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The Social Democratic Party (SDP), prominent political leaders and people of Nasarawa State on Monday received the remains of late Senator Godiya Akwashiki amid tears and glowing tributes, describing his death as a monumental loss to the state and Nigeria.
The solemn reception, held in Abuja, drew top party chieftains, former governors, lawmakers and supporters, including former SDP presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo; former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi; and Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danadi Jato.
Leading tributes, Prince Adebayo described the late senator as one of the strongest pillars of the SDP and a lawmaker whose integrity and dedication cut across party lines.
“We’ve lost one of our strongest soldiers,” Adebayo said. “We feel devastated, especially for the family. The pain of this loss is not just for the family, but for the Agon Nation, the senatorial district, the entire state and Nigeria.”
He described Akwashiki as a perfect gentleman whose good name would outlive him.
“Our only consolation is that he left behind a good name. He was a great man, a great Christian, a great family man and a senator who enjoyed the full confidence of his people. If he had lived another 30 years, many would still have considered that seat as his,” he said.
Adebayo admitted that the death had negatively impacted the party and the quality of legislative politics in the state.
“For us in the SDP, losing one of our strongest is a very heavy blow. That is why all of us came here, from wherever we were, to receive him and to let the family know that we stand with them,” he added.
Also speaking, Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi described Akwashiki’s death as heartbreaking, noting that the late senator left an indelible mark in public service.
“He was a seasoned legislator, a wonderful father and a fantastic husband. This is a great loss to Nasarawa State,” Gaza said, praying that the tragedy would strengthen unity within the party and the state.
He particularly sympathised with the Egon Nation, describing the loss as deeply painful. “We pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear this loss,” he said.
The Acting National Chairman of the SDP, Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, said the party was deeply saddened by the demise of the lawmaker, describing it as a national loss.
“This is a great loss not only to his constituency and Nasarawa State, but to the SDP family nationwide and Nigeria at this critical time of our democracy,” Gombe said, while urging Nigerians to accept the will of God.
He noted that the large turnout at the reception reflected the late senator’s wide acceptance beyond party boundaries.
“It is not about party alone; it is about the entire political family. People from different political divides are here to honour him,” he added.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danadi Jato, described Akwashiki’s death as a huge blow to the state and the nation.
“We are in pain. Distinguished Senator Godiya Akwashiki was a performing senator who served with excellence. His death is a great loss, especially to the Egon people and to Nigeria,” Jato said.
Recalling their time together in the state assembly, Jato noted that Akwashiki served as Deputy Speaker from 2011 to 2015 and later made history as the first lawmaker to return twice as senator from Nasarawa North Senatorial Zone.
Prayers and words of consolation marked the end of the ceremony as leaders, party members and supporters paid their last respects to the late senator.
SDP, Leaders Receive Akwashiki’s Remains, Lament Loss of ‘One of Our Strongest Soldiers’
2027: Rivers Rainbow Coalition Unmatched — Wike Tells Other States to Follow Suit for Tinubu
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged other states to replicate Rivers State’s rare “Rainbow Coalition” ahead of the 2027 elections, saying no state currently matches its ability to build broad-based, cross-party support for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Wike made the declaration during his thank-you visit to Ahoada West Local Government Area in Rivers State, insisting that the state’s political strength lies in unity that transcends party lines.
“As of now, this is the only state where politics is not about parties but about the Renewed Hope Family,” Wike said. “Other states should adopt this level of organic unity and inclusiveness for total victory for the President in 2027.”
The former Rivers governor said the state’s resilience stems from a long-standing tradition of cooperation and consensus, which has helped it withstand pressures and attempts to weaken its political structure.
Wike expressed optimism that political stakeholders would eventually consolidate on a single platform ahead of 2027, further strengthening unity and strategic focus.
Warning against complacency, he stressed that popularity should never be taken for granted, admitting that past political negotiations had mistakes but asserting that lessons had been learned.
“We had agreements in the past, people emerged, and we all saw the challenges that followed. We will not make those mistakes again. Politics requires firmness, clarity and courage not to go backwards,” he said.
He also maintained that opposition forces have lost relevance, insisting the will of the people has prevailed and that no group was cheated or sidelined.
Wike commended Rivers people for their support for President Tinubu in 2023, calling it an act of good faith that deserves appreciation.
Reflecting on his role as FCT minister, he said his emergence mirrored the resilience and contributions of Rivers people to national development, with ongoing projects in Abuja reflecting the diligence and commitment of the state.
