Politics
Agitators disturbing peace of Southwest
The Director-General, Strategic Planning and Implementations of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ambassador Tony Obizoba has called for cessation of hostilities by those behind the Sit-at-home that has disrupted socio-economic activities in the Southeast
He said the “madness” should end, urging stakeholders to rise to the occasion.
In a statement, he said the nefarious activities of the agitators can no longer be condoned.
Obizoma said: “The security situation in the South East of Nigeria, occasioned by the activities of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN), is becoming a thing that must no longer be condoned, especially with the way the group appears to be having upper hand over constituted authorities without the governors ever being able to stop them.
“While Nigerians, who blame the Igbo residents operating businesses in the region for complying with the SIT-AT-HOME order of the IPOB, an organisation that has now grown wings stronger and thicker than the political elites that pampered and nurtured them in the first place, may be correct, it must also be spelt out clearly that there is little or hardly anything those residents can do in a situation where the group use force and violence to implement the SIT-AT-HOME order whereas the governors that have the constitutional powers to enforce the law to their security and safety are doing nothing. To do otherwise can be suicidal for the ordinary citizens in the region.
“We can give it to the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Nzodinma, because he has tried a little as he has made bold statements against the IPOB’s order. However, bold statements of the governor could bite, only if they are followed with action.
“The governors, national and state lawmakers of the South East and other political elites in the region should bear it in mind that, for their incessant conspiracy of silence and inaction, they risk the Federal Government of Nigeria taking required action as a last resort and it will have overbearing effects. And knowing full well that the Presidency of the country will, constitutionally, not fold its arms and allow a section of the country to be taken over by powers that are strange to recognition of the law, nobody can do anything about whatever action is taken by Abuja because, owners of town cannot allow their town to scatter, says an adage.
“Some people claim they are fighting for the emancipation of Igbo Land due to what they claim to be lack of development. Under President Muhammadu Buhari, the odds of the past have started coming to even. We have seen elements of development. We have seen roads that were, in actual fact, neglected under politicians that claimed to be our own sons now being fixed. We have seen the Second Niger Bridge, upgraded Enugu International Airport and have seen completed modular and groundbreaking of full fledge refineries brought to the region just like we also have the South East state of Anambra now enlisted as one of oil producing states now accessing the 13 percent derivation and other benefits that are expected to improve the lives of our people.
“In the wake of all of these, it will be out of place that a group of supposed fighters for the ‘liberation’ of Igboland will be the ones leading the fronts for the destruction of the same land they claim to liberate. Now, from whom are they liberating the land when, of a surety, they are physically witnessed destroyers that everybody can see? You cannot continue to blame the Hausa-Fulani for the problem of Igboland because, the resemblance of hope that we have seen so far, which was impossible for the 14 years of our fellow Southerners in power, has been made possible only by the same Hausa-Fulani man that you hate to see in power.”
We should throw sentiments and self deceit to the bin and allow the common sense in us to lead our way for us to access better life. We once witnessed in recent past when this led Federal Government kickstarted the construction of Second Niger Bridge and our own Igbo youths went and blocked the contractors demanding for for N500 million before they could allow the development of their own region take place. Same done to contractors upgrading the Enugu Airport. And we have the same people now claimed that they are doing SIT-AT-HOME for the liberation of their land. Which land?
Again, because of SIT-AT-HOME order of these group, many souls of Igbo people have been destroyed due to blind killer spray that has taken place in the name of implementation of this said order. Travelers coming from other regions of the country to the South East region have had their vehicles set on fire and also got killed. They are fellow Igbo people. What is their offence?Our own children was chased out from exam hall and their motorbikes were destroyed. What is the other characteristic of terrorism if not this?
Funny enough, they fail to extend their SIT-AT-HOME order to Igbo doing businesses in other region in solidarity with their cause. They should have also enforced it on Igbo in Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto and other parts to show they really care.
For how long will governors of South East continue to remain in this conspiracy of silence and allow this group reign to the detriment of the land and the people? What has happened now by their attitude is nothing more than two governments now running the affair of each state of the South East.
It must be stopped immediately because, if the Federal Government will come to do the governors’ work for them, they should know that they will not be the ones in power to witness it as the constitution empowers President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency to restore normalcy, common sense, security peace and order in the place. Gentility of Buhari’s lion, our people should not take it for a coward.
A stitch in time, the adage says, saves nine”
Politics
Tinubu Orders APC Governors to Conduct Free Primaries
Tinubu Orders APC Governors to Conduct Free Primaries
President Bola Tinubu has issued a strong directive to governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), mandating them to ensure free, fair, and rancour-free primaries while granting them full autonomy under the Electoral Act.
The directive followed a strategic meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where governors met with the President to discuss preparations for the party’s primaries ahead of the general elections.
Speaking after the meeting, Mohammed Bago said the governors visited the President to appreciate his support and received what he described as a “marching order” to successfully conduct the primaries.
According to him, Tinubu empowered the governors to adopt either direct primaries or consensus arrangements, provided such decisions align with the law and are accepted by all aspirants.
The meeting, which began around 5 p.m. at the President’s Conference Room, had in attendance key APC governors, including Hope Uzodimma, Inuwa Yahaya, Babagana Zulum, Hyacinth Alia, Biodun Oyebanji, Peter Mbah, and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, among others.
