Ekiti Governor’s Wife Takes Up Lecturing Job At ABUAD

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September 13, 2023

Olayemi Oyebanji - Ekiti State First Lady

By Ayodele Oni

The wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has offered to serve as a lecturer at the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), a privately owned institution to impart knowledge on students and give them academic mentorship, in addition to her schedules as First Lady.

Dr. Oyebanji who paid a courtesy visit to ABUAD, said this would be on part time basis and promised to partner the University in terms of providing community service to the institution when needed as a gesture to give back to the University being an academic herself.

Speaking while being received by ABUAD Founder/Chancellor, Aare Afe Babalola; Vice Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde and other members of the management team, Dr. Oyebanji said her gesture would enable her contribute her quota to the development of one of the fastest growing Universities in Africa.

The Ekiti Governor’s wife who is a senior lecturer in the Department of Education Management at the University of Ibadan (UI) has over 85 publications in reputable journals to her credit and has produced six PhD graduates and several others at Master’s and undergraduate levels.

Apparently impressed with the gesture of the First Lady who is awaiting her Associate Professorship at UI, the authorities of ABUAD immediately approved her request noting that the gesture will go a long way to motivate the students to learn.

The First Lady also used the opportunity to canvass support for her pet project, Widows and Orphans Hope (WAOH) Project, which would be officially unveiled in October during the first anniversary of her husband, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, in office.

Dr. Oyebanji said she recognized Aare Babalola as a father, a philanthropist and an important stakeholder in Ekiti State, whose support would be needed and appreciated for the WAOH Project hence the need for the visit.

“It’s a new programme where we have registered over thirty thousand active and non-active widows and orphans. The WAOH project will afford us the opportunity to touch the lives of the vulnerable people in the state.

“We have just had our Back to School Programme where we gave schoolbags and other educational materials to indigent pupils, majority of who are orphans.”

ABUAD Founder, Aare Babalola in response to the First Lady’s request for support for WAOH Project, made an instant but substantial personal donation to the project; promising that the University would donate more in due course.

Aare Babalola said she has always respected Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji as the wife of the governor, but she now earns his respect the more for her level of achievements in academia.

The ABUAD Founder said: “You are not that type of First Lady that will be moving about, junketing for ceremonial activities. I have known many Governors wives who only attend ceremonies, but you are truly a First Lady.

“You are the first First Lady in Nigeria that I know that will be teaching in a university, while in office. Do you know the effect it will have?

“Do you know the impact you will be making? This will surely have an impact on students looking at the First Lady teaching them. It will motivate them to learn.”

Speaking on WAOH Project, Aare Babalola said: “You have started a pet project, I have always been interested in philanthropic activities. I am going to contribute to the pet project now personally and the university will add to it.

“Don’t think you must have billions of Naira before you can help others. No matter how little, just help people and God has a way of replenishing it. Your giving out means a lot.”

OPINION: CBN Price Verification System Contravenes The Law

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James Orji

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September 13, 2023

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By Lucky Amiwero

We hereby bring to the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria, of the Central Bank circular TED/FEM/PUB/FPC/001/008 OF 17 OF AUGUST 2023 GO-LIVE OF THE CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA VERIFICATION SYEMTEM PORTAL, PVS, contravenes the following laws of valuation of imported goods:

CUSTOMS AND EXCISE MANAGEMENT(AMENDMENT) ACT 20 OF 2003/ ON VALUATION OF GOODS

NIGERIA SERVICE ACT 2023

VALUATION OF IMPORTED GOODS

The valuation of goods in Nigerian is prescribed under the Customs and Excise Management (amendment) Act 20 0f 2003, Nigeria Customs Service Act 35 of 2023 which gave the power of treatment, process, procedures and determination of valuation of imported goods under the Act, based on Transaction value method, with six sequential application of 16 paragraphs: which states as follows:

Transaction value of good general ( paragraph 1)

Transaction value of identical goods (paragraph 2)

Transaction value of Similar goods (paragraph 3)

Deductive/ Sale value of goods (paragraph 4)

Computed value of goods (paragraph 5)

Reasonable means/ Fall back Method of Value (Paragraph 6)

The determination of valuation of imported goods, as contained in the hierarchical principle of application on treatment of valuation of Imported goods, based on the domestication of the agreement on world Trade Organization (WTO) under GATT Articles IIV as an Act under Section 12 of Nigerian constitution as Customs and Excise Management (amendment) Act 20 of 2003/ Nigeria Customs Service Act 35of 2023.

The act is the only legal instrument for the Treatment, Procedure and Application of imported good in Nigeria, no other law or agency have the power to introduce strange principle not backed by any law.

