News
Stop the Praise-Singing, Atiku’s Aide Tells Keyamo
Paul Ibe, the spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has labeled the remarks made by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo against Atiku as an act of sycophancy.
“Where was Keyamo when Atiku Abubakar was in the frontline battling the military and eventually, with other compatriots, able to get them out? Where was he? He is just playing to the gallery. Sycophancy is the end game,” Ibe said this on a program monitored by the column.ng on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief programme on Thursday.
Ibe faulted the claim of impersonation levelled against Atiku by Keyamo over the use of the Nigerian Coat of Arms logo in his correspondences.
“Nobody is impersonating anybody. Atiku Abubakar is a former vice president. That is known. I don’t want to dignify him (Keyamo). He can go to court if he wants to.”
On Wednesday, information filtered in that Atiku dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the African Democratic Alliance (ADC), an opposition coalition to unseat Keyamo’s principal, President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the 2027 general elections.

Atiku, 78, the 2023 PDP presidential candidate, came second in the election won by Tinubu.
Keyamo immediately faulted Atiku’s defection from the PDP to the ADC, but Ibe said Atiku is not too old to run.
“Atiku Abubakar too old? Says who? The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, is 79, and we are modelling our democracy after that of the United States. So, what are we talking about? Is Atiku Abubakar healthy? Is he strong? Does he have any infirmity?” Ibe asked.
On whether the ADC would be the last party of the former vice president, Ibe said, “Mr Atiku Abubakar will determine that. I believe that the coalition offers a great prospect to reclaim and to rebuild Nigeria.”

‘Stop Majoring On Minor’
Ibe cautioned Keyamo not to major on minors, adding that the senior lawyer should face his duty as aviation minister.
“It is unfortunate that Minister Keyamo is majoring on minors, and this gives an indication of how he runs the Ministry of Aviation.
“I believe he has a whole lot on his plate to deal with – issues of infrastructure in our airports, runways, broken toilets in some of the toilets – and he still has time to talk about the resignation of someone in the PDP,” he stated.
He said the Tinubu administration tried to railroad all political parties into one party, and that is akin to a civilian dictatorship.
“In the last two years, we have seen a deterioration of our democratic process. Instruments of state, including and not limited even the anti-corruption agencies, are used to coerce politicians into the APC. This is not what democracy is about; democracy is about people making choices,” he said.

