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  • Tinubu Engages Foreign Investors In Paris

    Tinubu Engages Foreign Investors In Paris

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday had a meeting with foreign investors in Paris as part of his three nations tour 

    Here is the post by Minister of Finance Taiwo Oyedele on one of such visits 

    𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬

    “We will not bring back fuel subsidy because it creates distortions for the economy, and we won’t introduce price control because we believe in the market… the situation in Iran presents new opportunities for us as the world looks to diversify sources of energy and invest in new markets.”

    “Nigeria recorded a strong GDP growth rate of 11.2% in US dollar terms in 2025 reinforcing the country’s ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030.”

    -𝘛𝘢𝘪𝘸𝘰 𝘖𝘺𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘦, 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘺

  • Nigerian Illegal Immigrant Arrested By ICE Agents In America

    Nigerian Illegal Immigrant Arrested By ICE Agents In America

    The anti-ICE mob violently protesting outside a Brooklyn hospital Saturday was rallying in defense of an illegal migrant previously arrested for assault and drug possession, officials told The Post 

    Chidozie Wilson Okeke of Nigeria entered the US on a tourist visa Aug. 27, 2023, and was supposed to pack up and go back home Feb. 26, 2024 — but instead illegally stayed, a rep for the US Department of Homeland Security told The Post.

    Okeke, who was arrested at some point for assault and criminal drug possession, landed on the radar of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, who tracked him down Saturday.

    “During his arrest, Okeke refused to comply with officers’ lawful commands to exit the vehicle and weaponized his vehicle to attempt to hit ICE officers,” the DHS representative said. “Okeke became physically combative, attempting to punch and elbow ICE officers.

    “Our officers followed their training and used the minimum amount of force necessary to make the arrest.”

    Okeke claimed he needed medical attention, so the agents brought him to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Bushwick to be checked out, DHS said.

    There, the illegal migrant refused to comply with staff, “throwing himself to the floor and screaming,” the agency said. He was eventually medically cleared to leave the hospital.

    Anti-ICE protesters meanwhile somehow got wind that Okeke was in ICE custody at the hospital, with a mob of about 200 showing up there to try to stop the agents from leaving with Okeke.

    The NYPD was called to the scene shortly before 10:30 p.m. to restore order and found the rowdy crowd blocking hospital exits and wreaking havoc in the neighborhood — prompting caught-on-video clashes between the cops and the crowd.

    Police arrested nine demonstrators as ICE struggled to get Okeke into an SUV and whisk him off.

    “The protesters damaged several ICE vehicles and assaulted ICE officers, resulting in minor injuries to the officers,” the DHS representative said. “Assaulting law enforcement is a felony and crime.”

    The protesters arrested included out-of-state agitators from as far off as Wisconsin and New Hampshire.

    The mob finally dispersed around 2:45 a.m. Sunday after Okeke was taken away.

    “If the NYPD wasn’t there to keep the peace, God knows what these ICE agents would have done,” a law-enforcement source said Sunday.

  • Mustafa Bello, The Man That Succeeded Jim Ovia As Zenith Bank Chairman

    Mustafa Bello, The Man That Succeeded Jim Ovia As Zenith Bank Chairman

     

    Zenith Bank Plc has announced the appointment of Engr. Mustafa Bello as the Chairman of its Board of Directors. 

    The appointment, which takes immediate effect, has been approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and ratified by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held on May 5, 2026

    Engr. Bello’s appointment represents a strategic step to ensure the continuity, stability, and sustained effectiveness of the Board, while reinforcing the high standards of corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and strategic oversight for which Zenith Bank is widely respected. 

    He joined the Board of Zenith Bank Plc on 29 December 2017 and has served on several Board committees, including the Board Audit and Compliance Committee, Board Governance, Nomination and Renumeration Committee and as Chairman of the Board Risk Management Committee until his appointment as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

    He has extensive leadership experience at Board and executive levels, a strong understanding of corporate governance principles and regulatory expectations, and a proven track record in strategic oversight and organisational growth. He has consistently demonstrated integrity, independence and sound judgement, qualities that distinguished him as the natural choice to lead the Board into its next chapter.

