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FCT Minister: Appoint FCT Native as Minister – Group urges Tinubu

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A Civil Society Organisation (CSO) known as Young People’s Initiative for Credible Leadership (YPICL) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider the appointment of an indigene for the post of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a statement signed by the Founder and Executive Director, Comrade Abdulwahab Ekekhide and made available to CAPITAL POST on Sunday, the organisation said since the advent of democracy in Nigeria, the FCT has been politically marginalised and discriminated against in all democratic ramifications.

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The Executive Director also mentioned that no Minister have been appointed among the Natives since the creation of the FCT adding that it is disservice to the people.

“We want President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), to know that this political jinx can be broken and history beckons on him to break it by appointing an FCT person into the Federal Executive Council as a Minister”, he said.

According to the CSO, “Records have it that since the creation of the FCT, a Minister has never been appointed from amongst the NATIVES or NON-NATIVES practising politics in the Territory, especially those that have voting rights and political influence in the Territory.

“As Civil Society we see this as a national disservice to the people of FCT, hence we call for an affirmative action for FCT in the appointment of Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We believe that the people of FCT deserves to be represented in the Federal Executive Council as Cabinet member(s)

“We want to use this medium to appeal to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to use his powers to nominate a competent person from amongst the rich poll of FCT Technocrats, Political Scientists, Politicians, Seasoned Administrators and a host of other very qualified persons who have voting rights and political influence in the Territory as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as an affirmative action for inclusiveness.

“The President can break any encumbrances militating against the appointment of an FCT person as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by invoking his powers to select the North Central Ministerial candidate from the FCT.

“Democracy is all about participation and the people of FCT are active participants in the Nigerian electoral processes, hence deserves recognition, appreciation and reward for their active participation in the politics of Nigeria as the essence of politics is for benefit to the people, but FCT has been denied this benefit since 1999”.

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Echocho begins three-day training and empowerment of youths in agriculture across Ankpa Federal Constituency [Pictorials]

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The training and empowerment of youths in Agriculture in Ankpa Federal Constituency commenced on Wednesday at the conference hall of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees.

The exercise which was facilitated by the Senator representing Kogi East, Distinguished Sen Isah Jibrin (Echocho), would see to the training of youths from Ankpa Federal Constituency .

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The programme designed for beneficiaries from Ankpa, Omala and Olamaboro local governments aims to equip youths with essentials agricultural knowledge while providing them with capital and seedlings, facilitated by Sen Isah Jibrin (Echocho).

Participants at the training on Wednesday

Declaring the training and empowerment open, Senator Isah who was represented by his Senior Legislative Aid, Alhaji Danlami Garba, called on the youths to be committed to the training in order to be self-employed.

He said, the youths should leverage on peace prevailing in Kogi East to get back to agriculture in order to sustain food security in line with the Federal Government’s agricultural policy, adding that the best form of security for any nation is food security.

According to him, the training of youths was part of his constituency projects targeted at youths because of their strength and passion for self development, stressing that the nation stand to benefit by redirecting their focus to self employment through agriculture, assuring that the training will be extended to other Federal Constituencies in few weeks.

He said: “As you undergo a three-day training, it’s an opportunity for you to delve into agricultural enterprise productively, leveraging on various government agricultural initiatives.

“Of course, Kogi East has rich history of agriculture that ocassioned the famous Afor Gam Gam, Ikanekpo in Ankpa, Bagana, Aja Abejukolo, Anyigba, Ejule, Aja Itobe, Oguma in Bassa and other markets which were highly patronised by people from adjoining States.

“It’s our collective resolve that the district would be returned to the good old days through agriculture, economic and empowerment that ensures that our youths are mobilised to farms in the forthcoming season.

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Anambra guber: Group purchases APC Nomination Form for Ozigbo

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Another governorship aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Valentine Ozigbo has obtained the nomination and expression of interest forms to contest the 2025 Anambra gubernatorial elections.

