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Gov Kefas: The political calculator, gladiator

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By Emmanuel Bello

Those who underestimate Taraba state governor, Dr Agbu Kefas political sagacity, are on their own. And they do so at their perils. Although a soldier by training, Dr Kefas has a deep understanding of intrigues and conflicts: two basic ingredients of modern politics. He is trained to decipher even the most obscure signs in the human family.

This deep skill coupled with his love for people and his vast experience in the intelligence community has transformed him today into a giant in the political field.

But he is not just an armchair scholar of politics. He was also a one-time PDP Chairman in the state: a veritable prepatory ground for dealing with power brokers. Moreover, he was a party chair at the crucial period of transition. The moment was filled with political maneuvering and serious negotiations. Dr Kefas, as party chair, had to deal with all sorts of complex issues: aggrieved members, turncoats, returnees to party, the old order, and the new breed. He was also saddled, that year, with the responsibility of ensuring his party retained the state in the face of robust opposition and the scepter of the Federal Might. He handled all with distinctions.

It is noteworthy that in all of these, he applied the skills of a salesman, a deft business deal maker, a magician sometimes, and an honest bargainer in the affairs of people. Politics is a tough terrain, and Dr Kefas is no stranger to tough and rough things.

His sojourn in many war theaters across the world has prepared him for the challenges of this kind of stuff. But it is in the practical arena of solving problems that he has excelled. In the Niger Delta, for instance, it was this wisdom that was at work as he successfully worked with partners to bring about peace between militants and government. He still gets lots of credits for the work he did in the Amnesty Program.

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Today, he is dealing with the political crisis of Taraba state with the same kind of models: silently listening, assessing, weighing options, deeply considering outcomes, and carefully planning strategies to win.

Little wonder that in Taraba state, the political atmosphere has remained stable. Yesterday’s meeting with the party top hierarchy in the state was yet another demonstration of that sagacity. Dr Kefas, as a hard core party man, has been able to settle squabbles, strengthen party structures, apportion positions, and befriend the opposition. And this he does without too much noise.

He has also successfully navigated the thin line between politics and governance. He has preserved party supremacy but has also not compromised the ability to cross the aisle and make friends for progress. Not a small feat for someone some people view as not being a professional politician (whatever that even means).

Bello is the Special Adviser Media and Digital Communications to Governor Kefas

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Politics

Abia: I will retire when I finish my 8 years tenure – Otti

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Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has firmly ruled out any plans to contest for a Senate seat after his tenure ends.

He made the declaration on Saturday during a reception held in his honour by the Anambra Development Unions Association, Aba branch.

Otti dismissed speculations of a senatorial ambition, describing the rumours as baseless and misleading.

“When I finish my eight years here, I will retire. I am not going to Abuja,” Otti said, urging critics to stop spreading falsehoods.

He stressed the need to give room for younger leaders, citing the evolving political landscape and rising youth participation.

“We are no longer that young. Society is changing, and the young ones are rising. It’s time we give them the opportunity,” he added.

The governor also announced plans to revisit the 2011 disengagement of 154 state workers, mostly teachers, from the civil service.

He said the State Head of Service would be directed to urgently review the matter for possible redress.

Otti hinted that those under 65 might be reengaged on contract, especially given the teacher shortage across the state.

He criticised the workers’ dismissal on the basis of state of origin, calling it unjust and illegal.

“For those outside the age bracket, we’ll find fair compensation mechanisms,” the governor assured.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice, inclusivity, and correcting the wrongs of previous governments.

In separate remarks, lawmaker Stephen Ucheonye and Chief Obiora Nwakpadolo praised Otti’s leadership and developmental strides.

They said the governor’s performance inspired the decision to hold the reception in his honour. (NAN)

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Ukachukwu Emerges Victorious Over Ozigbo to Secure APC Nomination for Anambra Governorship

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Nicholas Ukachukwu, a former House of Representatives member, has successfully obtained the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial ticket for the upcoming Anambra governorship election.

Ukachukwu won decisively during the party’s primary election held on Saturday, outpacing his nearest competitor, Valentine Ozigbo, along with other candidates by a significant margin.

He garnered 1,455 votes, while Ozigbo received 67 votes. Other aspirants, Edozie Madu and Johnbosco Onunkwo, secured 8 and 26 votes, respectively.

The Anambra governorship election is scheduled for November 8, 2025.

In a statement following his victory, Ukachukwu vowed to lead the state to the APC.

“We will ensure that Anambra is delivered to the APC. I want to emphasize that no one has ever won the governorship of Anambra without my backing; it has never occurred,” he remarked.

“I have played the role of a godfather, but now I aspire to be the father of the father — it’s time to move beyond the traditional godfather model.”

Notably, just hours before the primary election, three aspirants withdrew from the race, including former federal lawmaker Chukwuma Umeoji, Obiora Okonkwo, and Paul Chukwuma, who has since resigned from the party.

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No Vacancy In Aso Rock, Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, APC Declares

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The Executive Committee and Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State have passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani ahead of 2027, declaring that there would not be vacancy in the Aso Rock Villa and Sir Kashim Ibrahim House Kaduna during the next election.

This is contained in a communiqué signed by Francis Danladi Kozah and Jerry Irimiya Mark, chairman and co-chairman of the APC stakeholders and read by the council chairman, Joseph Bege.

The communique stated that the decision was taken based on President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani’s commitments to the peace and security of not just Zangon Kataf, but Kaduna state at large.

According to the stakeholders, the establishment of a military 2nd National Mission Brigade base in the local government has proven to be a pivotal move in sustaining peace in the area.

“Their commitment to the peace and security of our people is evident in the sudden end to attacks on our communities.

“This move reflects the government’s understanding of the critical need for enhanced security measures in areas prone to conflict, thereby fostering an environment where citizens can thrive.

“We urge all residents of Zangon Kataf to remain vigilant and committed to fostering harmony within our communities, as peace is the cornerstone of development,” They said.

The stakeholders lauded Tinubu for appointing Indigenes of Zangon Kataf including Gen. Chris Musa as Chief of Defence Staff and Bishop Hassan Kukah as Pro Chancellor of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia.

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They explained that given the return of peace in the area and the tangible infrastructural development being witnessed, the re-election of Tinubu and Sani was a done deal.

“In light of all that we have benefited from this government, we want to declare that there is no vacancy in Sir Kashim Ibrahim House and Aso Rock come 2027.

“We shall offer our full support to both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in their re-election bid,” they added.

They appreciated Gov. Sani for the ongoing multi-billion naira skills acquisition city that will provide ‘our youths with certified skills, thereby stamping out the root cause of criminality in our society’.

The stakeholders called on people of the local government to rally behind the two leaders as they have shown dedication to their welfare, security and progress.

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