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Why North’s Leaders Should Endorse Tinubu For Second Term — Femi Gbajabiamila

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The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has urged northern political leaders to back President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027.

Speaking during the 2025 Dialogue Session of the Northern Caucus of the National Forum of Former Legislators in Abuja, Gbajabiamila described Tinubu as a national figure whose commitment to unity and development deserves consistent support.

Endorsement also came from Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago and other APC stakeholders in the state, declaring their full backing for both Tinubu and Bago in their re-election bids.

Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, who is running for re-election in the November 8 off-cycle poll, said any politician discussing a single-term agenda should undergo psychiatric evaluation.

Gbajabiamila urged attendees at the dialogue to rally support for Tinubu’s administration and 2027 ambitions.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s progress relies on unity, continuity and respect for political arrangements.

Gbajabiamila noted that Tinubu is a leader for all regions and that the North is already seeing the benefits of his administration through infrastructure and policy reforms.

He highlighted ongoing projects in the region such as road construction, railway expansions, and agricultural initiatives as proof of the administration’s balanced national development strategy.

He said Tinubu should be allowed to complete what he has started, emphasizing the long-term benefits.

Forum Chairman Hon. Nnanna Igbokwe praised the Northern Caucus for its “bold and patriotic stand,” noting that such leadership goes beyond personal or regional interests.

He expressed confidence that other zones would also support the call for continuity.

In a communiqué, the forum endorsed the continuation of a southern presidency and Tinubu’s second term bid.

The statement, signed by Hon. Rufai Chanchangi and Hon. Atiwurcha, stressed unity and peace as key national priorities.

The forum reaffirmed support for power rotation between the North and South, and maintained that allowing the South to complete its tenure aligns with national interest.

The session was part of a nationwide consultation effort by the forum to promote inclusive governance and ensure a stable transition in 2027.

The forum acknowledged efforts by the current administration but called for increased focus on tackling insecurity, particularly in Zamfara, Katsina, Plateau, Benue, and Niger states.

They also appreciated Gbajabiamila’s engagement and urged continued involvement with key stakeholders.

Niger APC stakeholders give backing

Leaders of the APC in Niger State said Tinubu and Bago have made significant achievements and should be supported for a second term.

Senator Muhammad Sani Musa led the motion to endorse them, which was seconded by Rep. Saidu Musa Abdul.

Information and National Orientation Minister Muhammad Idris Malagi, Minister of State for Agriculture Senator Abdullahi Sabi, and APC North Central Vice Chairman Mu’azu Bawa were among those who applauded their performance and urged continuity.

Others in attendance included Niger State Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, House Speaker Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, State APC Chairman Aminu Musa Bobi and ALGON Chairman Ilyasu Zakari.

In his response, Governor Bago thanked the APC stakeholders for their confidence and called for unity within the party to support Tinubu’s re-election.

He asked members to stay committed to the party and help drive support for Tinubu nationwide.

The Niger endorsement followed earlier support from northern leaders during a government-citizen roundtable in Kaduna.

Minister Mohammed Idris said that most northern leaders believe Tinubu’s administration has strongly favored the North in terms of appointments and investment in infrastructure, education, agriculture, housing, and youth empowerment.

He commended ministers and heads of agencies for effectively showcasing the President’s achievements.

The roundtable was attended by key government figures, including SGF Senator George Akume, NSA Nuhu Ribadu, federal ministers, security chiefs, and other northern officials.

Aiyedatiwa to coordinate Tinubu’s re-election in Ondo

Ondo State Information and Orientation Commissioner Idowu Ajanaku announced that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will lead campaign coordination for President Tinubu’s re-election in the state.

Ajanaku said this move would ensure that support groups work under one unified structure to avoid confusion and political tension.

The governor launched the “Ondo State for Tinubu 2027” campaign during a meeting with APC leaders at the Government House in Akure, establishing it as the central platform for all pro-Tinubu efforts in the state.

Ajanaku explained that the move is in line with the APC Constitution, which identifies the governor as the party leader in the state.

He emphasized Aiyedatiwa’s longstanding partnership with Tinubu and said his deep understanding of the President’s vision made him the right person to lead.

He added that organizing campaign efforts under the governor would prevent division and promote party unity.

The Commissioner urged all support groups to work within the framework of “Ondo State for Tinubu 2027” and under the governor’s leadership.

He warned against any unauthorized or parallel campaigns that could cause internal strife and asked party members to embrace unity and discipline ahead of the 2027 elections.

Soludo: any politician talking of one term needs psychiatric examination

Governor Soludo criticized politicians claiming they would serve only one term, saying such statements are dishonest.

He said such individuals need psychiatric testing, describing the promise as an insult to voters’ intelligence.

He stated that any politician pledging to serve just one term is mentally unfit and should not be taken seriously.

Soludo reaffirmed that after his tenure, the next governor should come from Anambra Central, in line with the state’s zoning arrangement.

He said some aspirants from Anambra South are trying to disrupt this system and are misleading the public.

He added that Anambra people are not fools and cannot be deceived by such tactics.

He criticized candidates with questionable academic records, saying Anambra deserves quality leadership, not individuals with dubious certificates.

He said Anambra is the home of respected figures like Azikiwe, Nwafor Orizu, Ojukwu, Ekwueme, and Achebe, and should be led with integrity.

