The elected former members of 7th Legislature (Assembly) under the platform of the defunct Congress For Progressive Change CPC in 2011 urges Nigerian to debunk any statement from unauthorized person or group on behalf of the Party.

In a communique issued to journalists after their meeting in Abuja added that

“We, the elected former members of 7th Legislature (Assembly) Under the platform of the now defunct Congress For Progressive Change (CPC) in the 2011 general election hereby issue this communiqué to address a critical matter concerning the legacy and representation of our defunct party.

“The CPC, which commanded the loyalty and support of over twelve million Nigerians, particularly in Northern Nigeria during the 2011 elections, was a
formidable political movement built on the principles of progressive change, integrity, and the aspirations of the Nigerian people”.

“Following the merger that formed the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013,
the CPC ceased to exist as a political entity. However, its ideals, vision, and the
mandate of its supporters remain sacrosanct within the APC and are as valid today as they were during the formation of our great party, the APC”.

It is also pertinent to emphasise that the CPC, having produced only one Governor
in the Federation-Sen. Tanko Al-Makura, Governor of Nasarawa State-this body of duly elected Members of the 7th National Assembly (NASS) recognises
him as our leader. This forum will work with him to ensure that what we worked hard and sacrificed so much for-this party, our party, the ruling party, our APC-
succeeds in delivering, beyond expectations, the yearnings and aspirations of
Nigerians, which were the instruments that led to the merger in the first place”.

“It has come to our attention that certain individuals, groups and entities who had
no electoral value during the heyday of the CPC have falsely claimed to speak foror represent the CPC, purporting to act on behalf of its legacy and its millions of supporters”.

“We categorically declare that no person, group of persons, or entity has the authority to speak for or on behalf of the defunct CPC, except the elected
representatives of the party who were duly chosen by its supporters in 2011″.

“We, the former elected Members of the CPC from the 7th Assembly and many more who stood for elections, won and were subsequently robbed of their hard-
earned, hard-won, yet short-lived victories, remain the only legitimate and
authentic voice of the defunct CPC”.

” We are the true custodians of the party’s legacy and the representatives of the twelve million Nigerians, predominantly in
Northern Nigeria, who entrusted us with their mandate”.

“We call on all Nigerians, particularly the supporters of the CPC in Northern Nigeria and beyond, to disregard any unauthorized statements, actions, or
representations made in the name of the CPC”.

“We reaffirm our commitment to upholding the values of the APC and ensuring
that the voice of its supporters is not misrepresented or exploited”.

“We further urge the media, civil society, and the general public to verify the authenticity of any claims related to the defunct CPC, and to recognize only the
elected Members of the 7th Assembly and our leader, the former Governor of Nasarawa State, Sen. Tanko Al-Makura, as the legitimate representatives of the
defunct party’s legacy”.

God Bless the APC
God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Signed,
Duly Elected CPC Members of the 7th National Assembly (2011-2015)
End of Communiqué

… Calls on the NSA to put security agencies on alert over Gov. Otti’s threat

By Ibrahim Ammani

The leadership of the Labour Party has condemned a statement by the former Vice Presidential Candidate in the 2023 presidential election Sen. Datti Baba-Ahmed, who said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government is ‘questionably constitutional’.

The Labour Party views the comment as undemocratic and it is by this statement dissociating itself from any surreptitious action capable of inciting Nigerians against the present government.

In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary Dr. Arabambi Abayomi, but made available to journalists in Kaduna by the National Secretary Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the Labour Party said as a party, it approached the 2023 general election with all determination to make a difference in the way Nigeria is run and sponsored candidates it believed at the time had the capacity to win elections for the party. However, the result of that Presidential election declared didn’t go its way and the party challenged the result up to the Supreme Court and lost. 

“For the interest and peace of the nation, the Labour Party accepted the judgement of the Supreme Court, not because we were pleased but because of the FINALITY of the Supreme Court’s judgement. The party has since moved on. 

