Bode George, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed concern that the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State has the potential to escalate and extend its impact across Nigeria if not promptly addressed. Speaking on Arise Television on Thursday, George called for immediate intervention from the PDP leadership to resolve the escalating situation. Highlighting the significance of Rivers State in terms of electoral importance, George emphasized the potential ripple effect, cautioning that the crisis could permeate other regions of the country. He urged all parties involved to prioritize national interests during this challenging period marked by…
Author: Ifeanyi N.
In a disclosure on Thursday, the Lagos State Government revealed it disbursed a total sum of N4.2 billion over four years to cover West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) fees for students. Governor Sanwo-Olu made this announcement during the Ministerial Session of the 67th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting held in Ikeja, themed “Addressing the Challenges of Policy Implementation: A Panacea for the Achievement of Education 2030 Agenda.” Represented by the Commissioner for Primary and Basic Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, the governor affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to settling WAEC fees for all SS3 public school students. He traced this…
In a significant escalation of the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, two additional commissioners have tendered their resignations from the state executive council. The Commissioner for Works, George-Kelly Alabo, and the Commissioner for the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Inime Chinwenwo-Aguma, submitted their resignation letters on Thursday, adding to the growing turmoil. Dated December 14, their letters were formally addressed to the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and delivered through the Secretary to the State Government. George-Kelly Alabo, a staunch supporter of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, emphasized in his resignation letter titled ‘Resignation as…
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, revealed that President Bola Tinubu has outlined strategic initiatives to enhance food and nutrition security in Nigeria. Bagudu conveyed this announcement in Abuja on Thursday during the 2023 edition of the Nigeria Nutrition Week at a media sensitization event focused on food and nutrition security. Representing President Tinubu, Bagudu outlined the administration’s commitment to implementing a multifaceted approach to ensure sustainable food security. The plan encompasses sustainable agricultural practices, the integration of climate-smart technologies, and the implementation of social protection programs. He highlighted, “This is in recognition of the urgent need…
Dakuku Peterside, a prominent figure in the All Progressive Congress (APC), has asserted that President Bola Tinubu must not remain passive amidst the escalating crisis in Rivers State. In a statement, Peterside expressed concern over the deteriorating situation, labeling it a shameful state of anomie. Peterside, emphasizing his role as a leader and stakeholder deeply invested in the state’s development, called upon President Tinubu to intervene urgently. He stated, “Mr. President should note that Rivers State is gradually sliding into total anarchy.” “As a statesman,” Peterside continued, “he cannot afford to fold his hands and watch the destruction of the…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara for presenting the 2024 budget to only four out of the 31 members of the state House of Assembly, a move deemed unconstitutional by the opposition party. Governor Fubara delivered the N800 billion 2024 budget to the four lawmakers, believed to be loyal to him, shortly after the demolition of the House of Assembly Complex on Wednesday. In response, Mr. Tony Okocha, the state APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, issued a statement in Port Harcourt, denouncing the action as a violation of constitutional provisions. Okocha highlighted that Section 120(2) of the…
Renowned activist Idris Miliki has vehemently criticized Governor Yahaya Bello for the failure to hold local government elections before the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past Council Chairmen in Kogi State. Expressing his dissatisfaction, Miliki, the Executive Director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), voiced his concerns during a one-day post-2023 governorship election review meeting for political parties in Kogi State held in Lokoja on Thursday. Miliki asserted, “Governor Bello failed the people of Kogi State by not allowing them to elect their leaders from the grassroots.” He strongly condemned the delay in publishing the…
In a recent development, President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to mend the strained relationship between Rivers State Governor, Simi Fubara, and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, have hit a deadlock. Tony Okocha, the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) caretaker committee chairman, revealed this information on Thursday. Speaking to reporters, Okocha stated, “I wasn’t part of it, but whatever that was it, has broken down, and it has been broken irreconcilably.” President Tinubu had previously intervened in an attempt to broker peace between the two politicians. However, the situation escalated with the demolition of the state House of Assembly…
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has announced his willingness to testify on behalf of Nigeria in the $2.3 billion disputed Mambilla power contract involving former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye. The disagreement between Sunrise Power and Nigeria has reached the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris, France, with the company alleging a breach of contract. Sunrise Power claims it was granted a $6 billion contract in May 2003 by the government during Obasanjo’s presidency. The company asserts that the Federal Government of Nigeria repudiated the agreement, leading to a compensation claim of $2.3 billion. Sunrise Power contends it…
Vice President Kashim Shettima has thrown his support behind the Nigerian creative and entertainment industry during a meeting with key stakeholders, led by the Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, in Abuja on Wednesday. Expressing the government’s commitment to the sector’s growth, Vice President Shettima assured substantial support through the Investment in the Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) program. He emphasized the industry’s pivotal role in the nation’s economic diversification plans. Commending the sector for shaping the nation’s image, Shettima recognized its untapped potential, stating that it has the capacity to “blossom and bring back more than…
