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APC Chieftain Obiechina Explains Why Governor Mbah Defected To The Ruling Party

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The decision of Governor Peter Mbah to go from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, according to Dr. Alex Chukwuemeka Obiechina, a leader of the APC, indicates that he is more concerned with the future than the present.

Even without Governor Mbah joining the national ruling party, he said, his second term was already guaranteed.

Governor Peter Mba, who was elected in 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is expected to be formally welcomed into the APC on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters in Abuja on Monday, Obiechina said that Governor Mbah’s decision to join the APC is an example of political bravery and wisdom.

Additionally, he added, “I am personally amazed by the way this young man has brought zeal, excellence, courage, and foresightedness into governance and politics of Enugu State.” The governor avoided blind opposition politics.

He claimed that because of the PDP’s blatant impunity, lack of discipline, and opposition to reform, the state has been stagnant for the past 26 years.

“This governor has a second term guaranteed.”

“He cares more about tomorrow than today, as evidenced by his decision to join us in the APC,” he stated.

After reflecting on the PDP’s purported impunity, which cost him the opportunity to run for governor of Enugu State in 2011, Obiechina said it was fortunate that the governor of Enugu State decided to abandon the decadent opposition party in favor of a better future in the APC.

Without a doubt, the PDP is suffering from its numerous political transgressions, such as unprecedented political indiscipline, corruption, poor party politics, and impunity. I’m thrilled and pleased that my home state’s governor decided to join the APC without wasting any more time in the nasty assembly.

In addition to forbidding the South East from flying the party’s presidential banner in 1999, 2003, and 2023, the PDP had no moral remorse about granting Mbah the right to participate in the national Working Committee of the party as the sole PDP Governor from the region.

“Now that Mbah has decided to introduce the big broom of national progressive politics, all the remaining flags of the PDP’s years of humiliation in the South East have been swept out of existence.”

Wavering the party’s flag, a few members of Governor Mbah’s cabinet made an APC declaration at the Enugu State Government House on Monday.

Some of them said in a widely shared video that “we are in the APC now, Jagaban all the way, APC from bottom to top.”

Among the cabinet members are Prince of Mburumbu and Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology Dr. Lawrence Ezeh; the Chairman of the Science, Technical, Vocational Schools Management Board, Dr. Amaka S. Ngene; and the Commissioner for Labor, Dr. Felix Nnamani.

Peter Obi Slams Federal Government For Demolishing Citizens’ Properties, Says Hard Work Being Erased Overnight

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In the general election of 2023, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate, has bemoaned the government’s demolition of properties without due process or prior notice.

In a statement released on Monday, Obi denounced the government’s “willful” and “inhumane” damage of people’ property and destruction of commercial property.

In just 29 months, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has plunged millions of Nigerians into poverty, which infuriated him.

According to the former governor of Anambra, the demolitions “threaten the economic security of hardworking citizens, destroy livelihoods, and undermine businesses.”

“I would like to once again express my strong disapproval of governments at any level destroying people’s property and goods without warning,” he stated.

“The destruction of residents’ property and the recent devastation of their commodities and trade are still unacceptable.

A government whose policies and mannerisms have caused millions of Nigerians to live in poverty in just 29 months ought to have empathy for its people.

At a time when the government is meant to be rescuing people from poverty, this is taking place all throughout the nation. Rather, it is making their situation much more difficult.

Obi questioned the demolitions’ moral and legal foundation, posing the question, “What legal authority allows the destruction of private property, manifestly not utilized for criminal purposes , without prior warning or due process?

“We must ask: are these acts arbitrary and disproportionate exercises of power, or are they truly in the public interest?”

Obi urged governments to make sure that the rule of law and citizens’ rights are respected in urban development and enforcement measures.

He asserted that “citizens deserve protection for their investments, livelihoods, and dignity.”

In the meantime, these demolitions convey a terrifying message to business owners both domestically and abroad: their sacrifices and hard work can be undone in an instant.

Obi said that a persistent indifference to the suffering of the populace may jeopardize Nigeria’s social cohesiveness and economic stability.

The basic pillars of social stability and economic progress could be undermined if we don’t speak out against these injustices. The right of every individual to establish a living via hard effort must never be violated, he declared.

FIFA U-20 World Cup: Semi-Final Line-Up Revealed As Morocco Face France

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Following the conclusion of the quarterfinal matches on Sunday and early Monday, the FIFA U-20 World Cup semi-finals will take place.

