INEC Assured Of Its Capacity To Electronically Transmit Election Results Nationwide – Senator Dickson

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February 11, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District and former Governor of the State, Senator Seriake Dickson, has disputed claims suggesting that the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC lacks the capacity to electronically transmit election results real-time .

The Source reports that Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, alongside some Senators had amidst the disenchantment and popular outrage that trailed the red chamber’s decision to jettisoned the mandatory electronic transmission of election results clause, cited lack of adequate internet facilities in many parts of the country as major reason for their action.

But in a post on his Facebook account, the former Bayelsa Governor informed that the INEC, during its consultative meetings with the Lawmakers assured that it has the capabilities to transmit election results live from the polling units across the country.

Senator Dickson, therefore, expressed shock and disappointment that the Senate could decline to validate the mandatory electronic transmission of election results clause, hiding under the guise of lack of internet facilities.

According to him, the situation is more troubling going by the fact that Senators had spent over two years consulting and working on the draft bill.

He, however, lauded the House of Representatives for their sincerity of purpose and commitment towards ensuring the seamless passage of the Mandatory electronic transmission clause.

“Today, I gave an interview at Arise Television. In the interview, I explained how, as a member of the Electoral Committee, I felt deeply disappointed when, while I was in Bayelsa mourning the demise of my brother, the late Deputy Governor, I heard that the Senate refused to pass the clause on mandatory electronic transmission of election results from polling stations.

“This was what we had been working on for the past two years, and the House of Representatives passed exactly what we agreed on.

“I thank the Speaker of the House,Tajudeen Abbas, the Chairman of the House Committee, and other members of the House for doing the right thing.

“Let me be clear: INEC had told us that they have the capacity to transmit election results nationwide ,and we believe them. However, in Parliament, you don’t get all you want at the time you want.

“The parliamentary system involves lobbying, negotiations, consensus-building and making incremental progress. What happened today was not a loss to democracy, it was incremental progress”, Senator Dickson wrote.

He noted that what was finally passed by the Senate fell short of what was actually agreed upon by the Committee ,,

According to him the rejection of real-time electronic transmission, as well as the inclusion of a proviso validating results manually in areas negatively affected by network failure represent a blight on what was originally agreed by the law makers.

He, however, expressed the confidence that what is on the ground at the moment can guarantee a semblance of credible election, urging vigilance on the part of the people.

“The introduction of IREV and the National Assembly’s passage of mandatory electronic transmission of polling unit results to IREV ,has addressed the problem of manipulation at collation centres.

“Candidates and parties who do well at polling stations, which are the primary evidence of elections, can collate results and know who has won, thereby cutting off the brigandage, executive interference and thuggery that mar our elections at collation centres.

“I encourage Nigerians, therefore, to take interest in mobilising to their polling units and voting for credible people who can protect the democratic rights of our people.

“INEC has said it can transmit election results nationwide and we believe them. Anywhere someone can make calls, send or receive money electronically, INEC can also upload and transmit election results electronically”, Senator Dickson stated .

Fayose Says Oyo Gov. Makinde Is Lobbying To Be Running mate Of Atiku in 2027

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Ayodele Oni

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February 11, 2026

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Fayose and Makinde — LR, Ayodele Fayose and Governor Seyi Makinde

By Ayodele Oni

Former Governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose has hinted that Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde’, is lobbying to be the running mate of the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar on the ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2027 election.

Fayose stated “Here is what happened behind the curtains,” during the visit of the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar to the Minna, Niger state resident of a former military president, Ibrahim Babangida.

During the visit, Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde joined the 2023 presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) for a closed door meeting.

According to the former Ekiti state governor, Ayo Fayose, Makinde, is canvasing to be the running mate of a frontline presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, as a condition to join the coalition.

In a statement he personally signed and made available to the media, tagged, ‘Between Atiku and Makinde, Untold Story of What Happened in Minna Yesterday’, Fayose alleged that the Oyo State governor travelled to Minna, Niger State, yesterday to hold a meeting with the former vice president.

The statement read; “It is no longer news that the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, went to Minna, Niger State, yesterday, to hold a meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

“Here is what happened behind the curtains: Venue and personalities involved in the meeting were carefully chosen so as to ensure confidence and acceptability.

“Consideration was given to the fact that Peter Obi will not accept to be Atiku’s running mate and he won’t also be acceptable to the North, as Atiku’s successor.

