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Workers’ Day: Peter Obi Laments Declining Value of Labour in Nigeria

By
The Source
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

A presidential hopeful of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, has paid tribute to workers across the world, with a special focus on Nigerian workers, describing them as the backbone of every nation and critical to national development.

In a message to commemorate International Workers’ Day, Obi commended the resilience and sacrifices of Nigerian workers, noting that despite harsh economic realities, they continue to sustain families, institutions, and the broader economy.

He expressed concern over what he described as the declining value of labour in the country, stating that the current minimum wage no longer guarantees even a modest standard of living. According to him, rising inflation, food prices, and transportation costs have significantly eroded workers’ purchasing power, leaving many unable to meet basic needs.

Obi emphasised that no nation can develop beyond the strength and wellbeing of its workforce, stressing that productivity and progress are rooted in the quality and commitment of human capital. He warned that when workers suffer, the nation inevitably bears the consequences, but noted that empowering workers would lead to national prosperity.

The former Anambra State governor also highlighted the political power of workers, urging them to utilise their voice and vote to influence governance. He called on Nigerian workers to support leadership defined by competence, character, capacity, credibility, and compassion.

Obi further encouraged workers to reject corruption, poor governance, and divisive politics, insisting that collective action can help build a nation where hard work is respected and fairly rewarded.

He concluded by reiterating that a truly productive nation must be founded on justice, fairness, and respect for labour, urging citizens to work together toward achieving such a society.

Rivers 2027: Elders Buy APC Gov. Nomination Forms For Fubara… Chinda, Wike’s Ally To Run Under Rainbow Coalition Stakeholders

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Rivers APC Stakeholders bought form for Fubara

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

In a move widely perceived as daring the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, some elders of the All Progressive Congress, APC have procured the expression of interest and nomination forms for Governor Siminalayi Fubara in Rivers State

 

This is as Honourable Kingsley Chinda, popular as O.K., a member of the House of Representatives, and an ally and confidante of Nyesom Wike, has, also purchased the forms. A member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, like Wike, Chinda is, however, expected to run under Wike’s Rainbow Coalition  – a Coalition of PDP and APC members in the State.

 

The source reports that following the protracted crisis of confidence between Governor Fubara and his political godfather, Wike has insisted on not being part of any moves for the re-election bid of  his protege.

 

In the wake of the bitter political acrimony which began in 2023, the FCT Minister had publicly declared that  allowing Fubara to return for  a second term will signal his political death.

 

Consequently, unconfirmed reports had speculated that one of the key points of the last truce brokered for the twosome by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was that , Fubara will not seek a second term in office.

 

The APC’s failure to formally welcome Governor Fubara, months after he defected from the Peoples Democratic party PDP, had served to accentuate the belief that there may be an agreement for the Governor not to re-contest.

 

But while announcing the purchase of gubernatorial form Fubara on Friday, a delegation headed by a Member of the House of Representatives ,Awaji-Inombek Abiante, who represents Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives said the decision was taken by major party stakeholders across the 23 local councils of Rivers state, alongside former Rivers House of Assembly Leader and ex-Commissioner for Education, Tamunosisi Gogo and others.

 

Speaking on behalf of the group Abiante said:

 

“Their action was driven by  the “yearnings and aspirations” of Rivers people who he said are calling on Governor Fubara to seek another term in office.

 

“They argued that the governor’s performance over the past three years has positioned him as a stabilising force in the state’s political landscape. According to the forum, his administration has helped steer Rivers ‘out of the woods’  and restore a measure of order and confidence in governance.

 

“The decision to purchase these forms is a direct response to widespread calls from across the state urging the governor to continue his leadership,” a member of the delegation said, adding that Fubara’s leadership style has resonated with many residents.

 

The group also said it would fully support the re-election of Bola Tinubu as President of Nigeria. The support aligns with the broader agenda of the APC at the national level.

