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PDP’s Governor Makinde Endorses Tinubu For President

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Governor Seyi Makinde with Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Adesina Soyooye

Oyo  State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has endorsed the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Party, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Makinde is a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governor.

The Governor endorsed Tinubu in Akure, Ondo State, on Sunday, when the APC Candidate met with the apex Yoruba socio-political Group, Afenifere. The meeting was held at the residence of Chief Reuben Fasoranti.

Fasoranti was the leader of Afenifere, but voluntarily, months ago,  handed over to Chief Ayo Adebanjo, allegedly due to old age. Fasoranti is a nonagererian. Incidentally, nether Adebanjo nor the Secretary, Chief Sola Ebiseni, was present at the meeting where Tinubu presented his agenda to the Yoruba. Adebanjo and his faction of Afenifere support Peter Obi of the Labour Party, according to them, for justice and equity.

The attendance at the meeting cut across political parties. Attendees endorsed  Tinubu who assured them that he he would bring the trophy home. Fasoranti who  prayed for him, also told Tinubu that he would win.

Makinde was represented by his Deputy,  Chief Bayo Lawal who assured the meeting that his Governor, Makinde, would abide by the decision of the meeting on Yoruba matters.

Said Lawal: “Baba invited him (Makinde), but he could not reject the call of Baba.

Second, it is a Yoruba matter that is being discussed. In Yorubaland, if you are doing things without inviting Oyo, it is not complete. He (Governor) doesn’t joke with Yoruba matter even though we are not united by the Party, but Region united us, and everything discussed on Yoruba, he (Makinde) would support. If he had not supported Amotekun project, it would not have succeeded.”

Makinde is one of the five  PDP Governors led by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, who are at loggerheads with the National Chairman of the Party, Dr Iyorchia Ayu. They want Ayu to give way to a Southerner because the Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is from the North. They have, since  Wike’s loss to Atiku and Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, distanced themselves from all the activities of the PDP.

Makinde joins Wike and Ortom, who, in the past few days, have hinted they are not likely to support Atiku’s Presidential ambition in 2023.

Yoruba Leaders Who Received Tinubu In Akure

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Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Akure

By Ayodele Oni

Dignitaries present during the visit, by the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Bola  Tinubu, to the leadership of Afenifere, in Akure on Sunday cut across political divide.

During the visit, Tinubu declared that he is well prepared to win the 2023 general election, noting that anybody that will defeat him shall sweat.

Speaking after he presented his manifesto to the national leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti,  Tinubu stated that  support for his ambition is massive and cut across all parts of the country.

According to the APC Presidential Candidate, the action plan tagged “Renewed Hope” is progressing as many governors and leaders in the north are giving his ambition massive support.

Two of the Afenifere leaders, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa urged Tinubu to address issue of insecurity and restructuring with all seriousness, while Chief Olu Falae charged Tinubu to look into falling value of naira and economic hardship when he emerges the President.

Also speaking, the Oyo state governor, Mr Seyi Makinde represented by his deputy, Adebayo Lawal promised to follow the path of Yoruba leaders to ensure the emergence of Tinubu as President.

Others who were at the event included governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state represented by his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; new Ekiti state governor, Mr Abiodun Oyebanji, who drummed support for the aspiration of Tinubu.

Among leaders who witnessed the event  in Akure were Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Chief Bisi Akande; Professor Isaac  Adewole, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and retired General Olu Bajowa,

Others are  former Chief of Army Staff, General Alani Akinrinade; Ambassador Sola Iji; APC National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore; APC National Vice Chairman (South West), Isaacs Kekemeke; Ondo State APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin; Dr Kunle Olajide, ace journalist, Dare Babarinsa; Chief Pius Akinyelure; former Ondo State House of Assembly Speaker, Dr Bakkita Bello and Chief Olusola Oke, SAN.

Anglican Church Commends Uzodimma For Massive Road

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Governor Hope Uzodimm

It was commendation galore for Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and his government, Sunday, as the Diocese of Isi-Mbano Anglican Communion rounded off its 2nd Session of the 10th Synod.

The entire congregation, led by the Bishop of Isi-Mbano Anglican Diocese, The Rt. Rev Godson Ukanwa, could not hide their feelings over the first phase of the newly reconstructed Owerri-Okigwe road that has made life more meaningful for the people residing on that corridor when Governor Uzodimma was introduced at the St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Amaraku, venue of the Synod.

“We cannot thank you enough for this road and your intervention on other roads in Imo State. God will bless you and support you,” the Bishop said.

