Nigeria Times

A financial expert, James Ayati, has questioned the Benue State Government’s decision to obtain an N11 billion commercial loan for infrastructure projects despite a reported N55.92 billion in unspent capital receipts at the end of June 2026.

Ayati raised questions over the state’s financial position under Governor Hyacinth Alia, particularly against the backdrop of increased government revenue and a reported decline in the state’s domestic debt.

In an analysis, Ayati asked whether Benue was financially constrained despite the state government’s own financial reports indicating that significant funds remained unspent as of June 2026.

He also questioned why the administration opted to borrow N11 billion instead of deploying part of the reported N55.92 billion available for capital expenditure.

Ayati further queried why additional debt was being placed on Benue taxpayers if the state had sufficient funds to finance infrastructure projects.

He said the questions became more significant because, according to his analysis, the N11 billion loan was obtained with a cash-backed collateral of N54 billion in a government account that remained unused.

According to Ayati, the Alia administration owes the people of Benue an explanation for borrowing N11 billion from a commercial bank for infrastructure when the state’s financial reports showed N55.92 billion in unspent capital receipts at the end of June 2026.

He said his analysis was based on figures contained in financial reports published by the Benue State Government.

Ayati noted that at the end of the 2025 financial year, Benue State had N44.74 billion in unspent capital receipts, citing the Benue State 2025 Audited Financial Statement.

He said the state’s financial position changed further in the first quarter of 2026.

According to the Benue State Budget Implementation Report (BIR) for Q1 2026, the state recorded N128.17 billion in earned revenue between January and March 2026, while total expenditure stood at N82.28 billion.

Ayati said the figures left N45.89 billion in unspent capital receipts at the end of March 2026.

He further cited the Benue State BIR for Q2 2026, which he said showed that the state earned another N94.26 billion in statutory revenue between April and June 2026.

According to his calculation, when the N45.89 billion balance carried forward from Q1 was added to the revenue recorded in Q2, the reported capital receipts available amounted to N140.15 billion.

He said the state recorded N84.23 billion in actual expenditure during the second quarter, leaving N55.92 billion in unspent capital receipts at the end of June 2026.

Ayati said the figures raised broader questions about the state’s financial planning and debt management, particularly as Benue’s revenue has reportedly increased substantially in recent years.

He noted that the state’s annual actual revenue rose from about N100 billion in 2022 to approximately N148 billion in 2023, N328 billion in 2024 and N443 billion in 2025.

At the same time, he said Benue’s domestic debt reportedly declined by nearly 40 per cent, from about N188 billion in the first quarter of 2023 to N113 billion, citing reports from the State Debt Management Office.

Ayati further claimed that since 2023, the state had paid about 15 per cent of its actual total revenue towards debt servicing, amounting to approximately N171 billion.

Against that background, he questioned why the state needed to contract another N11 billion commercial loan for infrastructure despite its reported increase in revenue and reduction in domestic debt.

He described the issue as one of financial planning, cash management and value for money rather than simply whether the state had money available on paper.

“If the state had N55.92 billion in unspent capital receipts at the end of June 2026, why was an additional N11 billion commercial loan needed for infrastructure — an amount equivalent to only about one-fifth of the reported unspent balance?” Ayati asked.

He also questioned whether the existing funds could have been deployed before resorting to commercial borrowing and whether there were legal, contractual or other restrictions preventing the use of the reported funds.

“If the N55.92 billion was genuinely available for capital spending, why borrow at a cost to taxpayers when significant funds remained unspent?” he asked.

Ayati stressed that the questions were legitimate for any government entrusted with the management of public resources.

“The figures come from the government’s own financial reports. The issue, therefore, is not whether Benue has money on paper,” he concluded.

