By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

The Chairman of the Rapporteur and Proceedings Sub-Committee, of the All Progressives Congress National Convention, Prof Rufai Ahmed Alkali, has raised the alarm over a fake image being circulated on the social media by unknown persons.

The disturbing image, currently being circulated on WhatsApp and other platforms, was falsely linked to his DP with PDP colours and symbols at the
background, at an unknown event, where the faces appeared to be PDP members were holding a meeting.

Prof Alkali disassociated himself from the image and maintained that he resigned from the PDP over ten years ago and never had any meeting with PDP Members as insinuated in the picture.

He emphasized that he has been very busy recently working for the success of the APC and President Bola Tinubu reelection in 2027.

He also raised issued about the timing of the circulation of the controversial image when he was busy working for the successful conduct of the APC National Convention.

His words: “Let me state clearly and unequivocally that, this image is fake,
manipulated, and the product of a malicious act.
For over four decades in my public and party life, I have
deliberately avoided engaging in needless controversies or
responding to faceless provocations.

“However, this particular incident is too serious for me to ignore, especially given the calculated timing and intent behind it.

“This act was carried out on the very day and at the very time I was fully engaged at the National Convention of the All Progressives
Congress (APC), held on Friday 27th March, 2026, at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

‘I was not there as bystander, but in my capacity as Chairman of the Rapporteur andProceedings Sub-Committee, working alongside other dedicated members to ensure the success of the Convention.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I resigned formally and publicly from the PDP nearly ten years ago, alongside respected leaders such
as Professor Jerry Gana, Professor Tunde Adeniran, Alhaji Shehu Gabam, and many others.

“Since then, my political journey has remained open and consistent. Of course, I did serve as the National Chairman of the
NNPP in 2022, but I stepped down honourably in 2023 after the general elections, and subsequently joined the APC- where I remain loyal and fully committed towards the progress and advancement of the party.

“It is therefore not only false but utterly illogical for anyone to suggest that I would be associated, directly or indirectly, with a
platform I left voluntarily nearly a decade ago.

“What we are witnessing is a desperate and clumsy attempts by unknown individuals to mislead the public and create confusion.

“I urge everyone to disregard this fabrication completely.

“Let me assure you all, I remain focused, resolute, and forward looking, and no amount of mischief and blackmail will distract me
from the task ahead. As we always say, forward ever, backward never!
My clear focus and direction now is towards – a greater and better Nigeria and the success of the APC in the 2027 General Elections at all levels.

“What is before me now is a Special Project, code named: Tinubu 2 Terms – Forward Nigeria, 2027!
We shall unveil the Project, not in too distant future. I trust, by the special grace of God, we shall prevail and triumph.”

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

Traditional rulers, thousands of elders, youths, women groups and other Niger Delta stakeholders under various peace advocacy groups have showered encomium on the foremost Niger Delta ex-agitator, Chief Ebikabowei Victor-Ben, also known as “General Boyloaf” as he marks his birthday.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers and the various groups in Yenagoa, Chief Douye Emmanuel stated that “patriotic stakeholders across the Niger Delta region are elated about the achievements of the celebrant within the region and the nation at large and called on other leaders in the region to emulate Chief Victor-Ben’s selfless service to his people for the development of the region.

”Chief Emmanuel stated that “Chief Victor-Ben is a distinguished figure with a rich blend of academic, professional, and activist achievements. He holds a master’s degree with Distinction in Intelligence and Global Security, and a Bachelor of Science degree with First Class Honours in International Relations and Diplomacy.”

“Complementing his formal education, he has acquired numerous certifications in International Security and Conflict Resolution, underscoring his expertise in National Security and other critical areas.”

“Chief Victor-Ben’s prominence extends beyond academia into significant political and social arenas. His political engagement is a testament to his commitment to national development and governance.”

“A key chapter in Chief Victor-Ben’s life is his advocacy for his people’s rights and development of the Niger Delta region, which has long been plagued by underdevelopment and environmental degradation despite being rich in natural resources.”

“In 2009, his efforts culminated in direct collaboration with the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to establish the Presidential Amnesty Programme. This initiative aims to rehabilitate and reintegrate former militants into society, promoting peace and stability in the region.”

“Demonstrating remarkable leadership, Chief Victor-Ben was the first major ex-militant leader in the Niger Delta to publicly endorse the Presidential Amnesty. He set a precedent by ordering thousands of his followers to disarm and embrace the Presidential Amnesty, significantly contributing to the peace process.”

” His actions were pivotal in reducing armed conflict and fostering a more secure environment in the Niger Delta.”

“His contributions led to the astonishing increase in crude oil production from mere 900 thousand barrels per day eventually to over 2.4 million barrels per day.”

“His efforts and navigational skills also led to the drastic reduction in crude oil theft and illegal bunkering across the waterways of the region, leading thousands of his followers to call him The Master and Commander of the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Guinea.”

”He explained that Chief Victor-Ben has in recent years dedicated his efforts to combating crude oil and gas theft, a menace that severely undermines Nigeria’s economy. Leveraging his background in intelligence and global security, he continues to gather surveillance, human intelligence and identifying and counteracting nefarious actors in high places that are involved in this illicit crude oil trade.“

“Chief Ebikabowei Victor-Ben’s journey is marked by a blend of academic excellence, political involvement, and steadfast activism. His contributions to peace, security, and economic stability in the Niger Delta and beyond makes him a notable figure in Nigeria’s contemporary history.”

“His leadership and commitment continue to inspire efforts toward conflict resolution and national development,” the statement reads.

Laide Akinboade,Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) at the weekend, launched a grassroots social mobilisation exercise to promote birth registration in the FCT.

The Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, launched the programme in Abuja,.

She said rural birth registration is aim to address the low level of birth registration, especially children that are born outside the health center in the rural areas.

The exercise, is in collaboration with UNICEF Nigeria, Nigeria Population Commission (NPC), Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and National Orientation Agency (NOA), .

The Mandate Secretary who was represented by Director, Child Development Department, Dr Idris Yahaya Attah, emphasised the importance of birth registration.

The Mandate Secretary said, the initiative, was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to ensure every child is registered and documented, paving way for a brighter future.

“A lot of children are born outside hospitals and in remote communities. These children need to be properly captured and documented as citizens of the FCT and Nigeria”, She said.

Benjamins-Laniyi stressed that accurate data is crucial for planning and development, urging Abaji communities to cooperate with the FCT Administration to ensure they benefit from democratic dividends. UNICEF Nigeria, represented by Mrs Phydelia Abbas, is supporting this initiative.

The exercise, which began on March 26, will cover all Area Councils, with the following schedule:

• Abaji – March 26, 2026 (completed)
• Bwari – March 30, 2026
• Kwali – April 8, 2026
• Gwagwalada- April 9, 2026
• Kuje- April 10, 2026
• AMAC – April 13, 2026

The registration is free for children aged 0-1 year and 1-5 years. .