POLITICS
My Administration Remains Undeterred, Focused on Service – Alia
By Elijah Oguche, Abuja
Benue state Governor, Hyacinth Alia has said his administration remains undeterred, focused, and deeply committed to the service of the people in the state.
This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula in Makurdi.
The governor said that in spite of recent political narratives aimed at causing disruption, he remains steadfast in his resolve to put the people of Benue first.
”This administration has recorded progress in reviving abandoned schools and industries, supporting farmers, improving healthcare services and investing in critical infrastructure.
”We acknowledge the security challenges confronting the state”, he said, describing them as part of broader national issues requiring coordinated efforts.
He said his administration was working closely with the Federal Government, security agencies, community leaders and neighbouring states to strengthen security and restore peace in affected communities.
Alia urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and support lawful security operations by providing credible information to relevant authorities.
The governor said he is as committed to accountability, transparency and service delivery, insisting that political distractions would not derail efforts to improve the lives of Benue people.
Alis also maintained that the administration would continue to prioritise security, job creation, improved healthcare, agricultural development and other initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of residents.
The governor expressed confidence that the people would assess his administration based on its performance and tangible results rather than political rhetoric.
Alake Endorses Adebutu Ahead Ogun 2027 Governorship Bid
The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, have publicly endorsed the PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, ahead of the 2027 Ogun governorship election.
The endorsement came when Adebutu and members of his campaign team paid a visit to the Egba Traditional Council to seek the blessings of the royal fathers for his governorship ambition.
Speaking during the meeting, Oba Gbadebo in the company of the Egba Traditional Council, described the Adebutu family as one with a longstanding legacy of generosity and commitment to the development of Egbaland.
He recalled the contributions of the PDP candidate’s father, Chief Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu, narrating how members of an Egba association had struggled to acquire a permanent secretariat in Lagos after identifying a building opposite the City Hall for purchase.
According to him, while members were making financial contributions towards acquiring the property, Chief Adebutu asked them to keep their money and personally paid for the building.
Oba Gbadebo thereafter offered prayers for the PDP candidate and publicly endorsed his governorship ambition before members of the Egba Traditional Council.
“Eventually, we found a building opposite the City Hall in Lagos and negotiated to purchase it. As members began contributing towards the cost, Baba Adebutu stood up and told us to keep the money we had contributed.
“He single-handedly paid for the building. He is the father of Oladipupo Adebutu. This step you have taken, by the grace of God, you will never regret.
“Whoever says there will be no way for you, you will eat their funeral akara.
“Once again, I warmly welcome you, and I pray that you will never regret embarking on this journey,”the monarch said.
In his response, Adebutu appreciated the royal fathers for their endorsement and prayers, assuring them that, if elected in 2027, his administration would strengthen grassroots governance by granting full financial autonomy to local governments.
Adebutu, who was accompanied by his running mate, Dr. Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolpapo, said financial independence for local government councils would accelerate development at the grassroots and improve service delivery across Ogun State.
The PDP flagbearer also insisted that governments must adopt innovative approaches to infrastructure development instead of relying solely on borrowing.
“You don’t borrow money for infrastructure anymore. I will construct roads that will improve connectivity between Ogun state and Lagos.
“For electricity, we will pursue a strong partnership between the government and the private sector.
“Once we generate adequate electricity, you will see the income of our people increase while the cost of energy comes down,” he said.
Adebutu accused successive administrations of denying local governments the financial independence needed to drive development.
“This is not about political parties. Whether APC or PDP, governors have continued to control local government allocations instead of allowing the councils to function independently.
“That must change because grassroots development begins with empowered local governments,” he said.
He argued that local councils delivered more meaningful development when they had direct access to their allocations and worked closely with traditional institutions.
He further pledged to build an inclusive administration that would prioritise the welfare of the people.
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, has said he didn’t bargain for the “deluge” of good will messages, which came his way on his 70th birthday, on August 8.
In a statement at the weekend, the former National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) said while it was “no doubt a privilege worthy of appreciation to attain the age of three scores and ten on August 8, 2026” he was overwhelmed by the show of love from different parts of the country and beyond.
“My attempts to write individualized responses to the thousands of messages have come to nought as I lose count of who and what messages to respond to.
“I take this opportunity therefore, to convey my most sincere and heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the multitude of well wishers across all divides who have, in their various ways shared the momentous day with me.
I, however, want to thank notably, Allah (SWT) for enabling the attainment as well as so many other favours that only He is capable of” he said in the statement to the media.
He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Dr Tajuddeen Abbas, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, members of the National Assembly, the set of 1999 governors and other former governors, His Highness Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, Emir of Zazzau and several other Emirs and Chiefs from both within and outside Kaduna State, leaders of various political parties, other political leaders as well as candidates to various offices across partisan divides, religious leaders, and friends and well-wishers, as stated who he said either called or wrote goodwill messages to him.
“I equally appreciate the numerous youths and youth groups that took to the social media to felicitate with me.
