A former member of the Labour Party, LP, Kenneth Okonkwo has urged President Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step aside from contesting for the presidential seat in the 2027 election.

DAILY POST reports that the Nollywood actor-turned politician was a former spokesman of the LP presidential campaign team in the 2023 general election, working alongside Obi who flew the party’s flag in that poll.

However, after two years, Okonkwo has backtracked from his support for Obi, asking the LP chieftain, Atiku and Tinubu to step aside for other candidates in Nigeria’s next round of elections.

He stated this on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.

On whether he still wants the trio to give way for other candidates in the next general election, he said, “I said it and I maintain it because in Nigeria, people will not give you their mandate and you treat it with levity.

“You must do everything decisively to secure it. Unfortunately, nature has bestowed on us the duty that in Nigeria, you will not only win an election, but you have to fight for your mandate.”

He further stated that though he worked with Obi in the 2023 election, that is now in the past.

He said whatever happened in 2023 should stay in 2023, ruling out backing the former Anambra State governor in the next round of general polls in Nigeria.

DAILY POST recalls that Okonkwo, on Tuesday officially resigned from the party, saying his resignation from the party will take effect from February 25, 2025.

He cited internal rambles in the Labour Party as the reason he dumped the party, adding that he resigned on principle.

The former member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, ruled out returning to the ruling party.

He also accused the ruling party of failing to address the country’s challenges.

“I resigned [to leave APC] on principle,” Okonkwo insisted but gave only one condition to return to the party.

“Let me tell you, I will be the first person to admit if the APC changes today and is doing well for Nigeria,” he said.

The former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that his political adversaries are scheming to arrest, detain, and torture him in the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

Despite these threats, El-Rufai has vowed not to be intimidated. “I have received credible information that there is a plan to arrest Mallam Nasir El-Rufai upon his return to Nigeria, based on yet another fabricated allegation, as has become the norm,” he stated.

He expressed confidence in his imminent return to Nigeria, asserting that he has nothing to conceal and fears no one. El-Rufai further revealed that his friends, family, and political associates have been subjected to similar threats.

He believes his opponents aim to force him into self-imposed exile, a prospect he refuses to entertain. He has decided to pause all academic pursuits and dedicate more time to confronting his adversaries within Nigeria.

“I have been hearing these persistent rumours of arrest, detention, and torture in the NSA’s office—where Emefiele was reportedly coerced into resigning as CBN governor—since July 2024, when the fabricated report from the Kaduna Assembly began to circulate,” he noted.

“They panicked when we questioned the legality of their premeditated defamation and have since attempted to manipulate the judicial process, which is still ongoing in the Court of Appeal. Similar messages of intimidation and threats have been sent to many of my friends, family, and political associates because they wish to see me go into exile. I will not comply.

“I have now halted all my academic and language-learning plans to spend more time in Nigeria. Silence is no longer an option, and inaction has never been a solution.”

El-Rufai reflected on the historical context of political repression, stating, “The arrest, detention, and torture of perceived political adversaries are not new in human affairs. I have been arrested and detained three times in the past for voicing my opinions against previous governments.”

He added, “There is always life after arrest, detention, or torture, and political life continues. As for death, it will come when Allah decrees it, and every human must face that date.”

In a message directed at those uneasy about his presence in Nigeria, he declared, “I intend to return in time for the launch of President IBB’s memoirs, scheduled for 20th February, in sha Allah. We rely solely on Allah and fear no one but Him. We always hope for the best but prepare for the worst.”

El-Rufai’s relationship with the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, has become contentious following claims made by Hajia Naja’atu Muhammad, a former Commissioner at the Police Service Commission (PSC), in a viral TikTok video. She alleged that Ribadu had previously described President Bola Tinubu as corrupt during his tenure as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

In response, Ribadu’s legal representative, Dr Ahmed Raji, SAN, stated that Ribadu has never held such views publicly or privately and claimed that the damage caused by the TikTok video was substantial.

However, Muhammad has maintained her stance, asserting she has no reason to apologise since the records are available. In a post on his X account, El-Rufai defended Muhammad, mocking Ribadu by suggesting, “Nuhu must have serious amnesia.”