 

However, Governor Fubara has not declared his interest as regards his re-election bid.

According to Abiante, the move is in the best interest of Rivers state and its residents, noting that it also signposts the growing confidence reposed in Governor Fubara by the people.

 

“This is not new. Even at the national level , stakeholders had in the past procured nomination forms for their preferred candidates.

 

” It is a democratic tradition rooted in collective will . It is not about how deep your pocket is . It is about what the people feel. And the people of Rivers state have made their position clear: they want continuity” Abiante stated .

 

This is as he insisted that Governor Fubara never sent nor influenced the stakeholders in their action.

 

He also informed that the forms will be formally presented the Governor  later on Friday.

 

For the records, another APC chieftain, Tonye Cole, who is an ally of former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, has, also purchased the Governorship forms. He will run under the APC.

 

At the time of reporting, neither the FCT Minister nor any of his associates has reacted to the development

Abia Zoning Arrangements: APC Reverses Itself, Throws Governorship Race Open

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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APC



By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

Following serious political backlash that trailed the zoning of its gubernatorial ticket to a  particular zone of the State, the Abia State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC, has reversed itself within 24 hours.

 

The Source reports that the State Working Committee of the Party on Thursday April 30, 2026, in a statement informed that the 2027 Governorship ticket had been domiciled in the Abia Central Senatorial District where the incumbent Governor Alex Otti hails from.

 

The party had, also, cited the need to ensure equity, justice, fair play, and balanced representation across the three Senatorial Districts as a  major reason for its action.

 

However, the duo of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Mascot Uzor Kalu, a younger sibling of a former Governor of the State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, immediately spearheaded a coordinated attack and condemnation of the policy.

 

While Mascot described the  zoning arrangement as  “frivolous, reckless, unconstitutional unacceptable,and entirely alien to all known precedents of the APC in the state, the Deputy Speaker of the green chamber of the National Assembly, through his political office, Benjamin Okezie Kalu -BOK- Movement, saw it as hasty, ill-timed and lacking broad consultations with key stakeholders across the three Senatorial Districts.

 

Both frontline contenders for  the State’s 2027 gubernatorial seat, vehemently rejected the zoning arrangement, which they also warned has the potential of undermining and eroding the peace, unity and electoral fortunes of the party in the State.

 

In reversing itself, the Abia APC leadership on Friday, May I, 2026, in a statement from its spokesperson, Uche Aguoru, said its action was at the instance of the National body of the party.

 

“Following concerns raised by stakeholders and leaders of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Abia State, the National Leadership of the party has reviewed  the concerns raised.

 

“Consequently, the party has directed that all zoning arrangements earlier issued by the State Working Committee, SWC, be jettisoned. The party will, therefore, maintain the status quo.

 

By this directive, all aspirants interested in contesting for any position from the House of Assembly, Representatives, Senate, and Governorship, are hereby advised that they are free to approach the party and purchase their nomination forms before the stipulated deadline as outlined by the party”, the APC stated.

“Arrangee Prophecy”: Anglican Church Suspends Priest

By
The Source
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Ifunanya Maduka
Ifunanya Maduka

By Charles Igbo

Ifunanya Maduka, a Priest of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Diocese on the Niger, has been suspended by the Church.

Until his suspension by the Bishop, His Lordship, The Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo, Maduka was the Vicar of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Nteje, Anambra State. His suspension, without pay, will last for a period of six months.

His fate stemmed from what the Church tagged “arrangee prophecy”. He has been indulging in fake, deceitful arranged marriage.

Bishop Owen announced Maduka’s suspension in letter dated  dated April 27, 2026.

He said the decision of the Diocese to suspend the erring Priest stemmed from “credible and verifiable reports” that Owen usually orchestrate and manipulate prophetic acts by paying individuals to present such lies and false actions as genuine manifestations.

When confronted with evidence,  said the letter, Maduka did not deny the unpriestly behavior.