With a 3-1 victory over the United States, Morocco advanced to the round of four, continuing their incredible run. After South Africa and Nigeria were eliminated in the Round of 16, the youthful Atlas Lions are now the only African side remaining in the competition.

After defeating the USA, they will now face France, a formidable team from Europe, who defeated Norway 2-1 in a close match. The game is expected to be one of the most important matchups in the tournament, with France vying for another young championship and Morocco hoping to continue their incredible run.

Two South American heavyweights will square off in another exciting matchup as Argentina and Colombia square off in the other semi-final.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the semi-final matches will be played, and supporters are excited to see who will make it to the grand championship on Sunday. At twelve in the morning, the final is set to begin.

Take note that Saturday at 8 p.m. is the scheduled time for the losers’ final.

Semi-final schedule for the FIFA U-20 World Cup: Wednesday, October 15: France vs. Morocco at 9 p.m. (WAT)

Thursday, October 16 at 12 a.m. (WAT): Argentina vs. Colombia

Breaking: Federal Government Enforces No-Work-No-Pay Rule on ASUU Members

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In response to the current statewide strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the federal government has directed vice-chancellors of federal universities to immediately execute the “no work, no pay” policy against ASUU members.

The instruction was reportedly included in a circular issued by Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, on October 13, 2025.

The document was copied to the National Universities Commission (NUC) Executive Secretary, the Director-General of the Budget Office, the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Permanent Secretary of Education, the Head of the Federation’s Civil Service, and the pro-chancellors of federal universities.

Despite repeated pleas for negotiation, the ministry voiced dissatisfaction with reports of ASUU’s ongoing industrial action, according to the circular.

The circular stated, “The Federal Government reaffirms its stance on the implementation of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy with regard to any employee who does not carry out their official duties during the period of strike action, in accordance with the provisions of the Federation’s labor laws.”

The minister gave vice-chancellors instructions to physically count and roll call all academic staff members and to submit a thorough report that distinguished between those who were absent or taking part in the strike and those who were present and working.

He also mandated that employees who do not report for duty during the strike period have their salaries withheld.

Alausa explained that the policy will not apply to strike participants who are not members of the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) or the Congress of University Academics (CONUA).

The minister ordered the NUC to keep an eye on compliance and provide the ministry with a combined report in seven days.

“In the interest of the country, please handle this matter with the highest urgency and a strong sense of responsibility,” Alausa urged university administrators.

ASUU said on Sunday that it would launch a full-scale warning strike on Monday, October 13.

According to the union, the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement must be completed, three-and-a-half months’ salaries that have been withheld must be released, public universities must be sustainably funded and revitalized, and lecturers at LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO must no longer be victimized.

Additional demands include the release of delayed third-party deductions, such as cooperative payments and union check-off dues, the payment of wage arrears ranging from 25 to 35%, and the payment of promotion arrears spanning more than four years.

Fuel Shock: NNPC Raises Petrol Price to N992 Per Litre Across Nigeria

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Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as gasoline, now costs ₦992 a litre, up from ₦865 previously, due to a recent increase by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

There was no formal explanation for the abrupt raise as of Monday.

When The Nation visited a number of NNPC retail locations, attendants were observed modifying their pumps to reflect the updated rate.

The petrol attendants at the NNPC station on Ogunusi Road, Ojodu Berger, Lagos, acknowledged that they had received instructions to adjust the price to ₦992 per liter.

NNPC stations at Ibafo, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, were not supplying passengers with fuel, but they were still showing the previous price of ₦875 per liter.

The availability issue was made worse by the fact that several other NNPC stations were also not selling gasoline at the time this report was filed.

Allegations of “dirty fuel” are denied by Dangote Refinery.
The price increase was announced a few days after the Dangote Refinery refuted claims that it brought high-sulfur gasoline into Nigeria.

The refinery’s management denied the allegations in a statement on Friday, calling them “false, malicious, and misleading.”

Following media reports that claimed Dangote Refinery had imported high-sulfur catalytic gasoline from the United Kingdom, with a sulphur level of up to 690 parts per million (ppm), significantly higher than Nigeria’s legal limit of 50 ppm under the Clean Fuels policy, the correction was issued.

As part of its commitment to environmental safety and quality standards, the refinery maintained that it was not accountable for the importation of any unclean fuel.

Breaking: Nigeria’s Prominent Cleric, Evangelist Uma Ukpai, Is Dead

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Rev. Uma Ukpai, a well-known Nigerian preacher, is said to have passed away.