He elaborated, “Nuhu appears to be suffering from profound amnesia. The Senate proceedings confirm that he made those statements in 2006. A Daily Trust report from February 2007 further corroborates this. The Federal Executive Council conclusions from 2006, which can be obtained from the Cabinet Secretariat of the SGF’s office, contain these allegations. During that special FEC meeting I attended, Nuhu’s EFCC made similar accusations against several officials in 2006. These records dispel any doubts.”

“This is to ensure that the morally flexible are reminded that silence is no longer an option in our national discourse,” El-Rufai concluded.

FBN Holdings Plc, one of Africa’s premier financial institutions proudly announces change of its name to First Hold Co Plc. (FirstHoldCo). This naming convention will also be adopted across all its subsidiaries. This strategic transformation and rebranding marks a significant milestone in the Company’s journey to redefine its identity, unify its subsidiaries, reinforce its heritage, and strengthen its position as a leader in the financial services industry. The new name reflects a forward-looking vision rooted in a timeless legacy of trust, resilience, innovation, and exceptional service delivery.

The rebranding underscores FirstHoldCo’s dedication to innovation, customer-centricity, and operational excellence. It represents a commitment to providing integrated financial solutions that empower individuals and businesses while addressing the evolving demands of a dynamic marketplace.

Rooted in a legacy of over a century of financial expertise through its flagship subsidiary, FirstBank, First HoldCo Plc’s rebranding includes the retention of First Bank Nigeria Limited for the flagship business and adoption of new and unified names for its other subsidiaries in the Asset Management, Capital Markets, Securities, Trusteeship and Insurance Brokerage. FirstHoldCo intends to implement this name change across the Group, as soon as the necessary regulatory approvals are received.

Expectedly, this unified identity will amplify the Group’s visibility and position it as a dynamic leader in financial services, both locally and internationally.

Speaking on this milesone development, Group Managing Director, First Holdco Plc, Wale Oyedeji, stated that, “This transition to First Holdco Plc is a defining moment in our history as we chart a bold course for the future. The rebranding represents more than a name change; it is a renewal of our purpose, vision, and commitment to delivering world-class financial solutions to our stakeholders. It allows us to unify our identity across subsidiaries and geographies, creating a strong, cohesive brand that reflects our leadership position in Africa and sustains our global presence.”

“For our stakeholders, this transformation signals a renewed focus on excellence and innovation. It ensures that we remain steadfast in delivering long-term value while strengthening the trust and confidence that has defined our relationships for over a century. As FirstHoldCo, we are better positioned to meet evolving market demands, support our partners, and deliver on our promises in an increasingly interconnected financial ecosystem.”

Oyedeji continued, “Locally, FirstHoldCo’s unified brand structure will enhance operational synergies and improve the clarity of our offerings, allowing us to provide seamless solutions tailored to the needs of businesses and individuals across Nigeria. Internationally, it positions the Group as a formidable organisation, ensuring that we leverage opportunities in global markets to reinforce our role as a trusted partner in financial services.”

“Ultimately, this rebranding represents our strategic foresight and determination to remain ahead of industry trends, driven by innovation and a customer-centric approach. We are not just building a brand, we are shaping a legacy, one that balances heritage with progress, tradition with transformation, and local impact with global reach”

At First HoldCo Plc, as we embark on this new chapter, we reiterate our commitment to delivering customer-focused solutions, driving growth, and setting benchmarks for innovation and sustainability in financial services.

About First Hold Co Plc

First Hold Co Plc, formerly FBN Holdings Plc is a financial holding company and one of the largest financial services organisations in Africa with Headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria. It is a diversified financial services Group offering a broad range of products and services through its subsidiaries, across commercial banking, asset management, capital markets, trusteeship, and insurance brokerage to millions of customers.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has started monitoring funds allocated to local governments across Nigeria to ensure proper utilisation, its chairman, Ola Olukoyede, has revealed.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the National Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) at the EFCC headquarters, Mr Olukoyede said the commission was already tracking financial transactions at the local government level.

“We have a department called Fraud Risk Assessment and Control that is closely monitoring and tracking payments, contracts, and other releases to ensure that funds are expended on what they are meant for,” he said.

His remarks were in response to the NCYP’s calls for stricter oversight following the financial autonomy recently granted to local governments.