The Theme of the Synod which was also the kernel of the day’s Sermon was: From Trials to Triumph (The Test of Genuineness and Strength of True Faith) and drawn from the Book of James 1:2-4.

Addressing the congregation at the end of the Church Service, the Governor thanked God for keeping everybody alive to witness the day’s event and assured the people that by “God’s grace and with the relative peace now experienced in Imo State the government will do more in infrastructure and human capital development.”

He said Imo State situation fitted the theme of the Synod and the sermon, and acknowledged that “despite the struggles, violence, jail breaks and kidnappings, killing of innocent citizens and burning of individuals and public property and institutions, God intervened and the trials of Imo people are now their triumph.”

Governor Uzodimma who said the people are the reason why government exists noted that “an occasion such as the Synod helps to bring government nearer to the Church,” adding that “as a Christian it is our heart that God looks at and not our Church.”

He reiterated that the government and the Church are partners.  “Government is to complement what the Church is doing and government will continue to support the Church as God is responsible for everything we do in life and as the Psalmist puts it, what we owe God is to trust and obey.”

He also poured encomium on Bishop Ukanwa for being unique in the ways he goes about God’s work and other activities and used the opportunity to announce a N10 million donation in support of God’s work in the Diocese.

Governor Uzodinma further commended the Diocese for finding some women worthy of honour,  including the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Rubby Emele and the Senior Special Assistant on Urban Beautification, Mrs Izuchi Duru.

The Governor also commended the visiting preacher, The Rt. Revd. Foreman Nedison who is also the Bishop of Jalingo Anglican Diocese for his message that was impactful and prayed God to grant the congregation the grace to learn from the sermon.

Earlier in his sermon,  Bishop Nedison had charged all Christians to anchor their faith on the belief that their trails will always turn into triumph.

But he warned the congregation that for them to achieve the above, they must have to look unto God for everything, including their security.

Also, he said, “Christians must maintain Godly character, they have to maintain the joy of the Lord and never allow the enemy to take away their joy.”

Bishop Nedison thanked the Diocese of Isi-Mbano for the opportunity of allowing him to be the guest preacher at the Synod.

In welcoming the Governor and his entourage as well as other members of the congregation, Bishop Ukanwa did not just appreciate the Governor for his love for the Diocese but acknowledged the infrastructural development in Okigwe zone under the able leadership  of Governor Uzodimma.

He also thanked his brother Bishop for the powerful message from the pulpit and said “the Diocese did not make mistake bringing him all the way from Jalingo.”

Highlights of the Synod Service were the raising of funds for the development of the Diocese and the presentation of awards to some distinguished members of the Diocese.

Those who accompanied the Governor to the Synod Service were the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly,  Rt. Hon. Anthony Emeka Nduka, the Deputy Speaker,  Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, other House Members, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, Hon. Commissioners, members of the Expanded Exco, top government functionaries, political appointees, traditional rulers and business moguls.

“Ayu Is Corrupt, Shouldn’t Be Talking” – Wike; Dares The PDP National Chairman On Ortom

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Nyesom Wike and Iyorcha Ayu

By Adesina Soyooye

For about the third time, Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Governor, has dismissed the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, as corrupt and lacking in credibility.

Wike is a PDP Governor.

He said this on Sunday when he reacted to Ayu’s pronouncement on Friday that he has the capacity to stop the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, from contesting for a Senate seat in the 2023 General elections.

Ortom, a second term Governor, is seeking for a Senate seat in 2023. He is one of the four PDP Governors, led by Wike, vehemently opposed to Ayu’s leadership of the Party. They demand that Ayu steps down for a Southerner  since the Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is also from the North. Ayu is from Benue State, while Atiku is from Adamawa.

Their disagreement with the Party began when Wike lost the Presidential ticket to Atiku, and also lost the Vice Presidential ticket to Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa. Since then, they have excluded themselves from the activities of the Party, including the Presidential Campaign activities.

Wike and Ortom had, a few days ago, more than hinted they would not work for Atiku’s victory at the polls.

Responding to Ayu’s claim of being in a position to stop Ortom from contesting, Wike dared Ayu, and called him a man without credibility.

While briefing newsmen at his private residence, Wike said: ” I dare the National Chairman to stop any contestant if he has what it takes. It is in this country where you say a man is very corrupt and he is trying to talk.”

What We See In Tinubu – Afenifere

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Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

Pan Yoruba socio cultural organization, Afenifere declared on Sunday that the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) Bola Tinubu can usher in a better Nigeria if elected next year.

In a statement in Akure after the APC flagbearer presented his manifesto to the leadership of Afenifere, the group said Tinubu has demonstrated the ability in building physical and human capital.

