Category: Politics

The Lamidi Apapa faction of the Labour Party (LP) has strongly criticized the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for appointing an interim chairman for the LP in Gombe State without their consent.

The faction deemed the appointment unacceptable and voiced their disapproval of the decision.

Similarly, the Julius Abure faction stated that they were unaware of the appointment, asserting that they already had a substantive state chairman in Gombe.

Tensions between the NLC and LP leadership have been escalating, with the NLC accusing LP National Chairman, Julius Abure, of unilateral decision-making within the party.

The NLC’s political commission, led by National Secretary Chris Uyot, endorsed Sani Abdulsalam as the interim LP chairman for Gombe State. Abdulsalam, allegedly dismissed by the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee, was appointed to oversee the party’s affairs until local government elections are conducted in the state.

In a letter addressed to relevant authorities, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Gombe State Police Command, the NLC political commission conveyed Abdulsalam’s appointment, emphasizing its temporary nature.

However, the spokesman for the Apapa faction, Abayomi Arabambi, denounced the NLC’s actions, asserting that they had no authority to impose leaders on the LP. Arabambi threatened to take constitutional action against the NLC for their interference.

Similarly, LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, contested the legitimacy of Abdulsalam’s appointment, stating that LP already had a recognized leadership structure in Gombe State. According to Ifoh, Abdulsalam was removed from his position as state chairman due to alleged anti-party activities.

Ifoh emphasized that LP’s conflict with the NLC had led to Abdulsalam’s recognition by the latter, but it did not equate to a legitimate appointment.

While LP expressed its commitment to resolving the crisis with the NLC, it maintained that the NLC’s interference was unwarranted and detrimental to the party’s stability.

The National Commission for the Coordination and Control of Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NATCOM) has responded to the misinformation surrounding former Acting Director-General of the commission, Otumba Adejare Adegbenro.

In a decisive move to uphold the integrity of the Commission, the Council of State Directors/Coordinators convened an emergency meeting on May 5, 2024, to address the concerning behavior of Dr. Otumba Adejare Adegbenro.

Addressing newsmen yesterday in Abuja, the secretary of the Council of State Directors (CSDs), Yunisa Ibrahim Olije, stated that the council unanimously passed a vote of no confidence on Dr. Otumba Adejare Adegbenro, who served as the Acting Director-General since June 3, 2023.

He stated that the concerning behavior of Adegbenro since he assumed the role of Acting Director-General of the Commission on June 5, 2023, following the vote of no confidence passed on Dr. Baba Mohammed.

He said Adegbenro was found to be involved in illegal recruitment activities through an unauthorized Facebook portal, misleadingly using the President’s image to solicit fraudulent applications.

He, however, noted misuse of authority, as Adegbenro was observed using unauthorized militia uniforms to deceive the public and engage in extortion, despite warnings from national security agencies.

He mentioned that Adegbenro’s unrestrained press releases, containing inflammatory remarks, risked public safety and exacerbated insecurity concerns.

He stressed that this decision aims to halt any further damage to the commission’s image and integrity. The appointment of Dr. Agaba Iduh Fidel as Acting Director-General.

He said in replacement of Adegbenro, the council appointed Fidel, the current Interim Director-General, to assume the role of Acting Director-General of the Commission.

Olije emphasized that the chairman and secretary of the Council of State Directors have been tasked with signing and communicating the official letter of appointment to Dr. Agaba Iduh Fidel accordingly.

He noted that this resolution underscores the commission’s commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of leadership to fulfill its mandate effectively.

Olije said due to a lack of credibility, Adegbenro was terminated within one month and subsequently picked up by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other security agencies for alleged fraudulent activities.

On his part, the new Acting Director-General of NATCOM, Dr. Agaba Iduh Fidel, highlighted the organization’s efforts to create job opportunities and contribute to national security by combating the circulation of unauthorized arms.

Fidel, however, called on the support of the media, government agencies, and civil society to help disseminate accurate information and collaborate in addressing these pressing challenges.

The purported understanding between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, along with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano, to facilitate their move to the All Progressive Congress (APC), has stirred up political tensions. These maneuvers, however, face resistance from Abdullahi Ganduje, the chairman of the APC, who stands as a political adversary to Kwankwaso.

