Governor Chukwuma Soludo has appointed Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Monday by the governor’s Press Secretary, Christian Aburime.

Mrs. Nnake, 39, is from Nawfia in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.

She brings over 13 years of experience as a finance and public sector professional, specializing in finance, strategy development, and economic planning.

Most recently, she served as the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning in Anambra State, where she led the effective mobilisation, planning, and allocation of state resources to drive socio-economic development.

She also chaired Solution Fun City Limited.Nnake has held key leadership roles on various state boards and initiatives, including the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, the Internal Revenue Service Board, and the Small Business Agency.

She currently serves as the state’s Reform Champion for Ease of Doing Business and as the focal point for Social Investment Programmes, driving reforms aimed at inclusive growth.

She is also the Nigeria Chairperson for the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity Programme.

Before joining the Anambra State government, Nnake worked as a Senior Strategy Consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Nigeria, where she managed over 30 client engagements across different sectors and markets.

She contributed significantly to the development of the Anambra Vision 2070 plan.Her earlier career included roles as a Business Analyst at IHS Towers and an Equity Research Analyst at Meristem Securities Limited.

Nnake holds a Master of Business Administration from Lagos Business School, a First-Class Honours degree in Accounting from Benson Idahosa University, and is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

She is a member of the ACCA National Advisory Committee, has completed the Implementing Public Policy course at Harvard Kennedy School, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy.

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Former Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State has condemned a recent congress held by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Our correspondent had reported that the congress held by the Wike-backed group in Jos last Tuesday elected Peter Tongshep, a former chairman of the PDP in Mikang LGA, as the new state chairman of the PDP, alongside 38 other executive members.

The election attracted prominent members of the Wike-aligned faction, including former Minister of Sports Damishi Sango, another former minister, Musa I. Azi, and Board of Trustees members Timothy Golu and Johnbul Shekarau, among others.

In a statement in Jos on Monday, Jang, who is the leader of the PDP in the state, rejected the congress, describing it as “kangaroo” and orchestrated by self-seeking individuals in connivance with undemocratic forces outside the state.

The former governor affirmed that Chief Raymond Dabo remains the authentic chairman of the party’s state chapter, having been duly elected in an INEC-monitored congress.

“It is a well-known and established fact that, at no time, did the State Working Committee of the PDP in Plateau State have any cracks.

“They were duly elected in a well-organised and INEC-monitored congress in accordance with the party’s constitution.

“So, as far as the law and the supporters of the PDP are concerned, there is no reason to organise any congress in the first place; therefore, all actions of those involved in the so-called congress, both legally and publicly, are null and void, and of no effect.

“Plateau is PDP, and PDP is Plateau.

The State Working Committee of the PDP, led by Chairman Chief Raymond Dabo, is the only recognised party executive in the state,” Jang said.

Jang attributed the development to the ongoing national crisis, saying party leaders are working to resolve issues and reposition the PDP for unity and progress.

“We are aware of the ongoing crisis at the national level and, as party leaders, we are doing everything possible to resolve every issue and reposition the party for unity and progress,” he said.

The former governor urged genuine party members to stay united and focus on resolving issues, warning agents of distraction to cease their actions.

“Plateau is PDP, and PDP is Plateau.

The State Working Committee of the PDP, led by Chairman Chief Raymond Dabo, is the only recognised party executive in the state,” the statement signed by Jang’s Media Consultant, Clinton Garuba, added.

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Mahdavi Raja, Iranian ambassador to Nigeria, has debunked US
President Donald Trump’s claim of “very good and productive” negotiations
between Washington and Tehran.

Earlier, Trump claimed the discussions led to his decision to instruct the Department of War to temporarily halt military strikes
against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period.

He added that the said negotiations would continue
throughout the week, basing the duration of the halt on the success of the
“ongoing meetings”.

But Raja rebuffed Trump’s comments.

“We have noted the remarks attributed to President Trump
regarding ‘productive talks’ with Iran. However, I must emphasize clearly that
no negotiations of any kind have taken place between Iran and the United States
regarding energy infrastructure or any other matter,” the ambassador told
TheCable on Monday.

“I want to emphasize that there have been absolutely no
talks between Tehran and Washington, and no negotiations of any kind have
occurred between Iran and the United States.

