Threat to life: NDC-POSN demands protection of Obi ahead of 2027

 

 

The NDC-Peter Obi Support Network (NDC-POSN) has expressed concern over what it described as the alleged harassment and intimidation of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Peter Obi, calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure his safety and protect the democratic rights of all political actors.

 

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by its spokesperson, Mercy L. Akums, the support group said it was disturbed by recent comments made by Obi during an interview on the With Chude programme, in which he expressed fears about his personal safety and political future.

 

According to the group, Obi alleged that he had been subjected to persistent frustration in both his personal and professional activities, claiming that actions by the government were deliberately targeted at him.

 

Among the incidents cited by the former Anambra State governor was an alleged episode at an airport where, according to him, his vehicle was locked while others were allowed to proceed.

 

Obi also claimed that some of his associates had become reluctant to publicly associate with him or invite him to personal events out of fear of possible repercussions.

 

Reacting to the allegations, the NDC-POSN said any form of intimidation, economic sabotage or harassment directed at opposition figures would undermine Nigeria’s democracy and threaten the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

 

The group expressed solidarity with Obi and the NDC presidential ticket, stating that it rejected any attempt to interfere with the legitimate political activities of opposition leaders and their supporters.

 

It called on the Federal Government to conduct a transparent investigation into the allegations and ensure that no individual or institution engages in actions capable of endangering lives or frustrating lawful political participation.

 

The support group also urged the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to provide adequate security for Obi, his family and other political actors exercising their constitutional rights.

 

In addition, it appealed to political stakeholders to uphold the rule of law, protect human rights and preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The NDC-POSN reaffirmed its commitment to mobilising support for the NDC presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, maintaining that attempts to intimidate opposition figures would not deter its campaign activities.

 

The group urged its members and supporters nationwide to remain peaceful, law-abiding and focused on pursuing political change through democratic means. Authority.

₦100 Banknotes remains a legal tender -CBN

 

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has clarified the status of N100 banknotes insisting that it remains a legal tender.

Te clarification, signed by Mrs. Hakama Sidi-Ali, Ag. Director, Corporate Communication of CBN said, “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to reports of the rejection of the standard ₦100 banknote by some members of the public, businesses, and other stakeholders, apparently due to doubts about its continued legal tender status.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the CBN hereby reiterates that both the commemorative ₦100 banknote and the standard ₦100 banknote remain legal tender in Nigeria and must be accepted for all transactions nationwide. The commemorative ₦100 banknote, which was introduced to mark Nigeria’s centenary, did not replace the existing standard ₦100 banknote.”

CBN went on to say that: “The CBN strongly cautions individuals, businesses, financial institutions, and other economic agents against rejecting the standard ₦100 banknote. Such rejection constitutes a violation of the provisions of the CBN Act and undermines confidence in the national currency. The Bank will not hesitate to apply appropriate enforcement

measures against any person or entity found to be in breach.”

“The Bank remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of the Naira, ensuring confidence in all duly issued banknotes, and promoting smooth currency circulation across the country.

 

Accordingly, it said members of the public are urged to accept and transact with all banknotes legally issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the statement said.

 

Members of the public have also been advised to contact the Bank through its official communication channels if they need further clarification. SunriseReporters.

