POLITICS
NGF Calls for Review of National Water Resources Bill

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has called for the review of the National Water Resources Bill to accommodate the concerns of all states.
The forum made the call in a communiqué on Wednesday in Abuja and signed by its Chairman, Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State after a teleconference meeting on Tuesday.
Fayemi said that the reintroduced Bill did not adequately address the interests of the states and was inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He said that the forum received presentations from the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, on the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (LPRES) – a 6-year 500 million dollars World Bank programme.
The programme was aimed at improving the productivity, commercialisation and resilience of targeted livestock production systems in Nigeria.
Fayemi said that the governors unanimously agreed to spearhead the programme in their states.
This, according to him was particularly in areas such as institutional and innovation systems strengthening, livestock value-chain enhancement, crisis prevention and conflict mitigation and project coordination.
He added that the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed presented the draft 2023 – 2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).
Fayemi said that the presentation was part of the consultative process in the development of the Federal Government’s fiscal policy.
It was also to share relevant macroeconomic and fiscal assumptions to help States prepare their Economic and Fiscal Update (EFU), FSP and Budget Policy Statement (BPS).
“Following the presentation, governors had a robust discussion with priority given to the government’s response to the fallouts of the Russia-Ukraine war (including inflation and the rising food and nutrition crises).
“The continued impact of the petrol subsidy on the fiscal headroom of governments, implications of NNPC’s new transition on federation revenues.
“The widening divergence between the official and parallel market rate of the dollar on the currency,” he said.
Fayemi said that the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme was also presented by Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business.
SABER was a 3-year performance-based intervention jointly designed by the World Bank Technical team and the PEBEC Secretariat with support from the Federal Ministry of Finance Budget and National Planning (FMFBNP), Home Finance Department (HFD) and the NGF Secretariat.
This was to incentivise and strengthen the implementation of business enabling reforms across Nigeria.
SABER was technically a successor to State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability And Sustainability ( SFTAS ).
“In line with the objectives of the programme, the forum endorsed the programme and committed to set up an Ad-hoc Committee to steer the implementation of the programme in all States of the Federation.
“In furtherance to meeting the goals of the Seattle Declaration, the forum committed to mobilising their state and local government teams for the PHC Leadership Challenge.
“Specific commitments include that Primary Healthcare (PHC) performance will be addressed at the state executive council level, governors will conduct visits to PHC facilities.
“Governors will hold meetings with traditional leaders to discuss PHC, deputy governors will chair PHC taskforces, while State committees will be set up on food and nutrition,” he said.
Fayemi said that the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, addressed the forum on available Global Fund support to state governments designed to revamp Primary Healthcare Centers, State Healthcare Centers, Ambulance Services and Drug Management Support in states.
He said that the governors thereafter resolved to work with the federal ministry of health to actualise the initiative.
Fayemi also said that the forum received a presentation from the leadership of the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) on the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Fund.
The fund was a product of the Seattle Declaration – the Primary Health Care and Human Capital Development Roundtable hosted in November 2019 by Mr Bill Gates, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, co-chair of the roundtable and the NGF.
“The Seattle Declaration sets out a series of commitments for State governments including the implementation of Primary Health Care Under One Roof, a costed Minimum Service Package tailored to States.
“State Basic Health Care Provision Fund requirements, improved financing for PHC as per the Abuja Commitment;
“Review of State PHC performances in State Executive Councils, State Task Force on PHC chaired by the Deputy Governors, and the engagement of traditional and religious leaders on PHC,” he said. (NAN)
POLITICS
Youth Leader Urges Stakeholders to Rally behind Dickson for 2027

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa
A Youth Leader from Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Alhaji Letugbene has called on stakeholders in Ekeremor and Sagbama Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State to close ranks and work together to return the Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Seriake Dickson to the National Assembly come 2027.
Letugbene, who made the call recently said, Senator Dickson has performed creditably since he was elected and should be supported by all to continue his good work in the Senate, as there is no doubt in his political experience and leadership abilities and competence. He particularly, appealed to the stakeholders and people of Ekeremor to rally round Senator Dickson because he remains the only and best option for the people of Bayelsa West who are clamouring for true representation.”I want to call on my people in Ekeremor to join us to work together to return Senator Seriake Dickson back to the Senate in 2027.He has done well since he was elected and I’m convinced he will even do better for us” he said.According to him, Senator Dickson deserves the support of Ekeremor because he has impacted every community, noting that as a two-term governor, he cited several key projects in the LGA and appointed sons and daughters into key positions of trust, while as a federal lawmaker, he continues to impact the people positively.Letugbene, who is the National Vice Chairman of the Third Phase of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), also asserted, that Senator Dickson has taken the gauntlet left by the late Ijaw leader, Pa Edwin Clark, to face fire for the Ijaw Nation when it mattered most, noting that he stood his ground against intimidation and oppression to speak truth to power when issues affecting his people are on the front burner in the Red Chamber.He said Senator Dickson has remained vocal, courageous and fearless in the National Assembly, condemning the marginalization and oppression of the Ijaw Nation as well as other ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta, while demanding equity, fairness and justice for the people.Letugbene, however, bemoaned the actions of a few misguided stakeholders from Ekeremor who are whipping up sentiments against Senator Dickson through propaganda and claims that Sagbama is marginalizing Ekeremor over the Senate seat, urging them not to spread falsehood as the zoning formula in the area no longer existed and that anyone is free from either LGAs to contest the Senate and House of Representatives election in 2027.The ex-agitator, who passed a ‘vote of confidence’ on Senator Dickson, also enjoined beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme from Ekeremor LGA to support the federal lawmaker because of his assertive and unwavering commitment to the upliftment and betterment of Bayelsa West, the Ijaw people and the Niger Delta in the Nigerian Federation.POLITICS
Ribadu, Mustapha’s Strategic Leadership Drive APC Reconciliation Success in Adamawa

