Politics
Kalu to Lawal: “Align with Tinubu to fast track Zamfara’s Progress”
By George Mgbeleke
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has urged Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, to set aside political differences and build a working relationship with President Bola Tinubu to secure critical federal support for the state’s development.
Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District and is a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the appeal on Monday in Gusau while commissioning the newly constructed Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, as well as the renovated Zamfara College of Arts and Science.
Addressing dignitaries and government officials at the event, the former Abia State Governor warned that Zamfara risks losing out on significant federal investments if Governor Lawal, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), fails to embrace what he described as “political economics.”
“I’m not asking you to join APC or abandon your party. But for the sake of Zamfara, you must find common ground with President Tinubu. Economic diplomacy is key to bringing federal money and development to your people,” Kalu stated.
He recounted his own political experience, recalling his days as a PDP governor from 1999 to 2007, during which he maintained a cordial and productive relationship with Tinubu, who was then Governor of Lagos State under the Alliance for Democracy (AD).
“Even when we belonged to different parties, we worked together. My children lived in President Tinubu’s house in Lagos while I governed Abia. Mrs. Tinubu raised them like her own. We’ve had our differences, but we resolved them for the greater good. You can do the same,” Kalu said.
The Senate committee Chairman on South-East Development Commission ( SEDC ) emphasized that politics must not hinder economic progress, stressing the need for a strategic alignment that would ensure Zamfara benefits from ongoing federal initiatives.
He noted that, in today’s governance landscape, access to federal resources requires constructive political relationships.
“If you play politics and ignore economic cooperation, the people of Zamfara will lose. But if you adopt political economics, you will secure funding and accelerate development,” he said.
Kalu further encouraged Governor Lawal to engage and collaborate with former Governor Abdul’aziz Yari, stressing the importance of unity among Zamfara’s political elite.
“This state needs collective leadership. You and Yari are sons of the soil. Set aside personal and political rifts to build a stronger, more prosperous Zamfara. This is about the people, not personal ambition,” Kalu urged.
His comments come amid growing concerns over Nigeria’s political climate, with recent defections by Governors Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) to the APC bringing the ruling party’s control to 23 out of 36 states. Critics have warned of a creeping slide into a one-party state, a claim President Tinubu refuted in his June 12 Democracy Day address, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to multiparty democracy.
Kalu stated clearly; “political affiliation should not stand in the way of development. He appealed to Governor Lawal to demonstrate statesmanship by putting Zamfara’s future above partisanship.
“Politics will come and go. What endures is what we do for our people. Let Zamfara come first,” Kalu concluded.
By David Owei, Bayelsa
Governor Ademola Adeleke is not defecting to African Democratic Congress (ADC) nor aligning with anybody within the ADC ahead of the 2026 state elections, his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed has disclosed.
Responding to media publication and enquiries, the Spokesperson affirmed that Governor Adeleke remains in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and is going to win, with wide margins, the 2026 governorship elections on the platform of the PDP.
The statement reads further: “Our attention has been drawn to news reports and media enquiries about the imminent defection of Governor Adeleke to the ADC or alignment with ADC big wigs ahead of the 2026 governorship race. There is no truth in those publications and speculations.
“First of all, we, the PDP Osun, have already adopted and endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, so there is no alliance with ADC.
“Secondly, Governor Adeleke has no alliance with anyone in ADC. He remains in PDP, will run in PDP, and needs no alliance with ADC to win with a wide margin in 2026.
“The Osun electorate supports Governor Adeleke because of his impressive performance since he came to office. That good work is still ongoing and Osun people are committed to sustaining the delivery of good governance by re-electing Governor Adeleke in 2026”, the Spokesperson was quoted as saying.
Governor Adeleke urges PDP members to forge ahead with the ongoing strengthening of the party structures across all levels to prepare for fresh victory next year”, the statement from the Spokesperson concluded.
By David Owei,Bayelsa
The umbrella body of Ijaw Elders, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has rejected the Bill in the Senate seeking to permanently elevate the Ooni of Ife and Sultan of Sokoto as the exclusive Co-chairmen of the Traditional Rulers Council.
The INC said the move would be at the expense of apex traditional rulers from other ethnic nationalities and geopolitical divides.
The Second Vice Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Chief Alabo Nengi James (OON) said, in a statement on Sunday in Odi, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government area of Bayelsa State, the proposal is a continuos infringement on Traditional Rulers in Nigeria.
Alabo Nengi James describes the provision of the Bill as unacceptable and against the Rights of the indigenous People across tribes, Religion, Culture and Customs.
He said the Bill should be reviewed to include clauses such as No permanent Chairmanship for Sultan and Oni only must be allowed in the ongoing bill being discussed in the Senate.
He advocates that the National Assembly should allow the National Council of Traditional Rulers to Appoint their Leadership themselves, rotationaly and based on Federal Character.
“Include the Role of Traditional Rulers into the Constitutio and No Traditional Ruler from another tribe or religion is superior to another.”
“The National Assembly should Step down the Provocative and dehumanizing offensive Bill that will cause a serious rift and breach of peace in Nigeria.”
Chief James called the attention of the Senate President, Rt. Hon. Godswill Akpabio, urging him to immediately step down what he termed a “highly insensitive and dangerous bill.”
He emphasized that traditional rulers across the country must be given equal recognition and should be allowed to choose their national leadership through internal mechanisms that reflect rotational leadership and the federal character system.
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