The statement, signed by Kole Omololu, national organizing secretary of Afenifere pointed out that “Having taken cognisance of his commendable antecedents as Lagos State Governor and his demonstrated ability in building physical and human capital, the Yoruba Leaders at today’s meeting are in no doubt that Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria offers the best opportunity to produce a government of that will usher in a new Era of hope, peace, security, harmony, gainful employment for the multitude, economic development, social and political stability.

“Following the indication by the Presidential Candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, in the forthcoming 2023 Elections, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to visit The Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere,  Pa Reuben Famuyide FASORANTI, OFR, invited Leaders from all parts of Yorubaland to be with him as he receives the astute Politician.

“The Leaders and some other eminent Yoruba intelligensials responded positively by sitting with him as he hosted Tinubu in Akure  today.

“The meeting was attended by Yoruba Leaders from Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Lagos, Kogi and Kwara States.

“The meeting was fully briefed about the aspiration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to contest for the Presidency of Nigeria in the forthcoming Elections in February 2023. He even presented his Manifesto to Baba, the Asiwaju of Yorubaland.

‘He shared with us his vision of a greater and more prosperous Nigeria where democratic rights, rule of law, justice and fairness will reign supreme.

“He also gave assurance on steps to be taken to ensure safety and security of Nigerians and their properties.

“Following exhaustive deliberations informed by presentations by various stakeholders, the Afenifere  states as follow:

“We affirm that Nigeria as a country must be established on the basis of democracy, true federalism and social justice.

“We affirm that Democracy is the most civilized method of governance because it is based on the fundamental human rights of every citizen to determine how he or she wants to be governed.

“We support the decision of all qualified citizens to exercise their fundamental rights of seeking offices provided by the federal Constitution.

“We were also assured us of his commitment to the promotion of true federalism that will give states more control over their affairs.

Afenifere wishes him success in the pursuit of his vision.

“The Meeting urged other presidential candidates to utilize similar opportunities to articulate their vision.”

Terror Threat: Atiku Holds Crucial Meeting With Officials Of US State Department

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Atiku Abubakar

With alert and terror threat looming, Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party and former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, on Friday held a crucial meeting with officials of the US States Department in Washington DC.

The meeting which focused primarily on enhancing cooperation with the U.S. authorities on Nigeria’s security challenges, elections and democracy was led by Atiku and Assistant Secretary, States Department, Bureau of African Affairs, Molly Phee.

According to sources from the PDP presidential candidate’s side, “the meeting last night with officials of the States Department could not have come at a better time with the terrorist threat alert by the U.S. UK and Canada and the withdrawal of its non essential staff by the U.S Embassy in Nigeria.”

A press statement signed by Paul Ibe, Media Adviser to Atiku, on Saturday, said that, “the focus of discussions were on the critical need to seek collaborative solutions to our local issues on democracy and governance, our deteriorating security and the economy.

“Most importantly, the meeting secured commitments to support for free and fair elections in Nigeria, an announcement of a sanction policy before the elections to deter anti-democratic forces, and commitments for continued partnership with Nigeria in areas of security and development.”

Other officials of the States Department at the meeting included Karl Fickenscher, Acting Assistant Administrator, USAID; Scott Busby, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary

Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour; Michael Heath Deputy Assistant Secretary Bureau of African Affairs; Brian Neubert; Director Office of West African Affairs; Skye Justice Deputy Director

Office of West African Affairs; Toby Bradley

Deputy Assistant Secretary Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs; Christopher Landberg, Principal Deputy Coordinator, Bureau of Counterterrorism and Stanley Brown,

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary

Bureau of Police-Military Affairs.

Those on the official delegation of the PDP presidential candidate include former Senate President and Special Envoy to the presidential candidate, Dr. Bukola Saraki; Sokoto State governor and Director-General of the PDP presidential campaign council, Right Honourable Aminu Tambuwal; former governor of Imo State, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu.

Afenifere Hosts Tinubu In Akure, Receives Blessing From Pa Fasoranti

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Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Reuben Fasoranti

By Ayodele Oni

Chieftains of the Yoruba socio cultural organization, Afenifere converged at the premises of the octogenarian leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti on Sunday to receive presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) Bola Tinubu.

Leaders including Chief Alani Akinrinade, Chief Olu Falae and other Chieftains in defiance of the stand of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, that is clamouring for a presidential candidate from south east, gave Tinubu a rousing welcome in Akure.

Chief Adebanjo, who is the national leader of Afenifere, has endorsed Peter Obi, candidate of Labour Party, (LP) believing that since south west has had its turn in the presidency, south east should be given a chance.

