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Drama in Abuja as Chief of naval staff Gambo refuses to hand over to Ogalla

Naval chief Awwal Zubairu Gambo has remained in office and rejected pleas to hand over power to his successor Ikechukwu Ogalla, according to Peoples Gazette, two days after President Bola Tinubu approved changes at the top brass of the nation’s military.
Gambo, 57, said he would leave office on Friday because he had to pay contractors and naval officers from an outstanding capital vote to the tune of billions of naira before leaving office, according to multiple sources at the Nigerian Navy headquarters in Abuja.
Gambo, who was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari on January 26, 2021, was fired on Monday by Tinubu, the new Nigerian leader who assumed office on May 29. Tinubu said Gambo and his counterparts in the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force should immediately vacate office, with new chiefs named forthwith.
While other service chiefs have since departed following the June 19 presidential directive, Gambo has lingered in office, saying he has some unfinished business to wind up, according to sources familiar with the development.
“The chief of naval staff is still here,” a source told The Gazette from the Nigerian Navy headquarters in Abuja. “We have been begging him to comply with the order of the president and vacate office for the new person that was appointed.”
Gambo reportedly said he was responsible for the release of the funds to the Nigerian Navy and will not be leaving office until entitled contractors and naval officers had been paid.
Sources said Gambo insisted that the payment to contractors may be delayed by his successor, even though he was assured that the navy would meet all valid contractual obligations.
“He wants to pay contractors, himself and other naval officers some billions in capital,” a senior naval officer told The Gazette. “We have never seen anything like this before in our service.”
“He should realise that any action he takes after the president’s public announcement is null and void in the Nigerian Navy,” the official added.
Gambo also said he wanted to oversee the disbursement of millions of dollars for emergency repair work on the NNS Aradu, one of the largest ships in the navy.
“He also mentioned that he was finalising payment for the repair of NNS Aradu, despite our conclusion that the ship should be decommissioned and sent to the naval museum,” a source said.
The navy under Gambo had reportedly budgeted $200 million for the repairs, even though he was advised to take the ship, first commissioned in 1980, out of service.
Gambo did not return a request seeking comments from The Gazette about his decision to remain in office. Tinubu is away on an official trip to France, and a presidential spokesman did not immediately return a request seeking comments.
Ogalla, 54, is a rear admiral who attended the Nigerian military school in northern Zaria city. He also obtained a master’s degree from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria’s southwest. He did not immediately return a request seeking comments about what efforts he’s making to assume his new position following presidential authority.
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Delta govt approves N275bn for projects across senatorial districts

