By Henry Umoru & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA —The Senate yesterday raised alarm over what some senators described as selective implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s order on withdrawal of police orderlies from Very Important Persons, VIPs, to complement efforts to tackle the high level insecurity in the country.

The senators complained that while their orderlies had been withdrawn, several VIPs still enjoyed the services of police orderlies.

Their complaint came on a day President Tinubu ordered total compliance with his earlier directive withdrawing all policemen attached to Very Important Personalities, VIPs, across the country.

The President also directed the Minister of Interior, Inspector-General of Police, IGP, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, to ensure immediate replacement of police officers on special security duties not to leave people exposed.

Angered over the selective the enforcement, even when the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, vowed to arrest any officer found with a VIP in violation of the directive, the senators are demanding that it be done across board in the spirit of fairness and equity.

While alleging that sons and daughters of political office-holders still have police orderlies and enjoy security cover, the senators sought exemption from the enforcement to avoid being used as scapegoats .
The complaints expressed about the implementation in Senate yesterday came on the strength of a motion raised by Senator Abdul Ningi.

Senator Ningi, who moved the motion through a point of order, informed the Senate that the only police orderly he had was withdrawn in the early hours of yesterday, while some other VIPs in the country are still enjoying the privilege.

Ningi, who demanded that enforcement should be done across board in the spirit of fairness and equity, said: “It should be done across the board. Let’s see what happens from the office of the President, to the Vice President, to the Senate President, to the Speaker of the House, to the ministers.

“I saw two convoys of ministers and they were carrying lots of security personnel. Mr. President, I have also seen business concerns, Chinese and other business concerns with their complements of orderlies.
“Mr. President, I have also seen daughters and sons of political office-holders having orderlies and having security covers.

“Mr. President, I have seen singers having orderlies and complementary protection. I cannot ever imagine that a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who has been here for a very long time will have his only one orderly withdrawn.

“I can take care of myself but let it be done across the board. Let me not see governors, ministers, and business tycoons, being escorted by security personnel.

NASS shouldn’t be used as scapegoats

“This matter should be addressed with all seriousness it deserved. I, therefore, call on the President of the Senate to ask the Chairman of Committee on Police Affairs to investigate why the directive is seemingly being implemented selectively. The National Assembly should not be used as a scapegoat.”

In his brief remarks , the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau JibrIn who presided over the session, said the issue raised by Ningi was extensively deliberated upon by the leadership of the Senate on Tuesday.

He specifically informed the senator and other affected senators that efforts were being made to convince the Presidency to exempt members of the National Assembly from orderly withdrawal implementation.

Jibrin said: “I want to assure you that the issue raised to protect you is taken seriously, and that at the leadership side yesterday (Tuesday), we agreed that the course of action should be undertaken in order to restore your police orderly to you, because it’s in line with international practice.

“I’m sure we have a listening President. He will listen to us, and by the grace of God, he will save us from that order, which was given in good faith.”

Tinubu orders comprehensive enforcement of police withdrawal from VIPs

Meanwhile, President Tinubu yesterday ordered total compliance with his earlier directive withdrawing all policemen attached to Very Important Personalities, VIPs, across the country.

The President also directed the Minister of Interior, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, to ensure immediate replacement of police officers, who are on special security duties in order not to leave people exposed.

Tinubu, who gave the directives in his remarks before commencement of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting at the Council Chambers, Presidential Villa, Abuja, said in the wake of kidnapping and terrorism, the country needs to utilise all the forces to protect the citizens.

Recall that amid worsening security situation in the country, with the recent kidnappings of students in Kebbi and Niger states, the President had directed that police officers with VIPs should be withdrawn and also approved recruitment of additional 20,000 police officers.

Speaking at the council chambers, the President also told the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, to liaise with state governments, through the National Economic Council, NEC, on grazing reserves that could be salvaged or rehabilitated into ranches and livestock settlements.

Tinubu said he was serious with his orders on the withdrawal of police from VIPs and that it must effective, adding that anyone who needs the services of police should take permission from the IGP who, in turn, should take permission from him.

He said: “I told the IGP and I hope the Minister of Police Affairs is here, if you have any problem of security because of the nature of assignment, please contact the IGP and get my clearance.

“The Minister of Interior should liaise with IGP and Civil Defence structure to replace those police officers who are on special security duties, so that you don’t leave people exposed.

“NSA and DSS to provide further information and form themselves the committee and review the structure.
“It should be effected. We face challenges of kidnapping and terrorism; we need all the forces we can utilise.