Isaac Abrak, leader of the NCYP delegation, expressed concern over the slow pace of development at the grassroots level, stating that effective financial management was crucial for progress.

“We come from the grassroots, and we understand the realities in our local government areas. We appreciate the President for granting local government autonomy.

„If local governments can achieve even 40% of their responsibilities, we will see significant progress,” he said.

Abrak also commended Mr Olukoyede for his leadership, describing his performance as a reflection of his Christian faith.

„We are proud of you. You have represented our faith with excellence,“ he added.

The youth leader also raised concerns over the growing involvement of young people in internet fraud, particularly in northern Nigeria.

„Cybercrime is spreading into the North, and we want the EFCC to intensify its operations in this region,“ he urged.

The Minister of State for Health, Dr Adekunle Salako, yesterday urged the newly recruited staff of the National Orthopedic Hospital, Benin, to remain in the hospital where they have been employed and contribute their quota to the country’s growth rather than japa (leaving the country).

He appealed while touring the hospital facilities in Benin.

Dr. Salako said that the country belongs to them, and they must join hands to make it work, not by migrating to other countries.

“The President is committed to improving the standard of living of the average Nigerian. He is committed to ensuring that Nigeria transforms into a place we all can live comfortably and be proud of.

“So, for those of us who are newly employed, please let us remain committed to our country. Let us display patriotism to the government. Let’s not abandon our country and Japa, as they say, because of economic crises alone.

“I want to come back and see that all the newly employed people remain in the service of this hospital serving our country because nobody will come to build this country for us.

“If we don’t do it ourselves when we go, we still come back and meet it the way we have left it. Therefore, I encourage you to remain committed and patriotic and serve Nigeria intelligently.

“The reform that Mr. President is doing is for the betterment of our country. I can assure you that we are turning the corner, and things are getting better. Very soon, things will get much, much, and much better,“ Dr Salako said.

Earlier, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the National Orthopedic Hospital, Benin, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, thanked President Tinubu for his efforts in assuring that health care remains a priority of his administration.

He said that no nation can develop without investing hugely in the health and education of its people.

Dr. Ugbodaga said that since this infrastructure came on board, they have done everything to ensure that the healthcare needs of Nigerians take centre stage, in line with the renewed hope agenda of the present administration.

The hospital’s CMD said that only a few things remain to be installed: the electrical fittings and the connection to the national grid, a few structural things to be done, and the final painting.

He said, “You will agree with me that all of these are very minor. So it is our plea, our minister, that with your full support, we are very hopeful that very soon, those few structural things that need to be done are completed in this hospital so that full clinical services will commence.”

On the part of the traditional ruler of the community, HRH Michael Ogbonmwan, while commending the federal government for siting the hospital in his community, offered his land as a parking lot for the hospital.

„Also, I want to remind the management that the open space

opposite the hospital, which was for my personal use. It was a means of livelihood for me. Now that the hospital needs it for packing space and beautifying the edifice, it is my prayer that the federal government and the hospital management put me on a monthly stipend to enable me to meet some of my personal needs.

„I want to draw your attention equally to the road links to the National Orthopedic Hospital, which must be fixed for easy accessibility.

„Finally, I want to announce to all and sundry and the hospital that the following compound has been donated to the National Orthopedic Hospital as a permanent site.

„I have discussed with my elders, and we have decided to work with the local government chairman to relocate the mini-market to another site where the community originally proposed for the market“, Ogbonmwan said.

The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) faction led by Comrade Tajudeen Baruwa has called on the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to evict the current occupiers at the national headquarters of the union.

Baruwa made the call through a press briefing addressed by his legal representatives, Babaleye & Co., in Abuja on Tuesday.

Speaking at the briefing, the firm’s lead counsel, Barr Tolu Babaleye said: “The entire brouhaha began when Comrade Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa was sworn in as the President of National Union of Road Transport Workers in accordance with the Constitution of the Union in 2023, and an errant faction of the union led by Alh. Najeem Usman Yasin, a former president of NURTW being unsatisfied with the results of the election of the Union, decided to take matters into their hands by formulating a caretaker committee, utilizing some members of the Nigerian Police Force alongside some touts, to chase the legally elected officials from their office rather than take their grievances’ to the court (if any) for this to be resolved amicably.

