Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Former military administrator of Lagos and Borno states,
Brigadier-General Buba Marwa (rtd), last Friday, declared that he was in the governorship race of Adamawa State under the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to secure its ticket and win the seat for the Party in the bye election slated for October 11 this year.
He added that he was not afraid of other aspirants, especially Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, being touted as the anointed candidate for the race.
Marwa, who was fielding questions with news men at the National Secretariat of the PDP in Abuja after submitting his nomination form, said, “I’m the candidate to beat in the race for the PDP ticket for the Adamawa State Governorship contest.”
Bauchi
Three policemen were, last Thursday night, killed by
unknown gunmen at a checkpoint at Tilden Fulani in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
It was gathered last Friday that the slain policemen were with two other colleagues on a patrol duty who, however, were not at the scene when they were attacked by the assailants.
Sources, including Toro council area officials, told journalists that the policemen were attacked between 10.30 p.m. and 11.30 p.m. when the two who escaped the attack had gone to eat.
“Five policemen went out for duty last (Thursday) night. It was raining as of that time, but on reaching their regular checkpoint, two of them went into the town to eat, while three stayed behind. But, unfortunately, before they returned, their colleagues had been attacked and killed,” an official of Toro council area, who did not want to be named, told journalists.
Benue
Senate President, David Mark, and the Registrar of the
Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde have stressed the need for a functional education of Nigerian youths as the antidote to the various problems confronting the nation.
They attributed the problems facing the nation including insurgency, violence, armed robbery and drug abuse among others to illiteracy.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Mr. Paul Mumeh, on Sunday, said Mark and Ojerinde spoke in Otukpo, Benue state on Sunday.
Mumeh explained that the event was the closing ceremony of the 2014 Prof. Odusola Ojerinde ( late wife of the JAMB Registrar memorial golf tournament.
Borno
Force Headquarters, yesterday, confirmed that following
the deadly attack by suspected Boko Haram fighters on the Mobile Police Training School, Gwoza, last week, 35 of its officers were still missing.
The police, however, noted that search and rescue efforts had led to the recovery of scores of policemen, adding that the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, had ordered the tightening of security in police formations across the country to prevent future attacks.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Emmanuel Ojukwu, in this regard, said, “Following the attack launched by insurgents on the Gwoza Training camp of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (PMF), the Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Suleiman Abba has since ordered the tightening of security around all police facilities in the country in addition to efforts made to further protect the lives of all people in Nigeria and their properties.
FCT
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has appointed Corps
Commander Stella Uchegbu as the new Corps Public Education Officer to replace Assistant Corps Marshal Jonas Agwu who is now Zonal Commanding Officer in charge of Zone RS7, Abuja at Gwagwalada.
Until her new assignment, Stella Uchegbu, who is a seasoned and thoroughbred officer, was the Nodal Officer at the FRSC SERVICOM Unit at the Abuja national headquarters, during which the Corps received commendable ratings for consistent compliance with SERVICOM principles.
Jigawa
The Jigawa Government says it has trained 238 traditional
rulers on alternative dispute resolution across the state.
The Chairman, Jigawa Justice Sector and Law Reform Commission, Justice Tijjani Abubakar, made the disclosure at a one-day conference on Traditional Justice System in Dutse.
Abubakar explained that the monarchs were trained on Nigeria’s legal system, record keeping, human rights issues and development of code of ethics.
He said another batch of 191 traditional rulers comprising council members and district heads from the five emirates council were currently being trained across the state.
Kwara
As the 2015 general elections draw near, labour leaders,
civil society activists, academics and politicians in Kwara State have resolved to elect leaders with vision and progressive ideas, noting that they would expand the political space to enable the election of competent leaders.
Speaking after a colloquium held in Ilorin tagged: ‘The Need for Progressive Leadership in Kwara State” and organised by The Leaders Institute, Professor Hassan Saliu of the University of Ilorin; former minister, Dr. Amina Ndalolo; former bank executive, Princess Shola Adedoyin and Vice-President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Issa Aremu, all agreed that the event was auspicious and the theme was a right step in the right direction.
Lagos
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised the alarm
over a plan by unscrupulous and apparently-hired hands to relaunch the acronym battle against the party by seeking to register three new parties that bear the acronyms of the same parties that merged to become the APC.
In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said those behind the phantom parties, who are apparently working at the behest of people who have a mortal fear of the APC, have applied to INEC to register the Allied Council of Nigeria (ACN); Advanced National Patriotic Party (ANPP) and Conservative People’s Congress (CPC).
