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60th birthday: Speaker Abbas pays NECO, NABTEB Fees For 100 correctional inmates, secures release of nine

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…as speaker’s wife, Rep, aides give N4m to IDPs

By Gloria Ikibah

The Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, in celebration of his 60th birthday rendered humanitarian services to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and prison inmates.

Speaker Abbas, who was born on October 1, 2025, had called for low-key celebrations by members of the House, aides, friends and political associates, but requested humanitarian campaigns.

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To mark his Diamond Jubilee birthday, the Speaker lined up a series of humanitarian activities, including sponsoring examinations for prison inmates and securing the release of others by paying their bail, as he also gave food items to IDPs.

At the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja, Speaker Abbas paid registration fees for 100 inmates to sit for the 2025 National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) and National Examinations Council (NECO) tests. While 57 will sit for NABTEB examination, 43 were registered for NECO.

The Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative), Dr Chamberlain Dunku, led several senior aides to the presentation ceremony on behalf of Speaker Abbas on Tuesday.

Speaker Abbas said: “Identifying with the (Nigerian Correctional) Service in the area of quality transformation of inmates through education is a cause that is very close to my heart. This celebration goes beyond personal milestones; it is about extending hope, giving second chances and investing in the future of our brothers and sisters who, though confined today, still carry within them the potential for greatness tomorrow.

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“The registration of inmates for the 2025 NABTEB and NECO is not merely an academic exercise — it is a statement of faith in human dignity and redemption. It is a reminder that conviction is not condemnation, and that every life, when given the right opportunity, can be transformed.

“As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I reaffirm our commitment to policies and initiatives that promote education, justice and opportunities for all Nigerians — inside and outside the correctional facilities”, Abbas stated

Moved by an inmate’s story, Dr Dunkwu, in personal capacity, gave a cash gift of N1 million to Chikwendu Hart, who is currently pursuing a doctorate at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), and has published seven books while awaiting trial for 13 years.

In Zaria on Wednesday, Speaker Abbas spent over N3million on bail bonds, securing the release of nine inmates from the Zaria Medium Correctional Centre.

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The beneficiaries are Ibrahim Dan’asabe (N240,000), Kabir Ibrahim (N180,000), Ibrahim Ahmed (N60,000), Haruna Musa (N350,000), Aliyu Tukur (N390,000), Prince Wadilor Wodu (N326,000), Mustapha Abubakar (N410,000), Sagir Sani (N685,000) and Shehu Abubakar (N440,000).
Also on Wednesday, Speaker Abbas donated food items to IDPs at the Kabusa Camp. The palliatives include over 1000 bags of rice.

This is just as his wife, Hajia Fatima Abbas-Tajudeen, donated N2million to the IDPs, while both the Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative), Dr Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu; and the Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), Alhaji Ilyasu Balarabe, donated N1million.
Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Rep. Chike Okafor, who also announced a N1million gift to the IDPs in support of the Speaker’s humanitarian gesture, described Speaker Abbas as “a national asset.”

Medical personnel from Nizamiye Hospital Abuja were also on the ground to offer free healthcare services to the IDPs as part of the humanitarian services in honour of the Speaker.

Addressing the IDPs through Dr Dunkwu, the Speaker noted that the gathering was not just about marking his 60th birthday but about “extending a hand of compassion, solidarity, and hope to our fellow Nigerians who, through no fault of theirs, have found themselves displaced.”

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He also stated that the event “is a testament to the fact that leadership is not only about legislation and policies, but also about love, empathy, and service to humanity.”

Speaker Abbas said: “We are here to reaffirm that no Nigerian should ever feel forgotten or abandoned. The House of Representatives remains committed to policies and initiatives that protect the vulnerable, empower the displaced, and restore dignity to every citizen.”

The Speaker commended the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), partners and all stakeholders who made the humanitarian exercise a reality.

“Your efforts ensure that beyond the symbolic cake-cutting and relief distribution, there is a lasting impact on the lives of those we are privileged to serve,” he said.

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While telling the IDPs that their “resilience inspires us all,” Speaker Abbas assured them that their welfare remains a top priority for the government, “and we will continue to support measures that provide education, healthcare, food security, and opportunities for a better future.”

He stated: “As I celebrate this milestone of life, I dedicate it to service — to humanity, to the vulnerable, and to our great nation.”
Also speaking, Hajia Fatima noted that Speaker Abbas’ birthday was not just a day to celebrate, but also to thank Allah (SWT) for the journey so far, and to reflect on life generally.

She said: “His Excellency is not just a patriotic leader, he is also a caring and supportive husband; a protective, affectionate and encouraging father; and an exceptional philanthropist. A humble prince of the ancient Zazzau Emirate. I count myself as the luckiest woman to have him as a husband. He is a perfect gentleman.”

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Ex-VP, Atiku, Amaechi, other stakeholders land Ibadan as opposition leaders hold summit

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Ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, have arrived Ibadan, Oyo State capital, ahead of the National Summit of all opposition parties.