“I know some of our people are exposed and I understand that we have to make exceptional provision for them and the Civil Defence are equally armed and I want NSA to ensure our forest guards are armed too, so take it very seriously.

“On livestock reform, I think the vice president should get NEC, first of all, to see which village or grazing reserves that can be salvaged or rehabilitated into ranches, livestock settlements.

“We must eliminate the possibility of conflicts and turn livestock reform into economically viable development. The opportunity is there, let’s utilise it.

“Let’s exercise the constitutional requirement which states that land belong to states. Whichever one they can salvage, convert to livestock village, let us stop this conflict area and turn it to economic opportunities and prosperity.”

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• Transport union members decry move

To mitigate the effect of petrol subsidy removal on the transport sector, the Ogun State Government said it has concluded plans with the Federal Government to replace existing parks and garages in the state with modern terminals for easy movement of goods and services across the 20 council areas.
 
Commissioner for Transport, Gbenga Dairo, in a chat at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said the initiative was part of the Federal Government’s plan to pick the state for the construction of modern terminals to change the face of transportation structure in the state.
 
Dairo stated that the modern terminals would feature state-of-the-art facilities, including a petrol and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station, warehouses, parking spaces, administrative offices, passengers’ amenities, security as well as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) features, among others, to meet the modern-day transportation system and generate employment opportunities, especially for operators in the existing parks and garages.
 
He mentioned Kuto and Panseke as part of the parks and garages that would be turned to modern terminals, stressing that the state government’s plan to move the existing parks and garages to a new site would attract investors and businesses as well as improved transportation system in the state for residents to enjoy.
 
The commissioner said: “Our focus is to consolidate terminals in major cities, especially in Abeokuta, and we are working together with the Federal Government to build a new multinational and multi-dimensional modern terminal in Abeokuta. I hope all the various parks and garages that are congested in the state capital, Abeokuta, will be relocated to a new site for a better transportation system. Part of the parks and garages where the terminal will be situated is Kuta, Panseke and others.”
 
Meanwhile, Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Kuto Branch, Abeokuta, Oluyinka Oluseye, called on the state government to demolish houses within the Kuto Parks and Garages to enlarge the place and accommodate the proposed modern terminals.
 
Oluseye appealed to the state government to also create a small portion from the extension for market women and transport union to operate from the existing parks and garages beside the modern one, stressing that moving the parks and garages to a new site would affect the union’s transport business.
 
He said: “It is a welcome development from the government angle to create modern terminals, but trying to move the existing park and garage in Kuto to another site would be difficult and would affect our transport operations and the business of the market women.

“What I think the government should do is break down structures to enlarge the Kuto Park and Garage for the construction of the modern terminals and create a small place for us and the market where women do businesses.”
 
Also, a leader of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) at anonymity, appealed to the state government to create a small portion of land for the union to operate their transport business instead relocating them to a new site.
 
The source said although the union could not oppose any government policy on transportation system, it urged the government to consider the plight of stakeholders, including members of the union, shops and small business owners at the park and garages would undergo in the course of relocating to the new site.
 
He lamented that the union would lose a number of passengers who board inter-state buses at Panseke Park and Garage, should the government relocate the part, adding that even small business owners would lose their customers and would take time for them to get new ones at the relocated site.
 
“When you look at Panseke Park and Garage, you will see that  the space is not enough for the state government to use for the proposed modern terminal. Even the Shop Complex is not big enough. But you know if the government wants to do something, we can’t stop. We can only beg them as a transport union to give us small space to operate because relocation of the park and garage will be stressful and cause a setback to our transport business. Not only members of the union will be affected, even those who have shops at the complex and those who display their wares around the park and garage,” he added.

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The Federal Government has raised serious concern over the growing link between kidnapping and terrorist financing across the country.

Officials say kidnapping, which many once viewed as a random criminal act, has now grown into a major financial engine for violent groups operating in Nigeria.

This warning was issued on Wednesday in Abuja during a Stakeholders Workshop organised for the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell.

The National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, explained that kidnapping has now become one of the most reliable revenue channels for criminal and extremist groups.

He stated that ransom payments have empowered these networks to purchase arms, strengthen their logistics, and sustain coordinated attacks across several regions.

According to him, “As we are all aware, Nigeria continues to grapple with a broad spectrum of security challenges driven by terrorism, banditry, separatist violence, and farmer-herder clashes. A common trend across these threats is the pervasive use of kidnapping.”

Maj. Gen. Laka noted that what used to be a crime of opportunity has now transformed into a sophisticated and lucrative enterprise.