I want to say that the various messages, many of which described me in superlatives that made me wonder as to who the references are, have humbled me but at the same time will serve as a tonic that gingers me to continue to give my best to support the unity, peace and progress of our country and its people” he stated.
He urged his friends, political associates and supporters to close ranks and confront the myriad of problems bedeviling the nation saying the challenges were surmountable with a strong will and spirit.
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for the submission of the list of candidates for the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections for the 2027 general elections to Aug. 11.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, announced the extension in a statement in Abuja.
Haruna noted that the extension of the deadline for the upload of nominations onto the commission’s dedicated portal followed appeals by political parties.
“The submission window which, according to the revised time table and schedule of activities for the general elections, originally scheduled to close on Saturday, Aug.
8, has been extended to Tuesday, Aug. 11.“The extension follows growing appeals by political parties for additional time to complete the process,” he said.
Haruna also notified voters who applied for replacement of lost, damaged or defaced permanent voter cards (PVCs) that the window to print downloadable copies of their cards would expire by midnight of Aug. 9.
This, according to him, is to allow the commission to compile the data of downloaded PVCs for final statistics of the total PVCs collected ahead of the Aug. 15 Osun governorship election.
He recalled that collection of PVCs in Osun was held at the registration area (RA) level from July 22 to July 28.
“Owing to complaints of large crowds and difficulties encountered by voters at collection centres, the commission approved an extension of RA-level collection to July 31, before collection moved to LGA level, running from Aug. 1 to Aug. 7.
“The commission also wishes to state that replacement of downloadable PVCs has been made available to voters in Odo-Otin and Ife Central local government areas whose cards were carted away by hoodlums who invaded the two centres.
“The commission reiterates that the stolen cards cannot be used to vote,” he said.
Haruna reassured the people of Osun of INEC’s readiness to conduct a free, fair, credible and inclusive governorship election on Aug. 15.
By Eze Okechukwu, Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria spent a whopping N1.16trillion on fuel subsidy, losing N16.20billion to crude and product issues while deducting a total of N1.20trillion from the federation account as sales and proceeds in 2021.
Disclosing this in Abuja yesterday during his presentation to the Senate Public Account Committee (SPAC) probing the 2021- 2023 Audit Report on the Oil and Gas Industry conducted by Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), the Chairman of Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr Mohammed Bello Shehu added that pipeline repairs gulped N22.
05billion and strategic stock holding N6.75billion in that fiscal year.Speaking further, the RMFAC boss revealed to the Committee that during the period, the intention of the derivation objective was undermined by the way it was computed.
“The practice of computing 13% derivation on the balance of revenue after deductions from the total collections is contrary to the intention of the derivation objective “, he said.
However the Senate Committee Chairman on Public Account who was a former Accountant General of the Federation, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo stood down the reports of the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC) ‘s submission saying the measure was to offer members enough time to study the report while ordering the Agency to reappear midweek.
Senator Dankwambo who was visibly upset following the non – appearance of the Auditor – General of the Federation for the investigative session without any valid or representative however threatened that the Auditor General must unfailingly appear before the Committee on Tuesday next week or risk a forced appearance through the invocation of the powers of the National Assembly.
” The Auditor – General must unfailingly appear before this committee on Tuesday next week or risk invocation of powers of the National Assembly against him , which will lead to forced appearance”, he said.
Makarfi Marks 70th Birthday Anniversary, Appreciates Massive Solidarity
ShareFormer Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, has said he didn’t bargain for the “deluge” of good will...
NYSC Swears in 1,760 Corps Members in Bayelsa
ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has sworn in a total of 1,760 Corps members for...
Tears Flow as Benue Buries 16 Victims Killed by Suspected Herdsmen
ShareFrom Attah Ede, Makurdi Members of Efeyi community in Ugboju district in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, on...
FG Donates 100 Vials of Anti-snake Venom Benue
ShareFrom Attah Ede, Makurdi The Federal Government through Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has donated 100 vials of...
Presidential Media Team’s Road Journey and Reality of Benue’s Security Narrative
ShareBy Rotimi Ijikanmi For four days, the road into Benue became a moving test of perception, with a presidential media...
INEC Extends Deadline for Submission of Nominations for State Elections Aug 11
ShareIndependent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for the submission of the list of candidates for the governorship...
NGO Set to Empower Residents of Kabusa District
ShareBy Raphael Atuu, Abuja A non-governmental organisation, Regy and Henry Amazing Grace Foundation, in conjunction with the National Commission for...
NDCCITMA Accuses Ken-Eva CEO of Plot to Scuttle 2026 Niger Delta Investment Summit
ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa The Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has accused Kenule Nwiya,...
How FCT Can Finance Abuja Infrastructure through Capital Market – SEC
ShareBy Tony Obiechina, Abuja The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has outlined how the...
Lionel Messi Bids Farewell to Father who Guided His Career
ShareArgentina football icon Lionel Messi bid farewell Sunday to his father, the global star’s emotional anchor and agent since childhood...