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Abductors Kill Christiana Idowu After Collecting Ransom, Colleague Fingered

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Christiana Idowu

By Akinwale Kasali

The call on Security Agents to unravel the perpetrators of the murder of Christiana Idowu, a 300 Level undergraduate of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB, had Intensified.

The late Christiana Idowu was kidnapped between Ikorodu and Yaba in Lagos State. Her abductors demanded a ransom for her release.

On the day of her kidnap, Christiana was said to have left her home in the Itaoluwo area of Ikorodu, Lagos to the University of Lagos, UNILAG, in Yaba area of the State where she was undergoing her industrial training when she was abducted.

It was gathered that her disappearance led to panic and fear within the family, leading to a frantic search for her.

Ibrahim Adeyemi, President of the Student Union Government at FUNAAB, confirmed that Christiana was kidnapped and was killed by her abductors.

Adeyemi said: “The Union can confirm that she was reportedly killed by her abductor. We will be addressing the matter soon.”

According to family sources, on August 26, her abductors got across to her parents and demanded for a sum of N3 million as ransom before her release.

The source added that after several appeals by the family, her abductors agreed that a sum of N350,000 be paid to a certain account, which the family paid, but the abductors refused to release her until she was murdered.

In a now-viral post on X, a user named @letter_to_jack shared that intelligence agents were able to track down the abductor using the BVN and bank account information associated with the ransom payments made by the family.

The tweet read, “On the 19th of August 2024, Christianah Idowu was declared missing after her parents were contacted by her abductors using her own WhatsApp contact.

“The first contact with the parents was established around 8:49 pm after which they sent photos of the victim in captivity to them using the WhatsApp ‘view once’ feature.

“The abductors requested a ransom fee of N1,500,000. Christianah’s parents raised N350,000 immediately. The abductor then requested that the money be sent to a bet account through a bank deposit channel. (Info reserved for now)

“After receiving the money, on the 22nd of August, the abductor requested that the bank statement of the sender be forwarded to his email (withheld).

“On the 23rd of August, the family complied. Immediately. After that, the abductor stopped communicating with the parents.

“Meanwhile, on the 22nd of August, some amount was sent to the GTB account of Christianah and the amount was then withdrawn into the Wema bank account belonging to the main suspect ( Name withheld for now).

“Investigation by intelligence operatives began on the 26th to unravel details of the account number.

“By the 29th, intelligence operatives had confirmation from the bank that the BVN linked to the masked Betting account allegedly belonged to the account owner (name withheld for now) who also operates the Wema Bank (account no withheld for now).

“Further investigation revealed that he was able to withdraw the sum of 100,000 from the betting account before agents got the bet company to lock the account.

“Armed by this information, operatives began an investigation into the suspect whom they observed to have a mutual relationship with Christianah Idowu, especially judging by Instagram posts as they both commented on each other’s pages.

“The crazy thing is: the same account number used to launder some amount directly from Christianah’s account has been posted on Twitter once to “beg for a give away free money.

“With all this information at hand, the operatives began to track down his cell phone activities and text messages. The cell phone tracking led them to his parent’s house, somewhere in IKORODU.

“Operatives then got confirmation of his presence in the building through active tracking of his mobile device. Immediately, gallant personnel of the Nigerian Army 174bn swooped in on the suspect to conduct an arrest.

“After the arrest, damning evidence was seen with the suspect and this includes the victim’s blue ITEL A56 with IMEI:35230.

“Also, in his phone are details of the money moved and also details confirming he owns the Betting account that was locked. It was registered with his phone number.

“On his phone, they found an interaction between his email and the email address that has been interacting with the family of the deceased.

“After reviewing the evidence, the suspect was then taken into custody to enable the operatives to conduct further investigations. Upon reviewing this evidence, the suspect was successfully taken into custody for necessary action.

“On September 3, the suspect reportedly confessed to the father and the soldiers that he killed the girl and buried her in their house.

“There is also a new story awaiting further confirmation that in 2018, the suspect’s ex-girlfriend was killed in the same manner.

Also in 2020, the suspect’s biological sister met the same fate, and the same thing happened to Christianah in 2024.”

The horrifying incident has ignited widespread outrage across Nigeria, especially on social media, as many Nigerians have taken to X to demand justice for Christiana, with the hashtag #JusticeForChristianah trending.

