By Eze Okechukwu, Abuja

The Senate through its Committee on Capital Market yesterday, said it will summon Lafarge Africa Plc over planned divestment of 83.8% majority shares it controls in the cement industry.This is as the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), assured the Senate that the 16.

19% share held by the Nigerian public in Lafarge, is intact. The Committee had before summoning Lafarge Africa in line with resolution of the Senate on March 27, 2025, had interactive session with management of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Bureau of Public Enterprises ( BPE) and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission ( FCCPC) on alleged planned sale of Lafarge Africa Plc to Chinese Investors . In his submission before the committee, the Director General of SEC, Emmanuel Agama represented by Director, Securities and Investment Services, Abdulkafir Abbas, said SEC has not received any formal filing regarding the proposed divestment of majority shareholding in Lafarge Africa Plc.He however explained that SEC was notified of an internal restructuring involving Holcim Group the majority shareholder in Lafarge Africa Pic.”Holcim Group holds 83.81% of Lafarge Africa Pic’s issued share capital through the following wholly owned entities:”As part of the internal restructuring, the 27.77% equity stake held by Associated International Cement Limited was transferred to another Holcim-owned entity. Davis Peak Holdings Limited. There has been no change in the ultimate beneficial ownership of the shares as a result of this transaction.”In light of the foregoing, the Commission wishes to clarify that no format filing has been made with respect to any proposed sale of Lafarge Africa Pic to Chinese investors”, he said .Representative of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Satura Aisha Bello, in her capacity as Director, Post Transaction, told the committee that the Share Lafarge Africa Plc wants to divest, belong to the company and not the 16.19% share held by Nigerians.She explained further that Lafarge, quoted on stock exchange, holds 83% of the total shares of the three federal government owned cement companies , sold to it in 2001 and 2002 and has not in any way tampered with the 16.19% share meant for Nigerians However, the Committee chaired by Senator Osita Izunaso (APC Imo West), resolved to summon Lafarge Africa Plc on the planned majority shareholding divestment.It also directed its clerk to write the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on what memo and Lafarge article say in terms of divesting shareholding.

By David Torough, Abuja

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno has sparked speculation over a potential political realignment after openly questioning the viability of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a platform for his political aspirations beyond 2027.Eno, who spoke at a constituency outreach meeting on Tuesday in Ikot Akpankuk, Ukanafun Local Government Area, likened the PDP to a faulty aircraft, suggesting he might consider boarding a “different plane” to reach his political destination—an analogy many interpret as a hint at defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“If you wanted to travel with Ibom Airline, and were on the verge of taking off, it developed a fault that won’t enable it to fly; won’t you board the next available plane to take you to your destination?” Eno asked, addressing a large crowd at the Town Square meeting for the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency.His remarks come amid growing concerns over internal disunity and instability within the PDP, exacerbated by recent defections, including that of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the APC.Despite raising concerns about the PDP’s direction, Governor Eno called on his supporters to remain committed to the goals of his administration, emphasizing that service delivery remains his top priority.As part of the engagement, the governor distributed empowerment packages to more than 400 constituents. The distribution included Traders and Farmers Grants, substantial MSME funding, and equipment support.Specifically, 154 traders received grants, 116 farmers were supported; four individuals received N5 million each for business development, and 131 benefitted from equipment support.In his remarks, Governor Eno urged beneficiaries to utilize the funds responsibly and cautioned against investing in Ponzi schemes or other non-productive ventures.“We need to meet with the people from time to time. Governance doesn’t end at elections,” he said. “We’re here to listen, to assess your needs, and to let you know what we’ve done and what we plan to do.”Eno also revealed that the administration had so far covered four of the state’s 10 federal constituencies in this engagement drive and assured that all would be completed in time to incorporate their needs into the 2026 budget.“We will review your requests and prioritize based on available resources. What we can’t do now will be considered in future budgets,” he added. “This government belongs to the people—it is for you, with you, and by you.”Governor Eno has not formally declared any party switch, but his comments have intensified political discussions about the evolving dynamics within Akwa Ibom and the national opposition landscape.PDP to Akwa Ibom Governor: Don’t Flee, We’re Putting Our House in OrderThe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno to prioritize electoral reforms rather than defecting to another party, likely the All Progressives Congress (APC).Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Timothy Osadolor expressed his concerns during an exclusive interview with Vanguard in Abuja on Wednesday, describing the governor’s potential defection as “very, very unfortunate.”Osadolor criticized the move, stressing that Governor Eno, who has benefited from the PDP for over 25 years, has a moral responsibility to advocate for the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system.He emphasized that the governor should instead focus on championing reforms such as the Intelligent Result Viewing Portal (iREV) and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), both of which are key to enhancing transparency in the electoral process.