Oyo
Some ministers from the South-West geo-political zone
flocked the pro-Jonathan rally held at Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, Oyo State capital on Saturday by the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN).
The group urged President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to run for a second term in office, come 2015.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, who received the collection of booklets from the Chief of Staff to the President, retired General Jones Arogbofa, commended the people of the zone for the love and support expressed to Mr. President.
Sokoto
As part of efforts to prevention of Ebola virus disease, a
public lecture was yesterday held in Sokoto with a call on relevant authorities to enhance surveillance at the nation’s borders to prevent infected persons from entering into the country.
Traditional/religious leaders, health personnel, airport officials, students, security and law enforcement operatives and various other groups thronged the Sultan Maccido Institute of Quranic Education for the programme organised by the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto and the State’s Ministry of Health.
Speaking at the occasion, the Director of Port Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Nasiru Gwarzo noted the need for coordinated response to stop the spread of the disease.
He said the federal and state governments and other stakeholders were ensuring required partnership to stop the menace of the Ebola virus disease.
Taraba
A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Jalingo, Friday adjourned
the case between the Taraba State University and staff members of the State College of Education, Zing, over the occupation of staff quarters till August 25 for further hearing.
The university is praying the court to grant it permission to evict the staff members of the college from the quarters, arguing that all the structures of the college, including the quarters, had been given to the university by the state government.
When the case came up for hearing, counsel to staff members of the college, Saleh Wakili, tendered an application, asking the court to join the Taraba State government and the college of education in the case, saying they were the owners of the disputed property.
Yobe
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State
yesterday said that the dismissal of alleged impeachment plot against Governor Ibrahim Gaidam by the state lawmakers has diffused tension among the citizenry.
Yobe state Secretary of the party, Alhaji Abubakar Bakabe, made the submission in a statement made available to journalists.
“The party commended the timely response of the legislators to the allegation and also passed a vote of confidence on the governor,” Bakabe said.
“As the ruling party in the state, APC has a sitting governor, three senators, six members of House of Representatives, 24 members of the State House of Assembly and 17 local government chairmen.
He listed the projects to include roads, healthcare delivery, functional education and employment opportunities for the benefit of the people.
Members of the state House of Assembly on Tuesday 19 August dismissed rumours that they had perfected plans to impeach Gaidam.
L-R: Governor Saidu Dakingari of Kebbi State, Executive Secretary, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Ado Mohammed and Chairman, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, Alhaji Ibrahim Dan-Illelah, at the presentation of UNICEF and EU Medical Support Materials for Maternal and Child Health Care in Birnin Kebbi, last Friday.
The Presiding Bishop of Kingdom Life Gospel Ministries Outreach, Port Harcourt, Bishop Victor Uzosike, has described love as the bedrock of human existence, family stability and societal harmony, stressing that without love, nothing meaningful can thrive.
Bishop Uzosike made this assertion while speaking to journalists during the wedding ceremony of his daughter, Praise Uzosike, to Architect Chibuzor Akubueze on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The solemnisation was held at the Kingdom Life Gospel Ministries Outreach, Port Harcourt, and was attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.
According to the cleric, love is not only the foundation of relationships but also a powerful force that determines the success of individuals, families and communities.
“If you do not love a place, that place will not bless you. If you do not love your children, they will not be useful to you. If you do not love your family, your family will become a strange island to you. What you do not love, you do not have. Love is the key,” he said.
Reflecting on his family’s journey, Bishop Uzosike said God’s love had sustained them through seasons of challenges and triumphs, noting that unity had remained their greatest strength.
“We have stayed together as one family. God has shown us love in miraculous and mysterious ways, especially during difficult times,” he stated.
Describing the wedding as an amazing and beautiful experience, the bishop expressed appreciation for the show of love from his daughter’s friends, many of whom travelled from the United Kingdom and Ghana to attend the ceremony. He revealed that some of them personally paid for their flights and accommodation, which he described as a rare display of genuine friendship.
He also disclosed that his first daughter, who lives in Manchester, United Kingdom, with her husband, could not attend the wedding due to tight schedules, but noted that she remains happily married and fulfilled.
While thanking guests for honouring his family with their presence, prayers and goodwill, Bishop Uzosike said he felt proud and grateful to God.
“One of the greatest gifts God can give to a man is children who are sound in all ramifications. My children can see, hear, speak and walk. That alone is enough reason to be grateful,” he said.
