Connect with us

News

It’s Too Early To Talk About 2027, That’s Like Playing God — Governor Otti

Published

on

Spread the love

Barely two years to the current democratic dispensation of the President Tinubu led administraation, some politicians have already begun discussions and subtle campaigns for the 2027 elections, a move Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has strongly criticized.

 

 

According to Otti, those talking about the 2027 elections in 2025 are “trying to play God” because there is no guarantee that anyone will see beyond tomorrow.

Governor Otti said this on Sunday when he received in audience a former Governor of Abia State, and the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu and Sen. Chris Adighije who once represented Abia Central Senatorial District.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, said that both men paid Otti a friendly visit to commend and encourage him for the good works he is doing in the state and also use the opportunity to discuss governance issues with him.

Governor Otti said, “People in 2025 are talking of 2027… you can’t even talk about 2027 because there is no guarantee that you would go beyond 2025. Who are you to begin to talk about 2027?” he questioned as he imagined the audacity of those talking about 2027, trying to play God.

‎“Today is certain; tomorrow is a promise. Next tomorrow is gambling. Let us talk about today; when tomorrow comes, and we are lucky to be part of it, we can hold the discussion,” the Governor stated, adding that nobody is competent to talk about tomorrow except he or she wants to play God.

The Abia governor also stated that he will continue to support President Bola Tinubu as he takes difficult but courageous and necessary economic decisions to fix Nigeria’s economy, adding that the removal of fuel subsidy which he described as a scam, was a courageous decision by President Tinubu and ought to have been done long ago.

“When you talk about supporting President Tinubu, the President and I are very good friends and our friendship predates party politics and current positions; we agree on so many issues, and as it is natural, we know where we disagree. But, when you talk about the economy, what Mr. President is doing has always been my position for a long time,” the Governor asserted.

He urged people to go back and read his columns at the back of Thisday Newspaper, some years back, especially during the Covid-19, where he said that it was time to remove fuel subsidy when off-takers were rejecting crude shipped to them, saying that they have no need for it.

‎“So, it requires somebody with courage to remove that subsidy and I am in support of it. We have behaved in an irresponsible manner for a very long time. And, when you have years of irresponsible behavior, the correction would be tough, difficult, and painful. It is the correction that we are going through now; if we don’t lose faith, we will eventually get it right.

‎“So, talking about supporting the President, it’s a no-brainer; I will continue to support him because it is the same administration,” Gov. Otti added.

He thanked the former Governor for the work he did in the State in the past, saying that there was no need to dwell on how things went wrong in the past while stating that, what his administration has done is to hit the reset button and start work, without looking back. He emphasized that he is using the time he has to work for the people and not to fight anybody.

“Government and Governance is a continuum, it can be broken but you must go back and recover it,” Governor Otti explained, recalling how his late mother was a strong supporter of Orji Uzor Kalu for the good works he did in road construction when he became Governor, especially in Aba, adding that it is still the same template he is using.

“I can assure you, that template is not wrong. You fix the place that generates the revenue, the revenue will come and you use it to fix other places,” he explained.

‎Sen. Kalu, who described Governor Otti as his friend who he cannot play politics with, said he “flew” (rode) from Igbere to the Governor’s residence with ease, describing how smooth the road is from Igbere to Umuahia, which has now reduced the journey of 3 hours when the road was bad to less than an hour because Governor Otti has fixed the road connecting Umuahia, Bende and Ohafia LGAs, abandoned to dilapidation for over 16 years after he (Orji Kalu) left office.

‎“You’re my friend for life; you are my brother for life. Whether you are running election or not running election, brotherhood is brotherhood… you have done well for our State. Thank you very much.

‎“I want to make it clear to you: you have done well, and the State will continue to grow under your leadership,” Dr. Kalu declared.

‎Speaking further, Sen. Kalu said, “I want to thank your Commissioner for works for the road rehabilitation work done in Igbere. I flew (rode) on that road, it is not the same. That is the truth. It is flying because it is driving and not stopping, and I am really happy with that road.
‎“I know Abians know what is good for them. They are the only people that will determine who leads their state. When the people feel good, you don’t leave your best, you go for your best.”

‎While declaring his support for Governor Otti, Sen. Kalu urged him to support President Tinubu as well, saying that he wants him to be close to the President and not asking him to leave his party. He wished the Governor and his family well, saying that he would continue to visit him anytime he is in the State

‎Also speaking, Sen. Adighije said he is proud to be an Abian and didn’t make a mistake supporting Governor Otti and would continue to support him, saying that it is not about partisan politics but the progress of the State.

Governor Otti is doing extremely well for the State, joined Senator Kalu to appeal to the Governor to support President Tinubu. While also commending President Tinubu’s performance at the National level.

News

NDLEA warns public against fake auction offers using officials’ names

Published

on

Spread the love

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned Nigerians to be wary of fraudsters impersonating its officials to defraud unsuspecting members of the public through fake auction offers for forfeited vehicles.

