Latest News
The Nigeria Police Force has warned against a planned nationwide protest coinciding with the National Police Day celebration on April 7.
Take-It-Back (TIB) movement had announced a nationwide protest scheduled for April 7, 2025
Juwon Sanyaolu, national coordinator of TIB, said the core demands of the protesters include the repeal of the cybercrime act and the end of emergency rule in Rivers state, which the group described as a “form of military dictatorship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration”.
However, a statement on Sunday by Muyiwa Adejobi, force public relations officer, questioned the motive behind the protest, describing it as “ill-timed and mischievous”.
“While not against the exercise of citizens right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security is to be celebrated, putting into consideration that such glamorous event would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including Foreign Inspectors-General of Police and Diplomats,” the statement reads.
The police urged the organisers to shelve the planned protest and encouraged them to dialogue with relevant government institutions.
“The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, while reaffirming the commitment of the NPF to adequately carrying out its mandate in accordance with the Law and respect for rights of citizens, hereby, urges all the organizers of the planned protest as well as individuals who intend to join the protest to pursue dialogue by engaging the proper institution of government to press home their demands,” the statement added.
[TheCable]
The Federal Government is vetting potential candidates to fill diplomatic roles in its 109 missions, 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 global consulates, Sunday PUNCH reports.
Impeccable sources familiar with the developments revealed that a former Minister of Aviation under the Obasanjo administration, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode, and a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro, are among the nominees.
Sunday PUNCH also gathered that the vetting is not conducted centrally, as nominees are being asked to report to the DSS offices nearest to them.
Presidency officials confirmed to our correspondent that several candidates had been contacted to provide personal education and work history.
“They’re already doing security checks with DSS. When they have cleared security checks, we will release the list.
“Only those who have been cleared are announced. The process is ongoing. I know that we should have a list before the end of this month (April),” one official revealed, preferring to remain anonymous as he was not authorised to speak to the press.
A second source said, “The vetting is not done centrally. It is based on the location of the nominees. Nominees have been reached to provide personal history and information such as where they attended school, what appointments they have held, and the like. So, it is by location.”
Tinubu’s 4Ds and funding issues
Since September 2023, President Bola Tinubu has operated his 4Ds—Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora—foreign policy without ambassadors.
That month, he concluded a sector-wide reassessment of Nigeria’s foreign policy, which saw over 83 career and non-career ambassadors recalled from their stations.
Last December, reliable sources close to the President confirmed that Tinubu spent part of his holiday reviewing the names of nominees with plans to transmit a consolidated list to the National Assembly before the end of the month.
However, updates in January revealed that the President changed his mind.
Our correspondent gathered that the process suffered delays due to the paucity of funds—to the tune of $1bn —required to pay arrears of foreign service officials, settle a backlog of overheads, replace ageing vehicles and renovate embassy buildings.
One official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “You see, the major issue is money. Not money to pay them [ambassadors], because how much is their salaries and benefits? The main money is CAPEX [Capital Expenditure]. By the time they put the cost together to fix the issues, it is running to almost $1bn.
“Most of those embassies, almost 90 per cent, are rundown. Either the residence is not good, the embassy does not have a functional office, or their rent has expired. The embassies that are buoyant may not be up to 10 as we speak.
“I understand that some of them don’t have serviceable vehicles. The last vehicles they bought were from 10 years ago. Some of them are broken down, and ambassadors cannot use such vehicles because they carry the image of the country. Some of them don’t even have power and running water. So, if you post ambassadors there today, you’re sending them to trouble.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, also attributed the delay to financial constraints.
“It is a money problem,” Tuggar said during a ministerial briefing in Abuja last May.
He argued that appointing ambassadors without the financial resources to support their travel and the effective running of missions abroad was pointless.
“We met a situation where foreign affairs was not being funded like it should be. Some loopholes are exploited by the likes of Binance. It is a money problem.
“There is no point sending out ambassadors if you do not have the funds for them to even travel to their designated countries and to run the missions effectively, one needs funding. Mr President is working on it, and it will be done in due course,” Tuggar said.
A foreign service official explained that though provisions had been made in the 2025 budget to cover some of that cost, the funds were hardly enough.
Nominees on the list
Senior Presidency and foreign service officers say although the complete list of nominees is highly classified, some prominent and controversial figures are being screened.
One official said, “They’re going to announce the appointments soon. They are being screened as we speak. The names of the nominees are highly classified for now because not every one of the names listed will eventually make it through.
