By John Audu, Abuja

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, praised President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, describing him as a visionary leader whose economic reforms are gaining respect among Nigerians.

During a meeting with a delegation from the Tinubu Young Generation Forum at the party’s secretariat in Abuja, Ganduje highlighted the President’s effective approach to addressing the challenges he inherited upon taking office.

“Our President is doing very well. He is a reformer and a visionary leader. He is focused, and we are pleased with his reforms, which are absolutely necessary for the social and economic development of this country,” Ganduje stated.

He acknowledged the complexity of the issues facing the nation, noting that many problems have developed over a long period and require precise measures to rectify. “There is no doubt that many things went wrong, but we are happy to see the results of these reforms, particularly in the economic sector. We believe they will continue to yield positive outcomes, ensuring the success of our legacy and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.

Ganduje also announced the establishment of a Progressive Institute aimed at educating party members on the APC’s constitution, manifesto, and programs. The institute will provide valuable input for government policy formulation necessary for the country’s development, signifying a shift away from business as usual.

In previous statements, Ganduje assured Nigerians in August 2024 that the benefits of Tinubu’s ambitious reforms would soon be realized. Similarly, in September 2024, he called on the public to reaffirm their trust in the President as his administration continues to lead comprehensive economic reforms.

By John Audu..

Kogi State opposition leader and human rights advocate, Comrade Usman Okai, has asked Governor Usman Ododo to curb what he describes as the “unchecked and excessive powers” of the state’s Accountant General,Dr Habiba Onumoko.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Okai accused the Accountant General of overstepping her constitutional role, alleging financial mismanagement and undue interference in governance.

He warned that her growing influence threatens transparency, accountability, and the welfare of civil servants.

Okai claims that the
Dr Onumoko has taken control of local government administration, with Directors of Local Government (DLGs) and treasurers now reportedly answerable to her rather than the Deputy Governor or the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

“The Accountant General has hijacked the local government administration. Even the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) is afraid of approaching her. We cannot govern a state like this,” Okai said.

He further alleged that she has taken over the responsibilities of both the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Ministry of Finance, leaving other government officials “helpless.”

The opposition leader also raised concerns about financial accountability, claiming that the Accountant General wields significant control over the disbursement of public funds, often to the detriment of workers and pensioners.

“It is unacceptable that the Accountant General wields so much influence over public funds. Governor Ododo must act swiftly to restore confidence in the state’s financial system,” Okai said.

He called for immediate financial reforms, including independent oversight mechanisms, to prevent what he described as “abuse of office and financial recklessness.”

The political analysts suggest that growing concerns over financial irregularities could impact the administration’s credibility.

Comrade Usman Okai has been a vocal critic of the state government, consistently advocating for transparency and accountability. His latest statement adds to mounting concerns about governance and fiscal discipline under Governor Ododo’s leadership.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed strong confidence in his potential victory for a second term in the upcoming 2027 elections. Speaking during a solidarity visit from representatives of the three Local Government Areas that comprise the Kalabari Ethnic Nationality, Fubara stated that he believes nothing can hinder his re-election bid if he chooses to run.

The delegation, which officially endorsed Fubara for re-election, praised his leadership qualities and commitment to infrastructural development, particularly highlighting the ongoing ₦200 billion Trans-Kalabari road project as a testament to his administration’s dedication to improving the state’s infrastructure.

While acknowledging the support from his constituents, Governor Fubara emphasized that his administration’s primary focus is on delivering meaningful impact and progress within the state, rather than solely on the length of time spent in office.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, Fubara’s administration remains committed to its development agenda, with plans to further engage with the public and stakeholders in the lead-up to the elections.

More updates to follow as the situation develops.

By John Audu, Abuja.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the immediate posting and redeployment of Assistant Inspector General of Police, Gumel H. Mohammed, to Zone 7, which encompasses the Federal Capital Territory and Niger State. Mohammed replaces AIG Benneth Igweh, who had only recently assumed his position on September 12, 2024.

This decision is part of a broader move to replace senior police officers implicated in serious misconduct, including forgery, age falsification, and violations of service regulations. A significant number of officers have been relieved of their duties, as highlighted by a report from SaharaReporters, which identified approximately 467 police officers involved in these infractions, including prominent figures like Simon Lough, SAN, and Benneth Igweh.

A police memo obtained by SaharaReporters details the directive: “INFO: INGENPOLSEC ABUJA 254 TH.5361/FS/FHQ/ABJ/SUB.5/ X POSTING SENIOR OFFICER X INGENPOL HAS ORDERED THE POSTING OF AIGPOL GUMEL H. MOHAMMED X TO AIG ZONE ’7 ABUJA X POSTING IS WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT-PLEASE XXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXX.”

In addition to the changes in Zone 7, numerous other senior officers have also been reassigned as part of the ongoing restructuring. While many officers implicated in the scandal have been formally retired, reports indicate that some have quietly stepped down to avoid disciplinary action.

On February 7, 2025, IGP Egbetokun ordered that senior officers who refused to retire must appear before a disciplinary committee. A police signal from that date stated: “INGENPOL directs you warn and release AP. No. 50645 Idowu Owohunwa, AΡ/ΝΟ. 50703, AIG Benneth Igweh, ΑΡ/ΝΟ. 41704, CP Aina Emmanuel, AP/NO.41741, CP Salama Wakili Abdul, ΑΡ/ΝΟ. 46522, Adepoju Olugbenga Adewole, AP/NO. 57917 DCP Simon Lough, SAN, serving yours to appear before the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) sitting from 10/02/2025 TO 13/05/2025. Time 1000HRS; venue IGP’S Conference Hall, 7th floor, Force Headquarters, Abuja.”

Tensions have reportedly escalated within the Nigeria Police Force, as over 200 senior officers are resisting retirement. Some of these officers have served for as long as 44 years. Sources indicate that this unrest has created friction between IGP Egbetokun and Deputy Inspector General of the Federal Investigation Department, Dasuki Galandanchi, who is seeking a two-year extension of his service, citing precedents set by Egbetokun himself.

In a separate development, a police signal dated February 9, 2025, revealed further personnel reshuffling, with multiple officers being reassigned to various commands across the country.

Earlier reports confirmed that the police authorities have fully authorized the retirement of all officers involved in the forgery and age falsification scandal, following an initial pause on the decision. A police wireless message dated February 10, 2025, reiterated this directive, emphasizing the need for compliance with the Police Service Commission’s decisions.

As the Nigeria Police Force continues to navigate this scandal, the focus remains on restoring integrity and accountability within its ranks.