Ex- governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, and his Kano State counterpart, Rabiu Kwankwaso, alongside other opposition heavy weights, are expected in the summit.

They are being hosted by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Atiku, one of the opposition leaders jostling for the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for the 2027 election, posted the video of his arrival on his Facebook page.

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In the video, a large crowd of supporters were seen welcoming the former vice president to Oyo State.

They are being hosted by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Atiku, one of the opposition leaders jostling for the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for the 2027 election, posted the video of his arrival on his Facebook page.

In the video, a large crowd of supporters were seen welcoming the former vice president to Oyo State.

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Delta PDP threatens Court action against APC defectors over alleged forgery

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The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Delta State chapter, has threatened legal action over alleged attempts to forge and backdate resignation letters of party members who defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The PDP Chairman in the state, Mr. Peter Mrakpor, while revealing the move, described the allegation as fraudulent and a clear breach of due process, warning that those behind it would be held accountable.

He confirmed that none of the defectors followed proper procedure by submitting resignation letters to their respective wards before leaving the party.

The PDP chairman further disclosed that the party is prepared to pursue legal action against any individual found culpable in the alleged scheme.

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Despite the wave of defections, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) maintained that the PDP in Delta State remains united and structurally strong, expressing confidence in the party’s continued stability across the state.

The attempt to forge and backdate resignation letters is not only illegal but a desperate move that will fail. None of those who defected submitted resignation letters to their wards before the mass defection,” he said.

Just weeks ago, the PDP demanded that the APC state chairman, Chief Solomon Areyinka, vacate the PDP secretariat he occupies immediately.

The PDP further warned that the Delta State Government, which it accused of aiding the occupation, should note that the property’s Certificate of Occupancy remains in the PDP’s name and has not been revoked.

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It accused the state government of complicity in what it described as the “illegal and unconstitutional” occupation of its state secretariat by the APC.

The party vowed to explore “every legal avenue” to reclaim the property, especially as some defectors who left for the APC as far back as April 2025 were still allegedly using the party’s bank accounts.

The PDP stated that the secretariat, located on WAEC Road, off Mariam Babangida Way, Asaba, was acquired in its name, with all documents bearing the party’s insignia.

The PDP’s Publicity Secretary, Chief Kingsley Akpos Oturubo, said the secretariat was built long before the APC came into existence as a political entity. He described the situation as unprecedented, noting that the APC already maintains a separate state office on Anwai Road.

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“Where in this country does a political party have two secretariats in a state?” the statement read. “Chief Solomon Areyinka should know that he is now a member of the APC. The PDP secretariat and all the assets of the party did not defect with him to the APC.”

The statement linked the government’s actions to the PDP’s National Leader, Nyesom Wike, and his pledge to reclaim the party’s mandate in the 2027 elections.

“The state government is doing everything possible to dismantle the structures connected to the PDP National Leader,” the party alleged.

Describing the situation as “an invitation to anarchy,” the PDP called on security agencies to take note. It warned that Chief Areyinka and the state government would be held responsible for any breakdown of law and order.

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We have already alerted the relevant anti-graft agencies to apprehend these fraudsters,” the statement added.

The party appealed to its faithful to remain calm, while insisting that the ruling APC must accept constructive criticism and abandon any dream of a one-party state in Delta.

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MTN finally begins airtime compensation over poor service rendered in January

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Subscribers of MTN Nigeria have started receiving airtime credits from the telecom operator as compensation for poor quality of service experienced in January 2026.

The development became public after several users shared notifications on the social media platform X, showing that their lines had been credited with different amounts.

One of the messages sent to subscribers read: “Dear Customer, your account has been credited with N341 airtime for quality of service issues in January 2026. Thank you for your understanding.”

Findings indicate that the compensation varies across users. While some reported receiving over N300, others claimed they got smaller amounts such as N20 and N91, though these could not be independently verified.

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As of the time of filing this report, it remains unclear whether all affected subscribers have received the airtime credit or if the process is still ongoing in phases.

The move follows increased regulatory pressure on telecom operators to improve service delivery and address persistent complaints from subscribers across the country.

Industry observers believe the action is linked to directives from the Nigerian Communications Commission, which requires operators to meet minimum quality-of-service standards and, where necessary, compensate customers for service lapses.

MTN had earlier signalled its readiness to comply with such directives, while also committing to further investment in network infrastructure to improve service quality nationwide.

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However, the company has yet to provide details on the total number of subscribers affected or the criteria used in determining the compensation amounts.

Telecom service delivery has remained a major concern in Nigeria, with many users frequently complaining about dropped calls, slow internet speeds and network outages.

Regulators have in recent years intensified oversight of telecom operators to ensure compliance with service benchmarks and consumer protection guidelines.

Compensation measures such as airtime credits are part of broader efforts to rebuild trust among subscribers and enforce accountability within the sector.

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Analysts say while the current compensation may offer temporary relief to affected users, long-term improvement in service quality will depend largely on sustained investment in infrastructure and efficient network management.

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