Category: Politics

By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

Perturbed by the prolonged political crises currently rocking the two prominent sons of the Tiv nation, Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen George Akume, the Tiv Paramount Ruler, His Royal Majesty, Tor Tiv The 5th, Prof James Ayatse, has called on the duo to sheath their swords for peace to reign.

Addressing the APC Leaders in his palace at Gboko, Benue State, Prof Ayatse who expressed disgust over the continued quarrel between his two sons, stated that the utterances, statements and activities that he had been hearing, that the two gladiators of the ruling party in the state were arming their followers to insult each other, are most immature.

He Implored both Governor Alia and Sen Akume to desist from the act forthwith, expressing worry about what the act of disunity would affect the Tiv nation now that Tiv need peace the most.

Prof Ayatse, who is the Chairman, Benue State Council of Chiefs, counseled the politicians to note that they have only Benue State to call their own and must do everything humanly possible to protect it from disintegration.

The Monarch, disclosed that their cold war and other issues in the state have been giving him sleepless nights, stressing that Tiv politics has been in the bad news for quite some time for the wrong reasons.

“Be mature and be proud of Tiv nation. Do not make Tiv a laughing stock, I cannot have you fighting. I want to plead with you and all the politicians in Tiv and the political actors to sheath their swords because the international community is watching, Nigeria is watching, our neighbors are watching,”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized the Rivers State House of Assembly and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly attempting to pressure Governor Siminalayi Fubara into acting outside the law.

The PDP condemned the renewed threat by the lawmakers to impeach Fubara, labeling it as an embarrassment and a public nuisance to the state. Sydney Gbara, the state PDP Publicity Secretary, made this statement in Port Harcourt on Monday.

The 27 lawmakers, said to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, hinted on Sunday that they might revisit Fubara’s impeachment as a last resort to enforce their responsibilities and uphold the constitution.

In response, Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, accused Fubara of acting unlawfully despite signing the presidential peace agreement in the state’s political crisis, claiming that the state was running without an approved budget.

However, Gbara called on the lawmakers, who he alleged defected from the PDP to the APC without consulting their constituents, to cease disturbing the peace of the state and allow Fubara to concentrate on governance and deliver his mandate to the people.

Gbara reminded the Amaewhule-led lawmakers that the issue of their legitimacy is pending before the court. He criticized the lawmakers for making retrogressive laws and utterances that hinder the growth and development of the state.

He emphasized, “Their actions are a total embarrassment to Rivers people and a complete show of public shame.”

Furthermore, Gbara addressed allegations by the acting Chairman of the APC in the state, Chief Tony Okocha, that Fubara has not implemented the eight-point peace accord brokered by President Bola Tinubu, stating that the matter is subject to litigation.

Gbara clarified, “As a law-abiding citizen, the governor has implemented that peace accord very religiously and any aspects that are not in tandem with the provisions of the law would not be implemented. So your attempt to try to stampede Governor Fubara into taking unconstitutional actions would not work.”

Osita Okechukwu, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has rebuffed the intentions of some opposition parties to merge and unseat President Bola Amend Tinubu in the 2027 election.

Okechukwu, who played a pivotal role in the formation of the APC as a potent opposition force in 2013, emphasized in a recent statement that the current circumstances differ significantly from those of 2015.

Recent discussions among opposition parties in the country have hinted at a potential merger aimed at establishing a formidable coalition to challenge President Tinubu’s leadership in 2027.

However, Okechukwu, a former Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), argued that the socio-economic landscape of Nigeria has evolved since 2015, highlighting a shift in focus and governance.

He stated, “The persistent calls for opposition parties to unite and replicate the PDP’s defeat in 2015 overlook the substantial disparities in current circumstances. Dethroning an incumbent President should not be treated as a political game but as a conscientious effort to address underperformance.”

Okechukwu further underscored President Tinubu’s steadfast leadership and increased allocations to state governments as indicators of a focused administration. He acknowledged existing socio-economic challenges but asserted that President Tinubu remains resolute in steering the nation forward.

“In 2015, Nigeria faced a dearth of hope under President Goodluck Jonathan. However, President Tinubu’s administration exhibits clarity of purpose despite prevailing hardships,” he added.

The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended its Women Leader, Maryam Suleiman, for her public criticism of Governor Uba Sani regarding the substantial debt inherited from the previous administration.

The party cited allegations of gross misconduct as the basis for taking disciplinary action against Suleiman.

In a suspension notice dated March 31 and signed by the APC Chairman and Secretary of Badarawa/Malali ward, Ali Maishago and Zakkah Bassahuwa, respectively, the party accused Suleiman of actions that allegedly tarnished the governor’s reputation.

The suspension letter also accused Suleiman of involvement in an attack on the governor’s political adviser, Manzo Maigari, reportedly carried out by thugs.

Citing a violation of Article 21, 2 (v) of the APC constitution, the party stated that Suleiman’s suspension would remain indefinite pending a thorough investigation into the allegations.

