Politics
Tinubu determined to tackle insecurity, create economic prosperity – Abbas
…Names President Tinubu first among mentors
… As APC youths honour Abbas with ‘Legislator of the Year’ award
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has said that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in collaboration with the 10th National Assembly, is determined more than ever before to tackle insecurity and engender economic prosperity for Nigeria.
This is just as the speaker named President Tinubu as his role model due to his ability to network across the country and maintain relationships for over four decades.
Speaker Abbas made this known in Abuja on Sunday at ‘An Evening with 004’, an informal engagement between the Speaker and Nigerian youths, organised by the Office of the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Speaker was accompanied by his wife, Hajia Fatima Abbas Tajudeen, and his children who witnessed as the APC Youth Wing honoured him with the ‘Legislator of the Year (National Category)’ award.
The event, which was to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, saw the Speaker inspiring the youth with his life as a teacher, accountant, and politician.
Led by the National Youth Leader of the APC, Mr Dayo Israel, the youths freely asked Speaker Abbas various questions about his background, politics, health, security, economy, entrepreneurship, women’s inclusion, and the House under his leadership.
The Speaker stated that the Tinubu-led administration is working hard towards ensuring the security of lives and property, as well as creating an enabling environment that will make crimes and criminality unattractive to the youth.
He stated: “There’s no country in the world that can achieve any meaningful progress without adequate security. The President and the National Assembly, I’m sure if you observe, have worked very hard to put non-kinetic measures in place to ensure that security around the country is improved. Like my own state, (Kaduna) just two weeks ago, the UK Ambassador to Nigeria gave my Governor (Senator Uba Sani) an award for the improved security within the state.
“I believe within the next two years, and certainly the next four years of this administration – God willing, we will no longer be talking about insecurity, because the government will do whatever is necessary to ensure that we create more than any other thing the enabling environment that will mitigate and prevent insecurity.”
The Speaker emphasised the inadequacy of Nigeria’s annual budgets. He however expressed optimism that the tax reform initiatives of President Tinubu will substantially raise the revenue profile of the country.
Speaker Abbas said: “I want to assure you that this present administration is doing its best. If you look at the historical figures in budgetary provisions particularly for education and for health, you will see that there has been a reasonable appreciation of the figures that we have recorded in the last two budgets.
“One thing I want you to go home with is that Mr President and the National Assembly have been able to cross a major hurdle that has been bedevilling our budgets. And what is that? Paucity of revenue. If you remember the 2025 budget was increased significantly. But even with that, we are not where we ought to be.”
He noted: “But the good news today is that both the National Assembly and Mr President have come up with a revolutionary initiative that within the next one to two years, we will substantially increase the revenue profile of Nigeria several-fold. And that is the tax reform initiative brought by Mr President. Once it comes into effect, I sincerely believe that Nigeria’s budget will improve at a minimum by five times what we have today. And that will be the time when we will say we can look at sector by sector, agency by agency, to give them what they require.
“But as of now, the revenue we have is simply inadequate to satisfy any agency. And that’s why we have what is called the Envelope System… ‘just make do with whatever that’s given to you.’ But I assure you that, with Mr President in the driver’s seat, that era will soon come to pass. That will be the time we can provide for each agency what they actually require, and that will be the time we can start talking about what the international standard is, what they are supposed to get as against what they are getting today?”
The Speaker also used the occasion to speak on efforts by the parliament to address national sundry issues.
He also attributed the unity and peace in the House to the overwhelming support from members, noting that they are according their due rights and benefits irrespective of political, religious, and ethnic differences.
Speaking on the lessons he had learnt on his journey, which he will pass to his children, the Speaker advised youths in Nigeria to be honest and transparent in their dealings, saying these virtues attract public trust and success.
Speaker Abbas said: “Be open and honest in whatever you do. Once you are open and honest, you can never get it wrong. Even when you make mistakes, people will understand that it is a mistake.”
He added: “I believe that the youth of Nigeria need to really learn this little – little – that when they imbibe this in whatever they do in their life, not necessarily politics or leadership in any way, even in their daily life, they will see tremendous results, they will get the support of the people. That is my message to the youth.”
Speaker Abbas also explained why President Tinubu is first among his mentors.
He said: “I have so many role models. Asiwaju is one of them, definitely because of his antecedents in being able to support people right from the time he was a senator to governor. And I have seen him with a set of people over a journey of 40 years, and he is still with them. Not too many Nigerians – not too many – will be able to sustain relationships for such a very long time. So, he is my role model as far as that is concerned.”
The Speaker noted that his proudest moment as a legislator was when President Muhammadu Buhari assented to a record 22 of his bills under the last Assembly (out of the record 74 sponsored by him).
Speaker Abbas stated that it was an “unprecedented achievement” for a lawmaker to have 22 of his bills signed into law, as law-making is the core responsibility of a legislator. “I was very proud and happy,” he said.
On the gender bills under consideration by the National Assembly in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution, Speaker Abbas recalled how the youth successfully pushed for the ‘Not Too Young To Run’ bill, which led to the reduction in the age qualification for elective public offices.
