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Category: Politics

  • Edo Gov Poll: We’ve no witness, INEC tells tribunal as it closes defence

    Edo Gov Poll: We’ve no witness, INEC tells tribunal as it closes defence

    ABUJA– The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Thursday, said it would not call any witness to defend the outcome of the governorship election it conducted in Edo State on September 21, 2024.

    The electoral body, through its team of lawyers led by a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, told the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja that it would not produce any witness to testify on its behalf.

    Agabi, SAN, made the disclosure barely 24 hours after the Commission told the Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member panel tribunal that it had a line-up of five witnesses that would give evidence to support the result it declared in favour of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who is the 2nd Respondent in the case.

    INEC persuaded the tribunal to adjourn the case till Thursday, stressing that the witnesses would come to Abuja from Benin, Edo State.

    However, at the resumed proceeding, INEC’s lead counsel, Agabi, SAN, said his team shelved the idea of bringing witnesses, after it reviewed the case.

    “My lords, after we left you yesterday (Wednesday), we gave more thought to the matter and came to the conclusion that the sensible thing to do is to close the case of the 1st Respondent, which we hereby do,” Agabi, SAN, told the tribunal.

    On their part, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, said they were not surprised by the development.

    “Frankly speaking, we are not surprised and it is well within the right of the 1st Respondent to show such a good discretion. We are not objecting,” the petitioners’ counsel, Mr. Adetunji Oyeyipo, SAN, stated.

    Both Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, who appeared for Governor Okpebholo and Mr. D. C. Dewigwe, who represented the APC, said they were not opposed to INEC’s decision.

    Consequently, the panel adjourned the matter till Monday for governor Okpebholo to open his defence to the petition.

    It will be recalled that INEC had declared that Okpebholo of the APC secured a total of 291, 667 votes to defeat his closet rivalry, Ighodalo of the PDP, who got a total of 247, 655 votes.

    Aggrieved by the outcome of the poll, the PDP and its candidate approached the tribunal, praying it to nullify INEC’s declaration of the APC and Okpebholo as winners of the contest.

    The petitioners, among other things, contended that the governorship election was invalid by reason of alleged non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act.

    They equally argued in the petition marked: EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, that governor Okpebholo of the APC did not secure the highest number of lawful votes that were cast at the election.

    Satisfied with evidence of 19 witnesses that testified and tendered several documents in support of their case, the petitioners closed their case on Monday.

    INEC had earlier produced and tendered before the tribunal, a total of 153 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVA, machines that were used in the 133 polling units where results of the election are disputed.

    The Commission equally tendered in evidence, a certified copy of the result of the governorship election.

  • Reps constitution review committee proposes creation of 31 additional states

    Reps constitution review committee proposes creation of 31 additional states

    The House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee has proposed creating 31 additional states in addition to the country’s 36 existing states.

    The committee contained this in a letter to the House of Representatives, which was read during plenary by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary session in Abuja.

    According to the committee, it is proposing an additional six new states in the North Central, four in the North East, five in the North West, five in the South-South, and seven in the South West.

    The states being considered include Okun State, Okura State, and Confluence State from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa States from Benue; FCT State; Amana State from Adamawa; Katagum from Bauchi State; Savannah State from Borno; and Muri State from Taraba.

    The states also include New Kaduna State and Gujarat State from Kaduna State; Tiga and Ari from Kano; Kainji from Kebbi State; Etiti and Orashi as the 6th state in the Southeast; Adada from Enugu; and Orlu and Aba from the Southeast.

    Others are Ogoja from Cross River, Warri from Delta, Ori and Obolo from Rivers, Torumbe from Ondo, Ibadan from Oyo, Lagoon from Lagos, Lagoon from Lagos and Ogun, Ijebu from Ogun, and Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo/Ogun/Osun states.

    The letter reads, “As amended, this section outlines specific requirements that must be fulfilled to initiate the process of state creation, which include the following:. New state and boundaries. 1. An act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new state shall only be passed if it requires support by at least the

    third majority of members.

