GRPolitics
Ekiti: State too broke to appoint political officers, Fayemi cries out


Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has explained why he has yet to appoint political office holders more than two months after being sworn-in.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that only the Secretary to Government (SSG), Chief of Staff (COS), Acting Head of Service (HOS), Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, as well as Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor, among few others had been appointed.
The state is yet to have a list of Commissioners and Special Advisers which the governor would have to send to the State House of Assembly for consideration and approval.
However, while addressing a news conference in Ado Ekiti on Monday, the governor attributed the sorry state of finances on ground on assuming office on Oct. 16 to the delay.
“I decided to delay appointment of politicians to government to enable me pay workers’ salaries.
“I don’t want to do media trial for anyone, so I have hired the services of a renowned audit firm to look into our finances, and the forensic state’s accounts will then be published during our 100 days in office in Jan. 2019,” he said.
The governor lamented how his predecessor, former Gov. Ayo Fayose, allegedly wasted N18b Paris Club Refund to Ekiti.
Fayemi expressed worries over how Fayose, who owed between four and eight months salary and pension arrears at the time he left office, could not defray the backlog of workers’ benefit with the refund.
The governor said he had not reneged on his commitment to offset all the outstanding salary and pension before marking his first year in office.
On the increasing wave of kidnapping and killings in the state, the governor disclosed that incentives was being given to security outfits in the state to ensure safety of lives and property.
He added that there was collaboration between the state and all security chiefs for a unique security architecture for residents to be safe and secured during the yuletide.
The governor debunked insinuation that the state collected a N11.5b Paris Club from the Federal Government, barely two months after his assumption of office.
“Let those making the allegation come with verifiable proofs to substantiate their claim. Let them come with evidence.
“I have not collected any money in the fashion of road intervention or Paris Club refund.
“Governor Fayose had the opportunity of paying the bulk of these backlogs of salaries and pensions.
“He collected the sum of N18b out of the N21.5b due to Ekiti in the refund, so what is left as balance for Ekiti to collect now is just N3.5b, which can’t pay a month if we add the overhead costs of subvention of institutions.
“As we speak, we are doing a lot of cleansing and that had reduced the monthly pay to workers to N2.1b.
“Those not properly employed had been left out until they provide evidence. The medical workers that were employed on consequential ground had been re-absorbed,’’ he said.
He said the state anti-grazing law signed into law by Fayose’s administration has not been suspended, adding that efforts would be made to control the rampaging herders in the state. (NAN)
GRPolitics
BREAKING: Obiora Obeagu Wins African 3G Summit Leadership Award for Outstanding Performance in Rural Healthcare, Infrastructure Development


The Executive Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Hon. Obiora Obeagu, has been named winner of the African Grassroots Good Governance (3G) Summit Leadership Award as Outstanding Local Government Chairman on Rural Healthcare and Infrastructure Development in Nigeria.
The announcement follows a rigorous nomination, screening, voting, and verification process aimed at identifying the most outstanding and best-performing local government chairmen and mayors across the continent.
The African 3G Summit Leadership Awards, organized by AfricanStride International Media Group (ASIMGROUP), is a premier continental roundtable and honours event focused on driving development and promoting excellence in grassroots governance across Africa.
Transformative Leadership in Isi-Uzo
Since assuming office, Hon. Obeagu has distinguished himself as a visionary leader committed to grassroots good governance and improving the quality of life for Isi-Uzo residents. His tenure has been marked by significant investments in:
- Rural Healthcare: Construction of the Isi-Uzo Clinic and other health initiatives.
- Infrastructure: Development of roads, culverts, and key link bridges; renovation of the Council Secretariat; and execution of power projects.
- Community Development: Launch of the Isi-Uzo Villa Estate, housing projects, and educational empowerment initiatives.
These interventions have driven growth, prosperity, and enhanced access to basic social amenities in the local government area.
Award Ceremony Set for Abuja
Hon. Obeagu will be formally presented with the prestigious award during the African 3G Summit Leadership Awards ceremony scheduled to hold on November 1, 2025, in Abuja.
The event will feature the unveiling of outstanding local and regional government leaders across Africa whose dedication to grassroots governance continues to inspire confidence in the continent’s democratic and political future.
GRPolitics
Tinubu Hails Winners of By-Elections in 12 States


