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House of Reps Investigates Minister for Alleged Removal of VCs

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House of Reps Investigates Minister for Alleged Removal of VCs

Morufu Alausa, the minister of education, has been called before the House of Representatives Committee on University Education in response to allegations of involuntary dismissal of vice-chancellors.
Additionally, according to the commission, Alausa was involved in the dissolution of university governing bodies. At a meeting in Abuja, Abubakar Fulata (APC-Jigawa), the chairman of the committee, made this announcement.
The minister’s participation was necessary, according to Fulata, because the committee had recently received several petitions against him.

Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education in Owerri, Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, and the University of Nigeria in Nsukka were among the universities impacted, he said.

According to reports, the congressman stated that the school sector is presently dealing with difficulties brought on by unsteady leadership, which resulted from unilateral actions to dissolve governing councils and remove substantive vice-chancellors.

Along with other concerns, he emphasized the cases of acting vice-chancellors.

Such ambiguities pose a serious risk to the industry, Fulata said, since they could lead to needless conflict among university administrators.

The tenure and stability of the educational system may be threatened, he cautioned, and the misuse of pertinent laws and provisions may result.

“The removal of Aisha Maikudi from her position as Vice-Chancellor and the dissolution of the council on February 6, 2025, were unexpected for us,” said Abubakar Kari, a representative of the concerned University of Abuja workers.

Read Also: 2027 Politics Taking Precedence Over Budget – Senator Dickson Criticizes Tinubu

Kari denounced the situation in response to a petition headed “Unwarranted Removal of Prof. Aisha Maikudi as Vice-Chancellor and Dissolution of Governing Council of University of Abuja.”

He said that Patricia Lar was named acting vice-chancellor, Senator Lanre Tejuoso was appointed to the governing council, and Air Vice Marshal Ismaila Kaita (retd) was also removed from his role as council chairman.

The Universities Miscellaneous Provisions Amendment Act n2003, which specifically describes the steps for dismissing a vice-chancellor, was violated, Kari claimed.
Only the university’s governing board has the power to fire a vice-chancellor, he explained.

He called on the lawmakers to quickly restore Ms. Maikudi to her role and ensure that council members serve out their duties as elected representatives of the congregation and University Senate.

According to their individual comments, Ms. Maikudi and Mr. Kaita told the committee that they had not yet received any correspondence about their termination.

2027 Politics Taking Precedence Over Budget – Senator Dickson Criticizes Tinubu

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2027 Politics Taking Precedence Over Budget – Senator Dickson Criticizes Tinubu

On the Nigerian Senate floor, Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) boldly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing political ambition over national development, pointing to the capital element of the 2024 budget’s implementation delays.

While the federal government has fully disbursed the recurring expenditures intended for salaries and administrative operations, Senator Dickson voiced worry during Tuesday’s plenary session that monies for major projects have not been released.

“Simply put, the government has grounded,” he said. “Government contractors who have completed work are still not being paid. People have yet to reap the rewards of the budget that we all labored so hard to pass.

The senator bemoaned the fact that the national budget’s development component, which has a direct impact on service delivery and infrastructure, has not been altered. According to him, many MPs were aware of the mounting annoyance, citing recent reports of rallies by irate contractors.

The Senate Committee on Appropriations Chairman, Senator Solomon Adeola (Ogun West), sponsored the resolution on which Dickson spoke during debates. By passing the motion, the 2024 capital budget’s execution date was extended to December 31, 2025.

Dickson attacked the lack of a convincing justification for the postponed budget rollout even though he supported the proposal. Before the general elections in 2027, he said, the administration might be getting sidetracked from its primary governing duties by an overemphasis on political maneuvers and defections.

“Perhaps there is an excessive amount of focus on politics and 2027,” he stated. Perhaps too much focus is being placed on apprehending defectors, and nobody is considering the wider situation.

Notwithstanding the fact that income has increased since gasoline subsidies were eliminated, he cautioned that both the legislative and executive branches are failing to fulfill their constitutional obligations.

