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Uzodimma Visits Abia Governor Otti, Insist Visit is not Political
Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, on Friday paid a visit to Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, describing the meeting as a non-political engagement rooted in regional cooperation and New Year goodwill.
The visit came days after a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Uzodimma’s ally, Henry Ikoh, also visited Governor Otti and commended his administration’s developmental efforts in Abia State.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Governor Uzodimma dismissed speculations of political undertones, stressing that the visit was a courtesy call in the spirit of the festive season. He said South-East governors were committed to working together for the progress of the region, regardless of party affiliations.
“My visit is purely a courtesy call to a governor who I have seen is doing very well,” Uzodimma said. “I came to wish him a happy New Year and to pray together that God grants us the strength to serve our people better.”
He added that collaboration among the governors remained central to the development agenda of the South-East, noting that his role as chairman of the regional governors’ forum required continuous engagement, idea-sharing and consensus-building for the benefit of the people.
“The five governors of the South-East have resolved to ensure that the region remains fully integrated within Nigeria, and that is what we are working towards,” he said.
Uzodimma, who is also Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in the South-East, praised Governor Otti for what he described as effective governance and visible development in Abia State.
In his response, Governor Otti thanked Uzodimma for the visit and equally dismissed suggestions that it was politically motivated. He said belonging to different political parties should not be interpreted as opposition within government.
“This is not necessarily a political visit. While we are politicians and may discuss politics, government is one structure—from the federal to the state and local levels,” Otti said. “You cannot be in opposition to a government you are part of.”
He explained that disagreements within governance structures are normal but must be resolved through established channels, adding that collective responsibility begins once decisions are taken.
Otti reaffirmed that Abia State remains part of the federal system, describing Uzodimma’s visit as a goodwill gesture to mark the New Year. He expressed appreciation for the engagement.
The Imo State governor was accompanied by former Imo Governor Ikedi Ohakim and other aides, while Abia State officials, including the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and members of the state cabinet, were present at the meeting.
Governor Otti, the only sitting governor elected on the platform of the Labour Party, has continued to attract political attention amid reported efforts by several parties to court him. Despite overtures from the Peoples Democratic Party, the APC and the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Otti has repeatedly stated his commitment to the Labour Party.
He has maintained that he would only consider leaving the party if its internal leadership crisis becomes irredeemable, noting that he had conveyed the same position to the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.