Category: Politics

I believe in you’ – Wike celebrates Gov. Okpebholo’s tribunal victory

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, has congratulated the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, over Wednesday’s tribunal judgement, which affirmed his victory in last September’s governorship election in the state.

Expressing confidence in the ability of Okpebholo to deliver on his electioneering promises, Wike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urged him not to be distracted by elements seeking to grab power through the back door.

“Wike, who urged the governor to remain focused, said Governor Okpebholo should avoid being distracted by those who are only interested in getting power through the back doors,” said Lere Olayinka, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media.

The minister described the victory as a further confirmation of the mandate freely given to the governor by the people of Edo State.

According to him, the victory was for the people of Edo State, who elected Governor Okpebholo, urging greater commitment to the service of the people.

While expressing confidence in the ability of Governor Okpebholo to bring succour to the people of Edo State, Wike said, “I believe in him, and with the way he has started, I believe that his government will impact positively on Edo State and its people.”

April 3, 2025
Tinubu’s achievements undeniable, APC replies Peter Obi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that President Bola Tinubu’s government has recorded undeniable accomplishments, making opposition approval irrelevant.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, dismissed Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi’s assertions of superior leadership, labeling them as “overdramatic.”

During an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Tuesday, Obi criticised

Tinubu’s economic reforms, claiming he could have executed them more efficiently. He also blamed the Labour Party’s internal discord on the Tinubu administration.

In response, Morka underscored the administration’s achievements, such as settling a $7 billion foreign exchange backlog and addressing over $30 billion in Ways and Means liabilities.

He further highlighted the reduction of the debt service ratio from 98% to roughly 64% and the rise in oil production to over 1.8 million barrels per day—exceeding OPEC’s 1.5 million barrels per day benchmark for the first time in years.

“To be honest, it was painful to watch Mr. Obi as he laboured in vain to cobble together any sensible critical economic argument in the face of the stark and undeniable record of progress of the administration’s economic reforms,” Morka stated.

“Even Mr. Obi’s trademark opportunistic sensationalisation of transient difficulties that Nigerians have endured in patriotic support of the President’s bold and transformative economic plan availed no respite, as he floundered on national television, framing himself as a portrait of frustration and political desperation,” he added.

“Mr. Obi’s favourite retort, ‘I would have done better as president,’ must be a symptom of a protracted bout of election failure-induced hangover from which he has not awakened to the reality that he is not the president. Like an unlicensed back seat driver that thinks himself to be a race car driver, Mr. Obi needs to tame his bloated and deluded imagination,” Morka said.

“Opposition politics is not about denying the administration’s many successes. It is about critiquing what may be wrong but affirming what is right. It is not about wholesale condemnation that is only intended to mislead and score cheap political gains. The steady progress of the Tinubu administration across sectors is undeniable and evident for all Nigerians to see,” the statement read.

The APC maintained that Tinubu remains focused on ensuring good governance and improving economic conditions for all Nigerians.

“It is hysterical that Mr. Obi, who was governor of a failed and forgotten administration in Anambra state of only 21 local government areas, would so brazenly boast of his capacity to govern Africa’s largest democracy. Obi bequeathed a sordid legacy of economic stagnation, infrastructural decay, ecological disaster, and religious polarisation,” Morka stated.

“Both as former Governor of Lagos State and now as President, Tinubu is a dogged achiever, bold and unwavering in tackling and transforming difficult challenges into opportunities. As he did for Lagos, President Tinubu is now doing for Nigeria with the economy rebounding steadily, posting productivity-enhanced trade surpluses in successive quarters, with a 3.6 percent economic growth forecasted for the current fiscal year; with a fast expanding foreign reserve; with revamped and operational local refineries; with food inflation on the decline; with a successful harmonisation of multiple exchange rates that now supports increased foreign direct investments and flow of remittances into the economy; and with a reasonably stable forex market,” he continued.

“The administration also has posted in its success column the cleared $7 billion forex backlog, and Ways and Means debt of over $30 billion; with a reduced debt serving ratio from 98 percent to about 64 percent; with increased oil production in excess of 1.8 mbpd, surpassing the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota of 1.5 mbpd for the first time in many years; with a repositioned stock exchange market that is now one of the most profitable in the world; with a vastly expanding Agricultural, Mine and Steel, Manufacturing, Creative and several other sub-sectors of the economy, in a push to increase the non-oil contribution to GDP; and with the Chatham House only recently adjudging the nation’s economy as the most competitive it has been in 25 years,” he added.