The problem does not lie in the availability of funds. More money is going to state and local governments than in the past. What is causing the delay, then?

Dickson demanded that a joint investigation be conducted by the Senate Committees on Appropriation and Finance, and that the results be presented within a week.

We require clarification. These committees ought to conduct an investigation and submit their findings to the Senate in order to prevent a recurrence of this circumstance.

Concerns about the governance priorities of the Tinubu administration and the practical effects of postponed infrastructure expenditure on both citizens and contractors are clearly evident in the senator’s remarks.

Okanga Is a Visionary Leader with His Eyes on the Future

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Okanga Is a Visionary Leader with His Eyes on the Future

Some leaders manage problems. Others prepare for elections. But Chief Dr. Philip Agbese is preparing for generations.

He is not just working for today — he is building for tomorrow.

From the very beginning of his leadership journey, Okanga has demonstrated a rare ability to look beyond temporary applause and short-term gains. His focus has always been on lasting change — on creating structures, systems, and opportunities that will endure beyond his time in office.

In education, he is investing not just in schools, but in the minds and futures of young people. In agriculture, he champions sustainable rural development and food security. In security, he does not merely react to crises; he advocates for long-term reforms and locally driven solutions to persistent threats.

What sets Okanga apart is not just his passion but his clarity of vision. He envisions a Benue where youth don’t flee to survive but stay to thrive — a constituency where development is not donated, but driven by policy, people, and purpose.

His leadership is rooted in planning, not guesswork. It is strategic, not symbolic. Every project, every motion, every outreach is part of a broader vision: a transformed Enone — prosperous, peaceful, and prepared for the future.

Okanga reminds us that true leadership is not about winning elections; it is about securing destinies. And that is exactly what he is doing — with humility, wisdom, and foresight.

Tinubu Moves to Reform Civil Service, Orders System-Wide Audit

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Tinubu Moves to Reform Civil Service, Orders System-Wide Audit

In a determined drive to restructure Nigeria’s public sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed a complete personnel audit and skills gap study across the Federal Civil Service. The directive was announced on Thursday, at the start of the 2025 International Civil Service Week in Abuja.

The initiative’s goal is to build capacity, increase efficiency, and position the civil service to better deliver public goods and support national growth.

“We can only guarantee a high-performance culture by placing the right people in the right positions,” Tinubu, our president, said. “To that end, I have authorised a full Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis across the Federal Civil Service to build capacity.”

The president underlined the importance of the civil service in effective government, calling it as “the engine room” of the country’s administrative and development endeavors.

“Our civil servants are the quiet architects of stability, innovation, and public trust,” said Mr. Obama.

The audit is part of a larger initiative to align Nigeria’s civil service with international best practices and facilitate the transition to digital governance. Tinubu emphasized his administration’s commitment to evidence-based policy, emphasizing the need of reliable and secure data.

“Data is the new oil.” “Unlike oil, it becomes more valuable when refined and responsibly shared,” he said.

To promote openness and data protection, the president mandated that all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) disclose verified data in accordance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.

Read Also: Wike: Tinubu Conference Centre Fully Reserved Till 2027

President Tinubu also applauded the continuing reforms under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025, commending the Civil Service’s Head, Dr. Didi Walson-Jack, for her leadership in promoting innovation and digital transformation.

“Launching Service-Wise GPT and other innovations reflects exceptional leadership,” he told me.

Dr. Walson-Jack highlighted during her remarks that the event was entirely self-funded through strategic collaborations and imaginative preparation. She emphasized the necessity of a world-class civil service in fulfilling Nigeria’s African leadership goals.

“If Nigeria must lead Africa, our civil service must lead first,” according to her.

The reforms are a crucial step toward establishing a contemporary, nimble, and results-oriented public sector capable of satisfying citizens’ needs in the digital age.