This law provides the primary basis for determination of the valuation of good which is based on transaction value, for price actually paid and payable, which is the global application for treatment of valuation of imported goods

Copy of the Customs and Excise Management (amendment) act is attached and marked appendix 1

The requirement FOR PRICE VERIFICATION on Form’M from Central Bank, contravenes the Customs and Excise Management(Amendment) Act 20 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 35 of 2023 on the valuation of goods on Import ,there is no provision in the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 7 of 2007 that gave the power of verification of price on Import or Export or commodities , Central Bank main function is on Monetary policy with regards to specifically exchange rate and other matters.

Such additional requirement of Price Verification by Central bank of Nigeria on imported goods ,will duplicates the function of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) , create bottleneck and conflict in the determination of value, which is clearly spelt out in valuation of Imported Goods that is backed by the enabling law of Valuation of imported goods

Copy of the Central Bank Circular is attached and marked appendix 2

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS PRICE VERIFICATION REPORT GENERATED FROM PORTAL

The application of verification of Price generated from portal , contravenes, the Customs and Excise Management(Amendment) Act 20 of 2003, operated under GATT valuation Agreement Articles IIV of world trade organization, WTO, benchmark is not acceptable, its treatment is under the Brussel definition of value, BDV, that is outlawed globally and Nigerian based on global application of GATT valuation Agreement domesticated the Customs and Excise Management(Amendment) Act 20 of 2003, is the only legal and proper application for the valuation of goods in the Country.

As member of Central Bank committee on Destination inspection in 1999, presidential committee on Destination Inspection in 2006, Member Presidential Task Force for the Reform of Nigeria Customs Service, member Committee on Import Clearance Procedures and implementation of Fiscal policy Measures 2013, we request that the law should be obeyed by withdrawing the circular, that is not backed by any law, which is not inline with Import and export procedures in Nigerian

Copies of the appointment by Federal Government to various committee is attached and marked appendix4.

While we noticed that such implementation if allowed, will bring about duplication, lengthy and cumbersome procedures, in our import and export system, especially to those who are not experts on valuation , import and export procedures ,

we await an urgent reply to redress the situation in the economy.

Amiwero, a Customs Agent and former member Presidential Committee On Destination Inspection writes from Lagos

Zamfara: Parents Of 8 NYSC Members Lament As Kidnappers Demand N200m More

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James Orji

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September 13, 2023

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Abductors of eight members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, in Zamfara state have demanded N200 million more to free their victims.

The corp members were kidnapped on August 17 on their way to the NYSC orientation camp in the state.

Amidst the widespread condemnation that has trailed the abduction, and the ongoing search by security agencies to locate where the NYSC are being held, the kidnappers have been paid N13 million ransome, according to those familiar with the incident.

They now want more as a condition to free the abductees, according to a report by Vanguard.

The newspaper reports that frustrated family members have become more desperate to get their wards out from the kidnappers captivity.

The publication quoted a brother to one of the victims: “We don’t know how we are going to raise that kind of money. Everybody was shocked when two parents, who have been over there since the incident happened, told us that after they released the balance of N8 million (to make up the N13 million ransom negotiated), they waited for long for the kidnappers to release our brothers and sisters, but they didn’t.

“They said instead, the kidnappers contacted them to demand N200 million ransom. We have paid N13 million already. First, we paid N5 million, later N8 million to make up the N13 million. Some parents sold their lands, and some even collected loans to raise the N13 million.

“We have not received any help from the government. We found it difficult to raise that N13 million. So, how are we going to raise this fresh ransom of N200 million? We have deliberately kept this development from my mother. I don’t think that poor widow will survive if she hears this. We are suffering.

Recall that 11 corps members were kidnapped, but three managed to escape.

Aside from the eight corps members, the driver of the bus was also abducted.

Meanwhile, close watchers of the incident said the abductees could remain in the den of the kidnappers indefinitely due to the decision of the state government not to negotiate with bandits and terrorists.

The Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration vowed not to negotiate with criminals since it came to office in May this year.

NIMASA DG Harps On Seafarers Welfare

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James Orji

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September 13, 2023

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The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has hosted an enlightenment workshop for seafarers, employers of seafarers and other maritime stakeholders in Lagos on Seafarers’ Medical Certification.

Speaking at the event, the Agency’s Director General Dr. Bashir Jamoh who was represented by the Head, Administration and Human Resources Department, Hamisu Gambo, reminded attendees that the safety of seafarers lay at the heart of an efficient and productive maritime sector.

