27 April in South Africa, reminds us of the immeasurable sacrifices made by individuals and nations to break them away from the chains of unjust segregation by a selected few. It reminds Africans of the efforts of their national heroes, particularly Nelson Mandela. He is regarded as a champion of freedom, not only in South Africa but the entire world. It is a day that not only marks the emancipation of South Africans from apartheid but also returned their essential human rights in 1994.

The celebration is a reminder of the unity and diversity for all that was established on this day in 1994. Many families might have a special meal or a barbecue to commemorate the day. There might also be local parades and street parties to mark the day. There are a few quotes to drive home my points on issues of freedom and threat to democracy in Africa. Freedom means the opportunity to be what we never thought we would be.” – Daniel J. Boorstin. “Life without liberty is like a body without spirit.” – Kahlil Gibran. “When we lost the right to be different, we lose the privilege to be free.” – Charles Evans Hughes.

Furthermore, freedom of speech protects freedom from tyranny. The free flow of information allows for intelligent voting / democracy. Democracy cannot survive the masses being ignorant and or just stupid. As such, Democracy is ‘of’ the people, ‘for’ the people, ‘by’ the people- in short the system revolves around the people, they are the ones who have the power to choose their representatives and change the government in the next election, if they’re unhappy with the present government.

In the golden words of Martin Luther King Jr, an American Baptist minister, activist, and political philosopher who was one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. MLK posited: “Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” In my view, the postulations of MLK, is ‘time to wake up’ which generally means it’s the appropriate time to stop sleeping and begin the day.

Following From the above, there are two other quotes I would like to use to explain myself, the first one being: “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely” and the second one being: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions”. In Africa today, many countries in the continent are still fighting for their freedom, whether it be economic, social, political, environmental, or psychological.

Globally, democracy is under pressure: electoral systems have come under attack, authoritarianism is resurgent, and civic freedoms are shrinking. Against this backdrop, democracy without opposition is not a democracy and should outrightly be considered authoritarianism. Therefore, the “opposition” should in no way be confused with “hostility” to the government.

Additionally, the existence of two or more parties is not enough, the government must assume that it requires and must have a political counterweight. Otherwise, authoritarian temptations will arise with the consequent deterioration of democratic principles. The government-opposition dialectic not only measures the forces that support the government but also those that exercise an active power of criticism, control, and alternative direction of the government.

Arguably, the whole concept of democracy is to keep questioning its existence and why it is there in a country. If there is no opposition, media in a democracy, it can’t be questioned directly and will never be accountable to its citizens. In democracy, the decisions are taken by mutual agreements and governments have to be very careful about their decisions and the impacts of their decisions. The rate of development in any democratic country is faster than any other country.

All this is because, the government is under regular questioning and observation and if government does anything wrong, they are criticized for it. If the government does not fulfill its goals and promises to people, not only it’s put under questioning and criticism by opposition and media but also changed in the upcoming elections.

Conclusively, in these times of growing uncertainties, we are witnessing, a clear departure from democracy to totalitarian system in our beloved country Nigeria in particular. Nigeria’s democracy which was the result of sacrifice by our heroes and hard-won through decades of struggle, painful sacrifice and continuous resistance against authoritarian rules in the past years. This is definitely not the democracy that Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO) and many others envisioned.

Finally, permit me to use the examples of Lee Kuan Yew who took charge, ran a merit-based administration and waged war against corruption, economic saboteurs, and insecurity without favouritism. He built modern Singapore, whose economy is ranked the most open and the joint least-corrupt country in the world on the Corruption Perception Index. Rwanda’s Paul Kagame is demonstrating how purposeful, visionary leadership can help a poor traumatized country rise from civil war, genocide, and privation to deliver robust growth, stability, and inclusion. The million dollars question on the minds of millions of our compatriots: is the Tinubu’s government going to continue with the failure of the Buhari’s regime or chose the part of honor as exemplified by Lee Kuan Yew and Paul Kagama.?

