Politics
PDP, KWSG trade words over insecurity in Kwara
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s attempt to equate the 2018 Offa bloody bank robbery to the current banditry and kidnapping incidents in the state as a “shameful defensive political stunt”.
The PDP, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, was reacting to the Governor’s comments during his visit to Oke-Ode on Thursday, where “he attempted to shift the blame for the state’s security collapse by reviving the Offa Bank Robbery tragedy”, adding that the “Governor has exposed his absolute lack of understanding of the problem he was elected to solve”.
The statement added: “Governor AbdulRazaq’s deliberate comparison of a single, albeit tragic, bank robbery—an act of urban crime which happens even in developed countries —to the current widespread crisis of rural banditry, farm raids, mass kidnappings, and the resulting displacement of communities in Kwara North and South, is a shocking failure of executive comprehension.
“Banditry and Kidnapping are a direct result of ungoverned spaces, failed intelligence, and a security infrastructure overwhelmed by trans-border criminal syndicates which summarily indicate leadership failure.
“A Governor who fails to understand the fundamental difference between these two distinct threats is clearly incapable of devising the right solution. The Governor’s response confirms our assertion; a Governor who lacks understanding of a given problem cannot provide the right solution.
“Our party considers the Governor’s outburst at Oke-Ode as not only unfortunate but also insulting to the people of Offa, whose scars from that dastardly act are yet to fully heal. To exploit their pains for cheap political point-scoring is the lowest any leader can descend to.
“The Governor’s reckless claim that Dr. Saraki is in court over Offa Robbery is a barefaced lie already discredited by a critical organ of the Federal Government.
“We remind Governor AbdulRazaq that the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) of the Federation, Mohammed U.E., after a thorough review of the Police investigation, explicitly stated that the DPP was “unable to establish a nexus” that linked Dr. Saraki to the Offa robbery suspects.
“It is disheartening and cruel that a Governor would stoop so low as to repeatedly use the painful, open wounds of the Offa community as a political defensive tool to shield himself from national criticism over his own poor performance and cluelessness in managing the rising insecurity. Offa people must stand up and condemn the Governor’s desperate attempt to exploit their trauma.
“We wish to make it unequivocally clear to Governor AbdulRazaq: Saraki is not your problem, neither is the opposition party.”
In a swift reaction, the Kwara State Government, in a statement by
Bashir Adigun, Special Adviser on Media to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said: “The attention of Kwara State Government has been drawn to yet another uncouth, unintelligent, and desperate statement by the tattered opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), through its spokesman, Olusegun Adewara.
“In his usual role as the defender and image-launderer of his embattled master, Bukola Saraki, Adewara shamelessly attempted to trivialize the blood-soaked tragedy of the 2018 Offa robbery while trying to whitewash the dark legacy of 16 years of PDP misrule in Kwara.
”Let us remind Adewara and his sponsors that the Offa robbery was not just “a single bank robbery,” as they arrogantly described it. It was a national tragedy that claimed dozens of innocent lives, including mothers, fathers, students, children, and uniformed law enforcement officers, whose blood was spilled by criminals that had undeniable links with their political godfather.
”Kwarans have not forgotten that the RX Toyota mini-SUV used by the robbers bore the personalized plate number with Saraki’s name, and that the said vehicle was later hidden in a government ministry to evade justice.
“Can Adewara and his masters deny the video confessions of suspects who openly identified with PDP chieftains in the state? Can they deny published interviews in reputable newspapers where their leader Alhaji Kawu Baraje openly admitted to their importing armed mercenaries from the Sahel to rig elections in 2015? These are facts etched in public records, not propaganda.
”The PDP’s attempt to separate their bloody legacy from today’s security challenges is laughable. This is the same party under which Kwara was turned into a theatre of fear, sorrow, cultism, and gangsterism—when so-called “Good Boys” and political thugs unleashed terror on Ilorin residents and rural communities. For 16 years, Kwara was a fiefdom under the Pharaoh-like grip of Saraki, until the people rose in a revolution in 2019 to reclaim their freedom.
”Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has never shied away from acknowledging the nationwide challenge of banditry and insecurity. But Kwarans are wise enough to know that those who laid the foundation of bloodletting, impunity, and armed thuggery in this state cannot turn around today to pontificate about security.
”The PDP should cover its face in shame instead of attacking a Governor who, within six years, has rebuilt schools, upgraded hospitals, opened up rural roads, empowered women and youths, and given Kwarans a new lease of freedom and dignity. Kwara people can see and feel the difference between the dark era of PDP’s 16 years of oppression and the new era of development and hope.
”To Adewara and his paymasters, we say: stop crying. Stop insulting the memory of the victims of the Offa robbery. Stop pretending that Saraki’s bloody political empire never existed. Kwara will never return to Egypt.”
End
Politics
Eggon Political Forum Endorses Ombugadu as Consensus Candidate for 2027 Nasarawa Governorship Race
In what many observers are describing as a watershed moment in the political history of Nasarawa State, the Eggon Political Forum has officially endorsed Rt. Hon. Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the consensus candidate of the Eggon Nation for the 2027 governorship election.The announcement was made at a grand assembly held at Albert Event Hall in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, where leaders, stakeholders, and representatives of diverse groups gathered to deliberate on the future of Eggon political aspirations. The Forum, a non-partisan body devoted to fostering unity and political stability among the Eggon people, emphasized that the decision was the product of months of consultations, assessments, and feedback from across the state and beyond.The Forum acknowledged that six prominent Eggon sons had secured party tickets for the governorship contest, namely: Hon. Shuaibu Umaru Kubi (ACCORD), Gen. Nuhu Angbazo (ADC), Hon. Chris Mamman (ADP), Hon. Ibrahim Kassimu Aboh (APGA), Rt. Hon. Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu (PDP), and Mr. John Tanko Kigbu (YPP). While commending all six candidates for their courage and commitment to public service, the Forum explained that the need for unity and collective interest compelled them to adopt a single candidate. This, they argued, would prevent the fragmentation of Eggon votes and strengthen the community’s chances of producing the next governor of Nasarawa State.According to the communiqué, the Forum’s assessment was guided by several political considerations: party stability, grassroots presence, popularity across the state, structural strength of the political platforms, track records in previous positions of responsibility, governance experience, and manifesto credibility. On these grounds, Ombugadu was adjudged to be the most suitable candidate, having demonstrated consistency, political maturity, and a broad appeal across Nasarawa State.In a communiqué signed by Alh. Umaru Gwamna (Cingarin Eggon), Chairman of the Forum, and Hon. Chief Istifanus Dennis Abaku (Dan Masani Akun / Uban Garin Ende), Secretary, the Forum appealed to the other five Eggon candidates to rally behind Ombugadu in the spirit of unity. “We respectfully appeal to the five other candidates to kindly support and rally round the adopted candidate to ensure victory in the forthcoming elections,” the Forum declared.The Forum further extended its appeal to other ethnic nationalities in Nasarawa State, urging them to align with the Eggon people in supporting Ombugadu’s candidature. It stressed that while divergent interests are natural in politics, the collective interest of the land must remain supreme.Shortly after the endorsement, the Forum led a high-powered delegation to the palace of the Aren Eggon, His Royal Highness Justice Ahmed Ubangari Alaku, to formally notify him of the resolution. Speaking on behalf of the Forum, Chairman Alh. Umaru Gwamna briefed the paramount ruler on the aims and objectives of the Forum and explained the decision to adopt Ombugadu as the consensus candidate. He emphasized that the Forum deemed it necessary to seek the royal father’s advice and blessings as the Eggon Nation embarks on this united political journey.In his response, the Aren Eggon commended the Forum for its efforts to unite the Eggon people and described Ombugadu as a “blessed son of the Eggon Nation” who has consistently made his people proud. He noted that Ombugadu is not only an asset to the Eggon Nation but to Nasarawa State at large, wishing him success in the forthcoming governorship election. His Royal Highness also admonished all Eggon candidates and their supporters to shun politics of bitterness, propaganda, blackmail, and hatred, reminding them that leadership ultimately comes from God. “We as men can only do our human arrangements, but God alone can make it happen,” he cautioned.The royal father concluded by offering his blessings and wishing Ombugadu well in his political pursuit.The endorsement and royal affirmation are being hailed as a historic opportunity for the Eggon Nation, which has long aspired to produce the governor of Nasarawa State. With unity of purpose and the backing of traditional authority, the Forum expressed optimism that 2027 could mark the realization of this dream. Political analysts note that the move could significantly reshape the dynamics of the forthcoming election, as the Eggon people constitute one of the largest ethnic groups in the state. By consolidating their support behind a single candidate, the Forum hopes to maximize their influence and bargaining power in the wider political landscape.The Eggon Political Forum’s decision underscores the importance of unity, consultation, and collective interest in the pursuit of political power. As the countdown to the 2027 governorship election begins, all eyes will be on Rt. Hon. Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, who now carries not only the weight of Eggon aspirations but also the blessings of their revered traditional ruler.
