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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The Federal Government on Monday inaugurated the Governing Board of the National Pension Commission, directing members to uphold corporate governance and safeguard over N28tn in pension assets under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

This was contained in a statement issued by PenCom on Monday.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, described PenCom as “a critical pillar of Nigeria’s financial sector, entrusted with the retirement savings of millions of Nigerians.”

Akume said the inauguration reflects the government’s commitment to building “a pension system that is transparent, resilient, and trusted.”

He described the Board’s responsibility as one of “national importance,” noting that members are expected to provide strategic direction, policy guidance and effective oversight in line with the Pension Reform Act 2014 and other relevant frameworks.

He also cautioned against interference in management duties, stressing that “while the Board is responsible for oversight, Management must be allowed to handle day-to-day operations.”

According to him, any interference in operational matters “would weaken accountability and undermine institutional effectiveness.”

The SGF noted that the pension industry has grown significantly, with assets exceeding N28tn and millions of contributors depending on the CPS for financial security in retirement.

He urged the Board to adopt zero tolerance for misconduct and prioritise strong internal controls, risk management and transparency.

“The actions of the Board must reinforce public confidence in the pension system and assure contributors that their savings are safe, secure, and well managed,” he was quoted in the statement as saying.

Akume added that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to meeting pension obligations, noting that steps have been taken to address outstanding liabilities and ensure retirees receive their benefits “with dignity, certainty, and timeliness.”

He expressed confidence that the Board would provide disciplined governance and deliver on its mandate.

Speaking on behalf of the Board, its Chairman, Opeyemi Agbaje, thanked the President for the appointment, saying members are committed to upholding corporate governance, integrity and strong leadership.

He added that the Board would support national development by leveraging pension funds, particularly in infrastructure, housing and other critical sectors of the economy.

Also speaking, the Director-General of PenCom, Ms Omolola Oloworaran, commended the SGF for providing oversight during the period the commission operated without a board.

Oloworaran said the inauguration was “timely and significant,” as it restores the Board’s oversight function and strengthens governance within the commission.

Oloworaran pledged to work collaboratively with the Board, stressing that “every decision of PenCom Board must ultimately deliver tangible benefits to contributors and retirees.”

She expressed confidence in a strong partnership between management and the Board in advancing the objectives of the pension industry.

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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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The Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission has fixed April 3, 2027, for the conduct of chairmanship and councillorship elections in the various local government areas of the state.

The commission’s chairman, Peter Singabele, disclosed this on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the commission’s conference room in Yenagoa, the state capital promising that the elections would be free, fair, credible, and conclusive.

He said, “In compliance with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, notice is hereby given that local government elections in Bayelsa State shall take place on April 3, 2027, in all the eight local government areas.”

He called on all registered political parties to organise their internal party congresses in accordance with the commission’s timetable to elect their preferred candidates for the chairmanship and councillorship positions.

“Consequently, all registered political parties are hereby notified to organise their internal party congresses in accordance with the commission’s timetable to select their preferred candidates for the chairmanship and councillorship positions,” he said.

According to the timetable released by the commission, the notice of election takes effect from March 23, 2026.

Collection of Forms F001 and F002 by political parties will take place from August 29 to September 9, 2026, at the BYSIEC headquarters in Yenagoa.

Party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, are scheduled for September 11 to September 25, 2026, while campaigns by political parties will commence on November 3, 2026.

Submission of Forms F001 and F002 is slated for September 26 to October 3, 2026, while publication of personal particulars of candidates (Form F001) will be done on October 25, 2026.

The last day for submission of nomination forms by political parties is October 3, 2026, while October 17, 2026, has been fixed as the deadline for withdrawal or replacement of candidates.

The commission said the official register of voters for the elections would be published on December 29, 2026, while the list of nominated candidates would be released on January 3, 2027.

It added that details of the polling day, eligible voters, and locations of polling units would be published on March 16, 2027.

Voter education and sensitisation by the commission will be held from January 5 to January 12, 2027, while submission of names of party agents to electoral officers will close on March 16, 2027.

Campaigns will end at midnight on April 1, 2027, ahead of the elections scheduled for April 3, 2027.

The commission promised to work in synergy with all stakeholders and hold regular consultative meetings to ensure a hitch-free electoral process.

Those present at the meeting included members and executives of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, representatives of security agencies in the state, and journalists.

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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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