A group, Valiant Movement purchased the N50 million forms on his behalf in the party headquarters in Abuja on Monday.

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The Movement described Ozigbo as a leader whose vision, integrity, and deep-rooted connection with the people, embody the true aspirations of Ndi Anambra.

In a statement signed by the leader of the movement, Chief Teddy Ezeike, the reason for purchasing the forms for Ozigbo is to demonstrate its resolve to ensure that transformational leadership is entrenched in Anambra State this year.

According to them, “It is a rallying cry from the streets of Onitsha to the fields of Ayamelum, from the marketplaces of Nnewi to the hills of Aguata—a call for a leader who understands our struggles, shares our dreams, and possesses the competence, character, and compassion to chart a new course for Anambra.

“Valentine is the people’s choice — a rare bridge between the grassroots and the elite, between tradition and innovation, between the Anambra of today and the Anambra of our dreams.

“A multiple-award winning global CEO, one of Nigeria’s most recognisable philantropists, an international sports promoter, and an icon for youth development and excellence, Valentine’s record speaks for itself: a corporate business leader who has demonstrated excellence, a political force who has inspired millions, and a statesman whose commitment to good governance has never wavered.

“Ozigbo is a shining beacon of hope and progress in a time when Anambra yearns for true leadership and our decision to present this form to Valentine Ozigbo is an affirmation that we will no longer accept mediocrity in leadership, that we will not settle for politics as usual, that we will not allow Anambra to be governed by anything less than the best.

“We are making a statement that we deserve more, that Ndi Anambra deserve a leader who listens, understands, and delivers, that the era of empty promises and broken systems must come to an end.

“We call on all members of the All Progressives Party (APC) and lovers of democracy, all believers in progress, and all Ndi Anambra who dream of a state that works for all to rise, unite, and join us in this mission.

“The Valiant Movement has made its choice, and we urge every son and daughter of Anambra to stand with us, to stand with Valentine Ozigbo, and to stand for a future that is bold, visionary, and unstoppable”.

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June 1993 election annulment was ‘Nigerian coup, not Igbo coup’ – Senator Kalu faults IBB’s claims

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Former Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu has declared that the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election which wws won by the late business mogul, Moshood Kashimawo Abiola was a Nigerian coup and not an Igbo coup, as former military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) recently portrayed.

Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday, Kalu said, it was an action carried out by the Military and not Igbo, thereby faulting the narrative in IBB’s book.

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“I don’t need IBB’s revelation to know that Igbos were unjustly blamed for what happened. The coup was a Nigerian coup, executed by the military. Some people failed to do their job, and unfortunately, Igbos have had to bear the brunt. That is not fair.”

The former Governor of Abia State criticised the boo,, who he said, it wasn’t detailed in naming g those who were responsible for the annulment, hence, he wanted a second edition of the book with names of those behind the annulment for Nigerians to know.

“I’m waiting for the second edition of IBB’s book because the first one did not fully capture the realities of what happened, especially concerning Professor Humphrey Nwosu, who was unfairly called names after the annulment,” he said.

Despite his criticisms, Kalu reaffirmed his respect for Babangida.

“You all know that Babangida is my master, and I will be visiting him very soon to discuss this matter. Nigerians deserve to know the names of those truly responsible for stopping the election. Not just General Sani Abacha—there were others. I was there, so I know what happened.

“IBB should name them in the second edition of his book so Nigerians can understand the full picture. People think Babangida may have omitted or altered some facts, and the truth needs to be known.”

Kalu also acknowledged that Babangida admitted that Moshood Abiola won the election, emphasizing that this should be officially recognized.

“There is no doubt that Abiola won. I believe his picture should be placed alongside those of past presidents. Even though he wasn’t sworn in, he deserves that honor.

“I appeal to President Bola Tinubu to officially recognize him posthumously and swear him in. That way, his family can receive the rights and recognition given to former presidents’ families. It would be a significant step toward healing the wounds of that period.”

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