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Osun APC Defends ALGON Over Payment Of Monarch’s Salary Arrears.

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The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended the payment of overdue salaries to traditional rulers.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement released by Kola Olabisi, the party’s Director of Media and Information, the APC responded to objections raised by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun. The party said the decision by reinstated local government chairmen to settle the arrears was driven by legal obligations and welfare considerations, not political motives.

The statement accused the State Assembly leadership of “displaying hostility towards monarchs through misplaced priorities and public criticism of the payments.” The controversy followed comments attributed to Speaker Egbedun, who questioned why the reinstated council chairmen prioritized clearing long-overdue salaries for traditional rulers and chiefs.

The APC noted that the salary backlog accumulated over an 11-month disruption at the local government level, linked to industrial action by a faction of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE). The party also said access to statutory allocations was hindered by court actions initiated by the state government, prolonging the non-payment of entitlements.

Supporting the payments, Samuel Abiodun Idowu, chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) aligned with the APC, said the councils acted within the law and party policy. He emphasized that the welfare of traditional rulers should not be politicized, describing them as “custodians of culture whose entitlements must be respected.”

Idowu added that councils would not subject monarchs to “avoidable hardship, harassment, or victimization under any circumstances.” He further stated that the payments comply with the Supreme Court judgment of July 11, 2024, which affirmed the autonomy of local government councils nationwide. He also cited a Court of Appeal ruling delivered in Akure on February 10, 2025, which reinstated the APC chairmen and councillors—a decision that remains in effect.

“The reinstated chairmen owe no apology to anyone for paying what is legitimately due to traditional rulers,” Idowu said.

The APC also recalled previous tensions between the state government and some monarchs, including disputes arising from executive actions at the start of the current administration. The party highlighted a past disagreement involving Speaker Egbedun and the Alasi of Asi, Oba Oyewale Olasunkanmi Isaac, which became public after an audio recording circulated in which the Speaker was heard making remarks perceived as threatening toward the monarch.

The party concluded that these developments underscore its commitment to ensuring that traditional rulers receive their statutory entitlements without delay.

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GERMAN EARTHQUAKE: Klopp Triggers Shockwaves By Unleashing Mega Squad For First-Ever National Assignment!

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For his debut international camp as head coach, Jürgen Klopp has named an expansive 44-man Germany squad, handing 16 players their first-ever call-ups as he kicks off a major structural revamp for the four-time world champions.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Announced on Thursday ahead of four upcoming Nations League matches against the Netherlands, Greece, and Serbia, Klopp has split the selection into two distinct groups to manage a hectic fixture schedule.

Key Highlights of Klopp’s Squad Overhaul:

  • Fixture Schedule & Group Split: The first group takes on the Netherlands in Amsterdam on September 24 before hosting Greece in Augsburg on September 27. The second group plays Serbia in Munich on October 1 and travels to Thessaloniki for a return clash with Greece on October 4.

  • Reasoning for a Mega Squad: Although matchday limits restrict teams to 20 outfield players and three goalkeepers, Klopp explained that a 44-man selection allows him to closely evaluate maximum talent during an unusually busy window featuring four games in two weeks. He stressed that the setup does not feature an “A-team” or “B-team,” but rather balanced units designed for long-term development.

  • Building for the Future: Taking over in July from Julian Nagelsmann following another early World Cup exit, Klopp aims to construct a competitive foundation looking two to three years ahead, pushing back against the narrative that German football lacks talent.

  • Notable Names & Absences: Uncapped talents earning call-ups include Younes Ebnoutalib, Finn Jeltsch, Vitaly Janelt, and Mika Baur. Meanwhile, high-profile omissions include Leroy Sané, Leon Goretzka, Oliver Baumann, and an injured Deniz Undav, alongside veterans Manuel Neuer and Antonio Rudiger who have retired from international duty.

  • Leadership and Goalkeeping: Marc-André ter Stegen takes over as the primary goalkeeper “for the moment,” while Joshua Kimmich retains the captaincy as the team’s most experienced player (114 caps) and is expected to shift back into central midfield.

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‘I Met huge debts’ – Ex-Gov Imoke Blames Donald Duke Over Cross River Financial Crisis

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Former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke has revealed that he inherited heavy debts and contingent liabilities from his predecessor and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate, Donald Duke.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Imoke addressed the financial and economic realities surrounding the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort in Calabar.

Key Highlights of Imoke’s Disclosure:

  • The Cost of Tinapa: Imoke stated that the Tinapa project cost every man, woman, and child in Cross River State the equivalent of $170.

  • Burden of Debt Servicing: He disclosed that his administration committed one billion naira monthly strictly to servicing inherited debts, emphasizing that Duke did not pay off any of the project’s debts before leaving office.

  • Lack of Infrastructure and Planning: According to Imoke, the resort lacked basic infrastructure at launch—noting that there was no power supply on the day of commissioning, forcing his administration to provide electricity. He added that the necessary commercial and economic environment was never established, and empty buildings were commissioned without securing anchor tenants beforehand.

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DIPLOMATIC ALLIANCE: British Deputy High Commissioner Drops Bombshell On Unbreakable UK-Nigeria Partnership!

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During a two-day official visit to Abia State, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jonny Baxter, emphasized that the United Kingdom places immense value on its deep-rooted partnership with Nigeria, which is grounded in shared histories, values, and mutual interests.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Mr. Baxter made these remarks on Wednesday in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, while paying a courtesy visit to Abia State Governor Alex Otti.

Key Highlights of the Visit:

  • Broad Areas of Cooperation: Mr. Baxter noted that bilateral relations go far beyond traditional diplomacy, stretching into economic cooperation, trade, investment, technology, and key development projects.

  • Focus on Economic Growth: Highlighting infrastructure bottlenecks, he identified poor power generation and supply as primary barriers holding back Nigeria’s economic expansion. He added that the UK is keen on backing initiatives that unlock economic potential in Abia State and across the wider country.

  • Talent and Migration: The British envoy backed Abia State’s push to retain local professionals rather than losing skilled talent abroad, stressing the importance of educating prospective migrants on the realities they might face overseas.

  • State Openness: Welcoming the British diplomat, Governor Alex Otti affirmed that his administration remains completely open to strategic partnerships with the United Kingdom.

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