Edwin Clark Calls For Wike’s Arrest, Prosecution

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nyesom Wike and Edwin Clark

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Elder Statesman  and prominent Ijaw Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has called on the Inspector General of Police IGP Kayode Egbetokun to immediately arrest and prosecute Nyesom Wike ,the Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister over his incendiary and inflammatory utterances.

The Source reports that Wike, the immediate past Governor of Rivers State last weekend, at the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, State Secretariat in Port-Harcourt, threatened to make states which Governors are supporting the move to disrupt his PDP structure in Rivers ungovernable.

Referring specifically to the PDP Governors who have signaled their support for Governor  Siminalayi Fubara in the  ongoing  battle for the soul of the party,Wike vowed to ignite trouble in the home states of those of them that may wish to back his opponents.

The obviously thoughtless outburst has since elicited wide spread condemnation, including from the PDP Governors who described Wike’s statement as irresponsible and reckless.

Addressing the Media in his Asokoro  Abuja residence, the one time Federal Commissioner for Information, warned that Wike’s threat to stoke crisis in  PDP controlled States in the country should be attended to with all the seriousness it deserves.

Chief Clark noted that the veiled threat is akin to a treasonable offence which should not be dismissed with the wave of the hands.

The elder statesman insisted  that besides the security implications, Wike’s incendiary utterances represent a flagrant disrespect and disregard for President Bola Tinubu,who appointed him a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Chief Clark expressed serious concern that Wike’s unguarded utterances are capable of inciting violence, in the country.

He noted that the arrest of Wike by the Police will serve to assuage frayed nerves and also send the signal that no one is above the law.

Ondo Rural Communities Get Solar Lights, Motorable Roads

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in effort to alleviate suffering of rural communities, has approved installation of 1600 solar-powered light and sinking of 54 boreholes for communities across the three senatorial districts of the state.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Engagement, (Ondo Central), Mr Oluwafemi Fadairo, disclosed this during an interactive session with Ondo State NUJ Correspondents’  chapel at a programme tagged the Platform on Thursday in Akure.

Fadairo, who explained that as part of his work to engage communities on behalf of the governor to identify what what was needed, said he and his other fellow appointees had identified their major needs and submitted the proposal to the governor which he had approved.

Fadairo disclosed that the governor is interested in investing more at the local level as he is also doing at the state because of the neglect of the people at the grassroots over the years.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa is doing well in alleviating the sufferings in the communities. He has been in the saddle of this government not up to a year. I believe his four years will surpass the eight years of some past administrations because he has a listening ear.

“The atmosphere in the state is calm because of his leadership by example. These are the things I have been able to do in the past two months as SSA community for the central.

“The governor also approved for the three SSA working for him in the north, south and central, 54 boreholes across the state to be supervised directly by our office towards the communities highlighted for him.

“He also approved 1600 solar lights across the three senatorial districts, that is the first phase.

The second phase comes when we are through with the first phase.

“We move round interfacing with them, communities and we noticed some common things in their requests like solar lights, good roads for transporting their commodities.

“They need the lights because of criminals that use the bush to perpetrate their work. Ours is to report back to the governor. Last two weeks, the ministry of water resources and my office got the  approval for the resuscitation of Owena Dam, and it is ongoing.

“We need to do something so that when we start our campaign, we have what to campaign with, so they wont say they are here again to cajole us to vote for them. These achievements will give them the courage to vote for us.”

Fadairo also used the opportunity to reveal that the governor had also approved 20 km of roads for each local governments in the state.

“The governor has approved construction of 20 km roads in each of the local governments. In the next few weeks a lot of activities will start in terms of road infrastructure in the state.

“I believe that is part of the trust the people should expect from their governor and he has not spent a year and he has shown the will and zeal to deliver to the people if re-elected again.”

BREAKING: LAHA Approves Reordering Of 2024 Budget, Increases Capital Expenditure

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

By Akinwale Kasali

Sequel to a letter dated August 9, 2024, in which Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu was duly informed, the Lagos State House of Assembly has amended the Appropriation Law of 2024 that has a size of N2,267,976,120,869.

The House at plenary on Thursday gave the approval after the Chairman of the Committee on Economic Planning and Budget, Hon. Lukman Olumoh, presented the report and recommendations of the Committee which were adopted as the resolution of the House.

Though the total budget size remains the same, the recurrent expenditure was reduced from N952,430,566,998 in the original budget to N935,377,028,422 while the capital expenditure was increased from N1,315,545,553,871 to N1,332,599,092,448 following the reordering.

