Category: Politics

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara revealed on Tuesday that some recently resigned commissioners left no records in their ministries. This announcement was made during the swearing-in of eight new commissioners confirmed by the state House of Assembly and loyal to Fubara.

The resignations of nine commissioners, loyal to Fubara’s predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, came amid ongoing tensions between Fubara and Wike.

In his address at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Executive Council Chambers in Government House, Port Harcourt, Fubara noted that after the departure of the former commissioners, government officials struggled to find essential records in their ministries. He emphasized the importance of maintaining accurate records for effective governance and civil service operations.

The newly appointed commissioners are Charles Bekee, Collins Onunwo, Solomon Eke, Dr. Peter Medee, Elloka Amadi, Basoene Benibo, Tambari Gbara, and Dr. Ovy Chukwuma.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, quoted Fubara saying, “Some of them left here as commissioners, and there are no records in their ministries. We’ve had a few meetings with people. We were looking for records which we could not find, but that is for them and their gods, I am not bothered about that. But, you that are coming in now, please, do this work as seasoned administrators. Work with your Permanent Secretaries. The things that you don’t know, ask questions from them, they’ll tell you, they will teach you too. It doesn’t reduce you as not being the head. But it helps you to succeed as a good administrator.”

Fubara urged the new commissioners to adopt a diligent work ethic and attention to detail, emphasizing that this should be reflected in their record-keeping practices.

“This government is built on high-level discipline,” he continued. “From the time I started working as a civil servant, and in the Office of the Accountant-General, we didn’t play with keeping good records. I can boldly say that the records are there from 2007 to date. Likewise, during the immediate past administration, I carefully kept my records clean.”

The governor concluded by stating, “I am not bothered or afraid. Call me any day, call me anytime, I will stand and defend every action, every decision that we have taken.”

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded that the governors of Abia, Anambra, and Imo States release the schedule for local government elections or face legal action. Chilos Godsent, the national vice chairman of ADC in the South East, issued this warning in a statement to the press.

Godsent praised Governors Mbah of Enugu and Nwifuru of Ebonyi for releasing election timetables for council polls. He urged the South East governors to adequately fund their state electoral commissions to facilitate the conduct of local government elections.

“The ADC requests the governors to properly constitute and fund their state Independent Electoral Commissions and immediately publish a timetable for local government council elections in their respective states,” the statement said.

Godsent emphasized the need for a democratic and functional Local Government Council System to reduce unemployment and insecurity in the South East region. He noted that the ADC maintains a 60-day deadline, expiring on June 18, 2024, after which they will seek a court injunction to mandate the federal ministry of finance to halt the release of local government allocations to the affected states. This action is due to the use of Sole Administrators, Care-Taker Committees, or Transition Committees, which violates Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stepped in to address the political tensions in Rivers State, urging Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike to collaborate for the state’s benefit.

Jonathan made this appeal on Monday during the inauguration of the Trans-Kalabari Road.

More details to follow…

The Odu Coalition Group (OCG) Kogi East chapter has called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) adheres to constitutional provisions and respects the rule of law in the trial of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

Describing Tinubu as a staunch advocate for democracy, the coalition emphasized the importance of his timely intervention to safeguard democratic principles and protect the rights of citizens.

Chief Odu Akowe, head of the group, made this appeal while addressing journalists in the Dekina local government area of Kogi State over the weekend.

“We express gratitude for President Tinubu’s commitment to good governance and leadership, emphasizing the need for his timely intervention to safeguard democracy and protect the rights of all citizens,” Akowe stated.

The coalition also declared its support for former Governor Yahaya Bello, praising the transparency of his administration and his efforts to unite the people of the state. Additionally, they passed a vote of confidence in the current governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, for his exceptional performance in his short time in office.

Akowe highlighted Yahaya Bello’s dedication to youth inclusiveness and his efforts to promote peaceful coexistence during his tenure.