Hon. Hamma Adama Ali Kumo, Deputy National Financial Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has joined party leaders and members nationwide in celebrating the APC National Chairman on the occasion of his 58th birthday.In a goodwill message, Hon. Kumo described the Chairman as a visionary leader whose commitment to democratic ideals and party unity has been a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerians. He noted that the Chairman’s leadership has been marked by resilience, inclusivity, and a deep sense of responsibility, qualities that have strengthened the APC and consolidated its role in Nigeria’s democratic journey.“At 58, our National Chairman exemplifies the finest qualities of statesmanship. His dedication to building consensus, fostering unity, and advancing the cause of good governance has left indelible marks on our party and our nation,” Kumo stated.The APC Deputy National Financial Secretary emphasized that the celebrant’s leadership style has been defined by integrity and courage, guiding the party through challenging times with wisdom and foresight. He added that the Chairman’s ability to inspire confidence across diverse political and social groups has ensured that the APC remains a beacon of hope for Nigerians.“As Chairman, you have demonstrated uncommon vision and fortitude. Your stewardship has strengthened our internal structures, enhanced our democratic processes, and positioned the APC as a party of progress and inclusivity. We celebrate you today not only as a leader but as a patriot whose contributions continue to shape the future of our country,” Kumo said.Hon. Kumo, who also serves as Chairman of the ITF Board of Trustees, highlighted the Chairman’s role in mentoring younger politicians and promoting policies that encourage national development. He noted that the Chairman’s emphasis on unity and service has created a culture of trust and collaboration within the APC, ensuring its continued relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.“As you mark this milestone, we pray for renewed strength, wisdom, and fulfillment in your continued service to our party and our country. May the years ahead bring greater accomplishments and enduring peace,” Kumo concluded.The 58th birthday celebration of the APC National Chairman has drawn tributes from across the political spectrum, underscoring his influence and the respect he commands as a leader. His contributions to the growth of the APC and the deepening of Nigeria’s democracy remain a source of inspiration to party members and citizens alike.

Our attention has been drawn to a false, malicious, and unverified publication by an anonymous online platform alleging that Dr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah is involved in secret talks concerning the Benue State PDP Governorship; we categorically reject the report as a baseless fabrication published without any attempt to verify the claims with Dr. Akutah or his office. We therefore urge the public to disregard the publication entirely, as Dr. Akutah remains a loyal and committed member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and truth, professionalism, and responsible journalism will always prevail over misinformation and political propaganda.

Sign
Comrade Atir Solomon Faeren Principal Private Adviser to Dr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah MON — with Comr Asan Doosuun Samuel and 15 others.

The attention of the immediate past Governor of Benue State and Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, Chief Samuel Ortom has been drawn to a mischievous report being circulated on social media alleging that he and other leaders of the party held a secret meeting with some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress, APC, with the aim of replacing the 2027 PDP governorship candidate, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah.

The report is false, misleading and a deliberate distortion of the facts.

For the avoidance of doubt, Chief Ortom, alongside the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Patrick Abba Moro, and the PDP governorship candidate, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, met with some prominent Benue sons, including Chief Simon Shango, Professor Iyorwuese Hagher, Dr. Pius Akutah, Engr. Emmanuel Ameh and Dr. Matthias Byuan.

The meeting was part of ongoing consultations and engagements aimed at building a broad strategic alliance of Benue stakeholders for the greater good of the state. At no time during the meeting was the replacement of Chief Aondoakaa as the PDP governorship candidate discussed, contemplated or placed on the agenda.

It is therefore mischievous for anyone to take a legitimate meeting of Benue leaders and manufacture an entirely different motive for it. Political consultations and engagements across party lines are neither strange nor secret conspiracies, particularly when they are driven by the larger interest of the people.

Chief Ortom wishes to state unequivocally that Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, remains the duly nominated governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Benue State for the 2027 election. The former Attorney General and Minister of Justice enjoys the confidence and support of the leadership and members of the party.

Chief Ortom equally reaffirms his conviction that Aondoakaa possesses the experience, competence, capacity and understanding of the challenges confronting Benue State to provide purposeful leadership and reposition the state on the path of security, economic recovery and sustainable development.

