Politics
PDP disassociates self from assault on journalist
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has disassociated itself from the assault on The Sun Newspaper Correspondent, Mr Ndubuisi Orji, which reportedly happened within the premises of its national headquarters in Abuja.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja, said that the perpetrator acted on his own and not on the PDP’s directive.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a staff member of PDP attached to the office of the National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, who was recently removed by the court, had on Monday assaulted Orji.
NAN also reports that the staff member equally forcefully prevented other journalists from gaining access into the premises of party’s national headquarters.
Ologunagba said that the PDP leadership had received a very disturbing report about the conduct of the party official.
Ologunagba, who said that the PDP was committed to the rule of law and the democratic tenets of freedom of the press, transparency and openness, strongly condemned the action.
Ologunagba, while expressing regret over the incident, said that PDP completely dissociates itself from such act of violence, attack on members of the press and the institution of the media.
“For clarity, whereas the PDP national secretariat is closed for secretarial activities to enable our staff to participate in the yuletide festivities with their families.
“It does not preclude anybody, particularly the press, from having access to the secretariat to conduct their legitimate business,” he said.
Ologunagba said that the party’s staff member who carried out the attack on the journalist was not in the security department of the party and, therefore, had no business whatsoever regarding the regulation of movements in and around the complex.
“He acted on his own, in violation of democratic and all-inclusive principles for the which the PDP is known and outside the code of conduct guiding activities of staff at the PDP national secretariat.
“PDP is reputed for its uncompromising stand in support and defence of the constitutional freedom of the press.
“The party cannot, by any means or under any guise whatsoever, engage in or condone any act that tends to abridge such legitimate freedom of the media or any person for that matter,” he said.
Ologunagba assured the media that the party’s NWC would handle the matter in strict compliance with the party’s established code of conduct guiding the activities of staff members at the PDP national secretariat.
This, according to him, will serve as deterrent to any other person who may also want to carry out such a condemnable act which has no place whatsoever in the character and comportment of PDP.
“PDP regrets the incident and assures of its unalloyed respect for the press, particularly members of the PDP Press Corps, as we continue as partners in progress for accountability, probity and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria,” he said.
Ologunagba also assured journalists of their safety at the PDP secretariat and continued cordial relationship with the the media. (NAN)
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for publicly acknowledging his efforts and calling him “Mr Infrastructure.”
Speaking to State House correspondents after the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr homage at the Presidential Villa, Wike described the President’s praise as a strong vote of confidence and a motivation to keep delivering results for residents of the FCT.
“I feel very happy that my boss has confidence in me,” Wike said. “If your boss, in public, says you are doing well, that, of course, is an encouragement for you to continue doing the job you’ve been assigned.”
The Minister, who has spearheaded a series of infrastructure and service delivery reforms across Abuja, said he remains committed to meeting the expectations of both the President and the people of the territory.
“For us, we’re happy to be identified in this administration, and we’ll continue to do what Abuja people will be happy with,” he said. “So I’m happy each time Mr. President talks about us and tries to say the little we have done. That means he’s watching, and we will not disappoint him.”
When asked about the next wave of infrastructure projects expected as the Tinubu administration approaches its second anniversary, Wike confirmed that a fresh round of projects is already in the works.
“The committee is working,” he revealed. “You can be assured it can’t be less than what we did last time.”
The Senator who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, Shehu Sani has declared interest for re-election in the 2027 general elections.
Shehu Sani made the declaration on Sunday while delivering his Eid-el-Fitr message at his residence in Kaduna.
He said, “any politician who is going to contest election will be dependent on political equation which will determine what position is going to contest. I would say that if the conditions are rights and equations favourable, I will offer myself to contest but specifically on the central senatorial district”.
“If the people of Kaduna central want us to provide our own kind of leadership and representation at the NASS, you should expect me back to Senate in 2027”.
According to him, his ambition is secondary while that of re-electing governor Sani for second term is primary.
He reiterated that his priority is to see governor Uba Sani re-elected in 2027.
“For now, we want to see that incumbent governor, Uba Sani is re-elected. We are going to do it with all our mights and strengths, we know that they are going to be challenges and opposition but we are well prepared for all the forces”.
Shehu Sani however, urged Muslims to pray for peace and unity of Nigeria during the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.
Sani who also reacted to killing of hunters in Edo State condemned the act and urged security agencies to fish-out the perpetrators.
He said, “If any citizen of this country cannot move from one part of the country to another, then we are not a nation.
“If someone will use one reason or another to take laws into his/her hand then it means there is no government or authority”.
He added that Nigerians who desire good for the country should work for peace and unity for the preservation of our democracy in the phase of challenges that is being experienced by our people, he said.
Sani however, called on government to save Nigeria, saying that there should be respect for fundamental rights and most importantly is respect to right to life, he added.
Politics
SSAP-SDGs Felicitates with Muslims on Eid-el-Fitr, Calls for Unity and Sustainable Development
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has extended heartfelt greetings to Muslims across Nigeria and beyond as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the successful conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement released in Abuja in her behalf by her Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications, Desmond Utomwen, the SSAP-SDGs emphasized the significance of Eid-el-Fitr as a time for gratitude, reflection, and unity. She highlighted the values of compassion, generosity, and solidarity, which define the season and align with the principles of sustainable development.
“Eid-el-Fitr is not only a period of celebration but also a moment for renewed commitment to building a more inclusive, just, and sustainable society where no one is left behind. The teachings of Ramadan inspire us to uphold peace, unity, and selflessness. These are values that are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she stated.
Princess Orelope-Adefulire called on Nigerians to use the occasion to promote harmony, foster mutual understanding, and work together in addressing socio-economic challenges. She reiterated the government’s commitment to accelerating progress on key SDGs targets, including poverty eradication, access to quality education, gender equality, and economic empowerment.
“As we mark this joyous occasion, let us remember those in need and extend kindness to the less privileged. Together, through collective action and a shared vision, we can advance sustainable development and create a better future for all,” she added.
The SSAP-SDGs concluded by wishing all Muslims a peaceful and blessed Eid celebration, urging them to continue embodying the virtues of Ramadan in their daily lives.