Leader of the national ruling party in South South geopolitical zone in Nigeria, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has assured that APC will surely capture the remaining three states governed by the opposition, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Governor Otu emphasized that Cross River, which for years stood as the lone APC-governed state in the South-South, now proudly shares the progressive banner with Delta and Edo States.

Recall that yesterday the Vice President Shettima Kashim, national chairman of APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and Gov Otu formally received Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, into the APC family.

The three states ruled by PDP presently include Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers State, although now under emergency rule of a sole administrator for six months following suspension of Governor Sim Fubara.

Otu, who spoke on his return to Calabar, the Cross River capital, said: “An increasing number of South-South states under APC governance is a dream realized.”

Governor Otu noted that when the other three states are finally captured, it will set the stage for deeper regional collaboration, accelerated economic development, and greater political stability.

Otu, who is also the Vice Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, urged Governor Oborevwori, other political stalwarts, and their supporters who have now joined the APC to bring their wealth of experience and grassroots mobilization strength to bear in advancing the collective quest for a flourishing South-South and a renewed Nigeria.

Governor Otu assured that together in APC, “the six states shall chart a new course of greatness for the region and our nation.”

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has approved the appointment of 168 political aides in a bid to strengthen the machinery of government and enhance service delivery across the state.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the Governor’s Media Adviser, Mukhtar Gidado, explained that the appointments cover various roles, including Principal Special Assistants, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, and Personal Assistants.

According to the breakdown, five individuals were appointed as Principal Special Assistants on Political and Community Relations, with one designated for Pension Matters.

The list also includes one Senior Special Assistant on Labour Matters, 60 Special Assistants on Political and Community Relations, and 63 Personal Assistants in the same category.

Gidado stated that the move is part of the administration’s broader efforts to promote inclusion and reflect the diverse interests and aspirations of Bauchi residents.

He noted that most of the appointees are experienced former political officeholders at various levels, selected based on merit, political background, and leadership ability.

Governor Mohammed congratulated the new aides urging them to approach their duties with dedication, loyalty, and a commitment to people-oriented governance.

He expressed confidence that the appointments would help consolidate on existing achievements and drive sustainable development in the state.

A deadly attack on mourners in Kopl Village, located in Chibok Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State, has left at least seven people dead and many others with gunshot wounds.

The attack occurred at around 6 p.m. on Monday, when suspected Boko Haram terrorists ambushed a group of mourners who had gathered to offer final prayers for a loved one who passed away last week.

The assailants reportedly stormed the gathering, opening fire on the mourners, who were caught off guard in the midst of their solemn ceremony. Hon. Modu Mustapha, Chairman of the Chibok LGA, confirmed the attack and stated that those injured in the assault were evacuated to Mubi General Hospital in nearby Adamawa State for medical treatment.

While the initial death toll stands at seven, Mustapha warned that the number of casualties may rise as search-and-rescue operations continue. Local authorities are conducting a mass burial on Tuesday for those who perished in the attack.

This incident comes barely seven hours after another brutal assault on commuters along the Gamboru Ngala-Kala Balge Road. Dozens of motorists and passengers lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries when their vehicles were caught in an explosion triggered by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by suspected terrorists.

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Southern Borno Senatorial District, condemned the escalating violence in the region, calling the situation “pathetic and beyond human imagination.” He shared his grief over the loss of over ten vigilantes killed in an ambush between Hawul LGA of Borno and Garkida town in Adamawa State.

“The suffering of my people is unimaginable,” Ndume said. “In the last month alone, over 100 people have been killed in coordinated attacks across Sabon Gari, Izge, Kirawa, Pulka, Damboa, Chibok, Askira Uba, and numerous other communities. These attacks are relentless.”

Authorities have vowed to continue their efforts to combat the insurgents and bring an end to the terror that has gripped the northern part of Nigeria for years.