“That a bill for a law to authorise the issuance and appropriation of N935,377,028,422 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for Recurrent Expenditure and N1,332,599,092,448 from the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure thereby totalling a revised budget size of N2,267,976,120,869 for the year ending 31st December, 2024 be passed into law,” the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, announced to his colleagues who unanimously voted in favour.

The Speaker, thereafter, directed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to forward a clean copy of the bill to the Governor for his assent.

Prior to the passage of the reordered budget, Hon. Olumoh reminded the House that in the letter sent by the Governor, the latter explained that the rationale for the request to redistribute the budget included the need to boost the appropriation to some Ministries, Agencies and Parastatals.

The letter requesting the reordering had also emphasised the need to meet the State Government’s commitments to the residents through the budget.

We Did Not Renovate 25 Boreholes With N1.2bn” – Sokoto State Government

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Ahmed Aliyu - Sokoto State Governor

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the criticism which greeted the news that the Sokoto State Government spent a whopping N1.2 Billion to renovate 25 Boreholes the Government has said that nothing could be further from the truth.

Making clarifications, the State Government said the N1.2 billion was spent on drilling new boreholes, not on renovating existing ones.

This clarification comes in response to social media reports quoting the State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, as stating that the amount was used for the renovation of 25 boreholes.

Abubakar Bawa, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor stated in  a press statement on Thursday, that the allegation was spread to put the Government in bad state.

Bawa described the reports as a misconception spread by detractors.

He said, “The Sokoto State Government has been made aware of a misconception circulating about its efforts to provide potable drinking water to rural areas through the drilling of boreholes.

“The misinformation claims that the state government spent N1.2 billion renovating boreholes in some areas of Wurno Local Government.

“In reality, the state government, in collaboration with the World Bank under the ACReSAL programme, has drilled 25 solar-powered boreholes in Munki, Marnona, Dinawa, Lugu, and Wurno.

“This also includes perimeter fencing and a 40-kilometre shelter belt, all at the cost of N1.2 billion.

“Contrary to the suggestion that N1.2 billion was spent on renovating boreholes, the amount actually covers the drilling of 25 new solar-powered boreholes and other related projects, not renovations.

“It is important to clarify that no boreholes existed in these areas before this administration.

“This administration initiated these projects to address the long-standing water scarcity in these communities.”

Bawa further explained that the people of Wurno Local Government have long faced severe water shortages, forcing residents to travel long distances for water, which has impacted school enrolment and retention.

“The Ahmed Aliyu administration’s decision to drill solar-powered boreholes in collaboration with the World Bank and the ACReSAL programme aims to alleviate this problem.

“You cannot renovate a project that does not exist. There were no boreholes in these areas before this administration took office.

“These communities have only recently experienced the benefits of boreholes thanks to the efforts of a responsive and dedicated governor.”

He concluded by stating that the purpose of the statement is to correct the record and address the misconceptions propagated by those with ill intentions.

Why FG Declared State Of Emergency In Onne Port

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Bashir Adewale Adeniyi - Customs CGC

By Akinwale Kasali

Onne Sea Port, Rivers State. has become the headquarters of the importation of arms and drugs.

As a result, the Federal Government has declared a state of emergency there.

In what has become a recurring decimal, incidents of importation of dangerous cargo, including arms and ammunition are the order of the day through this port.

To this effect, the Government said it is immediately implementing emergency protocols at Onne Port for the next three months by conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers in the premises.

Bashir Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs, made this disclosure during a press conference to unveil the seizure of illicit goods by Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne, in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Adeniyi said the recurring incidents pose a threat to national security, adding that the health of citizens at the Onne Port is increasingly being toyed with as the port has become a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo.

Adeniyi stated: “Earlier today, I joined numerous stakeholders to take a significant step towards the cause of trade facilitation through the inauguration of upgraded facilities provided by the West Africa Container Terminal, Onne.

“As I express delight that trade facilitation is getting traction in Onne Port, I cannot help but call your attention to a grave concern. This has to do with the repeated incidents of national security breaches unfolding in Onne Port. I appreciate your presence, as we all have a shared responsibility in safeguarding our national security.

“As we are all aware, the policy thrust of Mr President supports the re-energising of our business environment to drive faster import clearance and grow our capacity for exports, Our emphasis has been to promote initiatives that speak to Trade facilitation and economic development.

“It is a matter of regret that criminal elements in the international supply chain are exploiting our pro-trade stance to commit atrocities bordering on national security breaches.”

Continuing, he said, “The attempts to test our will through the importation of dangerous cargo through this port has necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in Onne Port, coming on the heels of a seizure of a huge cache of arms a couple of months ago.

