Nelson Ugwuagbo

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has been sworn-in for a second term in office on Monday afternoon.

Uzodimma took the oath of office at about 3:23pm, to commence his second tenure in office, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium Owerri, the state capital.

Earlier, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru took her oath of office as the deputy governor of Imo State.

The event was witnessed by thousands of Imolites and guests from outside the state, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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President Bola Tinubu has named Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, as the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education.

An esteemed ex-student of the Federal Government Girls’ College in Benin City and the Federal Government College in Ilorin, is among the first individuals educated at Nigeria’s Unity Schools to achieve this high-ranking position within the Ministry of Education.

Walson-Jack holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987. She is married to Hon. Nimi Walson-Jack, a former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Nigeria’s leading Civic Educator. They have two children, both of whom are also lawyers.

First appointed as a Permanent Secretary in 2017 by then President Muhammadu Buhari, Mrs. Walson-Jack has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment in various capacities, including her roles as Permanent Secretary in the Service Welfare Office of the Office of the Head Of Service of the Civil Service of the Federation, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Federal Ministries of Power, and Water Resources, and Sanitation.

In her new capacity, Mrs. Walson-Jack is expected to leverage her extensive experience and dedication to excellence in working with the country’s education ministers to elevate the standards and policies of Nigeria’s education system and deliver on President Tinubu’s education agenda. Her appointment is viewed as a crucial stride toward achieving gender balance in the realm of Nigerian politics and exemplifies President Tinubu’s commitment to fostering a governance structure that is both inclusive and competent.

Commenting on this historic appointment, Oraye St. Franklyn, a Canada-based leadership communications specialist, praised the Tinubu administration for its commitment to excellence and competence in governance.

“This appointment signifies a transformative shift in the Nigerian government, ushering in a new era of diversity, inclusion, and administrative brilliance in the nation’s education sector, underpinned by Mrs. Walson-Jack’s remarkable track record,” St. Franklyn noted.

Former Senate President, David Mark has urged Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, to be magnanimous in victory, following his victory at the Supreme Court.

LeadingReporters gathered that the apex court validated the March 2023 Electoral victory of Alia as the winner of the governorship election in Benue after the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate challenged the outcome of the exercise.

In a statement by his media adviser, Mr Paul Mumeh, in Kano on Sunday, the ex-senate president urged Alia to carry everyone along in the interest of the development of Benue, asking him to be a father to all.

He equally urged the governor to strengthen the security network and promote peace, unity, and welfare of all citizens of the state.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and your Deputy Governor, Sam Odey, as well as your team on the recent electoral victory and the successful resolution of the court case.

“Your leadership, dedication, and the support of the people have resulted in this triumphant moment, and I want to express my admiration for your unwavering commitment to public service,” he said.

He described the positive outcome of the court case as a testament to the integrity and strength of Alia’s campaign and the affirmation of the people’s mandate through the democratic process.

The Joint Admission and Matriculations Board has said Persons Living With Disability who wish to sit for the 2024/2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination can register at no cost.

The JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed this while rolling out the registration process for interested candidates across the country.

While announcing that registration for the 2024 matriculation examination will commence on Monday, (today), Oloyede said JAMB will issue free application documents to all categories of Persons Living With Disability as a form of support.
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“To support the PLWD, JAMB will issue free application documents to all categories of Persons Living with Disabilities in the advertisement for the 2024 UTME/DE,” he said.

Oloyede who disclosed that measures have been put in place to ensure a smooth exercise for all candidates, said audio books will now be provided for all blind candidates.

The registrar said the development was a digital adaptation of the traditional reading book, noting that it will come in popular audio formats such as MP3, WMV, and WMA which will be compatible with all devices that can stream audio records.

He said the suggestion for the provision of audiobooks was made at the first National Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education in Nigeria.

Apart from the blind candidates, other groups to benefit from the free registration according to the examination body are people with Down syndrome, Autism, Dyslexia disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

“The following categories of candidates will now be listed under the disability group: Down syndrome, Autism, Dyslexia disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),” he said.

•⁠ ⁠Names finance minister as chairman

Following the six-week suspension of the four programmes under the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA) by President Bola Tinubu on Friday, he has approved the establishment of a Special Presidential Panel on the programmes, which will be led by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun.

The Special Presidential Panel is tasked immediately to undertake a comprehensive review and audit of existing financial frameworks and policy guidelines of the social investment programmes with a view to implementing a total re-engineering of the financial architecture of the programmes with detailed modification to procedures guiding the programmes’ implementation moving forward.

According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, on Saturday, the Special Presidential Panel, which is comprised of ministers representing strategic sectors and will ensure a multi-disciplinary approach to the reform effort, is made up of six members.

They are the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, as chairman, and Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, as member.

Other members include Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, and Minister of State for Youth.

“President Tinubu anticipates that this Special Presidential Panel will validate the confidence reposed in it by winning back all lost public confidence in these vital programmes over the years by ushering in a new era of operation based on open and accountable governance frameworks that will prove impervious to abuse and incompetence for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households across our nation,” the presidential media aide added.

Gunmen, in the early hours of Saturday, abducted the Caretaker Chairman of  Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, Haanongon Gideon, and three others.

The chairman was said to have been kidnapped along Anyagba, Tongov, in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state around 6.30am while on the way to attend the burial of the paramount ruler of Katsina-Ala LG, the Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Fezaanga Wombo.