The suspension of Abdullahi Ganduje as National Chairman of the ruling APC is widely perceived as orchestrated by the Kano state government and the political movement led by the Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso faction of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). This suspicion is fueled by the alleged sponsorship of a press conference by seven individuals claiming leadership of the APC Ganduje Ward, where Ganduje’s suspension was announced.

Despite their initial visibility, these individuals have since remained inaccessible to the media, raising doubts about the authenticity of their claims. The situation escalated when 27 exco members of the APC Ganduje Ward refuted the suspension, alleging impersonation and denial of involvement in the decision.

Shortly after their first press conference, a court order was obtained affirming Ganduje’s suspension. However, this was swiftly countered by another court order obtained by Ganduje’s camp, restraining the implementation of the suspension.

The prevailing belief among the public is that these developments are part of a broader strategy by the Kwankwaso faction to pave the way for their entry into the APC. Ahmad Aruwa, the state’s APC spokesman, dismissed the suspension as inconsequential, emphasizing the reversal of the court’s decision and attributing the incident to impersonation and external influence.

Regarding the Kwankwasiyya faction’s purported intention to join the APC, Aruwa highlighted their apprehension towards Abdullahi Ganduje’s leadership. He asserted that while the APC welcomes new members, Kwankwasiyya and NNPP hesitate due to their perceived subservience to Ganduje’s authority as National Chairman.

Hashimu Dungurawa, the NNPP’s party chairman, refuted allegations of the party’s involvement in Ganduje’s tribulations, likening their stance to Ganduje’s disavowal of the Kwankwasiyya Movement. Dungurawa commended the actions of the APC Ganduje Ward leaders, attributing their suspension of Ganduje to concerns about corruption allegations and the party’s integrity.

Despite speculations about Kwankwasiyya’s potential alignment with the APC, Dungurawa affirmed the NNPP’s independence and disinterest in affiliating with Ganduje’s party.

These developments underscore the political tensions and maneuverings surrounding Abdullahi Ganduje’s leadership in the APC, with Kwankwasiyya Movement’s role looming large in the unfolding narrative.

As the immediate past Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong marks his 61st birthday on Sunday , Senator Professor Nora Daduut has rejoiced with him describing him as a patriot who is committed to peace and national development.

The Senator in a goodwill message she issued in Jos said, said, ““I congratulate the former Governor of the state His Excellency Distinguished Senator Simon Lalong as he celebrates his 61st birthday.

“I wish you excellent health and God’s continued guidance in the years ahead.”

The statement also reads that ” I pray God Almighty to continue to grant Senator Simon Lalong , the wisdom and strength required to fulfill his desire for a prosperous and peaceful Plateau South Senatorial District.

Youth activist Comrade Pius Hoomen, has extended his warm birthday wishes and heartfelt praise to distinguished Former Governor of Plateau State, Bar Simon Lalong on his 61st birthday.

Hoomen took the moment to reflect on Lalong’s immense contributions and legacy during his tenure, highlighting his unparalleled dedication to public service and visionary leadership.

He described Lalong who is the Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial district as a bridge builder and peace maker and his boss.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Jos,Comrade Hoomen said “We pay tribute to an exceptional leader whose selfless service and unwavering commitment to the development of Plateau State continue to inspire us “.

According to Comrade Hoomen ” During his tenure as Plateau State Governor from 2015 to 2023 , Lalong spearheaded numerous initiatives that propelled Plateau State towards unprecedented progress and prosperity.

His visionary policies and strategic planning transformed the state’s infrastructure, healthcare system, education sector, and agricultural practices, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of its citizens.

He applauded Senator Lalong’s commitment to youth empowerment and job creation.

He expressed confidence that Lalong would continue to provide quality legislation to the people of Plateau South Senatorial district.

” I wish you a joyous 61st birthday filled with love, good health, and continued success” , the statement added.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has urged Senator Godswill Akpabio, to use his position as Senate President to help the State realize the Ibom Deep Seaport project, a Palm Oil Refinery and a Petroleum Products Depot in the State.

