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Southeast Deserves Senate Presidency, Umahi Maintains, Meets Buhari
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The Ebonyi State Governor and senator-elect, Dave Umahi, on Tuesday, in Abuja, informed the President Muhammadu Buhari of his intent to be President of the 10th Senate.
Umahi, who disclosed this after meeting with the President at the Aso Rock Villa, argued that “justice, equity and fairness” must guide the All Progressives Congress when zoning the principal offices of the 10th National Assembly.
Yari had met Buhari on Sunday evening where he urged the APC to allow the North to produce the next Senate helmsman having contributed substantial votes towards the victory of the President-elect Bola Tinubu.
Akpabio, who also informed the President of his intention, said he was ready to work with the incoming administration, a promise Umahi also made on Tuesday.
While arguing that the South-East made considerable contributions to Tinubu’s victory, Umahi cautioned the ruling party against gauging its choices of the candidate by vote contributions alone.
He stated that the emerging candidate must be one who gives the APC a fighting chance in the June election.
Umahi said, “I think that every region that is clamouring for the Senate presidency to be zoned to them, it is the right of such people. But if you look at the true reflection of our society, you will agree with me that the right thing to be done by leaders without prejudice to their rights and their thinking is that the South-East deserves number three position.
“This is very important. And I’ve always said that you can deliver somebody by the reason of majority votes of a particular region, but you also need the minority cooperation of the minority people to have a holistic nation to govern.
“This is very important for inclusiveness, for the unity of the country and for everybody to be carried along. Nobody has been able to say this is the reason why the South-East should not be given this position. So, I believe strongly and I’m pleading, and I won’t even say more than what I’m saying, because I’m contesting; let it not be as if I am doing this because I want to benefit from it; but I know the effort we made, as a people, for the unity of the country.
“I know, the way we were regarded because we have been exposed, a number of us. And we understand that we are stronger when we are together. And we made vows to our people while we were campaigning for the APC, we assured them that we belong to an equitable and fair Nigeria. And it has come to a point where that position we took should be practicalised. And that is what we are begging and that’s what we are saying, because the chain is as strong as the weakest link. And it’s a time for healing, it is a time for inclusiveness and it is a time to move this country forward.”
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.