‘Atiku’s Presidential Ambition Valid’
Ibe further stated that Atiku’s presidential ambition remained valid, though he has been trying to get the much-coveted spot in the last three decades.
He said, “There is nothing wrong with ambitions. All of us, as human beings, we all have ambitions. What is wrong is a faulty ambition and Atiku Abubakar does not have a faulty ambition; he has a genuine ambition to improve the lot of Nigerians.
“One thing is that he is not going to resign from politics; he has said that clearly.
“For as long as God engraces him with good health, with strength, with vitality, with the acumen and requisite skill, he will continue to be there to provide whatever he can provide in moving this country forward.”
He said Atiku has a deposit of skills and experience to make a good president.
“Yes, he aspires to be the president because all of the skills, all of the experiences he has acquired all over the years, he believes, and rightfully so, that he can make a difference.
“So, let’s not talk about how long he has run; it is about how well, if given the opportunity.
“Is he the first person who would change parties? No. It is not about Atiku Abubakar but about the situation we have found ourselves,” he said.
News
Police Invites APC Senator Over ‘Kill Accord’ Comment As CP Reads Riot Act
The Osun State Police Command has summoned Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, over his alleged comment directing supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to “kill” members of the rival Accord Party during the state governorship election.
The summons followed the circulation of a video on social media in which the senator, while speaking in Yoruba during an APC campaign in Ilesa on Tuesday, allegedly made the controversial remarks.
In a letter dated August 11, 2026, and signed by the Commissioner of Police, Elections, Osun State, Samuel Etaifo Erale, the command invited Fadahunsi to clarify the circumstances surrounding the statements.
The senator was directed to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Osogbo, at 11am on Wednesday, August 12.
The letter said the invitation was based on information available to the police alleging that Fadahunsi made statements considered “threatening, inciting and intimidating” during the campaign.
It added that the alleged statement had been circulated on various electronic and social media platforms.
Senator clarifies comment
Fadahunsi, in the video, was heard speaking in Yoruba and allegedly telling APC supporters to kill members of the Accord Party if they encountered them during the electoral process.
Following the backlash generated by the video, however, the senator’s team said his comment was misinterpreted.
In a statement titled, “Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence,” the team said the senator was calling on APC supporters to defeat the Accord Party through the ballot box.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Senator’s statement was purely political and metaphorical,” the statement said.
It described the senator’s remark as a call for supporters to “overwhelmingly reject the Accord Party at the ballot box through lawful, peaceful and democratic means” during the August 15 governorship election.
The controversy comes amid heightened political activities ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, in which incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party.
Adeleke has repeatedly accused the APC of using thugs to attack his supporters, allegations the party has disputed.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Police Commissioner for Election, Samuel Etaifo, has warned politicians to refrain from using violence and inciteful comments as the state heads to the governorship election on Saturday.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Wednesday, the police commissioner condemned the alleged comment, saying the politicians must exercise restraint at this critical period.
“At this critical period of the electoral process, political leaders and public office holders are expected to exercise restraint, promote peace, and refrain from making comments capable of heightening tension or undermining public confidence in the electoral and security arrangements put in place for the forthcoming election,” he said.
While reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to neutrality, professionalism, and the protection of democratic values, CP Etaifo emphasised that the Police will not tolerate any act, utterance, or conduct capable of inciting violence, disrupting public peace, or threatening the security of the state.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has invited Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi to provide clarification on the statement and to foster mutual understanding in the interest of peace and security,” he said.
News
NiMet Names 13 States To Experience Flood In August
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned of possible flash floods in 13 states between August 11 and 20, 2026.
NiMet issued the warning in an advisory posted on its X handle listing Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Cross River and Akwa Ibom as states at high risk.
The agency said the outlook was based on forecast rainfall intensity, soil moisture, drainage capacity, terrain and dam characteristics.
It said the advisory was intended to support early preparedness, emergency response and disaster risk reduction.
NiMet warned that flash floods could occur in flood-prone, low-lying, urban and riverside communities, with possible impacts including road closures, traffic congestion and transport disruptions.
It also warned that flooding could temporarily disrupt electricity and telecommunications services, while heavy rainfall could reduce visibility and affect road and aviation operations.
According to the agency, waterlogging could damage farmlands, crops and livestock, while flash floods could destroy roads, bridges, drainage systems and other critical infrastructure.
It added that stagnant floodwaters could increase the risk of waterborne diseases.
NiMet advised residents to follow weather forecasts and flood alerts from the agency and emergency management authorities.
It urged the public to avoid walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing water, and advised people in vulnerable areas to remain alert and be prepared to relocate to safer locations if necessary.
The agency also urged emergency management authorities to strengthen surveillance, pre-position response teams and maintain emergency preparedness.
It advised farmers to improve drainage on their farms and move livestock, machinery and harvested produce away from flood-prone areas.
News
CAIDOV Challenges Stakeholders Over Peaceful Election In Osun
The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence – CAIDOV has called on all stakeholders in Osun State to prioritize peace, fairness, and the rule of law as the state approaches its election.
As a human rights and justice organization, CAIDOV urged political parties, candidates, security agencies, INEC, traditional rulers, and voters to shun violence, intimidation, vote-buying, and all forms of electoral malpractice
In the statement by CAIDOV signed by Its Executive Director Gbenga Soloki stated
“Osun people deserve an election that reflects their true will. We want a peaceful election in Osun — free, fair, credible, and devoid of bloodshed. A peaceful Osun will guarantee prosperity for all.The ballot should be the only weapon. Any act of violence or injustice undermines democracy and hurts the very citizens we seek to serve.”
CAIDOV specifically urged Security Agencies to remain neutral, professional, and protect voters, materials, and officials.
INEC according to CAIDOV should ensure transparency and timely delivery of materials,while
Political Actors are enjoined to play by the rules and accept outcomes in good faith.
CAIDOV called on Voters to come out peacefully, vote, and protect their votes without fear
We also urge civil society, media, and community leaders to preach tolerance and de-escalate tensions.
CAIDOV will be monitoring compliance with electoral laws and report any cases of injustice or violence.
_Let the voice of Osun people be heard peacefully. Democracy thrives where peace reigns._
*Signed:*
*Gbenga Soloki*
Executive Director, CAIDOV
-
Health & Wellness12 months agoPresident Tinubu Directs Cut in Dialysis Cost from ₦50,000 to ₦12,000
-
News1 year agoPICTURE: In Lagos Couple Sentenced to 22½ Years for Cannabis Trafficking
-
Trending News12 months agoNELFUND Disburses ₦86bn To 449,000 Beneficiaries
-
Business5 months agoDangote Refinery Reduces Petrol Gantry Price To ₦1,200 Per Litre
-
International News4 months agoIndian Police Arrest Nigerian Over ₦290m Drug Haul
-
Business5 months agoAfter Plea Bargain, Court Discharges Stella Oduah of ₦2.5bn Fraud
-
Business2 years agoHeritage Bank Customers’ Path to Securing ₦5m Insured Funds: A Step-By-Step Guide by NDIC”
-
Business2 years ago
Dangote; We Did Not Fix ₦600/Litre Petrol Price