    “The House of Representatives, the House of Assembly in respect of the area, and the Local Government Council in respect of the area is received by the National Assembly. Local government advocates for the creation of additional local government areas are only reminded that Section 8 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, applies to this process.

    “Specifically, in accordance with Section 8.3 of the Constitution, the outcome of the votes of the State Houses of Assembly in the referendum must be forwarded to the National Assembly for fulfilment of state demands.

    “Proposals shall be resubmitted in strict adherence to the stipulations. Submit three hard copies of the full proposal of the memoranda to the Secretariat of the Committee in Room H331, House of Representatives, White House, National Assembly Complex, and Abuja. Sub-copies must also be sent electronically to the Committee’s email address at info.hccr.gov.nj.

    “The committee remains committed to supporting the implementing efforts that align with the constitutional provisions and would only consider proposals that comply with the stipulated guidelines.

  • PDP crisis: BoT orders NWC to swear in Ude-Okoye as National Secretary, Anyanwu kicks

    PDP crisis: BoT orders NWC to swear in Ude-Okoye as National Secretary, Anyanwu kicks

    The Board of Trustees of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has directed the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, to immediately swear in Sunday Ude-Okoye as substantive national secretary, in line with the declarative judgment of Enugu High Court which was upheld by the Court of Appeal.

    Read Also:PDP crisis: Battleground shifts to courtrooms

    This was contained in a communique issued after an emergency meeting of the board at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, yesterday.
    Chairman of the BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara, who read the communique, explained that the body thoroughly considered critical issues in the party before arriving at the decision.

    He noted that the board also received, considered and adopted the recommendations of the Saminu Turaki-led committee set up to look into the court judgments on the dispute between Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye over the national secretary position.

    However, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, yesterday dismissed the directive of the Board of Trustees (BoT), to the National Working Committee (NWC), to swear -in his rival on the grounds that the matter was still in Court and that the tenures of about 80 percent of members of the BoT who attended Wednesday’s meeting at the Transcorps Hilton Hotel expired in October last year.

    Wabara

    Wabara had said the BoT resolved as follows: “The Board of Trustees asserts its position as a prominent ORGAN of the PDP as enshrined under Section 13 (1)(r) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

    “The BoT also asserts its inherent authority under Section 32 (5)(a) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) which empowers it to “ensure highest standards of morality in all the activities of the Party by acting as the conscience of the Party, with powers to call to order any officer of the Party, whose conduct falls below the norms;

    “The BoT in exercise of its constitutional powers received, exhaustively considered and hereby adopt the report of its committee led by Barr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, on the issue of the National Secretary of the PDP especially with regard to the declarative judgment of the High Court of Enugu as upheld by the Court of Appeal.

    “Consequently, the BoT by adopting the report recognizes Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the substantive National Secretary of the PDP in full obedience to the declaratory Judgment of the High Court of Enugu as also upheld by the Court of Appeal there being no contrary or overriding judgment from any Court of superior jurisdiction.

    “The BoT charges the National Working Committee, NWC, to recognize and immediately swear in Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary of the PDP in obedience to the Judgment of the Court of Appeal.

    “The BoT urges all party organs, critical stakeholders, leaders and members across the country as well as all democracy development partners and institutions to be guided by the judgment of the Court of Appeal with regard to the position of the National Secretary of the PDP.

    “The BoT commends the PDP Governors’ Forum, the National Working Committee, South East Executive Committee and all other organs of the Party for their steadfastness in upholding the provisions of the Constitution and operational Guidelines of the PDP.

    “The BoT expresses satisfaction with the PDP Governors’ Forum and the National Working Committee, NWC, for their concerted efforts in finally setting Thursday, March 13th, 2025 as the date for the much-anticipated National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting of our party, especially bearing in mind that the NEC meeting is the platform for critical deliberations that will shape the future of our party and by extension, the future of Nigeria.”