From Nicholas Dekera, Kaduna
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State has recorded a major breakthrough in its quest for internal cohesion and electoral strength with the formal submission of a comprehensive reconciliation report by the committee led by elder statesman, Senator Mohammed Mana.
The peace initiative, which has been widely applauded by stakeholders, is the outcome of a coordinated effort spearheaded by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the APC National Vice Chairman (North East), Comrade Mustapha Salihu. The reconciliation committee was constituted after wide consultations among key political actors in the state, and with strategic input from the NSA, who is widely regarded as a stabilizing figure in Adamawa politics. His role, sources said, was pivotal in setting the tone for an inclusive and credible reconciliation process.Working in close alignment with the NSA, Comrade Mustapha Salihu provided administrative coordination, strategic direction, and political leadership that anchored the peace-building effort and culminated in the successful submission of the report.Speaking at the event, Salihu described the development as a “New dawn” for the APC in Adamawa and a critical step toward repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.“This report marks a turning point in our collective efforts to strengthen the APC in Adamawa. It is the product of genuine dialogue, stakeholder engagement, and a shared commitment to unity. I sincerely thank all those who played a role in making this happen, particularly our National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his guidance and fatherly support throughout this process,” Salihu said.He emphasized that the reconciliation is not just about settling disputes but about laying a solid foundation for future electoral success by fostering inclusivity and rebuilding trust among party members.In recognition of these efforts, the Adamawa APC Unity Forum, led by Abubakar Hamma, issued a statement commending the leadership of both NSA Ribadu and Comrade Salihu.“The roles played by the NSA and our Zonal Vice Chairman were instrumental. Their guidance, commitment, and strategic oversight gave the committee the credibility and confidence it needed to deliver this crucial mandate. Their patriotism has rekindled hope in the APC project in Adamawa,” the statement read.Similarly, the Coalition of APC Youths Forum in Adamawa, led by Hon. Khalil Sajo, expressed optimism about the party’s future in the state, declaring that the reconciliation efforts had repositioned the party for victory.“We now have a united front. The distractions are over, and thanks to leaders like NSA Ribadu and Comrade Salihu, we are entering the 2027 race from a position of strength,” the youth leader added.It will be recalled that Comrade Mustapha Salihu recently donated a newly acquired 20-room duplex complex equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to serve as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Adamawa State APC Secretariat. This, among several other gestures, reflects his unwavering commitment to the party’s growth and organizational readiness.Political observers believe that with this successful reconciliation and the backing of respected national figures like Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Comrade Salihu, the APC in Adamawa is now better positioned to challenge for electoral dominance in the coming years.POLITICS
Why Northwest Governors Root for Tinubu as 2027 Sole Candidate

From Nicholas Dekera, Kaduna
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North West Zone has boldly declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is on a clear path to victory in the 2027 presidential elections, citing the disarray in the opposition and the party’s growing unity and strength across the region.
This assertive position was contained in a communiqué read by the Coordinating Governor of the North West and Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, following a high-level stakeholders meeting of the APC held on Saturday in Kaduna. The well-attended meeting brought together key political heavyweights including the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Governors of Kebbi and Jigawa States, Deputy Governor of Katsina, Ministers, National and State Assembly members, and other top presidential aides from the zone.Governor Uba Sani noted that the stakeholders extensively assessed the state of the party and the performance of elected and appointed officials, and resolved to consolidate on the party’s political dominance across the zone.“One of the key takeaways from our robust deliberation is the undeniable fact that the opposition is in disarray,” he said. “But we must not be complacent. We must continue to deliver on our mandates and deepen the trust of our people. If we remain focused, the opposition stands no chance of recovering.”The stakeholders unanimously passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu, applauding what they described as his “progressive governance, inclusive leadership, and unwavering support to the North West.” Speaker Abbas moved the motion, which was seconded by Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, and greeted with thunderous approval.Governor Sani further highlighted the President’s “uncommon support” for the North West, including the appointment of 12 ministers from the zone, two service chiefs, and major investments in security, infrastructure and agriculture.The communique concluded with a rallying call for unity and proactive grassroots mobilization as the APC prepares to extend its winning streak into the next election cycle.“The North West is firmly behind President Tinubu. With our collective commitment and strategic planning, 2027 will be another resounding victory for the APC,” Uba Sani affirmed.