    Engr. Mustafa Bello is a distinguished engineer, statesman and corporate leader. His career spans more than four decades across the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy. He served as Minister of Commerce of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 1999 to 2002 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, where he led the development of Nigeria’s WTO-consistent Trade Policy. 

    He also oversaw the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) online project of 2002, which modernised the way businesses register and operate in the country. From November 2003 to February 2014, he served as Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investments Promotion Commission (NIPC), where he was instrumental in attracting foreign direct investment into Nigeria, building multilateral and bilateral partnerships, and representing the Federal Government at international conferences and missions.

    He graduated from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in 1978 with a B.Engr. in Civil Engineering (Second Class Upper Division), winning the Shell Prize for the best project and thesis in the Faculty of Engineering. He began his career with the Nigerian Army’s Directorate of Quartering and Engineering Service from 1978 to 1979, before joining the Niger State Housing Corporation as a Senior Civil Engineer from 1980 to 1983.

    He is currently the Chairman of Invest-in-Northern Nigeria Limited, a special purpose vehicle for the economic and social transformation of the Northern Nigerian economy, and has previously served on the boards of Eskom Holdings Limited of the Republic of South Africa (2004 to 2008) and FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc as an Independent Non-Executive Director. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a Registered Member of Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) as well as Fellow of the Academy of Natural Sciences & Engineering in Nigeria (ANSEN).

  • Abia Assembly Moves To Take Over Troubled Ohafia Palm Plantation

    Abia Assembly Moves To Take Over Troubled Ohafia Palm Plantation

    The Abia State House of Assembly has called for the immediate takeover and securing of the Erei Palm Plantation in Okon Aku Community, in the Ohafia Local Government following recurring violence and loss of lives.

    Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, Hon. Kalu Etiokwe representing the Ohafia South State Constituency, presented a motion urging urgent government intervention to address rising insecurity and restore stability in the area.

    Etiokwe recalled the killing of a youth leader, Igwe Akuma , on the 2nd of January 2026, alongside the burning of homes and displacement of residents.

    “The peace and security of our people is the foundation upon which all development rests.

    “We cannot continue to lose lives over a government asset that should serve as a source of prosperity,” he said.

    He noted that the plantation, a government-owned asset, has become a flashpoint for conflict due to lack of proper control, leading to repeated crises and destruction.

    He urged the state government to take over the facility, deploy adequate security, and ensure proper management to unlock its economic potential.

    He further commended the Governor for his ongoing efforts to revive moribund farm settlements across the state, noting that the planned partnership with Presco Plc for large-scale palm oil development reflects the administration’s commitment to agricultural transformation.

    Hon. Stephen Akachukwu, representing Aba Central State Constituency , presented a bill, the Abia State Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund Bill 2025, aimed at tackling poverty and promoting economic inclusion across the state.

    He noted that the bill is designed to convert idle human resources into productive assets by creating opportunities for skills development, entrepreneurship, and small business growth.

    He described the bill as a response to rising economic hardship.

    “Poverty is visible in our communities, unemployed youth, struggling traders, and vulnerable families.

    “This will help address the root causes of poverty in communities,” he noted.

    The bill passed second reading and is expected to undergo further legislative scrutiny.

    Hon. Akaliro Anderson, representing Umuahia North State Constituency, raised a matter of public importance on the destruction of farmlands by herdsmen in Umuagu Community, alleging a breach of Anti Grazing Law 2018.

    He urged the government to quickly intervene to prevent further damage, as the House referred the issue to its Committees on Security and Agriculture for further legislative action.

    Also, Hon. Nnamdi Chimdi, a member representing Bende North State Constituency, appreciated the state government and the House members for their support following the death of his wife.

    “We are diminished each time a soul is lost, but I am grateful for the show of love and solidarity shown to me and my family,” he said.

    Abia Assembly Moves To Take Over Troubled Ohafia Palm Plantation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

  • Nigerians Seeking To Return Home Over Xenophobic Attacks In South Africa Will Foot Their Costs..FG

    Nigerians Seeking To Return Home Over Xenophobic Attacks In South Africa Will Foot Their Costs..FG

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigerians interested in repatriation from South Africa will be responsible for the cost of their return trip to Nigeria.