Part of the letter reads: “It has come to our attention, with deep sadness and grave concern, that you have been involved in practices grossly unbecoming of an ordained Priest of the Anglican Church. Specifically, credible and verifiable reports have been brought before us alleging that you engaged in arranged and manipulated prophecies by involving persons whom you induced or paid for that purpose, while presenting such acts as genuine prophetic manifestations from God.

“When you were confronted with the evidence made available to us, you admitted your involvement in the said unholy practice.”

Maduka’s conduct was seen as “grossly unbecoming” of an ordained priest. The letter cited concerns which included “false prophecy, deception of worshippers, and actions that could amount to obtaining money under false pretense.”

His actions, it was pointed out,  violated “Christian doctrine, Anglican discipline, and ethical standards expected of  Clergy” and has brought disrepute to the Church.

The shamed Priest was, therefore, directed to hand over all Church property and responsibilities to the People’s Warden, and ordered to move out of the church premises within 72 hours.

In addition, a disciplinary panel will be constituted within one month to  investigate him to determine if there are other  disciplinary actions to be taken against him in line with Church regulations.

El Rufai Faces Fresh Charges From ICPC Over CCTV Contract

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nasir El-Rufai in Court

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and seven others are facing fresh charges over alleged fraud and money laundering linked to a ₦10.8 billion CCTV security project in Kaduna State. 

 

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)  filed the fresh criminal charges at the Federal High Court, Kaduna.

 

This latest filing marks the third set of charges the ICPC has brought against the former governor since March. 

 

A former Kaduna State Commissioner for Information and Chairman of Liberty Television, Alhaji Tijjani Ramalan, disclosed the development in a Facebook post, stating that El-Rufai and the co-accused are expected to soon respond to the new charges in court.

 

The ICPC alleged that El-Rufai approved the award of an ₦8.68 billion CCTV contract in December 2015 to a company it described as lacking the technical capacity to execute the project. 

 

The commission further claimed that multiple suspicious financial transactions were carried out between 2017 and 2022 involving individuals and firms connected to the project.

 

Court filings submitted at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on April 17 show that the anti-graft agency levelled 11 counts against the former governor and the other defendants under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

 

Among the companies named in the case are Singularity Network Security Limited and other entities allegedly linked to the security contract. 

 

Other defendants include a former Kaduna State government official, Jimi Lawal, senior executives of IHS Towers, and five corporate bodies.

 

Although one of El-Rufai’s sons, Bashir El-Rufai, was mentioned in the allegations, he was not listed as a defendant in the fresh charges.

 

El-Rufai is already facing separate corruption-related cases involving other state projects, including a light rail contract and severance payments, all of which he has previously denied wrongdoing.

PDP Disowns Wabara’s BoT Leadership, Says Mohammed Remains National Chairman

By
Ayodele Oni
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Senator Adolphus Wabara

By Ayodele Oni 

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has clarified that Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, remains its National Chairman.

 

The explanation is coming after the Supreme Court’s judgement which finally nailed the National Convention of the party held in Ibadan, Oyo state, last year.

 

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Friday, spokesman of the party, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, pointed out that the judgment did not mention anything about the national executive committee of the party.

 

“We are here today to set the record straight and address the deliberate distortions being peddled by one Kabiru Turaki, SAN, and his associates regarding the Supreme Court judgment delivered on the 30th of April, 2026.

 

“Let it be clear and unambiguous that the Supreme Court judgment of yesterday only nullified the illegal Ibadan ‘Convention’ and dismissed the appeal filed by the Turaki-led purported National Working Committee for lacking in merit.

 

“This remains the sole substance of the judgment, contrary to the false narratives being circulated. The judgment did not uphold any suspension or expulsion of any officer of the party.

Abdulrahman Mohammed - PDP Chairman
Abdulrahman Mohammed: Remains PDP National Chairman

“The reason is simple: the issue of suspension or expulsion was never before the Federal High Court, let alone the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court.

