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…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
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…
Bode George, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed his views on the Labour Party (LP), stating that it was formed out of anger and lacks the structural foundation required to win national elections. In a press address, George called on the 2023 LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to reconsider his political alignment and return to the PDP. He emphasized the widespread recognition of the PDP across the country, contrasting it with what he perceives as the limited reach of the Labour Party. “The Labour Party doesn’t have the root. I have traversed every state in…
In a decisive move, the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy, a civil society organization, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of the 27 lawmakers from the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The CSO contends that the defected lawmakers, no longer recognized as members of the assembly, should face legal consequences for committing the offense of conspiracy to commit treasonable felony. In an open letter dated December 12, 2023, addressed to the IGP, the Centre’s Legal Adviser, Kalu…
In a recent development, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has declared that the 27 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State have officially vacated their seats. The pro-democratic group, led by Daniel Okwa, convened a press conference on Tuesday, expressing deep concern over the unfolding political events in Rivers State and highlighting the potential threats to democracy. Okwa cited Section 109 (g) of the Nigerian Constitution, emphasizing that the defection automatically results in the forfeiture of their seats, necessitating fresh elections. “The 27 controversial lawmakers must simply comply with…
Hon. Amiru Ahmed Keta, a member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly representing Tsafe West and Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Culture, and Tourism, has justified the supplementary budget presented by Governor Dauda Lawal. Speaking to newsmen in Gusau, the state capital, Keta addressed questions about the supplementary budget, emphasizing the need for additional funds to address developmental gaps left by the past administration. Keta clarified, “The past administration abandoned a lot of developmental projects that have a direct bearing on the people of Zamfara State. Immediately the committee on the budget presented the supplementary budget to…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has raised concerns about the whereabouts of Governor Ademola Adeleke, demanding clarity on his location and health status. The statement, issued by Osun APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal on Monday, comes approximately one month after Governor Adeleke embarked on a working vacation outside the state, according to information provided by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. The APC argued that the people of Osun deserved to know the governor’s whereabouts and health condition, expressing worries about the lack of updates two weeks after his departure. Lawal emphasized that the absence of information had led to…
The South-South Youths Initiatives emphasized the importance of public service over party politics in a statement on Monday, urging Rivers lawmakers to focus on their responsibilities to the people of the state. Oscar Imaete, president of the group, addressed the recent defection of 27 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), cautioning that the reasons for defection might not be resolved even in their new political affiliation. The lawmakers who joined the APC are reportedly loyal to Mr Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with the remaining four supporting state Governor…
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has extended an invitation to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, urging him to join their ranks, asserting that his presence is crucial for the party. Tony Okocha, the Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee, emphasized the party’s current position in power during a press conference in Port Harcourt, following the defection of 27 state lawmakers to the APC. Responding to queries about Wike’s potential move to the APC, Okocha stated, “I don’t think so. Whatever their reason is, when they get to the bridge they…
In an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Enemi Alabo, a prominent member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, provided insights into the recent wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Alabo pointed to internal divisions within the PDP as a primary catalyst for the mass defection. He highlighted a lack of clarity concerning the party’s leadership, citing ongoing court cases related to the PDP secretariat. The lawmaker expressed frustration over the challenges faced by Rivers State PDP members, including the recent incident of the assembly chambers being set ablaze…
The Senate, in a session on Monday, expressed dissatisfaction with the delayed completion of road projects by contractors nationwide. Senator Mpigi Barinada, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, conveyed this concern during the 2024 budget defense session with the Minister of Works, David Umahi, at the National Assembly Joint Committee on Works. Senator Barinada, while addressing the Minister, underscored the Senate’s commitment to preventing the wastage of government funds and taxpayers’ money. He criticized the situation where contractors, despite being mobilized, were not actively present at their project sites. “We frown at a situation where contractors will be mobilised,…