“Also, Atiku is 70% sure of getting the ADC ticket, having ensured the non-zoning of the party’s presidential ticket.

“Makinde agreed to join ADC on the condition that he will be handed the party’s vice presidential ticket, as Atiku’s running mate. This is expected to be presented to Atiku’s inner caucus for further discussions and ratification.

“Makinde offered to make available a sum of N10 billion (to be released in two tranches), as his initial contribution towards what he called “proper take-off of the ADC,” and make additional funds available when the campaign begins.

“The governor also assured that for the ADC primary, he will deliver the Southwest delegates and use the influence of his wife, who is from Rivers State, to secure delegate votes in the South-South.

“He posited that for the general election, using him to divide the Southwest votes will give the ADC the needed advantage.

“Follow up meeting has been fixed for Dubai, UAE within the next two weeks,” the former Ekiti State governor said.

NAFDAC Says Ban On Sale Of Sachet Alcohol Products Remains In Force, Dispels Counter Order

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Ayodele Oni

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February 11, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has not received any formal directive ordering the suspension of its regulatory or enforcement activities in respect of sachet alcohol products.

NAFDAC Director-General, Prof Monisola Adeleye, denied reports suggesting that the Federal Government directed it to halt enforcement actions against sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic products, describing such claims as false and misleading.

The clarification was contained in a press statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Prof. Adeyeye, who said the agency had received no formal communication instructing it to suspend its regulatory activities in the sector.

“The said publication is false, misleading, and does not reflect any official communication received by the Agency from the Federal Government,” Adeyeye stated.

According to the agency, all its enforcement actions are carried out strictly within its statutory mandate and in line with duly communicated government policies and directives.

“It stressed that existing laws and regulatory frameworks continue to guide its operations.

“At no time has the Agency received any formal directive ordering the suspension of its regulatory or enforcement activities in respect of sachet alcohol products,” the Director-General added.

NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring compliance across the food and beverage industry, noting that any decision affecting national regulatory actions would be formally communicated through authorised government channels.

The agency also warned against the circulation of unverified information, cautioning that such reports could trigger unnecessary public anxiety, economic uncertainty and misinterpretation of government policy.

“NAFDAC, therefore, urges members of the public, industry stakeholders and the media to disregard the false report and to rely only on verified information issued through the Agency’s official platforms and authorised government communication channels,” Adeyeye said.

The clarification comes amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny of sachet alcohol products, which have remained a subject of public health debate due to concerns over accessibility and abuse, particularly among young people.

Reiterating its stance, NAFDAC said it remained resolute in its commitment to public health, economic stability and the national interest.

Gunmen Kidnap Police Officer, Wife, Daughter, Two Others In Edo

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Ayodele Oni

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February 11, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Two separate abductions in Edo have left a policeman, wife and daughter, as well as two others as victims.

Report revealed that gunmen suspected to be kidnappers reportedly abducted five persons, including a police officer, in Edo north senatorial district of the State. The victims were were abducted in two separate operations on February 8, 2026.

In the first incident, the Police Inspector, Segun Obanowa, an indigene of Uma/Imoga community, in Akoko Edo local government area of the state, was abducted with his wife and daughter at his home in Auchi, headquarter of Etsako West.

They, however, released his wife to go and arrange for ransom to free her husband and daughter.

In the second incident, the gunmen invaded the community health center at Makeke, where they abducted two victims, Miss Tope Oriloye, a female secondary school student and one Samuel Ilesanmi, who reportedly rushed his son to the health centre.

The National Coordinator or Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People, Bode Ekundayo, in a statement on Wednesday, confirmed that the kidnappers of Oriloye and Ilesanmi had already contacted their families, demanding for ₦100 million ransom for both of them.

He added that as soon as the news of the kidnap hit the community, Makeke hunters and vigilantes mobilised and entered the wilderness, combing far and near till the early hours of the following day, all their efforts to no avail.

When contacted, the Spokesperson of Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the kidnap at Makeke.

“We recorded a kidnapping at Akoko-Edo, where a staff of a health center was kidnapped.

“We have arrested some suspects, we are still investigating and everything is being done within our possible best to secure the secure the safe return of the victims and arrest perpetrators of the crime,” she said.

As at time of filling this report, Ikoedem was yet to respond to inquiry on the alleged abduction of the police inspector and his wife and daughter.

