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Nyame and Maigari: Lessons on the complexities of political relationships
Nyame and Maigari: Lessons on the complexities of political relationships
By Rikwense Muri
The political landscape in Nigeria has always been an interesting, albeit complicated, terrain. In the state of Taraba, the dynamics were further exemplified by the relationship between His Excellency Rev Jolly Nyame, the former Executive Governor of Taraba State, and his former Deputy Governor, His Excellency Barr Uba Maigari. Their partnership was marred by personal and political differences, leading to a fallout that ultimately resulted in Maigari’s impeachment and disgrace out of office. However, the lessons learned from their tumultuous relationship have become an impactful case study in political mentorship, resilience, and the power of reconciliation.
Rev Jolly Nyame was elected as the Executive Governor of Taraba State in 1999 and served two terms in office. During his tenure, he was known for his commitment to the development of the state and his unwavering dedication to public service. Barr Uba Maigari, on the other hand, was his Deputy Governor, handpicked by Nyame to serve as his second in command. Their alliance was initially seen as a formidable force for the progress of Taraba State, with the hopes of a harmonious working relationship. However, as their time in office progressed, differences began to surface, leading to a rupture in their once amicable partnership.
The rift between Nyame and Maigari escalated, leading to the latter’s impeachment and subsequent ousting from the position of Deputy Governor. In the aftermath of the political turmoil, Maigari found himself ostracized and out of favor in Taraba State. However, rather than succumbing to defeat, he chose to seek political relevance and mentorship outside of the state. He displayed resilience and determination in the face of adversity, recognizing the need to reestablish himself in the political arena. Today he is the only Honourable Minister in the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu, the rallying point of APC in Taraba State and one of those Rev Jolly Nyame look up to as political leaders in Taraba State.
Maigari’s journey to political redemption serves as a powerful lesson in the importance of adaptability and the ability to cultivate new alliances. He recognized the significance of aligning himself with influential figures and sought mentorship and guidance from leaders with a broader political influence. It was through this strategic maneuvering that he was able to regain his relevance and ultimately secure a ministerial position, solidifying his status as a dependable ally to Rev Jolly Nyame.
The lessons from the lives of Rev Jolly Nyame and Barr Uba Maigari are profound, highlighting the significance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the ability to overcome personal and political differences for the greater good. Their rekindled alliance serves as a testament to the transformative power of humility and the willingness to set aside grievances in pursuit of a common goal. It also underscores the importance of seeking mentorship and guidance from experienced leaders, demonstrating the impact of aligning oneself with influential figures in the political sphere.
In conclusion, the lives of Rev Jolly Nyame and Barr Uba Maigari offer valuable insights into the complexities of political relationships and the resilience required to navigate the intricate web of governance. Their journey from conflict to reconciliation and renewed partnership exemplifies the enduring value of forgiveness, mentorship, and the power of political redemption. As a result, their story will continue to serve as a compelling case study for aspiring politicians and leaders in Nigeria and beyond.
Nine PAP Foreign Scholarship Beneficiaries Bag Master’s Degrees From UK Varsities
•••771 to Graduate in Nigeria in 2025
•••Otuaro Hails Scholars’ Performances
By: Michael Mike
Nine students awarded foreign post-graduate scholarships by the Presidential Amnesty Programme have graduated from their master’s degree rprogrammes in universities in the United Kingdom.
The successful scholars are the first graduates in the offshore post-graduate scholarship deployment to UK institutions by the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, for the 2024-2025 academic session.
They graduated from the Anglia Ruskin University, University of Dundee and The University of Law with master’s degrees in cyber security, data science and engineering, law, construction and civil engineering management, project management, and ICT.
Also, 711 undergraduate and post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries are expected to graduate from universities within Nigeria this year.
The PAP, on Wednesday, 3 December, 2025, organised a graduation reception for the scholars in London.
Otuaro has congratulated them on their successful graduation, stressing that they completed their programmes in record time which shows the seriousness they had put into their studies.
He said they have justified the Federal Government’s investment in their education with their successful graduation, and urged other beneficiaries not to be distracted in their academic pursuits.