According to him, “the safety and well-being of seafarers is paramount in ensuring the smooth operation and success of the maritime industry. The ability to maintain high medical standards and certifications is not only a legal requirement but crucial to safeguarding the lives of those who dedicate their careers to the sea”.

Jamoh added that the Agency had organised the event to ensure that Ship Owners, Workers Unions, Employers of labour and other stakeholders were well informed on the issue of seafarers’ medical certification. He said, “This workshop has been meticulously curated to address the pressing concerns faced by rejection of medical certificates issued to seafarers by some facilities and to equip all with the knowledge and tools needed to meet the stringent medical requirements set forth by international maritime authorities.

Some of the issues addressed at the workshop include; Comprehensive Overview of Medical Fitness Standards and Guidelines, Updates on the Latest Medical Advancements and Guidelines and Understanding the Medical Examination Process for Seafarers.

Also at the event, medical screening forms, plaques and certificates were distributed to approved doctors to aid in their screening of seafarers. The forum served as an opportunity for networking among the medical and maritime practitioners.

Why I Never Respond To Aspersions Of Madam Florence Ita Giwa, On My Person

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The Source

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September 13, 2023

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By Donald Duke

“Although she (Florence Ita Giwa) bears the honorific title of “Eka Iban”, in the strict sense, she’s neither Efik, nor of Southern Cross River origin. (She’s paternally from Atabong in Akwa Ibom State, and maternally from Umuahia in Abia State.”

In human interactions, two factors are sacrosanct, age and authority, and even more so in the African context. On both counts, Mma Florence is my senior.

Indeed, if she were family, she would qualify as my late 94 year old mother’s immediate junior sister, as none of my aunties are anywhere near her age and I don’t take that lightly.

I recall a former Federal Minister telling me that when he started secondary school at Lagos in 1952, Mma Florence, the same year commenced training as an auxiliary nurse at Aba.

Indeed, Mma Floxy, as I fondly and respectfully call her, had aspired and contested the Ms. Nigeria pageant, while I was still a foetus, (she contested in April 1961, and I was born much later in September of the same year).

Earlier last year, she scoffed at a meeting I held at my residence to harmonize Southern aspirants under the platform of the PDP. She was vexed she was not invited. I apologized to her, but made it clear she did not qualify to attend, as: 1. She’s not a member of the PDP and 2, although she bears the honorific title of “Eka Iban”, in the strict sense, she’s neither Efik nor of Southern Cross River origin.

(She’s paternally from Atabong in Akwa Ibom State, and maternally from Umuahia in Abia State).

That notwithstanding, she has served Cross River State, her State of residence, diligently, to the acknowledgment of all.

Mma Floxy has also served Nigeria well. At the onset of the Nigerian civil war in 1967, when I was barely 6 years old, she was already serving at the front lines. She was one of the few brave ladies reverentially referred to as the ‘Commando Girls’ for their exploits and services in times of a national crisis.

Thereafter, she’s been in the front lines of business and societal struggles, in Abuja, Lagos and of course Cross River State. Her resume in this regard is wholesome.

She has represented Cross River State at the Federal House of Representatives and the Nigerian Senate. She has been a Special Adviser to the President and has diligently carried out several responsibilities most of which remain classified.

Recently, she queried my gender. Frankly, I’m pleased she’s not in a position to confirm as that would have been sacrilegious, but I am indeed a proud father of three biological children.

On the issue of me being indigent prior to being elected governor, I needn’t remind her, or anyone, my pedigree and, that I self- sponsored my elections even at that time of political uncertainty.

On a personal note, I stood in as her person of contact when she did liposuction, breast implant and upliftment. So I consider her somewhat of an aunt, a next of kin.

Contrarily, Mma Floxy, has been known to be courtesan in her political and business dealings. All said, it will be a betrayal of my upbringing to be abusive or cast aspersions on such a personage.

Politics should never be a platform that denigrates the ethos of respect to our elders. Thank You.

Duke is a former two-time Governor of Cross River State

Popular Afro Pop Star, Mohbad Is Dead

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 12, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigeria Music Industry has been thrown into mourning following the shocking demise of popular Afro Pop youngster, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Oloba, with the stage name Mohbad.

The news of his death came as a shock to many of his fans and followers who are yet to come to terms with it.

The former Marlian record signee reportedly died on Tuesday at the age of 27.

The news of his death was broken on social media by Music executive Ovie, who shared the sad news on his X page (formerly Twitter) #Ovieo on Tuesday evening.

“Confirmed. MohBad is dead. Sad, sad day,” he tweeted.