The current state of affairs in the country with the gale of defection from the opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is a cause for concern for all well-meaning Nigeria. With the coming of the APC regime, the Nigeria hard-worn Democracy wrestled from the jaws of the military juntas seems imperiled. In the name of politics, the current regime has destroyed what looked democracy in Nigeria. The judiciary which is said to be hope of the common man is destroyed, the National Assembly is the presidential rubber stamp. There is no checks and balances as we have executive recklessness with masses bearing the brunt. And its quest to operate like the Lord of the Manor, the current regime has turned its mischief to the opposition with the sole aim of destroying it. It is no longer news that the speculated defection of Senator Arthur Okowa to the APC has been done together with the state Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. The entire Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure in Delta State has collapsed into the APC. And there are indications that the other states especially in the south would follow. It is also insinuated that one of the conditions stipulated to reinstate governor Fubara of Rivers State who was illegally suspended by the Tinubu, is his defection to the ruling party, APC.

There is no gainsaying that these defections result from intimidation from the ruling party that has infiltrated the opposition. The ruling party has used the state institutions like the judiciary and the anti-crime agencies to intimidate people and induce unwarranted cross-carpeting. The ruling party has not done anything good to warrant mass defection into its fold. The country is in a sorry state, economically, socially and politically. The country is having the worst form of leadership ever. So, it is an irony to see politicians decamping into the group that has brought the country to its knees.

I am particularly saddened by this ugly development that portend grave danger to our nascent democracy as the country is sliding dangerously into a one-party state. First, by leaving governance and concentrating on destroying opposition, the ruling party is denying the citizenry good and credible leadership. Without credible opposition, democracy is as good as dead. This because the ruling party can do whatever it wills and go scot-free since the electorates have no choice of changing them.

Another implication of this is that it will usher in an era of authoritarianism. Nigeria is creating a dictator and a maximum ruler that can do whatever pleases him. Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu removed an elected governor and got retroactive approval from its rubber stamp legislators and Nigerians kept quiet. He used that to intimidate the other governors especially those from the opposition. As the 2027 election beckons, Tinubu is tightening his vise grip on the nation creating fear and anguish in the land. The culture of impunity is institutionalized. State agents are becoming lawless; human rights are violated flagrantly. Hooliganism and thuggery have been elevated to instrument of governance.

Another effect of this unfortunate development will be that corruption will increase in leaps and bounds in the country. We know that those who have corrupt cases will have their cases discontinued once they join the ruling party. We are aware of the case of Femi Fani-Kayode and others that have gone to the APC. With this, it means that the governors and those in government offices can do whatever pleases them as long as they are in the ruling party, while the anti-graft agencies look the other way and concentrate on the struggling street boys.

Moreover, with dictatorship and culture of impunity will come crime and social vices and insecurity. Insecurity in the country now is the direct consequence of government negligence and corruption. Most of the kidnappers and bandits operating on our highways were armed directly and indirectly by the government. Some of them are abandoned armed thugs used by the politicians to rig election, some are frustrated jobless youth while some are armed by selfish politicians to create instability in the land in order to advance their political interest.

For democracy in Nigeria and by extension the country to survive, this ugly trend must be reversed immediately. The force behind this gale of defection is obviously masterminded by Tinubu so as to make it possible for him to manipulate the 2007 election with ease. Without mincing word, Tinubu administration has been a disaster of a sort to the nation. And from the look of things, he is not willing to work to change the dwindling fortunes of the nation but fixated on the upcoming 2007 election. And from all indications, he turned all the instrument of government towards his ambition to perpetuate himself to power.

Nigerians must wake up to this looming threat to our democracy and existence as a nation. All well-meaning Nigerians and lovers of democracy should speak up. The citizens should be sensitized to know the true state of affairs and resist the attempt to mortgage their future into the hands of reactionary elements holding the nation at ransom. Members of the opposition should step up their game. We expect the opposition to form a democratic coalition and mobilize Nigerians to resist the APC’s invidious plot against the nation. It is time to bring to life the rumored mega party to combat the monster, the APC.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Enugu State Chapter, has said there would be no justification if Governor Peter Mbah joins the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

PDP has, in recent times, lost some of its elected candidates to the ruling APC. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, along with their structures, joined the APC recently.