 

In a statement issued on Friday, the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said the scammers have been using the names of senior NDLEA officials, particularly the Secretary to the Agency, Barrister Shadrach Haruna, to circulate fraudulent letters and messages offering cheap forfeited vehicles for sale.

 

Babafemi described the offers as a deliberate scam aimed at swindling people of their money.

“The public is hereby notified that these offers are a complete scam. The Agency wishes to categorically state that these fraudulent offers are a malicious gimmick designed solely to defraud targeted individuals of their hard-earned money,” he said.

 

The agency stressed that no NDLEA official is authorised to privately allocate, sell or offer forfeited vehicles or any other seized assets to individuals.

According to the statement, all forfeited vehicles and assets are disposed of only through public auction processes conducted by government-approved auctioneers in line with legal and public procurement guidelines.

Babafemi added that legitimate auction exercises are always widely advertised in national newspapers and through the agency’s official communication channels.

He urged members of the public to disregard and report any letters, text messages or social media posts claiming to offer forfeited vehicles through Barrister Haruna or any other NDLEA official.

“The NDLEA remains committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in all its operations. Do not fall victim to these criminal elements. If you are approached with such fraudulent offers, please report immediately to the nearest NDLEA command or through our official communication channels,” the statement added.

Continue Reading

News

Initiators Promise Big As NIGMA Gets August 2026 Date

Published

on

Spread the love

 

The organisers of this year’s Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards ( NIGMA) have announced that the upcoming edition will celebrate the very best of the gospel music industry in an atmosphere of excellence, creativity, and inspiration.

 

The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the prestigious Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, Kingsley Omoefe, Founder and Team Lead of NIGMA and Chief Responsibility Officer of Golden Heritage Limited, said the August event is designed to bring together gospel music ministers, industry stakeholders, fans, and supporters for a memorable celebration of talent, faith, and excellence.

He stated that attendees should expect an unforgettable experience featuring outstanding performances from leading gospel artists, alongside special recognitions for individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the industry.

The organisers also revealed that the event will feature meaningful conversations designed to inspire participants, promote collaboration, and foster the continued growth of gospel music.

The organisers said the August gathering would create memorable moments that would leave guests inspired, enriched, and motivated long after the curtains close.

They further called on corporate organisations, media outfits, and well-meaning individuals to take advantage of the opportunities available to support the event through sponsorships and strategic partnerships.

The organisers encouraged interested organisations and individuals seeking sponsorship, partnership, media accreditation, or participation to contact the event management for further information and registration ahead of the highly anticipated August programme.

Continue Reading

International News

Nottingham Forest Sacks 5th Manager In 10 Months, To Wrap Up Oliver Glasner’s Deal

Published

on

Spread the love

 

Oliver Glasner is in advanced talks to replace Vitor Pereira as Nottingham Forest head coach, a move which would see the Austrian become the club’s fifth manager in less than a year.

 

Pereira announced his departure from the club in a statement on Wednesday, saying that it came as a “complete surprise to me and without any warning”.

Glasner is a free agent after leaving Crystal Palace — where he won the FA Cup in 2024-25 and then the Community Shield and Conference League the following campaign — and is set to stay in the Premier League.

The 51-year-old confirmed in January that he would leave Palace at the end of the season after two years in charge.

On Thursday, Forest confirmed Pereira’s coaching staff Filipe Almeida, Luis Miguel, Bruno Moura, Marco Knoop and Pedro Lopes had all left the club alongside the head coach.

Pereira, 57, was appointed Forest head coach in February on an 18-month contract which runs until 2027.

The Athletic reported in May Forest had been planning to show their faith in Pereira by handing the head coach a new long-term contract, but those talks were subsequently put on hold.

“Today marks the end of my journey as head coach of Nottingham Forest,” he said in his statement.

“I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone connected with this incredible football club. Although this decision came as a complete surprise to me and without any warning, I fully respect the club’s right to make the decisions it believes are best for its future.

“Naturally, I am disappointed and saddened. I truly believed in what we were building together, and I leave with a sense of pride in everything we achieved over the past months.

“Together, we enjoyed a memorable end to the season. We secured the club’s Premier League status, reached the semi-finals of the Europa League, and created moments that will stay with me forever. Most importantly, I saw a group of players grow in confidence, belief and togetherness.

“I leave Nottingham Forest with no bitterness or resentment—only respect, gratitude and wonderful memories. Football is full of unexpected moments, and while this chapter has ended sooner than I expected, I will always look back on my time here with pride and affection.”

The Portuguese succeeded Sean Dyche and was Forest’s fourth permanent boss of the season following the departures of Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou.

Nuno had led Forest to Europa League qualification the previous season but he departed in September, less than three months after signing a new deal. Postecoglou was appointed his replacement but was dismissed just 39 days later. Dyche took charge of the team in October before his dismissal in February.

Forest were three points above the relegation zone when Pereira was appointed and he subsequently steered his side to Premier League safety with two games of the campaign remaining.

His appointment marked his second managerial spell in the Premier League after guiding Wolverhampton Wanderers to safety during the 2024-25 campaign.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2026 TheColumn NG