“It is disheartening that perpetrators have not backed down on their illegal acts. Recent intelligence and seizures have revealed a disturbing trend; Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo. The scale and nature of these illegal importations pose a significant threat to our national security and the health of our citizens.

“Today, we are here to showcase yet another series of significant seizures made by the diligent officers of the Area 2 Command. On display are twelve containers of illicit goods intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and meticulous physical examination.

“Seizures on Display: One (1) x 40-feet container: Containing 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots and 67,320 pairs of various rubber footwear, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N923,040,000. Three (3) x 40-feet containers: Containing 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine and 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters, with a DPV of N4,716,573,846.”

He further stated that three x 40-feet containers containing 380,000 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 24,480,000 tablets of Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride, 5,350,000 tablets of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, and other items, with a DPV of N17,432,506,000 were seized.

On other seized items, he said, “Five (5) x 40-feet containers; Containing 892,400 bottles s of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 1,300,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac, 7,250,000 tablets of 5mg Trodol Benzhexol, and other items, with a DPV of N8, 128,568,295,90.

These interceptions bring the total Duty Paid Value of the 12 seized containers to a staggering N3I,200,688,142. This operation is not only a testament to the Area 2 Command’s vigilance but also to the effectiveness of our intelligence network and the critical partnerships we maintain with other security agencies.

“I want to emphasise that this is not just a Customs issue, it is a national security concern that affects every Nigerian. We are therefore calling on all patriotic citizens to assist us in this crucial endeavor. We need your help in providing intelligence regarding those behind these nefarious acts and their intentions.”

While noting that information is key in preventing what he termed ‘a potential catastrophe, the Customs boss said, “Therefore, effective immediately, we are implementing emergency protocols at Onne Port.

“For the next three months, we will be conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers. If the owners do not come forward for examination, we will open these containers to verify their contents. This is a temporary but necessary measure to clean up the port and restore its integrity.

“I want to assure the business community and legitimate importers that this measure is not aimed at disrupting lawful trade. Our goal is to create a safer, more secure environment for genuine business activities to thrive. We will work to ensure that lawful shipments are processed as quickly and efficiently as possible during this period.

“To those who may be tempted to continue these illegal activities, let me be clear: the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with other security agencies, will bring the full weight of the law upon anyone found complicit in these crimes against our nation.”

He commended officers and men of the Onne Command for their dedication to duty and service to humanity.

Adeniyi said, “These seizures were made in strict compliance with customs laws, particularly concerning concealment, false declaration, and the importation of prohibited items.”

He added, “The illegal pharmaceuticals, including cough syrup and tramadol, will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in accordance with our Memorandum of Understanding, while the other items will be dealt with as per the legal frameworks governing our activities.

“As we move forward, I want to reiterate our commitment to continuing this momentum. The Nigeria Customs Service, under my leadership, will leave no stone unturned in our mission to protect the health and safety of Nigerians.

“We will strengthen our intelligence networks, enhance our inter-agency collaborations, and ensure that those who seek to harm our nation face the full weight of the law.”

He assured Nigerians that the NCS would continue to be a formidable force in the fight against smuggling and the illegal importation of harmful goods, saying, “We will remain steadfast in our duties to ensure that our nation remains a safe place for all to thrive.”

Zenith Bank Seminar: Stakeholders Call For Revitalisation Of Nigeria’s Non-Oil Export Ind.

By
James Orji
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0
Zenith Bank International Trade Seminar

Stakeholders have unanimously called for concerted efforts towards adding value to non-oil export products by processing them into semi-finished and finished goods in order to unlock significant economic benefits for the nation. This clarion call was made at the 9th Edition of the Annual Zenith Bank International Trade Seminar themed “Nigerian Non-Oil Export Industry: Awakening the Giant”, which was held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos and virtually.

In her welcome address, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, highlighted the importance of non-oil export as a catalyst for job creation. According to her, “Our theme “Awakening the Giant,” speaks directly to the untapped potentials within the non-oil segment of the economy and how to optimize them. This involves an increase in the number and volume of exportable non-oil items and value addition to exportable items into finished products. Increasing the number and volume of exportable non-oil products implies more business for you, our esteemed exporters, and increased foreign exchange earnings for our country. In addition, this sector will drive employment generation for Nigerian youths who constitute 60% of the estimated 233 million population, and Zenith Bank is committed to being at the forefront of these efforts.”

