By David Torough, Abuja

Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Daniel Kanu, has said he has no regrets about his activities during the era of former military ruler Sani Abacha, even as he moved to challenge what he described as a defamatory social media post alleging he was once imprisoned.

In a press statement released on Thursday, Kanu said his support for Abacha-era initiatives, including Vision 2010, was driven by his belief at the time that they offered meaningful opportunities for youth empowerment and national development.

“I make no apologies,” he said, adding that his past political involvement should not be “retroactively weaponized through fabricated allegations.

”

The statement comes in response to a Facebook post by filmmaker Ugezu Ugezu, who portrayed Kanu as a former political loyalist, whose fortunes declined after the Abacha government, alleging he was later arrested, prosecuted and imprisoned over financial crimes.

Kanu firmly denied the claims, describing them as “entirely false, baseless, and a deliberate attempt” to damage his reputation. He said he has never been arrested, charged, tried or convicted of any criminal offense in Nigeria or elsewhere, and has never served a prison sentence.

While acknowledging that Ugezu may have intended to caution young Nigerians against political sycophancy, Kanu said such a motive does not justify the spread of misinformation or reputational harm. He described the use of his name in that context as “inappropriate” and “demonstrably dishonest.”

In March 1998, Daniel Kanu mobilized hundreds of thousands of youths under the “Youths Earnestly Ask for Abacha ‘98” (YEAA) movement, staging what is widely regarded as Nigeria’s largest political rally till date, to urge Gen. Sani Abacha to transition to civilian rule. Though critics branded him a military apologist, Kanu maintains he acted in support of Vision 2010’s youth focused development agenda.

Kanu said he has filed a formal petition with the Inspector-General of Police, accusing Ugezu of criminal defamation, cyberbullying and cyberstalking. According to him, authorities have acknowledged receipt of the petition and have begun investigations.

He added that he is prepared to pursue both civil and criminal proceedings against Ugezu and any other parties involved in circulating the claims, saying the case is not only about personal redress but also about addressing the broader issue of misinformation on digital platforms.

Beyond the controversy, Kanu highlighted his business and philanthropic activities, describing himself as an entrepreneur with interests in Nigeria and abroad who has invested heavily in youth empowerment, community development and support for vulnerable groups.

He also called on the public to disregard the allegations and urged bloggers and social media users to verify information before publishing. “The digital space must not become a haven for reckless speech,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to defend his name and legacy through legal means.

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Tuesday attended plenary at the National Assembly in Abuja, where he witnessed the defection of eight members of the House of Representatives from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defections were formally announced during plenary presided over by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas.

Letters from the lawmakers were read on the floor, citing internal crises within the NNPP as the primary reason for their decision.

The lawmakers who defected are Tijjani Abdulkadir Jobe (Dawakin Tofa/Rimin Gado/Tofa), Garba Ibrahim Diso (Gwale), Hassan Shehu Hussain (Nassarawa), Idris Dankawu (Kumbotso), Muhammad Chiroma Nalaraba (Gezawa/Gabasawa), Rabiu Yusuf (Takai/Sumaila), Ghali Mustapha Tijjani (Albasu/Gaya/Ajingi), and Muhammad Bello Shehu (Fagge).

Prominent political figures at the session included former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, alongside other party leaders and stakeholders.

Speaking after the session, Governor Yusuf described the defections as part of the democratic process, noting that political realignments are common in a vibrant democracy.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering democratic dividends to the people of Kano State, regardless of political affiliations, and called for unity and cooperation among elected representatives to advance the state’s development.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The Kogi State Government has approved the award of a contract for the dualisation of the road leading to the proposed Kogi Airport.

The project, which covers about 9.

1 kilometres, was awarded to CCECC Construction Company following a competitive bidding process involving five companies. CCECC Nigerian Limited emerged as the preferred contractor after submitting the lowest bid.

Presenting the award certificate to the company’s project manager in Lokoja on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Transport, Sagir Abdulsalam, said the project would link the proposed ultra-modern Kogi Airport to the state road network.

Abdulsalam, who represented the Commissioner for Works and Transport, said the contract is expected to be completed within 18 months.

He explained that the road project forms part of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s economic expansion agenda and is designed to improve connectivity, ease movement and attract investment to the state.

According to him, the dualisation will boost the ease of doing business and enhance the movement of goods, services and people along the airport corridor.

“In his magnanimity, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, through the weekly Executive Council meeting, approved and awarded the dualisation of the airport road to the same construction company handling some of the state’s projects,” he said.

He added that the project would be funded directly by the state government and is expected to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities during and after construction.

Responding, the Project Manager of CCC Construction Company, Austin Qi, thanked Governor Ododo and members of the state executive council for the confidence reposed in the company.

He assured the government that the firm would deliver the project to the highest standard within the stipulated period.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government has commenced payment of compensation to residents of Zariagi, Kabba Junction and Irepeni communities whose lands were acquired for the proposed airport project.

The affected residents, mostly farmers, have been invited to the Kogi State Bureau of Lands conference room from April 1, 2026, for the payment process.

They are expected to present two passport photographs and a valid means of identification, including a National Identity Card, Voter’s Card or Driver’s Licence.

In his reaction, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo said the contract award marks a “significant watershed” in the commitment of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to ensure Kogi is linked to the rest of the world through the establishment of an international airport.

“Today’s award is further proof that the Governor is prepared to see the project through. We are prepared for the project and I can confirm that finance won’t be a challenge. We have prepared ourselves well enough.

“With the financial engineering acumen of the Governor and the fact that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made resources available to the sub-nationals, we are prepared to see this Airport project through”.

He urged the people of Kogi State to continue to protect government infrastructure across the state as the state continues to provide infrastructure in the critical sectors of the economy.