Delta State Government, at its maiden Executive Council (EXCO) meeting for 2025, has approved over N275 billion for the execution of several projects spanning different sectors across the three senatorial districts of the state.
The approval was given at the Exco meeting on Thursday, presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at Government House, Asaba.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, who briefed the press after the meeting, said the approvals were record-breaking, outstanding and deafening to critics.
Flanked by his counterparts in Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Mr Reuben Izeze; Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen; Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme; the Director-General, Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Chief Patrick Ukah; his counterpart in Warri Uvwie and environs, Prince Godwin Ejinyere, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, Mr Aniagwu said Governor Oborevwori was determined to ensure Deltans get value for every money spent on projects in the state.
He said; “Not long ago, we informed you that Governor Oborevwori is not interested in joining issues with critics but will be responding to them with projects.
“But little did we know that his response is going to be so outstanding and deafening that even those who have some audio challenge will hear the sound.
“Today, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori led us to make history since the 34 years existence of Delta State where, in one Exco meeting over N275 billion worth of projects were approved for the good people of Delta cutting across the three senatorial districts.
“These projects span different sectors targeted at giving value to our people; improving connectivity by way of roads, advancing their health by way of efforts in the health sector and, of course, urban renewal by making our cities much more liveable.
“Virtually all the projects we approved today are coming with 40 per cent mobilisation without our government having to go and borrow, and that tells you how solvent we are as a state, thanks to the very accountable and transparent governance philosophy of Governor Oborevwori.”
He said the Exco also approved the remodelling of the Warri City Stadium, describing it as a bold step to ensure that legacy projects were not in short supply in the state.
He listed the approved projects to include construction of Uruagbesa Oria-Abraka Road, phase 1; construction of Egodo-Ogbeinbene Road, and the construction of Faculty B at the Southern Delta University, Orerokpe campus.
Others are the construction of Amai-Aragba road; construction of Inam-Abbi access road; construction of internal roads at Ugbolu Hilltop Government layout (Phase 1); the construction of Umuoshimi Road with spurs to Ogbe-Aku and market road in Onicha-Ugbo; the construction of Okerenkoko – Pepeama – Kokodiagbene road with a spur to Teiteipur in Warri South-West, and the construction of Benikrukru Township Roads (Phase II).
Also approved are the rehabilitation of Bomadi-Gbaregolor road, the construction of Okwetolor – Okobia – Aragba Road; the construction of Ogbe-Isogban Road in Abavo; Owa-Ewere Road in Owa-Oyibu; approval for upward review of Ayakoromo bridge; the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Okpanam Road from Post Office Junction to Catholic Church Roundabout to Okpanam Bypass Junction.
Equally approved are the construction of Iwride-Iyede internal roads (Phase 1); the construction of Ogbe-Ijoh/Aladja Road phase 2, and the construction of Okwighele – Amuokpokpor Road, among others.
Aniagwu said the Exco approved the presentation of staff of office to Obi Chukwunonso Justin Nwoko as the Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko Kingdom in Aniocha North Local Government Area, the appointment of Obi Ben Azubuike Kanegede as the Ogene of Ibedeni in Ndokwa East; and the appointment of Augustine Nzemeke Ezeaguna III, as Obi of Egbudu-Aka Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, commended Governor Oborevwori for the massive provision of 40 per cent mobilisation for all the approved projects.
He stated that no government in the state had shown more commitment to the sustained funding of projects than the Oborevwori administration.
Izeze added that Governor Oborevwori had cleared outstanding certificates owed contractors, including N8bn previously owed on the Trans-Warri Road and bridges, as well as putting the project on the Irrevocable Standing Payment Order, ISPO module.
He said additional storm drainage work was approved to take care of Koka Junction and Achalla-Ibusa area, in addition to what CCECC was doing around Winners’ Chapel on Ibusa Road.
Izeze disclosed that Exco also approved the upward review of Ayakoromo bridge with provision for ISPO, adding that review of the design of cloverleaf on Effurun Roundabout to ensure property owners around the area were not encumbered was also approved.
On his part, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, said Exco approved N1.6bn for the Contributory Health Scheme and a monthly release of N100m to ensure sustainability of the health coverage for Deltans.
He said Exco equally approved the establishment of a Specialist Hospital at Osubi with Public Laboratory and Psychiatric Clinic; total rehabilitation of General Hospital, Expan, and the completion of Library Building at Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, to ensure an increase in admission intake for the university. See less
News
New date revealed for Ramadan 2025, details emerge

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has announced that Ramadan 1446 AH (2025) will begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025, departing from the traditional practice of waiting for the official declaration by the Sultan of Sokoto, who is regarded as the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims.
In a communiqué issued by the Office of the Grand Mufti of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, the body stated that its decision was based on precise astronomical calculations and international Islamic conferences on lunar sighting.
The statement cited multiple resolutions from Islamic jurisprudential councils, astronomical experts, and international conferences held in Istanbul, Paris, and within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
According to these, the crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan will be visible after sunset on Friday, February 28, 2025, making March 1, 2025, the first day of fasting.
The communiqué referenced the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
“Fast when you see the crescent and break your fast when you see it.” (Agreed upon by scholars).
This announcement marks a significant shift from the long-standing practice in Nigeria, where the Sultan of Sokoto typically announces the start and end of Ramadan for the country’s Muslim community.
The move could further fuel discussions about religious autonomy among Yoruba Muslims, who have in the past expressed concerns about regional independence in religious affairs.
For instance, the Yoruba Nation Self-Determination Movement described the Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III’s recent call for the imposition of Sharia law in Yorubaland as “disrespectful”.
The secessionist group stated this in a statement, signed by its leader Professor Banji Akintoye, arguing that no Islamic provisions mandate Yoruba Muslims to accept the Sultan as their leader.
The statement also pointed out that the Sultan’s message alleges that Yoruba people are denying Yoruba Muslims their religious rights, which is described as “falsehood.”
As of now, there has been no official response from the Sultan of Sokoto or the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) regarding this independent declaration.
The statement reads: “The League also takes this opportunity to announce the possibility sighting of the crescent moon for the month of Ramadan in the year 1446 AH (2025 CE), in accordance with the resolutions of the first session of the Unified Hijri Calendar Committee held in Istanbul from 26-29 Dhul-Hijjah 1389 AH (November 27-30, 1978 CE).
“This is also based on the confirmation by the International Fiqh Council in its Resolution No. (18) during its third conference in 1986, as well as the outcomes of the scientific symposium held in Paris on 12-13 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1433 AH (February 4-5, 2012 CE), which was titled “The Beginning of Hijrah Months and the Hijrah Calendar.”
“This symposium was attended by eminent scholars and experts in jurisprudence and astronomy, and several jurisprudential and astronomical researches were presented.
“Precise astronomical calculations for the crescent moon of Ramadan 1446 AH confirm that the conjunction (Astronomical New Moon) will occur at 00:45 (12:45 AM) Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on Friday, February 28, 2025, corresponding to 29 Sha’ban 1446 AH, which is 01:45 (1:45 AM) local time in Nigeria.
“Consequently, the crescent moon will be visible after sunset on 29 Sha’ban 1446 AH equivalent of 28 February 2025 in various parts of the world, either with the naked eye or through telescopes and observation devices.
“Therefore, the first day of the blessed month of Ramadan 1446 AH will, Insha Allah, be Saturday, March 1, 2025, with the first Taraweeh prayer (Ashamu or Ashari) coming up on Friday night, February 28, 2025, Insha Allah.”
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Family marks one-year memorial of late APC Chieftain, Ojougboh with charity outreach