“When you assume that people possess integrity, class, and substance, it is deeply disappointing to discover they are, in fact, merely small men in oversized clothes and big shoes. There’s a real sense of disillusionment when those you once held in high regard turn out to be far less impressive. I wonder what justification the governor of Akwa Ibom State intends to offer for his defection,” Osadolor remarked, voicing his disappointment in Eno’s reported plans.He further argued that political leaders ought to stand with the Nigerian people in pushing for essential reforms, rather than switching allegiances out of personal fears.This appeal comes amid speculation that Governor Eno may be seeking to avoid potential electoral manipulation in the upcoming 2027 general elections.Osadolor noted that Eno, who has long been a member of the PDP, appears to be contemplating defection out of fear of being “rigged out” in the next elections.“In truth, this is a governor, who has been with the PDP for over 25 years—one who has been given countless opportunities to leave a lasting mark in our democratic history. And now, because of fear, he is considering jumping ship ahead of the 2027 elections,” Osadolor added.He also raised concerns about the current administration’s treatment of opposition figures, questioning whether political allegiance can magically absolve corrupt leaders.“This situation raises a vital question: Why is this presidency seemingly vindictive towards opposition figures? Are we now to believe that all APC governors are saints, or that corrupt individuals suddenly become virtuous once they defect to the APC? Institutions must not revolve around individuals—they should be anchored in strong, enduring systems and processes,” he said.Osadolor urged Governor Eno to reflect on the legacy he wishes to leave behind, and to leverage his position as governor of an oil-rich state to advocate for electoral justice.“I call on the governor to reconsider. He has the opportunity to leave a legacy that will be remembered by future generations. As a powerful governor, he should rally Nigerians in demanding credible electoral reforms and ensuring the 2027 elections are truly democratic and transparent,” he stated.Despite the current wave of defections, Osadolor expressed confidence in the PDP’s resilience, asserting that the party would emerge even stronger.He emphasized that the PDP is actively working to reconnect with the Nigerian people and prepare for the elections ahead, focusing on delivering a compelling narrative and policy programme to win support.“Rest assured, the PDP is putting its house in order and is fully engaged in this process. Our goal is not just to win governorship seats, but to reconnect with Nigerians. Ultimately, it is the message and vision we present to the people that will determine our success at the polls,” he further said.

