Author: Our Correspondent

By Lucy Omakpo

The Abia State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has carpeted the statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, purportedly dismissing the suspension of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara.

The Abia state chapter, in a statement signed by the Chairman Elder Abraham Amah stated that the decision of the Abia State Executive Committee (SEC) to suspend Senator Wabara met every constitutional requirement of the Party and cannot be invalidated by a mere statement from the National Publicity Secretary, which is not a by-product of any official resolution of the National Working Committee (NWC).

Quoting relevant sections of the constitution of the PDP, it stated that the BoT chairman of the PDP stand suspended. “For the avoidance of doubt, the Abia State PDP, in taking this decision, relied on the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) as follows:
1. Section 58(1)(b) & (h) – This section provides that a member of the Party may be sanctioned for engaging in anti-party activities or any conduct likely to bring the Party into disrepute. The endorsement of a sitting governor from another political party, as done by Senator Wabara, clearly constitutes a violation of this provision.
2. Section 59(3) – This section explicitly states that the Board of Trustees is not immune from disciplinary actions where necessary. As such, the decision to sanction Senator Wabara is well within the powers of the Abia State PDP.
3. Section 59(4) – This provision affirms that the Party can take disciplinary actions against any member whose conduct contravenes the principles of the PDP, further reinforcing the legality of the SEC’s decision.
4. Section 57(6) – While the National Publicity Secretary referenced Section 57(7), he conveniently ignored Section 57(6), which provides that the power to take disciplinary action against any member is vested in the relevant executive committees at all levels of the Party, subject to due process. The Abia PDP has acted within this legal framework.

Furthermore, we affirm that only a competent court of law or the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP has the authority to overturn the decision of the Abia State Executive Committee. Until such a competent authority pronounces otherwise, the suspension of Senator Wabara remains in full effect.

We urge the National Publicity Secretary to exercise restraint and avoid issuing statements that lack constitutional basis or mislead the public. The PDP as a Party must uphold discipline and accountability at all levels, and no individual, regardless of position, is above the Constitution of the Party.

As a State Chapter, we shall not hesitate to seek appropriate judicial redress should any attempt be made to subvert the decision of the Abia PDP SEC through unconstitutional means.

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Government has flagged-off free medical outreach as part of activities to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Prosperity Administration at Ikarama Cottage Hospital in Yenagoa Local Government Area.

Speaking at the flag-off Governor Douye Diri described health as wealth and noted that the facility built by Agip since 1995 and WAS completed in 1998 unfortunately has not been put to use.

Governor Diri said inline with the ASSURED Prosperity Agenda, the state government will take over the hospital for use to cater for the healthcare needs of the people in the area and neighbouring communities stretching to Rivers State now that a doctor has been posted to man the facility.

He advised the people to protect the facility and cooperate with the health workers to serve the community better.

Governor Diri enjoined the Commissioner for Health, Professor Seiyefa Brisibe to look into the request of the Paramount Ruler of Ikarama and forward it to him for approval.

He thanked the chiefs, elders, leaders, youths for the warm reception accorded his entourage.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Seiyefa Brisibe stated that the medical outreach will provide perfect opportunity to operationalize the facility fully adding that the Ministry of Health has posted staff to Ikarama Cottage Hospital to cater for the healthcare needs of the people in Okodia- Zarama, Calabar, Ayamabelar and other communities in Rivers State.

He said the key focus of the programme is to provide medical intervention for indigent patients saying that two minor surgeries were conducted in the facility during the course of the outreach adding that major surgeries will be referred to designated centres in Otuasega, Diete-Koki Memorial Hospital, General Hospital Sagbama, Nembe Cottage Hospital to ensure that no one is left out due to financial constraints.

Other services provided include free treated mosquito nets, immunization, free drugs, food supplements and other consumables among others.

The Health Commissioner emphasized that healthcare is a fundamental right which the state government is demonstrating through the outreach to built a resilient and inclusive healthcare system for the people.

In his goodwill message, the representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Marcus Oluwadare, thanked Governor Diri for the support to health partners, saying that the state witnessed five health outbreaks in 2024, but they were successfully tackled as a result of the support of the governor.

He equally revealed that cases of cholera outbreak in some communities were also swiftly responded to by the government when the state was alerted and that the situation had been brought under control.

Also speaking the Paramount Ruler of Ikarama, His Highness Wariebi Jonah said it was during the tenure of H.H Chief Guine Okah in 1986 – 1995, that the idea of building a Health Centre was conceived by the community and H.H Chief Guine Okah, donated the present land to actualize the project which started during the tenure of the H.H. Chief Richard Seiba from 1995 – 1998, who is currently the King of
the entire Okordia Clan.

He appealed to Governor Douye Diri to renovate structure, provide and equip the hospital with modern health facilities, build three-self contain within the hospital premises to accommodate
more staff.

Others include, provision of one bus and Ambulance for effective mobility/emergency
cases, employment of indigenes, qualified health/medical related graduates from the community.