“FFK [Femi Fani-Kayode] is on the list. These are some of the controversial names that have been put forward as well. Then there is Fola Adeola [founder of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc] and Femi Pedro too. They’re moving on with the process more quickly this time.”
Giving reasons for the slow process, another official explained that the vetting was necessary to avoid complications that might hurt the country’s standing on the global scene.
“The nominees are being vetted, and background checks are being conducted on them. It is usually done so that the nominees will not have any security issues and their deployment will not have a negative impact on the country,” the official said.
There was also a claim that Reno Omokri, a former aide of former President Goodluck Jonathan, was on the list.
But a credible source in the Presidency denied it.
“Reno is not on the list. But FFK is there,” the source said.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, who earlier spoke about the delays, said nominations for ambassadorial roles must be thorough before a final list is transmitted to the National Assembly.
“Don’t forget that the ambassadorial list has two components. There are career ambassadors and political ambassadors. The foreign affairs list and the consolidated list will still go through certain processes before they are released,” he explained.
Two of the nominees, when contacted by Sunday PUNCH, declined comment.
They also did not confirm or deny the report.
[Punch]
Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu has emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2025 Anambra State election, following a tense and chaotic primary held in Awka on Saturday.
Ukachukwu clinched the party’s ticket with 1,455 votes, defeating his closest challenger, Valentine Ozigbo, who secured 67 votes.
Other contenders in the race included Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo and Hon. Edozie Madu.
Recall Vanguard had reported that the exercise was marred by confusion and controversy, with accreditation still ongoing as late as 7 p.m., long after the scheduled 9 a.m. start time.
Delegates were reportedly being accredited at undisclosed hotels around Awka, while many party members and supporters remained at the official venue, the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, where the process had yet to begin as of 6:30 p.m.
Earlier in the day, violence erupted as suspected thugs allegedly hired by one of the aspirants attacked delegates, injuring several people in the presence of security operatives.
The chaos led to the withdrawal of three aspirants—Sir Paul Chukwuma, who also resigned from the APC entirely, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, and Chief Chukwuma Umeoji. Chukwuma cited the presence of “unprogressive elements” in the party, while Okonkwo expressed concern over the safety of his supporters.
In his withdrawal letter, Okonkwo stated: “This decision to withdraw from the race was a difficult but necessary one because of some developments that are inconsistent with my principles and values. The project is not worth risking the lives of my supporters.”
Despite the turbulent process, Ukachukwu, speaking after being declared the winner, vowed to deliver Anambra to the APC. “Nobody has won the governorship of Anambra without my support; it has never happened before. I have been playing godfatherism, but now I want to be the father of the father—no more godfather,” he declared.
The Anambra governorship election, scheduled for November 2025, is Nigeria’s next major off-cycle election. Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the incumbent, will contest on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
[Vanguard]
Victor Omololu Olunloyo, a former governor of Oyo state, is dead.
Olunloyo, a mathematician and engineer, died a few days before his 90th birthday, according to a statement issued by the family on Sunday.
The statement, signed by Oladapo Ogunwusi on behalf of the family, was titled ‘Victor Olunloyo goes home’.
“With a heavy heart but gratitude to the Almighty, we announce the passing into glory of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State, mathematician and engineer and renowned technocrat, a few days before his 90th birthday,” the statement reads.
“The Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo was first Rector, Ibadan polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic among other notable appointments.
“His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his family and associates even as we come to grip with this devastating event.
“The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the press and the public as they commence efforts to give him a befitting burial.
“Even from everlasting to everlasting, He is God.”
Olunloyo was governor of Oyo in Nigeria’s second republic from October 1, 1983 to December 31, 1983 — when the military regime of Muhammadu Buhari seized the reins of power at the centre.
[TheCable]
![[PRESS RELEASE] Atiku Mourns the Passing of Jerry Vampa, Devoted Aide of Over Three Decades](/media/k2/items/cache/b4c79c5ae215fe521a8afde529398f8b_M.jpg)
With a heart weighed down by sorrow, His Excellency, former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, laments the passing of his long-serving aide and confidant, Mr. Jerry Vampa.
Mr. Vampa, a native son of Michika in Adamawa State, was not merely an employee but a steadfast companion on the arduous journey of politics. Their paths first crossed more than 35 years ago, when Jerry, having distinguished himself at the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Yola, in the erstwhile Gongola State, answered the call to service and joined the budding political voyage of the Waziri Adamawa.