He praised the bride, describing Praise as an exceptional achiever who had distinguished herself academically. According to him, she completed secondary school at 15, graduated with First Class honours at 19, and earned distinctions in her MBA as well as her first and second master’s degrees.
“For a long time, people believed that highly educated women may not marry early or at all. Today, Praise has proved otherwise. She has made her mother and me very proud,” he said, describing her as a rare gem.
Bishop Uzosike also expressed joy over his son-in-law, whom he described as God-fearing, disciplined and professionally sound.
“He is well brought up, passionate about God and morally upright. His parents did a great job. My wife, Pastor Esther, also did an excellent job,” he added.
The wedding ceremony attracted prominent personalities, including the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof. Ngozi Odu; the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Ayemeyie; and several senior clerics.
Bishop Fidelis Ugbong officiated the solemnisation, while Apostle Chika Onuzo delivered the sermon, identifying communication, sex and money as key factors that can strengthen or weaken marriages.
Prof. Ngozi Odu also prayed for the couple and paid glowing tributes, drawing admiration from attendees.
The reception, held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt, was equally colourful. Justice Matilda Ayemeyie proposed the toast, describing marriage as not always a bed of roses and emphasising patience, commitment and understanding.
The event was chaired by Chief Henry Nwabugo and attended by notable personalities, including retired Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili; Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey; Hon. Otunba Jumbo; Nze Best Anele; and Prof. Henry Ogiri, among others.
Guests were entertained with dance performances by the couple, while the parents’ outing added elegance to the celebration. The master of ceremonies, Ambassador Kingsley, kept the audience engaged with humour and interactive sessions.
Overall, the wedding was a remarkable blend of spirituality, culture and celebration, marked by love, joy and unforgettable moments.
Nation
2027: APC Chieftain Predicts Tinubu’s Victory …Says Bayelsa Stakeholders Supporting President en masse … IPAC Knitted Together, Working In Synergy With His Office
Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC), in Bayelsa State and Special Adviser to the State Governor on Inter-Party Relations, Dr Jackson Ebi Suokiri has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would secure landslide win in the 2027 Presidential polls.
The Governor’s Aide stated this in Yenagoa, the state capital on Wednesday while fielding questions from newsmen against the backdrop of Tuesday’s pioneer Stakeholders meeting of the party convened by the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri as leader of the Party in the State upon his recent defection late last year.
He averred that Party stakeholders in the state were prepared to give the President the massive support needed to return elected, come 2027 following his sterling trajectory of performance and qualitative leadership prowess.
Dr Suokiri stressed that the reason for the governor’s swapping of party was in the best interest of the state, while also noting that the governor took the right decision as there was no need continuing with opposition politics even as the state has to align with the national government for rapid socioeconomic and political advantages for the state and its people.
“Governor Diri’s defection like you’ve personally heard him saying was for the best interest of our state, Bayelsa. When you’ve a President performing well at the national level and being very supportive to your state as a governor, I don’t think you’ve to be in an opposition party anymore, but rather align with the centre.
“Diri is a bridge builder. He is at peace with everybody and willing to work with all, irrespective of party affiliations or political differences for the interest of the state.
“As Stakeholders we’ve resolved to collectively work to return President Tinubu elected for second term in 2027. And you can see the Governor is not pressuring anybody or the structure of his former party, the PDP to defect like he has done.
“The PDP structure in the state is still intact, and for the APC, his new Party even as current leader in the State, he has been working with the structure and everybody he met on ground, hence you can see that the APC Caretaker Committee led by Dr. Dennis Otiotio has been maintained at the pioneer Stakeholders meeting convened by the Governor.
“But you must also know like you’ve seen and I’ve previously said that Governor Diri has outperformed expectations of Bayelsans in all sectors, be it economy, infrastructure, health, education, etc.”, he said.
Meanwhile, as against insinuations that some political parties were not working with the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter-Party Relations, the Governor’s Aide has revealed that as it were currently, all the 19 registered political parties with presence in the state are working in unity with his office as members of the Inter-party advisory council (IPAC).
“IPAC is working in unity with my office. Before the Governor’s defection the only party that wasn’t working with my office was the APC. But since after his formal defection, the APC and even those other parties that were either sympathetic to the APC, the governor’s new party or the PDP, his former Party are all now working together with my office as members of IPAC”, Suokiri added.
By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
