By Abdullateef Bamgbose

The Founder and Convener of the Tinubu-Uba Sani Consolidation Front (TUSCOF), Malam Sani Liman Kila, MFR, has commended Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, over the approval of land for the establishment of four additional Nigerian Army bases in strategic locations across the state.

Kila described the development as a significant step towards strengthening the state’s security architecture, improving collaboration with federal security agencies and enhancing the protection of lives and property.

The proposed military bases are to be established in Buruku, Igabi Local Government Area; Samaru Kataf, Zangon Kataf LGA; Kachia LGA; and Birnin Gwari LGA.
He noted that the approval followed a request by the Nigerian Army for additional military facilities, describing it as a demonstration of the importance of sustained cooperation between the Kaduna State Government and federal security agencies in addressing security challenges.

According to him, bringing military facilities closer to vulnerable communities would expand the operational reach of security forces, improve response capabilities and strengthen efforts to prevent and contain security threats.

Kila further emphasised that peace and security were essential to the state’s economic recovery, agricultural productivity, investment climate and sustainable development, noting that the protection of citizens remained a fundamental responsibility of government.

He also called on residents of the affected communities, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to support the initiative by cooperating with security agencies and providing credible intelligence.

The TUSCOF convener expressed confidence that the additional military installations would complement ongoing security efforts and contribute to creating safer communities across Kaduna State.

He added that achieving lasting peace, stability and prosperity in the state required collective responsibility and sustained collaboration among the government, security agencies and residents.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has declared that President Bola Tinubu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming presidential election, will garner far more votes in the South-South region than he did in 2023.

Governor Diri made the declaration while speaking with newsmen shortly after participating in the Edo State APC Presidential Campaign Rally flag-off in Benin City on Thursday.

Represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, the Bayelsa Chief Executive maintained that the majority of South-South people would vote for Tinubu in the election scheduled for 16th January, 2027, because of the impact his administration has made in the region.

He pointed out that, apart from the APC gaining firm control in all the South-South states, President Tinubu has equally shown love and political will towards tackling the challenges confronting the region.

Governor Diri, who expressed delight at the massive turnout at the Benin event and similar rallies held so far, noted that the organic support the APC is enjoying from Nigerians will translate into a commanding electoral victory in 2027.

Commenting on the level of preparedness of the Bayelsa APC family in working for the re-election of President Tinubu, he said that, contrary to unfounded claims by some opposition elements, the APC “is not only predominant but remains the party to beat in Bayelsa.”

His words: “You saw the mammoth crowd that thronged the Ogbemudia Stadium and its environs a moment ago. That is a mammoth crowd of organic supporters of our party. It is not a rented crowd. And it is like that all across the South-South.

“Our brothers and sisters in Edo have actually proved that Edo was the first to become an APC state in our region, and that they are determined to maintain its dominance in Edo.

“But as you can see today, all the states in the South-South are now APC, and the party has firm control of what happens in each of the states in the region. So, President Bola Tinubu will not only win, but will also win with a bigger margin of votes in 2027 than he did in 2023.

“The APC family is solid and it is working to return our leader, the President. You know that talk is cheap. Anybody can say anything or make any claims. January 16th is not far from now. Let us patiently wait for the results to determine the strength of the APC and that of other parties in Bayelsa.”

Meanwhile, the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, reiterated his promise that President Tinubu would secure not less than 2.5 million votes from the state in the upcoming election.

Okpebholo, who attributed the achievements of his administration to what he described as uncommon support from the Tinubu-led Federal Government, vowed that nothing would stop the state from fulfilling its promise to the President.

Speaker after speaker, including the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and former Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, assured President Tinubu that the people of the South-South would vote massively to ensure his re-election in 2027.

Addressing the mammoth crowd, President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, urged Nigerians to objectively judge his administration by its transformational reforms, works, and its determination to complete ongoing projects.

Shettima highlighted some achievements of the administration to include the upgrade of healthcare facilities at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, infrastructural development, provision of social support for vulnerable citizens, and improved security.

He said: “We are also investing in your educational institutions and the people who sustain them. We have allocated subsidised fertilisers to your farmers and entrepreneurs… and vocational programmes through the National Directorate of Employment.

“We are providing different kinds of financial assistance to vulnerable citizens and communities affected by disasters. We have also improved the rejuvenation of our armed forces and other security agencies, and prioritised their operational capabilities.

“We have completed some works and some works are ongoing. We ask that our stewardship be judged by the lives it has touched… and the works we are determined to complete. We seek your mandate to finish the work we have begun.”

The Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe, was accompanied to the Edo State APC Presidential Campaign Rally by the State Chairman of the party, Hon. Weri Warman Ogoriba, its Women Leader, Mrs Rose Itoko-Amadi, the South-South Zonal Director for Youth Mobilisation, APC Presidential Campaign Council, Mrs Deme Pamooso, among other party chieftains.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The former deputy minority whip of the 8th Senate and three-time Senator representing Bayelsa Central, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, has reaffirmed his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party PDP), vowing not to leave the party under any circumstances.

Paulker made this declaration when members of the State Working Committee and other party leaders led by the state chairman, Hon. Chief Alabh George Turnah, paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Yenagoa.

Paulker, who represented Bayelsa Central between 2007 and 2019, while reaffirming his unbroken loyalty to the PDP, declared that he does not intend to leave the PDP.

“Since 1998, I have not left the PDP for even a second. I will not leave this party.”

Paulker, while commending Turnah for his courageous and dynamic leadership of the party, assured him of his total commitment and support.

He also urged the leadership to remain united, focused, carry all stakeholders along and pursue reconciliation despite internal challenges.

“My doors are open to you at all times. Hold firm; the party is in safe hands under your leadership, and I am with you all the way.”

Paulker expressed confidence that the PDP would emerge stronger and bounce back to power in the state.

He enjoined leaders and members to remain committed to the party’s success, stressing that all the big names in Bayelsa politics started their politics from the PDP.

Turnah, in his remarks, described Paulker as a founding pillar of the PDP in Bayelsa, acknowledging his contributions to the party and the state’s political development.

He noted that Paulker’s experience, wisdom and guidance have remained a source of inspiration and strength to the current leadership of the Party in the State.

Meanwhile, the leadership of the party has resolved to transfer full responsibility for the campaigns of its National Assembly candidates to the candidates themselves.

A statement by the party’s publicity secretary, Ikaebimo Mark, stated that the leadership of the party will now concentrate its efforts on the statewide campaign for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the National Rainbow Coalition arrangement.

Mark, who disclosed that the decision was taken at the regular meeting of the State Working Committee held on Thursday, 12th November 2026, added that it is in accordance with the directive of the party’s national leader, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, issued in consultation with the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to Mark, consequently, all National Assembly candidates are directed to take complete charge of their respective campaigns and to intensify community-to-community engagements across the state.

He stated that the candidates are advised to proceed independently with their campaigns, as most have already been doing.

Mark however noted that the party will, however, remain available to offer guidance and support whenever any National Assembly candidate seeks such assistance.