    The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stated this during a press briefing on Monday in Abuja.

    The briefing came shortly after a closed-door meeting between the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dunoma Ahmed, and the South African Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele.

    Mr Ebienfa said the process will be self-funded and not state-funded, as it is a voluntary decision that the Nigerian government will only facilitate and coordinate.

    In the recent past, such reparations have been sponsored by Nigerian airline owners, particularly Allen Onyema, the CEO of Air Peace.

    PREMIUM TIMES reports that the Nigerian government, on Sunday, indicated its readiness to repatriate its citizens from South Africa due to xenophobic violence.

    The effort primarily targets Nigerians who feel threatened by the xenophobic violence and tension in parts of South Africa, as the protests against black immigrants in the country continue. Two Nigerians were killed last month.

    Since the announcement, about 130 Nigerians in South Africa have expressed a willingness to return home voluntarily.

    Mr Ebienfa stated that the return of the Nigerians depends on their financial capacity, as they would be expected to fund their trip back home individually.

    He said, “Those willing to leave are expected to approach the high commission and, given that their decision is voluntary, have the resources to fund their return to Nigeria.”

    The government will not “provide an aircraft from Nigeria to convey them.”

    He also noted that the speed of the repatriation process will be determined by the availability of funds.

    “Yes, 130 as of this morning have registered, but actualisation would be required to have their flight ticket to move back to Nigeria.”

    Mr Ebienfa also explained that Nigerians who have so far expressed interest are motivated either by concerns about threats to their lives or by fear of arrest by South African law enforcement agencies.

    “There are two groups of Nigerians who want to come back. One group feels the country is not safe for them and wants to come. They have all their papers intact.

    “Then there is also the second group that has travel document violations or resident permit violations. And instead of running away from law enforcement, they are appealing that the government facilitate their movement back to Nigeria,” he explained.

    However, he noted that the process is still being worked out and that the government would step in to provide aircraft or other needed assistance if tensions rise and the situation becomes more volatile. 

  • ADC, Defectors Clash As NDC Lawmaker Blames Atiku For Crisis

    ADC, Defectors Clash As NDC Lawmaker Blames Atiku For Crisis

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) traded blame on Tuesday over a wave of defections that has shaken the opposition coalition.

    The exchange featured ADC Deputy National Financial Secretary, Oladimeji Fabiyi, and Hon. Ifeanyi Uzokwe, a federal lawmaker representing Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, who on Tuesday defected to the NDC alongside 16 other lawmakers.

    Fabiyi dismissed suggestions that the ADC is in crisis, insisting the party remains strong and accusing defectors of acting out of personal ambition.

    “There’s nothing wrong with our party. Perhaps something is wrong with those that are leaving,” he said.

    He argued that those exiting the party were motivated by political calculations rather than ideology.
    “A lot of them… were leaving not because they love NDC, but because they felt they needed a platform to advance their political journey.”

    Fabiyi also took aim at former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, suggesting he avoided internal contests within the coalition.

    “You will know that he’s not a man who likes to face challenges… he only wants to fight for himself.”

    On concerns about internal disputes, Fabiyi downplayed the impact of ongoing litigation, describing the cases against the party as weak.

    “We just have flimsy court cases that cannot even stop us… if it’s on the point of law, ADC cannot lose.”

    He rejected claims that the coalition was built to serve former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition, instead portraying Atiku as a unifying figure.

    “This has nothing to do with Atiku Abubakar… what he did was to provide leadership and converge opposition elements.”

    Fabiyi further argued that those unwilling to face Atiku in a primary contest lacked political courage.
    “Is Atiku God that you cannot face?… It’s cowardice.”

    However, Uzokwe disagreed, directly blaming Atiku’s ambition for the breakdown within the coalition and the defections.

    “The ambition of His Excellency Atiku Abubakar… is what killed PDP,” he said.

    He revealed that consultations with key political figures influenced the decision of lawmakers to leave the ADC.

    “We went to Atiku Abubakar’s house… we went to Kwankwaso’s house… and what Atiku told us was why we left today.”