 

“It was neither canvassed at the Federal High Court nor formed part of the questions for determination at any level of adjudication.

 

“The apex court addressed only the matter before it, which is the validity or otherwise of the so-called 15th and 16th Ibadan “Convention.”

 

“Accordingly, throughout the Supreme Court judgment, there was no mention whatsoever of suspension or expulsion of any party officer.

 

“It is also important to state that there has never been a vacuum, obstruction, or absence of leadership in our party that presupposes an interim take over of the administration of the Party by any authority. 

 

‘The leadership structure of the PDP remains intact, lawful, and fully operational under the able National Chairman, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, and our indefatigable National Secretary, Distinguished Senator Samuel Anyanwu. Their positions remain duly recognized.

 

“What we are witnessing is a desperate attempt by a rejected group to twist the clear facts contained in the judgement of the Supreme Court in order to mislead the public and seek undeserved sympathy. 

 

“I make it bold to say that the judgement is a public document which can be accessed by anybody to ascertain the content of the said judgement. 

 

“The same individuals who disobeyed valid court orders to conduct the illegal Ibadan Convention have continued in their pattern of lawlessness by assembling again, even after the Supreme Court has spoken.

 

“Their actions only reinforce what is already evident: an agenda set out with the sole intention to destabilize the Party.

 

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party has announced that it has formally assumed the national leadership of the party following what it described as a constitutional intervention after a Supreme Court judgment that nullified key organs of the opposition party.

 

In a statement issued on Thursday, and signed by BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, the party’s highest advisory body said it stepped in to prevent a leadership vacuum at the national level.

 

According to the statement, the decision was taken pursuant to provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the party’s 15th to 16th November 2025 National Convention held in Ibadan.

 

That convention had produced the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC).

 

The BoT disclosed that the apex court also upheld the suspension of Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Hon. Umar Bature and Barr. Kamaldeen Ajibade from the party in their capacities as National Secretary, National Organising Secretary and National Legal Adviser respectively.

 

It said the implication of the ruling is that all actions taken by the affected officials — including the appointment of Abdulrahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman, the composition of the National Caretaker Working Committee, and the conduct and outcome of the March 29, 2026 convention in Abuja — have become illegal, null and void.

 

But, the spokesman maintained that “On the issue of the purported takeover of the party by the Board of Trustees (BoT), or claims of summoning the National Executive Committee (NEC):  there is no provision in the Party’s Constitution that grants the Board of Trustees the power to take over the leadership of the party or assume the functions of the National Working Committee.

 

“Most curious is the claim by Senator Adolphus Wabara, whose tenure as Chairman of the Board of Trustees had long expired even before the onset of this crisis. 

 

“The only known legitimate leadership of the Party’s Board of Trustees is that led by Senator  Mao Ohuabunwa. Senator Adolphus Wabara should retrace his steps from making statements on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) forthwith. Any such infractions within the Party will no longer be tolerated.”

