In the field of politics, few people have the charm, creativity and will to genuinely improve the circumstances of their constituents. Chief Philip Agbese, however, became a leader among his contemporaries. He promotes unity in his neighbourhood and beyond and spearheads good change.
As a respected legislator representing the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo federal constituency, Okanga has repeatedly shown his relentless devotion to development and societal improvement. With the vast knowledge he has in law, strategic communication and human rights advocacy, he has been pivotal in promoting the demands of his people and leading projects that have noticeably improved their lives.
The capacity of Okanga to unite people across political boundaries and create a feeling of shared purpose defines his leadership. His exceptional ability to interact with people from all spheres of life has not only garnered him the respect of his peers in the National Assembly but also that of his constituents.
Among his numerous accomplishments, Okanga has been instrumental in advancing important infrastructure projects including the building of hospitals, schools and numerous infrastructure in his constituency. Through the establishment of creative initiatives providing vocational training to young people and women, consequently equipping them with the means they need to succeed, his dedication to education and economic empowerment has been further shown.
Okanga distinguishes himself as a trailblazer by his relentless will to solve the problems confronting his people and his commitment to seeking permanent answers. In confronting difficulties, he has stayed steadfast and approached challenging subjects with a measured and considerate approach that is quite well-liked.
Okanga is a public servant and a man of principles who perfectly captures leadership; he shows others the way to follow.
Okanga: The Pacesetter of Progress and Unity
Atiku Urged to Learn from Peter Obi and Drop Royal Tendencies – Amadi
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has been urged by former Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) chairman Sam Amadi to refrain from behaving like a king.
He encouraged Atiku to follow Peter Obi’s example in the Labour Party (LP).
According to Amadi, Atiku needs to shed his excessive “royalty” and act like a company leader or professional.
Amadi, who is also the director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, cautioned Atiku from behaving like an emir, ooni, or obi via his 𝕏 account, insinuating that Nigeria is neither a “emirate nor a kingdom.”
Atiku is not so horrible, according to the former NERC boss, who said he might be president.
“Atiku may become president,” he stated. He’s not awful at all. However, he must address the issue of excessive “royalty.” Let him be like @PeterObi.
Instead of being an Emir, Ooni, or Obi, act like a professional or company leader. Nigeria neither possesses a kingdom nor an emirate.
According to Amadi, if Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s previous presidential candidate, is not included in the opposition coalition, no one will be able to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
According to rumors, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has offered Peter Obi the position of vice president under a single-term coalition ticket ahead of the 2027 elections. This is the context of Amadi’s remarks.
Read Also: National Assembly Joint Committee Finalizes Work on Tax Reform Bills
Amadi’s statements highlight Obi’s pivotal role in any possible attempt to unseat Tinubu, despite Obi’s insistence that his only goal is to form a coalition to solve problems like hunger, poverty, and the declining quality of healthcare and education in Nigeria.
Amadi, the director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, reaffirmed Tuesday on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) that Peter Obi is essential to any candidate aiming to take on Tinubu in 2027.
According to him, “the truth is that nobody can defeat Tinubu without @PeterObi.” You have to determine what this truth means. This accounts for the gloom and violence on this street.
With the words, “The circle can be squared with respect and deep good faith,” Amadi emphasized the significance of solidarity and regard for one another in any political partnership.
National Assembly Joint Committee Finalizes Work on Tax Reform Bills
Successfully reviewing and harmonizing the Tax Reform Bills was the goal of the National Assembly’s joint Conference Committee.
This was announced in a statement released on Saturday by Hon. James Faleke, the chairman of the House Committee on Finance.
He revealed that the committee members toiled to complete the job from Thursday evening through Friday and into the early hours of Saturday.
Faleke stated that the Tax Reform Bills are now prepared for submission to the Senate and House for final approval.
According to the statement: “The House and Senate-established Conference Committee on the Tax Reform Bills has effectively completed its work.
