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Bello orders arrest of six ‘thugs’ over attack on Kogi Senator Echocho inside Govt House

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Bello orders arrest of six 'thugs' over attack on Kogi Senator Echocho
• Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho (Kogi East)
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Governor Yahaha Bello has ordered the arrest of six persons believed to be political thugs, who reportedly attacked the member representing Kogi East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho at the Government House in Lokoja on Tuesday.

The senator elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was said to have been assaulted by the thugs loyal to the state government in the presence of other National Assembly members he came with to congratulate the outgoing governor for the success of the party in the last governorship election.

He was reportedly singled out for the embarrassing attack for failing to adhere to Governor Bello’s directive that all APC chieftains should ensure the victory of the party in their immediate constituencies during the gubernatorial poll.  Echocho, as learnt, was unable to deliver his senatorial district to the APC, as his people (the Igalas) voted massively for the Social Democratic Party, SDP governorship candidate, Alhaji Murtala Ajaka.

Echocho, who was with Senator Sunday Karimi and other members of House of Representatives from the state, was in the Government House when the thugs surprisingly approached him and began to rain verbal abuses accusing him of betraying Governor Bello.

But for the intervention of some of his colleagues on the visit, the senator would have been harmed even as security operatives attached to the Government House allegedly looked the other way when the thugs descended on the lawmaker.

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The news of the attack on the senator, who had once demonstrated his absolute loyalty to Bello by kneeling before him in a viral video, attracted angry reactions among members of the APC and the public Tuesday night. They described the report as another round of humiliation for the senator, demanding an urgent investigation to bring the culprits to book.

However, in an official reaction to the embarrassing incident, Governor Bello, on Wednesday, ordered the arrest of six persons said to be responsible for harassing “some National Assembly members” during the courtesy visit to the Governor’s office.

The  Advocate learnt that the governor consequently banned unauthorized persons from accessing the Government House and ordered immediate prosecution of the culprits.

Shortly after the fruitful discussion with the visiting National Assembly members, the governor  said he received with rude shock the news of the harassment of some of the lawmakers on their way out of the government house and swiftly ordered the arrest of the culprits.

He charged security agencies to investigate the issue thoroughly to ensure the offenders face the full wrath of the law.

Bello’s directive to the heads of security agencies reads: “Information just got to me as I left the office to the residence that one man called Suleiman and others embarrassed Sen Jubrin Echocho in Government House. I’ve directed CSO to arrest all those involved in such stupid act and bring them to justice immediately. I will NEVER condone act of hooliganism and indiscipline.
Thank you sir”.

The federal lawmakers who visited the governor at the Government House on Tuesday were Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho of Kogi East, Senator Sunday Karimi of Kogi West, Rt Hon Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims of Ankpa Federal Constituency, Hon Zachariah Idris of Idah Federal Constituency, Hon Sani Abdulrahim Egidi of Ajaokuta Federal Constituency, Hon Abdulrahim Danga (PDP) of Okehi/Adavi Federal, Hon Gowon Haruna of Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency, Hon Tijani Ozigi of Okene/Ogori Federal Constituency, Hon Danladi Aguye of Lokoja/Koto Federal Constituency and Hon Salman Idris (ADV) of Kabba/Ijumu.

The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was not in attendance.

How thugs attacked me in Kogi Govt House — Sen Echocho

Meanwhile, the senator representing Kogi East in the National Assembly, Isah Echocho narrated how thugs attacked him inside the Government House, Lokoja, Kogi State.

The lawmaker, in a telephone interview with Daily Trust, said the incident happened on Tuesday immediately after a meeting with the governor.

Echocho said himself, Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West) and other All Progressives Congress federal lawmakers from the state had gone to pay homage to the governor after the festive season.

He said the thugs singled him out of other legislators and pounced on him, accusing him of being responsible for APC’s poor performance in the last governorship election in Kogi East senatorial district.

Though APC’s Usman Ododo won the election with 446, 237 votes, his main challenger, Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party, who came second, won the majority of his 259,052 votes in Kogi East Senatorial District.

Both Ajaka and Echocho are from Kogi East Senatorial District.

 

 

Echocho said the attackers berated him for not working for the success of APC in Kogi East during the poll.

The lawmaker, however, said he did not suffer any injury as the police officers present provided him security and he had since returned to Abuja safely.

Narrating how the incident happened, the senator said, “I was attacked by thugs in Government House Lokoja but the police rescued me.

“What happened was that all APC senators and the House of Representatives members from the state visited the governor on a courtesy call for the New Year.

