Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Artisan Congress has acknowledged the consistent support that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has extended to the body since 2019, saying he has been with them at all times.

The body said their members have repeatedly benefitted from the government’s social investment scheme, and such support accounted for how they secured their permanent secretariat, which is under construction.

In a remark at their meeting which the Governor briefly attended in Ilorin, Chairman of the Congress Alhaji Jimoh Adesina said the government has done a lot to improve the socio-economic lives of Kwarans, particularly the business community.

On the Governor’s entourage were the Commissioner for Works, Engr Abdulquawiy Olododo; Senior Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Saadu Salau; Special Adviser on Special Duties, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Jiddah; and Senior Special Assistant on Religion (Islam), Alhaji Ibrahim Danmegoro; among others.

Adeshina said they owed the purchase of the land for their Secretariat to the support from the Governor.

He requested a continual support of the government for the Congress, particularly in the area of employment opportunities and mobility aides, among other demands.

The Governor, for his part, said the administration will continue to prioritize the welfare of Kwarans, including their members through various social programmes.

He promised to look into their requests, including the completion of their Secretariat.

The Governor said the Artisans and other segments of the society will always benefit from the social programmes, saying he is committed to strengthening legitimate business and initiatives.

The meeting was also attended by BoT Chairman for Artisan Congress, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Idowu; Alangua Gaa-Akanbi, Alhaji Abdulyekeen Usman Akanbi; Lady Vice Chairman of the Association, Chief Mrs Atoyebi Olayinka; among other leaders of the community and the Association.

End

By: Dr. Umar Duhu

As I perused the article published on August 4, 2025, I was taken aback by the blatant fabrications and mischievous reporting designed to malign the character and reputation of Vice President Kashim Shettima GCON.
As a concerned citizen and a member of the APC, I feel compelled to set the record straight and correct the misleading narrative perpetuated by the article, which is nothing short of a calumny.

It is imperative to correct the misleading assertion that Vice President Kashim Shettima channeled resources to other states in the North East region during the 2023 elections. In reality, the APC emerged victorious in only Borno State in the North East, rendering the claim of resource allocation to other states in the region patently false. This error betrays a fundamental misunderstanding of the electoral dynamics of the North East Region, which is a clear manifestation of ignorance of the pertinent facts.

The article’s claims of nepotism and marginalization are unfounded and lack concrete evidence. The accusations made by certain APC chieftains from the North East region are politically motivated and driven by personal interests, which is a classic case of mens rea. It is surprising that the authors of the article failed to provide any credible evidence to support their claims, relying instead on hearsay and unsubstantiated allegations, which is a clear breach of the principles of audi alteram partem.

A cursory examination of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) Establishment Act of 2017 reveals that the Act does not mandate the rotation of the Managing Director and CEO position among the six North East states. In fact, Section 10 (1) and (2) of the NEDC Act provides that the Managing Director shall be appointed by the President and shall hold office for a term of four years, renewable for only one further term of four years. Therefore, the allegations of Shettima’s interference in the NEDC are baseless and demonstrate a clear misunderstanding of the Commission’s Governing Statutes, which is a manifest error.

Moreover, it is essential to correct the misleading narrative that Vice President Shettima is responsible for appointments. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not the Vice President, makes all appointments, as enshrined in Section 147 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). This fundamental fact has been conveniently ignored in the article, revealing a lack of understanding of the constitutional roles and responsibilities of the Office of the Vice President.

Contrary to the allegations of nepotism, the Office of the Vice President has a diverse team with appointments reflecting the federal character of Nigeria. In fact, several persons appointed in the Office of the Vice President are not from Borno State or the North East region. They are not even from the same faith with the Vice President. This demonstrates the commitment to inclusivity and diversity, and belies the claims of nepotism and favouritism, which are nothing short of a mere canard.

The article’s assertion that Vice President Shettima replaced other NEDC Commissioners and Appointees from across the region with individuals loyal to him is a gross exaggeration. The changes made to the NEDC leadership were done in accordance with established procedures and protocols, and were intended to enhance the Commission’s effectiveness and efficiency, which is a legitimate exercise of the powers conferred on the President by the NEDC Act.

It is apparent that the article’s authors are attempting to create a false narrative to support their own political agendas. The ADC party’s desperation to gain traction in the North East region is evident in this malicious report, which seeks to exploit ethnic and regional sentiments for political gain, a clear case of argumentum ad hominem.

I urge the public to disregard this baseless and mischievous article, as it is nothing but a desperate attempt to try to discredit the Vice President Kashim Shettima and create unnecessary tension within the APC. I also call on the authors of the article to retract their false claims and apologize for their malicious and defamatory statements, else, history will not be kind to them and their cohorts.

Umar D. Duhu, LLM, Ph.D.
galadimadluku@gmail.com

By: Fabian Apechihin

Manchester United winger Antony has reportedly rejected a third opportunity to leave Old Trafford this summer, remaining determined to secure a permanent switch to Real Betis, according to Metro.

The Brazilian international enjoyed a strong loan spell with the La Liga side last season, scoring nine goals and helping Manuel Pellegrini’s men reach the Europa Conference League final. This revival came after a difficult start in England, where Antony has struggled to justify his £82 million transfer from Ajax in 2022.

Despite being widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s costliest misfires, the 25-year-old has attracted interest from across the globe. However, Sport reports that Antony is focused solely on returning to Betis, turning down approaches from Saudi Pro League clubs as well as Brazilian sides Botafogo and São Paulo.

Willing to take a pay cut to make the move happen, Antony faces a hurdle in United’s £30 million asking price and his current £4 million-a-year wages. Betis remain keen on a deal and are expected to submit another bid soon, hoping to reach an agreement before the transfer window closes. The winger is prepared to wait until the final weeks if necessary.

His refusal to entertain other offers is said to have frustrated United, who are looking to offload several players under new boss Ruben Amorim to fund moves for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško and other reinforcements. Alongside Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho are also on the transfer list.

With just five Premier League goals in two seasons, Antony is eager to revive his career in Spain under Pellegrini’s guidance. The coming days will be decisive as the standoff between player and club continues, with both sides holding firm on their positions.

If you want, I can also make a shorter, punchier newswire-style version for quicker reading. Would you like me to do that?