Those behind the false narrative are advised to desist forthwith from spreading fabricated stories capable of creating unnecessary confusion among members and supporters of the PDP and the general public. Political journalism and commentary must be anchored on facts, not conjecture, deliberate falsehood or the attribution of imaginary motives to legitimate engagements.

Chief Ortom urges PDP members, teeming supporters of Chief Aondoakaa and the people of Benue State to disregard the baseless report and remain focused. No amount of misinformation or political mischief will distract the PDP leadership from its commitment to building a formidable coalition of Benue people towards offering the state a credible alternative in 2027.

Signed:

Zege Paul Terhide
Media Assistant to Chief Samuel Ortom
August 7, 2026

The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, on Thursday slammed a N2 billion suit on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over what he termed the unlawful freezing of the state’s Federal Statutory Allocation Account.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1762/2026, also has the Attorney General of Osun State, as well as the Accountant General of the state, listed as 2nd and 3rd plaintiffs, respectively.

Cited as 1st to 3rd defendants in the Originating Summons entered before the Federal High Court in Abuja by a team of lawyers led by Prof. M. T. Adekilekun, SAN, are the EFCC, its Chairman, and First Bank Nigeria Limited.

Specifically, the plaintiffs posed several legal questions for the court to determine, among which are:

“Whether, having regard to the express provisions of Sections 1, 6, 36, 44 and 162 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and Section 34 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act, 2004, the 1st and 2nd Defendants possess the lawful authority to freeze, restrict, block, place a ‘post no debit’ order on, or otherwise interfere with the Osun State Statutory Account maintained with the 3rd Defendant, without regard to due process of law?

“Whether, having regard to the combined express provisions of Section 7(6) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and Section 34 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act, 2004, the 1st and 2nd Defendants possess the lawful authority to freeze, restrict, block, place a ‘post no debit’ order on, or otherwise interfere with the Osun State Government Federal Statutory Allocation Account, Number 2017170947, maintained with the 3rd Defendant, without first obtaining and serving a valid, subsisting, and specific order of a court of competent jurisdiction?

“Whether, having regard to the combined express provisions of Section 7(6) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and Section 34 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act, 2004, the directive of the 1st Defendant to the 3rd Defendant ordering the freezing or restriction of the Osun State Statutory Account No. 2017170947, maintained with the 3rd Defendant, vide its letter with Reference No. CR:3000/EFCC/ABJ/HQ/PFS/TA/OSUN/VOL.17/666 dated 5th August 2026 and authored by ACE I Adenike S. Babalola (for: Director, Investigation), without any prior or concurrent court order sought, obtained and served on the 3rd Defendant, does not constitute an egregious act of executive lawlessness, an unlawful resort to self-help, a flagrant abuse of statutory powers, an unlawful suppression of the constitutional powers and functions of the Plaintiffs, a threat to the constitutional and corporate existence of Osun State, a brazen and unlawful denial of the democratic rights and dividends of the people of Osun State, and a direct violation of the fundamental constitutional principles of due process, the rule of law, and the financial autonomy of a federating unit?

“Whether, having regard to the combined express provisions of Section 7(6) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and Section 34 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act, 2004, the 3rd Defendant, being the banker to the Government of Osun State in respect of the said statutory account, can lawfully freeze or continue to freeze, restrict, block, or deny the Government of Osun State unrestricted access to the said account merely upon an administrative directive, letter, request, instruction, or communication from the 1st and/or 2nd Defendants in the manner done herein, in the absence of a valid, subsisting, and specific order of a court of competent jurisdiction?

“Whether, having regard to the effect of the combined express provisions of Section 7(6) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and Section 34 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act, 2004, and in the absence of an order of a court of competent jurisdiction, this Honourable Court ought not to forthwith set aside the directive given by the 1st Defendant to the 3rd Defendant in a letter dated 5th August 2026 ordering the freezing, restriction, blocking, or placing of a post-no-debit instruction on the Osun State Statutory Account with the 3rd Defendant, given that such action was allegedly taken in violation of due process, and in a manner demonstrably capable of crippling the constitutional and statutory obligations of the Government to the people of Osun State?”

