CPC Forum Denies Endorsing Atiku, Says Members Are Facing Intense Pressure
Published on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 5:45 PM

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“Stop Turning A Blind Eye While Benue Drowns In Blood” – Atiku Challenges Government

The Forum of State Chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) has denied reports suggesting it has endorsed the 2027 presidential bid of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In a statement signed by National Chairman Kasim Mabo and National Secretary Sulaiman Oyaremi, the Forum distanced itself from the recent visit of some members to Atiku, describing the move as both misleading and unrepresentative.

According to the Forum, while 16 members have declared support for Atiku, 20 remain firmly loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu’s administration. They alleged that opposition leaders had mounted heavy pressure on them, offering financial inducements to lure members away from the ruling party.

“Our Forum has been under serious pressure, including financial gratification from opposition figures. This explains why nine members defected months ago and seven more joined them last week. Nevertheless, 20 of us remain resolute, despite losing one member from Borno State,” the statement read.

The Forum urged the Presidency and APC leadership to address what it described as the continued neglect of the CPC bloc, stressing that the group remains a vital grassroots structure that once delivered 12.5 million votes under the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

It dismissed the visit to Atiku as a staged move aimed at creating a false impression of widespread support, insisting that the gathering lacked genuine political weight.

Reaffirming loyalty to the CPC legacy, the Forum pledged support for its leaders, including Sen. Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, and Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

Edo Govt Under Fire Over Allegations Of Forcing Teachers Into Menial Labour

The Edo State Government is facing backlash after reports emerged that public school teachers were allegedly compelled to cut grass and perform menial jobs on the orders of the Ministry of Education.

The claim, raised by the Edo State Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights, has sparked outrage and debate across the state. According to the group, teachers were being treated as “gardeners and janitors,” a move they described as degrading, unconstitutional, and a slap in the face of Nigeria’s educators…..CONTINUE READING

Civil Society Raises Alarm

In a strongly worded statement signed by Marxist Kola Edokpayi and Comrade Aghatise Raphael, the group condemned the practice and threatened protests and legal action if the government does not put an immediate stop to it.

“Teachers are the backbone of society and nation-builders entrusted with shaping the minds of our children. Reducing them to gardeners and cleaners is a shameful act of abuse and a slap in the face of every hardworking educator in Edo State,” the statement read.

The group reminded the government that Section 34 (1)(c) of the Nigerian Constitution forbids forced labour, warning that the alleged directive amounted to a breach of teachers’ fundamental rights.

The Bigger Picture: Respecting the Teaching Profession

Beyond the legal implications, the controversy highlights a broader societal issue — the undervaluing of teachers in Nigeria. For decades, teachers have battled low pay, poor working conditions, and lack of respect. Forcing them into menial jobs, civil rights groups argue, is yet another reminder of how the system undermines the very people tasked with building the nation’s future.

Rather than compelling teachers to double as gardeners, the group called on the government to employ support staff, cleaners, and maintenance workers who would be properly remunerated for such roles.

Government Responds: “It Was Voluntary CSR”

In response, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, denied that teachers were being forced into menial work. He claimed available information suggested the activities were voluntary Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives by some teachers — not an official directive.

He assured the public that a full-scale investigation had been ordered and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting teachers’ rights.

“Teachers’ priority is the transfer of learning. We want to discourage in very strong terms teachers forcibly engaging in tasks that do not directly strengthen knowledge and learning outcomes,” Iyamu said.

The commissioner further noted that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration has made strides in improving teacher welfare, citing minimum wage increments, the regularization of casual teachers, construction of teachers’ quarters, and ongoing training programs.

Analysis: CSR or Coercion?

While the government insists the practice was voluntary, the backlash reveals a trust deficit between civil society and state authorities. If indeed voluntary, why would teachers feel compelled to participate? And if coerced, what does that say about the treatment of educators in Edo?

This is not just about cutting grass — it is about respecting professional boundaries. Teachers are employed to teach, not to serve as janitors. Blurring those lines risks eroding morale in an already struggling education system.

Conclusion: Time for Transparency and Reform

The uproar over this incident underscores the urgent need for clear policies on school maintenance, transparent use of education funds, and renewed respect for teachers.

Teachers deserve dignity, not degradation. Whether this was a case of miscommunication or systemic neglect, one truth stands out: a nation that disrespects its teachers risks sabotaging its own future.

The Edo government now has a chance to not just investigate but to restore trust — by ensuring that schools are maintained by trained staff while teachers focus solely on their sacred duty: educating the next generation.

Wike Confirms Death Of FCT Head Of Service, Grace Adayilo — Says He Pleaded With Tinubu To Extend Her Tenure

Wike Confirms Death Of FCT Head

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has been thrown into mourning following the passing of Mrs. Grace Adayilo, the pioneer Head of the FCT Civil Service. Her death, confirmed on Monday, marks the end of an era for one of the key figures who shaped Abuja’s administrative framework…..CONTINUE READING

A Sudden Loss for the FCT

According to reports, Mrs. Adayilo died in the early hours of Monday, though the exact circumstances surrounding her passing have not yet been made public. Her death comes as a shock to the FCT administration, where she was regarded as a trailblazer and a symbol of diligence.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, speaking during a media chat with select journalists in Abuja, expressed deep sadness over the loss. He described the late Adayilo as “very hardworking” and revealed that he had personally pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to extend her tenure in recognition of her contributions.

“The late FCT Head of Service was very hardworking. I pleaded with President Tinubu to extend her tenure due to her hard work,” Wike said. “If I had gotten the information on her demise earlier, I would have postponed this media chat.”

The Significance of Adayilo’s Role

As the first-ever Head of Service in the FCT, Mrs. Adayilo was not just another bureaucrat. She played a pioneering role in laying down the structures that continue to support Abuja’s civil service. The role of a Head of Service goes beyond administration — it involves setting policies, shaping the work culture of thousands of civil servants, and ensuring the smooth delivery of public service in the capital city.

For Abuja — a city that represents Nigeria’s unity and serves as the seat of federal power — this role is even more critical. Adayilo’s leadership and dedication helped provide stability at a time when the FCT’s administrative system was still evolving.

Wike’s Plea to Tinubu: A Testament to Her Value

Wike’s revelation that he had asked President Tinubu to extend Adayilo’s tenure is telling. In a civil service system where many retirements pass without fanfare, the fact that the Minister sought an extension highlights how indispensable she was considered. This gesture underscores her reputation as a rare breed of public servant who combined competence, loyalty, and resilience.

What Her Death Means for the FCT

Her passing leaves a vacuum that will not be easily filled. Beyond the loss of an experienced administrator, it raises questions about succession planning within the FCT’s civil service. Who will step in to continue her legacy? How will the administration ensure that her standards of hard work and diligence are maintained?

Honoring Her Legacy

For readers, there is an important lesson in Mrs. Adayilo’s story: excellence and dedication leave a mark. In a time when public service in Nigeria is often criticized for inefficiency, her career stands out as proof that integrity and hard work still matter.

Her death is not only a loss to her family and colleagues but also to the city of Abuja and the Nigerian public at large.

Final Thoughts

Mrs. Grace Adayilo’s life and service remind us that leadership in public administration is about more than filling a position — it’s about creating systems that outlive you. As the FCT mourns her, it is also a moment for Nigerians to reflect on the importance of valuing, supporting, and celebrating the people who keep our institutions running.

Her legacy should inspire the next generation of civil servants to uphold the same principles of diligence, honesty, and service to the nation.