Politics
Citizens Engagement: Jigawa Govt dismisses opposition parties concerns
The Jigawa State government has responded to recent criticisms by opposition parties regarding its Citizens’ Engagement Programme, designed to foster direct communication between the government and its people.
Speaking during an interview with journalists at the Citizens’ Engagement Programme held in Birniwa Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Sagir Musa Ahmed, addressed the concerns raised by the opposition.
Governor Umar Namadi launched the initiative, locally known as “Gwamnati da Jama’a”, to provide residents across the 27 local government areas an opportunity to voice their needs and grievances directly to government officials.
The programme also allows the government to share information on its ongoing projects and initiatives aimed at improving citizens’ lives.
However, opposition parties, including the NNPP and PDP, have criticized the initiative.
They argued that the programme has deviated from its intended purpose and that citizens, regardless of political affiliation, are not being given adequate opportunity to express their views.
In response, Sagir said the state government is not seeking validation from opposition parties but is focused on addressing the genuine needs and aspirations of the people.
“The government isn’t expecting praises from the opposition. What matters most to us is meeting the expectations of our citizens,” he stated.
He explained that the programme ensures broad representation, including delegates from every political ward, civil society organizations, NURTW, NATO, farmers’ groups, and other development associations within each local government.
“I don’t think it’s necessary to dwell on what the oppositions are saying. In anything you do, there will always be critics. But what’s important is that, for the first time in Jigawa’s history, the Governor, along with members of the executive, judiciary, and legislature, are coming together to engage directly with the people and seek their input,” he added.
Sagir further emphasized that the government is committed to serving the people of Jigawa State.
“We are focused on the good people of the state, and we’re pleased to see that they are happy and satisfied with what the government is doing. Everyone is entitled to their opinion — this is a democracy.”
Politics
Breaking: Diri Orders Autopsy on Bayelsa Deputy Governor’s Death, Warns Against Politicisation
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death of the state’s Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Governor Diri gave the directive on Saturday while receiving former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Government House in Yenagoa.
Reacting to the incident, the governor condemned what he described as widespread misinformation and speculation on social media, warning against any attempt to politicise the deputy governor’s death.
“I want to make an appeal. I have seen people politicise his death. In Ijaw land, there is no enmity in death. Let nobody politicise the passing of our dearly beloved deputy governor,” Diri said.
“If anyone truly loves him, this is the time to show it. I have directed that an autopsy be carried out to reveal the cause of his death. There is a lot of nonsense going on on social media.”
The governor further urged the public to focus on mourning and honouring the late deputy governor, noting that the state government had declared three working days of mourning in his honour.
“If anyone is issuing statements to eulogise him, let it end there. Let us mourn him because Bayelsa State is in a mourning mood,” he added.
Governor Diri also called for unity and love among the people, reminding them of the inevitability of death.
Speaking during the condolence visit, former President Goodluck Jonathan described the late Ewhrudjakpo as a committed and dedicated individual who played a key role in the activities of his foundation.
“For me, he was someone my foundation and I will never forget. He represented the governor in all our programs,” Jonathan said, adding that Ewhrudjakpo worked tirelessly in that role, even more than when he served as deputy governor.
The founder of Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, has said he will never take part in partisan politics, not for even billions of naira.
He stated that no amount of money, including “$1 billion,” (1.4 Trillion naira) would make him join politics.
Oyedepo made this known during an impartation service at Shiloh 2025 held at the church’s headquarters in Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State.
He explained that partisan politics is not part of his life’s calling and that is why he has chosen to stay away from it.
In his words: “In 2015, I warned the church that trouble was coming. Didn’t trouble come?
“Partisan politics is off my calling. If you give me $1 billion to join politics, I won’t, because it is off my course.”
The bishop also said the world is in urgent need of God’s intervention because of the times we are living in.
According to him, believers are being trained as an end-time army to bring solutions to national and global problems, similar to what biblical figures like Joseph and Daniel did.
President Bola Tinubu congratulates Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on his birthday, December 13.
President Tinubu celebrates with the Minister and former governor of Rivers State, giving thanks to God Almighty for enriching him with a life defined by purpose, service, and courage.
The President describes Chief Wike as an audacious top performer who defies obstacles and delivers results.
President Tinubu acknowledges the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory through infrastructure expansion, highlighting the Minister’s recent intervention that broke the 14-year logjam in the construction of the Apo-Karshi road.
The President commends Chief Wike for his resilience, can-do attitude, and commitment to excellence in all assignments.
President Tinubu thanks the Minister for his consistent efforts in delivering results and wishes him a happy birthday and strength to further his good work in the FCT.
“Nyesom Wike has been one of the shining stars in the cabinet, an exceptional performer, developing infrastructure in the Federal capital as never seen before and proving that his moniker as ‘Mr Project’ is not limited to his home state of Rivers.
“I commend him for being one of the champions of our Renewed Hope Agenda, even though he belongs to another party and wish him well as he marks another year in his life journey”.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
December 13, 2025
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