Wike: Tinubu Conference Centre Fully Reserved Till 2027

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Wike: Tinubu Conference Centre Fully Reserved Till 2027

The recently refurbished Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre is fully booked through 2027, according to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike. This indicates strong demand and validates the government’s investment in the facility.

During the commissioning of the Kugbo Bus and Taxi Terminal, one of several infrastructure projects inaugurated in honor of President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office, Wike made this revelation on Thursday in Abuja.

The people has criticized the FCT government for spending ₦39 billion to renovate the conference center. But according to Wike, the project was a good investment because of the large number of reservations and recent high-profile use, such as an ECOWAS meeting that President Tinubu hosted.

“That convention center is currently reserved till 2027 as I speak to you. The minister said, “There is no more room.
“The deputy speaker submitted an application for a constitutional amendment event, but no date is available. Since the facility is not free, I’m attempting to make adjustments, assuming he can pay on time.

Wike emphasized that no government agency or figure is free from the facility’s commercial operations.

Read Also: Tax Reform Head Taiwo Oyedele Shares Emotional Cost of Leading Fiscal Overhaul

Nothing compares to a waiver from the National Assembly. To maintain sustainability, everyone must pay to utilize the facilities.

Wike praised President Tinubu’s leadership and pointed out that making audacious choices despite opposition is necessary for real success.

“A leader cannot be successful if they do not make decisions. Whether you act or not, people will always have something to say. The important thing is to take action and proceed.

The newly finished Kugbo and Mabushi Bus Terminals, as well as the current construction of another terminal in the Central Business District, are intended to bring order to public transit in the Federal Capital Territory, the minister said, highlighting ongoing efforts to upgrade Abuja’s transportation infrastructure.

“We are working to better the lives of all people, rich and poor alike; we are not here just to appease the elite. President Tinubu has adopted that idea, and it is the way to advance this nation,” Wike continued.

The changes highlight the administration’s commitment to building vital infrastructure and improving the Federal Capital Territory’s usability and attractiveness.

Tax Reform Head Taiwo Oyedele Shares Emotional Cost of Leading Fiscal Overhaul

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Tax Reform Head Taiwo Oyedele Shares Emotional Cost of Leading Fiscal Overhaul

Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, has discussed the significant personal and emotional sacrifices he made while leading Nigeria’s massive tax reform campaign.

During an interview with Channels Television’s Politics Today, Oyedele commented on the high cost of public service, following President Bola Tinubu’s signing of four historic tax reform laws earlier in the day.

Oyedele, who was appointed by President Tinubu in July 2023, stated that the role had a considerable influence on his profession, income, and family life, but he accepted it as a patriotic obligation.

“It affected everything, including my job trajectory and finances. “I made the decision on purpose, so I’m not complaining,” he explained. “In fact, the money offered by the government was so minimal that I opted not to take a salary — just reimbursement for direct costs.”

While the financial sacrifice was significant, Oyedele identified the emotional toll as the most challenging aspect of the voyage.

“The most significant sacrifice was the emotional impact, particularly on my family. There were false tales and misleading headlines online, all of which weighed severely on my loved ones.”

He said that his wife resorted to nightly prayer vigils owing to emotional stress, highlighting the hidden burden experienced by individuals in public service.

“My wife was performing night vigils every night while yet managing to operate throughout the day. It was challenging. Fortunately, our children are too little to completely understand what we’ve gone through.

Read Also: Abuja: Fubara Engages Suspended Speaker Amaewhule in Reconciliation Talks

Oyedele urged Nigerians to support professionals who volunteer to serve the country, warning that undue antagonism could discourage qualified individuals from entering public service.

“If Nigerians sincerely want a better country, they must not make it difficult for honest people who are attempting to assist. “Public service is already a difficult decision; adding stress only drives good people away.”

His impassioned statements provide a rare peek into the personal struggles that underpin big policy initiatives, as the country prepares to enact broad tax reforms aimed at increasing fiscal responsibility and economic growth.

