By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

A fiery war of ” words has erupted between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following his warning to the party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, to stay out of Rivers State politics.

During a “thank-you” visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area on Monday, Wike issued a stern caution to Basiru, accusing him of meddling in his state affairs.

“Let me warn those who come to Rivers State because you have heard we have N600bn—you come here, collect, and open your mouth to talk anyhow,” Wike declared.

“Take this message to your National Secretary: Leave Rivers State alone. You have to be careful with the statements you make.”

In a sharp and direct response, Basiru fired back hours later in a personally signed statement. He questioned Wike’s authority to interfere in APC affairs, pointing out that the minister is not a member of the ruling party.

“My advice to him is that he should resign as Minister and face his obsession with Rivers politics,” Basiru stated.

He asserted his constitutional role as APC National Secretary extends nationwide and dismissed Wike’s remarks as intimidation.

“From my record, he isn’t a member of APC. I don’t see which authority or temerity he has to dabble into APC affairs,” Basiru said.

“I am one of the young Nigerians that confronted military dictatorship. I can’t be bullied by anybody, no matter how highly placed.”

Basiru also strongly denied any interest in Rivers State funds, labeling the suggestion as baseless and inconsistent with his record of integrity.

The clash underscores the ongoing tension between federal appointees and party officials, with Wike’s deep involvement in Rivers politics continuing to spark cross-party controversy even while serving as a minister under an APC-led government.

Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has approved a merit-based promotion of 1,500 members of staff as part of its ongoing commitment to staff welfare, motivation, and building a performance-driven workforce.

In a statement released by the company’s spokesperson, Sani Bala Sani, it was highlighted that the promotion exercise is the most significant in the company’s history, underscoring KEDCO’s renewed commitment to human capital development as a critical pillar of its ongoing transformation agenda under the current core investor-Future Energies Africa (FEA) and management.

According to the statement, the exercise followed a comprehensive performance appraisal process and aligns with best practices in corporate governance, fairness, and transparency. It was designed to recognize deserving staff who met the eligibility criteria in line with the company’s conditions of service, and have demonstrated dedication, competence, and resilience in supporting the company’s operational turnaround and improved service delivery.

Speaking on the development, KEDCO’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abubakar Shuaibu Jimeta described the move as a strategic investment in people, noting that the staff remain the company’s greatest asset.

“This promotion exercise is not just a reward for hard work; it is a statement of intent. At KEDCO, we are building a culture where performance is recognized, excellence is encouraged, and our people are empowered to deliver value to our customers and stakeholders,” the MD/CEO said.

The development forms part of broader workforce reforms aimed at boosting productivity, enhancing customer experience, and positioning KEDCO to meet the evolving demands of the power sector. It also reflects the company’s resolve to foster industrial harmony and sustain a motivated workforce capable of driving operational efficiency.

In a statement by Sani Bala Sani Head corporate communications KEDCO reaffirms its commitment to continuous staff development, capacity building, and improved welfare, stressing that a motivated workforce remains central to achieving reliable, efficient, and customer-focused electricity distribution across its franchise area.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

On Sunday night, Presidential aide Dada Olusegun posted an AI-generated image on X depicting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu meeting with Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, in Paris. The image, bearing a visible Grok watermark, was shared alongside claims that the two leaders had met that day in the French capital.

The fabricated visuals have ignited a firestorm online, with netizens demanding answers. Many are questioning why an AI-generated image was necessary to portray a meeting with Rwanda’s President. A deeper, more troubling question has also emerged: Is this a deliberate attempt to create the illusion of a fully engaged and active President while, in reality, his condition and whereabouts are being obscured?

The controversy feeds directly into recent, unverified reports circulating widely that President Tinubu’s current trip to Europe is primarily for urgent medical treatment, allegedly due to a deterioration in his health.

Analysts suggest the AI imagery could be a rushed effort at damage control, designed to quell growing public skepticism about the undisclosed purpose of his travel. The move, they argue, may inadvertently signal that the President is not in good health and that the administration is attempting to manage perceptions.

Officially, the Presidency announced on December 28, 2025, that Tinubu would travel to Europe before proceeding to Abu Dhabi for the 2026 Sustainability Week Summit at the invitation of UAE President His Highness Shaikh Mohammed Bin Zayed AlNahyan. However, this narrative is now under intense scrutiny.

The speculation is fueled by precedent. In April 2025, Sahara Reporters published a report claiming President Tinubu was receiving treatment at a hospital in France. If the current rumors of another medical trip are verified, it would mark the second such occurrence in less than a year.

This escalating situation has drawn sharp observations from political commentators, who warn that a leader with recurring serious health issues raises profound concerns about stability and capacity.

With the 2027 presidential election on the horizon, many are already stating that a president in evidently deteriorating health must not be re-elected, framing the controversy not just as a matter of transparency, but of national fitness for office.