In a solemn message conveyed through the Atiku Media Office in Abuja on Saturday, April 5, 2025, the former Vice President expressed a deep and personal grief at the loss of the man affectionately known to all as “Uncle Jerry.”
“Uncle Jerry,” Atiku reminisced, “was the embodiment of humility and warmth. To all who knew him, he was truly everyone’s uncle—a kind spirit, gentle in manner and generous in heart. He was with me from the very beginning, a living archive of my political odyssey. In him, we found not only dedication, but also serenity, loyalty, and quiet strength. My heart is broken. His absence will be deeply felt.”
Among colleagues in the Atiku Media Office, Uncle Jerry was a beloved figure whose jovial nature and unwavering commitment earned him universal affection and respect.
“He shall be remembered,” the statement continued, “for his unwavering fidelity to duty, his remarkable constancy of spirit, and his profound passion for service. Uncle Jerry leaves behind a legacy etched in dedication and friendship, one that shall not fade with time.”
The Waziri Adamawa extends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the people of Michika, and all who had the privilege of crossing paths with the late Mr. Vampa.
In prayerful reflection, Atiku beseeches the Almighty to grant eternal repose to the soul of Uncle Jerry and to bestow upon his family and loved ones the strength and solace needed to endure this great loss. May his memory remain a light to all who mourn him.
Signed:
Paul Ibe
Atiku Media Office
Abuja
[PRESS RELEASE] Reports of Atiku Abubakar’s Resignation from PDP Are Malicious Lies and a Political Hatchet Job
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] Reports of Atiku Abubakar’s Resignation from PDP Are Malicious Lies and a Political Hatchet Job](/media/k2/items/cache/f212bb1e44fe8e2c6f99f42e384c30bd_M.jpg)
We ordinarily would not waste words on faceless social media platforms like the so-called "Adamawa Happenings." However, in light of inquiries from concerned Nigerians and credible members of the press, we are compelled to set the record straight:
His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria (1999–2007) and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has not — we repeat, has not — resigned from the PDP. He remains a steadfast, bonafide, and loyal member of the party.
The source of this baseless rumour is a Facebook page peddling falsehoods, evidently orchestrated by desperate political operatives with nothing but mischief and confusion on their agenda. It is a calculated attempt to mislead the public and sow discord among the millions of Nigerians who look to Atiku Abubakar for direction and leadership.
This is not just fake news — it is a crude, shameless political hatchet job.
We urge Nigerians, especially supporters of the Waziri Adamawa, to disregard this malicious fabrication. It is a vile, vexatious ploy that deserves nothing but contempt.
Atiku Abubakar remains committed to the ideals of the PDP and to the democratic aspirations of the Nigerian people.
Signed:
Paul Ibe
Media Adviser to Atiku Abubakar
Vice President of Nigeria (1999-2007) and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party
Abuja
The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission ( FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa, has described the coronation of the 46th Aláàfin Ọ̀yọ́, Ọba Abímbọlá Akeem Ọ̀wọ́adé, as a giant leap in Yoruba renaissance.
According to Prof. Olaopa, the coronation of a new Aláàfin of Ọ̀yọ́ is always an event that possesses social, political and cultural symbolism and significance. "This is why I deeply congratulate His Imperial Majesty, Ọba Abímbọlá Akeem Ọ̀wọ́adé, on the ascension of the throne of his fathers. This is an event whose significance transcends Yorùbáland and reverberates into the Yorùbá diaspora and the entire world where Yorùbá sociocultural and political influence is felt."
This is contained in a congratulatory message Olaopa issued to celebrate the new monarch whose coronation takes place on Saturday April 5, 2025 .
To Olaopa, the new Aláàfin is "wearing big shoes not just as the successor of the charismatic and highly influential leadership of past rulers, from Aláàfin Atìbà Atọ́batẹ́lẹ̀ to the unforgettable Aláàfin Lamidi Adéyẹmí—the traditional geniuses whose deep sense of history enabled them to curate the cultural relevance of the ancients and their traditional wisdom and institutions. He is also the inheritor of the great ancient tradition and heroic achievements of the leadership accomplishments from Ọ̀rànmíyàn to Ṣàngó, those whose foresights and selfless humanism laid the foundation of the formidable Ọ̀yọ́ Empire, and a cultural philosophy that gave the idea of the ọmọlúwàbì to the world."
