an arrangement would reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, conserve foreign exchange, strengthen domestic refining capacity and retain more economic value within Nigeria.

It also argued that the proposed system would be easier to monitor because crude allocations, refinery intake, production volumes and domestic distribution could be tracked.

“What the Presidency is attacking therefore is the old subsidy regime that Atiku is seeking to replace, not Atiku’s plan,” the party said.

The ADC also challenged the Federal Government to account for what it described as the broader petroleum-related financial burden under the current administration.

It cited approximately ₦7.13 trillion reportedly recorded under “Energy Security” in NNPC’s audited 2024 accounts and referred to broader petroleum-related exposure of about ₦17.5 trillion, depending on the accounting categories included.

The party stressed that it was not equating those figures with conventional petrol subsidy expenditure but demanded transparency regarding their purpose, implementation and economic value.

It also accused the government of inconsistency over fiscal incentives in the petroleum industry, pointing to the Deep Offshore Oil and Gas Projects Incentives (Tax Remission) Order 2026.

According to the ADC, the order provides production tax credits of between $3 and $4.50 per barrel under specified conditions, with supplementary credits capable of raising the aggregate incentive to $11.50 per barrel for qualifying projects.

The party questioned why government could offer fiscal incentives to oil investors while dismissing a controlled production incentive aimed at supporting domestic refineries and reducing fuel prices.

“If Nigeria can provide a production-linked fiscal incentive of up to $11.50 per barrel to stimulate offshore oil production, why is a carefully controlled crude-input incentive for domestic refineries dismissed as economic madness?” it asked.

The ADC also referred to Customs figures showing approximately ₦34 trillion in approved import-duty exemptions, while acknowledging that the figure represented the value of approved exemptions rather than direct government expenditure.

It argued that the exemptions demonstrated that government could legitimately forgo revenue where wider economic or social benefits were expected.

The party said the same principle should apply to a production incentive designed to reduce energy costs for Nigerians and promote domestic refining.

According to the ADC, cheaper petrol would benefit the wider economy and not only motorists.

It said fuel costs affect transportation, agriculture, food distribution, manufacturing, construction, logistics and household purchasing power.

The party consequently faulted the Presidency for calculating the possible cost of Atiku’s proposal without considering the economic cost of maintaining the current policy.

It asked government to calculate the cost of high transportation fares, expensive food distribution, petroleum imports, foreign-exchange demand, refinery under-utilisation and reduced competitiveness of Nigerian businesses.

“Doing nothing is not free. It is ultimately more expensive,” the party said.

The ADC demanded that the Presidency prove that Atiku’s plan would cost ₦19.1 trillion annually, establish that the $40-per-barrel assumption was contained in the proposal and demonstrate that the projected fiscal cost would outweigh the economic benefits.

It also challenged the government to calculate the potential foreign-exchange savings and industrial multiplier arising from increased domestic refining.

“Nigeria deserves an economic model, not a political talking point,” the party said.

On concerns that the policy could enrich wealthy refinery owners, the ADC said potential abuse could be prevented through strict regulatory safeguards, including measurable refinery intake, auditable production, transparent pricing, domestic-supply obligations, digital tracking, claw-back provisions and penalties for diversion.

The party further maintained that Atiku’s proposal was not a return to the old subsidy regime but a capped, audited and traceable production-support programme that could be progressively phased out as domestic refining became competitive.

It also cited Section 109(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act as providing a framework for implementing the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation in furtherance of Nigeria’s energy security.

The ADC concluded that the debate should not simply be about whether Nigeria should subsidise fuel but about what should be subsidised, why and for whose benefit.

“Nigerians are too poor not to be subsidised,” the party said, insisting that Nigerian crude should create value for Nigerians.

It challenged the Presidency to explain why cheaper energy for citizens should receive less public investment than other multi-trillion-naira interventions and fiscal incentives.

The ADC said its proposal was for a transparent production-support regime, not an opaque subsidy system.

“We do not propose to subsidise waste. What we propose is to subsidise production that directly improves capacity,” the party said, adding that the intervention would prioritise domestic value addition rather than import dependence. Authority.

FG targets 20,000 medical students yearly as TETFund plans six simulation centres

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to establish world-class medical simulation centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones as part of efforts to expand healthcare training and strengthen the country’s medical workforce.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed this while receiving the report of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Medical Simulation Committee.

The proposed centres are expected to enhance practical training for students of medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy and other allied health professions.

A statement issued on Sunday by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, said the initiative was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on healthcare workforce development.

Alausa said the rapid growth in admission into health-related programmes had made improved practical training facilities increasingly necessary.