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, in an event last two weeks, drummed support for President Bola Tinubu’s second term. Reports have claimed that Governor Eno and Governor Mbah may also join the APC.

In an interview with Naija News on Sunday, Enugu PDP spokesman, Chief Uchenna Ubute, said defection would be of no benefit to Mbah.

While noting that personal reasons could influence defection, he said APC would not be of any benefit to the Governor.

“You said it is a rumour. As far as I know, political party is a platform. Maybe on personal reasons, somebody might decide to defect.

“The Governor is not defecting to any other political party. The Governor is the leader of PDP in the South East. Enugu is the only state standing for PDP in South East and Governor is the leader.

“What would Governor benefit from detecting to APC? The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, campaigned to the people of Enugu State.

“Peter Mbah is not only the leader of PDP in Enugu state he is leader of PDP in South East zone. What’s defection going to do for him? Is it defection that’s going to make people of Enugu vote for him? Or is it his good work that will make people of Enugu vote for him? Ubute said.

According to him, Enugu State has no opposition because the Governor has been performing.

“The government of Enugu state, led by Peter Mbah, is doing very well not only for the PDP but to other political parties. In Enugu State, we don’t have opposition now,” he stated.

PDP Is A Big Party, Has No Need For Coalition

Chief Ubute also faulted the call for a merger between PDP and other parties. He stressed that PDP has structures across the 36 states. He questioned how the merger would help the main opposition.

Enugu PDP spokesman further stated that Oborevwori, Okowa’s defection, and Eno’s statement did not void the stand of the PDP Governors Forum in Ibadan, Oyo State, on coalition.

“PDP has categorically made it clear that the party is not going to merge with any other political party.

“Governors are leaders of the party in their states. Governors that defected or made one or two comments, all those things are their personal issues and part of their fundamental rights. 

“But Governors Forum that brought together PDP governors , in that forum, we made a decision that we are not ready to merge with any political party. 

“If you recall, former Governor of Delta, Okowa, PDP vice presidential candidate, has been on EFCC, and as that supported somebody to be governor, the Governor (Oborevwori) may have defected to reduce attacks.

“PDP is big party. They have formidable structures in the 36 states of the federation. All those parties they’re merging with, what structure do they have, what benefit will they bring to the party. PDP is the biggest opposition in this country,” he stated.

Nigerians Should Decide Tinubu’s Fate In 2027

Ubute said Nigerians would have to decide if President Bola Tinubu should be re-elected for a second tenure.

He stressed that the role of the PDP as the main opposition party did not matter much. According to him, the Constitution empowered Nigerians to make a choice and not any institution.

“We are in democracy and we’re Nigerians. The Constitution has empowered Nigerians to make a choice on who governs them. People holding positions they have one voter’s card on the election day. 

“So Nigerians have to think before voting. If the federal government is doing well and what they’re doing is okay for them, then they should go and re-elect the president. They have the constitutional mandate to make that choice. The choice is on the people. Who to elect come 2027 is on the people, not on any institution. The people should make a choice, right choice,” he advised.

Senator Okey Ezea Lied

Naija News reported that Enugu North Senator, Okey Ezea, in a town hall meeting with the people of Uzo-Uwani, said Enugu PDP government, including Mbah, has no intention to protect the people of the area from insecurity caused by herdsmen.

According to Ezea, former Governor Ifeanyi Uguwanyi of the PDP also failed to address herdsmen attacks in his administration.

Reacting, Ubute said Ezea preferred to lie because of politics.

“It was the same Okey Ezea that said politics is do or die game. Okey Ezea is just an opposition Senator. Whether the government is doing well or not doing well he will continue to attack the government. Those things are unfounded. They’re lies. It’s his right to say these things,” he added.

[NaijaNews]

A legislative lawyer, Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja, has asked the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Oversight of the State of Emergency in Rivers State to question the Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, over ‘unconstitutional’ steps he has been taking in executing the emergency rule proclamation in the state.

DAILY POST reports that Ibas, on 25th April 2025, honoured the invitation of the House committee but pleaded for more time to properly brief the lawmakers on the situation in Rivers.