Discussions focused on conducting transparent APC primaries that would strengthen party unity and position it effectively for upcoming elections.
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Meanwhile, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC has clarified that there will be no automatic tickets for the President or first-term governors, opening the contest to all qualified aspirants.
Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, disclosed that the party has adopted both direct and consensus primary options, with a clear condition that consensus must be agreed upon by all aspirants or it will revert to direct primaries.
He emphasised that APC nomination forms are open to all interested Nigerians, dismissing speculation that the process would favour specific candidates.
The party also released a revised timetable in line with the amended Electoral Act 2026 and guidelines from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Sales of nomination forms will run from April 25 to May 2, 2026, while submission of completed forms closes on May 4, 2026. Screening of aspirants is scheduled between May 6 and May 9, with results to be published on May 11.
Primary elections will hold across categories, culminating in the APC presidential primary on May 23, 2026, following an adjustment from the earlier date of May 15–16.
The party also confirmed that updated membership records have been transmitted to INEC, ensuring compliance with electoral requirements.
Tinubu’s directive is widely seen as a move to promote internal democracy, transparency, and party discipline, while preventing disputes that could weaken the APC ahead of the elections.
Political observers note that opening the race to all aspirants could intensify competition but also enhance credibility if managed effectively.
Tinubu Orders APC Governors to Conduct Free Primaries
Politics
Senator Barau Empowers APC Leaders in Kano with 47 Cars, 282 Motorcycles
Senator Barau Empowers APC Leaders in Kano with 47 Cars, 282 Motorcycles
The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, has distributed 47 Sharon vehicles and 282 Boxer motorcycles to leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano North Senatorial District as part of a large-scale empowerment programme aimed at strengthening party structure and grassroots mobilisation.
The distribution exercise, held in Kano State, also covered former party officials in the district. According to organisers, the initiative is designed to improve mobility for party activities, enhance coordination, and support beneficiaries in building sustainable livelihoods.
Senator Barau Empowers APC Leaders in Kano with 282 Motorcycles
Speaking at the event on Wednesday, the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Senate President, Muhammad Abdullahi, said the programme was targeted at promoting self-reliance and human development among recipients.
He praised Senator Barau for consistent interventions in the senatorial district, saying the empowerment items would help improve living standards and ease transportation challenges faced by party officials.
Abdullahi also urged beneficiaries not to sell the vehicles and motorcycles, but to use them productively to generate income and support their families.
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The media aide to Senator Barau, Shittu Madaki, confirmed the distribution, stating that the items included 47 cars and 282 motorcycles, with additional empowerment packages expected in subsequent phases.
He noted that the initiative reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen APC structures and deepen grassroots engagement in Kano North.
Also speaking, the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Salihu Takai, said the programme aligns with the grassroots implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s policy direction under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the empowerment drive is not an isolated intervention but part of a sustained development effort in the district, with more support programmes expected.
Beneficiaries included APC local government chairmen, secretaries, and former party officials, many of whom expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as timely support for party operations and grassroots mobilisation.
The programme has also generated public discussion, with supporters praising it as a boost for political organisation and economic empowerment, while critics argue that such initiatives reflect the broader role of political patronage in Nigeria’s democratic system.
Senator Barau Empowers APC Leaders in Kano with 47 Cars, 282 Motorcycles
Politics
Garo’s Appointment as Deputy Sparks Optimism for APC in Kano
Garo’s Appointment as Deputy Sparks Optimism for APC in Kano
A political pressure group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Emerging Progressives Leaders’ Forum, has commended Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for appointing Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor, describing the move as strategic and capable of reshaping the party’s political fortunes in the state.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Hafiz Idris, the forum said the appointment reflects a clear understanding of Kano’s complex political dynamics and the need for experienced leadership to strengthen governance and party cohesion.
The group noted that Kano remains a critical political battleground in Nigeria, making leadership choices within the state highly consequential for both governance and future electoral outcomes.
According to the forum, Garo’s selection underscores a deliberate effort to stabilise the political structure and foster unity among stakeholders amid ongoing realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The forum highlighted Garo’s extensive public service record, pointing to his previous roles in Kano’s political landscape, including his experience in legislative and executive positions, as well as his reputation as a grassroots mobiliser with deep connections across communities.
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It described him as a loyal party stalwart whose contributions to the growth of the APC in Kano have been significant over the years.
“Hon. Murtala Sule Garo is a grassroots politician with vast experience and deep connection with the people. His choice will not only consolidate governance but also reposition the APC for greater strength and unity in Kano State,” the statement read.
The group further expressed confidence that the Yusuf-Garo partnership would promote inclusiveness, improve coordination within government, and enhance service delivery across the state.
It added that the appointment could help bridge internal divisions within the APC, encouraging reconciliation among party factions and strengthening the party’s structure at both the state and grassroots levels.
Observers say the endorsement reflects broader efforts by political actors within the APC to reposition the party in Kano following recent electoral shifts and internal challenges.
The forum also urged party members and supporters to rally behind the new deputy governor, stressing that unity, discipline, and collective commitment are essential to achieving the party’s long-term objectives.
With political activities gradually building ahead of the next election cycle, the group maintained that strategic alliances such as the Yusuf-Garo pairing could play a decisive role in shaping Kano’s political direction in the coming years.
Garo’s Appointment as Deputy Sparks Optimism for APC in Kano
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