Access Holdings Delivers Over N1trn PBT

By
James Orji
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0

Access Holdings Plc has reported audited results for the financial year ended December 31, 2025, which marks a significant turning point in its corporate journey as it shifts from a growth model defined by scale to one increasingly anchored on value creation, efficiency, and earnings quality.
The Group delivered a resilient performance during the year, navigating a transitional operating environment while demonstrating the strength of its franchise and the robustness of the governance structures it has built over time. Profit before tax crossed the ₦1 trillion mark for the first time, rising to ₦1.01 trillion, a 16.2 per cent increase compared to the previous year. This milestone underscores the Group’s steady progression toward becoming a high-performing and resilient financial institution.
Net interest income rose to ₦1.36 trillion, while net fees and commission income recorded a particularly strong growth of 40.9 per cent to ₦585.1 billion, reflecting increasing diversification in revenue streams. Overall operating income after impairment grew by 23.9 per cent to ₦3.17 trillion. At the same time, the Group improved its cost discipline, with its cost-to-income ratio declining to 51.7 per cent from 56.7 per cent in 2024. Returns also remained solid, with return on average equity at 18.4 per cent and return on average assets at 1.6 per cent, reinforcing the quality of earnings delivered during the year.
Commenting on the results, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Innocent C. Ike, said: “Our 2025 performance reflects both the resilience of the Access franchise and the strength of the institution we have built over time. Despite a dynamic operating environment, we delivered strong earnings supported by diversified income streams, disciplined execution, and a continued focus on balance sheet optimisation.”
“We have now entered a more deliberate optimisation phase, with a stronger emphasis on returns on capital, earnings quality, and long-term value creation,” he added.
The balance sheet also recorded significant expansion, driven by strong deposit mobilisation and sustained customer confidence. Total assets increased by 24.3 per cent to ₦51.57 trillion, while customer deposits grew by 53.4 per cent to ₦34.56 trillion. Shareholders’ funds rose by 15 per cent to ₦4.33 trillion, reflecting both retained earnings and continued investor confidence in the institution. This growth highlights not only the scale of the Group’s operations but also the deepening trust of customers, counterparties, and investors.
The operating environment during the year showed signs of gradual improvement, which supported performance. Nigeria’s economic growth strengthened to about 3.9 per cent,

inflation moderated from elevated 2024 levels, and foreign exchange reserves rose above $45 billion. The NGX All Share Index gained over 51 per cent during the year, reflecting renewed investor confidence and stronger capital market activity. These developments contributed to improved capital flows and a more supportive backdrop for financial institutions.
While banking remains the core earnings driver, contributing about 97 per cent of total revenue, the Group continues to make measured progress in diversifying its income base. Its investment management and insurance businesses, including Access ARM Pensions and Access Insurance Brokers, provide stable and recurring income streams, while technology-led platforms such as Oxygen X Finance and Hydrogen Payment Services are strengthening its position in the digital financial services landscape.
The Group’s strategic direction is now increasingly defined by a shift from scale to value. Having built scale across markets and segments, management is focusing more deliberately on improving returns on capital, enhancing earnings quality and deepening cost discipline. This transition reflects a clear objective to build a more valuable institution capable of delivering consistent and resilient returns over the long term.
Looking ahead, Access Holdings expects macroeconomic conditions to continue stabilising, creating opportunities for credit expansion, increased transaction volumes, and higher levels of activity across the financial system. The Group intends to maintain its focus on disciplined execution, improved capital efficiency, and sustainable growth across its diversified platform.
Ike noted: “Africa remains one of the most compelling long-term growth frontiers globally. Our role is not only to participate in that growth, but to help shape and finance it.
“At Access Holdings, we have built an institution designed to endure, anchored on strong governance, disciplined execution, and a clear strategic direction. Our focus remains on delivering consistent, high-quality, risk-adjusted returns while building a financial institution that will stand the test of time.”

May Day: Senate Promises Workers Legislation For Living Wage

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Godswill Akpabio - Senate President
Godswill Akpabio, Senate President.

By Ayodele Oni 

 

The Senate has described Nigerian workers as true heroes of our democracy and the engine of economy.

 

To this end,  President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has affirmed that the Senate remains unwavering in its commitment to legislating for a living wage, safer workplaces, pension reforms, and policies that expand job creation and protect the dignity of labor.

 

He explained that the 10th National Assembly recognizes the challenges workers face, from rising costs of living to workplace demands and would do everything to alleviate the hardship.

 

The Senate President’s promise and  happiness with workers were contained in a May Day message personally signed by him on the occasion of the International Labour Day Celebration.

 

He appealed to employers in both public and private sectors to prioritize the welfare of workers, saying “A motivated workforce is the foundation of national productivity and prosperity.”

 

Akpabio, expressed happiness with Nigerian workers for their resilience, hard work, and patriotism despite the challenges they face in the course of their duties.

