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.

Atiku is confused over petrol subsidy policy — Presidency insists

The Presidency has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over his position on petrol subsidy, accusing him of policy inconsistency and playing politics with the economic challenges facing Nigerians.

In a statement on Wednesday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Atiku and his aides had offered three different explanations of his proposed petrol subsidy policy within one week.

Onanuga said the conflicting positions had raised questions about whether the former Vice-President had a coherent economic policy or was merely responding politically to the temporary discomfort being experienced by Nigerians.

According to him, Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, initially said the former Vice-President would restore petrol subsidy if elected and later phase it out as a temporary measure to enable Nigerians and businesses recover.

He said another aide, Phrank Shaibu, subsequently described Ibe’s position as an “unauthorised and misleading characterisation” of Atiku’s policy, insisting that subsidy would remain until domestic refining expanded, supply stabilised and competition deepened.

“Just hours later, Atiku himself intervened and effectively overruled that clarification. He insisted that his position ‘has not changed’ and that he would restore what he called a ‘targeted subsidy’ if elected president,” Onanuga said.

He quoted Atiku as saying: “I will restore targeted subsidy and put purchasing power back in the hands of Nigerians.”

The presidential aide described the conflicting explanations as a serious policy contradiction, arguing that Nigerians deserved clarity rather than what he called “policy by trial and error.”

Onanuga also challenged Atiku’s argument that restoring petrol subsidy would automatically ease the cost of living, noting that pump prices were influenced by several factors, including international crude oil prices, exchange rates, refining costs, transportation and distribution expenses.

He said while energy and transportation costs affected food prices, petrol prices alone could not explain Nigeria’s food inflation.

“Agricultural productivity, insecurity, exchange rates, logistics, storage, flooding, input costs, money supply and supply constraints also matter,” he said.

The presidential aide said the Tinubu administration had been addressing these structural issues rather than reducing the country’s cost-of-living challenges to petrol prices.

Onanuga challenged Atiku to explain the details of his proposed “targeted subsidy,” including its projected cost, beneficiaries, funding mechanism and the economic conditions that would determine when the policy would end.

“Nigerians cannot afford another opaque and potentially costly subsidy regime dressed up in new language,” he said.

The presidential aide further questioned Atiku’s proposal to link subsidy to the price of crude oil, arguing that a barrel of crude produces several refined petroleum products besides petrol.

According to him, petrol accounts for about 45 per cent of the products derived from a refined barrel, while diesel, aviation fuel, kerosene and other products account for significant portions.

He noted that diesel was deregulated in 2004 under the administration in which Atiku served as Vice-President, while kerosene and aviation fuel were subsequently deregulated.

Onanuga also listed other products derived from crude oil refining, including petrochemical feedstocks, asphalt, hydrocarbon gas liquids, lubricants, waxes, petroleum coke and sulphur.

He questioned whether Atiku intended to subsidise those products as well if his proposed policy was based on the price of crude.

“Will Atiku subsidise all these by-products of the barrel as well, since kerosene is used by the underprivileged to cook, and many homes and factories use diesel to power generators and delivery trucks?” he asked.

Onanuga further questioned whether refineries receiving discounted crude under such an arrangement would retain profits from the other products derived from the same barrel.

He concluded by accusing the former Vice-President of lacking clarity on the economics of his proposed subsidy policy.

“The economy is too serious for policy somersaults, incoherence, destructive populism and election gimmicks,” Onanuga said. Authority.

No more proxy campaigns, Tinubu should be a servant-leader, not a demigod – Peter Obi Media Office

The Peter Obi Media Office has challenged the President and Presidential Candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu to physically come out to campaign and tell the voters what he has done to justify reelection instead of campaigning through surrogates.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Office said the next general elections is a serious matter alleging that Tinubu wants to stay in Aso Rock and send proxies to campaign for him.

