All Posts in "Month: October 2025"

Fidelity Bank hosts Black-Tie Gala honouring Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah

Fidelity Bank hosts Black-Tie Gala honouring Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah - Business247News
In recognition of his unwavering commitment to Africa’s development, Fidelity Bank Plc recently hosted a grand black-tie dinner to celebrate the retirement of Professor Benedict Okechukwu Oramah, outgoing President and Chairman of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), after ten years of transformative leadership.
Held at the Lagos Continental Hotel on Thursday, 2 October 2025, the event was themed “Celebrating a Titan” and drew a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, captains of industry and international guests. They came together to honour a man widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential financial leaders.
Welcoming guests to the event, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, described Prof. Oramah as “a towering figure in Africa’s economic renaissance.” She noted that his tenure at Afreximbank was defined by bold ideas, strategic foresight and a relentless pursuit of inclusive growth. “From Cairo to Kigali, Lagos to Lusaka, his influence has touched lives, empowered businesses and strengthened the very fabric of African integration,” she said. She also highlighted his role in pioneering initiatives such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System and his advocacy for intra-African trade and creative industries.
Among the guests in attendance were the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Ms. Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; and Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite.
Special recognition was given to Mrs. Chinelo Oramah, whose steadfast support was acknowledged as instrumental to her husband’s success. “Her dedication to maintaining the home front has been pivotal,” said Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe, “as Prof. Oramah pursued the transformational initiatives that have distinguished his tenure.”
The evening featured tributes from several guests including Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chairman of Vista Group Holding, Mr. Simon Tiemtore; and Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi, who described Prof. Oramah as “the most consequential African person in the last 10 years.”
In his remarks, Prof. Oramah expressed deep appreciation for the honour. “I want to thank the board and management of Fidelity Bank for this honour. It is not always that when a leader of an institution gets to the twilight of his tenure that those he works with deem it important to say we appreciate you. I really cherish this event. On behalf of my family and wife as well as the Afreximbank family, I say thank you.”
He also reflected on the longstanding relationship between Afreximbank and Fidelity Bank. “Our relationship with Fidelity Bank dates back to the 1990s and it has grown from year to year. Fidelity Bank is one of the trusted partners that we have. Fidelity Bank has helped us to achieve some of the things we have achieved here in Nigeria. When my dear sister, Nneka, took over, she did more than everyone expected. The transformation that we continue to see in Fidelity Bank is something that makes all of us proud. With all of the activities that you do that complement what we do at Afreximbank and the type of financing that supports what we do at Afreximbank, I believe that the partnership in the years ahead will grow even stronger.”
The evening was anchored by broadcast journalist Ojinika ‘Ojy’ Okpe and comedian and actor Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule, popularly known as Okey Bakassi. The celebration reached its climax with a musical performance by Nigerian highlife singer Chinedu Okoli, professionally known as Flavour N’abania.
Dan Poster by — October 7, 2025 in Business 0
Checkpoint Chaos: Seme Customs Declares War on Extortion Rackets Choking Lagos-Abidjan Trade Route

