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Off- Circle Election: Chief of Defense Staff Meets Troops, Stakeholders 

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From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has said the military is committed to protecting the nation’s democracy and ensuring a peaceful atmosphere in the forthcoming governorship election in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo States.

Musa made the remarks in an interactive session with security agencies and stakeholders on Tuesday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State’s capital.

The CDS gave assurance that the off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states will be peaceful and credible in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu.

He said he and his team were in Bayelsa to assess the security situation and to ensure that Bayelsa was secure and protected ahead of the November 11 election.

Musa warned anyone planning to perpetrate violence to steer clear of the elections in the three states and cautioned security agencies against acts that would compromise the polls.

Also, he said security agencies have the president’s directive to bring to an end acts of criminality, including sea piracy, illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism to ensure that oil production output increases to boost the national economy.

According to him, I have come with a very powerful team to ensure that the state is fully secure and well protected so that Bayelsa will continue to develop.

“As Bayelsa develops, l am sure the rest of the South-South will develop and Nigeria too.

“Last week, we held a meeting with the National Security Adviser, the INEC Chairman and other stakeholders on the need to conduct credible and peaceful elections; for us, that is a ‘marching order’.

“Within us, if anybody wants to sabotage the election, l assure that all security agencies are going to be very watchful of our conduct.

“If any of the security agencies stain the election, it is going to stain all of us and we are not going to allow that. Prior to the election, a number of steps will be taken to ensure that everywhere is calm and everybody is allowed to come out and vote.

“The era where people will use violence to intimidate voters and snatch ballot boxes is gone.

“We want to warn those who think it is their birthright to perpetrate violence during elections that henceforth it is not going to be business as usual.

“Any member of the armed forces caught compromising the election risks a court-martial,” he said.

On his part Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, the Commander, Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) said they are ready to ensure that Bayelsa election will be conducted in an atmosphere of peace to ensure credibility.

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Nasarawa Lawmaker Supports Wadada Endorsement

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By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Member Representing Keffi West Hon. Ibrahim Aliyu Nana has pledged his full support to Sen. Ahmed Aliyu Wadada following his endorsement by Governor Abdullahi Sule.

The endorsement, which is seen as a strategic consolidation of party strength, is backed by the Governor, reinforcing confidence among party faithful ahead of forthcoming general election.

The honorable member led a large delegation of supporters and political associates, party faithful, including members of his campaign team, to Senator Wadada’s residence in Keffi.

During the visit, Hon. Nana reaffirmed his commitment to mobilising grassroots support across Keffi West and beyond in support of Hon.

Wadada. He emphasised that unity, loyalty, and strategic collaboration remain essential ingredients for electoral victory.

According to him, the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming elections will depend largely on the ability of party leaders and supporters to work together with a shared vision. He stressed that the endorsement of Senator Wadada is not only a personal decision but also a reflection of the collective will of his supporters and constituents.

The lawmaker further noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) must remain focused and disciplined, especially at a time when political activities are intensifying. He called on party members to prioritise the interest of the state above individual ambitions, adding that a united front will strengthen the party’s chances at the polls.

Speaking during the visit, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu expressed deep appreciation for the show of support and solidarity. He described his endorsement as timely and encouraging, noting that it reinforces confidence in the party’s direction.

The senator stated that such demonstrations of unity are critical in building momentum ahead of the elections. He added that the gathering sends a strong message of cohesion and readiness among All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Nasarawa State.

Senator Wadada also assured supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership and development-oriented governance if elected as governor. He emphasised that his ambition is rooted in the desire to contribute meaningfully to the progress of the state and improve the lives of its citizens

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Centenary City Access Road Reaches 35 Per Cent Completion as Community Backing Drives Progress

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By David Torough, Abuja

Construction of the 4.3-kilometre access road within Abuja’s Centenary City development has reached 35 per cent completion, marking a key milestone in the project’s early infrastructure rollout.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday, the Managing Director of Centenary City Plc, Ike Odenigwe, highlighted visible progress on the ground, noting that work had advanced steadily since commencement.

He emphasised the company’s commitment to delivering essential infrastructure that would support the broader vision of the development.

Odenigwe credited much of the smooth execution to the cooperation of five host communities, describing their support as instrumental in avoiding disruptions and maintaining project momentum.

He said the company had built strong relationships with these communities through consistent engagement and mutual understanding.

As part of its social responsibility efforts, the firm has introduced scholarships and job opportunities targeted at local youths, ensuring that surrounding communities directly benefit from the development. According to Odenigwe, these initiatives are aimed at improving livelihoods and fostering long-term socio-economic growth.

He further explained that Centenary City was conceived as a modern, sustainable urban hub designed to boost Abuja’s global competitiveness by attracting investment and delivering world-class infrastructure.

The project has also received backing from key authorities, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and regulatory support from the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority, both of which have strengthened implementation efforts. Traditional leadership, under Idris Musa, has also played a supportive role in facilitating community cooperation.

The access road forms part of a larger master plan that includes approximately 95 kilometres of primary road networks. Odenigwe noted that the development would incorporate smart city technologies to create a sustainable and efficient urban environment aligned with international standards.

From the construction side, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, represented by Jonnie Kouchan, described the partnership as a blend of vision and technical expertise. He confirmed that the four-lane carriageway, along with supporting infrastructure, remains on track for completion by April 2027, with strict adherence to global engineering and safety standards.

Kouchan added that the project would enhance connectivity, strengthen investor confidence, and stimulate economic activity across Abuja and neighbouring communities.

Despite the progress, community leaders have called for sustained engagement. The Emir of Juwa, Idris Musa, urged the developers to work closely with authorities to ensure fair compensation and proper resettlement for affected residents.

Local representatives also raised concerns about access to potable water following resettlement and called for the expansion of employment opportunities and continued scholarship support for youths.

Overall, stakeholders described the Centenary City project as a major step toward transforming Abuja into a modern, investment-friendly city capable of supporting long-term economic growth.

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Armed Herders Kill Five, Displaced Many in Renewed Attack on Benue Community

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From Attah Ede, Makurdi

Suspected armed herdsmen has launched a renewed attack on Tse Ameen community in Mbapa Council Ward of Gwer West Local Government Area in Benue State, killing at least five persons.

A local sources disclosed that the incident occurred on early hours of Sunday when armed herders attacked the community at about 1:am.

One of the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent on phone in Makurdi on Monday, disclosed that five bodies were recovered while many others remained missing.

“The corpses recovered after the attack included three males and two females,” the resident said.

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on phone in Makurdi, Monday.

Edet said, “Four dead bodies were recovered.”

The PPRO did not disclosed further information.

Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has sympathise with the people of Gwer West where the attack occured on Saturday night.

He appealed to all security heads to ensure those perpetrators are also apprehended.

He however called on all communities to join forces with government and security agents to comb forests of evil elements.

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