I am happy to announce that the Bills are now prepared for presentation to the House and the Senate for final passage following a rigorous deliberation that lasted up until the early hours of Saturday, Friday, and Thursday night.
“The Senate Conference Committee, skillfully headed by the distinguished senator Sani Musa, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and all of its members deserve special recognition. For their steadfast dedication to the Nigerian people, I also want to express my sincere gratitude to my colleagues on the House Conference Committee, which I had the privilege of chairing.
Read Also: Governor Alia’s Alleged Move to ADC Sparks Political Unrest in Benue
“Your commitment and perseverance in seeing this significant assignment through to its successful completion are greatly appreciated.
“Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria always.” “Amen.”
The Senate and House of Representatives each passed the bills that President Bola Tinubu sent them, it was recalled. Following the lawmakers’ approval of the harmonized measures, the president would then receive them for his signature.
Governor Alia’s Alleged Move to ADC Sparks Political Unrest in Benue
There is growing confusion among supporters of Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, over his alleged move to pitch his tent with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general election.
This comes on the heels of his conspicuous absence from a high-profile endorsement event at the Presidential Villa where the All Progressives Congress (APC) formally declared President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 polls.
The event, organised by the APC National Working Committee to showcase party unity ahead of 2027, took a dramatic turn when Governor Alia arrived only after the endorsement had concluded, further fueling speculation about his wavering loyalty and intensifying tensions within the ruling party.
A source at the meeting said the event was almost over and members of the party were wondering why the governor was missing from such an important gathering, especially since he was known to be in Abuja and had earlier attended the North Central meeting of the party.
Read Also: Government Responsible for Issues in PDP, Labour Party – Peter Obi
It was at that point, the source added, that a close aide quickly placed a call to him, prompting the governor to rush down to the venue, but by then, the event was virtually over.
Multiple sources confirmed that Alia had demanded a dual endorsement — one for Tinubu and one for his reelection bid, as a condition for participating in the event.
When this was rejected by the party hierarchy, the governor reportedly pulled out of all negotiations and intensified secret talks with ADC operatives, raising alarms among political observers and grassroots supporters alike.
Alia’s alleged defection plan has left his camp in disarray, with aides and loyalists offering conflicting accounts of his next political move.
Some insisted that he remains firmly within the APC, while others quietly admit that “serious consultations” are ongoing with the ADC, coordinated by opposition figures including former Governor Gabriel Suswam.
The confusion is further compounded by the longstanding cold war between Governor Alia and his political godfather, Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The rift began shortly after Alia’s inauguration in 2023 and has since plunged the Benue APC into deep crisis, resulting in two parallel party structures.
While Akume reportedly controls over 80% of the APC structure in the state, Alia has entrenched a rival faction, sidelining loyalists of the SGF and attempting — albeit unsuccessfully — to oust the APC State Chairman, Mr. Austin Agada, a known Akume ally.
That attempt was nullified by a Federal High Court ruling in Makurdi on November 28, 2024, which reinstated Agada and dealt a blow to Alia’s efforts to consolidate control.
Despite the legal setback, Alia has continued to operate a parallel executive, fueling widespread belief that he is preparing to dump the APC entirely.
His alleged involvement in secretly funding Suswam’s failed bid for PDP National Chairman further raises questions about his true political intentions and willingness to build alliances across party lines.
“What Governor Alia is doing is not politics as usual. He is moving like a man without a party,” said a senior APC member in Makurdi.
“He hasn’t declared for ADC, yet everything he’s doing shows he’s no longer with us.”
For now, the governor remains silent — neither confirming nor denying his rumored exit from the APC.
But his actions speak louder than words.
“By boycotting a defining moment for the party and deepening ties with rival forces, Alia has not only alienated much of the APC base in Benue but also cast a long shadow over the party’s unity heading into 2027, a political analysts said.
Government Responsible for Issues in PDP, Labour Party – Peter Obi
According to Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, the government is to blame for the internal problems inside the party and the PDP.