“I would like to thank the members of the committee that has worked so hard and assiduously to get us to this point in which we are now talking about building several simulation centres across the country to provide world-class training for our medical students, dental students, nursing students, pharmacy students and other allied healthcare professionals,” the Minister said.

According to him, enrolment in nursing programmes has surged from about 38,000 students three years ago to more than 120,000 across nursing schools nationwide.

He also disclosed that annual admission into medical schools had increased from approximately 5,000 students when the Tinubu administration came into office to nearly 12,000.

The minister said the Federal Government was targeting a further increase in medical school admissions to about 20,000 students annually within the next three years.

“Today, I’m happy to report that we’re admitting almost 12,000 students primarily now. Our goal in the next three years will increase the number of annual medical student enrollment in medical school to about 20,000,” he stated.

Alausa added that admissions into pharmacy and dental programmes had also doubled, indicating a broader expansion in the number of healthcare professionals being trained in the country.

He commended the Chairman of the Medical Simulation Committee, Dr. Wale Suleiman, and other members for their efforts in producing the report and advancing the establishment of the proposed simulation centres.

The minister also acknowledged the contributions of professional and academic stakeholders, including the Registrar of the Medical Emergencies Council, Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council, Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria and a Professor in the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat at the University of Abuja Medical School.

Alausa described the planned centres as part of the Tinubu administration’s broader efforts to improve the quality of education and professional training in Nigeria.

“This person, President Bola, is committed to providing the best and the highest quality of education to every child in this country,” he said.

“We are seeing it, we are seeing the result now. It’s another manifestation of President Bola’s fervent and benevolent belief to the progress and benefit of the future of Nigeria,” he added.

The minister assured that the administration would continue to support the development of the TETFund Medical Simulation Centres and the expansion of healthcare training nationwide.

He said the ultimate objective was to widen access to quality professional education while producing a stronger and better-equipped healthcare workforce capable of meeting Nigeria’s future needs. Authority.

President Tinubu begins three-week leave

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to depart Abuja today for Europe to begin a three-week vacation as part of his annual leave.

This was contained in a statement on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

According to Onanuga, Tinubu’s first stop will be London, United Kingdom.

President Tinubu is expected to return home after the working vacation to join the hectic campaign for the January 2027 election.

Information Commissioner charges New Media aides on unity, intensified publicity of Gov Idris’ achievements

By Okey Muogbo

In continuation of the State and nationwide tour to all relevant stakeholders by the Kebbi State Governor’s media aides, the team was in Argungu where the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK charged all Special Assistants on New Media under the Argungu Emirate to strengthen their working relationship and deepen collaboration in order to enhance the effective promotion and publicity of Governor Nasir Idris’ policies, programmes and achievements.

A statement by Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor said the Commissioner gave the charge on Saturday while addressing the Special Assistants on New Media at the Argungu Local Government Secretariat.

The Commissioner stressed that unity, teamwork and dedication are essential to achieving greater results in communicating the achievements of the administration to the people.

He noted that stronger collaboration among the New Media aides would further improve the visibility of the Governor’s accomplishments recorded within the past three years.

Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK commended the media aides for their contributions towards ensuring adequate publicity for the activities and achievements of the administration, urging them not to relent in their efforts.

“You have been doing well, but we want you to put more effort into the job. You can see how this administration is investing in social media and New Media. You must not disappoint the Governor, who has demonstrated strong commitment to supporting you,” he said.

The Commissioner further urged the aides to remain professional, coordinated and proactive in disseminating accurate information about government policies and programmes.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on New Media, Aliyu Bandado, urged the Special Assistants to continue supporting the present administration through effective communication and strategic use of social media platforms.

He noted that Governor Nasir Idris has consistently emphasised the importance of social media in modern governance, adding that the commitment and dedication of the New Media team would continue to make a significant impact in disseminating the Governor’s achievements and strengthening public engagement.

He further encouraged the Governor to continue supporting and empowering the New Media team to enable them to deliver even more effectively.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the Special Assistants on New Media to the Governor from the Argungu Emirate to interact with members of the Governor’s media team on strategies for strengthening communication and ensuring that the state receives the desired publicity.

The interactive session was attended by principal officers of the Governor’s Information and Communications Team, including the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alh Yakubu Ahmad BK; the Special Adviser on Media, Alh Yahaya Sarki; Special Adviser on New Media, Alh Aliyu Bandado Argungu, Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment and Orientation, Ibrahim Jombali; the Special Adviser on Strategic Communication, Alh Abdullahi Idris Zuru; and the Chief Press Secretary, Alh Ahmad Idris.

