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Ondo 2026 Budget: PDP, APC Trade Words Over ₦23.3 Billion Vehicle Allocation.

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State on Tuesday traded accusations over the state’s 2026 budget, with the opposition branding it a “monument to elitism” driven by misplaced priorities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The PDP criticised what it described as alarming expenditure items in the approved budget, while the APC rejected the claims, accusing the opposition of twisting the facts for political gain.

In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Public Communication, Wande Ajayi, the PDP alleged that the APC-led government was placing the comfort of political office holders above the wellbeing of residents.

“This has once again exposed a government more committed to the comfort of political office holders than to the welfare of the people,” Ajayi said.

He pointed to figures in the budget, claiming the state had earmarked ₦23.3 billion for government vehicles and transport-related expenses.

“Verified figures from the approved budget show that the Ondo State government plans to spend a staggering ₦23.3 billion on government vehicles and transport-related items, including ₦2.1 billion set aside for the purchase of 27 Toyota Fortuner SUVs for 26 legislators and one clerk,” he stated.

Ajayi also faulted allocations to the health sector, arguing they were grossly inadequate.

“By simple arithmetic, this government has budgeted less than ₦15 per person for medicines for an entire year, in a state battling failing primary healthcare centres, rising maternal mortality and preventable diseases.

“At the same time, lawmakers’ luxury SUVs alone cost four times more than the ₦515 million allocated for educational materials and equipment statewide.

“This is not a budgeting error; it is a reflection of priorities. It confirms that under the current APC administration, governance is treated as a platform for elite comfort rather than public service,” he added.

The PDP described the allocations as troubling, especially amid growing poverty and unemployment.

“At a time of widespread hardship and declining social services, it is disturbing that the government sees nothing wrong in shielding political office holders in luxury while citizens face hunger, illness and failing schools,” he said.

APC Rejects Allegations

In response, the APC’s Director of Media and Public Communication, Steve Otaloro, dismissed the PDP’s claims as misleading and politically driven.

“The allocations cited represent strategic administrative needs, not extravagance or elitism,” Otaloro said.

He argued that effective governance demands proper logistics and security arrangements for public officials.

“Governance in a state with expanding infrastructural and administrative responsibilities requires functional mobility, operational efficiency and adequate security for officials carrying out constitutional duties across varied and sometimes difficult terrains,” he explained.

Otaloro maintained that vehicle procurement should not be viewed as a luxury.

“The acquisition of official vehicles is a practical step to ensure legislative and executive duties are performed without logistical challenges, thereby improving service delivery to the people,” he added.

He accused the opposition of selectively highlighting certain budget lines to cast the administration in a bad light.

“It is misleading to single out individual items in a comprehensive budget while ignoring substantial investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture and social welfare programmes,” he said.

According to him, the PDP’s criticism of pharmaceutical allocations overlooked broader health sector projects.

“Reducing healthcare investment to pharmaceutical procurement ignores ongoing capital projects, recruitment of personnel, facility upgrades, public health initiatives and expansion of medical infrastructure that form part of the government’s broader healthcare strategy,” he noted.

Otaloro insisted that the APC administration remains focused on tackling economic hardship through social intervention programmes, youth empowerment initiatives and employment schemes aimed at fostering inclusive growth.

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“MARCHING ORDERS: Nigerian Army Drops Fresh Recruitment Details—Are You Qualified?”.

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September 18, 2026

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The Nigerian Army has invited skilled Nigerians in fields such as engineering, mechanical work, and marine operations to apply for its 92 Regular Recruits Intake.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Key Details of the Recruitment

  • Application Window: Online registration for this specialized exercise is open from September 16 to October 21, 2026.

  • Target Skills: The drive specifically targets boat operators, marine mechanics, electrical and mechanical engineers, and technical apprentices.

  • Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth and aged between 18 and 35 years old as of October 21, 2026.

  • Strictly Free: The Army emphasized that the recruitment process is completely free of charge, warning candidates against paying anyone promising secure slots.

Army Clarifies Zamfara Abduction Reports

In a separate update, the Nigerian Army addressed and debunked false reports regarding a recent kidnapping incident in Zamfara State.

  • Setting the Record Straight: The Army dismissed claims that a group of Islamic scholars was abducted at the residence of former Governor Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari in Talata Mafara.

  • True Location: According to Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba (Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division/Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA), the victims were actually abducted while transiting from the Sububu forest axis in Bakura Local Government Area toward Talata Mafara.

  • Rescue Operations: Security forces and local intelligence networks have intensified joint operations to locate and safely rescue the abducted individuals.

  • Public Warning: The military urged citizens to avoid circulating unverified or sensationalized reports that could trigger panic or hinder active operations.

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“BOMBSHELL! Peter Obi Will Abandon 2027 Bid If Anambra Debt Claims Are Proven True—Tanko Confirms!”

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6 minutes ago

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September 18, 2026

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The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has affirmed that Peter Obi will follow through on his integrity and step down from the 2027 presidential contest if allegations regarding loans and unpaid debts left behind during his tenure as Anambra State Governor are verified.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

  • Standing by His Word: Speaking during an interview on ARISE Television, Tanko emphasized that Obi always takes responsibility and stands by his statements, reflecting true character and confidence.

  • The Challenge to Critics: Tanko pushed back against those questioning Obi’s financial legacy, posing a counter-challenge to political opponents.

  • Accountability Question: He asked whether his principal’s critics would be willing to step down and account for their own expenditures if Obi is proven right.

Tanko strongly defended Obi’s transparency, maintaining that his leadership style is rooted in accountability and truth.

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“NO SACRED COWS: FG Swears To Expose And Punish All Culprits In NSCDC Custody Deaths Horror!”

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11 minutes ago

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September 18, 2026

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The Federal Government has declared that anyone found responsible for the deaths of suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) will face the full weight of the law.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Key Highlights from the Official Response

  • Condolences and Outreach: Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, delivered the government’s condolences to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, traditional leaders, and the families of the victims in Wushishi.

  • Commitment to Transparency: The minister emphasized that every citizen’s life is valued, pledging a thorough, impartial investigation into the tragic incident involving 37 suspected illegal miners.

  • Immediate Actions Taken: Prompt steps have already been initiated, including the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to pave the way for a full-scale probe.

  • Operations Within the Law: While reiterating the government’s ongoing fight against illegal mining, Idris stressed that all enforcement actions must strictly adhere to the law and respect human dignity.

  • No Cover-Ups: The government assured the public that no culpable individual will be shielded, urging citizens to remain calm and allow the investigative process to run its course without interference.

While the NSCDC initially pointed to a suspected disease outbreak, national headquarters noted that the exact cause of death remains pending formal medical and laboratory confirmation.

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