As well as: “Whether, having regard to the effect of the combined express provisions of Section 7(6) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and Section 34 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act, 2004, and in the absence of an order of a court of competent jurisdiction, the 3rd Defendant did not breach the duty of care owed to the Osun State Government when, on the purported directive of the 1st and 2nd Defendants, it placed a restriction on the Osun State Statutory Account with the 3rd Defendant, given that such action was allegedly taken without a court order, in violation of due process, and in a manner demonstrably capable of crippling the constitutional and statutory obligations and rights of the Government and people of Osun State.”

Upon determination of the questions, the plaintiffs, among other things, urged the court to declare the actions the defendants took with respect to the Osun State account as “unlawful, unconstitutional, ultra vires their powers, null and void, and of no effect whatsoever.”

They further sought:
“An order setting aside, vacating, and nullifying the freezing, restriction, blocking, post-no-debit instruction, or any other restraint placed on the Osun State Statutory Account maintained with the 3rd Defendant vide its letter with Reference No. CR:3000/EFCC/ABJ/HQ/PFS/TA/OSUN/VOL.17/666 dated 5th August 2026 and authored by ACE I Adenike S. Babalola (for: Director, Investigation), for being unlawful, unconstitutional, and without legal basis.
“An order mandating the 3rd Defendant to forthwith unfreeze, unblock, and remove all restrictions, and to allow the Government of Osun State immediate and unrestricted access to and operation of the said Osun State Statutory Account.

“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the 1st and 2nd Defendants, whether by themselves, their officers, agents, servants, privies, or any person acting on their behalf, from freezing, restricting, blocking, placing a post-no-debit instruction on, or otherwise interfering with the Osun State Statutory Account or any other account of the Government of Osun State without following due process of the law.

“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the 3rd Defendant, whether by itself, its officers, agents, servants, privies, or any person acting on its behalf, from acting on any directive, letter, instruction, or request from the 1st and/or 2nd Defendants to freeze, restrict, block, or deny access to the Osun State Statutory Account, except in the manner stipulated by law.”

They also prayed the court to award N2 billion against the defendants to serve as “exemplary and aggravated damages for the unlawful interference with public funds,” as well as an order directing the defendants to pay the costs of the litigation.

Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for the suit, which was filed shortly after President Bola Tinubu directed the EFCC to immediately approach the court to unfreeze the Osun State Federal Statutory Allocation Account.

• Cites public concerns over transparency
• Urges Gov. Peter Mbah to intervene, vows to pursue justice until facts are established

The Enugu Youth Progressive Forum (EYPF) has intensified calls for justice over the death of an engineer reportedly linked by petitioners to the residence of Hon. Nelson Maduka Arum, demanding a thorough investigation, prosecution of anyone found culpable, and immediate intervention by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

In a petition submitted to the IGP and copied to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, the group expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the incident and vowed to pursue justice until the facts are established.

The petition, dated July 29, 2026, and received at the Force Headquarters, was signed by the National Coordinator of EYPF, Mr. Onyekwere Onu, and the General Secretary, Mr. Ikechukwu Ugwuoko.

According to the group, the incident, which has continued to generate widespread public attention, was reported to have occurred at the Zoo Estate residence of Hon. Nelson Maduka Arum in Enugu State.

EYPF stated that issues surrounding the death have continued to dominate public discourse, particularly following the circulation of photographs and reports allegedly connected to the incident.

The group further stated that reports in the public domain have referenced an alleged financial dispute involving the deceased before the incident. However, it maintained that only a comprehensive and independent investigation can establish the authenticity of such claims and the exact circumstances surrounding the death.

The organisation called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure a thorough investigation capable of addressing public concerns and strengthening confidence in the outcome of the process.

“Given the seriousness of the incident and the significant public interest it has generated, many residents have expressed concern that the investigation must be conducted in a manner that is completely independent, transparent, impartial and free from any actual or perceived influence,” the petition stated.