    According to Wabara, the board unanimously passed a vote of confidence on chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, for their outstanding leadership in piloting the affairs of the BoT and stabilizing the party.

    The board also urged all members of the party to remain united and continue to work together to strengthen the party to reclaim its rightful place in the leadership of the country.
    Recall that Senator Anyanwu, who was PDP candidate in the 2023 governorship election in Imo State, held on to his position as national secretary.

    Although the PDP constitution did not compel him to resign to contest, PDP stakeholders in the South East

    held a meeting in Enugu and resolved to nominate Ude-Okoye as his replacement, arguing that the position was the zone’s.

    Anyanwu faults BoT, says tenure of 80% of members expired last year

    According to Anyanwu, “I’m a member of the BoT, I was not invited to the meeting, the National Chairman too, who is also member wasn’t invited to the meeting that should tell you something.

    “In any case, the tenure of about 80 percent of those who sat at that meeting expired since October last year.

    “They are also aware that this matter is in Court even the Chairman, Wabara was taken to court and sent a representative to stand for him today. Their advice is what it is, an advice, it cannot be taken seriously.”

  • Lagos Assembly Crisis: Meranda survives as Tinubu fails to meet GAC team

    Lagos Assembly Crisis: Meranda survives as Tinubu fails to meet GAC team

    STRONG indications emerged, Wednesday, that President Bola Tinubu has accepted the plea of some critical stakeholders in Lagos to let the decision of the House of Assembly impeaching former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, and electing Speaker Mojisola Meranda, stand.

    Read Also: Lagos speakership crisis: GAC briefs Tinubu after meeting with lawmakers hit brick wall

    President Bola Tinubu did not meet members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC, who were in Abuja to see him on resolution of the issue, Wednesday, before jetting out to France on a private visit en route Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU Heads of State.

    The AU session is scheduled for February 12 to 16, 2025.

    As it is, the House is expected to resume sitting tomorrow, Thursday, as against the earlier directive with Meranda in-charge.

    Already, the crisis has polarised the GAC and the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state with some stakeholders urging against acts that would rubbish the legislature, cast the party in bad light and hurt its chances in coming polls.

    GAC meets over speakership options

    The GAC, had sent a high powered delegation to Abuja to brief Tinubu, the founder of the council on the outcome of the meeting with 39 members of the House of Assembly, held at Lagos House, Marina, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as moderator.

    GAC, had on Monday, convened an emergency meeting with members of the Lagos State House of Assembly to resolve the leadership crisis in the Assembly.

    Former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was impeached, in absentia, by 32 of 40 members of the House on January 13, 2025 over alleged financial misappropriation, misconduct, and high-handedness among others.

    In his stead, they elected his erstwhile deputy, Meranda, as Speaker.

    The move led to conflicting reactions from members of the GAC, party faithful, as well as the general public.

    The development did not augur well with Tinubu, and some party leaders who said they were not carried along in the removal of Obasa. The lawmakers reportedly apologised for the misstep in writing.

    There were moves to give Obasa a soft-landing by reinstating him or commuting his impeachment to resignation. In the alternative, there were calls for Meranda to step down as speaker because she is from Lagos Central as Governor Sanwo-Olu, in order for a lawmaker from Lagos West to be elected as speaker.

    Names of three Lagos West lawmakers were shortlisted. However, the legislators rejected the above options.

    The 20 lawmakers from Lagos West declined the speakership and threw their weight behind Meranda.

    They lawmakers insisted that they must be allowed to run their own affairs if the legislative arm must function appropriately in delivering the “Greater Lagos Project” in line with Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES developmental agenda.

    GAC in Abuja

    The GAC, the apex decision making organ of APC whose decisions are binding on members, is led by Pa Tajudeen Olusi.

    The GAC departed Lagos on Tuesday with the intention to present the communique of the meeting and signatures of lawmakers on the decision to retain Meranda as speaker.