Some months back, his colleague, Bella Shmurda, recounted how, Mohbad attempted suicide because of the rift between him and his former record label, Marlian Music.

He had called out his former record label boss, Naira Marley on social media last year, accusing him of ordering his boys to beat him up.

He left the record label shortly after the incident.

It was gathered that his last show took place at Ikorodu.

He would be sorely missed by families, friends and fans.

LAHA Confirms One Of Governor Sanwo Olu’s Commissioner Nominees, Summons LAMATA Boss Over Non-Use Of Yoruba Language In Train

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 12, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos House of Assembly has confirmed the nomination of Tolani Abiku, one of the Commissioner- Nominees whose name was initially stepped down by the House for Screening.

The Lawmakers has, also, summoned the Management of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, to appear before it over its refusal to add Yoruba to languages it uses for announcements and instructions in its train service.

The House noted the importance of Yoruba language for passing information to passengers on the trains since it would help some of them, especially, new users, easily understand what to do.

The House further noted that since 2017 when the Bill on compulsory teaching of Yoruba Language in schools was passed, the State had made conscious efforts to encourage the use of the language in public places adding that this should be sustained.

It, therefore, invited LAMATA to appear and explain the reasons behind its refusal to adopt the use of the language.

The Lawmakers also called on the Ministry of Environment to commence immediate clearing of drainage channels and canals across the State.

Hon. Kehinde Joseph representing Alimosho Constituency 2 raised the issue under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’ at plenary.

According to him, heavy rains in the State as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NIMET) have damaged some houses in his constituency while some buildings have been submerged by flood with properties destroyed.

The Lawmaker complained of blocked drainage channels and canals, saying there was need for the Ministry of Environment to act urgently while the Ministry of Information should carry out sensitisation of Lagosians to stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

In his contribution, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu representing Eti-Osa Constituency 2 said flooding in the State was as a result of climate change and rise in the sea level.

Hon. Temitope Adewale representing one of the constituencies of Ifako Ijaiye suggested the reintroduction of environmental sanitation to make residents clear their gutters.

Hon. Ladi Ajomale said flooding in his constituency was disheartening, while Hon. Rasheed Shabi said there was need for a stringent policy to be put in place.

He tasked Local Government chairman to take the responsibility of clearing and fumigating the drainages in their areas.

Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda, who presided over the plenary, urged the relevant agencies to expedite action. She also called on each of the Local Governments to do the needful while LAWMA should be ready to play its role.

Two Months To Governorship Election: Imo SDP Deputy Gov Candidate Quits, Joins APC

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Ayodele Oni

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September 12, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Ahead of the November 11 Governorship election in Imo state, alignment and realignment have started with Mr Nlem Uchenna, the Deputy Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the State, quitting the party.

He announced that he has dumped SDP and thrown his weight behind the re- election bid of Governor Hope Uzodimma, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.

The development is coming barely two months to the November 11th governorship election in the state. Uchenna stated that he dumped SDP so that he can work for the re-election of Governor Hope Uzodimma.

The former Deputy Governorship candidate, who hails from Owerri zone further disclosed that he was also respecting the Imo Charter of Equity, which favours Uzodimma for a second tenure.

In a statement, Uchenna stated that he consulted widely before arriving at the decision.

”This decision was taken after wide consultations, deep thinking, wise counsel and promptings from numerous people, particularly the resolution of the Imo Council of Elders.

“I wish also to note the giant strides of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma in Imo State for which I have resolved to give him my full support for his second tenure”

He called on his supporters to key into his decision by offering their maximum support for the re-election of the Uzodimma.

Gov Akeredolu Hits Deputy, Dismantles Press Crew

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Ayodele Oni

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September 12, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, seems set to hit back at his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over allegation of disloyalty while he was away on medical leave.

Aiyedatiwa has been accused of attempting to re- set some of the laid down policies of the Governor while away, causing serious division within the State Executive Council.

Some personal aides of the Governor took sides with the Deputy and had already shared positions if eventually Akeredolu did not return, while others that stood by the Governor blocked attempts by the Deputy’s loyalists to hijack governance.

Aiyedatiwa, Tuesday had issued a statement blaming some enemies to be responsible for the strained relationship with the Governor.

The first response by Akeredolu on Tuesday was to dismantle the Media Crew attached to the Deputy Governor’s office.

A statement by Richard Olatunde, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor reads, “All Media Aides appointed by the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, and seconded to the office of the deputy Governor, have been relieved of their appointments with immediate effect.

“The affected aides include: Press Secretary to the Governor, Kenneth Odusola; Special Assistant to Governor (New Media) Okunniga Oladipupo; and Special Assistant to the Governor (Photography) Abayomi Samson Adefolalu.