El-Rufai: Obi calls for fair treatment, warns against selective Justice

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has called for the fair treatment of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, urging authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice is administered without bias.
Obi, who is currently attending an event in the United States, made the appeal in a post on his verified X handle after watching a viral video showing an emotional Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, wife of the former governor.
In a message titled “A Wife’s Tears, A Nation’s Conscience: Let Justice Have a Heart,” the former Anambra State governor said he was deeply moved by the video and urged law enforcement agencies to ensure that every Nigerian receives fair and transparent treatment before the law.
“I woke this morning in America and was deeply moved by an emotional viral video of Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, prompting deep reflection on our nation’s future,” Obi wrote.
He maintained that regardless of the allegations against El-Rufai or any other citizen, justice should be transparent and guided by due process.
According to Obi, bail conditions imposed on suspects should be reasonable and should not appear punitive before trial.
He stressed that democratic institutions exist to protect the rights of every citizen irrespective of status or political affiliation.
Obi warned against what he described as any appearance of selective justice, saying such practices could erode public confidence in the justice system and undermine national unity.
“We must resist any hint of selective justice that erodes public trust and threatens national unity,” he stated.
The former governor urged security and law enforcement agencies to act professionally and strictly within the confines of the law in carrying out their responsibilities.
He added that building a just society where every citizen is treated with dignity and fairness remains central to his vision of a “New Nigeria.”
“Let us strive for a Nigeria where the law is paramount, and where every citizen is guaranteed dignity and justice. This is the foundation of the New Nigeria we envisage,” Obi said.

PFIPC Scandal: Only an independent enquiry will be acceptable, ADC tells Tinubu

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected President Bola Tinubu’s directive assigning the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal, insisting that only an independent judicial panel can conduct a credible inquiry.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party argued that the Presidency lacked the credibility to supervise an investigation into a scandal in which it was allegedly implicated.
The ADC said it had earlier called for an independent inquiry into the controversy and identified institutions that should be investigated, maintaining that the matter should not be reduced to the alleged actions of a single individual.
According to the party, while President Tinubu’s decision to order an investigation reflected acceptance that the allegations required scrutiny, assigning the task to the ICPC created the impression that the administration intended to conduct an “in-house” investigation.
“The Presidency that is at the heart of this scandal cannot be a judge in its own case,” the statement said.
The party urged the President to establish an independent judicial panel comprising respected Nigerians to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation capable of restoring public confidence.
The ADC also faulted what it described as the Presidency’s premature conclusion that appointment letters and official documents allegedly used by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi were forged, even before investigations had commenced.
It argued that determining the authenticity of the documents was one of the key issues investigators were expected to establish and warned that official pronouncements could prejudice the outcome of the inquiry.
The party further demanded that the investigation extend to all relevant government institutions, including the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President.
It called on the President to direct the Chief of Staff to proceed on leave pending the conclusion of the investigation, arguing that allowing him to remain in office could undermine public confidence in the integrity of the probe.
The ADC also insisted that the findings of any investigation should be made public in full, saying Nigerians deserved access to the complete, unredacted report and the implementation of its recommendations without fear or favour.
The party condemned the reported arrest of Adeyemi’s father, describing the action as intimidation and contrary to the principles of justice.
It argued that Nigerian law does not recognise vicarious criminal liability and maintained that only persons directly suspected of committing offences should be arrested.
According to the ADC, arresting relatives while public officials allegedly linked to the matter remained in office would reinforce perceptions of selective justice.
The party said it would continue to monitor developments surrounding the PFIPC controversy, describing the matter as one with significant implications for national security and the credibility of public institutions.
It warned that the allegations must be thoroughly investigated and not be swept aside through what it called an internal government process. Authority

The political truth the North must confront

 

By Ike Abonyi

“True progress cannot happen in Northern Nigeria when a tiny elite consumes the wealth of the region while the masses starve in ignorance.” –_ Mallam Aminu Kano

From whichever angle you stand to watch the political situation in Northern Nigeria today ahead of 2027, it is turning into a make-or-mar year for its survival as a homogeneous geopolitical region. Nigeria’s geopolitical North needs to embrace one painful truth in the future: that its past political strategy has failed the region woefully. Examining the political behaviour of the North over the last 27 years, from 1999 to date, the region has failed glaringly in terms of human capital development and security of lives and property, which are the primary mandates of any government.
Few elites who have made money for themselves and their children serving in government may differ, but the reality shows everywhere with figures from international bodies.

If you deem yourself wise and operate a political system that fattens poverty amid a few rich men flourishing on public funds, nobody should tell you to change your sitting position.