Eno maintained that the development of the seaport which has the deepest water drought in Nigeria will be an economic catalyst for Nigeria in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Governor made this call weekend at a State Banquet organized in honour of Akpabio and other visiting Senators in Uyo ,

The Governor thanked the Senate President and his colleagues for visiting the state and more importantly, the seat of government and further thanked President Bola Tinubu and the Senators “for rallying round our son and beacon of light to make him the President of the 10th Senate. That is our joy and our pride.”

According to him, “I welcome our distinguished Senators led by our son, the Senate President to Akwa Ibom State. Since the creation of this state and especially the return of democracy, we have been blessed with very patriotic and dedicated leaders from the days of Obong Attah, to the uncommon era of my grandfather, the Senate President to my political father, immediate past Governor Udom Emmanuel to date”

“Past governors before me, did a lot for the state during their times, all we have to do now, is to maintain those facilities and also put in place some new infrastructure where necessary.

“As a government, we will continue to partner with you and President Tinubu. Your love and commitment to the unity of our dear state is enough to put the state on a high pedestal of development. .

“God brought me at this time, by His Grace to bring about the reconciliation of his people. As they say, united we stand, divided we fall. If we must get anything for our state at the federal level and want our state to remain the envy of others, we have no alternative than work together as a team.”

“We urge you to help us get the Federal Government to partner with the State in the development of the Ibom Deep Sea Port Project . We want you to work with us to realize our Palm Oil Processing initiative by partnering to develop Modern Mills and Refining Facilities. We also need a petroleum depot in the State to reduce the suffering of our people in getting products.“

The Governor noted that the progress of the State was more important than political divisions and called on leaders in various political strata to make their contributions to the growth and progress of Akwa Ibom.

Akpabio in a remark described the Governor as a man of peace noting, “Akwa Ibom is a very easy state to rule and govern but also a very difficult place to unite.

“it is a major duty bestowed on you by God to unite the whole state. Let your actions speak unity to the the state.

“As a governor, I united the state by appointing people into key positions without considering which tribe they came from.”

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

Minister of State for Petroleum(Gas), Chief Ekperikpe Ekpo and stakeholders of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Akwa Ibom have endorsed the re-election of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio for another term in the Senate.

Ekpo has also called on Akpabio to support, defend and protect Governor Umo Eno’s political aspirations and government from blackmailers and aggressors.

The Minister who made the endorsement at a grand reception for Akpabio by the people of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District at Ikot Ekpene last weekend also called on other political parties not to field candidates for the position in 2027.

He said the Senate President has been a performer at all levels are and should be allowed to continue in office to protect the interest of the area and continue with his uniting role in the politics of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria as a whole.

He appealed to Akpabio to ensure that Governor Umo Eno, who he described as a man of peace,though of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, be supported to deliver democracy dividends to the state and continue in his role of unitying and supporting Akwa Ibom people irrespective of party affiliation.

Ekpo said the reception was organised to recognize the fatherly role Akpabio has continued to play for the people of the area over the years and urged the people to continue to pray for him in his quest to use the National Assembly to pull Nigeria out of hardship.

Addressing his people, Akpabio, expressed gratitude for the reception, describing it as a gesture he cannot take for granted.

The Senate President maintained that he has used his time in public office to build people and structures especially in Akwa Ibom and called for prayers and support for President Bola Tinubu in his bid to build a stable and enduring economy for the people of Nigeria.

Affirming Eno as a unifier and an apostle of peace and unity, Akpabio assured of the support of the National Assembly to ensure the success of his administration.

“The National Assembly will work with you for you to succeed as governor, irrespective of political party lines. You have received the Federal Government with smiles, we will receive you in Abuja with benefits of democracy for your people,” Akpabio pledged.” He said.

Eno who also received an award in recognition of the peaceful disposition of his government in his speech called for more work to unite the people and an endorsement of many more years of service beyond 2027.

The Governor described the event as a statement to Nigerians that Akwa Ibom people are joyfully united behind their own and that their illustrious people deserved to be celebrated.

According to him, “as a minority in Nigeria, Akwa Ibom people cannot afford to be divided nor trade the benefit that should follow the rare opportunity of having an indigene of the state in one of the highest offices in the nation, over political differences.

“My presence here as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State conveys the wishes of Government and people of the State on this occasion. When a man is celebrated at home, he will definitely be celebrated by outsiders and this is the statement Ikot Ekpene and indeed Akwa Ibom people have made today.