It would be recalled that seven indigenes of Imoga, who lodged at an Hotel on Imoga-Ibillo, were kidnapped on January 9, 2026. The owner of the hotel, also an indigene of Imoga, was also abducted along with the guests.

Fed. Govt Halts NAFDAC’s Enforcement Of Ban On Sachet Alcoholic Drinks

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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February 11, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Federal Government of Nigeria on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, asked the authorities of the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, to put a hold on the ongoing enforcement of the ban placed on sachet alcohol drinks in the country.

The Source reports that NAFDAC, after a long period of warning, recently commenced moves to halt the production, distribution and retailing of all satchet alcoholic drinks in the country, citing public health concerns, fake and counterfeit production and unwholesome effects, particularly on the youth as major reasons.

But in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, on Public Affairs, Terrence Kuanum, the Federal Government affirmed the suspension of all enforcement activities by NAFDAC on sachet, and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic products pending further directives.

According to the statement, the directives for the halting of the enforcement exercise followed the receipt of a letter from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control expressing concern over the planned NAFDAC’s enforcement despite existing resolutions by law makers calling for a cessation of action.

The House Committee’s letter referenced NASS/10/HR/CT.53/77 and signed by Deputy Chairman Hon Uchenna Harris Okonkwo had drawn attention to the need to respect the resolutions of the National Assembly on the issue.

The office of the SGF, therefore, noted that it is presently reviewing all relevant legislative resolution, public health considerations, economic implications and national interest factors associated with the issue of the manufacturing and distribution of sachet alcoholic drinks in the country..

“Accordingly, all actions, decisions or enforcement measures relating to the sachet alcohol ban remain suspended pending final consultations ,full implementation of the National Alcohol Policy ,and the issuance of definitive directive”, the SGF stated.

The statement warned that any enforcement exercise carried out on the said issue of alcoholic drinks ban, without the expressed permission of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will be considered a nullity .

This is as the SGF assured Nigerians , particularly industry stakeholders that a final, balanced and lawful decision on the issue ,will be communicated in due course after comprehensive consultations and inter-agency coordination in the overall interest of public health, economic stability and national security.

The office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and that of National Security Adviser, NSA, were said to have Intervened in the present circumstances , raising serious concerns over the security , economic and social implications of the enforcement exercise in the face of the absence of a fully operational National Alcohol Policy.

Although the National Alcohol Policy is said to have been signed by the Federal Ministry of Health ,it is however yet to fully come on stream to provide NAFDAC with the needed legal backbone to enforce the ban on the manufacturing and distribution of sachet alcoholic drinks in the country.

Foreign Mining Firm Boosts Osun Economy With $150 Million Investment

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Ayodele Oni

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February 11, 2026

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Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor — Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has revealed that a foreign mining firm operating in the State, has concluded arrangement to increase its investment to about $150 million over the next three years.

At present, the company’s investment in the state stands at $50 million.

Speaking in Cape Town, South Africa, at a high-level dinner, hosted by Romulus Mining on the sidelines of the Mining Indaba, Governor Ademola Adeleke, called on local and foreign investors to harness the State’s vast solid minerals potential, assuring them of policy stability, enhanced security and a significantly improved ease of doing business environment.

At the forum, Governor Adeleke outlined Osun State’s strategic roadmap to position mining as a key driver of economic diversification, job creation and sustainable internally generated revenue.

Governor Adeleke disclosed that his administration has implemented far-reaching regulatory reforms to attract credible and long-term investors, noting that state-level permitting and approval processes have been streamlined, cutting timelines by over 50 per cent.

He added that comprehensive geological resource mapping has been completed, providing investors with reliable, bankable data to support informed investment decisions.

Commending Romulus Mining for its growing footprint in the State, Adeleke acknowledged the company’s commitment to expand its investment in Osun State from $50 million to $150 million over the next three years.

He described Romulus Mining as a responsible and value-driven operator, citing its use of advanced exploration techniques, innovative financing models and strong host community engagement.

The Governor highlighted that Osun State is richly endowed with commercially viable deposits of gold, lead, zinc, quartz and feldspar, supported by 19 active mining licences operated under the State’s investment framework.

He further noted that the government has strengthened security architecture around mining corridors while expanding public-private partnerships to promote local processing and value addition.

Adeleke also revealed that the state is formalising artisanal and small-scale mining through targeted training programmes, access to finance and the deployment of modern mining technology, aimed at improving productivity, safety and regulatory compliance.