The meeting was summoned in line with the House of Representatives resolve to take over legislative duties in Rivers, following the suspension of the State Assembly for the six months period of the emergency rule. The governor, Sim Fubara, and his deputy were also suspended for the duration of the state of emergency.

In an open letter addressed to Professor Jake Dan-Azumi, Head of Secretariat of the Reps Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers, Jaja, a legislative drafting expert, highlighted unconstitutional actions taken by Ibas in administering Rivers State, over which he said the lawmakers should demand answers from the sole administrator.

The letter dated 28th April 2025, it titled ‘Open Letter to Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi, Head of Secretariat of the Ad-hoc Committee of the HoR on Oversight of the State of Emergency in Rivers State – (Questions That The Sole Administrator Must Answer Regarding Dissolution of the Rivers State Judicial Service Commission, Appointment of LGA Sole Administrators and Exercise of Core Legislative Functions by the Sole Administrator)’.

Jaja, Director of the Centre for Legal, Parliamentary and Printing Consult (PTY) Limited (CLPPC), noted that the sole administrator of Rivers State, being a creation of a legislation of the National Assembly – namely the Proclamation State of Emergency (Rivers State) 2025 – is subject to the oversight of the National Assembly.

The letter added, “There are many issues that your Committee ought to provide clarification when you finally get the chance to hold the meeting with the Sole Administrator of Rivers. Let me point out some as follows:

“The Proclamation of a State of Emergency in Rivers State does not imply that the legislature and the will of the people was removed and replaced by a military styled dictatorship. It appears that the Sole Administrator of Rivers State and his legal advisers are of the opinion that the legislation that Proclaimed a State of Emergency in Rivers State gave him the powers to perform legislative functions.This wrong impression is far from the truth, Section 3 of the said legislation specifically stated that the only form of legislation to be enacted is Regulations, and Regulations are a form of subsidiary legislation that are made pursuant to a primary legislation (which in this case is the Proclamation of State of Emergency in Rivers State, 2025 as enacted by the National Assembly pursuant to Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999).

“Even the said Regulations which the Sole Administrator is authorised to enact are subject to the prior approval of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as specified under the Proclamation of State of Emergency in Rivers State, 2025.

“The judgment of the 28th February 2025 of the Supreme Court of Nigeria was specific in stating that it is never in the contemplation of the Nigerian Constitution that a military dictatorship (or in this instance, a Sole Administrator
of Rivers State) would replace and over-ride governance by the people through their representatives as constituted by a legislature. It is true that the said legislation suspended the entire members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, however, it did not suspend the representatives of the people of Rivers State at the National Assembly.

“Therefore, as representatives of the people of Rivers State, the Ad-hoc Committee on Oversight of Rivers State is humbly appealed to question whether there was any input of Rivers State people or their representatives regarding the Sole Administrator of Rivers State when he appointed 23 Local Government Area (LGAs) Sole Administrators for the 23 LGAs Councils of Rivers State and other actions involving appropriation of funds of the Rivers State government bearing in mind that by its judgment of July 2024, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has laid down a rule of law that it is illegal for LGAs in Nigeria tobe administered by non-elected officials and it is also illegal to allocate funds to any such LGAs that are administered by non-elected officials.”

The lawyer equally said the lawmakers should ask the sole administrator where he derived the power to unilaterally dissolve the Rivers State Judicial Service Commission and other similar statutory agencies such as the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), without the approval of any legislature.

“Assuming the Sole Administrator of Rivers State is to argue that he derived the power pursuant to Section 3 of the Proclamation legislation, the said Proclamation legislation only empowers the Sole Administrator to enact Regulations which are a form of subsidiary legislation. And there is no way on earth that a subsidiary legislation can be enacted to nullify or amend the wordings of a primary legislation such as the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law, No 2 of 2018.

“There are many other questions that the Ad-hoc Committee on Oversight of theState of Emergency in Rivers State ought to ask the Sole Administrator such as where he received legislative approval for appointment of a Secretary to the Rivers State Government and other officials who are to receive appropriation from the funds of Rivers State whereas the constitution of Nigeria is clear that only funds appropriated and approved by the legislature can be expended,” the letter added.