“Your ascension to the seat of the Senate President is for all of us to celebrate. It is my avowed commitment that as Akwa Ibomites, we will continue to celebrate all our sons and daughters that God has raised in their various fields of endeavours because first, they fly the Akwa Ibom flag and the Akwa Ibom blood runs in them. We may be from different political parties, but we are first of all, Akwa Ibom and as Akwa Ibomites, we are united.” He said.

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed its delight at the return of Senator Magnus Abe, the former governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general election, to its ranks.

Chief Tony Okocha, the caretaker committee chairman of the APC in Rivers State, hailed Abe’s return in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, describing him as a “valued asset” to the party.

Highlighting Abe’s significant contributions to Rivers State politics, Okocha emphasized Abe’s pivotal role as a co-founder of the APC in the state. He also acknowledged Abe’s distinguished service as a former Senator representing Rivers South-East District, as well as his tenure as Minority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Commissioner for Information, and Secretary to the State Government.

In his statement, Okocha dismissed criticisms of Abe’s decision to return to the APC, asserting that Abe is a mature and independent-minded leader who cannot be swayed by external influences. He praised Abe’s intellectual acumen and his unwavering commitment to serving the people of Rivers State.

Recalling Abe’s tenure as a vocal minority leader in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Okocha lauded his ability to articulate sound reasoning and erudition, earning admiration even from political opponents. He highlighted Abe’s transition from opposition politics to serving in the ruling party, where he made significant contributions as Commissioner for Information and later as Secretary to the State Government.

In conclusion, Okocha reaffirmed Abe’s status as a prominent figure in Rivers State politics, noting his undeniable impact and widespread recognition across the state. He expressed confidence that Abe’s return to the APC would further strengthen the party and advance its objectives in Rivers State.

Emeka Ihedioha, former governor of Imo State, interpreted the significant exodus of members from the Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following his departure from the party as a vote of confidence in his leadership.

During an interview on Arise News Channel’s ‘PrimeTime’ program, Ihedioha highlighted his decision to leave the PDP, citing the strong desire of his extensive followership for him to spearhead change and reconstruct Imo State.

He expressed disillusionment with the direction of the PDP, noting that the party’s leadership had become unyielding and resistant to suggestions aimed at revitalizing it.

Ihedioha elaborated on his departure, stating, “PDP had ceased to present itself as a viable option for forming government due to recent actions. It became evident that Nigerians no longer saw it as a party capable of assuming power at either the national or state levels.”

He underscored the need for political perception, pointing out the party’s poor performance in recent elections in Imo State. Despite this, Ihedioha highlighted his past successes in leading the party to electoral victories.

The former deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives criticized the party’s leadership for its reluctance to heed advice aimed at reinvigorating it.

He further emphasized the significant number of prominent individuals who followed him out of the party, including former governors, deputy governors, ministers, lawmakers, and other politically active figures, interpreting their departure as a clear endorsement of his leadership and their shared commitment to advancing democracy and progress.

Agboola Ajayi, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the party’s gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming Ondo election, has called on the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to specify the responsibilities of a deputy governor.

Speaking on Tuesday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ajayi emphasized the need for clarity in the constitutional duties of deputy governors, often dubbed as “spare tyres.”

He highlighted the current limitations faced by deputy governors, stating, “You can only function at the discretion of your principal, and he assigns roles to you. If he feels like he does not want to play with you, that’s fine.”

Ajayi proposed amending the law to grant deputy governors a defined constitutional role to enhance their relevance, emphasizing the joint nature of the governor-deputy governor ticket.

Over the years, Nigeria’s political landscape has witnessed conflicts between governors and their deputies, with relationships often strained and deputies accused of overstepping their bounds. Some deputies have been replaced before the end of their tenures, while others have faced impeachment.

Ajayi, however, pledges to redefine the governor-deputy governor relationship if elected in the Ondo governorship election, promising to keep his deputy governor actively engaged in government affairs to demonstrate their integral role.

He emphasized the importance of addressing the recurring conflicts between governors and deputies, advocating for a strengthened and more effective deputy governor’s office while dismissing concerns of power usurpation.