“Whereas global institutions and experts are applauding the unfolding silent economic revolution ably led by President Tinubu, Obi and his co-opposition drummers of empty partisan barrels continue to deny President Tinubu’s superlative and incomparable near mid-term successes and achievements,” Morka concluded.

April 3, 2025
Edo gov’ship poll: We are surprised at Tribunal’s decision – PDP

BENIN CITY – THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday said it was surprised at the outcome of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal ruling that affirmed the victory of Sen Mondfay Okoebholo as the elected governor of the state.

He said the party would study the judgment and take a decision.

According to him, “We are not shocked by the result but we are surprised by the decision of the Tribunal, the party will meet maybe tomorrow and then take a decision.

“The tribunal has spoken but there are one or two higher steps that we can take because the Electoral Act is very clear that if you present a CTC copy of the unit result, you don’t even need a witness to speak to it and all these we did.

“The APC and Sen. Monday Okpebholo know that they are sitting on the stolen mandate which would be recovered”

April 3, 2025
Tribunal Verdict: Okpebholo, Idahosa’s victory a triumph for democracy – Ivie Idahosa

The General Manager of the Edo State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Ms. Ivie Idahosa, has described the recent ruling by the election tribunal affirming the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, as a landmark judgment and a triumph for democracy.

A three-member tribunal panel, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo.

The tribunal ruled that the petitioners failed to prove their allegations of over-voting and upheld Okpebholo’s victory as the candidate with the highest number of valid votes in the September 21, 2024, governorship election.

In a statement made available to journalists in Benin City, Ms. Idahosa expressed her excitement over the verdict, calling it a reflection of the people’s will.

“I am thrilled by the news of your victory at the Governorship Election Tribunal. It is a testimony to your tireless efforts, unwavering dedication, and passion for the people of Edo State,” she stated.

She further described the judgment as sound, thorough, and a reinforcement of the mandate freely given by the people of Edo, who came out en masse to vote for progressive change.

According to her, the outcome was expected, given the overwhelming support for Okpebholo and his deputy during the election. She added that the ruling had removed distractions posed by the petition, allowing the administration to focus on its vision for the state.

Ms. Idahosa expressed confidence that the governor’s resolve to implement his revolutionary five-point agenda had been strengthened by the ruling.

She also commended the judiciary for upholding justice and resisting external pressures, while congratulating the All Progressives Congress (APC), its supporters, and the people of Edo State on what she called a monumental triumph.

“As an intervention agency, we will continue promoting social and economic development at the grassroots, improving access to healthcare, education, water, and sanitation in line with your agenda to uplift the living standards of Edo people,” she assured.

April 3, 2025
Okpebholo wins at tribunal, Ighodalo heads to Appeal Court

ABUJA—The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja yesterday upheld the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The tribunal, in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel, said it found no reason to nullify the outcome of the governorship contest held in the state on September 21, 2024.

Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, who delivered the lead judgement, dismissed as lacking in merit, a petition the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidate, Asuerinme Ighodalo, filed to challenge the declaration of governor Okpebholo as the valid winner of the gubernatorial poll.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had declared that Okpebholo of the APC secured a total of 291,667 votes to defeat his closest rival, Ighodalo of the PDP, who got a total of 247,655 votes.

Dissatisfied with the result, the PDP and its candidate approached the tribunal, alleging that the election was not conducted in substantial compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.

In the petition, marked EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, it was alleged that Governor Okpebholo did not secure the highest number of lawful votes cast at the election.

It was equally the contention of the petitioners that INEC failed to serialise and pre-record some of the sensitive materials deployed for the poll, a situation they said aided rigging of the election in favour of the APC and its candidate.

Specifically, PDP and its candidate alleged that there was wrong computation of results in 765 polling units in the state, even as they produced 19 witnesses that testified and tendered exhibits before the tribunal.

Among exhibits petitioners tendered before the tribunal were a total of 153 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVA, machines used in 133 polling units.

According to the petitioners, results from the polling units were manipulated at the collation centres, a situation they said resulted in over-voting, in Okpebholo’s favour.

However, in its judgement yesterday, the tribunal held that the petitioners failed to, by way of credible evidence, establish why the outcome of the election should be set-aside.

It held that the onus of proving that Governor Okpebholo was unduly returned by INEC, rested squarely on the petitioners.