He expressed anger over the ambition of some candidates and questioned their credentials and capacity.

 

BIG STORY

Muslims Working On Fridays Is Unfair While Sunday Is Work-Free — Reno Omokri

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Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has urged Nigeria to review its work calendar to reflect the importance of Friday prayers for Muslims, describing the current setup as discriminatory.

In a Facebook video posted on Friday, Omokri argued that before colonialism, Fridays were recognized locally as a rest day for Muslims.

He noted that while Christians enjoy Sunday as a public holiday, Muslims are still expected to work on Fridays, despite its centrality to their religious practice.

As a solution, Omokri proposed an adjustment in working hours. He suggested offices could begin earlier from Monday through Thursday, allowing workplaces to close at midday on Fridays. According to him, this arrangement would make it possible for Muslims to observe Jumu’ah prayers without any drop in national productivity or GDP.

He explained that such a schedule would create a fair balance between Christian and Muslim worship practices within Nigeria’s work structure.

Omokri said:

“I don’t think it is fair for the Muslim Ummah for us to have Friday as a working day in Nigeria. Originally, before colonialism, it was not like that.

“Now we have Sunday as a non-working day and Friday as a working day. I think that we can achieve a compromise. What we can do is that instead of work beginning on Mondays all the way to Friday at 9am or 8am, we can start work at 7:30am on Mondays to Fridays and then on Friday we close at 12 o’clock.

“So the time we are going to lose on Friday we are going to gain it back from Monday to Thursday. So it is not going to affect our productivity as a country and our GDP. And then the Muslim Ummah can close at 12 noon and go for Solat Jumaat. That way, there would be a more equitable balance of our workday lives in Nigeria.”

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BIG STORY

Polytechnic Workers Issue FG 21-Day Ultimatum Over Unpaid Arrears

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The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) has issued a fresh 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning of a possible national industrial action if longstanding issues remain unresolved.

The ultimatum, effective from August 27, 2025, followed the conclusion of the union’s 77th General Executive Council meeting held at Audu Bako College of Agriculture in Danbatta, Kano State.

SSANIP demanded the release of a new Scheme of Service, the setup of a committee to renegotiate the 2010 Agreement, payment of owed arrears, and the disbursement of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Needs Assessment Funds.

The joint communiqué by the union’s President, Philip Ogunsipe, and National Secretary, Shehu Gaya, accused the government of offering nothing more than “lip service” to previously agreed demands.

The statement read:

“The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) held its 77th General Executive Council meetings between Tuesday, 26th and Thursday, 28th August, 2025 at Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Danbatta, Kano State, where issues affecting the Union and welfare of its members were extensively discussed.”

“Council also observed that despite several efforts to ensure peaceful resolution of the above-stated demands, the government has only paid lip service to the issues. Based on the above, the Union demands immediate action on the listed issues within twenty-one (21) days beginning from today, 27th August, 2025, or we will be left with no option but to withdraw our services across the Nation.”

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BIG STORY

GTCO Increases GTBank’s Paid-Up Capital To ₦504 Billion

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Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (NGX: GTCO; LSE: GTCO), today announced that it has increased its investment in its wholly owned Banking subsidiary, Guaranty Trust Bank Limited (“GTBank”) to ₦504 billion through a rights issue subscription for 6,994,050,290 ordinary shares of fifty kobo each made by GTBank for a total consideration of ₦365,850,403,572.67, thus increasing GTBank’s paid-up share capital from ₦138,186,703,485.78 to ₦504,037,107,058.45.

This Capital Injection ensures GTBank’s compliance with the new minimum capital requirement for commercial banks with international authorisation stipulated by the CBN.

The Capital Injection was funded by the two-phased equity capital raising programme recently undertaken and concluded by GTCO Plc with an international fully marketed offering on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) that secured $105 million from high-quality, long-term institutional investors in exchange for 2.29 billion new ordinary shares, making GTCO Plc the first financial services institution in West Africa to dual list on both the NGX and LSE. Launched in July 2024, GTCO’s equity capital programme began with a public offering to Nigerians that raised ₦209.41 billion from 130,617 valid applications for 4.7 billion ordinary shares, fully allotted and evenly split between retail and institutional investors.

Commenting on the recapitalisation of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, said: “The successful recapitalisation of our flagship banking subsidiary, Guaranty Trust Bank Limited, marks a pivotal step in strengthening the foundation of our Group. With significant new capital secured and the CBN’s recapitalisation directive for Guaranty Trust Bank now fulfilled, we are focused on deepening innovation and service excellence, delivering improved performance, and expanding our footprint across high-growth markets, while upholding the industry-leading standards that define the GTCO brand.”

The additional equity capital will be deployed by GTBank primarily for branch network expansion and asset growth (loans, advances, and investment securities portfolio), fortification of its information technology infrastructure and to leverage emerging opportunities in Nigeria and the operating environments where it maintains banking presence.

Following the Capital Injection, the Company continues to hold 100% of the entire issued and paid-up share capital of the Bank. None of the Directors of the Company has any interest, direct or indirect, in the Bank.

About GTCO Plc

GTCO Plc is one of Africa’s leading financial services institutions with a longstanding track record of strong growth, service excellence, and shareholder returns. The Group operates across banking, payments, asset management, and pension administration in eleven countries, including Nigeria, the UK, and key African markets.

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