Delivering his keynote address, the Secretary, National Action Committee, AfCFTA, Mr. Segun Awolowo, commended Zenith Bank and its leadership led by the Founder and Chairman of the Board, Jim Ovia, CFR, for its laudable initiative in organizing an annual export seminar targeted towards exploring opportunities for growth in Nigeria’s non-oil export industry and for its consistent exploits in supporting the implementation of the AfCFTA. Commenting on the theme of this year’s export seminar, he added that “In awakening the giant, we must focus on scaling production, productivity and value addition for some specific export products with high potential across three main sectors – solid minerals, agriculture and petro-chemicals. We should also aim to capture at least 5% of the global trade and export volumes for these products. Additionally, in the genie bottle is the services sector, which is not only a major contributor to Nigeria’s GDP but also a key driver of economic diversification, job creation, and innovation.”

Also in his keynote address, the Managing Director of Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM), Alhaji Abba Bello, emphasized the need to amplify the export of services in order to facilitate economic growth. In his words, “A key area that needs mentioning is the need to intensify efforts to support the promotion of export of services to leverage on the sector’s economic strength in which the services sector annually contributes over 50% to the GDP. Specifically, strategic frameworks need to be developed to complement current Government’s US$620 million programme under the Digital and Creative Enterprise (IDiCE), which is designed to empower youths to create IT and skilled / technical jobs that could promote and expand export of ICT and creative industries products and services.”

In his goodwill message, the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, represented by The Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, highlighted the efforts of the Lagos State Government in facilitating non-oil export for the growth of the Nigerian Economy. He said, “This seminar’s theme resonates deeply with the strategic objectives of the Lagos State Development Plan 2052. Nigeria’s creative economy is a powerful engine of growth and a key pillar of our export diversification strategy. Our focus is on value addition—transforming raw agricultural products into finished goods that command higher prices in international markets. For instance, Lagos State is rapidly becoming a hub for the processing of cocoa, cashew nuts, palm oil, and sesame seeds. These products, when processed and packaged to international standards, can significantly boost our export revenues and create thousands of jobs for our citizens. The manufacturing sector offers another promising avenue for export diversification. Our vision is to transform Lagos into a global manufacturing hub, where high-quality, made-in-Lagos products are exported to every corner of the globe.

Also in his goodwill message, the Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir, represented by the Special Adviser, State Affairs, Usman Bala Muhammad, emphasized strategic advantages in economic diversification in non-oil exports. In his words, “Our strength begins with agriculture, which has been the cornerstone of our economy for decades. Kano’s agricultural sector has a strong base that we are leveraging for diversification. However, diversification is not just about increasing crop yields; it is about adding value. Through strategic investments in agro-processing, we are converting raw agricultural products into finished goods, creating jobs, and enhancing local consumption. By aligning our export diversification strategies with global market trends and standards, and leveraging opportunities such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), we can significantly expand Nigeria’s non-oil exports to African markets and beyond.

Speaking on diversification, the Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal, represented by the Commissioner of Finance, Abdullahi Bello Auta, urged stakeholders to explore other untapped areas for export. According to him, “One major important sector which contributes to non-oil export which is not harnessed and which is giving us a lot of trouble simply because it is not organized is the mining sector. I can tell you with all sincerity and courage that once we are talking of mineral resources in Nigeria, Zamfara state is the hub. There is no single solid mineral that you can talk of that you cannot find here in abundance and in good quality.”

Zenith Bank launched the Non-Oil Export Seminar in 2015 as an initiative to deepen the discourse on promoting the non-oil export business in Nigeria, and remains committed to promoting the non-oil export sector in Nigeria by identifying emerging opportunities which help stimulate non-oil exports and develop robust financial products as well as incentives for operators in the sector.

Battle Between Wike, PDP Govs Forces Party To Shift NWC Meeting

By
James Orji
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0
PDP Governors Forum

More facts are emerging why the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, postponed its National Working Committee, NWC, meeting originally scheduled for Wednesday, September 5.

The shift, however, did not come as a surprise to many watchers of the party in view of the division among its leaders over the political crisis in Rivers state.

The party in the oil rich rich has been divided among the supporters of Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Amidst the struggle for the soul of PDP in the state, the Umaru Damagun-led NWC had recently annoyed the PDP governors after it went ahead to conduct local government congresses to elect party officials despite a court injunction against such.

The congress, watchers of politics in the state insists, automatically handed over the structure of the party to the former governor.