The panel said it is trite law that a petitioner must succeed on the strength of his own case and not on the weakness of the defence.

It noted that contrary to Section 16(1) of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act, the petitioners, in their reply, introduced new facts not contained in their substantive case. The said new facts were rejected and struck out by the panel.

However, against the position of the Respondents, the panel admitted as valid, documents the petitioners tendered in evidence from the Bar. It also noted that the petitioners were very detailed in chronicling the wards and polling units where the alleged infractions took place.

Nevertheless, the tribunal held that the PDP and its candidate merely dumped exhibits before it without demonstrating them through competent witnesses as required by the law.

It held that most of the witnesses that testified for the petitioners gave hearsay evidence, stressing that failure to produce polling unit agents, presiding officers or voters that participated in the election, to testify, proved fatal to the case of the petitioners.

The tribunal held that section 137 of the Electoral Act did not preclude the petitioners from producing necessary and competent witnesses to testify in support of their case.

It further dismissed contention of the petitioners that contrary to the provision of section 73(2) of the Electoral Act, INEC failed to pre-record most of the materials deployed for the election.

More so, the tribunal held that none of the BVAS machines tendered before it was switched on to demonstrate that the number of votes recorded in the disputed polling units, exceeded the total number of accredited voters.

“It is clear that items needed to prove over-voting are Voters Register, BVAS machines and Form EC8A,” the tribunal held.

It noted that the petitioners merely tendered what they termed as BVAS screenshots in aid of their allegation.

It further held that the petitioners failed to prove their allegation that INEC did not substantially comply with provisions of the Electoral Act in the conduct of the election.

The tribunal held that even if it deducted the votes the petitioners alleged were unlawfully credited to the APC, Governor Okpebholo would still remain the winner of the gubernatorial contest.

Panel dismisses petitions by Action Alliance, Accord Party

Meanwhile, reacting to the judgement, Ighodalo, through his team of lawyers, vowed to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.

Earlier, the tribunal, in separate judgements, dismissed petitions by Action Alliance, and Accord Party, AP.

The panel held that the petition by AA lacked merit, stressing that it touched on pre-election issues which it lacked the requisite jurisdiction to entertain.

The AA and its chairman had among other things, alleged that INEC excluded its lawful candidate in the governorship election that held on September 21, 2024. They alleged that contrary to various court judgements, the electoral body accepted and recognised a candidate that was not validly nominated by the party.

According to the petitioners, INEC’s failure to publish the name of the rightful candidate of the party for the gubernatorial contest amounted to a substantial non-compliance to provisions of section 134(1) (b) of the Electoral Act.

They sought nullification of the election on the premise that Governor Okpebholo did not secure the majority of lawful votes cast during the election which they insisted was marred by corrupt practices.
On its part, the AP and its candidate, Dr. Enabulele, sought an order to compel INEC to conduct a fresh governorship poll in Edo state.

While striking out the petition for being incompetent, the panel noted that whereas the petitioners alleged that the governorship election was invalid by reason of corrupt practices and non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act, they, however, failed to adduce any credible evidence to establish the allegation.

According to the tribunal, while the petitioners made “general and sweeping allegations” against the outcome of the election, they failed to bring particulars of exact polling units or wards where the alleged widespread rigging and non-compliance occured.

Describing some of the averments in the petition as “vague”, the tribunal held that allegations against governor Okpebholo’s victory, were not substantiated. The Justice Kochi-led panel held that the petition did not disclose any reasonable cause of action and accordingly dismissed it.

Okpebholo extends olive branch to Ighodalo after tribunal victory

Reacting to the judgement last night, Governor Okpebholo extended an olive branch, which is an offer of reconciliation, to the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Asue Ighodalo, to join hands with him to develop the state.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor said he had dedicated the victory to the people of Edo State for their confidence in him, having voted him as governor of the state.

The statement read: “The tribunal, after a thorough and impartial examination of the petitions brought forward by the opposition, has dismissed all claims, confirming that the election was conducted in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act and that Governor Monday Okpebholo was duly elected.

“This decision validates the overwhelming support demonstrated by the citizens and residents of Edo State during the election. It reaffirms the integrity of our democratic process and stands as a testament to the will of the people.

“Governor Monday Okpebholo wishes to express his profound gratitude to the tribunal for its diligence and fairness. He also extends his sincere appreciation to the people of Edo State for their unwavering support and belief in his vision for a prosperous and united state.

