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Gov. Otti Vows to Stay with Labour Party Despite Obi’s Defection

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

As the news of Peter Obi’s defection reeled the internet, Abia State Governor Alex Otti has, in a decisive statement, reaffirmed his loyalty to the Labour Party (LP), declaring he will not defect despite Peter Obi’s recent exit.

Governor Otti made his position clear on Wednesday during his monthly media chat, “Gov. Otti Speaks with Abia People,” at the Government House in Umuahia.

“I am not leaving the Labour Party,” Otti stated. “My responsibility is to stay and contribute to fixing whatever problems exist.”

He emphasized that his political future remains firmly rooted in the party, noting that he joined before Peter Obi and that his commitment is independent of Obi’s decisions.

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He announced that construction of the state’s proposed Medical City would begin in 2026, noting that the delay was to ensure that investors did not shortchange the state.

He also said that significant work was ongoing across health institutions, including the Abia State University Teaching Hospital in Aba, to improve access to healthcare.

Mr Otti acknowledged that Primary Healthcare Centres, PHCs, in the state were still underutilised due to citizens’ longstanding distrust of the system.

“It will take some time for people to believe in the PHCs, given that they were non-functional for many years but gradually, trust will be rebuilt as people see improvements,” he assured.

The governor further disclosed that he had directed the payment of all sacked personnel from Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic (OOP) and Abia State University (ABSU).

He said that no one should still be owed and urged any unpaid staff to present themselves to the institutions’ authorities for verification and submission of account details.

The governor’s address effectively separated his unwavering party allegiance from his administration’s focused delivery on key governance issues.

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Legacy of a Progressive Intellectual: Symposium and Book Launch to Honor Late Comrade Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed mni in Abuja

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A coalition of friends, colleagues, and comrades will gather on April 29, 2026, to celebrate the life and enduring legacy of the late Comrade Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed mni, a titan of Nigerian progressive intellectualism and social justice.

Comrade Mohammed, who passed away on December 11, 2025, was widely regarded as an incorrigible patriot and a cornerstone of the socialist movement in Nigeria. Throughout a distinguished career spanning Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), he remained a steadfast advocate for academic freedom, gender equality, and the transformation of Africa.

The memorial event aims to honor his decades of struggle—from his pivotal role in the Movement for Progressive Nigeria (MPN) and the anti-apartheid movement to his contributions as a founding member of Women in Nigeria (WIN) and a staunch leader within the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Event Highlights:

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• Symposium: Under the theme “Scholars and the Social Question in Nigeria: Reflections on the Life of A.S. Mohammed,” the session will be chaired by Senator Dr. Yahaya Abdullahi. Distinguished panelists include Dr. Yusuf Bangura, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, Prof. Aliyah Adamu Ahmad, and Dr. Julie Sanda.
• Book Launch: The event will feature the formal presentation of Comrade Mohammed’s major original work, The Satiru Revolt of Peasants and Slaves in Sokoto, 1906. The session will be chaired by the former Governor of Sokoto State, H.E. Mal. Yahaya Abdulkarim mni, with a review by Prof. M. J. Kuna.
• Endowment Fund: All proceeds from the book launch will benefit an Endowment Fund established to support the late Comrade’s family and the noble causes he championed.
• Biographical Tribute: Dr. J. Maina will present a biographical sketch detailing the life of the man many knew as a “crusader for the common good.”

Event Details:

• DATE: April 29, 2026
• TIME: 9:00 AM
• VENUE: BON Elvis Hotel, 2 Monrovia Street, Wuse 2, Abuja

Comrade Sokoto mni lived a life that inspires, leaving a legacy worthy of preservation. By documenting his struggles and advancing the discourse on justice and development, we ensure that his rich engagements continue to inspire the hope of making Nigeria a better country.

Members of the general public, the academic community, civil society, labour and the media are cordially invited to attend this day of reflection and celebration. The occasion offers an opportunity to reflect on a life devoted to justice and nation-building while contributing to a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.

Y. Z. Ya’u

 

For the Committee

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Kano Gov’t Meets Lawyers, Approves 75% of Demands, Orders Salary Payments

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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has approved 75 percent of the demands put forward by the state’s lawyers’ association, following their recent industrial action.

The decision is part of the government’s broader efforts to address challenges within the judiciary sector and enhance the welfare and working conditions of government-employed legal practitioners.

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As part of the measures, the governor also directed the immediate payment of two months’ outstanding salaries owed to newly recruited lawyers who had yet to receive their entitlements. The directive was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs.

The lawyers’ association has welcomed the development, describing it as a clear indication of the administration’s responsiveness and commitment to addressing their concerns.

The resolution is expected to bring the industrial action to an end and pave the way for the full resumption of legal and judicial activities across Kano State.

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FG Amends Charges Against Malami, Withdraws Terrorism Financing Allegation

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The federal government has amended charges filed against Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation (AGF), and his son Abdulaziz, removing the allegation bordering on terrorism financing.

At the court session on Wednesday, Akinlolu Kehinde, counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), informed the court about the amendment and applied to substitute the former charge.

The amended charge borders on illegal possession of firearms.

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Shaibu Aruwa, counsel to the defendants, confirmed that his clients were served with the amended charge and agreed that the fresh charge be read to the defendants.

Consequently, the amended charge was read to the defendants, to which they pleaded not guilty.

Joyce Abdulmalik, presiding judge, allowed the defendants to continue on the bail terms and conditions granted to them on February 27.

The case has been adjourned to May 26 and June 15 for trial.

In the amended charge, the prosecution alleges that arms and live cartridges were found in Malami’s residence in Birnin Kebbi.

Malami and Abdulaziz were first arraigned by the DSS on February 3 on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.

The DSS accused Malami of refusing to prosecute terrorism financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to the office of the attorney-general for prosecution.

On February 27, the ex-AGF and his son were each granted bail of N200 million with two sureties in like sum.

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