 

He declared, “On this auspicious occasion of Workers’ Day 2026, I, Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the 10th Senate and chairman of the National Assembly, on behalf of the National Assembly, join millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to commend and congratulate the resilient, industrious, and patriotic Nigerian workers whose sweat and sacrifice continue to sustain the heartbeat of our nation.

 

“Today, we celebrate you, the teachers who mold our future, the farmers who feed our nation, the doctors and nurses who heal our land, the artisans, traders, civil servants, security personnel, and private sector employees whose daily toil builds Nigeria. 

 

“You are the true heroes of our democracy and the engine of our economy.

 

“The 10th National Assembly recognizes the challenges workers face, from rising costs of living to workplace demands. 

 

“I assure you that the Senate remains unwavering in its commitment to legislating for a living wage, safer workplaces, pension reforms, and policies that expand job creation and protect the dignity of labor.

 

“Ghe passage of the new National Minimum Wage Act and the implementation of workers’ welfare packages are testaments to this commitment.

 

“As we mark this May Day, I urge employers in both public and private sectors to prioritize the welfare of workers. A motivated workforce is the foundation of national productivity and prosperity.

 

“To organized labour, I commend your constructive engagements and patriotism. The Senate will continue to partner with the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, and all affiliates to ensure that the voice of the Nigerian worker is heard and respected in the chambers of policy and law.

 

“On behalf of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I salute your courage, celebrate your contributions, and pledge that we will not relent until every Nigerian worker can look to the future with hope, dignity, and confidence.”

Reps Dep Speaker, Orji Kalu Brother Zoned Out Of Abia Governorship Race

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Benjamin Kalu

Byy Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

The Abia State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC, on Thursday, April, 30, 2026,  appear  to be  headed irretrievably for ruins.

 

This follows what has been described as a controversial zoning arrangement that, at once, killed and buried the much anticipated gubernatorial ambition of the duo of Rt Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu,the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Mascot Uzor Kalu, the younger sibling of former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, now a Senator.

 

The leadership of the APC Abia, in a statement from Uche Aguoru, its spokesperson, informed that the party has zoned the Governorship seat to the Abia Central Senatorial District, where incumbent Governor Alex Otti hails from.

 

The party emphasized that the decision was taken to promote equity, justice, and fair play.

 

The statement noted that the State, since the advent of the current democratic arrangement in 1999, has operated on a subsisting power sharing formula among the three Senatorial Districts of the State.

 

“This is to notify our esteemed members, and the general public in Abia State that the All Progressives Congress, APC, has zoned its Governorship ticket in the forthcoming elections to the Abia Central Senatorial District.

 

“This notice serves to guide our members ,and intending aspirants in the purchase of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.

 

“This decision is taken in the interest of equity, justice and fair play ,and in line with the party’s commitment to balanced representation across the three Senatorial Zones” APC stated.

 

The party, therefore, appealed to all aspirants and stakeholders from other zones to respect the decision of the party in the “spirit of sportsmanship” 

 

But in a swift reaction late Thursday evening, Mascot Kalu who earlier in the week had purchased the N50 million Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, vehemently rejected the zoning arrangement, and described the decision as “frivolous, reckless, unconstitutional, unacceptable and entirely alien to all known precedents of the APC in Abia state.

 

He, also, questioned the actual motives behind the purported zoning formula, insisting that the decision was unilaterally taken by some vested interests out to sabotage the peace of the APC in the State.

 

“Our attention has been drawn to press statement issued by Uche Aguoru ,the Abia state Publicity Secretary of the All Progressive Congress APC, announcing a purported zoning arrangement by the State Working Committee SWC, which allegedly ceded the party’s Governorship ticket to the Abia Central Senatorial District and discourages intending aspirants from purchasing expression of interest forms.

 

“While the authenticity of this claim remains highly questionable, we have deliberately described it as ‘purported’ given that most members of Abia APC SWC are currently not in the state and have not convened any formal meeting in the past week.