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates all the winners of Saturday, August 16, by-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states.
The President commends the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the hitch-free elections, mostly devoid of violence.
Following the results declared by INEC, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in 12 constituencies, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won in two, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in one, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) won in one.
President Tinubu congratulates the new APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, for the emphatic first victory recorded under his leadership.
He also congratulates the APC governors and other leaders on the success of the by-elections.
“Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda has shown leadership capacity and demonstrated what is achievable when popular candidates are fielded and with unity of purpose among party leaders,” the President remarks.
“To all APC faithful and the electorate, thank you for the confidence reposed in our party. Be assured that our Renewed Hope slogan is not a mere slogan. Our destination is a better, more secure and prosperous Nigeria. We shall take you there, by the Grace of God,” he said.
President Tinubu commends all the political parties and candidates who participated in the election and enjoins them to continue to be guided by the spirit of sportsmanship, fair contest and magnanimity, which are enablers of enduring democracy.


The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has restated the Federal Government’s firm commitment to the rapid socio-economic development of Ebonyi State and the entire South-East geo-political zone.
Speaking in Abakaliki on Friday night at a Citizens’ Engagement Forum organised by his Ministry, the Minister said: “The commitment of Mr. President to the socio-economic development of Ebonyi State and the entire South-East is unwavering. He is right on track to transform and move the region forward, as promised when he came here to campaign in November 2022.”
The Minister explained that the Citizens’ Engagement Forum is not a mere talk shop but a direct platform to present government’s scorecard, give account of stewardship, and take feedback from Nigerians.
“This is consistent with the mission of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to reenact trust in public communication by deepening the social contract between government and citizens, and restoring public confidence in governance.”
Highlighting major achievements of the Tinubu administration, Idris noted that subsidy removal and other bold reforms have doubled allocations to states and local governments, fueling an “unprecedented explosion of infrastructure projects across most states of the country.”
The Minister said “the Port Harcourt-Aba railway project has been completed, delivered, and is in operation,” while the Federal Executive Council has approved “the allocation of $3 billion for the completion of the 2,044km Eastern Rail Line, projected to unlock N50 billion for the region in annual trade.”
In addition, “$508 million has been earmarked for the upgrade and modernization of Eastern Port infrastructure,” while “118.85km of the Ebonyi section of the Calabar-Abuja Super Highway has been inaugurated.”
On healthcare, the Minister disclosed that “the Federal Government, in April 2025, flagged off the Cancer Centre of Excellence at the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu,” adding that a “world-class Oncology Centre at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Nsukka” has also been commissioned.
To support small businesses, Idris stated: “The Federal Government, through the Bank of Industry, injected about N200 billion into nano, micro, and small businesses, benefitting over 900,000 business owners.”
He further announced that the newly established South-East Development Commission has “hit the ground running in its pursuit to build a $200 billion economy for the region by 2035,” while the South-East Investment Corporation, with a capital base of N150 billion, will drive industrialization and inclusive growth.
On security, the Minister assured citizens that the Federal Government is winning the war against insurgents and secessionist elements. “We have recorded great success in making the South East safe and rendering the sit-at-home orders by secessionists ineffective,” he stressed.
Idris commended Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State for his development strides, especially in forging synergy with the Federal Government to deliver impactful projects for the people of the state.
“His success across all sectors of the state is a testament to what is possible when state and federal governments work in synergy to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.”
The Minister reiterated President Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy, bridging the infrastructure gap, promoting food security, improving the living conditions of the masses and bequeathing a prosperous nation to future generations. “Indeed, we are not resting on our oars,” he affirmed.
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