‎‎By Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja

PDP Sets to Hold Ibadan Convention‎‎By Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja‎‎The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) elective convention is set to hold  this weekend in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.‎‎‎Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, and Chairman of the Convention Organising Committee, confirmed this after more than three hours meeting of organs of the party late Thursday night.

‎‎‎”The convention is sacrosanct, we are going to Ibadan,” Fintiri said. ‎‎‎The organs of the PDP that met include the National Work Committee (NWC), the Board of Trustee (BoT) and the Governors’ Forum.‎‎At the crucial meeting were National Chairman, Amb Umar Damagum, BoT Chairman, Amb. Adolphus Wabara, former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, National Publicity Secretary, Hon Debo Ologunagba, Taminu Turaki, SAN, the consensus candidate adopted by Northern Stakeholders of the party, members of the National Assembly among others.‎‎‎Earlier on Thursday, the report of the six-member High Powered Committee constituted by the Board of Trustee (BoT) to reconcile factions in the party was submitted.‎‎‎Secretary of the committee, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, had said the committee met with both factions, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nysom Wike, Samuel Anyanwu, and other members of the PDP NWC suspended along with him, the National Chairman of the party, Amb. Umar Damagum, the PDP Governors’ Forum, and former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki.‎‎Oghiadomhe said, “Subsequently, we sat to deliberate on all the findings from the discussions we had with the various parties.”‎‎However, details of the committee was not made public.

By Eze Okechukwu, Abuja

The Senate, through its Public Accounts Committee declared yesterday that it is ready to launch a thorough investigation into the generation and utilization of stamp duty revenue in Nigeria.The Committee chaired by Senator Aliyu Wadada said the measure is part of the Senate’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency, plug revenue leaks, and ensure the effective use of funds for public welfare.

According to him, the Committee’s inquiry will focus specifically on the stamp duty revenue generated from agreements between the government, individuals, and businesses, stressing that the investigation aims at ensuring that revenue generated is utilized effectively to meet the needs of Nigerians. ”We are determined to ensure that the resources generated through stamp duties are being used transparently and for the benefit of the people,” said Senator Wadada. “The goal is to identify any areas where revenue is being lost and ensure that the funds are being channeled into providing public services and infrastructure”, he said.As part of the investigation, the Committee has written formal requests to several key institutions, including commercial banks, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum. The committee has asked these parties to provide detailed information about the total revenue collected from stamp duties, with particular attention to transactions involving governmental and corporate agreements.The Committee’s probe is seen as a critical step in the Senate’s broader strategy to address financial accountability and maximize revenue generation in Nigeria. According to the committee, stamp duties are a significant but often underutilized source of revenue.”The utilization of stamp duty revenue has not been effectively monitored in the past, and we are determined to change that. This investigation will give us a clear picture of the revenue generated, and help ensure that it is being properly accounted for”, Senator Wadada noted.The Committee which set November 25, 2025 as deadline for the submission of requested information from respective institutions emphasized that the information gathered will be crucial for future policy decisions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s financial systems and ensuring that public funds are used in a manner that directly benefits the citizens.The Senate’s investigation comes at a time when the Nigerian government is under increasing pressure to boost revenue generation, improve public sector transparency, and reduce the financial leaks that have plagued government operations in recent years.

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on the Muslim community in the state to sustain their prayers and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to stand firmly behind his reform-driven leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Governor made the call while hosting members of the Muslim community at a special Walimah titled “365 Days in Office Celebration Walimah of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo” held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Benin City, as part of activities marking his administration’s first anniversary in office.

Addressing the large gathering, Governor Okpebholo expressed gratitude to the Muslim faithful for their prayers, loyalty, and partnership in his first year of governance, describing their unwavering support as a vital pillar of his administration’s success.

“It has been a long and challenging journey, but by the mercy of Allah who presides over the affairs of men, we have come this far,” the Governor said. 

“From the beginning, we made it clear that Edo belongs to all of us, irrespective of religion or background. Our appointments and decisions are guided strictly by competence and capacity.”

Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed that the unity and prosperity of Edo State remain his topmost priority, noting that governance must be driven by service and shared purpose rather than personal ambition.

“The interest of Edo State is greater than any personal or sectional interest,” he declared. “That is why I continue to call on all to pray for our president. Nigeria is one. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a man of courage, character, and truth, committed to repositioning our nation through bold reforms. He deserves our collective prayers and support.”

The Governor pledged his firm political and moral backing for the president, announcing his commitment to deliver a resounding victory for Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

“I have promised the president that we will deliver 2.5 million votes to him come 2027,” Okpebholo stated to a rousing applause. 

“Edo will continue to stand with a president who values competence, integrity, and national unity.”

Governor Okpebholo also reaffirmed his solidarity with the Muslim community, assuring them of continued engagement and support. 

He pledged to remain open to their counsel and to sustain collaboration with religious and traditional leaders across the State.

“One love binds us together as a people,” he said. 

“I will continue to support our Muslim brothers and sisters, listen to their requests, and seek the prayers and guidance of our royal fathers.”

The Special Adviser on Arewa Matters commended the Governor’s inclusive governance style, describing him as a leader whose compassion, fairness, and sense of justice have earned the admiration of all. 

He noted that Okpebholo’s developmental strides were visible across all sectors of the state.

The event featured a documentary showcasing the achievements of the Okpebholo administration in its first year; spanning infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and economic renewal, underscoring what the Governor calls “Practical Governance that touches lives.”

Delivering a goodwill message, former Edo State Deputy Governor, Lucky Imasuen lauded the governor’s people-focused leadership, likening his approach to that of “a medical doctor at an accident scene; calm, deliberate, and compassionate.” 

He stressed that Governor Okpebholo’s administration represents the unity and inclusiveness Edo has long desired.

The event climaxed with an award presentation to the Governor in recognition of his inclusive governance, humility, and dedication to service.

As the celebration drew to a close, Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his conviction that Edo State’s journey under his leadership will continue to reflect the ideals of unity, competence, and faith; a new dawn of leadership anchored on truth, progress, and shared destiny.