Below is the fulltext of the statement:

The Peter Obi Media Office has observed some disturbing trends ahead of the January 16, 2027, Presidential election that should be nipped in the bud before it develops. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is positioning himself to be re-elected for a second term without meeting the electorates.

Indications are evident that the President plans to hide in Aso Rock and expect hired surrogates to meet the people on his behalf. This is not democracy and must be rejected by the people.

President Tinubu can deploy surrogates to speak for him, sign documents on his behalf, or represent him at some public events, but he cannot send a surrogate to meet the Nigerian people on his behalf.

The 2027 election is not a ceremony to be performed by representatives. It is a contest for the leadership of more than 200 million Nigerians, and those seeking the mandate must have the courage to stand before the people, answer their questions, and defend their records.

At the National Peace Accord convened by the National Peace Committee under the leadership of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the President was missing, disrespecting the painstaking work of General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, and others in promoting peaceful elections.

The Nigerian people need to see the candidate. They need to hear the candidate. They need to question the candidate. The same applies to every major national platform, including the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference and other forums where candidates are expected to engage Nigerians on the state of the nation.

A President asking Nigerians for another four years cannot permanently hide behind ministers, party officials, media aides, governors, or other political surrogates. The office belongs to the people; the mandate belongs to the people; and the accountability must be directly to the people.

If the President believes his administration has performed well, let him come before Nigerians and say so himself.

Let him explain the economy.

Let him explain the hardship confronting families.

Let him explain his policies.

Let the candidate explain what has changed since 2023.

Let him tell Nigerians what he intends to do differently in a second term.

And let him hear directly from the citizens whose votes he seeks.

This is not disrespect. It is democracy. We, therefore, challenge the President and the APC to stop campaigning through surrogates and start engaging the Nigerian people directly.

Nigeria does not need another election in which Nigerians hear more from political surrogates than from the presidential candidate himself.

The 2027 election must be a contest of candidates, competence, records, ideas, and character — not a contest of who can deploy the loudest army of surrogates.

No more proxy campaigns. No more presidential hide-and-seek.

If President Tinubu wants a second term, let him come to the people.

Let him see and hear the people. And let Nigerians question him and decide — not on the voices of his surrogates, but on the record and vision of the man asking for their votes. This is the spirit of democracy. We are electing a servant of the people, not a demigod.

When Governor Mbah’s Master stroke sends opposition scampering

By Onyekwere Nwobodo

Ordinarily, appointment of new members is a routine, standard administrative action in the life of a government.

It could entail filling existing vacancies or bringing more specialist hands in, based on the critical need assessment evaluation, in the course of project delivery.

Governments do this all the time, at all levels, and in all jurisdictions, so the recent appointment of additional members by Governor Peter Mbah, into governance roles, couldn’t possibly be any different!

Disgruntled mischief merchants, for lack of verifiable shortcomings in Mbah’s impeccable governance model, have attempted to make a meal out of an action that ordinarily deserves to be applauded.

Pray, which government in history, recruited every danm personnel it would ever require, ONCE, at inception?

No government is beyond interrogation, yes, but if, for instance, someone is appointed anew from an otherwise underrepresented area, was it better to have allowed the perceived injustice persist, or take practical steps to cure the apparent oversight?

Is there a prescribed number of allowable political appointees in a democracy?

It has become so obvious that,rather than for any altruistic reasons, the noise by the motley gang of opposition,(present only in the social media any way), to the well intended exercise is, instead,driven by a sense of grievous communal loss!

Governor Mbah, apart from continually delivering on his governance mandate, has, with this master stroke, struck a surprise, devastating blow, to his opponents, by effectively diminishing, virtually extinguishing the shrinking population from which their grieving rank had recruited!

Otherwise, how is it their worry that some people who had opposed the emergence of the Governor in 2023, were now appointed into government?

They would’ve preferred the Governor to continue to dwell in their unhelpful, hateful old fashioned political philosophy which views political disagreement as mortal enemity, rather than appreciate and acknowledge the goodness and statesmanship in Governor Mbah’s action.