Jaja stressed that the duty of the Ad-hoc Committee is essential to confirm that the Proclamation legislation has been complied with, to prevent autocratic conduct by the sole administrator.

[DailyPost]

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Remo Stars Football Club on their historic victory in the 2024–2025 Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) season, describing the achievement as a proud moment for Ikenne, Ogun State, and Nigerian football as a whole.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised the club’s remarkable ascent to the pinnacle of Nigerian football just four years after gaining promotion to the elite league.

The President lauded the players, coaching crew, and management for their hard work, discipline, and unyielding spirit, emphasising that their journey to the title, after three previous close finishes, reflects resilience and perseverance at its finest.

“Your courage in the face of repeated challenges should serve as a powerful inspiration to clubs across Nigeria. Your success reinforces the values of tenacity, optimism, and dedication in the pursuit of excellence”, the President said.

President Tinubu also commended the vision and commitment of Remo Stars’ owner and chairman, Mr. Kunle Soname, whose investments in grassroots football, notably the construction of a state-of-the-art stadium in Ikenne, have provided a strong foundation for sporting development in Nigeria.

As newly crowned national champions, Remo Stars will represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League.

The president urged the team to carry the same fighting spirit and focus to the continental stage, expressing confidence that they can bring further honours to the nation.

He also called on football fans across the country to rally behind Remo Stars as they embark on their continental campaign, noting that the team’s success is a source of pride for all Nigerians.

[TheNation]

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a surprise three-day ceasefire from May 8-10, coinciding with Moscow’s World War II Victory Day commemorations, the Kremlin said Monday.

Moscow said it expected Kyiv to issue a similar order, and that it stood ready to respond to any violations of the possible halt in fighting.

Putin made a similar order to stop combat over Easter — a truce that both sides accused the other of violating hundreds of times but did lead to a temporary reduction in fighting.

“The Russian side is declaring a ceasefire during the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, from midnight on May 7-8 to midnight on May 10-11. All combat operations will be suspended during this period,” the Kremlin said in a statement.

“Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example. In the event of violations of the truce by the Ukrainian side, the Russian armed forces will give an adequate and effective response,” it added.

Putin last month rejected a US proposal for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire that had been accepted by Ukraine.

Kyiv and its European backers accused Putin of announcing the 30-hour Easter truce as a PR exercise and said he had little desire for peace.

Since launching its Ukraine offensive in February 2022, Russia has seized large parts of four Ukrainian regions and claimed them as its own, in addition to Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.

– ‘Tapping me along’ –

Putin’s order of a ceasefire comes at the beginning of what the United States indicated would be a crucial week for the chances of a ceasefire that could determine how long Washington keeps trying to broker a deal.

After a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday, Donald Trump questioned whether the Russian leader was serious about peace.

“There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days. It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along,” Trump had said on Truth Social.

Russian missiles have killed dozens of civilians over the last month in large-scale strikes on Zelensky’s home city of Kryvyi Rig, the northeastern city of Sumy, and the capital Kyiv.

Russia had earlier on Monday said it was ready to negotiate directly with Ukraine, but that recognition of its claims over five Ukrainian regions including Crimea were “imperative” to resolving the conflict.

Ukraine has denounced the annexations as an illegal land grab and says it will never recognise them, while European officials have warned that accepting Moscow’s demands set a dangerous precedent that could lead to future Russian aggression.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with Brazilian newspaper O Globo published Monday that “we remain open to negotiations.”

“But the ball is not in our court. So far, Kyiv has not demonstrated its ability to negotiate,” he said, adding Moscow’s position on the conflict was “well-known”.

“International recognition of Russia’s ownership of Crimea, Sevastopol, the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Lugansk People’s Republic, the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions is imperative,” he said, using the Kremlin’s names for the Ukrainian regions.

Zelensky said last Friday that Ukraine would “not legally recognise any temporarily occupied territories”, and has previously called the demilitarisation demand “incomprehensible”.

