PDP affirms Jonathan as Presidential candidate in absentia issues Certificate in Return

Former Minister of Information, Jerry Gana, on Saturday accepted a Certificate of Return on behalf of former President Goodluck Jonathan at a convention organised by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja.

The certificate was presented by the PDP Interim National Working Committee headed by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, following the faction’s endorsement of Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The presentation took place before party leaders, delegates, former ministers, state officials and supporters who gathered at the convention venue in Area 10, Garki, Abuja.

Jonathan was not present at the event, with Gana receiving the certificate on his behalf.

The development further fuels speculation about the former president’s potential role in the opposition’s strategy ahead of the 2027 presidential election, as political parties continue consultations and realignments in preparation for the polls.

After receiving the certificate, Gana addressed party members and journalists at the venue, reaffirming the faction’s position following the convention.

President Tinubu told by Governor to increase minimum wage to 100000

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has called on President Bola Tinubu to approve an upward review of Nigeria’s national minimum wage from N70,000 to N100,000.

AbdulRazaq made the proposal on Friday during a meeting between the president and state governors held at Tinubu’s residence in Lagos.

The Kwara governor, who also serves as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), praised what he described as Tinubu’s “courage” in removing fuel subsidy, saying only a small fraction of political leaders could take such a decisive step.

According to him, state governments initially anticipated widespread protests and possible unrest following the policy decision.

“We were expecting serious riots, because there were riots — #EndBadGovernance riots — even before then and for lesser issues,” he said.

“We, well, lo and behold, we spent money and mobilised the security agencies to secure the states. Lo and behold, on that day, nothing happened. There was no riot and protest anywhere.”

AbdulRazaq said the outcome had surprised many stakeholders and demonstrated the impact of the policy, adding that state governments had since benefited from improved fiscal conditions.

“I think the nation was shocked by the audacity of Mr President to implement that serious policy. Today, we’ve benefited immensely from that policy,” he said.

He also noted that most states were now able to meet salary obligations without resorting to borrowing or bond issuance.

“In my own state, when we get the FAAC allocation, after paying salaries, we’re left with N100 or N200 million,” he said.

The governor further disclosed that many states were now paying above the national benchmark, with several implementing a minimum wage of about N100,000.

“I urge your excellency, let’s have a discussion on moving the minimum wage to a minimum of 100,000,” he said.

“We know we’ll get support from you as we go ahead to implement that.”

In June 2024, President Tinubu approved an increase in the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 after signing the amended minimum wage legislation into law. The law also provides for periodic reviews every three years.

The previous minimum wage of N30,000 was approved in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Suspect arrested over death of two Police operatives

The Osun State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Adegoke Tee in connection with a road accident that claimed the lives of two police officers in Ayedaade Local Government Area of the state.

The suspect was apprehended on Friday following a police manhunt launched after the fatal crash, which occurred on Wednesday in Oogi community.

The deceased officers, identified as Oluwatobiloba Odedina and Kehinde Adeleke, were said to be returning home from an official assignment when a Lexus vehicle allegedly struck them.

The collision reportedly killed both officers on the spot and drew a crowd of shocked residents to the scene.

Sources familiar with the incident told Daily Post that the driver allegedly fled immediately after the crash, abandoning the vehicle to escape possible attack from angry onlookers who had gathered at the accident scene.

Following the incident, police authorities commenced efforts to track down the suspect, leading to his eventual arrest two days later.

Confirming the development, The spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, also stated that the suspect is currently in police custody.