The event was attended among others by the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, member representing Sagbama Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Hon. Fred Agbedi, Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, top government functionaries and traditional rulers.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations of Nigeria, CCSON has expressed worry over alleged plans by some political groups and individuals to distabilize the government of Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom.
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This is coming at the heels of the heat and tension that has been generated by a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commision,EFCC, against a former governor of the state Mr Udom Emmanuel by a group, Network Against Corruption Accountability and Trafficking, NACAT.

Spokesperson for the Coalition and State Cordinator of CHRAN Mr Franklin Isong told a press conference in Uyo on Monday that the group in recent times have continued to pile up unhealthy and fractious climate of politicking in the State towards the 2027 general elections.

Isong said that this was despite earlier appeals and caution by the Coalition for political actors in the state to sheat their sword inorder to enable the state government deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

“Despite CCSON’s advisory following the outcome of its January 2025 Congress and subsequent Press Conference, sustained campaign of calumny, media attacks and media trials of political leaders of Akwa Ibom State, particularly His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, continue unabated thereby further heating up the State.

“CCSON restates its earlier position that if these overly futuristic political gladiators and their supporters do not call themselves to order, their inimical activities could ground the course of governance in the State.

“CCSON reiterates the right of every citizen to hold government and its officials accountable insofar as media trials are avoided and complaints duly directed to appropriate investigative authorities.

“CCSON urges politicians across party lines to close ranks and work towards the unity, progress and development of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.” He stated.

By Our Correspondent

The Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN), a civil society organization dedicated to promoting peace and good governance in Nigeria, has raised the alarm over what it describes as a growing threat to the fragile peace in Kaduna State.

The call was contained in statement signed by TAN’s National Coordinator, Comrade Michael Briggs, who called for urgent action to address allegations of politically motivated activities aimed at destabilizing the state.

Briggs expressed deep concern over recent developments involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, whose alleged actions have sparked fears of renewed political discord in the state. According to TAN, El-Rufai allegedly, recently traveled to Egypt under the guise of meeting political allies, but reports suggest a more troubling agenda allegedly aimed at mobilizing opposition forces against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The relative peace that Kaduna State has begun to enjoy is under threat,” Briggs stated. “We cannot afford to stand idly by while shadows of chaos loom on the horizon. The people of Kaduna have endured enough bloodshed, tears, and despair. We must not allow this hard-won peace to be uprooted by reckless hands.”

Kaduna State, a region historically plagued by ethnic and religious violence, has seen a tentative return to stability in recent years. However, TAN warns that the state remains vulnerable to political manipulation and external interference. The organization likened the current peace to a “delicate sapling” struggling to grow in soil still tainted by past conflicts.

“Kaduna State, once vibrant with the promise of unity and progress, has been scarred by relentless storms of violence and division,” Briggs said. “The relative calm that now blankets the state is precious, and we cannot allow it to be destroyed by those who seek to exploit chaos for their own ends.”

TAN has called on Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate the allegations against El-Rufai and other actors implicated in the alleged plot. “The seeds of discord must be uprooted before they take root and spread their toxic vines across the state,” Briggs emphasized. “The NSA must act with the urgency of a firefighter rushing to extinguish a blaze before it consumes everything in its path.”

The organization also urged political actors and community leaders in Kaduna to reject divisive rhetoric and prioritize the well-being of the people. “The path to power must never be paved with the broken dreams and shattered lives of the innocent,” Briggs declared. “The people of Kaduna are not pawns in a political chessboard; they deserve peace, dignity, and opportunity.”

TAN highlighted the broader implications of instability in Kaduna, noting its strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy and security. As a gateway to the Federal Capital Territory and neighboring states, Kaduna’s stability is crucial to the entire North-West region and the nation at large. The organization warned that renewed violence could deter investors and undermine the state’s economic recovery.

“Kaduna’s resurgence as a hub of commerce and industry must be sustained,” Briggs said. “The fledgling investments nurtured by the return of confidence are the tender shoots of economic growth. We cannot risk undermining the trust of investors who are starting to return to the state.”

While TAN appealed to the citizens of Kaduna to remain vigilant and united in the face of potential threats, it reaffirmed it commitment to work with stakeholders for the peace and unity of the state.

“Like a mighty tree that withstands the fiercest storms because its roots are deeply intertwined, the people of Kaduna must stand together in solidarity,” Briggs urged. “Let no one sow seeds of hatred or fear among you. Nurture the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that have always been your greatest strength.”

“We will continue to shine a light on the shadows where discord thrives,” Briggs pledged. “The fate of Kaduna State hangs in the balance, and we must act with foresight and collective responsibility to prevent another descent into chaos.”

Achadu Gabriel kaduna

Kaduna State Government has intervened in the ongoing industrial dispute between Kaduna Electric and its workers’ union, which has resulted in power outage in all its franchise states for five days.

The Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe who hosted the meeting at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Thursday, pleaded with the union to restore electricity to consumers as soon as possible because the outage has impacted negatively across all sectors.