    The meeting was botched as the leadership could not physically meet with them. Sources said the President had a telephone conversation where the matter was laid to rest by allowing the status quo to remain.

    Sanwo-Olu heaves sigh of relief

    The development seemed to have pitched Sanwo-Olu against the interest of President Tinubu.

    However, the latest dimension has provided a relief of sorts as the governor can now focus on important and urgent state matters. For the past few weeks, sources said Sanwo-Olu had been distracted.

    “This is a big sigh of relief to Mr Governor, who has been working had to resolve the matter amicably,” a source told Vanguard.

    House resumes Thursday

    Members of the State House of Assembly are billed to resume normal sitting today, following notice sent to members,

    “The lawmakers are expected to reconvene at 11 a.m., to discuss important state matters among others.

    “The house had suspended sitting based on the directive of the GAC and opinion leaders in the wake of the lingering crisis. But the lawmakers have decided to resume sitting without further delay, ” the source told Vanguard.

    APC chieftain, Oki, writes GAC, calls for caution

    Meanwhile, a chieftain of the APC in Lagos, Fouad Oki, has tasked stakeholders on decorum in the resolution of the crisis in the State House of Assembly, following the inglorious removal of the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa from office.

    In a February 4 letter to the APC, and leader of GAC, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, titled: “Lagos speakership : It’s time to stop all shenanigans surrounding the change in Leadership saga,” Oki called for immediate truce.

    The statement read in part: “The recent developments surrounding the issue of the Speakership and the decision of the Lagos State House of Assembly to replace the erstwhile Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, have sparked considerable debate and concern within our ranks.

    “I understand that this decision may have come as a surprise to many, and it is evident that a very few members of the leadership and indeed the Party membership have feelings of discontent regarding the manner in which it was executed.

    “It is important to acknowledge that perhaps there were missteps in engaging with party leadership prior to this decision. However, we must recognize that the decision has been made, and it stands as a fait accompli.

    “In light of this, I appeal to your compassion and wisdom to allow the legislature the independence it deserves. We must not allow this situation to further polarise our party, which is already grappling with internal cohesion.

    “It is time for us to move forward, to chastise where necessary, but ultimately to embrace the change that has been set in motion.

    “It is crucial to recognize that the decision made by the Lagos legislature has garnered significant support from various sectors of society, including traditional, social, and human rights communities.

    “It is instructive to note that public opinion and community support play crucial roles in shaping political decisions and the overall functioning of democratic governance.

    “Therefore, we must listen to their feelings and favourability of the preference made by these legislators as to who should be primus inter pares among them.

    “The historical context and political culture of Lagos shape how parties respond to community feedback.

    “Lagos is a cosmopolitan area with a strong tradition of grassroots activism, I earnestly wish that our party will be more inclined to engage with community members and incorporate their feedback into how we handle this keg of gunpowder.

    “Let us utilize a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to measure the effectiveness of our adaptations to community feedback.

    “By continuously assessing our responsiveness and making data-driven decisions, as leaders, we can enhance our relevance, strengthen our connection with our constituents, and improve our chances of electoral success better especially within the context of the current tide with young voters.

    “Afterall, elected officials and political leaders derive our legitimacy from the consent of the governed. Public opinion serves as a barometer of how well leaders are meeting the needs and expectations of their constituents.

    “When leaders act in accordance with the will of the people, we reinforce our legitimacy; when we ignore public sentiment, we risk losing support and facing accountability measures, such as elections or protests.

    “As politicians we often look to public opinion polls and community feedback to guide our decisions. Understanding the preferences and priorities of our constituents always help us craft policies that resonate with the electorate, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful implementation and public support.

    “A political party that aligns its platform with the prevailing sentiments of the electorate is more likely to win elections. Community support can mobilize voters, influence turnout, and sway undecided voters, making it a critical factor in competitive races.