“This is the time for everyone to come together and do what is right. Where governance is working, encourage it,” Wike urged.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Hon. Chita Eugene Epelle, described Wike’s visit as a moment of pride and renewal, praising his leadership and achievements that extend beyond Rivers State.
“Despite your busy schedule, you found time to visit Ahoada West. Today, we receive you as our leader, our hero, and a proud son of Ahoada West,” Epelle said, reaffirming the area’s support for Wike and praying for his continued strength and wisdom.
Fubara Betrays Peace Deal, Plans to Defraud Rivers People — Ex-Lawmaker Ewor
A former Rivers State House of Assembly member, Hon. Robinson Ewor, has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of deliberately betraying agreements reached during presidential mediation, alleging that the governor lacks transparency and intends to defraud Rivers people.
Ewor made the accusation on Sunday during the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike’s, thank-you visit to Ahoada West Local Government Area. The former lawmaker said Fubara failed to honour resolutions reached after interventions by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The truth is that he is not worthy to be a leader. You know the situation in the state. There was a crisis, they all went to the President, the President mediated, and an agreement was reached — an eight-point agenda,” Ewor said.
According to him, the governor signed the agreement voluntarily but later abandoned it.
“He didn’t sign under duress. Nobody forced him. He signed voluntarily. Then what happened? He didn’t keep to the agreement,” the ex-lawmaker stated.
Ewor further alleged that Fubara acted deceptively during a second round of negotiations, deliberately excluding his supporters and stakeholders.
“This time, he was very crafty. He has enormous support and followers, but he went to the negotiation alone because, from the onset, he planned not to keep to the terms. Otherwise, why would a governor go to a negotiation of that magnitude alone?” he asked.
He criticised the governor for failing to brief Rivers people on what was discussed or agreed, calling the silence a failure of leadership and accountability.
“They haven’t finished negotiating, you came back, and you didn’t tell Rivers people what you discussed or agreed. Is that leadership? I am demanding that the government should come out and address Rivers people, tell them what was agreed in the last mediation,” Ewor said.
He emphasised that Governor Fubara, having been elected by the people, owes them transparency.
“Rivers people employed him. We gave him the mandate. He is accountable to us. He should come out clean and tell Rivers people the truth,” he said.
Ewor warned that any leader who cannot communicate honestly cannot be trusted to govern.
“A leader that cannot tell his people the truth cannot be trusted to lead,” he declared.
Contrasting Fubara with the FCT Minister, Ewor said Wike attended negotiations with his team and witnesses, unlike the governor who allegedly acted alone.
“The FCT minister went to the negotiation with his team, with witnesses, and came back. But our government has intent to defraud Rivers people, so he went alone to avoid witnesses,” he alleged.
Using a stark metaphor, Ewor likened the situation to handing power to criminals.
“When you hand over the microphone to a murderer, you have empowered him. Today, we have handed over the microphone to an armed robber. The earlier we realise this, the better,” he said.
He concluded with a stern warning, saying repeated leadership mistakes should not be tolerated.
- “If you make the first mistake, you can be forgiven. If you make the second one, you cannot. Leadership that cannot be trusted should not be trusted. Let that leadership come out and tell the world the truth about what was agreed during the negotiation,” Ewor said.
2027: Wherever Wike Goes, We’ll Follow — Rivers APC, PDP Declare
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State has openly declared total loyalty to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, vowing to follow whatever political direction he gives ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Chairman of the party in the area, Mr. Rejoice Otobo, made the declaration on Sunday during Wike’s thank-you visit to the council, assuring him of the unwavering support of the people.
“We are waiting for your instructions on the 2027 elections in Rivers State. Wherever you ask us to go, that is where we will go. Whatever you ask us to do, we will do,” Otobo said.
He stressed that the people of Ahoada West, regardless of political affiliations, have resolved to align with Wike in appreciation of his contributions to the area.
“All the good and bad people of this local government have decided that wherever you want us to go is where we will go,” he added.
In the same vein, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the area, Mr. Ikechukwu Obuzor, also pledged total loyalty to the former Rivers State governor, saying Wike has restored hope to the people.
“We are standing firm with you. Wherever you go, we will go. Be assured that come 2027, Ahoada West will deliver the needed results for you,” Obuzor said.
Earlier, Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Council, Mr. Chita Eugene, described Wike as the “political field marshal of the South-South,” commending him for attracting unprecedented development to Rivers State.
