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…say it is a “Proud Moment” for journalists

By Gloria Ikibah

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has congratulated Kingsley Rufus Madaki on his appointment as Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, describing the development as a significant milestone for the media community in the Federal Capital Territory.

The appointment, announced by the Office of the Executive Chairman, is said to reflect confidence in Madaki’s “competence, professionalism, and dedication to the practice of journalism and public communication.”

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the NUJ-FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike on 17th June, 2026, the she said the elevation underscores the increasing recognition of journalists as key partners in governance and public engagement.

Speaking on the development, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council described the appointment as a source of pride for the union and its members.

“We are delighted to celebrate one of our own as he takes on this new and important responsibility,” the Chairman stated. “This appointment is a testament to hard work, integrity, and the values that the NUJ continues to champion among our members”, Ike said.

The Council urged Madaki to bring his experience to bear in his new role, while maintaining strong standards of professionalism in public communication.

It further encouraged him to uphold “the tenets of transparency, accountability, and effective public communication as he serves the Council and the people of the Federal Capital Territory.”

The NUJ FCT Council also wished him a successful tenure and assured him of continued support and collaboration as he assumes his new responsibilities.

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Executive Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has approved a fresh wave of appointments and redeployments across critical administrative and legislative units in the council, in a move aimed at strengthening governance and improving service delivery.

According to a statement released by the council, the new appointments cut across the revenue mobilisation structure as well as the legislative arm, with immediate effect.

Those appointed include:
• Hon. Emmanuel Inyang  – Chairman AMAC Revenue Taskforce
• Hon. Bako Kamdu – Deputy Chairman AMAC Revenue taskforce
In the legislative arm the following were appointed:
• John Jezhi                  – Clerk  AMAC Legislative unit
• Hon. Isyaku Hassan  –  Deputy Clerk, AMAC Legislative unit
• Hon. Ikibah Tonye Sebastian – Legislative Liaison Officer

The council said the appointments form part of efforts to reposition its administrative machinery for greater efficiency and accountability.

“The Executive Chairman congratulates the new appointees and charges them to discharge their duties with the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and dedication to the service of the people of AMAC”, the statement read.

The statement further noted that all appointments take immediate effect.

Maikalangu, who continues to push reforms across revenue generation and legislative coordination within the council, is expected to rely on the new officials to drive improved internal operations and strengthen institutional performance within AMAC.

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A senatorial aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Isaac Nwachukwu, has filed a suit at the Federal High Court sitting in Owerri, Imo State, challenging what he described as the unlawful substitution of his candidacy for the Imo North Senatorial District ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.

Nwachukwu is asking the court to recognise him as the authentic candidate of the party and restrain both the NDC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or recognising any other aspirant for the position pending the determination of the case.

In the suit, the plaintiff alleged that he emerged as the consensus candidate during the party’s selection process but was later replaced despite meeting all requirements and making significant financial contributions to the party.

He claimed to have paid a total of ₦25 million to the party, comprising ₦20 million as support for the party and ₦5 million for the nomination form for the Imo North Senatorial District ticket.

According to him, he participated in the party’s screening exercise, was duly cleared, and his consensus candidacy was ratified before his name was allegedly substituted with another aspirant.

Nwachukwu further alleged that irregularities occurred during the process, including a situation where funds he paid were allegedly credited to another aspirant, Matthew Omegara, while Omegara’s payment was also reportedly attributed to him.

Among the reliefs sought before the court, he is requesting a declaration that he remains the consensus and rightful candidate of the NDC for Imo North Senatorial Zone, as well as an order restraining the party from fielding any other candidate.

He is also asking the court to stop INEC from recognising any candidate other than himself for the senatorial district election until the matter is resolved.

In an affidavit supporting the suit, Nwachukwu maintained that after purchasing the expression of interest form and fulfilling all financial obligations, his name was listed as the party’s candidate following the primaries.

He, however, said he was later informed at a meeting involving the party’s national leadership, including Senator Seriake Dickson, that some stakeholders from Imo State questioned his popularity and electoral strength.

The plaintiff is therefore seeking an order compelling the NDC to issue him a certificate of return as its candidate for the Imo North Senatorial District in the 2027 elections.

Meanwhile, attempts to get an official response from the party were unsuccessful.

The NDC spokesperson in Imo State, Dr. Charles Akano, said he had yet to receive clearance to speak on the matter.

“I have tried to call party leaders in Imo State, but they did not take my calls. I’m afraid I do not have authorisation to speak on the issue yet,” he said.

The case is expected to further expose internal tensions within the party’s candidate selection process as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.