    “The media has spoken on the popular wish of Lagosians and that plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion by framing issues, highlighting certain perspectives, and providing a platform for community voices.

    “As politicians, we must respond to media coverage and public discourse, adjusting our positions or strategies based on how issues are perceived by the public. Thus we must take due cognizance and act appropriately.

    “By actively listening to our constituents and responding to their needs, it enhances our appeal, strengthens our electoral prospects, and fulfills our role as representatives of the public interest.

    “This must not be lost on us and it is very imperative that as leaders, we harken to the cry of our constituents to sheath our sword.

    “I urge you to consider the implications of prolonging this discord. Let us not allow our internal

    disagreements to overshadow the greater goal of serving the people of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.”

    Awosanya writes

    Also, another party faithful, Dr Segun Awosanya, in a letter dated February 5, to the President, read in part: “Your legacy as a nation-builder is evident in the champions you have nurtured and the robust systems you have established. Under your guidance, many have risen to positions of leadership, proving themselves as battle-tested public servants.

    “However, even the most established systems face challenges when individual character (blind ambition) threatens collective harmony. Self-discipline and respect for decency and those values that are dear to our people, including leaders and elders, among whom you are numbered must remain sacrosanct.

    “The Lagos State House of Assembly has long been celebrated for its autonomy and efficient self-governance. Recent events, however, have led to a speculation that threatens to undermine this hard-earned reputation and the carefully cultivated relationships between the Governance Advisory Council, grassroots leaders, and other vital stakeholders.

    “The unanimous decision regarding the former Speaker reflects a watershed moment —not an act of defiance, but rather a necessary response to a deteriorating situation.

    “Reports suggest that under the previous leadership, many Assembly members endured systematic marginalization, intimidation, and financial exclusion. Basic legislative functions, including oversight of capital projects, became privileges rather than standard responsibilities.

    “Permit me Your Excellency to humbly reiterate based on my understanding of years of monitoring the trajectory of the leadership even from the labor room of the birth of the merger of the APC, where I evidently served as a strategist to the Chairman of the committee, that you have always led the way when the majority seek your leadership as it is in this case.

    “A great father that you are will not ignore the outcry of 37 kids to pacify one who, going by all indications, including public opinions, has abused the unique privilege he got from you.”

  • RHYA hails Zakari Idris on election as Speaker of Nigerian Youth Parliament

    RHYA hails Zakari Idris on election as Speaker of Nigerian Youth Parliament

    The Renewed Hope Youth Alliance (RHYA) has congratulated Rt. Hon. Aliyu Zakari Idris on his election as Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament for its 6th Session. Representing the Katsina Central Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. Idris now assumes a significant leadership role, carrying the hopes and aspirations of millions of young Nigerians.

    In a statement signed by the RHYA National Coordinator, Comrade Awoyinfa Opeoluwa, the organization highlighted the importance of Idris’s new role in advancing youth-focused policies.

    “We celebrate this remarkable achievement and recognize the newly inaugurated parliamentarians of the 6th Session of the Nigerian Youth Parliament. Your dedication to serving the interests of Nigerian youth is commendable,” Opeoluwa stated.

    RHYA urged the Speaker and his fellow parliamentarians to uphold the trust placed in them by young Nigerians, stressing the importance of prioritizing unity and development in their legislative activities.

    “It is essential that you become the unwavering voice of the voiceless, advocating for the rights and needs of young people across the nation,” Opeoluwa said. “Your leadership should reflect the aspirations of the youth, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed.”

    The organization emphasized the essence of true leadership, reminding the parliamentarians that their success would be measured by their service to the people. RHYA encouraged them to make decisions that positively impact the future of Nigerian youth.

    “The future of our nation depends on the actions and decisions made today,” Opeoluwa noted. “We believe you have the potential to drive meaningful change. Never betray the trust of those you represent.”