The governors led by Bauchi state governor Bala Muhammed are supporting the state helmsman, who they believe should be in charged of the party structure in the state in line with the political norm in the country, where state governors are allowed to be in charge of party structures in their states.

The botched Wednesday NWC meeting, it was learned, was called by the party leaders to reconcile the warring parties, but was shunned by the governors, a situation that forced the leadership to shift the meeting to a future date.

According to The Punch, the governors are not happy that some leaders of the party are still supporting Wike despite what they described as his anti-party activities, and for being allegedly responsible for the crisis in Rivers state.

Recall that the governors recently met in Bauchi state where they declared their support for Fubara.

Their action angered the FCT Minister who threatened to destabilise the states controlled by the PDP governors supporting his successor by putting ‘fire’ in their states.

“Some governors say they will take the structure from us and give it to somebody. I hear that they have given them assurance that they will take the party from us. I pity those governors because I will put fire in their states. When God has given you peace, you say you don’t want peace. Whether you are in Bauchi or wherever, your hands will get burnt. You will never see pace again,” Wike boasted.

The governors in their response described Wike outbursts as irresponsible, adding that they decided to support Fubara the same way they supported him while he was governor.

Reacting to the postponement of the NWC, a top member of the a party, who craved anonymity, stated that there was no need for the meeting when the rivers crisis remained on the table, adding that the Acting chairman of the party, Damagun was forced to shift the meeting out of concern it might lead to a confrontation.

The source said, “They are only playing games with the party members and its future. Those present at the secretariat today are part of their team.

“They postponed the meeting because they wee afraid of the potential outcomes. If we had met today (Wednesday), we would have discussed the Rivers and other states’ congresses. The NWC needs to approve everything. Pressure from Wike and from governors to the entire NWC led them to delay the meeting to buy time.

“They were at the Secretariat to plan their next move. That is why some of us are not aware. With the governors having taken an open stance, they are trying to delay things to achieve their objectives. Thus, they deliberately postponed the meeting.

“On our side, we can’t call for an NWC meeting because Wike’s faction is in the majority. But, let’s see what they will do next.”

When reached for comment, the PDP acting National Chairman clarified that no meeting was planned for Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Damagun in his response to the newspaper query said no meeting was planned for yesterday.  “it seems like you are the one suggesting the meeting,” he said.

Why Peter Obi Moved Against LP Chairman, Abure

By
The Source
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0
Peter Obi and Julius Abure

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi and other critical stakeholders led by Governor Alex Otti of Abia state on Wednesday took a bold step toward recreating their political platform, the Labour Party.

In a move aimed at ending the crisis in the party since the controversial National Convention held in a hotel room in Nnewi, Anambra state by the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee, NWC, the sole Labour Party Governor of Abia state and the National leader of the party Obi decided to take the bull by the horn by summoning an enlarged National Executive Committee, NEC of the party in Umuahia where a far reaching decision was made to give direction to the party.

After exhaustive deliberations on how to move the party forward, former Minister of Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman was nominated to head an interim National Working Committee, NWC with a 90-day mandate to organize congresses at all levels of the party including a National Convention to elect substantive officers of the party.

Senator Usman will be assisted in the 29 member transition committee by former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Darlington Nwokocha who will act as Secretary.

The well-attended meeting also had the Presidential running Mate to Obi, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmad, Deputy Governor of Abia State and all elected Legislators under Labor at the National and state levels as well as gubernatorial candidates of the party in the 2023 polls.

In her acceptance speech, Senator Nenadi promised to work with her team for the unity and growth of the party.

The Peter Obi Media Office, POMR has been besieged by Labour Party adherents across the country calling and commending the move as long expected. They also noted that this bold political move was coming 48 hours after a National Coordinator was appointed for the Obidient Movement, a critical component of the Labour Party pushing for the Presidential ambition of their leader, Peter Obi.

National Economic Council Gives Deadline On State Police

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Council of State meeting Tinubu 1

By Ayodele Oni

The idea and agitation for establishment of State Police topped agenda for discussion at Wednesday’s meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC).

At the end of the meeting, NEC set a deadline of September 9, 2024, for all states to submit their positions on the establishment of State Police.

The deadline was announced during a meeting on Wednesday chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Speaking to State House Correspondents after the meeting in the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja, Acting Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, reported that out of the 36 states, four had yet to submit their positions to NEC.

Lawal stated that the remaining four states have been given the opportunity to turn in their position by Monday.

According to him, any state that refuses to comply will have no choice than to comply with anyone impose on it.

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