– Kursk retaken –

Trump, who boasted before his inauguration he could halt Russia’s assault on Ukraine within “24 hours”, launched a diplomatic offensive to stop the fighting after taking office in January.

But the White House has voiced frustration with both sides, as the conflict that has devastated swathes of eastern Ukraine and killed tens of thousands of people drags on.

Russia and Ukraine have not held direct talks on the fighting since the start of Moscow’s offensive in 2022.

Early Monday, a Russian attack on a Ukrainian village near the frontline city of Pokrovsk killed a married couple and another local resident, regional prosecutors said.

Meanwhile, Russia over the weekend announced it had taken full control of its Kursk region with the help of North Korean troops, more than eight months after Kyiv launched a cross-border ground assault.

Putin thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday for help with the operation, which has denied Kyiv a key bargaining chip in future talks with Moscow.

The Russian army said Monday it had taken control of the village of Kamianka in the northeastern Kharkiv region, in its latest battlefield advance.

AFP

Justice Nwosu-Iheme of a FCT High Court Wuse Zone 2 in Abuja on Monday sentenced the husband of late gospel singer, Osinachi, Peter Nwachukwu, to death by hanging.

Nwachukwu was found guilty of culpable homicide resulting in the death of the deceased ( his wife) on April 8, 2022.

The judge held that the prosecution had proven the burden of proof placed on it by the law and subsequently found the defendant guilty.

Nwachukwu was arraigned on June 3, 2022 by the Office of Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF), on behalf of the Federal Government, on a 23-count charge .

The charge was on culpable homicide punishable with death, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, criminal intimidation of children, spousal battery, among others.

In the course of trial, the prosecution called 17 witnesses, including two children of the late Osinachi, who testified as fourth prosecution and fifth prosecution witnesses, PW4 and PW5 respectively.

The prosecution also tendered 25 documents as exhibits before the court.

The defendant testified for the defence and further called four other witnesses and tendered four exhibits in his defence.

Shortly before sentencing, the defendant, counsel , Reginald Nwali, in his allocutus pleaded with the court to be lenient in its judgment.

Similarly, the prosecution counsel, Mrs Aderonke Imala, urged the court to give force to the law as stipulated.

Justice Nwosu-Iheme subsequently sentenced Nwachukwu to death by hanging on Count 1, while he was sentenced to two years imprisonment each on Counts 2, 3, 8,9, 12, 13, and 18.

The court sentenced the defendant to six months imprisonment on Count 10, three years imrisonment in Count 11, while he was fined the sum of N500,000 and N200,000 respectively on Counts 6 and 7 respectively.

(NAN)

Nasir Idris, governor of Kebbi, says he remains committed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has no plans to defect.

A viral message had claimed that Idris and four other APC governors were finalising plans to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before the 2027 elections.

This follows growing coalition talks among opposition politicians seeking to wrest power from the ruling APC.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has been at the forefront of “strategic meetings” around the proposed coalition.

In a statement on Sunday, Ahmed Idris, the governor’s spokesperson, described the report linking his principal and four other governors to a new political alliance as “ridiculously malicious”.

The spokesperson dismissed the claim as “a huge joke” crafted by “the most uninteresting political comedians”.

“His Excellency would have chosen to ignore the report as a dance of mad fellows dancing naked in the marketplace, but for the avoidance of doubt, Governor Idris wishes to state categorically that he is not a political prostitute,” the statement reads.

“This report is not only false, but it is a huge joke cracked by the most uninteresting political comedians.

“He is made in APC by APC and for APC. He will be the last person to leave his reliable and formidable party for any coalition, no matter who the architects and builders are.

“Comrade Nasir Idris is a leader who loves his people. The people of Kebbi State love him with a passion and beyond comment.

“The people of Kebbi state are completely in APC, and he can therefore not afford to abandon his people and embrace strangers.

“According to the KAURAN GWANDU, “I’m completely focused on making Kebbi State better and consolidating the gains and successes of our party and our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“If they tell you again that Kaura is likely to leave his APC, tell them I will be the last man standing.”

The governor added that his administration remains committed to the welfare of the people and to the continued growth of the state under the APC.

[TheCable]