    RHYA reaffirmed its support for the 6th Session of the Nigerian Youth Parliament and expressed confidence in Rt. Hon. Idris’s leadership. The organization pledged to collaborate with the youth parliament to advocate for policies that empower young Nigerians.

    “Once again, congratulations to Rt. Hon. Aliyu Zakari Idris and all members of the 6th Session of the Nigerian Youth Parliament,” Opeoluwa concluded. “RHYA stands with you and looks forward to witnessing the positive contributions you will make toward a brighter future for Nigerian youth.”

  • Senate: Fireworks as Akpabio reads Nwoko’s defection letter to APC

    Senate: Fireworks as Akpabio reads Nwoko’s defection letter to APC

    ABUJA – THERE was a heated debate among senators, yesterday, when the Chairman, Senate Committee on Reparation and Repatriation, Senator Ned Nwoko, Delta North, formally dumped his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

    According to Nwoko’s defection letter, which was read on the floor of the Senate by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, he left the PDP because the party, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation and national development, had been engulfed in persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction.

    Senator Nwoko in the letter, urged the Senate to as a matter of urgency, set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the crisis in the PDP and recommend a way forward to safeguard the nation’s democracy.

    APC senators joined him in the call for an ad hoc Senate committee to look into the cause of the crisis in the PDP.

    The letter is titled, “ Notice of Departure from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to the All-Progressives Congress, APC “

    With Nwoko’s defection, the number of APC senators has increased to 64, and that of the PDP reduced to 33. Labour Party, LP, now has five senators; the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, and Social Democratic Party, SDP, have two senators each; and the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has one.

    The total number of Senators currently in the 10th Senate stands at 107 members.

    Anambra South is yet to be filled after the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah as well as Edo Central after the

    emergence of Senator Monday Okpebholo as governor of Edo State, following the September 21, 2024, election.

    The letter

    Nwoko’s letter read in part: “I write to formally inform you and my distinguished colleagues of my decision to resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and consequently join the All Progressives Congress, APC.

    “This decision was not made lightly, but rather after deep reflection and extensive consultations with my constituents, political associates, and stakeholders across Delta North senatorial district.

    ‘’The PDP, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation and national development, has unfortunately been engulfed in persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction. These unresolved conflicts have weakened its ability to function as an effective opposition, thereby threatening the very fabric of our democracy.

    “Mr. President, democracy thrives on a strong and credible opposition that keeps the government in check, promotes accountability, and ensures that the voice of all Nigerians is heard. The continued deterioration of the PDP raises serious concerns about the future of our multi-party democracy.

    ‘’If urgent steps are not taken to address this national emergency, Nigeria risks sliding into a dangerous one-party system, which history has shown to be detrimental to governance and national stability.

    “In view of this, I urge the Senate to take this matter seriously by setting up an ad hoc committee to investigate the crisis within the PDP and recommend a way forward to safeguard our democracy.’’

    Moro kicks, says PDP not factionalised

    Soon after reading the letter, the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, PDP, Benue, vehemently rejected the reasons raised by Nwoko for his defection, saying that the action was in total disregard for the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    He raised a constitutional point of order to debunk the claim of Nwoko that PDP was factionalized. Citing Section 68 (g) of the 1999 constitution to fault Nwoko’s defection, Moro said that PDP is not factionalized which according to him made Nwoko’s defection unconstitutional.

    He said: “PDP as a political party today is not factionalized as there is only one National Working Committee, NWC, and Board of Trustees, BOT, running the party.”

    Barau, Bamidele counter

    He was, however, countered by the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, APC, Kano North, who pointedly told Abba Moro that every Nigerian knew that in PDP, there was a Barrister Nyesom Wike-led faction and Governor Bala Mohammed’s faction.

    At this point, Akpabio asked Moro to name the authentically recognized national secretary of the PDP.
    “This defection is an earthquake, one that will lead to many other PDP senators dumping the party. Little wonder that the defector and the new big fish in APC, Senator Nwoko, begged the Senate to set up an ad hoc committee to look into intractable crises bedevilling the party before collapsing completely.