“These statements were in fact made to influence the energy
market and justify a temporary withdrawal from hostile actions against Iran.”

Oil prices fell by ⁠more than 13 percent after ⁠Trump’s comments.

Last week, they had risen above $100 per barrel as Iran’s
attacks of vessels had choked passage on the Strait of Hormuz.

On Saturday, Trump said he would “hit and obliterate”
Iranian power plants – “starting with the biggest one first” – if the critical
waterway was not fully open to shipping within 48 hours. The ultimatum would
have expired today.

In response, Iran warned it would completely close the
Strait of Hormuz if Trump carried out his threat to bomb Tehran’s power plants.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) added that
“power plants of regional countries hosting US bases will be legitimate
targets”.

Multiple countries were reported to have ramped up
diplomatic efforts after the exchange between both countries.

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Legend Internet Plc has announced plans to merge with
Spectranet Limited in a move aimed at expanding broadband infrastructure and
strengthening their position in Nigeria’s telecoms market.

In a notice signed by Erinma Onuoma, company secretary, on
Monday, to Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and shareholders, Legend said the
proposed transaction will combine the businesses and operations of both
companies under a unified corporate structure.

The company said the merger, approved by its board on
October 3, 2025, and shareholders on November 7, 2025, is subject to regulatory
approvals.

Legend said the deal aligns with its long-term strategy to
scale operations and deepen broadband penetration.

“The proposed merger aligns with Legend’s long-term strategy
to expand broadband infrastructure and strengthen its position within Nigeria’s
telecommunications sector,” the company said.

According to the company, the combined entity is expected to
benefit from improved network capacity through the integration of fibre and
wireless infrastructure.

“The transaction is expected to deliver significant
strategic and financial benefits, including enhanced network capacity, improved
operational efficiency, and expanded coverage across key urban markets,” the
statement reads.

The company further said the merger is expected to create
long-term value for shareholders through increased scale and operational
synergies.

“The board believes the transaction will create sustainable
long-term value for shareholders by strengthening the company’s competitive
position, supporting revenue growth, and improving earnings capacity,” the
network provider said.

“The transaction is expected to be value accretive to
shareholders over the medium to long term.”

Legend said the merger is subject to approvals from the
Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian
Communications Commission (NCC).

The company added that, subject to approvals, completion of
the transaction is expected in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026.

Legend said it will continue to keep the investing public
informed of any material developments regarding the merger.

In April 2025, Legend listed two billion ordinary shares by
introduction on the main board of the Nigerian Exchange Limited

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The National Inland Waterways Authority has debunked reports alleging that about 150 bandits drowned in a boat mishap in the Sabon Gida area of Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The NIWA Area Manager in charge of the Sokoto Zonal Office, Mr Bello Bala, dismissed the report as fake in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Sokoto.

Bala said there was no such incident, adding that the river mentioned was not navigable.

He appealed to the media to be wary of spreading misinformation and to always verify news from credible sources, assuring that the authority was readily available to provide clarification.

The area manager reiterated that NIWA had been engaging riverine communities on safety measures, guidelines, the use of life jackets, and other considerations regarding water transportation.

He stressed that “if such an incident had occurred, community members would have reported it to water users’ association leaders.”

Meanwhile, a source from the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto also confirmed that the report was false, stating that no such incident occurred in the area.

The source, who pleaded anonymity, said troops were present across the area and that there had been no report of any boat capsizing involving bandits.

(NAN)

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The people of Ohatekwe Ukawu in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have banished a 20-year-old man, Damian Oforbuike, for allegedly killing his mother.

It was gathered that Oforbuike attacked his mother, Onyemaechi, with a machete, an incident that has thrown the community into mourning.

Sources said the incident occurred over the weekend, after which the suspect fled into a nearby forest.

However, youths of the community mobilised, tracked him into the forest where he was hiding, and apprehended him.

He was subsequently paraded around the community by the youths and later banished, with a stern warning not to return.

In a viral video recorded during the parade, the suspect reportedly confessed to the act, claiming he committed the crime because his mother refused to bathe him and declined to provide funds to set up a barbing salon for his brother who had completed apprenticeship.

“I killed my mother because she refused to bathe me and also refused to rent a shop for my brother who learned barbing and needed money to start,” he said.