Emir of Argungu endorses Gov Idris for second term

The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, has endorsed Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, for a second term in office, describing his administration as people-oriented and development-driven.

The Royal Father, who is also the Vice Chairman of the Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, made the endorsement on Saturday during a courtesy visit by the Kebbi State Governor’s Media Team to his palace in Argungu.

The team is on a nationwide tour to showcase the achievements of the Idris administration.

While noting that traditional rulers remain apolitical by virtue of their status, Emir Mera said it was important to acknowledge and appreciate leaders who are delivering tangible results.

“Sustainable development in a democratic dispensation can only be achieved if a track record of selfless service is used as a yardstick for electing political leaders,” the Emir said.

“In fairness and sentiment apart, our Governor is on course considering the unprecedented development being witnessed in the state across infrastructure, education, security, and economic empowerment programmes. Based on this visibly demonstrated commitment, the Governor deserves a second term for continuity.”

Emir Mera also commended the foresight behind the Governor’s Media Team tour, saying consistent public enlightenment is necessary to inform citizens about government strides.

“Blowing your trumpet must be consistent for public awareness,” he told the delegation.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK, who led the team, said the visit was to pay homage and seek royal blessings in the effort to showcase the performance of Governor Nasir Idris and the need for sustained development in the state.

The Emir prayed for God’s guidance for the team and urged them to maintain the tempo.

Comrade Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu also holds the traditional title of JIGON Kabin Argungu.

It will be recalled that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammad Idris, recently described the establishment of the Governor’s Media Team as “a well thought out strategy, first of its kind among the states in the country.”

No to the false Northern whisper campaign against Peter Obi

The Peter Obi Media Office has once again condemned and rejected the campaign of misinformation in rural areas of Northern Nigeria that Peter Obi did not treat northerners in Anambra state well when he was governor of the state.

In a statement in Abuja on Saturday, the Office stated that northerners in Anambra state have openly confirmed that they were cordially treated by Obi at that time and wondered why this falsehood is being circulated as the 2027 general elections approach.

According to the statement, “The Peter Obi Media Office has credible intelligence that some individuals are still conducting malicious whisper campaigns against the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, in northern rural areas.

“The circulation of this falsehood regarding Peter Obi’s relationship with Northerners during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State has persisted despite credible denials from Northern leaders in Anambra State, who have explicitly stated that Obi was, and remains, a vital supporter of theirs both in and out of office.

“Despite clear facts, some individuals continue covertly planting these false narratives at Northern gatherings, hoping repeated claims will eventually seem convincing,’ it said.

The Office went further to say that: “We challenge those behind this campaign to provide names, dates, records, and verifiable evidence supporting their allegations.

“They should cease hiding behind whispered accusations and political propaganda insisting that “Peter Obi governed Anambra State for all its residents, regardless of ethnicity or religion.

“His relationship with Nigerians from the North was not based on the falsehoods now being fabricated for political gain.

“The timing is revealing”, the statement said adding that “as the 2027 election approaches, those unable to challenge Peter Obi on his competence, integrity, and public service record are resorting to the oldest political weapon—ethnic suspicion and misinformation.

“We urge our brothers and sisters in the North to seek facts, not rumours; evidence, not whispers; and policies, not propaganda.

“Nigeria cannot be rebuilt by weaponising lies that have long divided its people. Enough of the lies. Let the facts speak for a new Nigeria that is Possible,” it said.

TCN declares force majeure on 132kv Birnin Kebbi – Niamey transmission line due to tower collapse

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has declared its inability to render services for consumers on the 132kV Birnin Kebbi – Niamey transmission line following the collapse of three transmission towers.

A statement by the Management of the Company on Friday said personnel have been mobilized to repair the towers and restore normal services.

Said the statement: “The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) hereby declares Force Majeure on the 132kV Birnin Kebbi – Niamey transmission line following the collapse of three transmission towers.

“On 26th August 2026 at 5:38pm, the 132kV Birnin Kebbi – Niamey line tripped. A trial reclosure was carried out at 6:03pm but the line tripped instantly.”

Detailing its efforts, TCN said: “Following the incident, TCN linesmen embarked on a fault-finding patrol and discovered that three towers, T109, T110 and T111, had collapsed at Chibike village. The collapse was caused by heavy rain and windstorm experienced in the area.

“The incident has affected bulk power transmission to Niamey through the line.

“TCN has mobilized personnel and resources to the site and will ensure that all hands are on deck to facilitate the speedy rehabilitation of the collapsed towers and return the line to service in the shortest possible time.

“We regret the inconvenience this may cause to our customers in Niamey and assure that every effort is being made to restore normal supply promptly,” the statement concluded.