But the party was astonished while speaking at the illegal and unconstitutional meeting called by Governor Otti and Peter Obi, on Wednesday 9th April 2025, at Transcorp Hotel Abuja as Sen. Datti Baba-Ahmed still referred the product of the 2023 presidential election as ‘Questionably constitutional’ even with the legitimacy conferred on the Tinubu government by the Supreme court.

Sen. Datti Baba-Ahmed also said in an interview with a national television; “The appointments they are making are fake, the appointments they are making are illegal. The paraphernalia of government they are enjoying, destroying our country, spending our money is only for a little time.” Still questioning the presidency of President Tinubu’s legitimacy.

“For us in the Labour Party, this statement is clearly inciting and a call for mass action against a constituted authority. We think there should be a limit to whipping up the public sentiments against a legitimate government.

“The Arab Spring that rattled the entire Middle East started when the Arab leaders paid no attention to Bouazizi’s subtle but persistent galvanisation of the youths against their governments leading into the mass demonstrations, revolts, and revolutions that almost consumed the region. 

“Recall that Baba-Ahmed while refusing to concede victory in the 2023 presidential election also alleged that the Tinubu government harboured a grand scheme to dismember Nigeria into six possibly autonomous zones and that the administration has thrown Nigerians into untold hardship, all in efforts to weep up sentiments against the government.

Nigeria is presently passing through a dangerous and precarious phase and it is expected that every well meaning Nigerian should realize the fragility of the nation, put politics aside and help to move the nation out of the woods. 

“The leadership of Labour Party wishes to state clearly, that it is within the right of every Nigerian to hold the government accountable for its inability to live up to the expectation. However, statements that are inciting and capable of plunging the nation into unwarranted combustion, particularly by the political class, must be avoided.

“The Labour Party under the able leadership of Barr. Julius Abure therefore wishes to completely dissociate itself from the unfortunate and reprehensible comments by its former vice presidential candidate. 

“Similarly, the party also viewed the comment by the Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti of a possible ‘dooms day’ awaiting the Barr. Julius Abure’s led leadership as a direct threat to the lives of the party executive members.

“As if Labour Party is his personal company, Governor Otti at the illegal meeting on Wednesday 9th April, 2025 boasted that Abure refused an offer of the Chairmanship of the Board of Trustees of the party and that he was ready to ‘fumigate Abure and his team out of office’. He also threatened that the ‘dooms day’ is imminent. The party is therefore warning that no harm should befall any of the party’s leaders as a result of the imminent doom that the governor has threatened. 

“This threat is coming a few days after a similar threat by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajero to mobilize arms men to ‘flush’ the leadership out of our offices across the nation. We believe that these threats are not coincidental in any way as it is a known fact that NLC’s rascality is equally being funded by the Abia State government. We are therefore by this statement notifying Nigerians, particularly the National Security Adviser (NSA) to come to our aid as our lives are clearly in danger and we no longer feel safe. 

We call on all the security agencies including the Police and state security agencies to beef up security around our leaders. We have committed no offence except that we insist on the rule of law and the respect for the party supremacy as ordered recently by the Supreme court. The party also warns that the Abia State governor should be held responsible should anything untoward happen to any of our leaders. 

SIGN
Dr. Arabambi Abayomi (FBAU)
Most Non-Controversial Political personality Year 2024

National Publicity Secretary

18th April 2025

By Ibrahim Ammani

The Barau I Jibrin Foundation (BIJF) has shortlisted 215 candidates for its Postgraduate Domestic Scholarships for the 2025/2026 Academic Session.

Senator Barau, in his efforts to expand educational access for young Nigerians, launched both foreign and domestic scholarship programs. Seventy students are currently pursuing postgraduate programs in India.

A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate, Alhaji Ismail Mudashir, said the shortlisted candidates for the domestic postgraduate programs are invited for interview and screening on 20th to 21st April 2025 at the Bayero University, Kano School of Continuing Education (SCE), G/Dutse, K/Taya, Kano.