“If we achieve that, we are further pushing the agenda of inclusivity to all Nigerians. So many things need to be done but we need to do them one at a time. I am very optimistic that the 10th Assembly provides a golden opportunity for the women of Nigeria to actualize their dreams in the democratic and electoral processes of this country.
“I will be there to ensure that those aspirations succeed for the benefit of mankind.”
When asked to speak about her husband, Hajia Fatima described Speaker Abbas as “an extraordinary man; very kind, very honest.”
Advising young women with her three lessons in marriage, Hajia Fatima listed “prayer, a lot of patience and always stand by each other.”
On the award, the youths said it was “in recognition of your exemplary leadership, visionary stewardship, and outstanding legislative impact at the national level.”
On the certificate, they wrote: “As Speaker, you have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to deepening democracy, promoting good governance, and advancing policies that drive national development and strengthen the voice of the people.
“Your dedication, courage, and service to our nation have distinguished you as a true patriot and statesman, inspiring trust, hope, and excellence in legislative practice across Nigeria.
“With utmost respect and honour, we celebrate you as our Legislator of the Year 2025 (National Category).”
The 109 senatorial youth leaders of the APC also presented a head bust to the Speaker in recognition of his positive impact.
NDC Accuses APC of Political Intimidation, Govt Says Allegations Are “Unfounded”
By Felix Umande
The convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, was attacked in Makurdi on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, as he visited Benue State to commiserate with victims of the 2025 attacks in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area.
The Benue State Government has, however, denied any involvement, describing the allegations as “unfounded.”
According to the NDC Benue State Chapter, “a handful of thugs attacked his convoy, throwing stones and chanting slogans including ‘Obi should go back,’ ‘Tinubu must stay,’ and ‘No Alia, No Benue.’”
The party said the incident occurred while Obi was in the state capital to identify with victims of recent attacks. It also claimed that relief materials worth “billions of naira” brought by Obi were looted by hoodlums during the incident.
The NDC condemned the attack as “senseless, unacceptable, and a disturbing indication of the growing intolerance toward opposition voices in the State.” The party linked it to what it called the government’s failure to adequately address security challenges, including persistent attacks by armed groups suspected to be Fulani militias.
Reacting to the incident, Peter Obi said he was not in Benue “to cause chaos but to sympathize with victims of the attacks and identify with their pain.” He described the attack as an infringement on his fundamental human rights, especially with political campaigns now declared open by INEC.
Obi appealed to supporters to remain calm and shun reprisals. He described the action as “a sign of nervousness” by the APC ahead of elections, and expressed confidence that the NDC would prevail.
NDC Governorship Candidate, Prof. Terhemba Shija, also condemned the attack and warned against acts capable of provoking tension.
NDC State Chairman, Mr. Ohini Ojegbe, urged Benue people to reject political intimidation, reaffirming that the NDC is anchored on “rule of law, justice, accountability, inclusion, and service to the people.”
The party has called on security agencies to investigate and bring those responsible, as well as any sponsors, to justice.
In a swift response, the Benue State Government, through Chief Press Secretary Sir Tersoo Kula, rejected the claims “in the strongest terms.”
“We wish to emphatically deny that the government of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has an idea of what Mr. Obi is talking about,” the statement said. It described the allegations as “a desperate attempt to drag Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Benue people into what may be an internal political matter within the NDC.”
The government said Governor Alia “is averse to the promotion of thuggery” and does not “engage, patronize, or deploy thugs.” It added that security agencies, not thugs, are responsible for handling threats.
The statement also questioned Obi’s visit, saying it was “curious that an individual presenting himself as a presidential candidate could arrive in a state without the relevant security authorities being formally informed.”
“We therefore urge the public to disregard the allegations linking the State Government to any incident that happened around the NDC Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi,” Kula stated. “Benue remains open to legitimate visitors, political actors and all Nigerians who come in peace.”
Ortom, Aondoakaa Rally Zone C for PDP, Accuse Alia Govt of Neglect
By Felix Umande
Otukpo, the capital of Benue South Senatorial District, came to a standstill on Saturday as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officially flagged off the campaign of Senate Minority Leader, Senator Patrick Abba Moro, for the 2027 senatorial election.
The event at St. Andrew’s Primary School Field drew an overwhelming crowd of supporters, party leaders, and defectors from other parties, which the PDP described as a “powerful expression of unity, hope, and determination.”
In a statement, the Benue PDP commended the turnout, saying it reflected the people’s desire for “purposeful representation, responsive leadership, accountability, and meaningful development.”
State Chairman, Rt. Hon. Ezekiel Awulu Adaji, who presented party flags to Senator Moro, four National Assembly candidates and eleven State Assembly candidates, commended party leaders including former Governor Chief Samuel Ortom, Governorship Candidate Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, and other stakeholders for strengthening the party’s resolve for an “issue-based, peaceful, and inclusive” campaign.
