The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has felicitated a former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on the auspicious occasion of his birthday, celebrating him as a leader of note and means.

According to a statement in Osogbo by the Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor, Olawale Rasheed, Gov Adeleke lauded the Waziri of Adamawa for his painstaking contributions to deepening democracy in Nigeria.

Gov Adeleke noted Atiku’s abiding faith in democracy, as evident, while his active participation has helped sustain the interest of Nigerians in the democratic process, however challenging.

He applauded Atiku’s endearing record of service, recalling how as the Vice President, he effectively managed the National Economic Council (NEC), ensuring recognizable contributions to the incredible turnaround of the sordid economic situation inherited by the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

ALSO READ: Saraki Celebrates Atiku On His 78th Birthday

Gov Adeleke said, “On this day, I celebrate former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. Alhaji Atiku has spent his life highlighting the opportunities that our diversity holds, and as he marks a new age today, I honour his life of services and contributions,” the Governor was quoted as saying in a congratulatory message.

“Notwithstanding his frontline standing in Nigeria’s political space, Alhaji Atiku’s investments in education and agriculture provides several Nigerians a source of living, making him worthy of celebration.”

He prayed to Almighty Allah to bless him with many more celebrations in good health and sound mind so as to continue to offer guidance and support for those who looks up to him.

Tensions flared at the Cross River State secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday, as members staged a protest over the ousting of the state chairman, Mr. Venatius Ikem.

The protest, which was organized by the party’s local government and ward chapters, saw demonstrators carrying placards with messages such as “Ikem must go,” “All wards and local governments chapter rejects Vena,” and “The decision of the Cross River State Working Committee (SWC) is the best for the party.”

READ ALSO: Isanlu-Fulani Crisis: Gov Ododo Holds Emergency Security Meeting

The protesters, led by the Calabar Municipality chairman, Mr. Bassey Asuquo, expressed strong opposition to any efforts to reinstate Ikem.

According to Asuquo, Ikem’s leadership had caused stagnation within the party and hindered its growth in the state.

Asuquo said, “We, the chapter leadership across the state, are in support of anything, including the removal of anyone, that will make the party grow. The national body must let Ikem go for the good of the PDP in Cross River. If he is reinstated, we will leave the party for him.”

The protest follows the removal of Ikem by the Cross River SWC two weeks ago, citing allegations of financial mismanagement, high-handedness, and ineptitude.

Despite this, Ikem has vehemently rejected the decision, claiming that his removal was unconstitutional and threatening legal action.

Deputy state chairman, Chief Dennis Nkiri, received the protesters and assured them that the party would prioritize its growth in any decisions moving forward. “The right thing will be done for the growth of the party,” Nkiri said.

PDP state Publicity Secretary, Mr. Mike Ojisi, also weighed in, likening the party’s situation to a sinking ship in need of immediate course correction. “We want Jonah to be removed from the boat for it not to sink,” Ojisi stated.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced the monitoring of constituency projects worth N21 billion across Kaduna State.

The initiative, aimed at promoting accountability and transparency in the use of public funds, is part of the commission’s broader effort to tackle corruption and ensure the timely completion of government projects.

READ ALSO: NGO Empowers 180 Market Women In Akwa Ibom

Addressing journalists in Kaduna, Chief Superintendent Haruna Aminu, who represented the Constituency and Executive Tracking Department under the leadership of ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, revealed that the commission is currently tracking 60 projects across the state.

“We are here to track about 60 projects across Kaduna State with a total value of N21 billion. We started on Wednesday with the Kafanchan axis, where we tracked at least 21 projects.

“Now we are in Kaduna main town, Kabala area, focusing on projects such as solar-powered streetlights across the town,” Aminu said.

The ICPC team observed progress on some of the projects, but Aminu highlighted concerns over delays and execution challenges.

“Generally, on the solar project, we have seen a level of execution. However, we discovered certain shortcomings. This is a project that touches people’s lives, and we will ensure its completion,” he added.

Aminu stressed that contractors who fail to deliver on their obligations will be held accountable.

“There is no contractor that is going to be skipped. They cannot collect government money and abandon projects. The era of abandoned projects is over. We have clear directives and support to hold defaulters accountable,” he warned.

The delay in completing certain projects, particularly the solar-powered streetlights, has affected the intended impact on communities, Aminu noted.

“These projects are vital to improving livelihoods in Kaduna State. If completed last year as planned, they would have made a significant difference by now,” he said.

The ICPC announced that the next phase of the exercise would focus on taking action against contractors who fail to execute their projects.

The commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring that public funds translate into tangible benefits for citizens.