The family of the late chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, led by his wife, Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, marked his one-year memorial anniversary with a series of charitable initiatives aimed at honoring his legacy of philanthropy and service to society.
The memorial activities included the donation of school books and bags to pupils of Erigbe Primary School, in Agbor within the Ika South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education.
The outreach also included extension of financial assistance to patients at Central Hospital, Agbor, and the provision of toiletries, cash, and food items to children at the Salve Regina Children’s Home, Agbor.
The outreach was carried out under the ‘Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation’, a family-led initiative established to immortalise him and continue his lifelong commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare.
Speaking during the event which took place recently, Mrs. Ojougboh reaffirmed the family’s dedication to sustaining the ideals of the late APC chieftain, describing him as a man who strongly believed in education and giving back to society.
“We are here to celebrate the life of my husband, Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who passed on a year ago. In his honour, we decided to give back to society. He was a man who valued education and was always willing to help others. It is only fitting that we continue his legacy through acts of generosity,” she stated.
Honouring his passion for education
The first visit was to Erigbe Primary School, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education. The Foundation distributed school bags, writing materials, and food packs to the pupils. The family encouraged the pupils to take their education seriously and strive to become responsible citizens.
Supporting patients at Central Hospital, Agbor
At Central Hospital, Agbor, Mrs. Ojougboh and her entourage moved through the medical wards, offering financial support to patients to assist with their treatment costs. The hospital staff and beneficiaries responded with prayers and words of gratitude for the kind gesture.
Reaching out to orphaned children
The outreach team also visited Salve Regina Children’s Home in Agbor where they donated cash, food items, and toiletries to the children. The Matron of the home expressed her deep appreciation to the Ojougboh family, commending their commitment to sustaining the late politician’s legacy of compassion and social impact.
Dr. Cairo Ojougboh’s enduring legacy
Reflecting on her late husband’s contributions to society, Mrs. Ojougboh emphasised that his legacy of generosity and service to humanity would not be forgotten.
“Dr. Cairo was a selfless man who touched many lives. His contributions to the Nigerian political landscape, his mark in Agbor Kingdom, Delta State, and the country at large, will always be remembered. He may be gone, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations,” she said.
The Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation has pledged to continue supporting education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives in his memory, ensuring that his vision for a better society lives on.
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Afenifere chieftain Ayo Adebanjo dies at 96

Afenifere Chieftain Pa Ayo Adebanjo is dead.
He died on Friday morning at his Lekki residence in Lagos.
He was 96.
A statement by the family said he died peacefully.
It reads: “With a heart full of gratitude for a selfless life spent in the service of God, the nation and humanity, we announce the passing on of our beloved patriarch, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo.
“He died peacefully this morning, Friday, February 14, 2025 at his Lekki, Lagos Nigeria home at the age of 96.
“The foremost nationalist, elder statesman, distinguished lawyer, very distinct politician, apostle of true federalism, former organising secretary of Action Group and the national leader of Afenifere is survived by his 94 year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
“We will forever cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity and justice. His belief and struggle for a truly independent and progressive Nigeria was total and this he fought for until he breathed his last breath.
“The family is consulting with Papa’s friends, associates, numerous interest groups across the length and breadth of Nigeria and beyond, to fine tune plans for a befitting funeral details which will be communicated in due course.
“A condolence register is open at his residence in Lagos (8, Ayo Adebanjo Close, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos) and his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode Ogun State.”
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IPOB: ‘Don’t release Nnamdi Kanu’ – Northern Group reveals what will happen if…