TRANS-BORDER TRADE: Police, Immigration, Others Maintain 400 Illegal Checkpoints, Extort Commuters Along Mile 2 -Seme Border
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Command, has vowed to crack down on rampant illegal checkpoints along the Lagos-Abidjan ECOWAS trade corridor, which have been crippling regional commerce and damaging Nigeria’s international image.
Customs Area Controller, Seme Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga,
 at a high level stakeholders meeting at the Command on Monday,
condemned the proliferation of unauthorised roadblocks, describing them as a “national embarrassment” that stifles legitimate trade and undermines Nigeria’s competitiveness.
“We are going to work, and we will make Seme corridor road a place of sanity”, Adenuga declared. He exposed how multiple illegal roadblocks have turned a vital trade artery into a nightmare for cross-border traders, tourists, and transporters. The Customs chief vowed decisive action, pledging to mobilise security agencies and border communities to eliminate the checkpoints and restore credibility to Nigeria’s border operations.
Adenuga issued a stern warning to security agencies operating outside legal checkpoints to “steer clear from the corridor”, emphasising that the Customs management has banned the activities of ‘camp boys’ on the highways. He stressed the importance of transparency and cooperation among all parties, urging honest dialogue to confront the systemic problems affecting the border axis.
“The more we facilitate legitimate trade, the better for our country. When trade thrives, crime reduces. That is the vision our Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi, has consistently championed – building a legacy of trade facilitation and a conducive environment for economic growth”, he stated.
The CAC also highlighted disparities between the Nigerian and Beninese border operations, noting that Benin Republic authorities maintain a more coordinated and transparent process for inspecting vehicles suspected of conveying questionable goods.
During the high-level stakeholders’ engagement, Hon. Joseph Agoro, a grassroots politician, decried the menace of unofficial camp boys allegedly hired by security operatives. He accused them of terrorising residents and travellers, calling on Customs to act swiftly to end their activities.
Representing the Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, Ambassador Olukayode Aluko, the Defense Attaché, Colonel S. Yahaya, assured participants that all resolutions from the summit would be implemented without delay.
The meeting brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including freight forwarders, traditional rulers, and representatives of the Nigerian Army, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). Participants shared operational challenges affecting their agencies within the Badagry–Seme corridor and expressed support for Customs’ reform efforts.
As the Seme Command intensifies its campaign, expectations remain high that the long-troubled Lagos-Abidjan corridor could soon regain its status as a model of efficient trade facilitation and regional cooperation.
Dan Poster by — October 7, 2025 in General News 0
UBA marks 2025 Customer Service Week

Oliver Alawuba

The United Bank for Africa Plc has officially flagged off its annual Customer Service Week for 2025.

Embracing the global theme of ‘Mission Possible’, the bank indicated a commitment to making the impossible possible for its customers across Africa and beyond.

Every year, Customer Service Week celebrates the vital role of service excellence and customer engagement, and UBA joins the rest of the world to mark this all-important event, given its Customer First philosophy, which states that the customer is at the forefront of all its activities.

In a statement on Sunday, the lender said that this year’s theme resonates deeply with the bank’s vision of turning challenges into possibilities, consistently going beyond expectations to deliver innovative solutions for individuals, businesses, and communities.

Speaking on the 2025 Customer Service Week launch, UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, said that the bank prides itself as customer-centric and does all it can to ensure the satisfaction of its customers across all touchpoints.

“As Africa’s global bank, we understand the unique challenges our customers face across different markets. That is why we are constantly investing in technology, people, and processes that make banking easier, faster, and more rewarding. This week is not just about celebrating our customers, but about renewing our pledge to make the impossible possible for them, because at UBA, we remain committed to not just meeting expectations, but we are also committed to exceeding them.”

Also speaking, UBA’s Group Head, Customer Experience, Michelle Nwoga, noted that this year’s celebration marks a renewed commitment to deepening the bank’s focus on customer satisfaction and doing even more to deliver value at every touch point.

“At UBA, our mission is clear: to make the seemingly impossible possible for our customers. Whether it is enabling cross-border transactions in real time, ensuring seamless digital access to banking, or supporting small businesses to scale against the odds, we are committed to delivering service that transforms lives. This week is a celebration of that mission and of the customers who inspire us to raise the bar every day,” she noted.

As part of this year’s celebration, the bank said it is rolling out a series of mission-driven initiatives that go beyond banking, including business series for Small and Medium Scale business owners, opportunities for their kids and wards to participate in the ongoing National Essay Competition for Senior Secondary Schools, and other financial literacy programmes to equip them to navigate today’s economic realities.

Dan Poster by — October 7, 2025 in Business 0
Seplat, Mansard lead rally as NGX adds N786bn

Nigerian Exchange LimitedInvestors in the Nigerian Exchange Limited extended their winning streak on Monday, as bullish trading lifted the market capitalisation by N786bn to close at N91.9tn.

The positive momentum came despite a slight decline in trading volume and turnover, driven largely by price appreciation in heavyweight stocks such as Seplat Energy Plc and AXA Mansard Insurance Plc.

At the close of trading, the All-Share Index rose by 1,238.71 points, or 0.86 per cent to settle at 144,822.75 points, marking a one-week gain of 1.89 per cent, a four-week rise of 4.2 per cent, and a year-to-date increase of 40.71 per cent.