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has taken swift action by approving the immediate payment of gratuity to the family of the late Director of Finance and Administration, Taiwo Oyekanmi. This decision aims to alleviate the financial impact of his untimely demise on the grieving family. Governor Abiodun conveyed this announcement during the memorial service held in honor of the deceased at Ibara Baptist Church on Wednesday. Expressing condolences to Mrs. Oyekanmi, the governor reiterated his commitment to supporting the family during this difficult time. “I also promised when I came to see you, Mrs. Oyekanmi, that we would not leave…
Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a former National Publicity Secretary of the now-defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP), has voiced concerns over the defection of 27 lawmakers aligned with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. Eze contends that this mass defection underscores Wike’s inclination towards political peril. In a statement released to the media, Eze accused the lawmakers of being mere pawns in the state legislature, executing Wike’s directives without regard for the aspirations of their constituents. He suggested that Wike’s leadership style could lead to their eventual loss of seats, citing Section 109 of the constitution. Calls are now…
In a decisive move, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced its intention to formally request the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize a new election in the 25 state constituencies of Rivers State. This call comes in the wake of the defection of 25 members from the House of Assembly. The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP, in a meeting convened on Wednesday, unanimously resolved to communicate this demand to INEC. The decision followed a comprehensive review of the party’s standing in Rivers State. Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, conveyed the party’s stance…
The Abia State chapter of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) has taken disciplinary action by suspending its Chairman, Uluocha Nelccin Chimezuo, for purportedly engaging in anti-party activities. The party has appointed Mr. Uzodinma Nwoko as the acting Chairman cum Secretary, pending a future congress. In a communique issued at the party’s secretariat on 75 Aba Road in Umuahia, the State Working Committee (SWC) of the YPP cited allegations of anti-party activities against Chimezuo during the 2023 general elections as the basis for his suspension. The motion to suspend Chimezuo and the vote of no confidence was initiated by Success Echefula…
Dr. Salihu Lukman, former National Vice Chairman, North-West of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has sounded a cautionary note, predicting that the ruling party could face expulsion from power in 2027. Lukman delivered this warning during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, preceding the launch of his forthcoming book scheduled for the following Tuesday. Expressing concern over the state of affairs in the country, Lukman highlighted the possibility of internal rebellion within the APC if urgent steps are not taken to address prevailing issues. The APC stalwart lamented the increasing difficulties faced by citizens under a party that was…
Udengs Eradiri, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the November 11th gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State, has filed a petition with the tribunal, urging the disqualification of Governor Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Expressing dissatisfaction with the election results, Eradiri asserted that he, as the sole eligible candidate with valid votes, should be declared the duly elected governor of the state. Addressing party stakeholders at his campaign office in Yenagoa, Eradiri stated, “The reason is that the two leading opposition parties, PDP and the APC,…
In a surprising twist, Linda Somari Stewart, a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly representing Okrika, has reversed her earlier defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Stewart’s change of allegiance comes after she, along with other House members, initially defected to the APC. This move followed the defection of 27 state lawmakers, allegedly aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. In response to these defections, the Speaker of the House declared the seats of the defectors vacant, setting the stage for potential shifts in the…
In a statement released on Wednesday, Yekini Nabena, the ex-Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), advised President Bola Tinubu to refrain from taking sides in the political upheavals in Rivers and Ondo states. Nabena emphasized the importance of upholding the constitution in navigating the political landscape of Ondo and Rivers states, urging President Tinubu, as a national father figure, to avoid engaging in partisan politics. He asserted, “President Bola Tinubu must not play politics with the two states. He must show that he is a democrat and not a dictator.” Nabena stressed the need for adherence…
President Bola Tinubu has emphasized the necessity of partnership and a cooperative approach among African countries to achieve a new green economy. In a CNN Op-Ed piece, he highlighted his concerns about security, human displacement, environmental deterioration, and other side effects of climate change during the COP28 World Climate Action Summit in Dubai, UAE. Tinubu acknowledged the significant challenges Nigeria has faced, including the COVID-19 pandemic, short-term economic changes, and ongoing currency unification. Despite these hurdles, he asserted the country’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding a stronger and cleaner economy. “To uphold our legally binding commitment to a cleaner world, Nigeria…
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has unveiled the 2024 state budget, named “A New Beginning,” before the Abia State House of Assembly in Umuahia. The budget, totaling N567,240,095,972, designates 84 per cent of the funds for capital project expenditure and 16 per cent for recurrent expenditure. During the budget presentation to lawmakers, Governor Otti acknowledged financial constraints but highlighted innovative approaches in addressing challenges, including the strategic use of direct labor and core engineering staff, resulting in substantial cost savings. Governor Otti expressed commitment to building on the modest gains of the 2023 budget cycle, particularly in the last…