“Osun State is open for mining business. The government is not just a regulator; we are a committed partner focused on delivering predictable policies, secure operations and sustainable returns for investors,” the Governor said.

The event was attended by the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, the Honourable Minister of Information, and His Royal Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, underscoring the strong collaboration between federal, state and traditional institutions in advancing Nigeria’s mining sector.

Benin Monarch Denounces Mass Killings, Says Its Direct Attack On Peace

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Ayodele Oni

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February 11, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has expressed the fear over mass killings in the country describing them as direct attack on national peace and unity.

The Monarch, who denounced the escalating wave of killings across Nigeria, described the situation, particularly in northern states, as disturbing and deeply saddening.

In a statement signed by Chief Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, the royal court condemned the persistent bloodshed.

Oba Ewuare II pointed out that the sanctity of human life, central to cultural and traditional values, was under serious threat, while violence has brought immense grief to families and communities nationwide.

The Monarch stressed that the Benin Kingdom stands firmly against all acts of terror and lawlessness and extended condolences to victims of recent attacks in Kwara State.

He said the palace shares in the pain of bereaved families and mourns the lives lost as prayers were offered for the repose of the departed souls and strength for grieving relatives.

Oba Ewuare II also acknowledged the challenges faced by traditional institutions in affected communities.

He commended their efforts to maintain moral and cultural stability amid growing insecurity.

The Benin Kingdom, he said, stands in solidarity with traditional rulers navigating difficult circumstances.

The Monarch pledged support for security initiatives by federal and state governments and commended President Bola Tinubu for efforts to combat terrorism and crime nationwide.

Here also praised Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for strengthening security within the state and urged citizens to remain law-abiding and support lawful authorities.

He called for collaboration between communities and government agencies to tackle insecurity, emphasising the need for urgent, decisive, and sustained action.

Describing the crisis as a national malaise, he reiterated his hope for renewed unity adding that restoring peace and stability is essential for Nigerians to live without fear.

Unity Bank Announces New Winners Of Corpreneurship Challenge

By

James Orji

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February 11, 2026

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Unity Bank Plc has announced winners in the 27th edition of its flagship Entrepreneurship Development Initiative, also known as Corpreneurship Challenge, following the conclusion of Business Pitch at the Batch C, Stream 2 edition of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation programme held across 10 states of the federation.

Notably, Corps Members who graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), The Polytechnic, Ibadan, amongst several tertiary institutions, emerged from the latest round of the Corpreneurship Challenge business pitch. Participants pitched business ideas across diverse sectors such as fashion, agribusiness, footwear production, and services.

At the Lagos State NYSC Orientation Camp, Awolumate Fawaz Babatunde, a Civil Engineering graduate of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, emerged the overall winner after pitching a fashion design business, clinching the N800,000 grand prize. Ugwoke Daniel Ifechukwu, a graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, emerged first runner-up to receive N500,000.

In Rivers State, Abdur-Razaq Sayfullah Adebola, a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, topped the competition at the Nonwa Gbam Tai NYSC Orientation Camp with a footwear-making business plan. Meanwhile, Olatunde Esther Funmilayo of Olabisi Onabanjo University emerged as the winner at the Kwara State NYSC Orientation Camp after impressing judges with her deodorant production and services pitch.

More winners emerged from Abuja, Niger, Adamawa, Jigawa, Plateau, Kaduna, and Delta States, further expanding the geographical reach and impact of the initiative.

Speaking on the latest edition of the programme, Mrs. Adenike Abimbola, Divisional Head, Retail, SME & E-Business at Unity Bank Plc, said the Corpreneurship Challenge continues to reflect the Bank’s commitment to youth empowerment and enterprise development.

“The Corpreneurship Challenge has been driven by our commitment to boosting entrepreneurship among young people, especially fresh graduates. At Unity Bank, we recognise that many young Nigerians possess viable business ideas but lack the initial capital and support to bring them to life. The Corpreneurship Challenge was designed to bridge that gap by providing financial backing, mentorship, and confidence to fresh graduates at a critical stage of their lives,” she said.

She added that the quality of ideas presented by corps members across states underscores the growing entrepreneurial appetite among Nigerian youths.

“What we see every edition is innovation, resilience, and a strong desire among young graduates to create value and jobs. By supporting them early, we are not only helping individuals, but also contributing to the growth of the SME ecosystem and the broader economy,” Abimbola noted.