He made the assertion in a 7-minute, 16-second video that was making the rounds on the party’s WhatsApp network on Saturday while addressing a group of youthful followers.
The former governor of Anambra State responded to a young person who seemed troubled by Obi’s apparent indifference to the LP’s crisis by saying, “What is happening in the Labour Party and the PDP is caused by the government, quote me anywhere.”
Obi also committed to running on the Labour Party’s platform in the 2027 election.
Obi responded, “I will still continue to run in the Labour Party,” when asked which platform he planned to run on in the 2027 elections. My affiliation is with the Labour Party.
In addition, he stated, “There was a problem in our party previously. He was President Yar’Adua. He called Prof. Maurice Iwu, the chairman of INEC, when I approached him, and he informed him that I didn’t want any issues with any parties. We have to make it right.
Read Also: Breaking: Saraki Engages PDP Stakeholders in Enugu Over Party Crisis
However, today’s issues are intentional and brought on by the system, and they affect all parties. I want to tidy up a few of these things if I have the chance.
The reason parties will work so successfully is that a system cannot function without significant resistance.
He urged Nigerians to be accountable for making sure their votes count because, despite the fact that political parties may pay agents to represent their interests, voters ultimately have the final say over whether or not the people’s ballots count.
The standard bearer for the LP urged Nigerian youths and voters not to give up since those who stand to gain from the status quo will also oppose any beneficial modifications.
Breaking: Saraki Engages PDP Stakeholders in Enugu Over Party Crisis
To reposition the party for upcoming challenges, former Senate President Bukola Saraki and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation Committee are currently meeting behind closed doors with Peter Mbah, the governor of Enugu State.
Through a social media post, Saraki verified the development and disclosed that he, Governor Mbah, and important PDP Strategy Committee members are having important conversations about the party’s future.
Saraki said, “I am in Enugu State with His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, and Senators Seriake Dickson and Ibrahim Dankwambo, who are both members of the PDP Strategy and Way Forward Committee.”
Read Also: Otukpo Women Defy constituency Lines to Endorse Hon. Philip Agbese, Form “Okanga Sisters” Branch
“We’re here to have the necessary conversations—frank, focused, and long overdue—as we work to reposition our party for the future it deserves,” he continued, highlighting the significance of these discussions.
The meeting follows assertions made by Dave Umahi that all of the South-East governors, including Mbah, were supporting President Bola Tinubu and would shortly support his 2027 reelection campaign.
Together with former Governors Seriake Dickson and Ibrahim Dankwambo, Saraki’s visit to Enugu demonstrates the PDP’s resolve to hold onto power in the vital South-East. As the 2027 elections get closer, the PDP is dealing with both internal and external pressures.
Otukpo Women Defy constituency Lines to Endorse Hon. Philip Agbese, Form “Okanga Sisters” Branch
Lagos Taskforce Conducts Midnight Operation, Arrests 62 Suspects
In a midnight enforcement operation on Friday, members of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offenses Taskforce arrested 62 people in key areas of Lagos Island.
Targeting locations identified as emerging crime hotspots, the coordinated crackdown started at around 1:30 am and focused on Victoria Island, Falomo, the Eko Hotel axis, Osborne, and surrounding streets.
Officials say that criminal activity and unlawful occupation have increased in certain areas, necessitating immediate action.
The operation was characterized by the Lagos State Government as a part of a stepped-up effort to clean up the city and handle security issues related to the actions of what it called “undesirable elements.”
Read Also: ‘No Opposition from Northerners, Tinubu Has Their Support in 2027’ – Shagari
Via his verified X (formerly Twitter) profile, Environment and Water Resources Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab verified the enforcement action and the ensuing arrests.
Wahab said, “On Friday, May 23, 2025, at approximately 01:30 a.m., members of the Environmental Taskforce team set out and began their ongoing clean-up enforcement operation on the Island as part of the agency’s clean-up enforcement operation to rid the State of criminal elements.”
He also revealed that 62 suspects in all—59 men and 3 women—were captured during the sweep, and that the enforcement action contributed to the restoration of order in all impacted regions.
