Politics
No Breach of Constitution in Governor’s Trip – Ally Defends Niger Leadership

A close ally of Niger State Governor Umar Mohammed Bago, Alhaji Yunusa Abdullahi, has dismissed opposition criticisms as baseless regarding the governor, his deputy, and the state assembly speaker’s simultaneous pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Abdullahi emphasized that the trip does not breach any constitutional provisions, comparing it to practices in established democracies like the United States.
Opposition figures from the NNPP and PDP had criticized the leaders’ absence, but Abdullahi countered that loyalists are fully capable of managing the state’s affairs in their absence. He accused the opposition of lacking focus and ideology.
Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed, national convener of Volunteers for Asiwaju and Umar Mohammed Bago, echoed Abdullahi’s sentiments.
He described the opposition’s claims as diversionary and inciting, stressing that the governor has a robust administrative structure with trusted emissaries ensuring continuity.
Mohammed urged the people of Niger State to ignore what he termed “ill-conceived antics” of detractors aiming to destabilize the state.
He assured that development activities are ongoing and called on citizens to continue supporting Governor Bago for the delivery of democratic dividends.
Politics
No Vacancy In Aso Rock, Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, APC Declares

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.
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.
Politics
APGA Primary Election:Soludo Reaffirms Loyalty To Party, Ndi Anambra

Governor Charles Soludo has promised not to let the people of Anambra, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, down.
Soludo made the promise after he emerged unopposed in the APGA governorship primary election.
Soludo swept 3,168 votes, solidifying his position as the party’s flag bearer for the November 8, governorship election in Anambra State.
The primary election, held at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, witnessed the participation of 3,175 accredited delegates from 326 wards across 21 local government areas.
The returning officer for the election, Uche Nwegbo, said: “Total delegates for this election is 3,260; 3,175 are accredited delegates. 3,172 is the total votes, while 4 votes were invalid.
“The total yes-votes garnered by the governor is 3,168, while there were no no-votes.
“So, in line with the INEC guidelines and with the powers conferred on me as the chief returning officer for this election, I, Uche Nwegbo, hereby declare the governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, as returned, as the candidate of our party.”
Also, the governor renominated his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, to run alongside him, signaling continuity and stability in the state’s leadership.
‘I am humbled’
In his acceptance speech, Soludo expressed gratitude to the delegates, and reaffirmed his commitment to the people of Anambra.
The governor said: “We, as a party have grown from strength to strength. We are the first registered progressive party in Nigeria. And our people have taken APGA as their own. Anambra is APGA and APGA is Anambra.
“I want to say that I am humbled by this historic display of solidarity to be able to raise the flag of our party again, and I want to say that I accept this nomination wholeheartedly.
“Anambra keeps rising with the progressive leadership that we have had through APGA, and I will continue to appreciate the leadership of the party.
“I appreciate the members of our party and the INEC observers. I do not think that we have ever had this kind of peaceful election where everything was orderly and in one hour everyone was able to cast their votes.
“In 2021, Anambra interviewed all the candidates and employed me, and all through the journey, three years down the line, you have been able to give us support. That is why we have been able to do what we do, which people say is magical.
“We are doing this without borrowing one Naira, and I know we will continue to do even more, and we continue to ask for your prayers.
“We are only at the introductory stage; Anambra has not seen anything yet. I appreciate the citizens and captains of industries who have been supporting us, and we will keep growing higher and higher.
“I appreciate the support groups, especially all that endorsed us for a second term. They are still coming up with more donations to the campaigns, and I thank those market women who are still eager to donate to our campaign.
“Many political parties have declared support for us, and never in Anambra State have we ever had a consensus like what we have today.”
News
CBN Boosts FX Market With $197.71m Amid Trump Tariffs

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has injected $197.71 million to boost market liquidity and stability in the foreign exchange market.
The boost comes as global markets reel in shock with the tariffs imposed by United States President Donald Trump.
The American president recently imposed a 14% import tariff on products from Nigeria. The development has affected the value of the naira to the dollar in the last few days, the CBN said.
In a statement on Saturday, CBN’s Director of Financial Markets Department, Omolara Duke, said the apex bank has noted recent movements in the foreign exchange market between April 3 and 4, 2025, reflecting broader global macroeconomic shifts currently affecting several emerging market and developing economies.
Duke said, “These developments was as a result of the recent announcement of new import tariffs by the United States government on imports from several economies, which has triggered a period of adjustment across global markets.
“Crude oil prices have also weakened – declining by over 12% to approximately US$65.50 per barrel – presenting new dynamics for oil-exporting countries such as Nigeria.
“In line with its commitment to ensuring adequate liquidity and supporting orderly market functioning, the CBN facilitated market activity on Friday, April 4, 2025, with the provision of US$197.71 million through sales to Authorized Dealers.”
“This measured step aligns with the Bank’s broader objective of fostering a stable, transparent, and efficient foreign exchange market. The CBN continues to monitor global and domestic market conditions and remains confident in the resilience of Nigeria’s foreign exchange framework, which is designed to adjust appropriately to evolving fundamentals.
“All Authorized Dealers are reminded to adhere strictly to the principles outlined in the Nigeria FX Market Code and to uphold the highest standards in their dealings with clients and market counterparties,” the official added.