“You will recall that on January 6 this year, the Barau I Jibrin Foundation opened the application for its Domestic Postgraduate Scholarship. The shortlisted applicants have been selected from the 44 local government areas of Kano State for physical screening and interview.

” The program offers a unique opportunity for academic growth, research and human capital development in various fields of science and technology.

“The programs include M.Sc. Artificial Intelligence, M.Sc. Robotics Technology, M.Sc. Cyber Security, M.Sc. Data Science, M.Sc. Information Technology, M.Sc. Software Development, M.Sc. Mineral Exploration, M.Sc. Hydrogeology & Environmental Geology, M.Sc. Oil and Gas Operations, M.Sc. Applied Geophysics, M.Sc. Metallurgical and Material Engineering, M.Sc. Climate Change Management, M.Eng. Mechatronic and M.Eng. Intelligence System,” the foundation stated.

It added that six universities, Bayero University Kano, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and University of Nigeria Nsukka, have been selected for the program.

“We will continue to devise means to provide our youth with the needed education to compete favourably in the modern world. Education is the sine qua non for meaningful development,” it stated.

Signed:
Ismail Mudashir
Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity
April 18, 2025

By Ibrahim Ammani

The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) has renewed its call for heightened security across Nigeria, particularly in light of the renewed activities of Boko Haram and continued attacks in Plateau and Borno states.

Condemning the persistent and senseless killings of innocent citizens, the Foundation described the violence as unacceptable and called for urgent action to protect lives and restore peace in affected communities.

Speaking during an interactive session with select journalists at the Foundation’s headquarters in Kaduna, Director General Engr. Abubakar Gambo Umar stressed the importance of strengthening national security.

“I urge us all to recognise the necessity of enhanced security measures, especially to address the resurgence of Boko Haram activities in Borno State as well as permanently uprooting banditry across the nation,” he said. “The safety of our citizens should be a priority, and we must call upon our leaders to ensure that effective strategies are implemented to protect our communities.”

On a more positive note, Umar commended government efforts aimed at reducing the cost of food commodities.

He noted that the initiative is critical in easing the economic burden on families and called for continued progress in that direction.

“As we gather here today, we cannot ignore the socio-political climate of our country. We are witnessing troubling attempts to sow disunity and disharmony among our citizens for political gain. This is a moment to reflect on the importance of solidarity in our diversity.

“Moreover, the recent killings in Plateau State have brought about a wave of sadness across our nation, resulting in the needless loss of precious lives. We must collectively denounce violence and work towards peaceful coexistence,” he stated.

“Our Foundation is committed to addressing socio-economic challenges, advocating for peace, and promoting national unity through various initiatives and programs. Over the years, we have engaged in activities that focus on education, health, agriculture, and good governance, all aimed at improving the lives of our citizens”.

He reiterated the commitment to fostering a cordial working relationship between the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation and the media houses, stressing that together, we can drive meaningful change and inspire hope in our communities.

“We deeply appreciate your unwavering support in disseminating information about our activities. Your role in informing the public is invaluable, and it strengthens our collective efforts to promote positive change in society. It is part of our core mandate at the Foundation to intervene in critical, topical national issues, providing direction not only for our leaders at various levels but also guiding our citizens towards informed decision-making.”

By Ahmed Ilallah

The Jigawa State-based Non-Governmental Organisation Green & Environmental Project Initiative (GEPI) working on Agriculture, Environment, and Health thematic areas has expressed their delight for this historical development in the state health transformation exercise.

The Group State Leader Comrade Ahmed Ilallah make the declaration today, after the laying foundation of these projects by His Excellency Malam Umar Namadi, the Jigawa State.

The Group also expressed their satisfactions of the strategic and policy of Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Health Dr. Abdullahi Mohammed Kainuwa in transforming the Jigawa State health sector

He stated that the CSOs and CBOs in Jigawa are convinced with the transformation system of the health services in the state.

In a short period of time, the ministry is addressing the shortcomings of health workers across the state and reequiping the health facilities, which experienced decay and negligence for many years.