Data from the NGX showed that investors traded a total of 519.9 million shares valued at N14.53bn across 35,467 deals. This represented a five per cent decline in volume, a 26 per cent drop in turnover, but a 31 per cent improvement in the number of deals compared with the previous trading session.

In total, 128 equities participated in trading, ending with 47 gainers and 24 losers.

Seplat Energy Plc led the gainers’ chart with a 10 per cent increase to close at N5,917.20 per share. It was followed by AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, which also gained 10 per cent to finish at N15.84 per share. Skye Shelter Fund appreciated by 9.97 per cent to close at N381.10, while Ellah Lakes Plc rose 9.95 per cent to end the session at N14.81 per share. Chams Holding Company Plc advanced 9.87 per cent to N4.23, and Omatek Ventures Plc gained 9.84 per cent to close at N1.34 per share.

On the losers’ chart, International Energy Insurance Plc led with a decline of 8.42 per cent to close at N2.72 per share. McNichols Plc followed with a loss of 8.31 per cent to finish at N3.20, while Thomas Wyatt Nigeria Plc shed 7.72 per cent to close at N2.99 per share.

Berger Paints Plc dropped 6.8 per cent to N37.00, ABC Transport Plc declined 5.81 per cent to N4.05, and C&I Leasing Plc fe 3.23 per cent to N6.00 per share.

Ellah Lakes Plc recorded the highest volume of traded shares, exchanging 80.07 million units valued at N1.18bn. Chams Holding Company Plc followed with 30.21 million shares worth N127.26m, while Sterling Bank Plc traded 24.74 million shares valued at N205.65m. Custodian & Allied Plc recorded 21.83 million shares worth N903.74m, and Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc traded 20.06 million shares valued at N1.97bn.

In terms of value, GTCO led the chart with N1.97bn worth of shares, followed by Seplat Energy Plc with N1.65bn, Aradel Holdings Plc with N1.21bn, Ellah Lakes Plc with N1.18bn, and Zenith Bank Plc with N1.12bn.

Sectoral performance was largely positive, as the Oil and Gas Index gained 3.35 per cent, the Insurance Index rose 3.13 per cent, the Premium Index advanced 2.06 per cent, the Pension Index appreciated 1.23 per cent, and the Banking Index closed 0.64 per cent higher.

Market analysts attributed the sustained rally to strong investor sentiment in fundamentally sound stocks and renewed interest in oil and insurance equities, which continued to benefit from favourable sector dynamics.

Last week, the Nigerian Exchange Limited closed the first week of October on a positive note as investors gained N1.18tn in a four-day trading week, despite the Federal Government declaring Wednesday, October 1, a public holiday to mark Independence Day. The All-Share Index rose 1.02 per cent to close at 143,584.04 points, while market capitalisation appreciated 1.31 per cent to settle at N91.135tn, compared to N89.955tn in the previous week.

Dan Poster by — October 7, 2025 in Business 0
PH road, Okpara auditorium commissioning: Abians hail Gov Otti’s masterstroke

 

Picture: PortHarcourt road: Some years ago this major road was a sorry sight.

 