According to Eugene, Wike’s visit was more than a thank-you tour, describing it as a celebration of impactful leadership and effective public service.
Also speaking, the member representing Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema/Ndoni Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Victor Obuzor, said Wike deserved the overwhelming support of the people, noting that he transformed Rivers State during his tenure as governor and positively impacted the local government.
Similarly, the Seyi Tinubu Support Group, led by Chidi Amadi, pledged its support for Wike and the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.
In his remarks, Wike said he was in Ahoada West to thank the people for their massive support for him and President Tinubu during the 2023 elections.
He recalled that Rivers State was once respected nationwide for its strong political stance on good governance before what he described as a period of poor leadership.
The FCT minister insisted that Governor Siminalayi Fubara should not be voted for a second term, stressing that Rivers State must reclaim its pride and political relevance.
According to him, the state’s lost glory can only be restored by correcting what he termed a leadership mistake in 2027.
“Today, Rivers State is respected again because of what we are doing in the FCT. We need a leader we can trust to take our dear state back to glory and progress,” Wike said.
Boat Capsizes in Yobe: 24 Dead, Three Hospitalised in Badu Dam Tragedy
No fewer than 24 persons have lost their lives following a tragic boat mishap on Badu Dam in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The unfortunate incident occurred when a passenger boat travelling from Garin Adiyani in Jigawa State ran into trouble and capsized on the dam under yet-to-be-determined circumstances.
Eyewitnesses said the boat was conveying several passengers when it suddenly overturned, throwing occupants into the water.
Rescue teams were quickly mobilised to the scene and succeeded in rescuing three persons, who were rushed to a nearby health facility where they are currently receiving medical attention.
Local authorities confirmed that search and rescue operations are still ongoing, as divers continue efforts to recover the remaining bodies believed to be trapped in the water.
The state government and relevant agencies have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, amid concerns over safety standards on inland waterways.
The tragedy has thrown the affected communities into deep mourning, as families and relatives of the victims await news of their loved ones.
Officials urged boat operators and passengers to adhere strictly to safety regulations to prevent future occurrences.
Bloodbath in Niger Again! Terrorists Kill 42, Abduct Papiri Pupils, Women in Fresh Attacks
Barely two weeks after the rescue of pupils and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, terrorists have again unleashed terror on communities in Niger State, killing no fewer than 42 persons and abducting many others, mostly women and children.
The fresh attacks occurred in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of the state, throwing the affected communities into mourning and fear.
The latest wave of violence reportedly took place while Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago was outside the country, with residents lamenting that the attackers operated freely without resistance from security agencies.
Local sources disclosed that the terrorists, suspected to have emerged from surrounding forests, had laid siege to the communities for over one week, carrying out coordinated attacks.
“The terrorists came in large numbers with sophisticated weapons. For more than one week now, they have been attacking our villages unchallenged because there is no security presence here,” a source said.
According to residents, 37 people were killed in Kasuwan Daji near Papiri, while five others were murdered in Kaiama village. Several persons were abducted, including women, children and pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic schools, Papiri.
“Government and security agencies should please come to our rescue. We have serious security crisis across the river where some of the students were abducted,” another resident pleaded.
The villagers also revealed that the terrorists had been moving freely from the forests, burning markets and abducting residents.
“Just yesterday alone, they burnt a market and abducted many people, including mothers and their children,” a source added.
Confirming the incident, the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, through its Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Stephen Kabirat, said over 40 persons had been killed while several others were taken captive.
The diocese disclosed that the Parish Priest narrowly escaped abduction when terrorists stormed the Mission House three days earlier.
“They destroyed some religious items in the church, carted away two motorcycles and cash worth over N200,000,” the statement said.
Another villager revealed that some communities have been deserted, with residents forced to sleep in bushes out of fear.
“As I speak to you, some villages where the abducted school children come from have been sleeping in the bush because the terrorists have not allowed them to settle in their homes,” the villager said.
Meanwhile, the Niger State Police Command confirmed the attacks. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu A. Abiodun, said the command received reports of the invasion on Saturday night.
“At about 9pm, the command received reports that suspected armed bandits attacked and killed over 30 persons and abducted an unconfirmed number of people,” he said.
He added that the attackers, suspected to have come from the Borgu National Park forest, invaded Kasuwan Daji in Kabe District, killing residents, burning the market, looting shops and carting away food items.
According to the police, a joint security team has been deployed to the affected areas, while efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted victims.