He added that this shift has allowed criminal groups to deepen their influence in rural and semi-urban areas, with some gaining enough resources to challenge state authority.

“What was once an opportunistic crime has become a persistent and destabilising enterprise, enabling these groups to procure logistics, perpetuate terror, and, in some cases, exert territorial control,” he said.

Laka explained that concerns over worsening kidnapping cases prompted Nigeria and the United Kingdom to jointly establish the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell housed at the NCTC.

The centre, inaugurated by the National Security Adviser on 19 December 2024, was created to improve intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and rapid response across security agencies.

He highlighted that since it began operations, the Cell has brought together the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement units to track syndicates, disrupt planned abductions, and rescue victims.

He said analysts working within the Cell have successfully produced intelligence that led to arrests, dismantling of kidnap networks, and recovery of hostages in multiple states.

To improve its reach, the NCTC also conducted a nationwide expansion programme in July 2025, involving Anti-Kidnap Commanders of the Nigeria Police Force and operatives of the Department of State Services from all 36 states and the FCT.

However, despite the recorded gains, Laka stressed that the current security environment requires wider collaboration.

He said the anti-kidnap framework can only be fully effective when supported by media organisations, telecom operators, and social media platforms.

Laka urged participants at the workshop to develop practical solutions that can boost rescues, weaken kidnapping rings, and enhance early-warning systems for communities.

He also emphasised the need for constant synergy with the Fusion Cell to support ongoing operations across the country.

Also speaking, the Acting High Commissioner of the British High Commission, Gill Lever, commended the progress recorded by the centre.

She said the UK government is impressed with the impact of the Fusion Cell and remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and kidnapping.

Head of the UK’s National Crime Agency, Chris Gibson, also stressed the need for strong cooperation among all agencies.

He advised Nigerians to continue backing the government’s counter-kidnap initiatives, reminding citizens that “anti-kidnapping is a responsibility of every citizen.”

Kidnapping remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing security threats, with criminal groups increasingly relying on ransom payments to sustain their operations.

The government is banking on stronger intelligence fusion, international partnerships, and a multi-layered response system to curb the menace.

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Stories by Agnes Ekebuike

Citing UNESCO’s report on Transforming Learning and Skills Development, which explains that delivering education well is not only a fundamental human right, it is also a critical ingredient of building solid foundations for the future, Microsoft has reiterated the need for quality education for African children.

Explaining how technology can enhance learning, Microsoft narrated how a group of entrepreneurs started Afrilearn International Limited in 2020, after witnessing how young Africans were held back by a lack of access to quality education.

According to Microsoft, their goal was simple, but ambitious: to democratise access to quality education across Africa using a mobile-first solution. 

“The company started with ClassNotes.ng, which quickly became the #1 education platform in Nigeria, empowering students with curriculum-based class notes. By July 2022, Afrilearn had reached 1 million learners across Nigeria and Africa, a major step in delivering quality education to undeserved communities,” Microsoft said in a statement.

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By Chioma Obinna

The Youth Coalition for Education in Nigeria, YOCEN, has honoured the Principal Manager of Marketing and the Head of Hospital and Institutional Business at Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, Pharm. Judith Ngozi Udeh with the 2025 Transformative Leadership Awar: “Amazon of the Societal Development in Nigeria”.
The award, which recognises her outstanding contributions to nation-building, healthcare education, and youth mentorship was presented at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, during the YOCEN Leadership Conference & Impact Award of Commendation.
The Head of Mission and Secretary-General of YOCEN, Engr. Yakubu Nurudeen Yahaya, described the accolade as a celebration of individuals whose dedication to societal development serves as a model for young Nigerians.
“Pharm. Udeh’s advocacy for empathy among healthcare professionals, innovative teaching methods, and community-driven initiatives exemplifies the transformative leadership we seek to inspire. Her work demonstrates how professional excellence can be a powerful vehicle for societal impact,” he said.
The conference also featured a keynote address delivered on behalf of Dr. Stanley Jacob, President of the Fintech Association of Nigeria (FintechNGR), on the critical role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in vocational education.
The keynote stressed that Nigeria must integrate emerging technologies into the educational system to prepare its youth for a rapidly evolving global workforce. “Every day that passes without meaningful AI and digital literacy integration is a lost opportunity for our youth to compete and innovate,” the keynote noted.
Responding, Udeh expressed deep appreciation to YOCEN for valuing her contributions to education, mentorship, and nation-building. She encouraged the organization and its volunteers to remain steadfast, noting that while every planting season comes with challenges, the harvest justifies the effort.
She emphasized that today’s initiatives in mentorship, education, and technological advocacy will ultimately produce a generation of Nigerians who are globally competitive, innovative, and transformative.
Udeh called on government and policymakers to prioritize the integration of ICT and AI into the national curriculum, stressing that while Nigerian youths are hardworking, the emerging era demands smart work enhanced by digital literacy and AI proficiency.
She pledged to collaborate with YOCEN to amplify this message, advocating for AI not as a threat but as a tool to strengthen Nigeria’s resilience, creativity, and capacity for nation-building.
The award also acknowledges her long-standing work in advancing access to essential medicines, healthcare education, scholarships, community development, and advocacy for sustainable national development. YOCEN described her achievements as a benchmark for leadership that bridges professional excellence with social responsibility.
The conference brought together educators, youth leaders, industry professionals, and policymakers, highlighting the collective mission of fostering quality education, technological literacy, and youth empowerment across Nigeria. Pharm. Udeh’s recognition underscores the enduring impact of leadership that inspires, equips, and transforms the next generation to build a smarter, more prosperous Nigeria.