Abia state indigines were highly elated last Friday when PortHarcourt road and several other roads in the state were commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Also commissioned was the remodelled and retrofitted Dr Michael Auditorium in Umuahia.
While Abians celebrate Governor Otti for that great feat, the only people sulking are the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) and other never-do-wells who do not wish the state well. The PDP has remained a bitter but fragmented party since Otti trounced them at the polls in 2023.
But away from that bitterness and bellyaching, Abians are highly excited about the new roads because Governor Otti practically took Aba from the gutters and has fixed almost all the strategic roads. He has also done the same with most roads across the state. 2 years ago, before Otti, Abia was an eyesore, supervised by PDP, a party known for profligacy and mediocrity in the state.
After the commissioning, most Abians took to X to congratulate Governor Otti.
Fortis1o wrote, “My able governor, you are a blessing to Abia State. Many of us will lay down our lives to ensure you complete the good works you have started in Abia State.
Warning detractors, he said, “Let this serve as a warning to the detractors of Abia state working from within. We will not tolerate the betrayal of our homeland.
NgozifireverF responded, “Thank you, Governor @alexottiofr, keep up the good work, humanity will remember you! God bless our indefatigable governor Alex Chioma Otti.
Simonchigozie2 said, Congratulations, sir, on these achievements. Thank you for your visionary leadership sir. You are a blessing to Abia State. Keep it up, our able Governor.
Sparkchain.Ai wrote, “Thank you for the excellent work done on Port Harcourt road however, Ohanku road should have been dualised as that is a major road which traders use and the road leads to different destinations
Just my humble opinion though.
@chibuzo onyema1 said, “Abia is rising and progressing steadily. To God be the glory! Great thanks to Your Excellency, @alexottiofr, for your people-centered leadership.
@Bushjephek wrote, “1can profoundly submit my observations:
1. Alex Otti is working
2. We need to do better as a people (Igbos)
3. A collective destiny we have is to pursue oneness and our self-determination
4. No one is coming to save us.
Akonuche_001 said, “As someone who was born and raised in Aba, I’m really happy to learn that Port Harcourt Road is on the list of roads that have been commissioned. I remember how bad the road was when I was a child and how past governments had abandoned it.
@Father-Fatherjoe wrote, “Able governor, Well done, Sir. I can’t wait to return to Aba. My business was destroyed by the last administration. I packed and left Aba.
@danielnnajide19 said, “Alex Otti is the final product when the right thing is done.
@ VanBeek639006 said, “Thank u very much, Sir You are truly indeed the people’s Governor.
Thank you for coming to the rescue of Abia state. The people of Abia are very happy to have you as their Governor. Your good work is showing, and the people in Nigeria are feeling it. Keep it up, Sir. God bless you.
@Blossom4Good, said, “Well done, Sir. I am pleased that Tinubu didn’t come in person. May GOD continue to strengthen you and give you wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to continue to govern Abia state.
Dr Otti, on Saturday, on his X handle wrote, Yesterday, we had the profound honour of hosting the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. He was ably represented by the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Engr David Umahi FNSE.
The day commenced in Umuahia with the official commissioning of the newly remodelled and retrofitted Michael Okpara Auditorium, now outfitted with state-of-the-art facilities that reflect the aspirations of our people. From there, we proceeded to Aba, where seven strategic roads were formally opened for public use. These include Gabriel Nwosu Street, Nkoro Street, Umuatako Road, Pepple’s Road, Ndoki Road, Ohanku Road, and Port Harcourt Road.
We sincerely appreciate Mr President’s unwavering commitment to the security, economic revitalisation, and inclusive governance of Abia State. His reform agenda, though demanding, is already unlocking new pathways for development across the federation. With sustained collaboration and resilience, we are confident that the future holds even greater promise for our people.
Special thanks to our esteemed guests and distinguished political leaders, who honoured us with their presence, and to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for delivering Port Harcourt Road in record time. Our appreciation equally goes to the Honourable Commissioner for Works, his dedicated team, and our other partners whose collective efforts have helped transform the infrastructure landscape of Aba.
Most importantly, we thank the good people of Enyimba who turned out in their thousands to welcome Mr. President. Your warmth, energy, and unity made the day truly remarkable.
As a mark of this heartfelt gratitude, the Council of Traditional Rulers of Abia State conferred on Mr. President the revered title of Udo Kpu Enyi I of Abia State, a symbol of peace, strength, and enduring friendship with Ndi Abia.
Together, we are building a New Abia. The journey ahead may be long, but with faith, partnership, and perseverance, we shall arrive at a future full of promise.

DFC Management by — October 6, 2025 in General News 0
OPEC Agrees On 137,000 Barrels A day Crude Output Hike For November

Key producer members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) have agreed to raise their collective output ceiling by another 137,000 b/d in November.

“In view of a steady global economic outlook, and current healthy market fundamentals, as reflected in the low oil inventories, the eight participating countries decided to implement a production adjustment of 137,000 b/d from the 1.65mn b/d additional voluntary adjustments,” the OPEC secretariat said.