“Being one of them, I was not left out. We went up and we had some brief meeting with the governor, though he expressed dissatisfaction over APC performance in Kogi East (my senatorial district) in the last governorship election.

“I told the governor that I tried all I could to convince my people to vote for the APC. I campaigned vigorously for APC in Kogi East but the people were resolute in voting for another candidate despite my efforts.

“It is not as if APC performed woefully in the election in Kogi East. There were pockets of LGs and wards that we won. There was no other thing I could have done beyond what I did. We exchanged pleasantries with the governor, took a group photograph and left.

“As we were coming out, in front of the governor’s office, the thugs pounced on me, that I was responsible for APC’s failure in Kogi East.

“To my surprise, they brought out knives and other dangerous weapons to attack me but police officers around were able to rescue me inside my vehicle and we zoomed off. I thank God I didn’t suffer any injury. The police were able to provide sufficient security.”

When asked if the governor was aware of the attack, he said: “The governor cannot descend so low and send thugs to attack me.

“The governor spoke with me after the attack, and he assured me that the thugs would be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law, but I told him not to worry since I’m safe.”

When contacted for comment, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo did not respond to a message sent to him and did not answer several calls to him.

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BREAKING: EFCC freezes Osun govt bank account days to election

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Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has reportedly placed a “Post No Debit” restriction on an Osun State Government account with First Bank, barely 10 days before the state’s governorship election.

The affected account is said to be one of the government’s salary accounts, a development that has heightened political tension ahead of the August 15 poll.

The action came shortly after Governor Ademola Adeleke raised the alarm over what he described as an alleged plan by the anti-graft agency to freeze the state’s accounts as well as those belonging to key government officials.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the governor condemned the reported move, describing it as an attempt to disrupt government operations in the build-up to the election.

Adeleke argued that the EFCC lacked the legal authority to freeze the state’s accounts, insisting that there was no lawful basis for such action.

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A government source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, confirmed that the account had already been restricted.

“The account has been frozen by the EFCC. This is no longer speculation. The governor will brief the public shortly on the development,” the source said.

As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had yet to issue an official statement explaining the action, while the reason for the restriction remained unclear. (Vanguard)

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Enugu Air partners Jands Travel Business School to showcase Enugu tourism, aviation potentials

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Enugu State Government-owned Airline, Enugu Air, on Tuesday – 4th August, 2026, signed a pact with Jands Travel Business School, JTBS, an Enugu based private travel, leisure and hospitality training institution to showcase Enugu’s potentials as a destination for leisure, business, investment and innovation.

The signing of the pact which took place
at Ifennia Court, Independence Layout, Enugu, is ahead of the hosting of the 2026 edition of the Domestic Tourism Festival, DTF, being organised by Jands Travel Business School to be held at Amadeo Event Centre, Enugu from September 4 – 6, 2026.

The forthcoming event with a theme: “Innovation and Technology for Peaceful Domestic Tourism,” is expected to draw about 2,000 delegates which includes 300 travel agencies from across Nigeria, alongside tourism boards, airlines, hospitality operators, investors and international guests, will feature tourism exhibition, business networking, cultural display and performances, among others.

In a remark at the occasion which was witnessed by Enugu Air representatives led by the Chief Operating Officer and Jands Travel Business School Board of Trustee members, the Chairman – Chief Ben Etiaba, said that it was an honour that they were partnering with Enugu Air to promote tourism and aviation in Enugu State.

“It is both an honour and a privilege to join you on this historic occasion as we witness the signing of a strategic partnership between Jands Travel Business School and Enugu Air.

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“Today is about more than a Memorandum of Understanding. It is about a shared vision. It is about institutions coming together to build bridges between education and industry, between tourism and aviation, and between aspiration and opportunity.

“Tourism has become one of the world’s fastest growing economic sectors. It creates jobs, stimulates entrepreneurship, preserves culture, strengthens national identity, and contributes significantly to economic growth. Yet, for tourism to thrive, it requires reliable transportation, skilled professionals, innovative partnerships, and visionary leadership,” Etiaba said.

Etiaba explained the essence of the forthcoming three-day festival. “The forthcoming Jands Travel Business School’s Domestic Tourism Festival presents a unique opportunity to celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage while showcasing Enugu State as a destination for leisure, business, investment, and innovation.

“It is therefore fitting that Enugu Air, our state’s proudly emerging airline, is partnering with Jands Travel Business School, an institution committed to developing excellence in travel, tourism, hospitality, and aviation education.