Ngige Calls for Tough Fiscal, Monetary Reforms to Revive Nigeria’s Economy in 2026
Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, has said Nigeria’s path to economic recovery in 2026 depends largely on the adoption of sound fiscal and monetary policies anchored on prudence, reduced wastage and disciplined public spending.
Ngige, a founding member, elder and major stakeholder of the All Progressives Congress (APC), spoke at the weekend in Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, while addressing journalists.
According to the former senator and ex-governor of Anambra State, Nigeria must urgently cut waste in governance, manage resources prudently and “cut its coat according to its cloth” to pull the economy out of what he described as a prolonged doldrum.
“In 2026, the country needs good fiscal and monetary policies to move forward. We must curtail wastages, manage our resources prudently and activate the manufacturing and productive sectors of the economy,” Ngige said.
He explained that deliberate policies aimed at reviving manufacturing and production would stimulate economic recovery and generate much-needed employment, noting that the economy had remained largely comatose.
“We wish our country economic recovery, a better quality of life for citizens, prosperity in all respects and a return to our rightful place as the giant of Africa, with improved security for Nigerians,” he added.
Ngige also weighed in on the wave of political alignments and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, predicting increased defections across political parties, especially during and after party primaries.
“More realignments will come as we approach the 2027 elections. Once nominations begin, you will see defections and re-defections, particularly during party primaries. It is not new in Nigerian politics,” he said.
He, however, warned that such political manoeuvring does not easily succeed in Anambra State, describing the state’s politics as progressive and pragmatic, with little tolerance for indolence or electoral manipulation.
The former governor lamented what he described as the hijack of the APC structure in Anambra by politicians from other parties who, according to him, failed to build grassroots support for electoral success.
“I brought APC to Anambra and the entire South-East. We were doing well until about 90 per cent of PDP members infiltrated the party and took over its structures. Since then, the party has not won any significant election here,” Ngige said.
He attributed their failure to an overreliance on electoral manipulation rather than grassroots mobilisation, stressing that Anambra voters are enlightened and difficult to deceive.
Reflecting on his time as governor, Ngige expressed nostalgia over his battle with political godfathers and efforts to protect state resources, saying his administration laid the foundation for Anambra’s present development.
“The legacies are there. With limited resources, we showed that selfless leadership can deliver results. Roads we built over 20 years ago are still strong today,” he said.
Ngige highlighted achievements of his administration, including durable road construction, decentralisation of the state university, handover of schools to missionary bodies, construction of pedestrian bridges in Awka and investments in primary and secondary education.
“These are legacies that stood the test of time. Leadership is about impact, not billboards,” he concluded.
ADC Faults Tinubu’s NNPC Debt Write-Off, Says Move Breaches Constitution
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of the cancellation of legacy debts owed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) to the Federation Account, describing the action as a violation of Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The party warned that the decision is not only unconstitutional but also financially damaging to states and local governments that depend on statutory allocations from the Federation Account.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the ADC’s Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the President approved the removal of substantial NNPC liabilities from public accounts without legislative approval, contrary to constitutional provisions.
According to the party, official documents presented to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) showed that the President authorised the cancellation of approximately $1.42 billion and N5.57 trillion in legacy debts owed by NNPC Ltd after a reconciliation of records with regulators. The directive, it said, covers outstanding liabilities accumulated up to December 31, 2024, including obligations arising from production sharing contracts, domestic supply obligations, royalty receivables and other legacy balances.
The ADC alleged that nearly 96 per cent of the dollar-denominated debts and 88 per cent of the naira-denominated debts were written off through an executive directive, without parliamentary approval or clear constitutional authority.
“This so-called justification of ‘reconciliation’ cannot lawfully override constitutional requirements for revenue sharing,” the party said. “The action effectively removes long-standing liabilities from public accounts, but at the cost of shrinking the revenue base constitutionally distributable to states and local governments.”
The party stressed that under Section 162 of the Constitution, all revenues due to the Federation, including oil sector receipts and related obligations, must be paid into the Federation Account for distribution among the three tiers of government.
“The Federation Account is not subject to executive discretion. No President has the unilateral authority to cancel constitutionally due revenues, and any cancellation that reduces funds due to states and local governments without legislative backing is unconstitutional,” the statement added.
The ADC further accused President Tinubu of repeatedly breaching the Constitution and criticised the National Assembly for what it described as silence in the face of a serious constitutional violation.