The decision comes as the group — Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Russia, the UAE, Algeria, Oman and Kazakhstan — began to unwind 1.65mn b/d of voluntary cuts this month, starting with an initial 137,000 b/d hike in their collective production target.

The 1.65mn b/d voluntary cut was agreed in April 2023 and originally included a small contribution from Gabon, which is not part of the latest plan to restore output.

The move reflects a continuation of the cautious approach that the group has chosen to take going into the fourth quarter of this year — a time when the world typically enters a seasonal lull in oil demand. The IEA has projected sizeable surpluses not just in the fourth quarter of this year, but also in 2026.

The group, accordingly, maintained deliberate ambiguity on production guidance beyond the coming month, just as it did at its previous meeting in September.

Delegate sources told Argus media that during the meeting, Saudi energy minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman openly asked Russia’s deputy prime minister Alexander Novak whether there had been any discussions or consultations on policy beyond November, and specifically whether any talks had been had around volumes other than the 137,000 b/d discussed and agreed today. Novak confirmed to the others in the group that no such consultations had taken place.

With concerns around oversupply lingering, some delegate sources questioned prior to the meeting whether additional barrels were required, arguing that the market is already “well supplied.” But delegate sources told Argus that today’s decision was nevertheless taken swiftly with no formal opposition.

“Let us continue returning those remaining barrels and see how markets react,” one delegate told Argus. “We can act accordingly as we retain considerable flexibility now,” the delegate added.

The group of eight has turned its attention to the 1.65mn b/d cut after completing last month the unwind of a separate 2.2mn b/d cut that was agreed in November 2023.

Ice Brent crude futures closed at $64.53/bl on 3 October, down by just $1/bl since the group last met in early September.

But as has been the case since the group began unwinding these cuts in April, the actual production increase in November is likely to fall short of the headline 137,000 b/d agreed today, both because of ongoing compensation obligations by past over-producers, and upstream and midstream bottlenecks in some member countries such as Russia.

Between April and August, Argus estimates that the group restored only 1.35mn b/d of production, far short of the notional 1.92mn b/d that the collective quotas rose by over this period. Since January, Opec+ production rose by 1.8mn b/d.

The eight producers are scheduled to meet again on 2 November to determine their policy move for December.

Dan Poster by — October 6, 2025 in Business 0
Ikeja Electric, Epe community join forces to fight vandalism, improve power supply 

 

In a determined move to combat the growing menace of electrical infrastructure vandalism, Ikeja Electric (IE) held a key stakeholder engagement forum with community leaders, the National Youth Council, security agencies, the Epe LGA, Ikosi-Ejirin, and Eredo LCDAs.

The meeting, held at the Epe Local Government Secretariat, brought together top management from Ikeja Electric and local stakeholders to devise a robust strategy against vandalism, which has significantly impacted power supply in the communities.

The discussion focused on the destructive act and its consequences, some of which include frequent power outages, damage to equipment, disruption of socio-economic activities, health and safety risks.

Speaking at the event, the Ikorodu Business Manager, Emmanuel Iberuche, highlighted the toll of vandalism on the company’s operations. “On the Agbowa line, we have lost 4,700 meters of aluminum conductor, and 9 cases of Distribution Transformer vandalism, costing us nothing less than ₦50 million. This is money that could have been used to improve infrastructure and enhance service delivery.

“We want to work with you to foster a sense of ownership; these assets belong to all of us, therefore we must protect them together for a reliable power supply. A small act of vigilance can prevent a major outage and save your community from days of darkness.” He stated.

Paul Airoboman, the representative of the Chief Security Officer, shared alarming statistics on vandalism in Epe. “Of the 47 vandalism cases Ikeja Electric has experienced this year, Ikorodu Business Unit accounts for 15; 6 of which occurred in Epe. This is a serious concern. We urge community leaders to collaborate with us by engaging vigilante groups, organizing awareness sessions, and reporting security concerns with credible evidence.”

“We are committed to working with our communities to create a fortified front against these criminal elements. With your cooperation, we can ensure that our installations remain safe, and our customers enjoy a stable power supply.”