The councillor representing the area, Maduabuchi Nweke, who confirmed the incident, said he mobilised over 200 youths who combed the forest and arrested the suspect.

He added that the suspect has been handed over to the police for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the remains of the deceased have been deposited in a morgue.

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The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has submitted its framework proposal for the establishment of state police to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who is expected to transmit the document to the National Assembly for legislative consideration.

NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq announced the development, stating that the submission forms part of ongoing discussions among security agencies led by the NSA.

“On the issue of state police, discussions are ongoing amongst various security organisations, led by the National Security Advisor, and the NGF has made its contribution.

“That document will be taken to the National Assembly to see how we can have a legislative framework for state police,” AbdulRazaq said.

The governors reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with security forces to combat terrorism, expand infrastructure, and enhance citizens’ welfare.

AbdulRazaq added: “As governors, we commit to renew our collaboration with security forces to defeat terrorism steadily, expand infrastructure opportunities and improve the lives of our people.

“Together, we must see that breaches of security all over the country come to an end.”

The move comes amid renewed momentum for decentralised policing in Nigeria, driven by escalating insecurity and the limitations of the current centralised police structure.

Proponents argue that state police would bring law enforcement closer to communities for more effective response, while critics remain concerned about potential misuse of power by state executives.

The proposal aligns with broader efforts, including President Bola Tinubu’s call for constitutional amendments to enable state police, with safeguards against abuse.

The Senate has indicated plans to fast-track the constitutional review process, aiming for completion before the end of 2026.

Additionally, the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, established a committee in February 2026 to develop modalities for state police implementation, further underscoring the seriousness of the initiative.

The NGF’s submission is seen as a key input into the legislative process, with the National Assembly expected to review and refine the framework in collaboration with other stakeholders to address security challenges while maintaining national unity and accountability.

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The number of victims affected by the gas explosion that occurred in Calabar, Cross River State, on Saturday has risen to 60.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, made the disclosure during a visit to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where the victims are receiving treatment on Sunday.

It will be recalled that the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, on Saturday, had reported the number of victims as 30 when he visited the scene of the incident.

The governor said the government would take care of the hospital bills of the victims.

Ayuk said his visit to the hospital was to assess the situation of the victims receiving medical attention.

“We arrived at the Accident and Emergency Department of UCTH, where about 60 victims of the gas explosion that occurred along Edibe Edibe, Calabar South, are receiving treatment,” he said.

He added that victims with minor burn injuries would be transferred to the General Hospital, Calabar, to ease pressure on the teaching hospital and ensure efficient care for all victims.

The commissioner was accompanied on the visit by the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Mr. Ekpeyong Akiba.

They were received by the Chief Medical Director of UCTH, Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, who provided updates on the condition and management of the victims.

The visit formed part of the state government’s coordinated response to the explosion, with health authorities working to ensure prompt and adequate treatment for all affected persons.

It will be recalled that a gas leakage at a gas plant led to an explosion that affected several other houses in the Edibe Edibe area of Calabar South, injuring many.

(NAN)

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Bandits on Sunday morning abducted eight worshippers an ECWA church in Omugo, Oro-Ago community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

DAILY POST however gathered that three of the abductees have been rescued by joint security forces.

The attack occurred hours after the Coordinator, Joint Security Watch, Kwara South Senatorial District, Zubair Olaitan, issued an alert warning of imminent attack on some communities in Ifelodun, Irepodun and Isin LGAs.

Reacting to the development, the Kwara State Government has tasked the security forces and local vigilantes to ensure that the bandits who attacked the ECWA Church Omugo, are apprehended.

The government equally commended the security forces, forest guards and local vigilantes for the rescue of three of the abductees.

The government also condemned the “cowardly” targeting of religious places under any guise.

In a statement by Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, on Sunday, the Kwara State Government urged the security forces, forest guards, local vigilantes, and community members to continue to work together to end the menace.

“While commending the immediate response of the security forces and other stakeholders, we task them to ensure that the ongoing manhunt leads to the rescue of the remaining victims and arrest of the perpetrators,” the statement added.

It further commended the security forces, forest guards, and vigilantes for the appreciable progress made in combing of the forests, which has largely curtailed the activities of the criminals in the areas.

The government assured the people of its continuous commitment to work with security forces and community stakeholders to protect lives and property.

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