“We commend Governor Ododo for following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Bello, particularly in the areas of security, transparency, and fostering unity among the people. Of particular note was the governor’s swift response to security issues, which led to the rescue of CUSTECH students within 72 hours of their abduction,” Akowe said.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has announced that he will support Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election if the party decides to nominate him as its candidate.

“I have said repeatedly, and I even said it before the 2023 general elections, that if the PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or specifically to the South-East, I won’t contest it. As long as it’s the decision of the party, I will abide by it. I contested the 2023 presidential ticket because it was open to all members of the party,” Atiku stated in an interview with BBC Hausa Service.

Atiku also mentioned that a merger between the PDP and the Labour Party is possible. “If the party decides it’s the turn of the South-East and Peter Obi is chosen, I won’t hesitate to support him,” he added.

Atiku emphasized that party members would decide his role in the 2027 general elections. He hinted at a possible alliance with Obi, mentioning their recent meeting as a sign of potential collaboration.

“It’s just a normal friendly meeting that we often have, particularly among us in the opposition parties. Such meetings are healthy for Nigeria’s democracy and in the country’s interest,” Atiku said, referring to his meeting with Obi.

On the topic of a potential merger, he affirmed, “Yes, it’s very much possible. We can merge to achieve a common goal. Nothing can stop it if we wish to achieve that.”

Regarding concerns about the choice of a presidential candidate affecting merger discussions, Atiku said, “That’s not true. That challenge will not arise. The choice of who will fly the flag of the party won’t be an issue.”

Atiku also addressed his continued involvement in politics, stating, “We can’t keep quiet and watch things go wrong. People are suffering and we are committed to making Nigeria a better place. My age doesn’t stop the young ones from testing their fate. Everyone, irrespective of age, is allowed to aspire to any position in society, politically or otherwise.”

On his potential 2027 presidential ambition, Atiku remarked, “That would depend on the decision of my party. I can’t make any categorical statement on that. It’s the duty of the party to decide on the way to go in the next election.”

Last week, Obi had private meetings with Atiku and other PDP leaders in Abuja, sparking speculation about a possible coalition for the 2027 general elections. Obi also met with former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and former Senate President Bukola Saraki.

Obi was a PDP member until 2022 when he left to pursue his presidential ambitions with the Labour Party. He finished third in the 2023 presidential election behind Atiku, who lost to Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Atiku has previously blamed Obi’s departure from the PDP for his loss to Tinubu, suggesting that their combined votes could have secured a win.

The meetings marked the first public interaction between Obi and Atiku since the election, generating significant attention on social media. In 2019, Atiku and Obi ran together on the PDP ticket but were defeated by former President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC. Internal conflicts led Obi to leave the PDP and run as the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has emphasized that no nation can advance amid insecurity. He stressed that citizens must feel safe for any meaningful progress to occur.

Obi made these remarks during a scholarships and awards night for democracy icons, organized by the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) in Abuja. The event honored democracy champions whose dedication has fostered positive change in Nigeria.

Represented by former Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) chairman Peter Ameh, Obi stated, “The award symbolizes the resilient spirit of the Nigerian people. In the 2023 election, Peter Obi brought integrity, sincerity, and a history of public service, which resonated with Nigerians and drove his success despite the lack of party infrastructure.”

He added, “Nigerians value good leadership, and even without the typical party structures, the people rallied behind a party they believed in, elevating it to prominence.”

COPDEM National Chairman, Prince Rwang Pam Jr., highlighted the purpose of the event, saying, “We honor those who have risked their lives to defend democracy. These individuals, both living and deceased, deserve recognition for their sacrifices.”

He noted the posthumous recognition of figures such as Dele Giwa, Gani Fawehnmi, and MKO Abiola, acknowledging their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic progress.

Prominent award recipients included Peter Obi, Aisha Yusufu, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Rufai Oseni, Kenneth Okonkwo, and the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. COPDEM operates as an independent Political Action Group (PAG).