For Olaopa, therefore, this ascension is therefore not a sinecure as he is confronted "with a modernizing imperative that serves as the core of the urgency of facilitating a Yorùbá renaissance at home and abroad. This renaissance must be founded on the rich tapestries of Yorùbá culture and civilization—that the Yorùbá built cities and founded dynasties; they created cultural dynamics and oversaw resilient political institutions; they conquered lands and incubate an entrepreneurial spirit that kept them on the critical frontiers of multidimensional achievements that have weathered the erosion of time. All this makes the Aláàfin a singular figure—a traditional agent of modernization that stands at the crossroads of managing the orthodoxy of tradition while launching the Yorùbá on the path of renewed modern vigor. This is even all the more so as traditional institutions in Nigeria places the traditional ruler within the context of democratic rejuvenation and consolidation. This is because it is at the level of the traditional institutional framework that Nigeria’s local governance dynamics become clarified and revitalized.
"The Aláàfin therefore becomes a symbolic pointer to the possibility of local governance that serves also as a modernizing influence on grassroots development. Yorùbá renaissance must therefore start at the level at which the Aláàfin constitutes the rallying point for southwest socioeconomic development. But this role as the vanguard of local governance means the Aláàfin has to first stimulate a climate of peaceful coexistence that constitutes the most significant element for socioeconomic development, starting from Afijio communities to the Òkè-Ògùn axis and rolling outward to the entire southwest as a corridor of development that builds on a climate of peace to instigate an industrializing progress that will eclipse past developmental efforts."
For the new monarch to realise these, according to Olaopa, he must be able to "stand above the recurring adversarial relationship that seems to define the relationship between the Aláàfin and the Ọọ̀ni of Ifẹ̀. This is one historical moment when the Aláàfin needs to be meticulous and deliberate in deploying his status, as the symbol of cultural unity, to articulate a relational framework that will ensure that all cultural and political resources are harnessed towards the task of making Yorùbáland a source of exemplary leadership that undermines the depth of irrelevance to which traditional rulers and traditional institutions have been reduced in Nigeria’s contemporary sociocultural and political reckoning.
" The ascension of the monarch will bring a cosmopolitan touch to modernize tradition for the emancipation of Oyo people.I see the coronation of His Imperial Majesty, Kábíyèsí Ọba Abímbọlá Akeem Ọ̀wọ́adé as the signal to a new beginning not just for the Ọ̀yọ́, Òkè-Ògùn and the southwest, but essentially for the injection of a youthful dose of creative and cultural innovation into Nigeria’s democratic experiment. May the reign of His Imperial Majesty, Aláyélúwà, Kábíyèsí Ọ̀wọ́adé be long and peaceful and fruitful—Àṣẹ!."
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam as the Managing Director, Ajaokuta Steel Company.
Naija News reports that this was made known in a statement released on Friday and signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director, Information & Public Relations for: Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Imohiosen stated that the appointment takes effect from 3rd April, 2025 and is in accordance with the provisions of the Certain Political and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Act 2008 as amended.
Until his appointment, Nasir served as the Technical Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Steel Development as well as the Special Assistant (Academics) to Director General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) .
“President Tinubu tasks the appointee to leverage on his wealth of experience in the steel industry in his new assignment in revolutionising the company to generate important upstream and downstream industrial and economic activities that will position the nation as the industrial hub of Africa in line with the diversification drive of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement read.
The sacked Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mele Kyari, has handed over the company’s reins to his successor, Bayo Ojulari.
The NNPC Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, disclosed in a statement that the handover took place briefly at the NNPC Towers on Friday in Abuja.
Ojulari commended Kyari for his contributions to the growth of NNPC Ltd and his sterling service to the nation.
According to him, his management’s objective was to consolidate his predecessor’s successes and take the company to the next level.
Ojulari said that although the targets set for his management were quite enormous, he would be relying on the cooperation of the management and staff of the company, as well as the counsel of his predecessor to achieve set targets.
Ojulari told Kyari, “I will be counting on your support. I will need it. I will be coming around to seek your counsel.”
In his remarks, Kyari congratulated Ojulari and thanked the management and staff of the company for their support while in office.
Kyari also pledged to do everything within his power to support the new management to succeed, stressing that he was only a call away.
[STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Mourns Bauchi-based Cleric Dr Idris Abdulaziz Dutsen Tanshi
Admin![[STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Mourns Bauchi-based Cleric Dr Idris Abdulaziz Dutsen Tanshi](/media/k2/items/cache/61d8d990d090dc83208401c94c1cd738_S.jpg)
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the passing of Bauchi-based Islamic cleric Dr Idris Abdulaziz Dutsen Tanshi, who passed away in the early hours of Friday.