    “The request is good for the survival of democracy in the country but the Senate will not constitute the committee now,” Akpabio said.

    Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, APC, Ekiti Central , also took up Abba Moro on his denial of factionalization in PDP, saying section 68 (g) of the 1999 Constitution he cited to fault Nwoko’s defection, actually constitutionalised the action, claiming there were apparent factions in the PDP at the national level.

  • Tinubu: You’re a liar, el-Rufai tells Nuhu Ribadu

    Tinubu: You’re a liar, el-Rufai tells Nuhu Ribadu

    Former governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has waded into the raging controversy between the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu,  and ex-commissioner in the Police Service Commission, PSC, Hajia Naja’atu Muhammad, saying Ribadu lied that he never accused President Bola Tinubu of corruption during his time as EFCC chairman.

    He also accused the NSA, Ribadu of memory loss

    Recall that Hajia Muhammad had allegedly in a Tik Tok video, listed President Tinubu, Senators George Akume, Orji Uzor Kalu and some other former governors as those Ribadu described as very corrupt governors when he was chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

    But Ribadu, through his lawyer, Dr. Ahmed Raji, SAN, demanded public apology and a retraction from Hajia Muhammad.

    Raji had in a letter to Muhammad, said the damage that had been done to the NSA as a result of the Tik Tok video was unquantifiable.

    The letter had read, among others:  “Clearly, in the text of your recording [reproduced and translated above] you stated that when our client served as the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes, EFCC, he allegedly named President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside Sen. George Akume and Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu [all former governors, and in that order] as the governors in Nigeria who stole the most from public treasury.

    “You also stated that today, our client who once held the above odious view about President Tinubu has turned around to be his staunchest defender; especially, with regard to what you stated to be the government’s agenda to silence voices of dissent to the government, citing the alleged arrest of a certain

    Prof. Usman Yusuf as an example.

    “You also stated that our client’s alleged attitudinal change towards President Tinubu means that he has either become a liar or that he lied when he allegedly described President Tinubu, Sen. Akume, Sen. Kalu and other governors as thieves.

    ‘’Privately or publicly, our client has never expressed the above viewpoint about President Tinubu and/or Senators George Akume and Orji Uzor Kalu, which you attributed to him.

    ‘’In fact, our client has never held such a viewpoint about the President,hence it came as a complete surprise to him when his attention was drawn to the aforesaid publication by you against him.

    ‘’In the foregoing premise, our client hereby challenges you to provide evidence of your allegations therein against him, which have cast him as double-faced, duplicitious and deceitful in the eyes of right-thinking members of the society.’’

    However, stepping into the matter yesterday, former Governor El-Rufai, who was

    FCT minister in 2006 when the statement accusing Tinubu of corruption was made, said records of proceedings in the Senate and even the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting would prove that Ribadu was lying.

    While noting that Ribadu was being economical with the truth, el-Rufai said “Nuhu must have serious amnesia,’’ meaning loss of memories, including facts, information and experiences.

    A report in the Daily Trust newspaper yesterday quoted el-Rufai as saying: “The record of proceedings in the Senate will confirm that Nuhu made those statements, sometime in 2006.

    ‘’The subsequent Daily Trust report of February 2007, reconfirms the essence of the statements.

    “The conclusions of the Federal Executive Council in 2006, which can be subpoenaed from the cabinet secretariat of the SGF’s office contain the allegations.

    ‘’In that special FEC meeting in which I was a member, Nuhu’s EFCC made similar presentations accusing many sitting officials, sometime in 2006. These council conclusions will further remove all doubts.

    “This is for the record and to remind the morally-flexible that at some point in our national life, silence is no longer golden.”

    Efforts to get the NSA’s reaction last night proved abortive as neither him nor his spokesman could be reached on phone.

