By Alexis Uchendu

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has addressed concerns raised by the Auditor-General of the Federation’s (AGF), audit report, clarifying that the alleged financial irregularities highlighted in the document occurred before the tenure of the current leadership.

The PAP confirmed that the infractions, including unauthorized withdrawals exceeding ₦6 billion and undocumented tuition payments, pertain to events from 2020 to 2021.

In a statement issued on Monday, Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, emphasized that these issues are unrelated to the present administration.

Dr. Otuaro, appointed in March 2024, has since prioritized financial accountability and operational reform within the organization.

The statement read: “Since his appointment, Dr. Otuaro has strictly adhered to extant rules and regulations governing financial transactions.

Under his leadership, the PAP office has implemented stringent financial controls and oversight mechanisms to promote transparency and accountability.”

Dr. Otuaro has also initiated a thorough review of the Programme’s operations,

By Gabriella Ogbu

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has downplayed concerns about his 2026 reelection bid, stating that his focus remains on delivering impactful governance rather than engaging in political distractions.

Speaking at the monthly Evening of Praise and Worship event held at Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji urged politicians to refrain from sending him anxiety-fueled messages about the upcoming election.

He emphasized that his political future is firmly in God’s hands.

“My belief in divine intervention gives me peace,” the governor said. “God, who secured my victory in 2022, will also take care of 2026. For now, let us concentrate on the work at hand and do it well.”

Addressing criticisms about his perceived lack of political maneuvering, Oyebanji stated that he remains unbothered by such remarks.

His priority, he insisted, is to ensure the progress and development of Ekiti State.

“Some say I am not political enough or that I don’t understand politics,” he noted. “Nothing will disrupt my peace because I serve the God of peace. Let us focus on governance and leave the rest to God.”

The governor reassured the people of Ekiti that he remains committed to fulfilling his campaign promises, stressing that the divine will ultimately guide his political journey.

By Faith Adama

Bayelsa State was thrown into turmoil following the midnight abduction of Charles Kurubo, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, from his Opolo Road residence near Saipem.

His wife, Mrs. Edith Thomas, has raised a desperate alarm, calling for swift intervention from authorities.

The harrowing incident occurred on November 19, 2024, as a convoy of about 15 vehicles stormed the residence, with armed men in police and civil defence uniforms firing gunshots to force compliance.

According to Mrs. Thomas, the assailants shattered the family’s sense of security, demanding her husband’s surrender before whisking him away.

“I watched helplessly as they dragged my husband out of our home. The invaders used their uniforms and weapons to intimidate us, leaving us shaken and terrified,” she tearfully recounted to reporters.

Mr. Kurubo, a former aide to Governor Douye Diri and Chairman of the Niger Delta Ex-agitators’ Leadership Forum, is a vocal critic of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), and the allocation of pipeline surveillance contracts to Tantita Security Company, led by ex-militant leader High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo.

The family’s search for answers has been met with silence. Both the Bayelsa State Police Command and the Department of State Security (DSS), have denied any involvement or custody of Mr. Kurubo, deepening fears about his safety.

Mrs. Thomas pleaded passionately for intervention from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, to locate her husband.

“We are living in fear and uncertainty. I beg the authorities to find my husband before it’s too late,” she implored.

The incident raises critical questions about security and the rule of law, especially given Mr. Kurubo’s outspoken stance on contentious regional issues.

As the family clings to hope, Bayelsa residents and political observers are watching closely for developments in this troubling case.