On the development of Diagnostic and Cardiac Centres in the state, these projects will play a significant role not only for the people, but the whole of Nigeria.

We have a great belief with His Excellency that “… with these services in our doorstep, the era of going to other States for Mammography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan, and many other specialized diagnostic health services will be over In Shaa Allah”. We firmly believe, these Centres will provide these services very effectively to the people in Jigawa State and beyond. Indeed, our vision is to create a new hub for health tourism in Dutse, the Capital City of Jigawa State.

The GEPI is congratulating the people of Jigawa and the Governor for this milestone of making the great Jigawa

Ahmed Ilallah
alhajilallah@gmail.com

By Ibrahim Ammani

The attention of the leadership of the Labour Party has been drawn to an illegal NEC meeting convened by Dr Alex Otti, the Abia State Governor and Peter Obi, Labour Party’s former Presidential candidate wherein they have continued to live in an unhealthy paradise and deluding themselves. At the end of their illegal meeting in Abuja yesterday Wednesday, Mr. Obi led other party outlaws to the Headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in attempt to pressure the electoral Commission to take illegal action against our party leadership. 

The mission has shown the high level of desperation of Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti in trying to hijack the structure of the party. If really the Supreme Court decision is in their favour, why are they rushing to INEC to influence the Commission to do the wrong thing. 

Also in their meeting, they boasted of wanting to give the National Chairman, Barrister Abure a soft landing by offering him the position of the Chairman, Board of Trustees. But unfortunately for them, Abure didn’t make himself the National Chairman, therefore it is not about Abure but about what the structures have said. It is about the supremacy of the organs of the party and doing things right.

It is not about offering the BoT to the National Chairman that matters, because it is not within anybody’s prerogative to allocate positions, it is not about patronizing anyone, it is about the sanctity of the political institution. Needless to say that it is all these arbitral behaviours by some leaders that have led this country into a near mess it has found itself today.

The Abuja illegal meeting also issued threat, intimidation and to recover the leadership of the party using all means including by way of brute force. 

It would be recalled that just this last Tuesday, a political union leader, Comrade Joe Ajero has also toe that same hooliganistic approach wherein he swore to forcefully picket all Labour Party offices across the nation.

Our immediate response to that threat by Peter Obi, Gov Otti and the other renegades, is that what they are planning will amount to self help. We need not inform them that there are legal ways of enforcing judgement if it is really in your favour. We advice them to seek peaceful means to resolve the crisis as threats and intimidation may never achieve anything positive.

It is pertinent to note at this juncture that the meeting and the outcome of the meeting held in Abuja is a violation of the Supreme Court judgement where it admonished party leaders to obey their party’s constitution. In line with the Supreme Court decision, no other officer or any other person in the party is allowed to call any NEC meeting except the National Secretary with the consultation and approval of the National Chairman. 

Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti have no power under the constitution to convene the purported  NEC meeting in Abuja. Consequently, the outcome of the meeting and the meeting itself  is illegal, incompetent, null and void.

It is pertinent to also draw the attention of the public to Article 14 of the party constitution which contains the composition of NEC members. For the avoidance of doubt, the article is here by reproduced as follows:

i. National Chairman 

ii. Five (5) Deputy National Chairmen at least one female, One each trom NLC and TUC. One representing North and one South. 

iii. The President, Vice President. the President of the Senate and the Deputy, the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives; if produced by the Party and all the Governors and Deputy Governors produced by the Party. 

iv.Chairmen and Secretaries of State Executive Councils of the Party. 

v. Six (6) National Vice Chairmen each representing the six geopolitical zones of the country. 

vi. National Secretary ; 

vii. Three(3) Deputy National Secretaries 

viii. National Treasurer

 ix. Financial Secretary 

x. National Publicity Secretary 

x.(a) Deputy National Publicity Secretary

xi. National Organizing Secretary 

xi. (a) Deputy National Organizing Secretary 

xii. National Legal Adviser 

xii. (a) Deputy National Legal Adviser 

xiii. National Auditor. 