The post From medicines to mentorship: Pharm. Udeh bags YOCEN 2025 Transformative Leadership Award appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) has commended the wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oluremi Tinubu, on her various Renewed Hope Agenda projects across the country, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement signed by the National President, Arewa Youth Forum, Ahmed Mohammed Zagi, made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Wednesday.

“The AYF, a non-partisan youth organisation dedicated to promoting the socio-economic development of Northern Nigeria, has been closely following the activities of Her Excellency and is extremely impressed by her commitment to empowering women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

“It is on record that Her Excellency’s Renewed Hope Agenda has initiated several remarkable projects, including, empowerment of women and girls. Through various initiatives, Her Excellency has demonstrated her commitment to empowering women and girls, promoting their education, and providing them with economic opportunities.

“For example, her organisation has established vocational training centres for women in Kano and Kaduna states, where they can acquire skills in areas such as tailoring, catering, and hairdressing.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda has also focused on youth development, providing training, mentorship, and economic opportunities for young people across the country.

“For instance, her organisation has launched a youth entrepreneurship program in Lagos and Abuja, which provides young people with seed funding and mentorship to start their own businesses.

“Healthcare and social welfare: Her Excellency’s initiatives have also addressed healthcare and social welfare issues, providing support to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, people living with disabilities, and orphans.

“For example, her organisation has established a free medical outreach program in Borno and Yobe states, which provides medical care to people affected by the insurgency,” the statement said.

The AYF added that it is particularly impressed by Her Excellency’s focus on Northern Nigeria, where her initiatives have made a significant impact.

“Her commitment to empowering women and youth in the region is commendable, and her efforts to address healthcare and social welfare issues are laudable.

“For example, her organisation has established a program to provide education and economic opportunities to out-of-school girls in Northern Nigeria, which has already benefited over 1,000 girls in the region,” it printed out.

The AYF therefore, commended Her Excellency for her tireless efforts to promote the socio-economic development of Nigeria, particularly Northern Nigeria, while using the opportunity to congratulate her for the several Honours bestowed on her recently.

“We appreciate her commitment to empowering women, youth, and vulnerable groups, and we believe that her initiatives will have a lasting impact on the lives of many Nigerians.

“The AYF is willing to support and collaborate with Her Excellency on her Renewed Hope Agenda projects, particularly in Northern Nigeria. We believe that our shared goals and objectives will enable us to make a more significant impact in the lives of young people and vulnerable groups in the region,” it assured.

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…As Construction gulps N49. 7b

The Ekiti Cargo airport, on Wednesday, December 10, begins commercial flights, New Telegraph reports.

This comes as the maiden commercial flight anchored by the United Nigeria Airlines’ UN 0622, landed at Ado-Ekiti from Abuja at exactly 11:00 a.m.

The flight was received by the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, former governor Segun Oni, members of the State Executive Council and other dignitaries.

The aircraft’s passenger list included prominent Ekiti leaders, such as the Permanent Secretary of the Aviation Ministry, Yakub Adam, former Governors Adeniyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose and Kayode Fayemi, as well as the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele.

A second flight, UN 0623, departed for Lagos at 12:13 p.m., marking the full commencement of scheduled services.

In his remarks, Gov Biodun Oyebanji disclosed that the state had invested N49.7 billion in the construction and development of the cargo airport, describing it “as one of Ekiti’s most significant infrastructure undertakings.”

He noted that “between May 2019 and October 2022, under then, Gov Kayode Fayemi, about N14 billion was spent on compensation, site preparation, runway construction, terminal building, access roads, perimeter fencing and other foundational works.”