“This victory is not mine alone, but a victory for every citizen and resident of Edo State. It is a mandate to continue the work we have started, to build a state where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We remain committed to our promise of good governance, transparency, and inclusive development.

“The governor calls upon all citizens, including the opposition and the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Asue Ighodalo, to join hands in the spirit of unity and work together for the progress of Edo State.

‘’It is time to put aside partisan differences and focus on the common goal of building a better future for our state.

“The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo remains focused on delivering on its campaign promises and will not be distracted by frivolous litigation. The administration is committed to serving the people of Edo State with dedication and integrity.”

Why I’ll appeal against tribunal judgement— Ighodalo

Dissatisfied with the dismissal of his petition, the PDP candidate, Ighodalo, vowed to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.

In a statement he personally signed yesterday, Ighodalo, described as a travesty of justice the affirmation of Governor Okpebholo as the valid winner of the gubernatorial contest.

He said his decision to appeal against the judgement was to preserve the collective right of the electorate in Edo State.

The statement, read: “Today, the Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has delivered its judgment in our petition challenging the outcome of the September 21st, 2024 Governorship election in our dear State.
“While we all may not agree with the verdict, we however remain steadfast in our belief that the rule of law must remain the bedrock of our democracy.

“Our pursuit of justice in this regard is an affirmation of our firm belief that the right of the good people of Edo State to freely choose their leaders through a credible, free and fair electoral process must never be compromised.

“As an avowed democrat, I respect the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, and I urge all of you, our dear good people of Edo State, to remain peaceful, calm and law-abiding in the aftermath of this Judgement.

“However, let it be clear: this is not the end of our journey, but the beginning of a greater struggle for justice, democracy, and the sanctity of the people’s mandate freely conferred on my running mate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie and I on the platform of our great Party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
“From the very beginning, your massive show of support, sincere love and belief in our shared vision for a prosperous Edo State have been the driving force behind this journey.

“For us, it has never been about the realisation of a personal ambition but about our conviction to create a clear Pathway to Prosperity for all Edo People while upholding the foundational values of democracy, justice, and the will of the people.

“I have, therefore, instructed my legal team to proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge this decision which we consider a huge travesty of justice.

“This is not about me or any single individual; it is about the very essence of democracy, the preservation of our collective right to freely determine our future, and the legacy we leave for generations unborn.
“We remain resolute. We remain committed. And we shall not waver in our pursuit of truth and justice.”

We’re surprised at tribunal’s decision, will study and decide — PDP

In its reaction, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State, said it was surprised at the outcome of the ruling that affirmed the victory of Governor Mondfay Okoebholo as the elected governor of the state.
Publicity Secretary of the party, Chris Nehikhare, said the party would study the judgment and take a decision.

“We are not shocked by the result but we are surprised by the decision of the tribunal. The party will meet maybe tomorrow and then take a decision.

“The tribunal has spoken but there one or two higher steps we can take because the Electoral Act is very clear, that if you present a CTC copy of the unit result, you don’t even need a witness to speak to it and all these we did.

“The APC and Senator Monday Okpebholo know that they are sitting on a stolen mandate which would be recovered,” he said.

It’s affirmation of mandate given to Okpebholo —APC scribe, Basiru

In his reaction, the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru said the judgement is an affirmation of the mandate given by the Edo people to the APC and its candidates, Senator Monday Okpebholo and Mr Idahosa.

He said: “The judgement is in consonance with well settled principles of law already established in a plethora of cases as to the nature of oral and documentary evidence required from a petitioner to establish allegations of non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act. Specifically, the tribunal rightly held that the petitioners merely dumped documents including BVAS without evidence to link them to the allegations made by the petitioners. The decision of the Tribunal that petitioners’ witnesses are not competent witnesses to give evidence in support of the allegations made by the petitioners is unassailable in view of well established case-law. The judgment is an affirmation of the mandate freely given by the Edo people to the APC and its candidates, Senator Monday Okhpebolo and Hon Idahosa.”

‘I believe in you’, Wike celebrates Gov Okpebholo’s Tribunal victory

Also, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, urged the Governor to remain focused and avoid being distracted.

Wike, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka described the victory as a further confirmation of the mandate freely given to the governor by the people of Edo State.

The statement reads: “Wike, who urged the Governor to remain focused, said he should avoid being distracted by those who are only interested in getting power through the back doors.

“I believe in him and with the way he has started, I believe that his government will impact positively on Edo State and its people.”