The group argued that the status of Hon. Nelson Maduka Arum as a political figure and House of Representatives aspirant under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) makes it imperative for security agencies to handle the matter with utmost professionalism and transparency.

EYPF also noted that concerns had previously been raised about Hon. Arum in petitions reportedly submitted by some constituents to the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). According to the group, those petitions contained allegations relating to his public conduct. However, EYPF stressed that such allegations remain unproven and that only competent authorities can determine their validity.

According to EYPF, the people of Enugu State deserve answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the death, stressing that public confidence in law enforcement institutions depends largely on their ability to investigate sensitive matters without fear or favour.

The Forum called for the immediate collection and preservation of all available evidence, including video recordings, photographs, witness testimonies, forensic materials and any other evidence that may assist investigators in determining what transpired.

It also demanded that all persons considered relevant to the investigation be invited for questioning and that the findings of the investigation be made public, insisting that anyone found culpable should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“We are demanding a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into this matter. The circumstances surrounding the death of this young engineer are too serious to be ignored. If anyone is found culpable after investigations, such a person must face the full weight of the law,” the group stated.

The Forum further called on Governor Peter Mbah to intervene in the interest of justice and reassure residents that no individual is above the law.

According to the group, the governor’s intervention has become necessary given the growing public concern and the widespread attention the matter has attracted within and outside Enugu State.

The youths vowed not to remain silent until the truth is uncovered.

“We will not keep mute. We will continue to demand accountability and justice until the facts are established. An injury to one is an injury to all. The life of every citizen matters and no one should be denied justice because of the influence or status of another,” the group declared.

While maintaining its demand for justice, EYPF stated that its petition should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt against Hon. Nelson Maduka Arum or any other individual, noting that only a credible investigation can establish responsibility.

The group therefore urged the Inspector-General of Police to urgently intervene and ensure that the matter is handled by the appropriate authorities and investigated thoroughly in the interest of justice.

As of the time of filing this report, no law enforcement agency had publicly announced any conclusion regarding the incident.

By Xu Peiyu

Hainan is on track to become the first province-level region in China to halt the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles.

According to a plan recently issued by the Hainan provincial government, the province will gradually phase out fuel-powered vehicle sales by 2030.

By that time, all newly added and replacement vehicles in the province’s public service and social operation sectors, excluding special-purpose vehicles, will be clean energy vehicles. Similarly, all  newly purchased and replacement private motor vehicles will be new energy vehicles (NEVs).  The province also aims to maintain a vehicle-to-charging-pile ratio of no more than 2.5 to 1.

Li Ziwen, an associate research fellow with the department of policy consultation at the Academy of Macroeconomic Research, noted that the policy applies only to the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles after 2030 and will not affect vehicles already on the road.

Existing vehicle owners will retain their legal rights. Gasoline-powered vehicles registered before the policy takes effect may continue to operate normally, undergo regular inspections, and be legally transferred until the end of their service life. The policy does not mandate scrappage or impose usage restrictions on current gasoline-powered vehicles.

Why is Hainan phasing out gasoline vehicle sales? As early as 2019, Hainan became the first provincial-level region in China to explicitly set a target for phasing out gasoline vehicle sales, as part of its clean energy vehicle development plan.

According to Li, Hainan’s status as a national ecological civilization pilot zone and an international tourism destination makes environmental protection a core competitive advantage.  

Promoting NEVs while phasing out new gasoline vehicles sales aligns with the province’s commitment to green, low-carbon development and helps preserve its renowned natural environment of blue skies, clear seas and sandy beaches.

Why is Hainan taking the lead? 

Analysts point to several unique advantages that make Hainan a suitable testing ground for this transition.

First, the province sees consistently high temperatures year-round, largely avoiding issues such as reduced power battery output and diminished driving range that affect battery electric vehicles in colder climates. 

Second, Hainan’s land area of 35,400 square kilometers. The highway distance from Haikou to Sanya is less than 300 kilometers, and a full loop around the island runs under 1,000 km. Based on the driving range of flagship models from mainstream NEV brands available today, residents can complete most one-way trips on the island with zero or just one charging stop.