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), has opposed the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from the Department of State Services (DSS) detention.
The Coalition condemned in the strongest terms, what it described as “the terrorist tendencies of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed terror outfit, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB),” while appearing in court.
A statement issued by Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, National Coordinator of CNG, said Kanu’s recent behaviour, including his brazen actions in the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday where he faces trial for calls for violence and anarchy, are deeply concerning and posed a serious threat to the peace and stability of Nigeria… Continue Reading.
According to Charanchi, “By insulting the prosecuting lawyer and demanding the judge to recuse himself from the case, Kanu has shown a lack of respect for the legal process and the professionalism that should be maintained in a court of law.
“His refusal to recognise the authority of the court and his inflammatory remarks about the judiciary being a “shrine to injustice” are clear acts of contempt and abuse of the legal system and an act of terror; offences that are by themselves punishable.
“Kanu’s contemptuous behaviour towards the Nigerian government and judiciary has not only undermined the rule of law but has also incited violence and division within the country.
The CNG, said it has been at the forefront of addressing the violent and extremist actions of the IPOB and their quest for a separate state of Biafra.
“The CNG has consistently warned against the dangers of allowing such movements to gain momentum and has called for a peaceful process for separation to prevent further bloodshed and anarchy in Nigeria.
“The Kaduna Declaration made by the CNG highlighted the need for the Igbo people to leave northern Nigeria and join their Biafran brethren in the East to pursue their dream of a separate nation.
“This declaration was a response to the violent and hateful rhetoric and actions of IPOB, which have targeted the state and other ethnic groups in Nigeria.
“The CNG has made several representations to the Nigerian government, the United Nations, and foreign diplomatic missions to draw attention to the escalating violence and threats posed by IPOB.
“The Coalition has called for international intervention to facilitate a peaceful separation and prevent the country from descending into another civil war.”
The CNG observed that Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, has been at the centre of a subversive campaign against the Nigerian State, adding that consequently, he was arrested on 14th October 2015 and charged to court for treasonable felony, among other crimes.
“He was granted bail by the Federal High Court, Abuja on 25th April 2017. He, however, breached the bail conditions and fled abroad.
“While in self-exile, Nnamdi Kanu intensified his subversive campaign, using online Radio Biafra to instigate violence and incite members of IPOB to commit violent attacks against civil and democratic institutions, particularly the security personnel, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and civilians mostly of Northern Nigerian extraction.
“He instigated the destruction of public and private properties across the country.
“As a result of these criminal activities, IPOB was proscribed and designated a terrorist organisation by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, in an order made on 20th September 2017.
“Despite the proscription of IPOB by the Federal Government, Nnamdi Kanu continued the subversive campaign, instigating and inciting broadcasts to direct members of the IPOB to launch attacks on the government.
“As a result of these broadcasts, members of IPOB attacked and killed more than 500 northerners living as minorities in the South East, security personnel and burnt down Police stations, correctional centres, INEC offices, bus terminals, the Palace of Oba of Lagos, Banks, hospitals, shopping malls, vehicles, assets owned by the President Tinubu amongst others.
“As a result of Kanu’s direct orders, 19 offices, 18 logistical vehicles, several election materials, equipment and ICT gadgets belonging to INEC were destroyed in Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo States. 164 police stations and formations, including the Police Headquarters in Owerri, Imo State, were attacked by IPOB/ESN members.
“Consequent upon the instigating directives of Nnamdi Kanu, members of IPOB/ESN carried out massive attacks on democratic institutions especially INEC Facilities with a view to hampering the democratic process in Nigeria.
The CNG, therefore, said demand for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu is not only unjust but also counter-productive to the efforts to restore peace and order in the country.
“It is imperative for the government to uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice is duly served in order to prevent further escalation of the crisis and to promote reconciliation and healing among the various ethnic groups in Nigeria,” the statement said.
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Akeredolu died because he didn’t listen to me – Widow, Betty

Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the former First Lady of Ondo State, stated that she would not have assumed the role of a widow had the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu heeded her counsel.
Betty shared this insight during a one-on-one interview with Olumide Akinrinlola, the Publisher of StarNews, which was published on Thursday.
After being diagnosed with breast cancer 27 years ago, the former First Lady of Ondo shared that choosing to seek medical treatment instead of depending on spiritual healers was a vital step in her recovery journey.
Her husband Akeredolu died from prostate cancer on December 23, 2023.
Betty noted that while Akeredolu was quite religious, she considered herself “wired differently” and felt no need to apologize for it.
Asked if she disapproved of prayers and rejected spiritual assistance during Akeredolu’s battle with cancer, she said: “What came out of their mountain climbing, ‘blessed’ handkerchiefs, water, olive oil, etc., from the GOs and all the noisy prayers like people possessed by demons?
“If Aketi had listened to me, I wouldn’t be a widow.”
On the state’s governance, Anyanwu-Akeredolu described her husband’s successor Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration as “rudderless”.
On the allegation that Aiyedatiwa’s finance commissioner was the one running the government, Betty Akeredolu said, “No comments.
“However, it’s worth noting that this same commissioner was sacked from her position during Aketi’s first administration.
“You can connect the dots as to why Lucky brought her back. We are watching.”
The former first lady confirmed she would be pursuing her senatorial ambition.
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