“However, Comrade Baruwa being a law abiding citizen, rather than result to violence chose to go to the court to reaffirm the validity and legality of his presidency and condemn the illegal committee formed by the pained faction. Thus, a suit was instituted at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria and judgment was delivered in his favour on the 11th of March 2024 by Hon. Justice O.O. Oyewumi, (now of the Court of Appeal), dissolving the illegal caretaker committee.

“Being displeased with the judgment of the court, an appeal was entered at the Court of Appeal Abuja, led by the same Alh. Yasin wherein he sought to overturn the decision of the trial court.

“In a turn of events however, the Court of Appeal on the 8th of November 2024, dismissed the appeal of Alh. Yasin and affirmed the judgment of the National Industrial Court, barring Alh. Yasin and his cohorts from interfering in the day to day running of the union as led by Comrade Baruwa.”

Babaleye further added that “to our utmost surprise however, even before this decision of the honourable court could be celebrated by the victorious party, the news of the inauguration of Mr. Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oluomo) as the national president of the union was announced in flagrant disobedience and disregard of the decision of the Court despite being aware that the tenure of Comrade Baruwa ought to run until 2027 as confirmed by the court.

“We have since then made several attempts to get the government to disregard this aggravating development including addressing several letters to relevant bodies of the government such as the Inspector General of Police, National Security Adviser, Director-General of State Security Service, Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Labour and Employment. However, till date, there has been no significant effort on their part to call these erring parties to order.”

While making their demands, Babaleye said called on the federal government to call “these usurpers and law breakers to order and prevent them from further maligning Comrade Baruwa as he is the only legally recognised national president of the union. He has won at all stages of courts and they should give peace a chance.”

The member representing Jaba/Zangon Kataf Federal Constituency of Kaduna state in the House of Representatives, Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji has left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Magaji announced his defection from the main opposition to the ruling party in a letter read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen (APC, Kaduna) at resumed plenary on Tuesday.

The chairman, House committee on Health Care Services and leader of the Kaduna caucus in the Green Chamber, attributed his defection to what he called unresolved crisis in PDP from national to all levels.

His defection brought the total number of PDP lawmakers who defected to APC in the 10th House to four.

The previous defectors include Hon. Chris Nkwonta (Abia), Hon. Eriatheke Ibori-Suenu (Delta) and Hon. Suleiman Gumi (Zamfara).

The Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda (PDP Rivers) who objected to Magaji’s defection, asked Speaker Abbas to declare the lawmaker’s seat vacant.

Chinda said the Jaba/Zangon Kataf representative did not comply with the provisions of the law under Section 68(1g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), hence he should be made to lose his seat.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) came under fire in the Senate on Tuesday over 3,907 missing Assault Riffles as contained in the 2019 Audit Report by the Office of Auditor General of the Federation (AuGF).

This is as the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, apologised to the Senate Committee on Public Accounts (SPAC) for not honouring previous invitations sent to him for explanations on queries issued against the Police on alleged financial infractions in the 2019 Audit reports.

Egbetokun had after his apology to the Committee and oath-taking, nominated Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Public Accounts and Budget, AIG Suleiman Abdul, to answer to the eight queries issued against the Police by the office of Auditor-General of the Federation.

While the Committee chaired by its Deputy Chairman, Senator Peter Nwaebonyi (APC, Ebonyi North), vacated the first query, which bordered on N1.136billion contract splitting and stood down the second query, which bordered on alleged non-execution of N925million contract, it sustained the third query, which bordered on allegedly missing 3, 07 Assault Riffles , many of which were Ak 47.

Trouble came the way of the Police when representative of the Auditor General in the query , read to the hearing of Committee members and AIG Suleiman Abdul that as at January 2020 as contained in the 2019 Audit Report, a total of 3, 907 Assault Riffles were unaccounted for , by the Police .

According to him, ” the total number of lost firearms as at December 2018 stood at 178, 459 out of which 88, 078 AK – 47 Riffles. 

However as at January, 2020 based on thorough Auditing carried out , 3, 907 assault rifles and Pistols across different Police formations could not be accounted for”

He broke down the missing firearms as 601 from 15 Training Institutions , 42 from 23 Police formations , 1,514 from 37 Police Command , 29 from Zone 1 to 12, 1, 721 from Police Mobile Force ( PMF) 1 to 68 .