If the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is warning that northern Nigeria is currently facing its worst hunger crisis in nearly a decade, that over 17 million people across nine northern states are experiencing crisis levels of hunger, with more than 35 million Nigerians at risk nationwide as we go through this severe lean season—with over 10,000 of our compatriots in Borno State alone slipping into “catastrophic” hunger conditions—the highest level of food insecurity. It should not just be a statistical heartbreak; it should be seen rightly as a profound national failure.

If global records show that over 140 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty and the geopolitical North has nearly 70% of this number, and they are still trying the methods that produced such alarming statistics, then something is wrong.
The likes of Ali Modu Sheriff, who has a strong link to the cause of the major problem of the North today, ought to know this sad fact and be hiding in shame.

The few political elites pushing for the old order are selfish because they desire to continue growing the few rich even richer and the poor getting poorer and increasing in numbers.

Unless and until the region resolves to use the 2027 poll to start a people-oriented politics, they may kiss goodbye to the so-called Northern political myth.

If not, at the end of the day, the geopolitical North will gnash their teeth over squandered opportunities in the way and manner they handle the political advantages available to them.

One of their regrets when the time comes will be the political romance the region entered into in 2014 with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Tinubu marriage with the North will be likened to what happens to a player who over-dribbles and ends up scoring an own goal. In the Tinubu/North project, with the main masterminds Nasir El-Rufai and Abubakar Malami now thoroughly embattled, nobody needs further proof that it’s an own goal. Yes, as a result, the North became President for eight years, but how did the region fare under a Northern President? Reports show that more people entered multidimensional poverty under the watch of a Northern President.

The emotional torture the geopolitical North will experience if they fail to rise in 2027 and re-create their political relevance will be far-reaching.

Despite the vocal voice of some very few selfish Northern elites, the conversation ahead of 2027 is rapidly shifting from mere electoral calculations to a deeper, more fundamental reality: the political landscape of Northern Nigeria cannot rely on the old strategies of ethnic bloc voting or numerical triumphalism. If the North is to secure its future, command genuine respect in national alignments, and deliver prosperity to its people, it must embrace a few cold, hard political truths.

Since 1999, the North’s ultimate political card has been its massive demographic weight—the regional voting bloc that could single-handedly tilt a presidential election. But something happened in 2023 that shattered the illusion that numbers alone guarantee cohesive power. The socioeconomic realities since then have made it clearer that demographics without development are a liability, not an asset. What better proof supports this assertion than that the region with the highest fertile farmland is facing acute hunger, with 17 million in danger of dying of no food to eat.

With a vast youth population facing severe unemployment, out-of-school children challenges, and persistent regional insecurity, the North cannot afford to view 2027 merely as a contest for central power. The region must realise that true political negotiation capital is built on food security, industrialisation, and regional economic self-reliance, not just the volume of PVCs registered.

Even at that, the concept of a monolithic, singular “North” that speaks with one voice politically is an outdated myth. The political divergence between the North-West, North-East, and the Middle Belt (North-Central) is wider than ever. The Middle Belt continues to assert its distinct identity, driven by unresolved security concerns and historical grievances over marginalisation. The North-West and North-East are increasingly fragmented by hyper-local dynamics, shifting party alignments, and competing regional kingmakers—from Kano’s distinct political machinery to the emerging power centres in Borno and Kaduna. Any attempt to force an artificial “Northern consensus” around a Northern candidate or agenda ahead of 2027 will fail. The truth the region must embrace is that pluralism is here to stay. Northern leaders must learn to negotiate through coalitions and mutual respect rather than assuming regional compliance. Today’s North no longer has the Talakawa father, Aminu Kano, or Maitama Sule, Adamu Ciroma, Abubakar Rimi, Solomon Lar, Sunday Awoniyi, Paul Unongo, Joseph Taraki, Balarabe Musa, or Olusola Saraki, men who earned Northern and national respect for their selfless and forthright leadership—not on their wealth stolen from public office, as is the case with the current unprincipled leaders. Unlike the fragmented North of today with its various ethnic and religious badges, none of these leaders was identified primarily by ethnicity—Fulani, Hausa, Kanuri, Tiv, Igala, or Igbara, etc.