By Joel Oladele, Abuja and Nicholas Dekera, Kaduna

The Arewa Grassroot Leaders Assembly (AGLA) and Catholic Bishop of Kaduna Archdiocese, Archbishop Mathew Manoso-Ndagoso have added their voice to growing calls for citizens in Northern Nigeria to be legally empowered to defend themselves against rising insecurity, particularly in rural communities ravaged by banditry and violence.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja yesterday, the AGLA President, Collins Onogu called on the government to legalise the possession of AK-47s for self-defence in rural communities. He also urged the Federal Government to deploy more security personnel to the affected areas and establish a task force to investigate and apprehend perpetrators.“This is a grim reminder of the security challenges facing our nation.“We demand that the government legalise the possession of AK-47s for self-defence in rural communities, with proper monitoring and regulation.“We propose that the government support community-led security initiatives, including community vigilante groups and neighbourhood watches.“AGLA will continue to monitor the situation and hold the government accountable for the safety and security of our people. We demand action, not rhetoric. The government must act now,” he said.Onogu’s remarks echo recent comments by retired General T.Y. Danjuma, who last week in Taraba State reiterated his long-standing call for communities to defend themselves against armed attackers, noting that the killings which prompted his warning years ago have only worsened.While some Nigerians, including former Youth and Sports Minister Solomon Dalung, have backed such calls, others have warned of the dangers.Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi described the idea of widespread self-defence as a potential trigger for anarchy, cautioning that it could worsen inter-communal tensions, especially between farmers and herders.Nevertheless, AGLA insists that decisive and immediate action is needed to prevent further bloodshed.“We demand action, not rhetoric. The government must act now,” Onogu said, adding that empowering local communities through regulated self-defence and vigilante groups could be key in reclaiming security and restoring hope in the region.Catholic Bishop backs Plateau Governor, T.Y Danjuma, others over self defenseCatholic Bishop of Kaduna Archdiocese Archbishop Mathew Manoso-Ndagoso yesterday, also threw his weight behind Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, General T.Y Danjuma and so many others who have been calling for self-defense as banditry invasion of communities persist.Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Pastoral Council/General Assembly of the Kaduna Catholic Archdiocese, Archbishop Mathew Manoso-Ndagoso said “there are a lot of communities under siege and the killing seems to have continued unabated, what will the communities do, should they sit back and watch while the bandits kill, no, they need to help themselves by organizing themselves in terms of useful information sharing, consistent patrol in their localities.Mutfwang of Plateau has called for this, General T.Y Danjuma has also reiterated this several times and I think this is the time for villagers to mobilize and help them themselves.”Ndagoso maintained that “nothing has significantly changed because banditry, insurgency, kidnappings for ransom, very high cost of living, hunger, multi-dimensional poverty are all on the increase. We are still high up on the poverty index. The renewed hope agenda of the government at the centre is yet to produce the desired result. More and more of our compatriots seem to be joining the league of those living below the poverty line.”Our country is still among countries leading the world with the largest concentration of the poorest of the poor, namely, people living below the poverty line. In point of fact recent International Monetary Fund IMF) and World reports suggest that many more Nigerians will join the ranks of those living below the poverty line by 2027. We are a people of hope. We will continue to give the government the benefit of the doubt since they repeatedly tell us that there is light at the end of the tunnel.” Ndagoso stressed.He stated that “though the situation of insecurity persisted, we took the bold decision to restart the minor seminary at the beginning of the 2023/24 academic year using the convent in Katari town near the parish house. I am happy to inform you that significant progress has been made. As I speak, we have a total number of 106 students in GSS 1, 2 and 3 and SS1. They live in the convent in Katari and attend classes in the seminary.Using the proceeds of 2024 cathedraticum we were able renovate and reconstruct all the classrooms and the admin block and put together other essential amenities. The students and staff commute each working day to the seminary for classes. We hope to admit more students to various classes at the beginning of next academic year. Our hope is that if the security situation improves, we shall use the proceeds of this year’s cathedraticum to build a hostel block and renovate other essential structures. I am grateful to the priests and faithful of Dogon Kurmi and Gujeni Deaneries for their continued support without which we could not have started in the first place.”He commended the creative and proactive leadership of the outgoing leaders of the Laity Council in the Archdiocese saying through their visionary leadership much has happened in the Council. Good legacies have been passed on. He said the report of the Council shows a sure and healthy growth with normal activities of the council carried out.”In spite of the challenges during the year under review, we had a total of 10,343 baptisms, 7,149 first Holy Communions, 2,550 Confirmations and 941 marriages out of which 756 were between Catholics and 185 between Catholics and non-Catholics,” Archbishop Ndagoso stressed.