xiii. (a) Deputy National Auditor 

xiv. National Women Leader 

xv. Six (6) Deputy National Women Leaders cach representing each of the six geo-political zones of the country,

 vi. National Youth Leader an Six(6) Assistant National. Youth Leaders. Each representing each of the six geo-political zones of the country. 

xviii, Presidents and General Secretaries of Labour centres if‘ they are, financial members of the party representing the platforms. 

xix. Ex-officio members to be appointed by the National Executive Council. 

xx. Chairpersons of Women Commissions of labour centres if they are members of the Party, 

The notice of the meeting that was purportedly issued which listed those who will be present at the meeting is also hereby reproduced for people and members of the public to see the illegality that is being perpetuated by Gov Otti and Peter Obi in the affairs of Labour Party.

They include: Vice Presidential Candidate for 2023 Elections, Serving and Former Senators and Senatorial Candidates, Serving and Former Members NASS (HOR) and HOR Candidates, All Serving Members of State House of Assemblies, All Members of the National Caretaker Committee and NTC, All Former Governorship Candidates who are still members, Representatives of NLC  and TUC Political Commissions, and All Members of the Former National Working Committee (NWC). 

There is no where in the party constitution where a body such as the National Caretaker Committee is mentioned. And there is no where it was mentioned that a state governor or a former Presidential Candidate of the party can convene a NEC meeting.

It is unfortunate like we said earlier that the beautiful ones are not yet born. We must say here that those who want to lead Nigeria, those who are clamouring that we must have a new country where things are done differently must be seen to obey the laws of the land. 

It is pertinent to mention here that if some of our leaders can not obey the  principles of our constitution now that they are not in power, is it when they are in power that they will do it? Will they not throw away the Nigerian constitution and the electoral act? And if the constitution has prescribed the way and manner a new leadership must emerge, how come these leaders are not following the procedure for the benefit and the peace in the party. 

We therefore condemned that illegal meeting and we call on our members and the general public to disregard the meeting and its outcome.

SIGN;

Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim

National Secretary

Labour Party

09/04/2025

By Ibrahim Ammani

A group known as Arewa Coalition Of Youths has declared that over 65,000 Northern groups will vote massively again for President Bola Tinubu at the 2027 general elections.

The Arewa Coalition Of Youths made the declaration at a press conference in Kaduna.

Addressing the journalists, the Dirwctor General of the group, Hon. Abubakar Aliyi ( Galadiman Takai) said their support for the Tinubu administration which they campaigned vigorously for its emergence was informed by his achievements in the office over the last one years.

”We have decided to hold this press conference to express our total support to His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As Nigerians we have seen different political dispensations but what we are seeing now under President Tinubu is quite wonderful achievements.

Galadiman Takai said president has been working tirelessly to implement various projects across the country including the north such as the Presidential Initiative on CNG while it made significant progress in attracting investments to the country.

“As we move forward, we are committed to supporting the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, and to working with all stakeholders to ensure its success. Secondly ACY we have over 2 million member with PVC that will massively vote for president Bola Tinubu in comes 2027′. We believe that with the support of Nigerians we can achieve our goals and create a brighter future for our countr” he said.

Overall, President Tinubu’s projects in the North have focused on economic development, security, and social welfare, with a goal of improving the lives of Nigerians and promoting sustainable growth.

According to him “Notable among the renewed hope benefits to the north is the appointment of Arewa sons and daughters into positions in his government, including; the SGF, minister of defense, humanitarian among others but few to mention,” Galadima added.

By Ibrahim Ammani

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has extended his heartfelt felicitation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of his 73rd birthday.

Governor Ododo in statement signed by his special adviser on media, Ismaila Isah described President Tinubu as a statesman whose leadership and dedication to national development continue to inspire hope and progress across Nigeria.

He commended the President’s unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which is driving economic reforms, strengthening national unity, and advancing the nation’s democratic values.