Gov Oyebanji emphasised that” the success of the project was made possible by the collective efforts of past leaders” who, he said, “shared a genuine commitment to the progress of Ekiti State.” He also acknowledged the role of Afe Babalola, whose financial contributions helped accelerate the airport’s completion and readiness for full operations.

The governor expressed confidence that the new airport would position the state as a key player in agro-logistics, aviation and regional commerce, opening up vast opportunities for investment and development across Ekiti and beyond.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also described the Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport as “a shining symbol of Nigeria’s aviation development,” noting that “its take-off into commercial operations marks a new chapter for the industry.”

Keyamo, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Yakubu Adam, said the commencement of flights at the facility is a historic milestone for Ekiti and the nation at large.

He added that the airport reflects “the beauty and promise of Ekiti,” as well as the Federal Government’s renewed hope agenda under President Bola Tinubu.

According to him, “the project demonstrates the administration’s commitment to job creation and sustainable economic growth, especially for states seeking to diversify their economies through aviation and agro-logistics.”

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who led the federal delegation of lawmakers from the state to the event, lauded Gov Oyebanji for uniting past governors toward the common goal of Ekiti’s development, adding that “the airport would catalyse new opportunities across the state and strengthen its economic prospects.”

Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, also commended Oyebanji for his perseverance in ensuring the airport’s operational readiness.

Babalola, who was represented by the ABUAD Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, reaffirmed his commitment to the state and advocated for “the establishment of a railway line from Osogbo to Ado-Ekiti and onward to Onitsha to enhance safer and more affordable transportation of goods and passengers.”

Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, appreciated the state government for creating a conducive environment for airlines to operate.

He assured residents of “the airline’s unwavering commitment to safety” and announced that “more routes would soon be added to broaden connectivity.”

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Former Anambra State governor and immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has been arrested in Abuja and is currently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The development was confirmed on Wednesday night in a statement signed by his former media aide, Fred Chukwulobe, and obtained by Akelicious. Chukwulobe dismissed viral rumours suggesting that Ngige had been k+dnapped.

He stated, “Former Governor of Anambra State and immediate past minister of labour and employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, is with the EFCC. More details later.”

Ngige made headlines recently after armed men attacked his convoy in Anambra State, although he was not inside the vehicle at the time of the incident

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A former Anambra State governor and Labour Minister, Dr. Chris Ngige, has reportedly been arrested in Abuja.

The former governor was arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This was confirmed in a statement on Wednesday night and signed by his former media aide, Fred Chukwulobe.

He dismissed rumours that the former Minister, who served in the Muhammadu Buhari administration, was kidnapped by unknown gunmen.

He said, “Former Governor of Anambra State and immediate past minister of labour and employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, is with the EFCC. More details later.”

Recall that Ngige was recently in the news after his convoy was attacked by armed men in Anambra State. He was not present in the vehicle at the time of the attack

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The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, said the party is on a mission to reclaim Nigeria from the All Progressives Congress (APC) led Federal Government.

Turaki, who was addressing the Forum of PDP State Chairmen, regretted that instead of moving the country forward since 2015 when it took over, the APC “is taking us retrogressively.”

“Nigerians are living witnesses that the achievements, the progress that had been made in the 16 years of PDP’s glorious years have either been destroyed, or shattered, or reversed.

“And that is why today, whenever Nigerians speak, they beg, they plead: ‘if you can’t take us anywhere further, please take us back to where we were in 2015.’”

He, however, assured Nigerians “that we have listened to you. We are not taking you back to 2015 when we left. We will take over power by the special grace of God in 2027.

“And thereafter, we will begin the journey to taking Nigeria and Nigerians to the promised land. It’s possible, it’s doable, we’ve done it before, and we’re going to do it again.”

Turaki told the state chairmen that the meeting was not just for housekeeping, but an opportunity to interface with them and to get a first-hand report of the state of the party in their various states.

The National Chairman stated that the success of the new National Working Committee (NWC) is contingent upon the amount of understanding and support it gets from the Forum of State Chairmen.

“And that is why, very early in the day, we’ve invited you to discuss with you, not only to discuss the handover note by the immediate past leadership of this party, but to lay before you our programme of action and then seek your guidance, seek your views, seek your comments, even your criticisms, because you are the ones that are in the field.

“You stand in a better position to advise us, to guide us on what the expectations of Nigerians are from us; you are in a better position to advise us what the feelings and thinking of Nigerians, especially members of our party, are,” he stated.

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