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APC Govs Engage in Shouting Match As Buhari Shifts NEC Meeting
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The meeting of the Progressives Governors’ Forum degenerated into a shouting match as pro-Oshiomhole governors engaged their colleagues who were opposed to him.
it was gathered that the two camps first met separately to harmonise their positions before holding a meeting involving all of them.
Governors in the Oshiomhole camp include Hope Uzodinma (Imo); Babagana Zulum (Borno), Babajide Sanwo-Olu, (Lagos), while governors against him include Bagudu (Kebbi), Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, (Ondo) and Godwin Obaseki (Edo).
A source privy to the meeting said, “Trouble started when the Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu, wanted to present a communique he had prepared.
“When he said something suggesting that to the effect that the governors had agreed to ease Oshiomhole out, the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, got up and accused him of being fraudulent. Zulum joined and tempers flared.”
Calm was later restored but there was still a stalemate when the two camps met with the President.
Another source said, “The intervention of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, is simply to douse tension. There is still tension but the President in his wisdom decided to call for a ceasefire to give time for tempers to cool down.
“The governors are sharply divided. The first term governors were able to come together to speak with one voice to their older colleagues at some point. The President for reasons best known to himself listens a lot to the former Lagos State governor, Ahmed Tinubu.”
It was also gathered that the pro-Oshiomhole governors threatened to seek a replacement for Bagudu as Chairman of the PGF if he did not remove the Director General of the Forum, Salihu Lukeman, whom they accused of taking sides and going beyond his brief.
The Punch
Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic extra-time winner as England overcame an unfortunate Norway to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Bellingham slid home the winning goal in the first half of extra time after a second Norway goal was ruled out by the VAR for an Erling Haaland foul.
Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway the lead, but Bellingham equalised with a brilliant finish — although England were fortunate the goal stood after the ball struck the Spidercam during the build-up.
England rode their luck at times but will now face either Switzerland or old rivals Argentina as they seek to reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.
New York Times
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed relief and joy over the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor told Channels Television.
President Bola Tinubu has also expressed delight over the successful rescue of abducted children and teachers, commending the military, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force for ending their 56-day captivity.
The President said the security operation led to the arrest of eight suspected abductors while several others were neutralised, describing the outcome as a major relief for the victims, their families and the nation.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the security agencies for what he described as their tireless efforts in securing the victims’ release.
He also sympathised with the children, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the prolonged ordeal
The President further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
President Tinubu also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued children and teachers with all necessary medical care and relief support as they recover from the ordeal.
The schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued after about 56 days in captivity.
According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were freed through the efforts of security agencies.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said.
He disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, noting that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.
He added that security agencies would provide a full account of the operation soon.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon,” he added.
In a video shared alongside the statement, a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers was seen thanking President Bola Tinubu for securing their release. The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.
“Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much,” the teacher said.