  • Senate moves against Japa syndrome

    Senate moves against Japa syndrome

    ABUJA-THE Senate has vowed that the mass migration otherwise known as ‘ Japa ‘ by Nigerians to overseas countries on a daily basis would be reversed.

    According to the Senate, the reversal of Japa syndrome will be at the front burner of actions by the committee because the tide must be stemmed.

    Speaking yesterday in Abuja at the maiden meeting of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non – Non-Governmental Organisations ( NGO) held in hearing room 305 of the Senate wing of the National Assembly, the Chairperson, Senator Natasha Akpoti – -Uduaghan, PDP, Kogi Central said, ” This committee will do this by collaborating with relevant stakeholders in the area of making Nigerians, particularly youth, to believe more in their country and not the mindset of wanting to rush out of the country.

    ” Patriotism is earned and not enforced or forced, making us identify a few steps that we can use in building our economy here using our diaspora energy.

    “We’re going to look into countries like India, Pakistan, even Egypt, in Africa here on how they have grown their capacities and making their countries attractive for a larger percentage of the citizenry to stay.

    ” The committee will start this process by getting the database of Nigerians in Diaspora country by country and also collaborate with various International organizations on areas of focus that can attract many of them back home .

    ” India is a very good example of reversing the japa syndrome by being the ICT capacity hub of the world with attendant jobs for its citizens.”

    Earlier , the immediate past chairman of the committee, Senator Victor Umeh, LP, Anambra Central expressed hope in the ability of Senator Natasha to take the committee to greater heights in the area of tapping required resources from Nigerians in Diaspora and at the same time , make the country attractive to those at home the through required collaborations.

    He said, ” I knew that a great success has come on board for this committee with Senator Natasha as Chairman.

    ” She has what it takes to break into the grounds and then galvanize all efforts towards tapping the potentials of Nigeria’s diaspora communities, and also collaborate with other stakeholders on reversing the Japa Syndrome.”

  • Investigate crisis rocking PDP, Ned Nwoko tells Senate, defects to APC

    Investigate crisis rocking PDP, Ned Nwoko tells Senate, defects to APC

    Abuja — Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparation and Repatriation, Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), has formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    His defection letter was read on the Senate floor by President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, during Wednesday’s plenary session.

    In his letter titled “Notice of Departure from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC),” Nwoko explained that his decision was based on the persistent crises plaguing the PDP, which have weakened its ability to function as an effective opposition.

    According to Senator Nwoko, “The PDP, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation and national development, has unfortunately been engulfed in persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction.”

    He expressed concern that the party’s instability poses a threat to Nigeria’s democracy, warning that “if urgent steps are not taken to address this national emergency, Nigeria risks sliding into a dangerous one-party system, which history has shown to be detrimental to governance and national stability.”

    The Senator urged the Senate to establish an Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate the internal crisis within the PDP and recommend solutions to safeguard Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

    “This committee should examine the root causes of the party’s internal implosion, engage relevant stakeholders, and propose reforms that will ensure the survival of a viable opposition in Nigeria,” Nwoko stated.

    Despite his defection, Senator Nwoko pledged continued service to the people of Delta North and contributions to national progress. He also requested that his new party affiliation be reflected in the Senate’s records.

    The defection marks another high-profile political shift amid ongoing realignments within Nigeria’s political

    landscape.

  • PDP crisis: BoT holds emergency meeting

    PDP crisis: BoT holds emergency meeting

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) is currently holding an emergency meeting at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

    The meeting was called to find lasting solutions to the current leadership crisis bedevilling the party.

    Discussions are expected to revolve around the multiple court judgments affecting the dispute over the position of the National Secretary.

    Those who have arrived include the BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara; Secretary of the BoT, Senator Ahmed Makarfi; and former Governors Achike Udenwa, Sam Egwu, Babangida Aliyu, Senator Ben Obi, and Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola, among others.

    Those at the meeting are also expected to deliberate on how to move the party forward in spite of its internal challenges.

    …Details later