Among those kidnapped along with him were his personal assistant, Mr. Ior Yuhwam, his driver, and a police officer.

However, a press statement from the council secretary, Jonathan Modi, confirmed the abduction of the caretaker chairman and three others.

The statement read in parts, “The Ukum Local Government Area Executive Council announces the kidnap of the Council Chairman, Rev. Haanongon Gideon, alongside his PA on Administration, Mr Ior  Yuhwam, his driver and police officer.

“The ugly incident took place this morning, along Anyagba, Tongov, in Katsina-Ala LGA, of Benue State, around 6:30am, while on the way to attend the burial of the paramount Ruler of Katsina Ala LG, the Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Fezaanga Wombo.”

The statement enjoined all the people of the local government to remain calm and be law-abiding, assuring them that measures are being taken to ensure the victims’ freedom.

The state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Matthew Abo, also confirmed the abduction of the chairman.

He said, “It’s true he was abducted, I cannot say much now because I am at a funeral in Katsina-Ala.”

The state Commissioner for Information, who hails from the same local government area, was also abducted by gunmen in September, 2023.

However,  the state command spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene, said she was yet to be briefed

In a surprising turn of events, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has reversed the removal of Governor Yusuf of Kano State, thereby reinstating him to his position. The landmark ruling has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, solidifying the National New Progressive Party’s (NNPP) hold on power in the state.

The legal battle surrounding Governor Yusuf’s removal began months ago when a lower court nullified his election victory, citing irregularities in the electoral process. The decision sparked widespread controversy and political unrest, leading to a prolonged legal tussle that ultimately reached the highest court in the land.

After careful deliberation, the Supreme Court justices unanimously ruled in favor of Governor Yusuf, declaring his removal unconstitutional and reinstating him as the legitimate governor of Kano State. The decision has not only restored political stability but has also reaffirmed the democratic principles of fair governance and due process.

The NNPP, the political party under which Governor Yusuf was elected, has hailed the Supreme Court’s ruling as a triumph for justice and democracy. Party leaders expressed their satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing that the decision reflects the will of the people and the party’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.

The reinstatement of Governor Yusuf has sparked celebrations among his supporters, who have eagerly awaited this moment. The streets of Kano are filled with jubilant crowds, waving party flags and chanting slogans in support of their leader. The governor, in a statement, expressed his gratitude to the judiciary for upholding justice and vowed to continue serving the people of Kano with dedication and integrity.

However, the ruling has not been without its critics. Opposition parties and some sections of the public have raised concerns about the implications of the decision, questioning the integrity of the electoral process and the independence of the judiciary. These concerns highlight the need for ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure transparent and credible elections in the future.

As Kano State moves forward with Governor Yusuf at the helm once again, the focus now shifts to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The reinstated governor has pledged to redouble efforts in areas such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and job creation, aiming to improve the lives of the people of Kano.

The Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of Governor Yusuf and the NNPP has not only reshaped the political landscape in Kano State but has also set a precedent for future electoral disputes. It serves as a reminder that the judiciary plays a crucial role in upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring the will of the people is respected.

As the dust settles on this legal battle, all eyes will be on Governor Yusuf as he resumes his duties, striving to fulfill his promises and lead Kano State towards progress and prosperity.

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana  Zulum, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of his spokesperson, Isa Gusau.

A government statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, confirmed that Gusau died during a protracted illness on Thursday, at an Indian hospital.

Zulum, in the statement, described the deceased as a dedicated public servant and a cherished member of his team.

Gusau, who served as the Special Adviser on Public Relations and Strategy to  Zulum since June 2019, had also served in the same capacity under Senator Kashim Shettima when he was the governor of the state.

“Mallam Isa Gusau was admired by everyone for his commitment to the people of Borno State and his exceptional professionalism in his role,

“He was a tireless advocate for the state and he worked tirelessly to communicate the government’s initiatives and policies to the public with clarity and transparency,” the statement quoted Zulum as saying.

The governor added that “Isa Gusau will be remembered for his passion for serving the people of Borno State and his dedication to the betterment of the state.  His exceptional communication skills played a crucial role in fostering understanding and cooperation between the government and the people.”

The governor prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and also prayed that God gives his family and other loved ones the strength to bear the loss.

In a significant judicial ruling, the Supreme Court has upheld the election victory of Bala Mohammed, confirming his position as the Governor of Bauchi. The court’s decision adds a final stamp of authority to the electoral process, settling any legal uncertainties that may have lingered since the initial contest.

The verdict not only affirms the legitimacy of Governor Bala Mohammed’s mandate but also reinforces the democratic principles that underpin the electoral system. The Supreme Court’s role in providing a conclusive resolution contributes to the stability and continuity of governance in Bauchi.

This affirmation follows a thorough legal examination of the election process, underscoring the adherence to due process and the rule of law. Governor Bala Mohammed and his administration can now proceed with renewed confidence, focusing on the welfare and development of the people of Bauchi.

The Supreme Court’s decision resonates beyond the immediate political landscape, setting a precedent for electoral disputes and reinforcing the significance of fair and transparent elections in our democratic framework.

As Bauchi celebrates the legal validation of its chosen leader, the verdict stands as a testament to the resilience of democratic institutions and their ability to ensure a just and accountable governance.