April 3, 2025
Recalling a Nigerian lawmaker very expensive — ex-INEC official

Former Director of Voter Education at the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, has said a recall process for lawmakers in the country was akin to conducting three elections.

Osaze-Uzzi, who stated this on Arise TV programme, News Night, late Tuesday night, said: “Money is necessary for all processes. It can be the corruptive influence of money that we were talking about.

‘’INEC will spend a lot because if it goes through the whole process, it is akin to conducting three elections.’’

He explained that the process begins with the verification of signatures, which must be done at the polling unit level.

He said after this, verification officers have to go to the field, verify signatures, adding that all those who endorsed the petition must be present.

According to him, it requires mobilisation, including printing materials, deploying personnel, and setting up logistics, which costs money.

The former INEC official noted that voter turnout in Nigeria rarely exceeded 50 per cent which, according to him, adds to the complexity of the recall process.

“People have to come forward to confirm their signatures, which requires further mobilisation. INEC will mobilise, the legislator being recalled will mobilise, and petitioners will also mobilise. And at the end of it all, INEC will have to demobilise — again, that’s money.

“Both the petitioners and the legislator will have to spend a significant amount. And, of course, there’s the underhand money, bribery, what we call vote-buying, it happens even in a recall referendum.”

Recall that INEC, on March 26, notified Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi central, of the petition by constituents seeking her recall from the National Assembly.

Akpoti-Uduaghan recently accused Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexually harassing her.

The allegation came in the wake of her seating arrangement altercation with Akpabio.

She was subsequently suspended from the Senate for six months for “gross misconduct” over the incident.

The constituents behind the recall move accused her of “gross misconduct, abuse of office, and deceitful behaviour”.

The senator has since denied any wrongdoing, describing the recall effort as a “coordinated suppression” of her voice.

No Nigerian lawmaker has been successfully recalled since the commencement of the fourth republic in 1999.

April 3, 2025
Anambra APC Ticket: Why the stakes are higher this time

As the All Progressives Congress, APC, prepares for the decisive April 5 primary in Anambra State, one truth stands clear: the stakes have never been higher. For the party and for Anambra, this election is not just another contest — it is an opportunity to rewrite the political narrative of the South-East, to consolidate the progressive ideals heralded by President Bola Tinubu, and to prove that the APC is ready to govern with credibility and competence in regions where it once struggled.

The Anambra governorship election in November 2025 is not an ordinary poll. It is the last off-cycle gubernatorial election before the 2027 general election. It is the litmus test of APC’s growth in the South-East and a referendum on the party’s ability to present viable, unifying leadership beyond its traditional base. This is why the APC must field its strongest, most acceptable and most strategic candidate. That candidate is Valentine Ozigbo.

It’s true that all the aspirants have best interests for Anambra State but in my consideration of what is the best interest for my party, the APC, Val Ozigbo meets my admiration.

Speculations have been rife that Ozigbo is a mole for Mr. Obi of the Labour Party, but I disagree with the allegation. It’s more like suggesting. If there are moles for Mr. Obi, they are better found in the states that Mr. Obi won during the 2023 election. Ozigbo’s anticipated victory in the November Anambra governorship election cannot guarantee significant votes for Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election.

In as much as I hold Governor C.C. Soludo in very high regards, sadly, he is not a member of my political party, the APC, and in politics, loyalty to party comes first. Now that all eyes are on the APC gubernatorial ticket for the Anambra State election, Val Ozigbo has had memberships of the PDP, LP and now he is in the APC. He knows the terrain, ran for the elections, and I cannot say much for the rest of his rivals in the APC.

For those unfamiliar with Ozigbo’s remarkable journey, he is a man who rose from humble beginnings in Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area, to become a distinguished corporate leader, a philanthropist, and a unifier. From excelling as the best graduating student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to leading one of Nigeria’s most iconic corporations, Transcorp Plc, Ozigbo’s story is one of brilliance, tenacity, and integrity.

As Managing Director of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, he oversaw a $100 million renovation that transformed the hotel into Africa’s leading business destination. As President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, he led a conglomerate with interests in hospitality, power, and energy, championing innovation and corporate excellence. But more importantly, he has consistently translated personal success into public service through philanthropy, mentorship, and community development.

Ozigbo’s foray into politics in 2020 was no accident. It was a deliberate decision to leave the corporate boardroom and step into the public square—to answer a higher call of service. In 2021, running under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ozigbo emerged as a formidable contender, coming a close second despite running against the combined might of the federal and state governments, entrenched political structures, and financial odds.