The Chairman of Epe Local Government Area, Hon. (Princess) Surah Olayemi Animashaun, expressed her unwavering support for the initiative. “The economic growth of Epe is directly tied to a consistent power supply. We will not tolerate criminal acts that undermine our progress. My office will continue to collaborate with law enforcement agencies and community leaders to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.”

Chief Bashorun Abayomi, the Chairman of the Epe LG Community Development Committee (CDC), in his response, appreciated Ikeja Electric’s proactive approach. “Our community leaders are ready to partner with Ikeja Electric to end this menace. We have agreed to establish a community-based surveillance network to report vandals and will also embark on a massive public awareness campaign to educate our people on the importance of protecting electrical infrastructure.”

The Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State Youth Parliament, Hon. Mahruf Odunare, who was also present at the meeting, reiterated the commitment of the community youth to the fight against vandalism. “As the voice of the youth, we are committed to being ambassadors of this campaign. We will take this message to our peers, reminding them of the importance of preserving public infrastructure for our future and the legal consequences of engaging in the dastardly act.”

Speaking on behalf of Ikeja Electric’s spokesperson, the Community and Media Relations Lead, Mrs. Olufadeke Omo-Omorodion, elaborated on the severe punishment for vandalism. “To be very clear, the law is not lenient on vandals. The Electricity Act, as amended, provides for stiff penalties. Depending on the gravity of the offense, a vandal can face a prison term of up to 10 years, or even life imprisonment if their actions endanger lives or cause significant disruption to public order. There is no option of a fine.”

Mrs. Omo-Omorodion urged residents to take an active role in the solution. “We are working closely with security agencies to ensure that anyone caught will face the full wrath of the law. To stay on the good side of the law, we encourage every resident to be a part of the solution. Report any suspicious activity around electrical installations to our safety emergency and whistleblowing hotlines. Your vigilance is our greatest asset in this fight.”

“In addition, we will also focus on increasing sensitization to close communication gaps. More importantly, we aim to improve our understanding with community members to build a more trusting, collaborative relationship where residents see us as a partner, not just a service provider.”

The meeting concluded with a commitment from all parties to form a joint task force to effectively monitor and combat vandalism. This collaborative approach is expected to significantly reduce the incidence of vandalism and lead to a more reliable power supply in Epe.

Ikeja Electric Plc is Nigeria’s largest power distribution network, with a vision to be the provider of choice wherever energy is consumed. The company is focused on providing the best quality service to customers while always adhering to the highest standards of safety.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DFC Management by — October 6, 2025 in Business 0
2027: APC will apply votes, not federal force to take over Abia – Deputy Speaker, Kalu

Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has said that his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, will not apply federal government force to win elections in Abia State in 2027.

He said the party would dislodge the ruling Labour Party with people’s votes.

He made the declaration in Umuahia on Sunday while addressing the members of Renewed Hope Partners and other APC members.

Kalu, who told Abia people, especially the members of the APC, to obtain their voter’s cards in the ongoing continuous voters’ registration, said the cards would be used to sack the ruling Abia government in Abia by 2027.

“We are not going to take over this State by force. Some people when we talk, they say we want to use Federal government power, no!

“We are going to use the votes of the masses”, said Kalu.

He accused the the Labour Party, LP-led administration in Abia State of underperformance, saying that two former governors, Theodore Orji and Okezie Ikpeazu achieved better results with about 3 and 4 billion Naira they received as monthly FAAC allocations, when compared to the bigger allocations the State is receiving presently.

He said that Abia people are prepared to re-elect President Bola Tinubu in 2027 based on his various achievements and for money he is making available to Abia and other State governors.

The Deputy Speaker disclosed that some persons in Abia are hauling insults at him for recently telling the truth to the Abia State government, but vowed to sustain his role as “the leader of the opposition in the State.”

Dan Poster by — October 6, 2025 in Politics 0
Strongest opposition ticket against Tinubu is Atiku, Obi – Olarewaju

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi could form the strongest opposition ticket against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections, according to Demola Olarewaju, Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy to Atiku Abubakar.

He revealed this while speaking on the “Mic On Podcast.”