He was 68 years old.
President Tinubu, deeply moved by the loss, said the cleric contributed to moulding millions of youths and other Muslim faithful on the tenets of Islam.
The President extolled Dr Abdulaziz's efforts in countering the spread of violent extremism, especially in the early days of the Boko Haram conflict.
He said the Muslim faithful would greatly miss the cleric's trenchant voice, calling for moral rectitude and probity.
While praying for the repose of Dr Abdulaziz's soul, President Tinubu urged his family and followers to find solace in his good work.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
More...
Court Restrains Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Others from Public Commentary on Suspension Suit
Admin
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja and presided over by Honourable Justice Binta Nyako has issued a restraining order barring all parties involved in the ongoing legal challenge surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from making public statements or granting media interviews on the matter.
The case, which was recently reassigned to Justice Nyako following the recusal of Justice Egwuatu, came up for mention today. The court took appearances from legal counsel representing both parties. Chief J.S. Okutepa, SAN, appeared for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, while Umeh Kalu, SAN; Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN; Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN; and Paul Daudu, SAN, represented the Senate and its committee.
Justice Nyako noted that several applications had been filed, including preliminary objections challenging the originating summons. She directed all counsel to submit to the Court Registrar a list and brief description of their filed processes, indicating which are deemed relevant or otherwise, ahead of the next adjourned date.
The Court further directed that all preliminary objections and the substantive suit would be consolidated and heard together on the next hearing date. Justice Nyako emphasized that in cases involving conflicting affidavit evidence, oral testimony may be required to ensure substantial justice. However, she clarified that the issue of jurisdiction would be determined first before any consideration of the substantive claims made by the plaintiff in the same judgment
Of particular significance, Justice Nyako issued a formal order restraining all parties, including Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, their legal representatives, and members of the 10th National Assembly, from making public comments on the case through any media platforms, traditional or social. The restriction also extends to legal and political analysts, commentators, and media guests on radio and television programmes.
This development follows recent public engagements by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, including comments made at the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting in New York, where she alleged that her suspension was a result of accusations she made concerning sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She subsequently granted interviews to multiple local and international media outlets, including the BBC, SKY, and DEW.
The matter has been adjourned to May 12, 2025, for hearing of all interlocutory applications and the substantive case. A date for judgment will be scheduled thereafter.
Naija News reports that the Supreme Court in a unanimous judgment, on Friday, by a five-member panel, held that the Court of Appeal lacked the jurisdiction to pronounce Abure the national chairman of the LP having earlier found that the substance of the case was about the party’s leadership.
It held that the issue of leadership was an internal affair of the party over which courts lacked jurisdiction.
The Supreme Court allowed the appeal filed by Senator Nenadi Usman and one other and held that it was meritorious.
It proceeded to dismiss the cross-appeal filed by the Abure’s faction of the LP for not being unmeritorious.
More Details later...
[NaijaNews]
The Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu in the Office of the Vice President, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has tendered his resignation, sources within the presidency have confirmed.
According to report by a national daily on Friday, Baba-Ahmed, a former spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), reportedly submitted his resignation about two weeks ago. However, as of the time of this report, it remained unclear whether the presidency has officially accepted his resignation or not.
While the reasons for his resignation were not publicly disclosed, insiders suggested that it was based on his personal volition.
Baba-Ahmed’s time in the presidency was not without controversy. His role, particularly his affiliations with the NEF, drew criticism from some quarters, including Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.
In April 2024, Matawalle criticised northern appointees who, in his view, remained silent in the face of criticisms against the Tinubu administration. His remarks were widely seen as a direct jab at Baba-Ahmed, following the latter’s defence of the NEF after the group suggested that the North had made a mistake in voting for President Bola Tinubu in 2023.
Baba-Ahmed had argued that rather than attacking the NEF, Matawalle should have focused on showcasing his achievements in government.
“Scathing criticism of NEF by the junior minister of defence, Matawalle, is ill-advised,” Baba-Ahmed wrote. “He could have done a better job for this administration if he identified contributions of especially northern ministers and other appointees like me to improving security and reducing poverty in the North.”
Matawalle, however, fired back, insisting that all government appointees had a duty to promote the administration they served.
“As an appointee of this administration, it is his responsibility to work for its success, protect and defend the government against unjust and vicious attacks from those who hide under ethnic and other primordial interests to heat up the polity for myopic reasons,” Matawalle stated.