Politics
Tinubu Assures Investors Nigeria Is Open for Business, Welcomes Coca-Cola’s $1bn Plan
By Francis Wilfred
President Bola Tinubu has assured local and international investors that Nigeria remains open for business, saying his administration is implementing reforms aimed at creating a more predictable, competitive and investment-friendly environment.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at the 75th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) in Abuja on Monday, the President said the government is addressing key challenges facing businesses under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Our message to investors, both Nigerian and international, is clear: Nigeria is open for business,” Tinubu said,
He noted that reliable infrastructure, efficient logistics, access to foreign exchange, stable regulations and a supportive tax system are critical to attracting investment and expanding production.
According to Yomi Odunuga, the President said ongoing economic reforms are designed to build a more productive and competitive economy, reduce dependence on imports, strengthen local manufacturing and create jobs for Nigerians.
Tinubu welcomed the Coca-Cola System’s proposed $1 billion investment in Nigeria over five years, announced in 2024, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in the country’s economy.
He said the administration is focused not only on the volume of investment attracted but also on its impact on employment, skills development, technology transfer and local sourcing.
“We are interested not only in the amount of capital that comes into Nigeria, but in what that capital does here,” he said.
The President also praised NBC’s continued expansion of production capacity, including new production lines in Oyo and Kano states, describing such investments as vital to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving policies, infrastructure and regulations to support businesses, while urging the private sector to complement government efforts through investment, innovation and job creation.
Tinubu further highlighted the importance of human capital development, commending NBC’s Supply Chain Academy for training over 1,400 young Nigerians and supporting women’s empowerment and community development initiatives.
He urged investors to take advantage of opportunities across Nigeria, expressing confidence that the country can build a stronger economy driven by local production, exports and globally competitive industries.
Politics
Kano Governorship: Accord Party Governorship Candidate Gashash Getting More Endorsement From Kano Electorates.
By Jabiru Hassan.
The movement for Democratic Protection and good governance (MDSG) declared it's full support to the Accord Party Governorship Candidate Ambassador Dr. Mukhtar Gashash in the forthcoming general elections.
In a chat with our correspondent in kano, the national president of the movement, Alhaji Dauda Mohammed Ali, stated that it is time for the people of kano state to bring new steward who is seriously planning to transform the state with highest regard.
He expressed his confidence that Ambassador Dr Mukhtar Gashash will do his best to ensure that kano state becomes more examplary at both sector without bias which is the task previous administrators failed to achieve.
Alhaji Dauda Mohammed Ali reiterated that " this time around, our movement is working day and night to make sure that Kano people mostly youths remained Committed to actualize real change in the state's politics, leadership and transformation under the Accord Party government".
He called on the people of kano state especially the eligible voters to vote Ambassador Dr Mukhtar Gashash due to his Transformation plans for the progress of kano state and it's citizens at both Urban and rural settlements.
Responding to a question about Accord party's strength in kano state, Dauda Mohammed Ali disclosed that in today's democracy, competent candidates should be tipped for an elective positions not the popularity of the political parties stressing that Ambassador Dr Mukhtar Gashash has been found to be the best option for kano state due to his track record on competency, transparency as a real democrat.
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