News

Abia N150m campaign billboard fee, APC agenda against opposition – Kenneth Okonkwo

Published

3 months ago

July 31, 2026

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kenneth Okonkwo, has said that the imposition of N200 million and N150 million on presidential and governorship campaign billboards in Abia state is a pure handiwork of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Okonkwo made this allegation on Friday when he appeared on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily’.

He also accused Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, of allowing himself to be used by the APC to impose such a huge amount on campaign billboards in the state.

“It’s unfortunate that in Nigeria, the ruling party has made it impossible for the opposition to strive. In Abia State, you are hearing a huge amount for you to put up your billboards for N200 million for a presidential candidate.

“Now, multiply N200 million by 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, you would see the perfidy. Just an opportunity to advertise and tell Nigerians what you want to do. APC is a scourge that wants to destroy our democracy.

“I’m surprised that Governor Otti will fall for that. As far I’m concerned, that is an APC agenda using Governor Otti to make it impossible for the opposition political parties to campaign, and it’s really unfortunate,” Okonkwo said.

DAILY POST reports that Abia State Structure for Signage and Advertising Agency, ABSSAA, placed N200 million fees on all 2027 presidential candidates who wish to display their political campaign structures in the state’s advertisement space.

News

Decomposing body of unidentified man found in Plateau

Published

8 minutes ago

October 26, 2026

PlateauReports

The decomposing body of an unidentified man has been discovered by troops of Operation Ensuring Peace, OPEP, in an abandoned building behind a primary school in Jwakom Village, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security analyst, Zagazola Makama, in a post on X quoted sources saying that the discovery was reported at about 1:40 pm on Sunday, October 25, 2026, prompting troops of Sector 8 OPEP to respond to the scene.

Makama explained that the troops confirmed the presence of a decomposing male corpse. Efforts to establish the identity of the deceased were unsuccessful.

He added, "The corpse was subsequently recovered and handed over to the youth leader of Jwakom for necessary action."

Makama stated that investigations are ongoing to establish the identity of the deceased and determine the circumstances surrounding his death, while authorities are expected to take further action as more details emerge from the investigation.

Decomposing body of unidentified man found in Plateau

Business

CBD COP17: Namibian Biosafety Expert Martha Kandawa-Schulz dies in Yerevan

Published

4 hours ago

October 26, 2026

PlateauReports

Martha Kandawa Schulz Namibia SBSTTA28 31july2026 photo.jpg

Martha Kandawa-Schulz, Namibia’s Cartagena Protocol National Focal Point, died in Yerevan, Armenia, while participating in the ongoing United Nations Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP17).

Ms Kandawa-Schulz, a professor, died on 23 October, according to a statement the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Secretariat issued Sunday evening.

She was serving as Co-Chair of the Contact Group on Risk Assessment and Risk Management of Living Modified Organisms at the conference.

In a message to delegates, the Secretariat described her as a highly respected colleague whose dedication, expertise, and leadership contributed significantly to the Convention and its Protocols, as well as to the global biosafety community.

It said her commitment and collegiality had earned her the respect and appreciation of colleagues who had the privilege of working with her.

The Secretariat extended its condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and the Government and people of Namibia.

It also expressed sympathy to the African Group and others mourning her death.

“The Presidency and the Secretariat are working closely together to support her family and the Namibian delegation on site, and to facilitate the necessary arrangements,” the statement said.

The Secretariat also announced that a book of condolences would be available to delegates from 13:00 on Monday at Entrance 2, near the Asia-Pacific Room, for those wishing to pay their respects.

It urged delegates to honour Ms Kandawa-Schulz’s memory and recognise her contributions to the shared objectives of the Convention.

ALSO READ: CBD COP17: Nigeria, six others each win $50,000 grant for biodiversity projects

The circumstances surrounding her death were not stated, although reports indicate that she collapsed during her engagement in the working group meeting on Friday.

CBD COP17 is taking place in Yerevan, Armenia, bringing together governments and other stakeholders to deliberate on global biodiversity conservation and the implementation of the Convention and its associated protocols.

Government representatives, delegates, scientists, civil society representatives and researchers, among others, from nearly 196 countries are participating in the conference.