Our votes are for President Tinubu says Enugu State Gov ahead of 2027

The Enugu East Senatorial Zone on Saturday declared support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Peter Mbah in the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was made during the Enugu East Senatorial Zone solidarity rally tagged “Ofu Obi Rally for Tinubu and Mbah”, held at the Okpara Square, Enugu.

The zone, comprising Enugu East, Enugu North, Enugu South, Isi-Uzo, Nkanu East and Nkanu West Local Government Areas, also donated N300 million to support Mbah’s re-election.

The motion adopting Tinubu as the preferred presidential candidate for a second term was moved by the senator representing Enugu East Senatorial District, Sen. Kelvin Chukwu, and seconded by Mr Nnolim Nnaji, member representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency.

Similarly, the motion endorsing Mbah for a second term was moved by Mr Iloabuchi Aniagu, member representing Nkanu West State Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, and seconded by Mr Anthony Mbah, member representing Nkanu East State Constituency.

Speaking at the rally, former Senate President, Sen. Ken Nnamani, described Mbah as a visionary leader with a strong capacity for implementation.

Nnamani said transformative leadership and investment in education were critical to development, citing China’s rise as an example of how visionary governance could change the fortunes of a people.

He commended Mbah’s Smart Green Schools initiative and urged residents to support the governor’s development agenda.

According to him, Mbah has demonstrated the qualities of a leader with clear vision and the ability to execute policies effectively.

Also speaking, former Governor of old Anambra State, Sen. Jim Nwobodo, said Mbah deserved another term to consolidate the gains of his administration.

“We have no other governorship candidate in Nkanuland and Enugu State other than Peter Mbah. He must complete another four years in office,” Nwobodo said.

The Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said members of the State Executive Council and political appointees remained firmly behind the governor.

He said the rally represented only a fraction of the support Mbah enjoyed across the state and expressed confidence that Enugu would become one of Nigeria’s leading states under his leadership.

On behalf of members of the House of Representatives from the zone, Nnaji said the endorsement was based on performance and good governance.

“We are here not because Peter Mbah is our brother. We are here to celebrate performance, good governance and transformational leadership,” he said.

Nnaji also urged eligible voters to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 elections.

Earlier, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Chief Okey Ogbodo, called for unity among party faithful and stakeholders across the state.

He urged supporters to remain peaceful, focused and committed to translating the growing support for Tinubu and Mbah into electoral victory in 2027.

According to him, Enugu State has benefited from Mbah’s strategic alignment with the Federal Government and his commitment to progressive leadership.

Responding, Mbah expressed gratitude to the people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone for the endorsement, describing it as a vote of confidence in his administration.

The governor recalled that his administration came into office with a vision to transform Enugu State and create opportunities for future generations.

Mbah highlighted key achievements of his administration, including the establishment of Smart Green Schools, reforms in primary healthcare, development of modern transport infrastructure, procurement of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and the revitalisation of public facilities.

He also announced plans to introduce free school feeding in public schools by September 2026.

The governor thanked the people for their overwhelming support and urged them to sustain the momentum by supporting continuity in 2027.

Mbah advised voters to remain vigilant and make informed choices during the elections.

The rally featured cultural displays from the five local government areas that made up the senatorial zone. (NAN)