Prophet Joel Ogebe, the head prophet of the House of Salem Global in Abuja, revealed the passing on Monday via 𝕏, according to the report.

Many internet users responded to the message by connecting it to Rev. Ukpai, the founder and president of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, a well-known non-denominational organization with its headquarters in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, notwithstanding Ogebe’s failure to name any individuals.

“A giant has gone to be with the Lord,” he wrote. The chariot of Israel, my father, my father. Heaven is happy. Uyo.

A Christian website called Church Gist also posted a statement on Facebook shortly after, announcing the death of the famous bishop.

“A GENERAL TAKES A BOW!” was the post’s headline. UMA UKPAI, EVANGELIST, IS NOW WITH THE LORD. SIR, REST IN POWER.

His family has not yet provided a formal statement or confirmation as of the time this news was filed.

Conspiracy Against Umahi: Ohanaeze Ndigbo Warns of Moves to Undermine Minister

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Ohanaeze Ndigbo, an Igbo sociocultural organization, has pledged to protect Works Minister David Umahi from plots hatched by President Bola Tinubu’s supporters.

According to a statement released on Monday by Chinyereze Thompson Ohia and Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the faction’s Deputy President-General, Umahi is a great gift from Tinubu to the Igbo people.

As the first Igbo person to occupy this esteemed position since 1947, Ohanaeze said that Umahi’s recent nomination as Minister of Works breaks a 74-year-old jinx and goes beyond simple political symbolism.

According to the statement, which was based on reliable intelligence, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has learned of plans to launch a distraction and blackmail campaign against three of President Tinubu’s most capable cabinet ministers, with Senator Umahi unfairly placed as the main target on their list.

Part of the statement says, “It is important to recognize that there are malicious plans to defame and undermine Senator Umahi in his role as Minister of Works. But those who oppose democracy and support good administration will not be comforted since the Nigerian people are still supporting Senator Umahi in his efforts to fulfill his constitutional obligations.

The minister’s admirable accomplishments in just 25 months have won him the respect of millions of Nigerians, especially as evidence of the federal roads being built shows that they are more than 80% guaranteed to last thanks to excellent cement technology.

The combination of Senator Umahi’s disciplined Igbo character and his unwavering allegiance as a supporter of President Tinubu is the source of his political persecution. In carrying out his responsibilities as Minister of Works, his unrelenting commitment guarantees that he upholds the highest standards of ethics and governance.

In addition to commemorating the historic achievement of having a Grade A Minister of Works—the first of his kind since the ministry’s founding under Abubakar Tafawa Balewa between 1951 and 1954—Ndigbo promises to continue to support President Tinubu’s leadership for a full, uninterrupted term until 2031.

Breaking: Convicted Kidnapper Evans Re-Arraigned in Lagos for Alleged Murder, Abduction

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Evans, a convicted wealthy kidnapper, was re-arraigned by the Lagos State Government on Monday at the Lagos High Court in Ikeja for the alleged murder of two police officers.

Evans and his co-defendant Joseph Emeka appeared in court together and were charged with five counts of attempted murder, murder, and conspiracy to conduct kidnapping.

Following the reading of the allegations before Justice A.O. Ogala, both defendants entered not guilty pleas.

Renowned for his high-profile kidnapping operations, Evans is presently on trial in five different criminal charges involving murder and kidnapping.

Of those, he has already been found guilty in two trials.

President Bola Tinubu extended presidential mercy to a number of condemned offenders nationwide just days prior to the re-arraignment.

Details will be revealed soon.

Ex-PDP Youth Leader Sunday Udeh-Okoye Dumps Party

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Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Youth Leader Sunday Udeh-Okoye has officially resigned from the party.

According to reports, Udeh-Okoye stated he was disappointed with the PDP and that the party had strayed from the principles and goals of its founders.

A letter containing his resignation was sent to the PDP Ward Chairman of Agbogugu Ward, located in the Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

According to the letter, “I would like to formally submit my resignation as a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member.”

“This was not an easy decision to make. My political career would not have been the same without the PDP, which gave me the priceless chance to run for office and hold the positions of National Youth Leader, Member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, and, most recently, National Secretary.

“The party, its lenders, and members at all levels continue to have my sincere gratitude for these privileges of service and confidence.

But over time, I have become more and more concerned as the PDP’s founding fathers’ vision and ideals—which were based on the concepts of equity, justice, and unity—have been undermined.

The PDP, which was once a ray of hope for democratic administration, has unfortunately lost its ideological focus and moral compass.