Dr Balarabe implored the management and the union to find a common ground to ensure the resolution of their differences, as the lack of power has badly affected homes, businesses and with attendant security implications.

She further said that the management and the workers of Kaduna Electric need each other and that they should continue to hold dialogue on a regular basis even when the present impasse has been resolved.

Speaking earlier, Comrade Wisdom Chidi Nwachukwu, the National Vice President (Distribution) of the National Union of Electricity Employees said that the union is not against the downsizing of workers but wants due process to be followed and all their entitlements paid.

Comrade Nwachukwu pointed out that both the union, management and workers of Kaduna Electric are members of the same family but as the workers’ representatives, they want the management to follow laid down procedure in the pruning down of the workforce.

The union leader promised that he and other officials will communicate the Deputy Governor’s plea to their headquarters, pledging that the matter will be resolved soon.

In his presentation, the Managing Director of Kaduna Electric, Malam Umar Abubakar Hashidu, said that the management is looking at efficiency, progress and sustainability of the company, clarifying that it has 444 workers that were laid off.

According to him, the company will be unable to meet basic obligations like payment of salaries and may ultimately fold up, if action was not taken by the management.

Malam Umar also said that the two parties will hold another round of meetings with a third party, promising that the matter will be resolved soon.

The meeting was attended by the senior Government officials such as SSG, Dr AbdulKadir Muazu Meyere, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Sani Liman Kila, Special Adviser on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Mr Fabia Okoye and the Managing Director of Kaduna Power Supply Company, Engr Idris Aminu Idris. #

By Isreal Adamu, Jos

The Plateau state Chairman Traditional Council of Chiefs and Emirs and the Gbong Gwom Jos His Royal Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba has commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for signing the bill to established the North Central Development Commission NCDC.

The Gbong Gwom Jos while addressing Journalists on Thursday at his Palace Jishe in Jos said the establishment of the North Central Development Commission is a welcomed development which will reduced the challenges of the Zone.

He expressed his appreciation to President for signing the bill and to the governors of the North Central states and members of the National Assembly for their efforts.

The Gbong Gwom Jos emphasized the importance of unity and responsibility in the appointments to the commission, ensuring that those appointed should work for the development of the North Central states.

He also highlighted the need for the commission to be representative of the entire North Central zone.

“We appeal to everyone in the North Central to work together to ensure that the benefits of this commission are spread across the geopolitical zone. When it comes to appointments into the board of the commission, we urge that they be representative of the entire North Central. Those who will be entrusted with running the commission must always remember the purpose for which it was established—development.

In addition to welcoming the North Central Development Commission, the Gbong Gwom Jos Expressed sadness on critical issues affecting the region, and appealed to the government to address the menace of insecurity, banditry, and kidnappings, which has hindered development and affected food supply.

He expressed concerns about the illegal mining activities in the region, which has led to environmental degradation, loss of lives, and criminal activities.

He also highlighted the alarming rate of child trafficking in the region, particularly in Plateau State, and called for urgent action to address the issue.

The paramount Ruler also appealed for urgent action on the road from Akwanga through Jos to Bauchi and Gombe, which is in a terrible state.

“We appreciate the Federal Government for the Makurdi–Lafia–Akwanga Road to Abuja, which falls within the North Central geopolitical zone. However, we also appeal for urgent action on the road from Akwanga through Jos to Bauchi and Gombe. This road is in a terrible state, and we appeal for swift intervention so that people can move in and out of Abuja with ease.

“This road has been a subject of discussion for too long, and we begin to wonder why there has been no action. However, with the signing of this development commission bill, we hope that this issue will soon be addressed so that we can connect with other states more efficiently”. He said.

“Currently, many people are forced to travel by air for a journey that should take 25 minutes by road, simply because the roads are in a deplorable state. This increases travel costs unnecessarily. If the roads were in good condition, people could travel with ease and reduce the cost of doing business in Abuja”, he said.

By Isreal Adamu, Jos

The newly appointed Commissioner for Works in Plateau State, Hon Ubandoma Laven Joshua has urged the management and staff of the ministry to prioritize their statutory responsibilities and be proactive in their service delivery.

He made this known while taking over as Commissioner for Works in the state on Thursday.

Addressing management and staff of the ministry, Laven called on them to prioritize their statutory responsibilities and be proactive in their service delivery.

Hon Laven appreciated the Plateau state Governor Bar Caleb Mutfwang for giving him the opportunity to serve as a commissioner.

He emphasized that Governor Caleb Mutfwang is focused on development of Plateau.

Laven called for civil servants’ commitment, diligence, and proactiveness, as he disclosed that they are the engine room of the government and crucial to enhancing service delivery.

The commissioner also highlighted the governor’s unwavering support for the ministry, which is responsible for infrastructure development in the state.

Ubandoma called on citizens to support the Bar Caleb Mutfwang led administration as it is determined to provide dividends of democracy to them.

It could be recalled that Governor Caleb Mutfwang has some days ago approved a minor cabinet reshuffle ,Laven who was previously Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development was moved to Works Ministry .