
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has reportedly halted his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress APC due to a disagreement over the proposed sharing formula for state party offices. Consultations between Governor Mohammed's Turaki-backed Peoples Democratic Party PDP faction and the APC stalled after the PDP demanded 60 percent of party offices, a condition rejected by the APC. Governor Mohammed had previously expressed interest in joining the APC in March after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu and the party's leadership. Offers made to the governor reportedly included an APC senatorial ticket and allowances extended to other governors who joined the ruling party. Sama’ila Burga, Chairman of the Turaki-led PDP faction, stated that the APC was unwilling to accommodate the PDP structure and the state government. Burga, speaking on behalf of Governor Mohammed, indicated that the discussions, initiated by the APC through its national leadership and Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, failed because the APC did not agree to the 60–40 sharing formula, which Burga noted had been adopted in similar defections in other states. Following extensive consultations, the PDP faction resolved to discontinue the talks and is now exploring alternative political platforms. The APC has not yet commented on Governor Mohammed's decision.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
BreakingKuwait reported that Iran struck another of its power and water plants, leading to the deactivation of several power generation units. This marks the second such attack in as many days, with the first occurring on Friday. Kuwait's fire service stated that Saturday's attacks caused fires at two locations, injuring several firefighters and a worker. The country's national carrier rescheduled most flights due to the temporary suspension of air traffic at Kuwait International Airport, attributed to rocket and drone attacks. Concurrently, Bahrain's army announced its air defenses repelled a wave of Iranian attacks, with an AFP journalist in Manama reporting blasts after sirens. Bahrain's interior ministry confirmed five air-raid sirens since dawn, advising residents to seek shelter. The Iranian army previously stated it targeted a US-used air base in Bahrain in retaliation for American strikes, according to Iran's state broadcaster, specifying drones targeted aircraft shelters, parking areas, fuel storage tanks, and connecting bridges at Sheikh Isa Air Base.

The Jigawa State Government has adopted a digital revenue collection platform to automate collections in the informal sector, aiming to improve transparency, enhance accountability, and curb revenue leakages. Developed by eTranzact International Plc, the platform was unveiled during a stakeholders’ engagement and capacity-building program organized with the Jigawa Internal Revenue Service in Dutse. It is designed to digitize revenue collection across livestock markets, grain markets, haulage operations, and other informal sector activities, replacing manual processes with an automated electronic payment system. Over 90 revenue collectors, market leaders, and other key stakeholders received training on its operation. Gabriel Essien, Deputy General Manager and Group Head, Public Sector Division States at eTranzact International, stated that the platform provides real-time transaction monitoring, eliminates revenue leakages, and offers accurate data for informed decision-making. He explained that it integrates multiple digital payment channels, including mobile wallets and Point-of-Sale terminals, ensuring all payments are electronically tracked and remitted directly into designated government accounts. Nwabueze Ugwu, Regional Manager, Northwest, eTranzact International, noted that the solution provides end-to-end automation, enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening accountability. Dr. Nasir Sabo-Idris, Executive Chairman of the Jigawa Internal Revenue Service, said th
Must ReadDaniel Bwala, a presidential aide, stated on The Link Up Podcast that a rivalry between the Nigerian Army and the Air Force during former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration led to troops being denied air cover during operations. Bwala claimed that a disagreement between the Chief of Air Staff and Army leadership meant requests for air support were sometimes ignored, a situation he says has since been resolved. He made these comments while dismissing suggestions that the military was infiltrated by elements sympathetic to terrorist groups, though he conceded that isolated cases of infiltration could not be ruled out. Bwala also linked broader security concerns to foreign interference, alleging an international dimension to Nigeria's insurgency, including pro-Russian demonstrations in northern Nigeria. He referenced an unverified claim by US Congressman Scott Perry that the CIA had funded Boko Haram and ISIS. Additionally, Bwala rated the performance of the Tinubu administration highly, citing improvements in foreign reserves and revenue.