Governor Sani had recently lamented the significant debt inherited from his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai, on May 29, 2023, during a Town Hall Meeting.

In response, Suleiman criticized the governor in a viral video in Hausa, disputing his remarks on the debt burden inherited from El-Rufai’s administration and accusing him of mismanagement.

The political turmoil in Rivers State has escalated, with stakeholders publicly rallying behind the two main contenders, signaling a consolidation of strength ahead of the 2027 elections, reports Daily Trust on Sunday.

The protracted crisis, which defied previous interventions, has seen Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged political mentor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, engaging in covert maneuvers to solidify their positions in what analysts believe is a prelude to the 2027 electoral showdown.

Fubara, eyeing a second term, aims to demonstrate his independence from political godfathers, while Wike seeks to thwart his former protege’s reelection bid.

Boosting War Chests with Federal Might

Wike has been proactive in consolidating his grip on the state’s political landscape, asserting control over both the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership. Notably, he orchestrated the appointment of his allies to key federal positions, bolstering his arsenal for the 2027 contest.

Meanwhile, Fubara has been strategically recruiting defectors from Wike’s camp, aiming to weaken the Minister’s grassroots support base critical for victory in the state’s gubernatorial race.

Recent endorsements by prominent PDP figures, including former national chairman Uche Secondus, in support of Fubara underscore the intensifying battle for control within the party.

Wike vs. Fubara: A War of Words

Both Wike and Fubara have engaged in verbal sparring, with Wike dismissing Fubara’s backers and urging supporters to remain steadfast. In response, Fubara emphasized his commitment to inclusive governance, contrasting himself with Wike’s confrontational style.

Biokpomabo Awara, the 2019 AAC gubernatorial candidate, likened the feud to karmic retribution, urging Wike to prioritize state interests over personal vendettas to resolve the impasse.

As tensions simmer, Rivers State braces for a protracted political showdown, with both sides vying for supremacy amidst uncertainty over the state’s future direction.

The re-election of Julius Abure as the national chairman of the Labour Party has sparked controversy, with the suspended National Treasurer, Mrs. Oluchi Opara, expressing condemnation.

Abure secured his second term as national chairman at the recent convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State, amid unanimous support from delegates. However, his tenure has been marked by conflict, particularly with the Joe Ajaero-led Nigeria Labour Congress, over party control.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had previously demanded Abure’s resignation and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withhold support for the party’s National Convention.

Abure’s re-election has divided party members, eliciting mixed reactions.

Responding to the convention, Opara criticized the process, claiming it lacked transparency and was essentially a gathering of Abure’s supporters rather than a legitimate convention.

However, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh, defended the convention, asserting that it was conducted in accordance with the party’s rules, electoral laws, and constitution. He emphasized the need for party unity and urged both the leadership and aggrieved members to collaborate with the re-elected chairman to address internal differences.

Ifoh expressed confidence in the party’s ability to move forward and called for a concerted effort to resolve any existing disputes.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has distanced itself from the Labour Party’s national convention held in Anambra on Wednesday.

Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of INEC, made this declaration in Abuja on Thursday.

Oyekanmi clarified that INEC did not monitor the conduct of the convention and declined to provide further details regarding the reasons for non-monitoring.

The Labour Party had initially scheduled its national convention to take place in Umuahia, Abia State, but later changed the venue to Nnewi, Anambra State.

Commenting on the venue change, Mr. Kehinde Edun, the National Legal Adviser of the Labour Party, informed the press that the party had duly notified INEC about the change in venue and date.

He stated, “No, it is holding in Anambra. Nnewi, to be precise, not Umuahia in Abia State again. In fact, Umuahia was not even the first venue we chose. Benin was the first choice before we changed to Umuahia and now Nnewi.”

Edun emphasized that the party had the liberty to select any venue of its choice, with the obligation to inform INEC about the change in venue and timing.

According to Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, political parties are required to give INEC at least 21 days’ notice of any convention, congress, conference, meeting, merger, or election of executive committee members, governing bodies, or nomination of candidates.

Alhaji Abba Yusuf, the Governor of Kano State, has selected Mustapha Kwankwaso, the son of Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, to serve as a commissioner in the state.

Mustapha Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano and the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party in the 2023 general election, is among the nominees for the commissioner positions.

Additionally, the governor has nominated Adamu Kibiya, a former Commissioner for Land who was previously suspended for making derogatory remarks about tribunal judges.

The other nominees for the commissioner positions are Usman Aliyu and Abduljabbar Garko.

The names of these four nominees have been submitted to the Kano State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

In a tragic development, Paul Akintelure, a prominent gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, has passed away following a short illness in Lagos. Dr. Akintelure, known for his medical profession, succumbed to the illness early Tuesday morning. Confirmation of his demise came from the state APC Publicity Secretary, Alex Kalejaiye. Further details are awaited as the party prepares to release an official statement.