The disastrous eight-year reign of President Muhammadu Buhari, despite the near-unanimous support he received from the region, glaringly proved one thing: power at the centre does not automatically translate to prosperity at home. Except for Tinubu’s three-year calamitous reign, more Northerners fell into poverty under Buhari’s watch. The insecurity germinated under President Jonathan but bloomed under Buhari. By the end of Buhari’s tenure in 2023, the region remained the hardest hit by banditry, agricultural disruption, and poverty.

Buhari’s era established the hardest truth Northern political elites must face: that having a son of the soil in Aso Rock does not automatically translate to the development of the region. That is why ahead of 2027, the focus of the North must shift from who occupies the presidency to what structural concessions the region can secure. The North needs a rigorous, non-partisan development agenda focused on reclaiming its vast agricultural belt from insecurity, restructuring federal resource allocations to empower subnational growth, and most importantly, investing heavily in human capital infrastructure. That is why the Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso team should be attractive to the North because of their antecedents in human capital development, especially Obi’s consistency that the North is the future wealth base of Nigeria with its vast agricultural land.
Late Aminu Kano remains the most notable fighter for the poor, earning recognition as the father of the Talakawa, but his death in 1983 led to political elites capturing the space and weaponising the very essence Aminu Kano fought against. Instead, religion and ethnic sentiment grew stronger, further dividing the poor and making them vote against their economic interests.

Today, contemporary critics looking at the growing poverty and out-of-school children in the North point to the absence of a modern version of Aminu Kano. Perhaps the closest to Aminu Kano by his antecedents and love for the poor is Rabiu Kwankwaso, and he should be supported if the region is desirous of embracing a new political thinking that targets the emancipation of the poor. The North’s path to relevance in 2027 lies in building bridgeheads, offering viable, competent leadership alternatives, and showing a readiness to partner on national stability rather than regional dominance. Tinubu’s seeming political agenda of dismantling the geopolitical North has been adequately tested in the treatment being meted out to Nasir El Rufai and Abubakar Malami. The regime no longer looks at the yeoman role they played in bringing it to power but is interested in the benefits therein in caging them.

The bottom line of this conversation is that the 2027 election cycle will not be won by appealing to old regional sentiments. The North must allow itself to evolve from a strategy of “capturing power” to a strategy of “negotiating value”—and that begins by prioritising the economic survival and security of its people over elite political positioning.

If the North approaches 2027 with the old playbook—demanding the presidency simply because “we have the number” or out of reactive frustration—it will alienate necessary allies across the Niger. This election cycle is the last chance for the region’s leadership to pivot from a strategy of absolute control to one of sophisticated negotiation. The goal must centre on securing specific, non-negotiable deliverables on regional development, infrastructure, and decentralised security in exchange for its massive electoral weight. The reality check for 2027, for me, is not the last chance for the North to survive; it is the last chance for the North to decide how it wants to coexist in the modern federation. Relying on emotional, insular politics will lead to fragmentation and diminished influence. The alternative is to step into the arena as a pragmatic, clear-eyed economic partner who demands substance over sentiment.

 

Pro-Tinubu Group cites security gains, backs President for second term

 

By Our Reporter

A pro-President Bola Ahmed Tinubu support organization, Forward Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2027 Independent Campaign Group has defended the Federal Government’s security strategy, arguing that increased investment in the fight against insurgency, banditry and kidnapping is yielding results, while calling on Nigerians to return the President to office in the 2027 general elections.

The Group made the call during its official endorsement ceremony in Abuja, where its leaders said the administration’s record in security, infrastructure, education and economic reforms justifies another four-year mandate.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the group, Sadiq Yusuf, said no previous administration had committed as much funding to combating insecurity as the current government.

According to him, the Federal Government’s allocation of over ₦5 trillion to the security sector demonstrates President Tinubu’s determination to confront Nigeria’s security challenges through improved funding, recruitment, training and modern equipment.