    According to Uzokwe, the refusal to zone the presidency to the South was a critical issue that drove the mass defection.

    “We said, can you step down and leave Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi and others… If Atiku says today he is stepping down… and the South should produce the candidate, things would change.”

    He also alleged that Atiku asserted control over the coalition, raising concerns among stakeholders.

    “Atiku Abubakar said was formed in his house, that ADC is his party, that nobody will tell him anything.”

    Uzokwe rejected claims that defectors lacked electoral strength, defending his own political standing.

    “I defeated their Labour candidate… Nnewi North/South is one of the toughest constituencies… I won in court, I won rerun.”

    The lawmaker insisted the decision to defect was based on principle, not political survival.

    The exchange became increasingly heated, with both men accusing each other of misrepresenting facts and “playing to the gallery.”

    Fabiyi maintained that defectors overestimated their chances without aligning with Obi.

    “They felt they could not win without Peter Obi… that’s the only way they can win the election.”

    But Uzokwe dismissed that claim, maintaining that structural imbalances within the coalition made it untenable.

    ADC, Defectors Clash As NDC Lawmaker Blames Atiku For Crisis is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

  • INEC Resumes Nationwide Continuous Voter Registration

    INEC Resumes Nationwide Continuous Voter Registration

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the resumption of the Nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise which will resume for its third and final phase on Monday, 11th May 2026.

    It may be recalled that the second phase of the exercise was suspended on 17th April 2026 to allow the Commission clean up the register after its publication for claims and objections by registrants.

    In a statement released today May 5, Mohammed Kudu Haruna Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, says the third phase of the CVR, which begins on Monday, 11th May 2026, will end on Friday, 10th July 2026. The statement added that during this period, eligible citizens who have attained the age of 18, as well as those who were unable to register during the earlier phases, should seize this opportunity to do so.

    The statement added that registered voters who wish to transfer their registration, replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), or correct their biodata, are also advised to access the Commission’s dedicated online portal at https://cvr.inecnigeria.org or visit INEC State and Local Government Area offices nationwide.

    ‘’In continuation of the process, the Commission will display the Register of Voters for claims and objections from Thursday, 23rd July to Wednesday, 29th July 2026. This statutory exercise provides an important opportunity for citizens to scrutinise the register and assist the Commission in ensuring its accuracy, completeness and credibility.

    The Commission reassures Nigerians that all necessary arrangements have been concluded for the smooth conduct of the exercise. We once again appeal to all eligible citizens to present themselves for registration and to play their part in strengthening the foundation of our electoral process.’’the statement read in part

  • N10m Given Me By Coup Plotters Was For Prayers…Islamic Cleric

    N10m Given Me By Coup Plotters Was For Prayers…Islamic Cleric

     

    An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Bukar Kashim Goni, who was accused of complicity in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration through a coup d’état, has claimed that over N10 million transferred to his bank account was for prayers.

    Sheikh Goni is one of the six defendants facing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the botched coup plot.

    Other defendants in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, which was filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, are retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana; retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor; serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim; and two others—Zekeri Umoru and Abdulkadir Sani.

    At the resumed proceedings on Tuesday, the court, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, viewed video evidence that depicted an interaction the Islamic cleric had with security operatives who investigated the case.

    When the investigators confronted the defendant with financial records showing multi-million-naira transfers allegedly linked to the principal suspect, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, he immediately denied his involvement in any plot against President Tinubu.

    The defendant insisted all funds he received from Col. Ma’aji were strictly for “prayers and charitable purposes.”

    Explaining that he relocated to Karu in Abuja after fleeing insurgency in Maiduguri, the defendant told the investigators that his relationship with Ma’aji was based on religious interactions and requests for spiritual support.

    According to him, the military officer approached him for prayers over alleged promotion delays and other personal challenges.

    Despite his stoic denial of any affiliation with the alleged coup plot, investigators queried his explanation using evidence from his financial records, which allegedly showed transfers to him starting in March 2023—months before the promotion issues he referenced

    The investigators equally drew his attention to transactions allegedly running into millions of naira, including a ₦10 million transfer said to have been made in October 2024.