He suggested that a partnership between Atiku and Obi could create a “co-presidency” scenario, allowing Nigerians to benefit from both leaders’ ideas.

“I think the best bet would be to have the two of them on that ticket and give Nigerians this sort of sense of co-presidency,” he explained.

Olarewaju described Atiku as a resilient politician who consistently supports fellow candidates after losing primaries.

“He lost the primaries to Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 and worked for him, delivering Adamawa State in that election. That’s who Atiku Abubakar is,” Olarewaju said.

He also emphasized the importance of youth participation in politics, noting that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) plans to reserve 35 to 50 percent of its positions for young people and women.

“Nigerians deserve a party that recognizes the strength of young people, Gen Z, Gen Alpha, even, and harnesses their potential,” he said.

On the possibility of a younger candidate taking the lead, Olarewaju added that Atiku has expressed willingness to step down for a younger candidate if defeated in the primaries, but he remains the strongest opposition candidate.

“The strongest ticket that the opposition can present is the marriage of Atiku and Obi,” he said, stressing that their similar political ideologies make such a partnership feasible and strategically strong.

Dan Poster by — October 6, 2025 in Politics 0
N’Assembly warns workers against disrupting plenary over welfare demands

National AssemblyThe management of the National Assembly has cautioned aggrieved parliamentary workers against carrying out their planned protest and picketing of the complex as lawmakers resume plenary on Tuesday.

The warning followed threats by some members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria to embark on industrial action over alleged unresolved welfare and constitutional issues affecting staff.

In a circular issued on Sunday by the Secretary, Human Resources and Staff Development, Essien Eyo Essien, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the management warned that any attempt to disrupt legislative activities would attract severe disciplinary measures.

Essien stated, “It must be emphasised that membership of PASAN or any union is entirely voluntary. Any staff member, whether an executive or regular member, who is dissatisfied with the conduct of union affairs may freely withdraw their membership in accordance with established rules.”

He explained that within seven months of assuming office, the current management had embarked on several administrative reforms aimed at improving efficiency and boosting staff morale.

Essien further warned, “In light of recent developments, the Management hereby instructs all Staff to ignore any calls for industrial action, including ‘work-to-rule’ or ‘unlawful picketing’. Your safety and security within the National Assembly Complex are assured, and we urge you to proceed with your official duties without any fear or intimidation.”

He directed the self-styled “Concerned PASAN Members” to desist from their planned protest, saying any defiance would lead to “severe disciplinary action.”

The circular added, “Finally, the management remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the overall well-being of staff.”

The warning came on the heels of a letter by some “Concerned PASAN Members” dated October 3, 2025, and addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly, accusing management of harassment and intimidation of union members demanding transparency and adherence to the PASAN Constitution (2015).

The petition, jointly signed by M.C. Odo, Yusuf Mohammed Abiola, and Chinenye Peace Nda, alleged that workers were being queried and threatened with suspension for insisting on the presentation of audited accounts to the congress as required by the union’s constitution.

They cited constitutional provisions mandating union executives to prepare annual budgets, circulate audited accounts and balance sheets, and ensure compliance with statutory financial obligations—arguing that management’s interference undermines internal democracy and accountability.

The group also criticised the recognition of executive officers earlier removed by Congress, describing the move as “a violation of due process and the union’s internal democracy.”

Beyond union matters, the concerned workers accused management of neglecting long-standing welfare issues, including correction of salary shortfalls, remittance of statutory deductions (tax, pension, and housing fund), full implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure, and payment of allowances covering rent subsidy, leave, hazard, and medicals.

They also demanded the implementation of the 40% consolidated peculiar allowance approved in 2023 for federal workers, provision of official vehicles for directorate staff, staff buses for junior cadres, and training templates for capacity development.

Other demands include the implementation of the National Assembly Service Pension Board (Establishment) Act, 2023, and the immediate application of the new minimum wage and its consequential adjustments.

As tension mounts ahead of Tuesday’s plenary resumption, observers have posted that how the management handles the workers’ grievances could determine whether normal legislative business proceeds smoothly or faces disruption at the heart of Nigeria’s lawmaking complex.

Dan Poster by — October 6, 2025 in General News 0