Senator Moro said his re-election bid was a “renewed commitment to the people” and not just a quest for another term. He accused the Alia-led administration of failing Zone C despite receiving over ₦35 billion monthly from the Federation Account in the last three years.
“The Alia-led administration has completely failed the people of Benue South Senatorial District,” Moro said, challenging the government to provide factual evidence of its achievements.
He listed his record in the Senate, including sponsoring about 16 bills, moving 16 motions, and attracting projects to all nine local government areas in Zone C.
Former Governor Chief Samuel Ortom urged voters to unite behind Senator Moro and all PDP candidates.
“This election is an opportunity to choose credible leadership, progress, accountability, and meaningful development. Let us stand united, support our candidates, and cast our votes for the party that represents our collective hopes and aspirations,” Ortom said.
PDP Governorship Candidate, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, who appeared with running mate Dr. Oyije Ochaekiti Ogbenjuwa, described the PDP as the team committed to good governance and development. He lamented the neglect of Zone C under the current administration despite “unprecedented resources” and assured that a PDP government would address the zone’s needs in 2027.
A major highlight of the rally was the defection of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other parties to the PDP. They unanimously adopted Senator Moro as their consensus candidate for 2027.
Prominent APC chieftain in Zone C, Barrister John Ochoga, also defected to the PDP with his supporters.
Other dignitaries present included PDP Senatorial Candidates for Benue North-West, Dr. (Mrs.) Eunice Ortom, and Benue North-East, Hon. Thomas Tyolumun Unongo, as well as members of the State Executive Committee.
The PDP said the massive turnout “has sent a strong message that the PDP is ready, the movement is growing, and the journey to victory has begun.”
Politics
‘Exclusion of Tiv on Tinubu’s Campaign Council’ Deliberate, Says Hembe, Benue ADC Gov Candidate
By Vincent Tyosuugh
African Democratic Congress (ADC) 2027 governorship candidate in Benue State, Rt. Hon. Herman Hembe, has kicked against the exclusion of the Tiv ethnic group from the presidential campaign council of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This reaction trails the All Progressives Congress, Saturday release of the complete membership list of its 2027 Presidential Campaign Council without any member of the Tiv race, the highest in the Middle and the fourth most populated ethnic group in Nigeria.
Only three people from Benue State made the list. The three are former President of the Senate, Ameh Ebute; former Deputy Governor of the state, Steven Lawani; and Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi.
According to a statement issued by the Hembe/Abba Gubernatorial Campaign Organisation, signed by Sir Peter Vande, which was made available to newsmen on Sunday night, said the development was a deliberate political decision.
The statement read in part:
“The recent release of the presidential campaign council list by the Tinubu APC has exposed a deliberate and calculated exclusion of the Tiv people from national reckoning.
“This is not an oversight. This is a message, and every Tiv person, every Benue son and daughter, must read it correctly. There will be no room for the Tiv if, God forbid, Tinubu is declared winner.”
The organisation said the Tiv people had contributed significantly to Nigeria’s unity and development and should not be treated as an afterthought in national political calculations.
“We are the fourth-largest tribe in Nigeria. We have shed blood for the unity of this country. We are, and have always been, a beautiful tribe that deserves to be courted diligently, not a bystander invited only when convenient.”
The statement, however, said the Tiv people should not be likened to someone seeking attention where none existed, stressing that the Tiv as one of Nigeria’s major ethnic groups deserved to be deliberately courted in the nation’s political process.
It further argued that the exclusion of Tiv APC members from the presidential campaign council should concern every serious-minded Tiv person and questioned whether the Tiv people could expect adequate representation in government if President Bola Tinubu wins the 2027 election.
The organisation said its governorship candidate, Herman Hembe, remained committed to the welfare, security and political interests of the people of Benue, adding that fair representation should be a major consideration in determining political loyalty and electoral support.
Hembe used the opportunity to urge the people of Benue to back the African Democratic Congress’ presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who he described as a politician familiar with the concerns of the Tiv people.
The organisation said an Atiku/Amaechi administration would restore the Tiv and Benue people to what it described as their rightful position in Nigeria’s political affairs, while also claiming that Atiku had better plans for improving the lives of Nigerians.
Similarly, the All Progressives Congress in the state has decried the exclusion of the Tiv ethnic group from the party’s presidential campaign council.
Daniel Ihomun, the state publicity secretary of the Agada-led faction loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who spoke to our correspondent on Monday, argued that the majority of members who made the list, especially those from the North-Central, were Muslims.
He said, “We, the party in the state, are not happy with the list released in the President Bola Tinubu Campaign Council because Tiv people are excluded from the list.
“There are so many Muslims on the list, especially in North-Central. The former Director-General of the Tinubu campaign in 2023 was not on the list. We Christians are not happy; we have been shortchanged.
“With the Tiv population in Nigeria, you cannot neglect us like that. We contributed to Tinubu’s victory in 2023; it’s like we have been neglected.
“With what has happened, the President is making the job (campaign) difficult for us.”
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