Since then, he has remained at the centre of Anambra’s political discourse. He played a crucial leadership role in the Obidient Movement of 2023, galvanising the youth and the middle-class electorate across the South-East. His recent decision to join the APC has opened a new chapter—bringing with him not only his formidable political structure but also the credibility and goodwill he commands across political divides.

In a state where zoning, religious alignment, and public acceptability are decisive factors, Ozigbo scores highest among all APC aspirants. According to a confidential evaluation document by the APC, he ranks first, scoring 74 per cent in key metrics, including zoning, religious support, and public popularity—outperforming the incumbent governor, Charles Soludo, in recent grassroots polls.

Ozigbo is not a transactional politician. He is a bridge-builder. His campaign is not about party supremacy—it is about people-centred leadership. He has built relationships across PDP, Labour Party, APGA, and civil society. His defection to APC has created a rallying point that could unify previously fragmented political interests in Anambra. If APC is serious about delivering a historic victory in the South-East, it must embrace this unifier.

Beyond numbers and strategy, Ozigbo is a leader of ideas. His vision for Anambra is well-documented—a clear economic plan anchored on digital economy, youth empowerment, security, and infrastructure. His investments in young people speak volumes: through the VCO Foundation, he has committed N400 million in partnership with Decagon Institute to sponsor 100 Anambra youths in software engineering, providing a pathway out of unemployment and poverty.

Critically, Ozigbo possesses something his rivals lack—an expansive grassroots movement and the ability to transcend party lines. In the 2021 election, he outperformed APC’s own candidate. Today, he has brought to the APC not only his capacity but also the goodwill of thousands who believe in his brand of leadership.

His campaign is self-funded, removing the burden of financial dependency from the party. His cosmopolitan corporate background, vast diaspora network, and clean political record set him apart in a field often riddled with godfatherism and mediocrity.

As APC looks towards November, the party must decide whether it wants a candidate who can win the primary—or a candidate who can win the election. The difference matters.

The people of Anambra are yearning for a new kind of leadership—one that transcends slogans and symbols, and delivers results. Valentine Ozigbo embodies that aspiration. For APC, he is not only the safest bet; he is the smartest one.

Mr. President, Aswaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, believes in harvest of talents, not about lobbying or money. Therefore, now is the time for our party to help the President harvest one of the talents so that the APC can avert the crisis as it is being experienced in the PDP presently.

The road to Anambra’s redemption begins with the right choice on April 5. The APC has a rare chance to make history. That chance is Valentine Ozigbo.

* Dr Onoh was the 2023 President Bola Tinubu’s campaign spokesman in the South-East

April 3, 2025
APC wants Fubara investigated over allegations by ex-HoS

ABUJA – The All Progressives Congress, APC, has asked security agencies in the country to investigate the suspended Governor of Rivers state, Mr Siminalayi Fubara over recent revelations by the former Head of the State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke on how state officials allegedly orchestrated the bombing of the State Assembly.

APC said the public revelation made by Dr Nwaeke on how the suspended governor facilitated the incident has now vindicated it.

Chairman of the party in the state, Sir Tony Chidugam Okocha in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja said Dr Nwaeke as the Head of Service in Rivers State at the time, was the Number 3 man in the State, and as such, his account as stated by him cannot be hearsay.

“The APC in Rivers State is strong in her belief that the relevant Security Agencies will be professional enough to get at the root cause of this whole matter, and make such public.

“The verbal attacks staged against the resigned HoS, will not deter the Statesman from unveiling the rots of Sim Fubara’s which we harped on as opposition political party. On this matter, APC shall function as watchdogs”, said Okocha.

The APC in Rivers State had earlier accused Fubara of being the brain behind the incident.

Noting that no matter the level of the thickness of darkness, it cannot withstand daylight, APC said tax payers money in Rivers State was wasted in a way and manner that cannot be forgotten in a hurry amidst scarce resources, and global economic crunch.

“As if that wasn’t enough, the suspended governor went a step further in less than 48 hours after the bombing to personally supervise the pulling down of the assembly complex, while his supporters cheered him on.

“The Supreme Court put it rightly in her unanimous judgement delivered on 28th February, 2025, by describing the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a ‘Dictator’.