Tinubu, used the occasion of the visit to receive the blessing of the National Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

He will also present his Action Plan on how to reposition the country to greatness to the leadership of Afenifere, the Yoruba cultural and political organisation.

Bayo Onanuga, Director of Media and Publicity of Tinubu/Shetimma Presidential Campaign Council, stated that during the visit, Tinubu will present 80-page Action Plan document on how he intends to tackle the economic and other problems the country is grappling with to Pa Fasoranti and other leaders of Afenifere.

The manifesto, christened Renewed Hope, was formally launched in Abuja on 21 October by President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to the statement, “The APC torch bearer will speak on his plans before the Yoruba group, led by Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

“He will on Tuesday in Lagos discuss with the chambers of commerce in the South West on how he intends to improve the economy of Nigeria, to achieve a double-digit growth.”

It will be recalled that on penultimate Monday, Tinubu addressed a coalition of Arewa groups in Kaduna during which he highlighted the key elements of the plan, especially as they benefit the people of Northern Nigeria.

Police, Not Public, Deserves To Get Information On Security Threat – IGP

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Alkali Baba Usman - IGP

By Ayodele Oni

The Inspector-General of Police, (IGP), Alkali Baba Usman, has said the information on security threat in the country ought to have been released to the police and not for public consumption.

The IGP cautioned foreign countries  in Nigeria about releasing such sensitive information, which has caused tension to residents of Abuja.

The IGP spoke while commissioning a police station and barracks in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

According to Usman, foreign countries should stop informing the public about terror alerts.

The United States and United Kingdom governments released a security alert, warning their citizens to be weary of their movement especially in Abuja.

In a travel advisory, they urged their citizens to stay away from Abuja due to the planned terrorists’ attacks.

They also urged their citizens to vacate Abuja until the terror alert is dealt with.

However, the IGP,  just like President Mohammadu Buhari has assured, promised members of the general public of their safety.

“How can you enter the country and said there is security alert, you didn’t inform the police, and you go around telling your people; don’t go to Abuja, return from Abuja.

“When you have information on security, it is proper to inform the police and we will find a way to tackle it, instead of taking it to the public.

“We are working in synergy with other security agencies to ensure the safety of residents.”

Commercial activities have slowed down at the Federal capital as some multinationals including construction giant, Julius Berger, directing their workers to remain at home.

It was also reported that some civil servants in Abuja now work from their private residents in order not to be caught unawares.

Why We’ll Ground Lagos For One Week – Commercial Drivers

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Lagos Danfo Buses - Yellow Buses

By Lagos State Commercial Drivers

“This is to notify members of the public and the Lagos state government over multiple and excessive extortion by the motor parks and garages management.

“The cost of transportation affects cost of goods and services and consequently the cost of living, which has spiraled astronomically in Lagos State as a result of the effect of motor parks excessive and illegal ticketing and tolling at almost every bus stop.

“On Federal Mass & Coaster, we pay over N12,000 on each trip from Oko Afo to CMS or to Oyingbo, which includes loading charges and illegal payments at several bus stops till we get to our destination.

“From Ogijo to Ikorodu, we pay over N5,500 per day. Garage Ticket N850, Chairman ticket N1,700, King’s levy N200, Ita Oluwo N500, Odo Gunyon N1,200, Ile Epo Oba N200. We also pay N900 for passIng by whether you pick up a passenger or not.

(At Ikorodu Roundabout we pay N1,000 in the morning and afternoon and we pay N500 in the evening which makes it N2,500. At Benson Bus Stop we pay N900 for a whole day, loading at N300 each for morning, afternoon and evening.

“At Agric Bus Stop we pay N200 to 8 motor park thugs. It is called welcome to Agric tax. When we stop to load for passengers at the agric bus stop we pay an extra N300 which isn’t part of the N1,600 welcome to Agric tax. When we get to Aunty Kenny bus stop we pay N200 before buying Lagos state ticket for N500.

“”At Ogolonto bus stop we pay N100. At Mile 12 bus stop we pay N500 for plying the expressway and N1,000 for plying service lane (for buses enroute Yaba oyingbo). Mile 12 to Ojuelegba buses pay N1,500 while red coaster buses pay N2,000.

“Red buses from Ikorodu to Oshodi pay N5,000 to motor park boys in the morning and afternoon. At Ketu bus stop we pay between N600 to N1,000 depending on the size of bus for just dropping off passengers or picking up any single one. For buses plying Yaba to Ikeja, we pay N200 at Jibowu bus stop, total bus stop N100, Fadeyi N100, Onipanu N200, Elediye N200, Palmgrove N200, Anthony N100, Ikeja N200 – total N1,300.