“On behalf of the government and people of Kogi State, I celebrate Mr President and our father on this special day. Your resilience, visionary leadership, and patriotism have laid a strong foundation for Nigeria’s growth. We deeply appreciate your tireless efforts in repositioning our country for sustainable development,” Governor Ododo stated.

He further reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu’s administration and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and good health for the President as he leads Nigeria toward greater prosperity, sustainable development, peace and stability.

From Ibrahim Ammani

Hope has come alive in Kogi State as the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) officially assumes regulatory oversight of the electricity sector, marking a major step towards access to power for industrial and commercial enterprises as well domestic utilization of energy in Kogi state.

Under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the state has leveraged the amended Electricity Act 2023 to take full control of its power sector, reducing reliance on the regulatory and distribution framework of the old order in Nigeria.

As part of this reform, the state government has also established its own power distribution company, Kogi Electricity Distribution Limited (KEDL), a subsidiary company of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to oversee electricity distribution across the state.

With this development, Kogi State joins the rank of progressive states like Lagos, Enugu, Niger, Kano and others that have taken charge of their electricity generation and distribution. As one of the first few states to exercise this new autonomy, Kogi is setting the pace for others to follow.

The establishment of KEDL means that residents and businesses will no longer have to depend solely on electricity distribution networks outside of the state, and in the coming weeks, Kogites can expect to see significant improvements in the power sector.

For years, unstable electricity has been a major hindrance to economic growth in Kogi, forcing businesses to operate at a loss and leaving many communities without access to power. Small-scale enterprises, including welders, frozen food vendors, and tailors, have been forced to rely on costly fuel-powered generators, severely cutting into their profits.

Even scrap dealers, who contribute significantly to the recycling industry, have to transport materials as far as Kano for proper processing due to the lack of adequate power facilities in Kogi. Governor Ododo understands these struggles as a player in the sector for many years, and through KERC, he is providing a solution that will empower businesses and create an environment for economic growth.

Beyond improving power supply, this transition brings multiple economic benefits. One of the most immediate advantages is job creation for youths. As Kogi expands its power infrastructure, thousands of direct and indirect jobs will be created, from engineers and technicians to administrative personnel and field workers.

Additionally, increased control over electricity distribution allows the state to generate more revenue, which can be reinvested into further expanding the power supply value chain and ensuring more communities get connected to stable electricity.

Another major advantage is improved service delivery. Previously, Kogi residents had to travel to Abuja to lodge complaints regarding billing discrepancies, faulty meters, or erratic power supply. With KERC now regulating the sector within the state, complaints can be addressed faster, making electricity service more responsive and consumer-friendly. The presence of KEDL also means electricity distribution will be handled locally, ensuring quicker resolutions to power-related issues.

This new electricity framework is also expected to attract investors to Kogi State. Reliable power supply is a crucial factor for business expansion, and with the state now managing its electricity sector, industries that previously hesitated to establish operations in Kogi may now reconsider their stance.

Stable electricity will reduce production costs for manufacturers, making Kogi a more attractive destination for businesses across various sectors, including agro-processing, mining, and manufacturing. Given that Kogi’s estimated daily electricity demand stands at 120 megawatts, this initiative is set to bridge the gap between supply and demand, fostering economic development.

Governor Ododo has made it clear that this is not just a bureaucratic change but a transformational shift aimed at improving the lives of Kogites. His administration is committed to ensuring that KERC and KEDL function effectively, not just as regulatory bodies but as drivers of real change. The vision is to move from a state where uninterrupted electricity is a dream to one where 24-hour power supply becomes a reality to active growth and development.

Thus, Kogi’s electricity transformation drive is no longer just about providing power; it is about economic empowerment, industrial growth, and improving the quality of life for all residents.

As disclosed by the Chairman/CEO of the Kogi Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), Engr. Ibrahim Abdwaaris during a working visit by the Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, this transition is designed to enhance local electricity distribution, streamline service delivery, and improve regulatory oversight.

Abdulwaaris noted that with KEDL now in charge, all electricity matters such as billing, vending and related complaints with operations will be handled within the state and consumers who previously had service agreements with AEDC will have those agreements transferred seamlessly to KEDL.