Abuja: Fubara Engages Suspended Speaker Amaewhule in Reconciliation Talks

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Abuja: Fubara Engages Suspended Speaker Amaewhule in Reconciliation Talks

June 26, 2025, Abuja The suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, met with suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara in Abuja on Thursday in a major step toward ending the political situation in Rivers State.

The meeting, which took place behind closed doors in Nigeria’s capital, was friendly and the first time the two leaders had met since President Bola Tinubu suspended them, according to those familiar with the situation.

Read Also: Obasanjo Criticizes El-Rufai, Alleges Breach of Trust and Disloyalty

Other State Assembly members were also there, and it was stated that both sides made small talk, joked, and pledged to participate in a positive way.

The suspended governor is adamant on achieving peace. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, “he has begun the real engagement.”

Reports state that the meeting concluded amicably, with each party pledging to engage in communication and de-escalation. According to insiders, the meeting was “fruitful,” suggesting that more talks between the parties involved would take place in the days ahead.

After weeks of instability and leadership conflicts, the federal government and political stakeholders are working to stabilize Rivers State’s governance system at the time of the meeting.

The event has been greeted by observers as a positive indication that cooperation and peace may soon be restored to the political climate of the state.

Obasanjo Criticizes El-Rufai, Alleges Breach of Trust and Disloyalty

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Obasanjo Criticizes El-Rufai, Alleges Breach of Trust and Disloyalty

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has sharply criticized Nasir El-Rufai, the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), calling him a someone who has a chronic predisposition to deceive and a lack of loyalty.

Obasanjo recollected his experiences working with El-Rufai, whom he nominated as Minister during his government, in his book, My Watch (Vol. 2). Although praising El-Rufai’s intelligence and ability to produce outcomes, Obasanjo claimed that the former minister lacked the moral qualities required of a public servant.

“Nasir has a nearly obsessive tendency to destroy people’s reputations. He shamelessly lied against me, his coworkers, and even his own relatives, Obasanjo wrote.

The former president recalled how El-Rufai constantly violated trust and misrepresented the truth in order to further his own agenda, even though he had the backing and authority of his administration.

Obasanjo denounced El-Rufai’s purported acts against his own family members, including a half-brother and a well-respected uncle, calling the behavior extremely concerning and indicative of a lack of moral guidance.

Despite his talent, he requires careful monitoring. “He has what I refer to as the’small man syndrome,’ which is a confluence of psychological and upbringing problems,” Obasanjo said.

Read Also: I Worked For Tinubu For 2 Years, Never Had A Sit-Down With Him — Ex-Aide Blasts Tinubu

Despite the severe criticism, Obasanjo acknowledged that El-Rufai played a significant role in carrying out important initiatives while in office and that he could still serve the nation, but only under close supervision.

“He delivered what I knew he could.” But he is a liability in unsupervised situations because of his character flaws,” he continued.

Finally, Obasanjo voiced concern about the factors that might have influenced El-Rufai’s disposition, pointing out that his actions might have been influenced by his early lack of parental direction.

I Worked For Tinubu For 2 Years, Never Had A Sit-Down With Him — Ex-Aide Blasts Tinubu

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I Worked For Tinubu For 2 Years, Never Had A Sit-Down With Him — Ex-Aide Blasts Tinubu

Aliyu Audu, a former advisor to President Bola Tinubu on Public Affairs, claims to have worked for the president for two years without having direct access to him.
He revealed that, despite working as Tinubu’s spokesperson for nearly two years, he had never met him.
According to reports, Audu has resigned from his post as SSA for Public Affairs.

He noted that his previous employer willingly met with Nigerian singer David Adeleke, aka Davido, and Lagos politician Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran but refused to give him access.

Read Also: OKANGA 2027: Full Support for Chief (Dr.) Philip Agbese

During an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Thursday evening, the former presidential aide stated that they will work against Tinubu’s reelection.

He stated, “I worked for the President for nearly two years.” I did not have a sit-down with him. I am one of his spokespersons, but he sat with Davido, who insulted him a few weeks ago.

