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 South East must align with centre to Maximize Renewed Hope Agenda – Kalu   Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called on the South East region to align with the federal government to fully benefit from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” Speaking at the unveiling of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) in Umuahia on Thursday, Kalu described the initiative as a strategic vehicle designed to translate national achievements into tangible regional development. The event drew political stakeholders, community leaders, and supporters from across the region. "As we approach the midpoint of President Tinubu’s tenure, the South East must align decisively with the centre," Kalu said. "Renewed Hope Partners is demonstrating our commitment by ensuring that national wins become local victories, and by delivering the South East for President Tinubu in 2027." The RHP, according to Kalu, will establish “Renewed Hope Councils” across ...

 Anambra 2025: YPP’s Paul Chukwuma Picks Ex-Obiano Aide Uzu Okagbue as Running Mate Young Progressive Party (YPP) governorship candidate, Sir Paul Chukwuma, has named former aide to ex-Governor Willie Obiano, Chief Uzu Okagbue, as his running mate for the November 8 Anambra election. Chukwuma unveiled Okagbue on Friday at the party’s state secretariat in Awka, describing him as a patriotic and capable partner aligned with his vision for the state. In his acceptance speech, Okagbue pledged to help deliver the party’s development agenda, citing his track record and commitment to good governance. Chukwuma, a former APC aspirant, defected to YPP following the party’s controversial primary process.

 Labour Party Faces Uncertainty as Defection Rumours Swirl Around Key Members The Labour Party (LP) is grappling with internal strife amid speculation that prominent figures, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, may defect. Sources reveal Otti is in advanced talks with the APC, reportedly demanding 2027 election ticket guarantees for himself and allied lawmakers. The APC is said to favour individual defection without wider concessions. Both Otti and LP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have distanced themselves from the Julius Abure-led leadership, backing a rival caretaker committee chaired by Senator Nenadi Usman. Otti, who allowed his supporters to contest the 2024 Abia LG elections under other platforms, insists he remains in LP—for now. The party awaits INEC’s stance on its leadership crisis, following a Supreme Court ruling expected to determine which faction is officially recognised.

 So-Safe Corps Nabs Suspect for Cable Theft at Ogun Stadium The Ogun State So-Safe Corps has arrested 24-year-old Aliyu Umaru for allegedly vandalising and stealing underground electrical cables at the Gateway International Stadium in Ilaro. State Commander Soji Ganzallo, in a statement on Friday, said the suspect was caught in the act during a patrol on April 23. Recovered items included stolen cables, a cutlass, and scissors. Umaru has been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

 Alaafin Reaffirms Dedication to Promoting Yoruba Culture Globally The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has reaffirmed his commitment to the global promotion of Yoruba heritage and traditions. He made the pledge on Friday while receiving executive members of the ‘Ọmọ Yorùbá Àtàtà Socio-cultural Initiative’ (ỌYÀSI) at his Boroboro Palace in Oyo town. Highlighting the uniqueness and richness of Yoruba culture, the monarch emphasized the importance of sharing it with the wider world. He also expressed readiness to collaborate with ỌYÀSI to enhance the preservation and promotion of Yoruba cultural values. Chairman of ỌYÀSI, Mr. Ọlawale Ajao, said the group aims to globally promote Yoruba culture and is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission. He revealed that one of their key projects is the proposed annual "World Head-dress Day," which seeks UNESCO’s recognition to celebrate traditional headwear globally. Ajao added that the initiative could unveil the symbolic sign...

 Two Die in Suspected Cholera Outbreak in Ebonyi as Residents Flee A suspected cholera outbreak has claimed two lives in the Okemini area of Ogbaga Road, Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, prompting panic and mass evacuation by residents. The victims, identified as "Uncle Light" and his son Miracle, were reportedly seen alive a day earlier. According to a local resident, cries for help were heard during the night, but assistance came too late. Officials from the state’s health ministry were alerted, and the deceased were eventually evacuated by the Kpirikpiri Police Division. Locals have called for immediate fumigation of the area, fearing further spread of the disease.

 Wike lists conditions for peace in Rivers The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said no amount of blackmail will bring peace to Rivers State. For peace to reign in the state, Wike said all critical stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly, must be involved with sincerity of purpose. He stated that the declaration of emergency rule averted calamities that would have occurred in the state. Wike, a former Governor of the state, stated this while speaking at a Thanksgiving service during the 70th birthday of a former federal lawmaker, Ken Chikere, in Port Harcourt, on Friday. The FCT minister said the myriad of protests in the state would not restore the suspended leaders. He berated the traditional rulers and other leaders who he claimed had taken sides in the state’s political crisis. Wike said the monarchs had not made any sincere effort to reconcile the feuding parties in the crisis. “One month after Mr President, in his wisdom, declared a...