 

“Such an arrangement is not only frivolous, but also reckless, unconstitutional and entirely alien to all known precedents of the party in Abia State.

 

“It cannot be taken unilaterally.by the SWC without the consent of all stakeholders at an expanded caucus meeting.

 

“We, the Mascot Uzor Kalu Campaign Organization, unequivocally reject this purported zoning arrangement in its entirety, and will not accept it under any circumstances.

 

“Let it be made abundantly clear that any surreptitious attempt by self-serving elements within the party to weaponize the SWC in an attempt to frustrate the Governorship ambition of our principal, Mascot Uzor Kalu will be met with hardcore, lawful and unyielding resistance”, the MUK media team stated.

 

Instructively, the arraignment appears to be equally strange to the House of Representatives Deputy Speaker who has been enmeshed in a festering struggle for the control of the soul of the APC in the state with Senator Orji Kalu.

 

Until the latest zoning controversy, the duo of Benjamin Kalu and Senator Kalu had separately claimed to have been given presidential marching orders to oversee  peaceful and hitch free APC primaries in Abia state,as well as to lead the party. 

 

Curiously too, Benjamin Kalu had, before now, been widely perceived and or created an image of the most vociferous and visible potential  challenger to the Governor Otti in 2027.

 

But stunned, the Benjamin Okezie Kalu Movement BOK Movement, in a statement on Thursday night, while expressing deep shock and disappointment vehemently rejected the zoning arrangement.

 

In the statement issued by its Director -General, Hon Emma Trump’s Eke, the BOK Movement described the decision as “hasty, ill-timed, and lacking broad consultations with key stakeholders across the three Senatorial Districts.

 

“The Movement received the news with shock and disbelief. While we respect the right of the party to take decision-making, zoning of such a critical office requires wide consultations, inclusiveness and strategic reasoning.

 

“This unilateral approach undermines internal democracy ,and risks alienating loyal party members from other zones.

 

“We believe in equity and zoning. However, equity must not be used as a tool to shut out capable hands or to serve narrow interests.

 

“At a time we should be consolidating, this decision is capable of causing disaffection among our members. 

 

“We view the statement as a deliberate act to systematically edge out aspirants from Abia North, especially the Deputy Speaker from the race”, the BOK Movement stated.

Osun: Gov. Adeleke’s Son, B-Red Alleges Attempt To Assassinate Him

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Bayo Adeleke - B-Red and His father Ademola Adeleke
From Left: Bayo Adeleke aka B-Red with his father, Governor Ademola Adeleke.

By Ayodele Oni

Singer Bayo Adeleke aka B-Red and son of Osun State governor Ademola Adeleke, has alleged a plot to assassinate him.

Bayo claimed that he survived an attempt to kill him in Osogbo, the state capital.

The incident reportedly happened around 3:30 pm on Thursday, April 30, along the Oke-Fia area, close to the government house.

According to reports, the singer was trailed and chased by a group of suspected hoodlums while he was out.

Narrating the incidence, Bayo stated that he had stepped out to purchase a few items at Alekuwodo market when things suddenly took a dangerous turn.

He explained that, while in traffic under the Oke-Fia bridge, several motorcycle riders allegedly wearing AMBO-branded caps began to surround his vehicle.

He further stated that things escalated quickly when another vehicle joined the scene.

According to him, a white Toyota Venza approached while the occupants shouted, “It’s him! It is him!”

As he attempted to leave the area, the attackers intensified their pursuit, and a vehicle reportedly tried to block his path and multiple motorcycles joined in the chase.

The pursuit allegedly continued until he reached the gate of the Osun State Government House in Oke-Fia.

He also claimed that one of the individuals involved in the incident was Asiri Eniba, whom he described as a known political thug.

Following the incident, the Osun State government has called for immediate action, urging security agencies to launch a full investigation and arrest those involved immediately.

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