    He was further asked to explain how some of his discussions with the primary suspect included references to gaining “access” and acquiring “work tools,” which the investigators said pointed to a broader operation, like the planned coup.

    However, Sheikh Goni maintained his position, insisting he had no knowledge of any illegal plan, saying he neither had any involvement in political nor military activities.

    In another video viewed in open court, another defendant, Umoru—a staff member of Julius Berger Nigeria attached to the maintenance department of the Presidential Villa—claimed he was “misled” into associating with Col. Ma’aji.

    He also denied knowingly participating in any coup plot.

    Nevertheless, the defendant admitted receiving several cash payments, including a “Ghana Must Go” bag that allegedly contained ₦8.8 million.

    The defendant said he believed the transactions were related to business opportunities.

    The court had previously viewed video evidence in which some of the defendants allegedly admitted participating in coded communications, meetings and reconnaissance activities around the Presidential Villa, although they denied involvement in any concrete attempt to overthrow the government.

    Trial Justice Abdulmalik adjourned further hearing in the case until May 11, 12, and 13.

    The FG, in the charge before the court, alleged that the defendants, sometime in September 2025, conspired to levy war against the state to overawe President Tinubu—an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.

    It was further alleged that the defendants had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving Col. Ma’aji and others but failed to alert the appropriate authorities.

    The FG stated that they rendered assistance to Col. Ma’aji, as shown by their failure to disclose the coup plot to the President or a peace officer.

    The defendants were also accused of failing to take preventive steps, having “not used any reasonable endeavours to prevent the commission of the offence.”

    Other allegations centred on terrorism-related offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    The defendants were said to have conspired to commit an act of terrorism in Nigeria.

    Upon their arraignment before the court on April 22, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the 13-count charge and were remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) pending determination of the case.

    Timipre Sylva — a former governor of Bayelsa State who also served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under the late former President Muhammadu Buhari — was also mentioned in the charge.

    The former governor is said to be at large after fleeing the country before the alleged coup plot was exposed.

    The allegations against the defendants include treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering in furtherance of terrorist acts.

  • Senate Ammends House Rules To Stop Hope Uzodimma, Ex Governors Eyeing Leadership Positions

    Senate Ammends House Rules To Stop Hope Uzodimma, Ex Governors Eyeing Leadership Positions

     

    Barely a year to the inauguration of the 11th National Assembly, the Senate on Tuesday moved to tighten its internal rules, effectively narrowing the path to its most powerful offices and edging out a class of incoming lawmakers, including serving governors and former senators eyeing leadership positions.

    In a move widely seen as pre-emptive, the red chamber, after about three hours of a closed-door session, amended Orders 4 and 5 of its Standing Rules, restricting eligibility for both presiding and principal offices to ranking lawmakers with defined legislative experience.

    The amendments come amid growing interest by outgoing governors and political heavyweights, many of whom are positioning to enter the Senate in 2027 to contest for top leadership roles such as Senate President and Deputy Senate President.

    Under the Revised Order 4, the Senate reinforced a strict hierarchy for the emergence of presiding officers, stating that “Nomination of senators to serve as Presiding Officers shall be in accordance with the ranking of senators and shall be strictly adhered to.

    “The order of ranking are (i) Former President of the Senate, (ii) Former Deputy President of the Senate, (iii) Former Principal Officers of the Senate, (iv) Senators who had served at least one term of four years, (v) Senators who had been members of the House of Representatives, (vi) In the absence of i to v, senators elected into the Senate for the first time,” it stated.

    Beyond this ranking structure, the Senate introduced a more stringent provision in Order 5, effectively excluding first-time and non-consecutive lawmakers from contesting principal offices.

    The amended rule states: “Any senator shall not be eligible to contest for any principal office of the Senate unless he has served as a senator for at least two consecutive terms immediately preceding nomination.”

    The implication is far-reaching: senators-elect who were not members of both the 9th and 10th National Assembly would be ineligible to vie for key leadership roles in the 11th Assembly.