Yusuf maintained that sustained investment remains the most effective way to address terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities threatening lives and livelihoods across the country.

He also pointed to the recruitment of additional police officers and other security personnel as evidence of the administration’s commitment to strengthening the country’s security architecture.

“Insecurity cannot be defeated without adequate funding,” Yusuf said. “Technology, intelligence gathering, military hardware and continuous training all require significant investment. We believe the government has shown the political will to confront these challenges.”

He further argued that security challenges confronting Nigeria predate the current administration and should be viewed as long-standing national issues requiring sustained interventions rather than short-term political solutions.

Beyond security, Yusuf said the group’s endorsement of President Tinubu was based on what it described as the administration’s broader achievements over the last three years. He defended the government’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, describing the decision as painful but necessary to avert a more severe economic crisis.

According to him, while many Nigerians continue to experience hardship, the reforms are gradually restoring confidence in the economy and laying the foundation for sustainable growth. “The endorsement is about continuity,” he said. “We believe the President deserves another opportunity to consolidate the reforms already underway.”

Yusuf also praised ongoing infrastructure projects across the country, saying the administration had accelerated road construction to bridge decades of infrastructure deficits. He argued that investments in strategic highways would improve transportation, stimulate commerce and strengthen national economic integration.

The Director-General equally highlighted the Federal Government’s student loan programme, describing it as one of the administration’s landmark achievements in expanding access to higher education. He said the initiative has enabled students from less privileged backgrounds to finance their education without placing additional financial burdens on their families.

Also speaking, the group’s Diaspora Director, High Chief Wisdom Chukwuma Okoye, urged Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in the 2027 elections. He described President Tinubu as a leader committed to national development and said Nigerians should support policies they believe are in the country’s long-term interest. Okoye also appealed for issue-based politics, urging political actors to focus on national development rather than divisive rhetoric.

The National Women Leader of the group, Nkiru Uraih, said women had benefited from the administration’s empowerment initiatives and increased representation in government citing appointments of women into key public offices and support programmes for female entrepreneurs as evidence of the government’s commitment to gender inclusion.

Uraih encouraged women across the country to remain actively involved in politics and governance while supporting leaders they believe will advance their interests.

The endorsement ceremony attracted members of the campaign group, political supporters and stakeholders, who pledged to mobilise support for President Tinubu ahead of the next presidential election.

The event comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum, with various interest groups and political organisations beginning consultations and endorsement campaigns.

President Tinubu’s administration has consistently argued that reforms introduced since May 2023—including changes to fuel subsidy, foreign exchange policy and increased investment in infrastructure and security—are designed to reposition the country for long-term economic growth and stability.

……………………………

Members of the Forward Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2027 Independent Campaign Group (ICG) gathered for an official endorsement event.

 

 

 Dr. Sadiq Yusuf, Director General, Forward Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2027 Independent Campaign Group (ICG)

 

 

ICPC arrests El-Rufai’s doctor, alleges abuse of court-approved medical visit

ICPC arrests El-Rufai’s doctor, alleges abuse of court-approved medical visit

 

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested Professor Bello Abubakar, the personal physician to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that a court-approved medical visit was used for purposes outside those authorised by the court.

 

In a statement on Tuesday, the anti-graft agency said the development followed a medical visit granted to El-Rufai, who is currently in ICPC custody and standing trial on criminal charges before the Kaduna State High Court.

 

According to the commission, El-Rufai failed to appear in court on July 6, the first day of the accelerated hearing, after declining to leave custody for the court, insisting he wanted to see his personal doctor.

 

The ICPC said it informed the court that El-Rufai had not previously requested the consultation and that its medical officer reported he had no immediate medical complaints, but stated that his wife and legal counsel, Asia El-Rufai, requested the visit.

Following the court proceedings, which were adjourned until July 15 to determine an application seeking the trial judge’s recusal, the commission said it approved the medical visit under security escort in compliance with the court’s directive.

