Politics
Analyst Urges Benue Stakeholders to Support Gov Alia’s Government
A public affairs analyst and commentator, Comrade Michael Isaac Onuh, is urging stakeholders and state actors to support the administration of Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Alia.
During a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Michael urged major stakeholders to set aside their differences and support the governor’s administration for the betterment and advancement of the state.
“No state can develop or make any meaningful progress when major stakeholders and state actors are at loggerheads, hurling accusations and counter-accusations,” Michael stated.
“I appeal to all leaders in various capacities and levels to set aside their differences and give peace a chance for the sake of posterity. Governor Alia’s administration should also be open to constructive criticism,” he added.
Michael also called on Governor Fr. Alia to continue implementing people-friendly reforms and policies, emphasizing that the governor is currently meeting the people’s needs to a large extent and fulfilling campaign promises.
“He is ensuring regular payment of salaries and pensions, undertaking major road and bridge construction projects such as the high-level flyover, and developing critical infrastructure in the state. The appointment of Dr. Hwande as CMD of Benue State University Hospital signifies a step towards transforming it into a world-class facility,” Michael highlighted.
He stressed the importance of all major stakeholders and state actors joining hands to support the administration regardless of political differences.
Michael further appealed to the governor to extend development initiatives to all zones, particularly Zone C, while emphasizing the need for enhanced security, especially in areas constantly attacked by Fulani herdsmen such as Agatu and Logo.
Addressing the issue of insecurity, Michael called for urgent government intervention and emphasized the involvement of traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society, and other stakeholders in finding solutions.
“Providing adequate security will attract more investment to the state. The governor should also promote the production and consumption of locally made goods and services, leveraging Benue State’s status as the nation’s food basket,” Michael remarked.
He urged locals to volunteer information to security agencies and suggested a review of armed forces’ remuneration posted in the state, emphasizing that security is paramount for meaningful development.
“With Senator George Akume’s appointment as SGF, Benue State enjoys federal recognition. The state must leverage this privilege to attract more development and rapid growth,” Michael concluded, stressing that peace and stability should not be compromised for any reason.
A former national chairman of the defunct Alliance National Party, Asiwaju Moshood Shittu, has urged opposition parties considering a merger to back former Kano State governor and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as their presidential candidate in the 2027 election.
Speaking at a press conference, Shittu, who previously served as the Director-General (North) of Kwankwaso’s presidential campaign council, emphasised that the opposition’s best chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lies in uniting behind Kwankwaso.
He described him as the only aspirant with the experience, credibility, and political reach necessary to lead the coalition to victory.
“Kwankwaso has the pedigree to carry the merger’s presidential flag to success,” Shittu said. “With his vast experience in governance, clean record, and strong political followership, he stands out as the best candidate.”
He highlighted Kwankwaso’s extensive public service record, including his roles as a former defence minister, special envoy to Darfur and Somalia, and a member of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board.
Additionally, he recalled Kwankwaso’s tenure as deputy speaker during the short-lived Third Republic, his two terms as Kano State governor, and his leadership in national security and legislative affairs.
Shittu warned that failure to rally behind Kwankwaso could spell doom for the opposition’s merger efforts.
He dismissed other opposition candidates, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, as lacking the necessary moral and qualitative competence to defeat Tinubu in 2027.
“This is the time to act in order to save our nation,” he declared. “The opposition must prioritise credibility, competence, and proven leadership if it truly seeks to unseat the incumbent president.”
Kwankwaso, who placed fourth in the 2023 presidential election, remains a key figure in Nigeria’s political landscape. However, it is unclear whether he will accept the call to lead a potential opposition coalition.
The Conference of Progressive Nigerians (CPN) has strongly condemned the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) decision to suspend the naira-for-crude oil swap deal with domestic refiners.
This move, according to the CPN, is a blatant attempt to undermine the economic goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and sabotage the growth of local refineries.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, convener Dr. Emmanuel Agabi described the NNPCL’s action as a “treacherous move” and an “unforgivable betrayal” of Nigeria’s economic sovereignty.
Agabi questioned the timing and implications of the decision, citing reports that Nigeria’s crude output has increased since the inception of the deal.
He also demanded to know who benefits from the forward contracts that the NNPCL claims justify the suspension of the naira-for-crude deal.
The CPN warned that the suspension of the deal would have far-reaching consequences, including plunging Nigeria’s forex reserves into further distress, exacerbating the precarious state of the naira, and forcing local refineries to purchase crude oil from international suppliers in dollars.
This, they argued, would lead to skyrocketing petroleum prices and inflict severe hardship on Nigerian citizens.
The group accused the NNPCL of prioritizing its selfish interests over the collective good of the nation and of acting in cahoots with external forces to destabilize the Nigerian oil and gas sector.
They demanded that the Federal Government initiate a full-scale probe into the activities of the NNPCL and hold those responsible for the suspension of the naira-for-crude deal accountable for their actions.
The CPN emphasised that Nigeria’s local refineries are competent and capable of meeting domestic demands if given the necessary support.
They urged the Federal Government to investigate allegations of corruption and collusion within the NNPCL and to take immediate action to reverse the suspension of the naira-for-crude deal.
“We therefore issue a stern warning to the leadership of the NNPCL: The days of impunity are over. The people of Nigeria are watching, and we will not hesitate to take all necessary actions to hold you accountable for your actions,” Agabi said.
“Therefore, we urge you to retrace your steps and prioritize the interests of the nation over your selfish gains. Failure to do so will undoubtedly lead to dire consequences.
“Finally, the NNPCL must understand that it is a national institution, not a private cartel. Its duty is to serve Nigeria, not to sabotage it. The time for accountability is now!
“We demand transparency, we demand justice, and we demand the immediate reinstatement of the naira-for-crude deal. Together, we can ensure that our local refineries thrive, our economy prospers, and our nation achieves the greatness it deserves. “
The Senate has formally declared the senatorial seats for Edo Central and Anambra South as vacant, prompting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organise by-elections to fill these positions.
During a plenary session on Tuesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement, revealing that the Edo Central seat has been unoccupied since Monday Okpebholo was sworn in as the Governor of Edo State in December 2024. Okpebholo, elected as governor, was required to relinquish his Senate seat, leaving the district without representation.
In a similar vein, the Anambra South Senatorial seat has been vacant since the unfortunate passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in July 2024. Since his demise, the district has lacked a representative in the Senate.
In January 2025, INEC indicated that it could not initiate a by-election for Anambra South until it received an official request from the Senate. This was reiterated by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra, Elizabeth Agu, during a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the International Press Centre (IPC) in Awka, the state capital.
With both senatorial districts currently lacking representation in the upper legislative chamber, Akpabio emphasised the urgency for INEC to proceed with the elections without any further delays. He highlighted that the affected constituencies deserve to have their voices heard in the Senate, and that these vacancies should be filled at the earliest opportunity.