    Presiding offices in the Senate include the Senate President and Deputy Senate President, while principal offices comprise Senate Leader, Deputy Senate Leader, Chief Whip, Deputy Whip, Minority Leader, Deputy Minority Leader, Minority Whip and Deputy Minority Whip.

    The rule changes come against the backdrop of an intensifying scramble for Senate seats ahead of the 2027 general elections, driven largely by governors completing their constitutionally allowed two terms.

    No fewer than 10 state governors and several former governors are already angling to secure senatorial tickets, leveraging their influence over party structures to emerge as consensus candidates in their respective states.

    At least 12 of the 36 state governors are in their second and final terms, with 10 set to complete their tenure by May 29, 2027.

    The looming transition has triggered a wave of political realignments, with many seeking to maintain relevance and influence by moving to the National Assembly.

    Eight of the affected governors are from the ruling All Progressives Congress, while Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, belongs to the Peoples Democratic Party, and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed is aligned with the Allied Peoples Movement.

    Those expected to exit office in 2027 include AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), alongside Makinde and Bala Mohammed.

    Although Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma will complete their tenures in early 2028 due to off-cycle elections, both have been drawn into early permutations for Senate seats.

    In Imo State, the political temperature has risen sharply following moves by the All Progressives Congress to position Uzodimma for the Imo West senatorial seat.

    Party leaders in the state have already named him as the consensus candidate, even as the incumbent senator, Osita Izunaso, is reportedly seeking a return to the red chamber.

    Last Saturday, APC leaders from the Orlu Zone (Imo West), led by the state chairman, Chief Austin Onyedebelu, purchased the 2027 senatorial nomination form for the governor, urging him to accept the ticket.

    Onyedebelu, who presented the forms to Uzodimma’s Chief of Staff, Chief Nnamdi Anyaehie, called for pressure on the governor to “accept the plea of Orlu people by filling the forms so that it can be submitted before the deadline of 5th May, 2026.”

    The state APC has also warned other aspirants against contesting the seat, insisting that Uzodimma remains the consensus choice.

    Complicating the contest, former Governor Rochas Okorocha equally purchased nomination forms in a bid to return to the Senate, a move confirmed by one of his aides, Darlington Ibekwe.

    The Orlu Political Consultative Assembly further reinforced Uzodimma’s candidacy, declaring him the sole candidate for the district in what it described as a “total, unanimous, and irrevocable decision.”

    The unfolding contest is also shaped by internal power dynamics within the ruling party.

    Last month, President Bola Tinubu reportedly rebuffed attempts by National Assembly leaders to secure automatic return tickets for lawmakers, instead reaffirming the authority of state governors over candidate selection.

    The stance has strengthened governors’ grip on party structures, enabling many of them to influence senatorial nominations as they prepare for life after office.

    Against this backdrop, the Senate’s rule amendments appear designed to preserve institutional hierarchy and prevent an influx of first-time lawmakers, many of them politically powerful, from immediately taking control of the chamber’s leadership.

    For ambitious entrants like Uzodimma and others plotting a return or debut in the Senate, the message from the red chamber is clear: experience within its ranks, not political clout outside it, will determine who leads in the 11th National Assembly.

  • UCL: ‘Credit to him’ – Thierry Henry on Arsenal player who proved people wrong

    UCL: ‘Credit to him’ – Thierry Henry on Arsenal player who proved people wrong

    Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry, has identified Viktor Gyokeres as the Gunners player who proved people wrong following his side’s Champions League semi-final second leg 1-0 win against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

    Speaking on CBS Sports after the game, the Frenchman gave credit to Gyokeres for his display against the LaLiga giants at the Emirates Stadium.

    “If I take the example of Gyokeres, the jury was out on him,” Henry said of the Sweden international.

    “It’s not a bad thing. Embrace it. Try to prove people wrong. Tonight he did.

    ‘Not only tonight, but in the last month, I’ll also give him his credit. He is running, he looks solid and a bit more like a number nine that you can be scared of.”

    Gyokeres joined the Premier League North London club from Sporting CP last summer.

    UCL: ‘Credit to him’ – Thierry Henry on Arsenal player who proved people wrong