 

However, the ICPC alleged that photographs later posted on Facebook by one of El-Rufai’s political associates, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showed the former governor meeting with political associates, including Professor Bello Abubakar, during what was meant to be a private medical consultation.

 

The commission said the images suggested the hospital visit was used for activities beyond the purpose approved by the court, describing the development as a violation of the court order.

 

It said Professor Bello Abubakar was subsequently arrested for allegedly making false statements and has been taken into custody for further investigation.

 

The ICPC also said it would bring the alleged breach of the court order to the attention of the court, warning that it would no longer tolerate what it described as abuse of the professional courtesies extended to suspects and defendants in its custody.

 

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to operating within the law while insisting it would take appropriate action against any attempt to undermine judicial processes or abuse its goodwill. Conclaveng.

Kwankwaso fires back at Ali Sheriff, says Peter Obi has strong northern support

 

 

Former Kano State  Governor and national leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has dismissed claims by former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, that Peter Obi lacks significant political support in Northern Nigeria. Government

 

Kwankwaso responded on Tuesday in a post shared on X, saying he was disappointed by Sheriff’s comments during a Channels Television interview on Monday.

 

“I watched with disappointment the recent interview granted by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff to Channels Television on Monday,” Kwankwaso wrote.

 

“After a prolonged absence from public discourse, one would have expected that time away might have sharpened Senator Sheriff’s judgment. Regrettably, that does not appear to be the case.”

Sheriff had reportedly stated that Obi could not command sizeable support across the North. Kwankwaso rejected that position and said Sheriff was speaking for himself, not for Northern voters.

 

“In the interview, the former governor claimed that Peter Obi cannot command sizeable support in Northern Nigeria. It is curious that he has appointed himself spokesperson for the Northern masses. For the record, in his first outing on the presidential ballot, Mr. Obi secured approximately 2.8 million votes in the region — a remarkable achievement that cannot be dismissed lightly,” he said. Africans& Diaspora

 

Kwankwaso argued that current economic and security challenges, combined with public frustration with the ruling APC administration, could alter voting patterns in the next election. He also referenced a potential joint ticket with Obi.

 

“Given the current national hardships, the widespread consensus on the failure of the APC administration, and the addition of a strong Northern figure to the ticket who previously garnered 1.45 million votes in the region, the OK ticket remains a formidable force in Northern  politics,” he added.

 

He further faulted Sheriff’s comment that voters in Kano would not support Obi. According to him, Kano electorates have consistently backed the Kwankwasiyya movement irrespective of ethnic or religious lines.

 

“Even more surprising was Senator Sheriff’s assertion that the people of Kano would not vote for Mr. Obi. Let me state clearly: the good people of Kano are neither bigoted nor xenophobic. They have consistently demonstrated strong trust in the Kwankwasiyya movement and will support any credible ticket presented under its banner.”

 

Kwankwaso advised Sheriff to focus on issues in Borno State rather than make remarks that could deepen political divisions.

 

“I respectfully advise Senator Sheriff that, in future national television appearances, he would do better to speak to the serious insecurity and humanitarian challenges facing his home state, rather than making divisive and poorly considered remarks.”

He concluded by expressing confidence in the “OK ticket” as a viable alternative for Nigerians. Africans& Diaspora

 

“The OK ticket currently represents the best opportunity for Nigerians to reset the country and place it on a path of competence, unity, and progress.” Conclaveng.

 

Tinubu orders 30-day ICPC probe into fake presidential council scandal

 

 

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), giving the anti-graft agency 30 days to conclude its probe and submit a detailed report.

 

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, following the discovery that the PFIPC was never created by the Federal Government.

 

According to the Presidency, the organisation has no legal foundation and was not established through any law, presidential instrument, executive approval or any other lawful government process.

 

The statement alleged that one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the organisation while claiming to be a presidential appointee.

 

Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate allegations surrounding forged appointment letters and other government documents allegedly used to project the organisation as an official federal institution.

 

The Commission is also expected to examine claims that the false presidential appointment was used to obtain official recognition, diplomatic support and visa facilitation from government institutions and foreign missions.