Additionally, scholarships were awarded to three students: Benedict Princess Nneka from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Arinola Oluwaleke Michael from Osun State University, Osogbo; and Ekanem Precious Emmanuel from Arthur Jarvis University, Cross River State, with amounts of N1m, N500,000, and N200,000 respectively.

By Milcah Tanimu

The All Progressives Congress (APC) group, National Progressive Hub (NPH), has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be re-elected in the 2027 presidential election despite any political maneuvers by opposition leaders Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. This statement comes following a recent meeting between Atiku of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Obi of the Labour Party, which was speculated to be focused on forming a coalition for the 2027 elections.

During a press conference in Abuja, Hon. Bukie Okangbe, the National Coordinator of the NPH, emphasized the need for APC members to cease internal conflicts and support the party leadership to ensure a stronger victory in the next election. She highlighted the necessity for unity within the party, warning that the opposition’s efforts to mend fences could pose a significant challenge if the APC does not remain cohesive.

Okangbe acknowledged the current economic hardships faced by Nigerians and urged the public to have patience and trust in President Tinubu’s administration. She reiterated that the president is committed to addressing these issues and fulfilling his campaign promises.

1. **Unity and Support Within APC**: Okangbe stressed the importance of unity within the APC, urging members to stop public criticisms and witch-hunting of party leaders. She noted that internal conflicts only serve to strengthen the opposition.

2. **Confidence in Tinubu’s Leadership**: The NPH expressed strong confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and his ability to secure a second term. They believe that the president’s ongoing reforms and policies will soon yield positive results for the country.

3. **Economic Hardship and Patience**: Acknowledging the economic difficulties faced by Nigerians, Okangbe called for patience and faith in the administration’s ability to alleviate these challenges.

4. **Call for Reconciliation**: The NPH urged all aggrieved members to reconcile and support the party’s leaders, emphasizing that unity is crucial for winning the 2027 elections.

5. **Criticism of Opposition**: Okangbe criticized opposition leaders who have been implicated in corruption yet face no consequences, contrasting this with the internal scrutiny faced by APC leaders.

The NPH’s call to action underscores the importance of solidarity within the APC as they prepare for future political battles. The group’s optimism about Tinubu’s re-election hinges on the party’s ability to maintain unity and effectively address the country’s pressing issues.

Hon. Ali Isa, the representative for Balanga-Billiri Federal Constituency of Gombe State in the House of Representatives, has suggested that President Bola Tinubu should use commercial aircraft or travel by road for his domestic trips.

Isa, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made this recommendation while contributing to a motion by Satomi Ahmed, Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, on the need to investigate the status of the presidential fleet during a plenary session in Abuja on Wednesday.

In a video circulating online, Isa said, “Mr. Speaker, since an issue has been raised, I would advise that the president should suspend using the presidential aircraft. If there is a need, he can use either commercial or chartered aircraft, or even travel by road.”

Isa, who is serving his second term in the House, argued that the President traveling by road would instill hope in Nigerians that the country’s roads would soon be repaired.

By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.

Hajiya Surayya Aminu popularly known as “Sai Mama” has canvassed their solidarity and support to the APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for his determination to uplifting the party’s standard since he was appointed.

She stated this on Wednesday in Kano at the end of a solidarity gathering in support of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s contuinity as the APC National chairman who is working towards the party’s progress in Nigeria.

Hajiya Surayya Aminu added that ” we are behind our leader and father, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for his zeal to ensure that our party, APC is becoming more stronger, United and successful across he 36 states and FCT and from what he is doing, APC is waxing more stronger to win more elections with wide margin”. She lamented.

The occasion which was well attended by the party loyalists and representatives across the 44 local governments has called on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,APC stakeholders, national working committee and all elected leaders under the party to support Dr. Ganduje as the national chairman.

At the end of the occasion, some prominent and recognised personalities, Barrister Jamil SAN and a veteran journalist and media Guru, Kabir Inuwa Hayin Hago were honoured with meritarious award by Hajiya Surayya Aminu for being loyal to Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje respectively.