“They are to submit all Government properties in their possession to the Acting Permanent Secretary, Office of the deputy Governor.

“Similarly, the Press Crew attached to the office of the Deputy Governor has been disbanded.

“Consequently, all members of the Press Crew are to report back to their various Ministries and Stations.

“Equally, the Ministry of Information and Orientation is directed to provide adequate coverage for the activities of the Deputy Governor’s Office henceforth.”

How Wike Forced Umahi, Ayade, Matawalle Out Of PDP – Obaseki; Insists Wike Will Be Dealt With

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The Source

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September 12, 2023

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By Gideon Njoku

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr Don Obaseki, has disclosed how the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, forced three Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, out of the Party.

Wike, the immediate past PDP Governor of Rivers State, is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, under the All Progressives Congress, APC -controlled Federal Government, even though he insists he is still a member of the PDP.

According to Obaseki who was the Director of Research, Strategy and Documentation of the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2023 Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar,

Wike was responsible for the dumping of the PDP by David Umahi, Ben Ayade and Bello Matawalle for the All Progressives Congress, APC. At the time the three dumped the PDP, they were, like Wike, who was Rivers State Governor, Governors of Ebonyi, Cross River and Zamfara States, respectively.

In an interview with Channels Television, Obaseki, enraged by Wike’s current call for the expulsion of Atiku and former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, now a Senator from the Party, accused Wike of a deliberate damage of the Party for selfish interests, but says now Wike’s cup of mischief is full. He said that Wike, had, since 2021, been planning to scatter the PDP in order to become Nigeria’s President.

For instance, he disclosed, former National Chairman of the Party, Wike’s kinsman, Uche Seondus, was removed from office by Wike in order to smoothen the part for him, Wike, to pick the PDP Presidential ticket. He cited other examples too.

Obaseki, also insisted PDP never agreed to rotate the Presidential seat in 2023, and challenged Wike to produce where it was stated in the PDP Constitution.

He noted that since Democracy in 1999, six Presidential Elections have been held, and that the South took the ticket in the PDP four times against the North’s two times. Again, a combination of the years in office of Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, gave the South 14 years in office as against two years of late President Umaru Yar’adua and eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari – 10 years.

On Wike’s recent boasts that nobody can discipline him in the PDP, and his dare to the Party to suspend or expel him, Obaseki emphasised that to expel Wike from the PDP is a task that must be done to ensure the Party’s survival.

Obaseki: “Wike was/is the problem of the PDP and to expel Wike now is a task that must be done by the PDP.

“The person who deserves to be expelled from the party is the man who is calling for the expulsion of others from the party.

“Wike is the one who created a cult within the party and called it the G-5. Against the will, constitution and structures of the party, he campaigned against the party.

“If anybody had done anything anti-party, it is Nyesom Wike. He has fought every known person within the party.

“If you remember, Bello Matawalle, former Governor of Zamfara State cited him as the reason for leaving the party. Dave Umahi cited him as the reason for leaving the party. Professor Ben Ayade cited him as the reason for leaving the party.

“Why is it that in the wake of Nyesom Wike, he has become the proverbial tortoise in every bad story?

“Wike has crossed the red line and now, he should be ready. He has all the money to fight us back because we are coming at him like a thousand bricks.

“He has unleashed the dogs of war and we will not sit back and watch him ride roughshod over the party and majority of Nigerians like he did for eight years over the humility of the Rivers people. That can no longer suffice.”

He noted that Wike used cheap blackmail against the Party in the 2023 Presidential Election, flaunting power rotation.

Obaseki: “The party never said power should go to the South because it was the turn of the South in the PDP but it was the turn of the South in the APC.

“Since 1999, we have had six elections. The PDP had given four times out of that six to the South. Two times to Olusegun Obasanjo and two times to Goodluck Jonathan.

“But the party has given two out of six to the North. Once to Yar’ Adua and once to Atiku. I made a presentation to the governors in December 2021 in Asaba and Nyesom Wike did not agree because he wanted a situation where the primaries would be thrown open.

“He wasn’t campaigning but I was campaigning for the South-East and the North-East because they were the only zones that are yet to rule our country since January 15, 1966, outside the South-East that had six months hiatus with General Aguiyi Ironsi.

“Wike, knowing that he’s just less than 106km away from Otuoke, the home state of Jonathan had no moral right to want to run for the presidency when the immediate Southern President and the last President of the PDP was from the same former Rivers State with him.

“Wike was fighting a cause that was for himself in an attempt to prepare the ground for his eventual running.”