“After giving it some serious thought, I have decided that I can no longer stay in a system that has deviated so greatly from its original intent in good conscience.

As I set out on a progressive journey aimed at reestablishing the principles of democracy, accountability, and public service—values that the PDP has regrettably abandoned—I am therefore forced to cut company with the party.

Siblings Drag Singer, Uche Ibeto To Court Over Late Mum’s Cash, Valuables, Property Documents

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*Accuse her of defamation, seek 20m damages

The Administrator of the Estate of late Mrs Esther Ibeto, has dragged
Jigida singer, Uche Ibeto, before a High Court of Justice of Lagos state, over unlawful possession of the deceased property.

Uche is known for her popular music hit album, Jigida Dance in the 80s.

Led by the Administrator of the Estate, Mrs. Laura Chinyelu Okoh, in a suit filed through her Counsel, Barrister E. Omoijiade, dated October 2, 2025, accused their sister of unlawfully taking possession of cash, valuables, property title documents, and rental income belonging to the Estate after their mother’s death.

They also accused Uche of sponsoring defamatory publications in the media against the Administrator and other members of the family.

Specifically, they mentioned a publication in Sahara Reporters, dated September 9, 2025, where she accused Mrs Okoh of conniving with a judicial officer to eject her from her home at 36, Ibezim Obianulu. street, Lagos, where she had lived.

But the Estate Administrator on behalf of the family prayed the court for an order of the court for Uche, who is the sole defendant in the matter to return all assets belonging to the Estate, provide a full account of the Estate’s finances, and publish a retraction and apology for the defamatory statements.

The, plaintiff also asked the court to order monetary compensation of N10,000,000 for defamation and N10,000,000 for the cost of the legal action.

She further prayed the court for an order for Uche Ibeto to account for £10,000 (Ten thousand Pounds) allegedly withdrawn from their deceased mother’s Barclays Bank account and a perpetual injunction restraining the Uche Ibeto from interfering with the Estate or publishing further defamatory statements.

In the statement of claim, deposed to, by the Estate Administrator, the Claimant in the matter, Mrs Okoh, avers that the Uche Ibeto without lawful authority from the administrators of the estate rented out various portions of the deceased’s property, including the boys’ quarters, garages, and flats, and converted rental income of more than N25,000,000 (Twenty-Five Million Naira) to her personal use.

The Claimant further said despite repeated requests and demands, Uche Ibeto has persistently refused, neglected, and failed to provide an account for or retum the monies, valuables, and documents that were unlawtully removed from the deceased and the Estate.

“These assets, which are rightfully part of the Estate of the late Mrs. Esther Ibeto, remain in the Defendant’s possession without lawful justification or explanation. In support of these claims, the Claimant will rely, at the trial of this suit, on a formal letter dated 20th August 2025, which was issued to the Defendant demanding the immediate retum of the Estate assets still held by her”, she said.

The Claimant further stated that, following the Defendant’s persistent refusal and neglect to account for the estate assets in her possession, as weil as her ongoing dissipation of the remaining assets, it became necessary to sell the house, in the best interest of the estate.

She said, “Considering these circumstances, and to protect and preserve the interests of all beneficiaries, the Claimant made the decision to sell the one-storey building situated at No. 36 Ibezim Obiajulu Street, Surulere, Lagos and share the proceeds realised among the beneficiaries of the estate, ensuring that each party received their rightful entitlement in accordance with the duties of the Administrator.

“Rather than providing a proper account of the estate properties in her custody, the Defendant responded by threatening to harass and embarrass the Claimant. The Defendant subsequently acted upon these threats by colluding with certain unscrupulous police officers to intimidate and arrest staff and employees of the Estate.

“The Claimant avers that on or about 2025, the Defendant caused and/or sponsored the publication of malicious, false and defamatory statements in the press, wherein she falsely represented herself (Uche Ibeto) as the owner of the Estate property, maliciously disparaged the Claimant in her capacity as Administrator, and misled the public as to the true ownership of the Estate’s
assets.

“The said defamatory publications have lowered the Claimant in the estimation of right-thinking members of society, brought the administration of the Estate into disrepute, and injured the Estate’s reputation.

The Administrator sought an order of the court restraining the defendant from further publishing defamatory statements in the media.

She prayed the court for N20m damages against the defendant.

As at the time of filing this report, Counsel to the Administrator said the Bailiff has been to her (Uche’s) house at 21/25 Allen Avenue, Ikeja, but she refused service of the court papers.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the case