“This collaboration demonstrates what can be achieved when government initiatives and private sector institutions work hand in hand. It aligns perfectly with the vision of transforming Enugu into a leading destination for commerce, tourism, investment, and ease of doing business. The remarkable improvements in infrastructure, security, and connectivity across the state provide a solid foundation upon which partnerships such as this can flourish.

“I particularly applaud the management of Enugu Air for embracing this collaboration at this formative stage of the airline’s journey. Your willingness to support initiatives that promote tourism and human capital development speaks volumes about your corporate vision and your commitment to the development of Enugu State and Nigeria,” he said, adding that, “I am confident that this partnership will become a model of successful collaboration and will contribute meaningfully to the growth of tourism, aviation, and economic development in our state and our nation.”

On her part, Mrs Chioma Obi, Director, Jands Travel Business School, expressed gratitude at the partnership they are striking with Enugu Air to drive tourism, aviation and the hospitality industry.

“It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the official announcement of the strategic partnership between Jands Travel Business School and Enugu Air for the Domestic Tourism Festival (DTF) 2026.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to promoting tourism, improving connectivity, and positioning Enugu as a preferred destination for tourism, business, and investment.

“The Domestic Tourism Festival, now in its third edition, has become a growing national platform for tourism development, bringing together government, the private sector, travel professionals, investors, academia, and development partners to advance meaningful conversations and collaborations,” she said.

She explained that the last edition of the festival was great but expressed optimism that 2026 edition would surpass.

“Last year’s edition welcomed 1,287 participants, and this year we expect over 2,000 delegates, including more than 300 travel agencies from across Nigeria, alongside tourism boards, airlines, hospitality operators, investors, media organizations, and international guests.

“Enugu Air is more than an airline—it is a gateway to our destination. By becoming the Official Destination Airline Partner of DTF 2026, Enugu Air will help make travel to Enugu easier while connecting directly with hundreds of travel professionals, tourism stakeholders, corporate organizations, and decision-makers from across the country.

“For Jands Travel Business School and the Domestic Tourism Festival, this partnership strengthens our mission of showcasing Enugu’s tourism potential, attracting investment, and creating new opportunities for businesses within the tourism value chain,” she said.

In his own remarks, the
Chief Operating Officer of Enugu Air, Ugonna Agubuokwu, expressed joy with the collaboration with Jands Travel Business School for their efforts in promoting the tourism industry, and promised to ensure that the September Festival will be a huge success.

“As an Airline, we are honoured to be at this event. We all know what tourism brings to our economy. It promotes growth and development. It tells story of who we are and above all, it generates revenue.

“On the strength of this event, we shall use this event as a gate way to showcase our routes and our domestic destinations, that is why we are happy to be a part of this great event. Having said this, I promise that come September 4 to 6, 2026, it will be a very big occasion for both the organisers of the event, Jands Travel Business School and above all, Enugu Air.”

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RCCG Founder’s Daughter speaks on viral statement criticising church leadership

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Mrs Akindayomi-Adewale and Pastor Adeboye
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Pastor Titilayo Adewale, the daughter of the late Rev. Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi, the founder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has firmly denied viral media reports claiming she criticized the church’s leadership or demanded public monuments to preserve her father’s legacy.

The viral post claimed Adewale criticised senior RCCG pastors for allegedly sidelining her late father’s legacy

Adewale described the claims as false and urged those circulating them to stop spreading misinformation.

She debunked the circulating stories and clarified her stance in a statement shared on Facebook page on Monday.

She said the statement attributed to her did not originate from her “either implicitly or explicitly,” stressing that her father’s greatest legacy was not tied to buildings or monuments but the lives he transformed.

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“For the record, Baba’s image or lack thereof on any edifice on earth is nothing compared to making Heaven and his face being recognized there,” she wrote.

She explained that her father never encouraged the pursuit of material possessions or earthly recognition, recalling that he was reluctant even to own a personal residence because he did not place value on material acquisitions.

“My father consistently believed in building people rather than merely constructing buildings.

“He never believed in acquiring wealth or earthly possessions,” she said, adding that it would be inconsistent to suggest that he desired his name or image to be prominently associated with buildings or institutions.

According to her, the reports were aimed at creating unnecessary controversy and division within the church rather than promoting the memory of its founder.

“In my opinion, this report and similar ones are not about me, my father, or even the leadership of the RCCG. Instead, they are intended to create unnecessary arguments and division.

“Their purpose is to divert attention from the divine work currently being carried out and sow discord among us,” she stated.

She warned those responsible for circulating the reports to desist from what she described as “mischievous acts of misinformation.

Adewale also reaffirmed her support for the leadership of the church, praying for continued wisdom and strength for the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and his family.

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