2027: PDP chairmen ask Jonathan to speak up on presidential ambition

The Thirty-six states and FCT chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Monday asked former President Goodluck Jonathan, to address Nigerians directly and disassociate himself from the continuous use of his name in what it described as ‘spectacle of macabre dance’ by expelled members of the party.

Apparently referring to the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki’s faction of the party which recently handed its presidential ticket to the former president, the forum expressed dismay that his name is being used to perpetuate their ignoble activities, saying it must stop.

Addressing newsmen at Wadata House national headquarters of the party, the forum chairman and representative, who spoke on behalf of the 36 states and FCT chairman of the PDP, Hon. Austin Nwachukwu noted that silence in the face of such misuse damages not just the party but Jonathan’s legacy of peace and statesmanship.

The group wondered why the Turaki group would illegally manually sent the ex president’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against the authentic and authorised electronic upload as prescribed by the party’s electoral laws.

The party, while rejecting what it called identity theft, demanded that relevant authorities compel them to desist.

They also called on all security and law enforcement agencies to investigate, with immediate effect, the criminal and malicious forgery and distortion of court judgments by the faction.

They referred to the move by the group as utter disrespect for the rule of law, breach of peace, and reckless utterances, stating it poses a clear and present danger to public order.

On facility being used to coordinate activities that are capable of breaching public peace and leading to a total breakdown of law and order in the FCT, the forum urged the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to look into the use of a two story office building painted off white colour on the left hand side of Owo close off Makurdi Street adjacent to AMAC in Area 10, Garki, Abuja, by the Turaki’s group.

“These individuals have continued to falsely and continuously present themselves as a faction of the PDP, despite numerous competent court pronouncements to the contrary,” the party said.

Taraba: Kefas warns politicians against attempt to disrupt public peace

By Andrew Ojih

Jalingo

The Taraba state governor, Agbu Kefas, Monday warned desperate politicians that his administration would not tolerate any attempt to disrupt public peace.

Kefas stated this while signing three executive orders into law to address political thuggery, protect host mining communities and combat drug abuse stated that his administration has restored peace and stability.

He said the move would strengthen security, protect communities, and safeguard the future of the state.

“The measures were urgent and necessary, because the executive orders were introduced to safeguard the lives, property, and future of the people of Taraba s” he said.

He added that the executive order was intended to reinforce the work of drug law enforcement agencies while promoting a coordinated approach involving government, security agencies, parents, teachers, traditional rulers and community leaders.

He added that his administration would not tolerate activities capable of destroying the future of the state’s youth, noting  that all actions taken under the executive order would be in line with constitutional provisions and respect for citizens’ rights.

Katsina: Radda releases N500m nutrition fund, support UNICEF partnership

By Hamidu Sabo

Katsina

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina state has approved the release of N500 million counterpart funding for the Child Nutrition Fund, stating that it aims at improving nutrition, healthcare and other development indicators across the state.

The governor announced this  Monday when the new chief of UNICEF Field Office, Kano, Mr. Shafeeq Ur-Rehman, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Katsina. The UNICEF Kano field office supports programme implementation across Katsina, Kano and Jigawa states.

Governor Radda said years of collaboration between Katsina state and UNICEF were already producing encouraging results, particularly in the fight against child malnutrition.

 “We have been working closely with UNICEF over the years and we are encouraged by the results we are seeing,” Radda said.

He noted that the partnership had supported the establishment of stabilisation centers and outpatient treatment sites for children with severe acute malnutrition, adding that the number of children requiring treatment at the facilities had begun to decline.

Governor Radda further assured UNICEF that Katsina would continue to fulfill its responsibilities in interventions aimed at improving the wellbeing of residents, stating, “We are not doing it for you, we are doing it for our people.

 “When I was a student, I always aimed to be at the top, and that’s where I want to leave Katsina state indicators by the time I am leaving office.”

On education, Governor Radda said his administration had recruited over 9,000 teachers and invested significantly in teacher training, including a recent Training of Trainers programme involving 250 participants and facilitated by a British expert.

Radda pledged to include UNICEF’s additional N1.2 billion funding request in the 2027 state budget, adding that despite limited resources, his administration would continue to prioritise interventions capable of producing measurable improvements in the lives of Katsina residents.