“Then he sat with Jandor, who finished last in the Lagos election. “It does not make sense.”

Ademola Adeleke, Davido’s uncle and Governor of Osun State, paid Tinubu a visit in Lagos just a few days before Audu resigned.

It should also be noted that in March, Jandor, who campaigned for Lagos governorship in the 2023 election on the Peoples Democratic Party platform, met with the President after resigning from the party.

OKANGA 2027: Full Support for Chief (Dr.) Philip Agbese

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OKANGA 2027: Full Support for Chief (Dr.) Philip Agbese

I’m thrilled to announce my full support for Chief (Dr.) Philip Agbese Okanga’s re-election in 2027 by God’s Grace.

As a proud son of the Owukpa community in Ogbadibo Local Government, I’m overjoyed to see the numerous projects for Owukpa included in the 2025 budget, which will soon kick off. Despite all he has already done, I score him 60% in his 2 years in office.

This tangible progress has convinced me that Honorable Agbese’s achievements are not mere propaganda, but a testament to his dedication.

Having contested for the same seat in 2023, I’ve had a front-row seat to his exceptional work. I’m impressed by his commitment to our constituency, and I believe I might not have done any better if I had won. His youthfulness is an asset, and I think it’s time to give our younger generation a chance.

As many know, our constituency has an informal zoning arrangement, where each local government gets an eight-year term from 1999-2023. By the last election conducted 2 years ago, every local government in Enone Federal Constituency had already enjoyed two terms. Ado LG (1999-2003), Okpokwu (2003-2011), then Ogbadibo (2011-2019), and then Ado came on board again (2019-2023). This was the basis for my contesting the election in 2023, since every local government had, had its fair turn.

It may interest you to know that no local government voluntarily left the stage after enjoying their two-term turn. In 2011, Okpokwu Local Government forced its way to do a third term but lost in the field, while in 2019, Ogbadibo Local Government also forced its way to get a third term but met stiff resistance and lost in the field. In all this analysis, it was Ado Local Government that broke its tenure into two, which is 1999-2003 and then 2019-2023. This became the major reason we all stood against Ado Local Government in 2023, with a superior argument that they had done their two terms, irrespective of how they managed to split it.

After many crucial stakeholders’ meetings and upon meetings in 2022, a school of thought came together in Okpoga, the constituency headquarters, and reviewed exhaustively, concluding that since we (Ogbadibo) refused to let Ado Local Government continue solely in the election (considering they were the incumbent then), we could all go ahead and contest for the election from the three local governments, with the agreement that whosoever wins, the zoning will start from there. It was named “The Okpoga Accord 2022” and happened in the buildup to the primary election in 2022. As faith would have it, the three local governments participated in the general election, with Ogbadibo in (PDP), Okpokwu in (Labour), and Ado in (APC).

Given that Ado Local Government won the seat in 2023, it is only normal to concede the zoning to them, especially in a civilized society where agreements are respected and values are maintained.
I believe Honorable Agbese should be allowed to complete his second term without disruption, except if another accord is entered into that every local government should just start doing one term turn now, which I don’t think will work.

While this decision might not sit well with everyone, I’m making it based on my conviction that he’s the best person for the job. I’ve seen his blueprint, and the 2025 budget reflects his commitment to our constituency. With projects planned for all 35 wards, I’m confident that he’ll continue to deliver. I pray for his success and wish him all the best in his re-election bid.

As a matter of fact, I’ve had some individuals, friends and wellwishers approach me to contest against him, but I believe that God’s plan is what’s most important. As I always say, A man can get nothing except what he’s given to him from God. I’m focusing on supporting Honorable Agbese for now, but if the Lord tarries, I’ll continue to prepare for higher elections and share my plans with you. Let’s give our younger generation a chance to lead and make a difference. I’m 100% behind Honorable Philip Agbese, and I believe he’ll win the 2027 House of Representatives seat for Enone Federal Constituency 2027 by the special grace of God 🙏.

 

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