If anyone had opposed Mbah as gubernatorial candidate in 2023, the man himself reckons, and quite rightly so, it wasn’t anything personal, and if in his judgement and magnanimity as governor, he makes that former opponent an offer to join hands with him to move Enugu State forward, and the fellow accepts, shouldn’t we applaud?

Governor Mbah is an intellectual giant, no doubt, but he does not fear or loath to cohabit with equally knowledgeable persons, even if they were originally of different political persuasion! That is rising above self, ego or pettiness!

His interest,as I have come to understand, is what you bring to the table, and how that makes the governance group and Enugu State, better ; nothing more, nothing less!

Many a politician recruit and surround themselves with ‘yes-men’ who grovel at their feet, massage their bloated ego,even if they offer nothing more to drive the administration agenda.

Mbah is so confident without being arrogant, so self-assured, and forever highly receptive to, and respectful of empirically sound, professional viewpoint.

The opposition criticism of his recent appointments is ‘much ado about nothing..’ ; they go to no issue really and change nothing!

The new team members are highly welcome, and must not forget that adding value is the main consideration, and Ndi Enugu must not lose, on any account !

As long as the need arises, and/or vacancies exist, any forward looking administration like Mbah’s, would always continually reinvent, recalibrate, rejig the machinery of governance with injection of quality personnel in needful areas, for optimum performance.

And crucially, the more, the merrier…

—Mr Nwobodo is Special Adviser, Media, to Enugu State Governor.

Atiku insists on reinstatement of subsidy

Former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has clarified that his proposed petroleum intervention is not a return to Nigeria’s discredited import-subsidy regime, but a targeted and temporary mechanism to support domestic production, reduce costs and ease the burden on Nigerian families.

The clarification became necessary following comments attributed to an aide suggesting that an Atiku administration would “restore fuel subsidy and remove it later.”

Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, described the comments as “an unauthorised, imprecise and materially misleading characterisation of Atiku’s policy position.”

He stressed that policy belongs to the candidate and that the responsibility of spokespersons is to communicate that policy accurately, not to create formulations that could confuse Nigerians or provide opponents with convenient talking points.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Atiku has never proposed restoring the old import-subsidy regime and subsequently removing it on a predetermined date. That is not his policy and should not be attributed to him.

“What Atiku proposes is a targeted, capped, transparently budgeted and independently audited intervention to support domestic refining and production, with measurable performance-based exit conditions built in from day one.

“The objective is not to subsidise inefficiency indefinitely. It is to reduce the cost of production, strengthen domestic refining, increase supply, deepen competition and create the conditions under which government support will no longer be necessary.

“There will be no arbitrary withdrawal based simply on a calendar date. The intervention will progressively decline as clearly defined conditions are met — including increased domestic refining, improved supply stability, stronger competition and the emergence of a market capable of delivering affordable petroleum products without continued government support.

“You do not remove scaffolding because the calendar says so. You remove it when the building can stand securely on its own.”

Shaibu said Nigerians should not be distracted by arguments over terminology when the central issue is the cost of living.

“The real question is simple: Why has everything become so expensive, and what will Atiku do to make life affordable again?

“Tinubu transferred the shock of his reforms to Nigerian families. Atiku will focus on reducing production and transportation costs, strengthening domestic refining, expanding supply and restoring purchasing power.

“The choice is not between the removal of subsidy and the restoration of subsidy. The choice is between an Expensive Nigeria and an Affordable Nigeria.”

Sen. Kawu urges Yari-led APC campaign council to show empathy amid economic hardship

Senator Kawu Summaila representing Kano South has charged the newly inaugurated APC Presidential Campaign Council to acknowledge the economic pains Nigerians are facing and assure them of relief.

The advice came 24 hours after Senator Abdulaziz Yari was named Chairman of the over 200-member council saddled with driving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.

