The parents of a prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who was abducted in Imo State have confirmed that the ₦6 million contributed by their family towards securing his release has been refunded.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

However, the family said they were uncertain whether the representatives appointed to negotiate the victims’ release had handed the money over to the kidnappers before the hostages were freed.

Their son was among 20 prospective corps members abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway on October 1.

His mother, Alirat Wahab, had earlier disclosed to News Central that the family paid ₦6 million to secure his release. However, during a subsequent interview with the station, Obasanjo Wahab confirmed that the money had been returned.

“The money has been returned. We just want to thank Imo for a job well done,” he said.

Obasanjo explained that three representatives were selected from the affected families to help secure the release of the abducted corps members, with one representative coming from his family.

According to him, the representatives were tasked with locating the victims and determining whether they could be freed.

“They went to look for the kidnapped corps members to see whether they would be freed or not,” he said.

When asked whether the representatives eventually paid the ransom demanded by the kidnappers, Obasanjo said the family had no information about the transaction.

“We don’t know,” he replied.

He further explained that the kidnappers had requested that representatives come forward with the ransom, but the victims were eventually released.

“The kidnappers had asked for representatives to bring the ransom. Since they could no longer hold the corps members hostage, they let them go,” he added.

Confirming the refund, Alirat said the representatives returned the money contributed by the affected families, adding that every parent had received their share back.

“They returned it to those who went to represent us. Every parent has received their money back,” she said.

Obasanjo also urged the public to put the incident behind them, while expressing gratitude to the Imo State Government for its role in securing the victims’ release.

“You know what, let’s forget the matter and just appeal to the Imo State Government. We should be grateful to them,” he said.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has pledged to serve only a single four-year term if elected president in the 2027 general election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Makinde, the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), made the promise on Saturday during a town hall meeting organised by the party in Yola, Adamawa State.

He also vowed to establish an inclusive government and address some of Nigeria’s major challenges, particularly insecurity and poverty.

“Our government will not last beyond four years. And it will be an all-inclusive government,” Makinde said.

The governor’s declaration comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general election.

His promise mirrors that of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), who has also pledged to serve just one four-year term if elected president.

The one-term commitments have also renewed discussions about Nigeria’s informal power-sharing arrangement between the northern and southern parts of the country.

President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who hails from the South, is seeking re-election in 2027.

Keyamo Accuses Atiku Of Bitterness Against Tinubu

Meanwhile, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, of displaying hostility towards President Bola Tinubu because of political disappointment and bitterness.

In a statement issued on Friday night, Keyamo described Atiku’s recent verbal attacks on Tinubu as signs of what he called “agitated depression,” which he attributed to political defeat.

Keyamo argued that Atiku was unhappy that Tinubu secured the presidency on his first attempt, despite both politicians having pursued lengthy political careers over several decades.

Reflecting on their political relationship when Tinubu was governor of Lagos State and Atiku served as vice president, the minister claimed that the former vice president had previously occupied a higher position in the political hierarchy.

He also urged people close to Atiku to offer him support rather than encourage his public criticisms, warning that his approach could drive away his remaining supporters and push him towards what he described as “political oblivion.”

Citing Ecclesiastes 9:11, Keyamo argued that political success is influenced by divine timing. He further claimed that Atiku urgently needed mental health support at this stage of his political career.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has praised the midfield partnership between Moisés Caicedo and Jordan Henderson following the Blues’ emphatic 5-1 victory over Bournemouth in the English Premier League (EPL) on Saturday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Alonso said the pair brought stability, balance and a better understanding of the game to Chelsea’s midfield, an area that had attracted concerns ahead of the encounter.

Henderson and Morgan Rogers both scored twice, while João Pedro also found the net as Chelsea returned from the international break with a commanding victory.

Speaking during his post-match press conference, Alonso was asked about the performance of Caicedo and Henderson and how effectively they worked together in midfield.

The Spanish tactician explained that although the two players possessed different qualities and positional attributes, they complemented each other well on the pitch.

“Both, in terms of qualities, are different, and in terms of positioning as well. I think that they help each other well and they give presence, they give stability.

“You know that they are going to be the ones that are going to be helping the rest, not just for their qualities because they understand the game.

“They can play in shorter spaces, but as well defensively, they give good balance,” Alonso said.

The Chelsea boss emphasised that strengthening the midfield was essential to the team’s continued development. He added that Caicedo and Henderson would be key figures in his efforts to establish a more effective unit.

“For me, it’s fundamental that we get that area strong and for sure with Moisés, Hendo played today, it was his second game,” he added.

Alonso also identified Romeo Lavia, Reece James and Valentin Barco as players who could provide additional options in midfield.

According to the manager, Lavia has already made useful contributions, while James has also featured in the middle of the park on several occasions.

Alonso said Chelsea would continue working to improve the department as he seeks to create a more balanced, dependable and competitive midfield capable of supporting the team’s ambitions.