JUST IN: Federal Government to install CCTV camera on highway

The Federal Government has announced plans to install Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras along the Mararaba-Keffi Road, to enhance highway security and real-time monitoring of road activities.
The Minister of Works,David Umahi made this known on Saturday, while inspecting the road project.
Umahi said the initiative was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to integrate technology into road infrastructure and strengthen security along major transportation corridors.
According to the minister, the Mararaba-Keffi Road project will serve as a model for future highway security programmes across the country.
“This project is going to be a pilot project as directed by the President.
“He wants all our routes to have CCTV, and so, we have embedded CCTV programme in this project.
“We want to build observation section where we will do our CCTV, just like second Niger Bridge.
“We are reviving the highway security, safety which is a department in the police section,” he said.
Umahi explained that the project would include solar-powered lighting, surveillance infrastructure and observation facilities that would enable security agencies to monitor road activities in real time.
The minister disclosed that the federal government was working with the Nigeria Police Force to revive the Highway Patrol and Safety Unit.
He added that CCTV systems and rapid-response mechanisms would help combat insecurity and improve emergency response on highways.
“When we install CCTV and solar lights on our roads, security personnel will be able to monitor activities remotely, and response time to incidents will be significantly reduced,” he said.
Umahi also used the occasion to commend indigenous construction company, JRB Construction Limited for its performance on the project, describing the company as one of Nigeria’s most reliable local contractors.
He revealed that JRB was handling approximately 40 kilometres of the road and had already completed about 21 kilometres of binder course within eight months despite funding challenges.
“I have consistently maintained that JRB is one of the best indigenous contractors in the country because of the quality of its works.
“The equipment it possessed and its commitment to partnering with the federal government have stand the company out,” the minister stated.
According to him, the contractor mobilised to the site and commenced work before receiving payment, helping to prevent further delays on the project.
Umahi warned that the government would soon begin reviewing the performance of contractors handling federal road projects, regardless of whether they were indigenous or foreign firms.
He said contractors who failed to invest resources, mobilise equipment and demonstrate commitment to project delivery would no longer be tolerated.
“We are going to identify those contractors who are genuine partners in progress and those who simply wait for mobilisation funds before doing any work,” he said.
Umahi also ordered repairs of damaged sections of existing pavement to ease traffic congestion and improve road conditions for motorists pending the completion of the reconstruction work.
“We must address the potholes and failed sections first because they affect the daily lives of road users.
“Reducing travel delays and improving safety is just as important as constructing new roads,” he said.
The minister expressed concern over the removal and disposal of milled asphalt materials from project sites, insisting that such materials should be recycled and reused in road construction.
Umahi also issued a strong warning to officials of the Ministry of Works, saying directors and project supervisors would be held accountable for failure to implement approved directives.
He stressed that public officials must take responsibility for project delivery and ensure that the federal government’s infrastructure agenda achieves its intended objectives.
“The President has provided the support and resources required for us to succeed.
“Every official must play his or her role because nation-building is the responsibility of all of us,” he said. (NAN)(

Abducted retired Army General, Wife plead for help in new released video

A week after their abduction in Katsina State, retired Major General Abubakar Rabe and his wife have appealed to government authorities to intervene and secure their freedom.

The appeal was contained in a video released by their captors and circulated on social media, showing the couple in captivity.

In the footage, which lasts just over four minutes, the retired military officer and his wife were seen standing as they relayed conditions reportedly set by the kidnappers for their release.

Speaking in the video, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, wife of the retired general, said the abductors were demanding the release of three individuals identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru.

According to her, the kidnappers also want the return of livestock allegedly confiscated from them.

She claimed that two of the individuals whose release was being sought were arrested in Jikamshi, while the third was arrested in Kano.

The woman appealed to the Katsina State Government and authorities in five local government areas to assist in meeting the demands of the abductors in order to secure their freedom.

In his brief remarks, the retired general urged efforts toward peace, saying the kidnappers had indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

Notably, no ransom demand was mentioned in the video.

Neither the Katsina State Government nor security agencies had issued an official response to the footage as of the time of filing this report.

The former army officer, his wife and their driver, Abdullahi Sa’idu, were abducted on June 6 while travelling to Katsina.

The incident occurred along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli axis in Matazu Local Government Area after armed men reportedly ambushed their vehicle near Zakin Baure village.

Witnesses said the attackers emerged from hiding, blocked the road and opened fire on the vehicle, forcing it to stop.

Sources familiar with the incident said the driver sustained a gunshot wound to his hand during the attack but was later spared by the gunmen.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that a notorious bandit leader identified as Kachallah Muhammad has established contact with relatives of the victims.

Sources told Daily Trust the suspected kingpin, who operates in parts of Katsina State, reportedly opened communication with the family shortly after the abduction, although details of the discussions remain unclear.