In a goodwill message personally signed and made available to journalists, Senator Kawu described the assignment as critical and one that requires strategic execution and delivery.

“We must approach our citizens with deep empathy, active listening, and genuine sensitivity to the economic hardships and socio-economic challenges currently affecting everyday families,” he said.

According to him, the campaign must demonstrate that the party feels the pain of citizens and is sincerely committed to delivering meaningful reliefs. He added that the council must carry grassroots constituents along in its mobilisation efforts.

Senator Kawu warned that a disconnect between leadership and the electorate creates misperceptions that undermine both the President and the party. He urged members to leverage President Tinubu’s achievements and vision in their campaigns.

He also stressed the need for internal unity. “Victory depends on complete solidarity. We must heal internal rifts, set aside differences, and ensure that all key stakeholders are fully carried along as equal partners in this mission,”_ he stated.

The Kano South Senator congratulated Senator Yari and other members of the council, saying: “I offer my prayers and best wishes for success as we undertake this critical assignment for our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

Tinubu to lead Africa’s critical minerals push at New York summit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to lead a high-level African push for greater control of the continent’s critical mineral resources as the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) holds its Third High-Level Roundtable on Critical Minerals Development in Africa in New York.

The Roundtable, scheduled for September 21, 2026, in Manhattan on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, will focus on transforming Africa’s mineral wealth into greater economic and industrial value for the continent.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, on Sunday, Tinubu, who chairs the AMSG General Assembly, will chair the meeting themed “From Resources to Wealth: Continental Cooperation for Mineral Value Addition.”

The gathering is expected to attract African Heads of State and Government representatives, ministers, investors, development finance institutions, multilateral organisations and executives from the mining, technology, processing, logistics and mineral traceability sectors.

AMSG said the meeting would address Africa’s longstanding challenge of exporting raw minerals with limited processing and value addition within the continent.

It said the growing global demand for lithium, copper, cobalt, graphite, manganese and rare earth elements presents Africa with an opportunity to reposition its mineral resources as drivers of industrialisation, technology development, job creation and economic growth.

The group said the New York meeting would focus on building integrated mineral value chains, mobilising investment, strengthening intra-African cooperation and securing a larger share of the value generated from the continent’s mineral resources.

A major feature of the Roundtable will be the unveiling of the Continental Integration and Economic Assurance Declaration (CIEAD), which is expected to establish a framework for coordinated African action on critical minerals.

The declaration will cover areas including policy coordination, investment mobilisation, mineral processing and value addition, supply-chain security and Africa’s negotiating position in the global minerals market.

AMSG is also expected to introduce the proposed CIEAD Finance Window, aimed at developing innovative financing mechanisms for mineral processing, infrastructure, technology and other components of Africa’s critical-mineral value chains.

The initiative builds on the Mutual Assured Development (MADE) Framework, launched at the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) 2026 in Abuja.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, who chairs the AMSG Ministerial Steering Committee, and the organisation’s Secretary-General, Moses Michael Engadu, are expected to participate in the Roundtable.

AMSG said the meeting would prioritise practical and bankable opportunities rather than another forum for broad declarations.

It said policymakers, financiers and private-sector players would be brought together to identify investment structures and mechanisms capable of translating Africa’s mineral endowment into tangible economic outcomes.

According to the organisation, the global transition to electric vehicles, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and modern defence systems has intensified competition for critical minerals and placed Africa at the centre of an emerging global economic and geopolitical contest.

AMSG maintained that the continent must move from being a passive supplier of raw materials to becoming an active participant and value creator in global mineral supply chains.

The organisation was established in January 2024 by African governments as a continental intergovernmental organisation and specialised agency for critical minerals development.

Its mandate includes coordinating critical-minerals policies, aligning investments, strengthening minerals security and promoting Africa’s engagement with global partners.

The Third AMSG High-Level Roundtable is strategically partnered and supported by Core International.