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‘I’m Not Stepping Down’ — Zakari-Ola Sends Strong Message to Rivals
‘I’m Not Stepping Down’ — Zakari-Ola Sends Strong Message to Rivals
Ustaz Abubakar Zakari-Ola has officially joined the widening contest for the Kogi West Senatorial District seat, declaring his readiness for a fierce primary battle as political activities gather momentum.
Zakari-Ola made his position clear shortly after submitting his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms, insisting he remains fully committed to the race and will not bow to pressure for any consensus arrangement.
“I’ve come this far, and I’m prepared to face the primaries,” he stated firmly, shutting down speculation about a possible withdrawal.
The senatorial hopeful outlined infrastructure as the cornerstone of his campaign, singling out the Abuja–Kokoja road as a critical project requiring urgent intervention. He described the road as being in a deplorable state, stressing that fixing it would be his top legislative priority.
“The Abuja–Kokoja road is a serious concern, and it will be the first matter I pursue in the Senate, by God’s grace,” Zakari-Ola said.
He explained that his decision to enter the race was driven by the need to confront pressing developmental challenges in Kogi West, particularly poor infrastructure hindering mobility and economic growth.
On the mode of selecting the party’s candidate, Zakari-Ola acknowledged both direct primaries and consensus as viable options but warned against imposing consensus on aspirants.
“Consensus cannot be imposed. It has to be accepted by everyone,” he said, reiterating his resolve to stay in the race regardless of the outcome of internal negotiations.
He also hinted at confidence in the process, suggesting that indications point toward the adoption of direct primaries.
With his declaration, Ustaz Abubakar Zakari-Ola joins a growing list of aspirants jostling for the Kogi West senatorial ticket, setting the stage for what could be an intense and closely watched primary contest.
EFCC, ICPC To Deepen Collaboration Against Graft
The Resident Commissioner of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Edo State, Ebenezer Shogunle, has called for stronger collaboration between the EFCC and the ICPC in the fight against corruption in the country.
The Commissioner made this call when he was received, during a courtesy visit, by the Ag Zonal Director, Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad. Shogunle noted that a strong collaboration between the two agencies was imperative if the fight against corruption must be won. “This is not merely a courtesy call. It is a reaffirmation.
Eereporter.com
A reaffirmation that in the fight against corruption, ICPC and EFCC are not rivals. We are two arms of the same body, two swords drawn for the same battle. The body is Nigeria, the battle is for her soul. We came today to say: we see you; we value you, and we are ready to do more with you”. Shogunle who vigorously commended the Ola Olukoyede Management of the Commission further said: “Since 2003, you have redefined deterrence in this country.
EFCC
You took on untouchables and showed that a public office is a public trust, not a private estate. You chased stolen assets across continents and brought billions back home. You stared down cybercrime and showed a generation that there is no dignity in yahoo.
The EFCC is the nation’s sword, while the ICPC is its shield and scalpel”, the ICPC’s Resident Commissioner said. Visit www.efcc.efcc.gov.ng for more stories.
Navy, U.S. Delegation Strengthen Maritime Security Partnership
The Nigerian Navy and a U.S. Congressional Delegation have reinforced their partnership in Lagos to enhance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Nigerian Navy and a U.S. Congressional Delegation have reinforced their partnership in Lagos to enhance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
Eereporter.com
The delegation, led by Adam Barker, paid a courtesy visit to the western naval command headquarters in Lagos, where they were received by the flag officer commanding, Abubakar Mustapha, a statement by the navy said on Tuesday.
Mr Mustapha highlighted the command’s role in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and supporting regional security initiatives.
He reiterated the importance of the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability, describing it as a critical tool for real-time monitoring, information sharing and coordinated responses to maritime threats.
According to Mr Mustapha, RMAC has significantly enhanced the navy’s capacity to combat sea robbery, crude oil theft and other illegal maritime activities.
He added that the system contributed to the suppression of piracy in Nigerian waters in 2022, leading to Nigeria’s removal from the International Maritime Bureau piracy list.
Mr Mustapha pointed out that sustained collaboration with international partners, particularly the United States, remained vital to addressing evolving maritime
He noted that such partnerships provided opportunities for capacity building, technical support and intelligence sharing.
The delegation also toured the RMAC complex and received a comprehensive briefing on its operations and contributions to maritime security.
Nigerian Navy
Mr Barker commended the navy’s proactive efforts and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to continued cooperation.
He said the engagement provided an opportunity to deepen collaboration and address emerging threats in the maritime domain.
EFCC Docks Businessman For N123m Fraud
The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, on Tuesday, May 4, 2026, arraigned a businessman, Taiwo Sunday, on a two-count charge of alleged fraud to the tune of ₦123 million.
He was arraigned before Justice Kareem Adedokun of the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan. The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 390 of the Criminal Code Law of Oyo State, 2000.
Eereporter.com
The defendant’s ordeal began when the complainant, Oluwarotimi John, alleged that in April 2024, Sunday approached him with an offer to supply motorcycles, claiming to have exclusive dealership arrangements with major distributors in Lagos and some states in the Northern part of the country.
EFCC
The petitioner further alleged that the sum of ₦123,050,000.00 (One Hundred and Twenty-Three Million, Fifty Thousand Naira) was paid into Sunday’s company account, Yemsund Enterprise, with Union Bank account number 0159405441, based on the promise.
However, the motorcycles were neither delivered nor was the money refunded to the complainant.
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