He further emphasised that, “Every appointee of President Tinubu, including Dr. Baba-Ahmed, owes the government a duty to promote, elucidate, and advance its good works and commendable efforts across all sectors.”
Born on September 11, 1955, in Kaduna State, Baba-Ahmed has had a distinguished career in public service. A retired senior civil servant, he previously served as Secretary to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before retirement. He also served as Chief of Staff to former Senate President Bukola Saraki in the 8th Senate.
He studied at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, as well as the London School of Economics and the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom, where he earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.
Baba-Ahmed began his career as a lecturer at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, before transitioning into the Kaduna State Civil Service. He later moved to the Federal Civil Service, where he rose to the rank of Permanent Secretary, serving in various ministries, including the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
A recipient of the national honour of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), Baba-Ahmed has long been an advocate for governance reforms and northern interests. Before joining the Tinubu administration, he was the Director of Publicity and Advocacy for the NEF, a position in which he often spoke against policies perceived to be detrimental to the North.
[Leadership]
•Cancels all pending procurement, tender processes by suspended state govt
•Rivers women urge Tinubu to annul Fubara’s suspension, seek peace in state
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (rtd), has said an appropriation bill for 2025 was being articulated to provide for critical development in healthcare delivery, education, agriculture and infrastructure.
Ibas has therefore cancelled all pending procurement and tender processes by the suspended state government.
Meanwhile, hundreds of women, under the aegis of Rivers Women Unite for Sim (RWUS), have urged President Bola Tinubu to cancel the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officers of the state.
Addressing the appropriation bill, Ibas said the anticipated budget would cater to creating more employment opportunities for Rivers people and advance delivery of technology in critical facets of public life.
He disclosed this yesterday, when he hosted the delegation of Rivers State caucus at the National Assembly, led by Dr Barinada Mpigi, the Senator representing Rivers South-East District, at Government House in Port Harcourt.
The delegates, who were mainly loyalists of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on the visit included Senator Allwell Onyesoh, the minority leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, Dumnamene Dekor, Solomon Bob, Cyril Godwin Hart, Blessing Amadi, Felix Nwaeke, Kelechi Nwogu and Victor Obuzor
Ibas said he had been resolute, since assumption of office, to restore law and order, with support from the security agencies, saying the environment has been created where Rivers residents feel valued and safer.
The administrator stated that the commitment was to make Rivers a model of peace in the comity of States, with a stable economy and citizens courageous to pursue their livelihood without fear or molestation.
“In addition to our peace building efforts, we are also focused on the economic stability and development of Rivers State.
“Since the Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget, we have acted swiftly and decided to put together a new budget that reflects our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, and continued infrastructural development.
“We have worked diligently to ensure that the process is transparent, inclusive, and most importantly expedited. Our goal is to ensure that we do not lose any more time in making the necessary investments that will improve the lives of citizens.”
In his speech, Senator Mpigi, said they were dedicated representatives of Rivers people at the National Assembly and resolved to support all efforts that would bring development to the State.
Also, in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Ibibia Worika, Ibas has cancelled all pending procurement and tender processes by the state government.
“In adherence to the Supreme Court judgement upholding the Appeal Court ruling in Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/133/2024 and in the absence of an Appropriation Law, the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (RTD.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, CFR, wishes to notify the general public that all procurement and tender processes that were carried out by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) during the period are hereby cancelled.
“Accordingly, all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that carried out such tender processes for projects in their respective offices are, by this special announcement, mandated to refund such tender fees to the respective contractors immediately, pending the approval of a spending plan by the State, which shall be notified in due course.”
Meanwhile, the hundreds of women who came as a group from across the 23 local government areas of the state, convened by Sotonye Toby Fulton, made the call during their weekly prayer for peace and progress in the state, held in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
A participant at the prayer session who spoke with THISDAY, said there was no war in the state that required the declared state of emergency.
They also insisted that the state needed Fubara to continue his official work he was elected for.
An administrative manager with Port Harcourt Water Cooperation, Gloria Akor-Okocha, said, “We are praying for restoration, we are praying that Nigeria will come to truth, we are praying that God will install truth in the country and restore our governor back.”
President of Ijaw Women Connect, Dr Vivian Elenwo, said, “Rivers State with governor Siminalayi Fubara is peaceful. Our youths are not on the streets, they are peaceful, you can see the women are praying. God is the highest court, is above the supreme court, so, we have brought our complaint to God today.”