 

In addition, investigators have been tasked with probing the opening and operation of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using allegedly forged official documents.

 

According to the Presidency, the investigation will also determine the origin and use of the fake government documents, the processes through which official recognition or diplomatic support may have been sought or obtained, the source and movement of funds connected to the alleged scheme, and the roles played by any public official, private individual, financial institution, intermediary or organisation that may have facilitated the operation.

 

The President further instructed the anti-corruption agency to investigate the circumstances that enabled the alleged fake organisation and its claims of presidential backing to appear legitimate.

 

The ICPC is also expected to identify weaknesses in government and institutional procedures that may have been exploited and recommend reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.

 

To ensure a thorough investigation, Tinubu directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government to provide the Commission with all relevant records, documents and assistance required upon lawful request.

 

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to accountability, the President stressed that the integrity of the Presidency and federal institutions must be protected against impersonation, forgery, abuse of official identity and exploitation of weaknesses within the public service.

 

Tinubu also ordered that every person found culpable at the conclusion of the investigation should face prosecution in accordance with the provisions of the law. Franktalknow.

 

FG  begins tsetse fly surveillance, control in prevalent communities

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) has flagged off a Tsetse fly surveillance, community sensitisation, and vector control operations across livestock settlements and markets in parts of Akwa Ibom, with a call for renewed zeal to fight the hazardous nature of tsetse fly infestation in the state’s livestock industry.
The State Coordinator, FMLD, Mrs Ikankeabasi Ukpong, made the call when she hosted the vector surveillance and control team in her office in Uyo.
According to her in a statement by the Deputy Director Press and Public Relations, Henrietta Okokon, on Tuesday, about 12 species of Tsetse fly (genus Glossina) have been identified in Nigeria.
Glossina is the biological genus of tsetse flies, notorious for transmitting African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness).
Ukpong said these groups of tsetse flies often transmit the parasites to humans and animals.
She added, “The name Glossina is a Greek word which means tongue as seen in their proboscis. They are the causative agent of human sleeping sickness in humans and African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT) in livestock. AAT is commonly known as Nagana.
“This leads to severe economic losses due to weight loss, anaemia, reduction in milk or meat production.
“Nagana affects cattle, sheep, and goats; advanced symptoms are drowsiness.”
She said that ,of the identified groups of tsetse flies, the Glosdina palpalis had been endemic to the South South geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
Ukpong said that, since Akwa Ibom lies within the humid tropical zone, the palpalis group usually thrives around the numerous rivers
“In this survey, we will intensify efforts to cover riverine areas like Itu, Mbo, and Oron Local Government Areas.
“We will also work on the cattle domain in Itam. With God on our sides, we will have a successful surveillance to curb tsetse infestation in Akwa Ibom State,” she said.
In his remarks, the State Director of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Teddy Essien, expressed the state government’s appreciation to the Federal Government and the FMLD for giving priority to the area.
He added that the state had been collaborating with the federal government in key areas of its agric programmes, adding that no fewer than six collaborations had been undertaken so far this year.
 He also assured that the team would be taken around the key areas to actualise its advocacy against the spread of the zonotic disease.
“There is no doubt that this vision will further benefit the people of Akwa Ibom and impact on the state’s economy.
“Please we also require feedback. Let’s know what happened in the field, the location you went to ans so on,” Essien said.
Similarly, the Team Leader, Mr Gilbert Okoro, who addressed the ‘entry meeting’, also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to be in Akwa Ibom for the exercise, which would go a long way to boost animal health and that of farmers in the endemic areas.
He said that the exercise was a nationwide project against the spread of the transboundary sickness affecting both humans and animals.
He said that it was the desire of the federal government to curtail the transboundary pest in all the geopolitical zones of the country.
He said the team would set traps and later harvest the trapped flies in areas where the surveillance occurred.
The team will visit Itu, Mbo, and Oron Local Government Areas, including the cattle domain in Itam,  to curb tsetse infestation in those areas. Authority.