“This move ensures that Kogi has a self-sufficient electricity distribution framework, there is no need for consumers to travel to Abuja anymore. Everything will now be managed within Kogi, ensuring efficiency and easier access to electricity services.”

He further explained that with the establishment of KEDL, KERC will now oversee the electricity market within the state. The commission will regulate tariffs, enforce service quality standards, and protect consumer rights while ensuring that private investors and stakeholders operate within a structured and competitive electricity market.

“The electricity market in Kogi will function as an investment-driven sector, for it to thrive, investors, regulators, and consumers must understand their roles. Electricity is not free, it operates as a business, and we must work together to ensure sustainability”.

Abdulwaaris further explained that transition has sparked concerns among AEDC employees, particularly about potential job losses, stressed that there is no such concern for now and that employees currently working under AEDC in Kogi State will be absorbed into KEDL, with compensations and salaries managed by the new company.

“In 2013, when Nigeria’s power sector was privatized, many workers were laid off during AEDC’s takeover from PHCN. But this is different. Kogi’s demarcation under KEDL means that human and physical assets within the state automatically belong to KEDL. There will be a structured transition to ensure staff welfare is protected,” he assured.

On the consumer side, some residents speculated that the transition might lead to free electricity. The Chairman dismissed such assumptions, explaining that Kogi’s electricity market, like any other, requires investment and financial sustainability”.

“Electricity is a business, and investors must be able to recover their investments. Kogi State government will not offer free power, but we will ensure a fair and competitive market where consumers receive value for their money,” he assured

However, with KEDL in charge, electricity distribution in Kogi State is expected to improve significantly, eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks that previously slowed service delivery. The regulatory framework under KERC aims to promote efficiency, attract investments, and create a stable electricity market within the state.

According to the Chairman “This is a new chapter for Kogi’s electricity sector. It will take time for people to fully understand the system, but continuous engagement will ensure that all stakeholders, consumers, employees, and investors adapt to the changes effectively”.

Mary Amodu Omakoji
Government House Media Centre.

By Ibrahim Ammani

It has been reliably gathered that Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has distributed a total of 50 million naira to former governors and deputy governors of the state in the spirit of Ramadan

The Secretary to Government of Zamfara State (SSG) Abubakar Nakwada was quoted to have disclosed this in an informal discussion said, former Governor Ahmed Rufai Sani Bakura received N15 million, while former Governor Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi was also given N15 million. Additionally, former deputy governors, Muktar Ahmed Anka and Ibrahim Wakala Muhammad, each received N10 million.

However, sources suggest that the payments were made with the aim of garnering political support, particularly from opposition figures.

Although the distribution has sparked criticism from residents, especially considering the widespread poverty and hunger in Zamfara State.

Many are particularly surprised that former Governor Bakura, who played a key role in the introduction of Sharia law in Zamfara and Nigeria, would accept such a sum in a time of hardship.

Some of the resident recalled that former Governor Bakura amputated a man convicted of stealing and now he is receiving money he never worked for which is equal to stealing and should be subjected to same treatment.

Some residents, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, criticized the Governor for what they saw as a misuse of public funds in the pursuit of his own political ambitions.

“Those claiming to be in other political parties are undermining their integrity by accepting such payments. They have shown they cannot be trusted,” one resident remarked.

Another resident expressed disbelief over Bakura’s involvement, saying, “It’s shocking that former Governor Bakura, who introduced Sharia in Zamfara and Nigeria, would accept money when the people of the state are suffering from extreme poverty and hunger.”

Some of the residents claimed that this is against Sharia law and the beneficiaries should be subjected to the law accordingly.

The SSG Nakwada disbursed the money to the former Governors and deputy Governors in conjunction with the State Commissioner for Budget, Abdulmalik Gajam, who is also a son inlaw to former Governor Bakura.

The Commissioner of Budget it was further gathered confirmed the transactions in yet another informal gathering.

ENDS