“The operation’s visited areas include Victoria Island, Falomo, the Eko Hotel, Osborne, and other nearby streets where some undesirable elements were observed,” Wahab said. “Everywhere sanity was restored.”
The Commissioner promised that those who had been arrested will be prosecuted in line with the law.
“All of the suspects will face the appropriate charges in court,” he declared.
‘No Opposition from Northerners, Tinubu Has Their Support in 2027’ – Shagari
Muktar Shagari, a former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, has refuted claims that Northerners will oppose President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
According to reports, while answering questions on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, Shagari stated that the North will provide Tinubu with all of the assistance he requires to win the 2027 elections.
According to him, Tinubu has been able to carry out his campaign pledges and plans for Nigerians, and he believes that the President requires a second term.
Shagari maintained that Tinubu is doing well, particularly in security, and that Northerners have nothing against him.
He stated, “We in the APC have complete faith in President Bola Tinubu’s abilities to lead this country efficiently. When he became office, many individuals expressed concern about the country’s economy and the need for extreme measures. The President is doing everything he can to improve our country, and the results show that the country is slowly moving forward, and I believe we will get there.
“So that President Tinubu can implement the initiatives he promised Nigerians, he needs a second term, and we in the APC trust in him and feel he has the competence and capability to do so.
Read Also: ‘You Lack Credibility’ – Sunny-Goli Hits Back at Lawal
“What we can do is provide him moral and political support while ensuring that no one distracts him by contesting against him. So what the party accomplished yesterday at the North-West and national levels is totally correct and constitutional, and we will provide him with all of the support he requires to win this election.
“And I want to point out that there are many who say, “Oh no, Nigerians, northerners, and so on will not vote for Trump.” We in the north have no animosity toward President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He’s doing quite well in the field of security. I can tell that security is getting better. And he is doing a lot of stuff. So, as far as I’m concerned, and as far as the rest of the APC is concerned, we will support Tinubu, and I am convinced that he will win the election in 2027.
‘You Lack Credibility’ – Sunny-Goli Hits Back at Lawal
To criticize President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Rome, Babachir Lawal lacked credibility, according to Israel Sunny-Goli, a former member of the House of Representatives.
Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, reportedly called Tinubu’s trip to the Vatican for Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration last Sunday an affront to Nigerian Christians.
According to the former SGF, Nigeria’s mission to the Vatican should have been led by a Christian vice president rather than a Muslim.
He went on to say that Tinubu’s trip to the Vatican confirmed that the Muslim-Muslim ticket was a slight to the Christian community in Nigeria.
Lawal had no moral authority to criticize the President, Sunny-Goli said in a statement on Friday.
Tinubu’s visit to the Vatican, according to the lawmaker who represented the Brass/Nembe constituency in the House, demonstrated religious peace in the nation.
Lawal attacked the President in an attempt to resurrect his waning political significance, he noted.
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“Tinubu’s administration continues to prioritize unity, tolerance, and coexistence, reaffirming the imperative of a harmonious Nigeria,” he said in his statement.
Nothing better demonstrates his commitment to religious tolerance than his meeting with Pope Leo XIV during the investiture of the Holy Father at the Vatican.
The fact that Mr. Babachir Lawal has opted to present himself as a moral authority rather than considering his term and previous controversies is disappointing.
His prior termination as SGF as a result of the notorious grass-cutting contract scam is a well-recorded incident that calls into doubt his ability to fairly judge others.
Moreover, his demonstration of religious intolerance in an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, illustrates his lack of moral authority to criticize the president’s conduct.
In his constituency in particular, his political impact is still very small. This must explain his desperate search for political significance, which he pursues like a man drowning and clinging to anything that will save him.
“Nigeria must maintain unity and respect for one another at this pivotal moment. President Tinubu is steadfast in his commitment to inclusivity, and his vision of a peaceful and forward-thinking country will not be undermined by any amount of improper criticism.