“On our way back to Yaba, Palmgrove & Onipanu is N500, Fadeyi & Total N500, Yaba N200 with LASG N800 ticket making it a total of N3,300 in the morning alone. We pay N2,000 each in the afternoon and evening, which makes a total of N7,300 daily. Korope plying lyana Iba-Okoko to Agbara are paying N5,000 per day to motor park boys without the extra LASTMA & Police Department & Lagos Task Force daily extortion.

“When we resist the extortion, we get arrested and pay N10,000 for bail to the police while the motor park boys go scot free and we also have to bail our buses separately.”

Those who signed the statement are:

*National Leader, Akintade S. Abiodun; *Chairman, Opeyemi Sulaiman; *General Secretary, Ajimatanarareje A. Feyisayo; *Assistant Secretary, Taofik Hassan.

PDP Crisis: Ayu Says He Has Powers To Stop Governor Ortom’s Senatorial Ambition; Urges Tiv People To Back Atiku

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Iyorchia Ayu - PDP Chairman

By Akinwale Kasali

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, has threatened to disrupt the Senatorial ambition of the Governor of Benue State,  Samuel Ortom.

Ortom is serving his second term as Governor, and has his eyes on the Senate in 2023. He is one of the four Governors led by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, who are at loggerheads with the PDP since after Wike lost in the Presidential Primary, and was overlooked by Atiku in the choice of his running mate, for Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

They are asking that Ayu steps down from office for a Southerner, or they would have nothing to the with Party’s Presidential Campaign.

In the past couple of days, both Wike and Ortom have raised the ante, making it clear, almost, that they would neither work for Atiku nor encourage their people to vote for him.

But,  Ayu,  during a visit to his kinsmen and Tiv people on Friday, October 28th, 2022,  said that he has the power to stop Ortom from realising his senatorial ambition on the platform of the party.

Ayu who spoke in the Tiv local dialect told his people that he had the power to stop any candidate under the party, particularly in the State;  to avenge all the attacks on him, but as a father of all, and in his quest to avoid a crack in the party,  he has decided to remain silent.

He said:  “I have been silent over all the things you are hearing against me because I don’t want any crack in the party I belong in my State, I have the powers to say you and you will not go anywhere because I will insist that I must sign before you go anywhere.

“But I have signed for all candidates produced by the PDP to go ahead in their dreams, whether I like it or not I signed.

“So I was doing that believing that I cannot shoot myself in the leg. I want Benue to come first by winning all elections so that Nigerians will say that the National Chairman has delivered his state to PDP with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar winning 90 per cent of the votes and Titus Uba as Governor in 2023.

“Nothing should worry you, my people. Since I started politics more than 30 years ago, you have never rejected me, you are always supporting me. They say a prophet has no respect in his home, but my case is different I am overwhelmed by this great show of love.

“The PDP is one and not divided. I am trying my best not to disappoint the Benue people and Nigerians in general, so if you hear that they want to chase Ayu out as national chairman, don’t be worried; nobody is going to sack me as national chairman of our party. I will leave the seat on a day that God permits.

“It is God that enthrones leadership, He uses people to enthrone a person over others and protects that person. I want to assure you that all these days, God has been protecting me even when I went on sick leave abroad, God is still protecting me.

“The Tiv people have suffered so much in this country. We are yet to get our share of the national cake, so my charge to you is not to relent in prayers so that this time around come 2023, God will give us a president who will work closely with the Governor of our state to wipe out our tears.”

Both men hail from Benue North West senatorial district, but the duo has been at loggerheads since the PDP Presidential Primaries that saw Governor Nyesom Wike lose to the Party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, leading to the call for the resignation of Ayu from the ‘Wike Camp’, that consist of Ortom, Governor Seyi Makinde and Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State.

The rift among them has polarized the Party in the State, as the Senatorial ambition of the Governor remain threatened. Ayu’s kinsmen in the Jemgbah axis are accusing the Governor of teaming up with others to pull down their son from his exalted office.

Urging the people to support Atiku’s candidacy, Ayu said, “Today, the standard bearer of PDP, Atiku Abubakar, who is not only a chieftaincy title holder of the Tiv people as the Zege Mule U  Tiv, he is my friend, he told me his plans for the Tiv nation. That he will wipe away the tears of our people.

“So nobody should try to bring any troubles to you. I am telling you today, PDP is one party, a party that has divisions and does not win elections. No matter the strength of any party, if it does not have unity, it will lose elections”, he concluded.