Irked by the report , members of the Committee bombarded the Police team with questions on why such queries have not been responded to, since issued .

In their responses , neither AIG Suleiman Abdul nor any of his lieutenants, could give the committee convincing reasons for the missing 3, 907 assault rifles .

Apparently overwhelmed by barrage of questions fired at him, AIG Abdul sought for closed door session which was however rejected by majority of the Committee members from the Deputy Chairman who presided over the session to Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Joel Onawakpo – Thomas.

Specifically in rejecting AIG Abdul’s request , Senator Nwaebonyi said no closed door session would be allowed under him .

“This is a public accounts committee that has no room for closed door session . In united states of America , proceeedings of Public Accounts Committee are televised live . So whatever response the AIG wants to make on the missing assault rifles , should be done in the full glare of all , particularly the journalists “, he said .

Also rejecting the AIG request for closed door session , Senator Oshiomhole in his remarks said “The Police is known for arresting and parading thieves of Rats and Rabbits , which is expected of them on the missing assault rifles .

” The AIG should let Nigerians know steps that had been taken by the Police on the missing assault rifles over the years, who and who were involved and level of recovery made “.

In his feeble response , the AIG was only able to account for 15 out of the 3,907 missing assault riffles, 14 of which, according to him, were lost through 14 personnel that were killed in active service and one in 1998, which further infuriated members of the Senate Committee.

For soft landing, the committee later resolved that the AIG and his team should go and tidy up their response to the query as it will never be swept under the carpet.

It consequently directed them to appear before SPAC on Monday next week by 12noon and suspended consideration of the remaining five pending queries

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos, has ended the work-from-home policy for civil servants, directing all workers to resume full on-site work on April 1.

On February 22, 2024, the governor ordered civil servants from level 1 to 14 to work from their various offices three days a week, as part of efforts to ease the economic hardship on them.

In September 2024, Sanwo-Olu extended the work-from-home policy by three months due to the rising cost of living.

Bode Agoro, the state’s head of service, in a statement on Tuesday, said the scrapping of the policy followed the implementation of the new minimum wage and other welfare measures for state workers.

Agoro urged all public servants in the state to show commitment to their duties and ensure improved service delivery across ministries, departments, and agencies.

“Further to the implementation of the new minimum wage in the state public service and other commendable measures put in place by this administration to improve the welfare and well-being of public servants, Mr. Governor has approved the cancellation of the work-from-home initiative in the Lagos state public service,” the statement reads.

“Accounting officers are enjoined to note the contents of this circular and give it the service-wide publicity it deserves.”

On July 18, 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved N70,000 as the new minimum wage for civil servants in the country.

The approval followed months of negotiations between the federal government and organised labour, which insisted on a N250,000 living wage

Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says the presidency will return to the northern region after President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Ganduje spoke on Tuesday when he received a delegation from a support group named Tinubu Northern Youth Forum (TNYF) at the APC secretariat in Abuja.

The APC chairman’s comments came in the wake of reports that some politicians are scheming to form a coalition ahead of the 2027 elections to wrest power from the ruling party.

Ganduje dismissed notions of a northern presidency in 2027, describing such aspirations as “dead on arrival”.

“When a leader from the northern part of this country was in office for eight years, we advocated that the next president in our party should come from the south. And luckily enough, we worked very hard with the cooperation of Nigerians,” Ganduje said.

“Our president has come from the south and is going, Insha Allah, for a second term, 2027. And then after that, it will be the turn of the northern part of this country.”

He described Tinubu as a “reformer, visionary leader” who is focused on repositioning the country for sustainable growth and development.

The former governor of Kano added that the president deserves appreciation for his precise approach to addressing the challenges he inherited upon assuming office.

“We are happy with his reforms because his reforms are absolutely necessary for the social and economic development of this country,” Ganduje said.

“There is no doubt so many things went wrong over a long period of time, and there is no doubt it requires surgery before we can get it right.

“But we are happy that we have started seeing the outcome of the reforms, especially on the economic side, and we believe this will continue to yield positive results so that the legacy and the renewed hope agenda will be achieved.

“There is no doubt that many things went wrong over a long period, and it requires precision surgery to set things right. But we are happy that we have started seeing the results of these reforms, especially in the economic sector.”