“Yes, he was a Dictator! The explosive revelation or allegations if you like, made by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service in Rivers State further corroborates the position of the Rivers APC as submitted by Sir (Chief) Tony C Okocha, the State Party Chairman, that suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the architect of the entire political crisis in Rivers State, leading to the swift intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, with the declaration of a state of emergency to restore law and order, and forestall a total breakdown of peace in Rivers State.

“In a press release by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service in Rivers State, he stated categorically that the political crisis was “orchestrated by Fubara himself”.

“What is most interesting to the APC in Rivers State as a responsible political party is that Dr George Nwaeke’s revelations and testimonies of how suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his squad bombed the Rivers State House of Assembly is an eye witness account.

“Again , it has clearly vindicated the APC in Rivers State as the only visible and viable opposition political party in the State, and has cemented the love for the party in the heart of well meaning Rivers people as the voice of the voiceless, and the hope for a better Rivers State”, Okocha added.

April 2, 2025
Tinubu lauded for removing Kyari, Akinyelure, NNPC board

An economist, Prof. Evans Osabuohien, has commended President Bola Tinubu for removing both the Chairman, Board and Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

Osabuohien, who is Head of the Economics Department at Covenant University in Ota, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday that their removal was a welcome development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the removal of Pius Akinyelure, the Company’s Chairman, and Mele Kyari, the GCEO, was announced on Tuesday in Abuja.

Osabuohien said sacking the NNPC board would help to check sharp practices in the petroleum sector.

“The sacking of the NNPC board was a right step in the right direction,” he added.

The economist however stated that the move should not stop there. “There is the need for a holistic probe of that sector,” he said.

Osabuohien said NNPC had been recording losses since in the past two years when it became a private company.

He suggested that the Federal Government should make NNPC a public liabilities company so that there would be a board of directors which would be responsible to the public.

“This will make the sector vibrant and be contributing positively to the economy and generating employment opportunities in the country.”

Osabuohien also urged the Federal Government to look into the recent conflict between the NNPC and Dangote Group.

NAN reports that presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga had on Tuesday in a statement said President Tinubu had removed both Akinyelure and Kyari, and all other board members.

The President had instead replaced Akinyelure and Kyari with Ahmadu Kida and Bayo Ojulari respectively.

April 2, 2025
Wike can say anything under alcohol influence — Ijaw Nation President

The President of the Ijaw Nation Congress, Professor Benjamin Okaba, has described the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as a careless speaker who could say anything under the influence of alcohol.

Prof Okaba said this in response to Wike’s claim that the Ijaws are a minority ethnic group in Nigeria.

Wike recently made a controversial comment while addressing journalists about the political crisis involving him and Siminalayi Fubara, an Ijaw man who succeeded him as governor of Rivers State.

Speaking on Arise Television’s ‘The Morning Show’ on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, the Professor of Sociology dismissed Wike’s remark as a careless comment.

Prof Okaba explained that the Ijaws are among the four largest ethnic groups in Nigeria and that their territories extend beyond the country’s land areas.

He said, “The person you’re talking about (Wike) could say anything under the influence of alcohol and later debunk it; he is a very careless speaker. These are basic demographics that are well-known. Ijaws are not the fourth largest; they are one of the four largest.

“Most times, we look at the land mass, the land mass in terms of space cannot exist outside a water space. So the boundaries of the Ijawland or may be Nigeria beyond land; it goes into the rivers. So from wherever that is a boundary of Nigeria, all that River spots belong to the Ijawland.”

Prof Okaba explained further that the Ijaws are the most populous ethnic group in the Niger Delta region, spreading across six states.

“We are not minorities, in fact, we are the most populous and most indigenous ethnic nationality in the Niger Delta, that’s a fact that is well known. Ijaws are in six states,” he maintained.

Apart from Bayelsa State, he stated that the Ijaws are indigenous to many communities in Abia, Delta, Edo, Ondo and Rivers State, adding that Wike’s comment was a deliberate distortion of fact.

“They are in Abia. 26 communities in Abia State are indigenous Ijaw people. So we felt that was a deliberate distortion. In Delta State, we have more than four local government areas; even in Rivers State, we have 10 and a half local government areas, and Ikwerre has three. Forget about those who distorted political census figures; when the time comes for real counting, we shall know them. Ijaws are in Ondo State; they are in Edo State, he submitted.

The academic, therefore, called on President Bola Tinubu not to allow one individual to destroy his efforts to ensure democracy in Nigeria, stating that Wike is nothing outside government.

April 2, 2025