“We have said it before and we will say it again: President Tinubu has repeatedly violated the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. More troubling is the apparent collusion or wilful surrender by the National Assembly,” the party said, adding that such actions ordinarily should warrant impeachment proceedings.
“As a nation governed by laws and not by men, no President can override what the Constitution protects. The Federation Account belongs to all tiers of government and cannot be subjected to the discretion of the Federal Executive,” the ADC concluded.
30 Feared in Captivity as Kogi Community Mourns Fresh Bandit Attacks, Appeals to FG
The Ayetoro-Kiri community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State has been thrown into deep grief and despair following persistent bandit attacks, alleged official negligence and worsening insecurity in Bunu land.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the community’s spokesperson, Mr. David Amupitan, and made available to journalists on Saturday in Lokoja.
According to the statement, scores of residents were abducted by bandits, and despite painful ransom payments raised through communal contributions, only seven victims were released. Of those freed, three reportedly died on arrival, while four others are currently battling for their lives in critical condition at various medical facilities.
Amupitan added that about 30 residents are still being held in the kidnappers’ den, heightening fears over their safety and survival.
He described the situation as a tragic reflection of the failure of security governance in the area, alleging that authorities at the Kabba-Bunu Local Government Council turned against innocent residents who staged a peaceful protest to draw attention to their plight.
The statement further alleged that officials of the local government council and security agencies, rather than protecting vulnerable communities, responded by tear-gassing and arresting peaceful protesters who were demanding safety, justice and the rescue of their abducted relatives.
“It is both ironic and unacceptable that a government entrusted with the protection of lives and property would criminalise peaceful protest, while allowing bandits to roam freely, killing, kidnapping and terrorising law-abiding citizens,” the statement said.
“Our people are tired of burying loved ones, tired of selling properties and contributing scarce resources to pay ransom, and tired of living under perpetual fear while those in authority remain indifferent.”
The community therefore issued an urgent appeal to the Federal Government, security agencies and relevant authorities to intervene decisively in Ayetoro-Kiri and the entire Bunu district.
Amupitan demanded immediate action to rescue those still in captivity, restore security to the area and hold accountable all officials alleged to have enabled or ignored what he described as a growing humanitarian tragedy.
City Boy Movement Names State, Diaspora Directors to Drive 2027 Election Strategy
The City Boy Movement has unveiled a new cadre of State and Diaspora Directors as part of a nationwide consolidation and strategic build-up ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The appointments, ratified by the Director-General of the Movement, Hon. Francis Oluwatosin Shoga, take effect from January 1, 2026, and are designed to strengthen grassroots structures, enhance internal coordination, boost youth mobilisation and promote disciplined political engagement across Nigeria and in the diaspora.
Announcing the development, Hon. Shoga said the approvals followed extensive consultations, harmonisation and internal reviews, reflecting the Movement’s commitment to unity, structure and effective leadership at all levels.
According to him, the newly appointed directors are expected to play a pivotal role in positioning the Movement for greater organisational strength and political relevance as preparations intensify for the 2027 polls.
Those approved as Directors include Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala (Oyo), Hon. Dr. Musa Ahmed Mohammed (Nasarawa), Moyosore Adedoyin Ogunlewe (Lagos), Hon. Tiza Isaac Imojime Orya (Benue), Chief Nwaneri Goodluck Chidera (Imo), Hon. Paddy Iyamu (Edo), Hon. Bitrus Laurence Garki (Federal Capital Territory), Mr. David Daser (Plateau), Baba Rauf Abdulrazaq (Kwara), and Hon. Akintunde Abidemi Oludayo (Diaspora).
Others are Sulaiman Saad Ribadu (SAN) (Adamawa), Chief Victor Thompson (Akwa Ibom), Dr. Bala Maijamaa Wunti (Bauchi), Hon. Gorou Karo (Delta), Amb. Ogah Okpanachi Mark (Kogi), Hon. Ayodele Olawande (Ondo), Prince Ayorinde Ejioye (Ekiti), Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu (Jigawa), Mutawalle Kachala Barko (Yobe), Hon. Kamarudeen Yusuf (Ogun), Rt. Hon. Babagana Goni Bukar (Borno), and Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata (Kano).
The Movement said appointments for the remaining states and chapters would be announced in due course as the ongoing consolidation process is concluded.
Members of the City Boy Movement nationwide were urged to extend maximum cooperation and support to the newly appointed directors as the organisation deepens its commitment to unity, discipline and purposeful political engagement in line with the Renewed Hope agenda.