“We congratulate these scholars on their successful graduation. It shows that they took their studies seriously. That is what we demand of every scholarship beneficiary, whether at the undergraduate or post-graduate level”, Otuaro said.
He reiterated his unwavering commitment to expanding the scholarship scheme to create more opportunities for indigent students of Niger Delta extraction to access higher education with a view to closing the human capital development gap in the region.
Otuaro said it was for this reason he deployed 3800 beneficiaries in-country in the 2024-2025 academic year, and increased the figure to 3900 in the 2025-2026 academic session with 200 for foreign scholarships.
Otuaro has so far deployed 7700 students for the PAP scholarship scheme within Nigeria in less than two years.
Within this period, also, he has also deployed 162 students from the region for post-graduate programmes in targeted disciplines in the UK universities.
According to him, this is in conformity with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu for the Niger Delta, who has given unprecedented support to the PAP because of his sincere love for the area.
The PAP boss said, “Our decision aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the Niger Delta. We will continue to create more higher educational opportunities for students from indigent backgrounds in our region.
“We are also deepening the implementation of the programme’s mandate in informal education and other areas for the sustainable peace and socio-economic advancement of the region.”
Nine PAP Foreign Scholarship Beneficiaries Bag Master’s Degrees From UK Varsities
Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited Established for Realization of Ondo Project
By: Michael Mike
Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited has been incorporated to seamlessly allowed for the Refinery and Free Trade Zone in Ondo State.
A press statement on Thursday read that: “In furtherance of our commitment to the execution of these two major projects – Refinery and Free Trade Zone in conjunction with the Ondo State Government, the joint partners have taken another giant step by incorporating a joint company, namely – SUNSHINE JOINT VENTURE INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED – as the vehicle to be used in executing these projects. A move that further reinforces the sincerity of purpose and total commitment of the funding partners to move ahead together as a united front.
According to the release by Wale Adekola on behalf of the JV, the Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limitedwill, going forward serve as the vehicle to work with the Ondo State Government through the Ondo State Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA) in the implementation of the executed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
The statement added that: “In moving the projects forward for implementation, the JV team met in Dubai to finalize the funding modalities and put in place structures and plans for the commencement of activities for ground breaking and community engagements. These initial activities are aimed at complementing the 50th Anniversary of the creation of Ondo State and the one year anniversary of the election of the Executive Governor of the Sunshine State, His Excellency, Chief Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa CFR.
At the Dubai meeting were key officers of the JV Company, including: Messrs SALEHI FARHAD; ZAHERI NAVID; EGHBAL KORDJAMSHIDI; SAHEED ZAHERI; DR. STEPHEN DIKE; HENRY OWONKA AND MRS. NAMVAR MARYAM.
The statement further informed that, plans have been concluded to mobilize the relevant contractors working with the locals and host communities to put up structures that will host the information center, architectural models to showcase the projects on offer and facilities that will serve the team. All these are being planned with ONDIPA to execute the relocation and accommodation of the host communities that are likely to be affected by the projects and create a seamless transition that will engender peaceful co-existence and harmonious relationship with our host communities.
The JV company further reiterated its commitment to work with Ondo State Government (through ONDIPA) to change the infrastructural landscape of the Sunshine State and for mutual benefits.
Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited Established for Realization of Ondo Project
Edo: Seven suspected bandits arrested along Benin-Agbor Road
By: Zagazola Makama
Seven suspected bandits were arrested along the Benin–Agbor Road in Edo State during stop-and-search operations, security sources confirmed.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects, all Fulani youths, were intercepted after being offloaded from a truck at about 1800 hours on 2 December 2025. A search revealed pictures of assault rifles, including AK-47s, on their mobile phones.
Upon interrogation, the suspects claimed to have travelled from Adamawa State. Investigations are ongoing for the possible recovery of actual firearms and to determine their involvement in criminal activities.
Security agencies have urged members of the public to report any suspicious movements to help prevent criminal acts in the area.
Edo: Seven suspected bandits arrested along Benin-Agbor Road
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