Charging infrastructure is also well established across the island.

Hainan has made significant progress in developing itself into a clean-energy island, with new energy now its primary power source. Among all provincial-level regions in China, Hainan ranks first in NEV market penetration and second in NEVs as a share of total vehicle stock.

Official data show that, as of August 2025, Hainan had installed more than 230,000 charging piles and built 4,895 charging stations, bringing the vehicle-to-charging-pile ratio down to 2.1 to 1. Charging facilities now cover all expressway service areas and every township across the province.

The latest plan also sets a clear target for NEV ownership. By 2030, NEVs are expected to account for 45 percent of all vehicles in Hainan, up from 23.75 percent in 2025.

The ambitious target reflects the rapid rise in public acceptance of NEVs. Nationwide, data from the Ministry of Commerce show that the market penetration of new energy passenger vehicles increased from 5.7 percent in 2020 to 53.9 percent in 2025.

In Hainan, data from the provincial department of industry and information technology indicate  that 116,800 NEVs were sold across province in 2025, accounting for 62.9 percent of all newly registered vehicles that year.

Will other regions in China follow Hainan’s approach?

Expects believe Hainan’s approach is unlikely to be directly replicated elsewhere in China because of differing local conditions.

In many inland areas, vehicles frequently across provincial boundaries. A blanket ban on new gasoline vehicle sales could trigger cross-provincial buying sprees of fuel-powered vehicles, driving up regulatory costs and significantly undermining the policy’s effectiveness.

In addition, regions such as northeast China, the Yangtze River Delta and central China still have relatively complete conventional automobile manufacturing supply chains. A comprehensive sales ban could affect industrial stability and employment. Northern China’s colder winters also pose additional challenges for battery performance and electric vehicle operation.

As a result, different regions will need to formulate policies suited to their own conditions rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.

Hainan’s decision sent multiple positive signals. Li said it demonstrates China’s commitment and capacity to advance its carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals by promoting deeper decarbonization in the transportation sector. 

At the same time, it provides valuable experience for other regions in areas such as policy design, infrastructure development, consumer guidance and industrial transformation as China pursues vehicle emission reductions in a phased and region-specific manner.

Supporters of Team Gbaja on Friday held a sensitisation and mobilisation rally for Nigeria’s North Central Zone, where they reaffirmed their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and commended the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, for what they described as his commitment to public service.

Addressing participants at the rally, the National Spokesperson of Team Gbaja, Tabuko Kennedy, said the gathering was aimed at promoting democratic participation, peaceful engagement, and national development.

Kennedy said supporters of the Tinubu administration believe the government’s performance should be assessed based on “measurable actions and visible results,” highlighting several initiatives and developments they said demonstrate progress under the current administration.

Among the achievements cited were the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State through what he described as a coordinated multi-agency security operation without the payment of ransom.

He also pointed to the commencement of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, describing it as one of Nigeria’s largest infrastructure projects intended to improve transportation, trade, and economic growth.

Other initiatives highlighted included the implementation of the Student Loan Scheme to improve access to higher education, increased investment in federal road infrastructure across the country’s six geopolitical zones, reforms in the oil and gas sector aimed at boosting local refining capacity, enhanced collaboration among security agencies to address insecurity, and ongoing economic reforms focusing on agriculture, investment, digital innovation, and social intervention programmes.

According to Kennedy, these initiatives have strengthened the confidence of many supporters in the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and justify continued public support.

He urged participants to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the rally, stressing that the event was intended to exercise citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and association.

“We are not here to insult anyone. We are not here to threaten anyone. We are here to demonstrate our constitutional right to freedom of expression and association,” he said.

Kennedy also encouraged supporters to continue engaging their communities through peaceful mobilisation, civic participation, voter education, and constructive dialogue aimed at promoting national unity, security, and development.

The rally concluded with calls for continued support for Team Gbaja, the North Central Zone, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.