Over the years, the Unity Bank Corpreneurship Challenge has become a key feature of the NYSC orientation programme, delivered in partnership with the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) initiative. Since its inception, the programme has produced 638 young entrepreneurs nationwide, offering grants of up to N300 million to help corps members kick-start or scale their businesses.

The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to promote entrepreneurship and self-employment among graduates, particularly amid the shrinking availability of white-collar jobs.

Unity Bank said it remains committed to expanding the reach of the Corpreneurship Challenge and deepening its support for young entrepreneurs as part of its broader strategy to drive financial inclusion, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.

ADC Eyes 14m Members, Inaugurates South West Exco

By

James Orji

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February 11, 2026

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A former Minister of Interior and African Democratic Party, ADC, National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola says the party’s aim is to register 14 million members across the country before next year’s election.

The APC Scribe made the remark in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital on Tuesday during the inauguration of the South West Executives of the party, saying the ADC has decided to embark on an aggressive membership drive as party of its efforts to wrestle power form the ruling party in 2027.

Those inaugurated during the event include Akinbowale Omole (Ogun State) as National Vice Chairman (South-West); Captain Tunji Shelle as National Director of Communications and Programmes; Prof. Bode Ayorinde (Ondo State) as Diversity and Inclusion Secretary; and Fabiyi Oladimeji (Ogun State) as Deputy National Financial Secretary.

Others are Alhaja Kafilat Omolabake Olayiwola (Oyo State) as Deputy National Women Leader; Arc. Bashir Aremu Lawal (Oyo State) as Assistant National Secretary; Olufemi Adeleye (Ekiti State) as Deputy Coordinator, Diaspora; and Lady Lydia Omarisola Olafunmiloye (Ondo State) as Assistant National Women Leader (Zonal)

The new officials also include Mrs. Elizabeth Adeola Olusi (Lagos State) as Assistant National Youth Leader (Zonal); and Mrs. Yidiat Omolara Oseni (Osun State) as Assistant National Organising Secretary.

According to Aregbesola, the party is searching for genuine members who will be committed to actualise the ADC aim of becoming a political force in the country ahead the next general election, saying the party’s mission “is to call people into service.”

Aregbesola: “Our goal is to bring in Nigerians who are ready to work for genuine progress. This time, we want to separate the wheat from the chaff by ensuring that only committed and credible people join the party.

“It will be good for us to grow our membership strength to at least 14 million. That is the level of political participation and structure we are building, and we are ready to invest the necessary resources into the party to achieve this.

“We are not fighting anyone. Our mission is to call people into service, from the zonal level to the states, local governments and wards to build a credible political alternative for Nigerians.”

On Tuesday, the party welcome the decision of the Nigerian Senate to adopt e-transmission of election results, following protests by many Nigerians, in Abuja, the nation’s capital to make the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly to rescind its earlier decision on the matter.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bola Abdullahi said in a statement that the change was a historic win for Nigerians, saying the nation’s democracy has received a boost.

LP Crisis: In A Counter Move, Abure Retakes Party’s National Secretariat

By

James Orji

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February 11, 2026

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The Julius Abure-led Labour Party, LP, has staged a counter takeover of the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, the nation’s capital, few hours after the Nenadi Usman group party took over the Secretariat.

The National Publicity Secreary of the Abure group , Obiorah Ifoh made the announcement late night on Tueaday, saying the party will take legal action against the Usman group for destroying some properties, when they stormed the secretariat early on Tuesday to assert control.

The magazine reports that the Usman group had on Tuesday declared that it had taken over the secretariat in ling with a recent Federal high court judgment on the leadership dispute rocking the opposition party.

Ifoh, in the statement made available to journalists yesterday night said the party secretariat had been ‘recovered’ from the Usman group, who he said took it over illegally.

He also claimed that the photographs showing the banners and billboards carrying the image of Usman, has been taken down.

Ifoh said: “The Julius Abure-led leadership of the Labour Party has recovered the party’s national secretariat illegally occupied by the Abia state government and Nenadi Usman’s group earlier today.

“However, the leadership of the party has since recovered its secretariat after it was discovered that the operation by Nenadi and the deputy governor of Abia state was illegal and unauthorised.

The spokesman warned that the party has taken inventory of what was destroyed when the Usman group forcefully took over the secretariat, saying they will be made to pay for it, as the party will seek legal redress on the issue, adding that any attempt to forcefully take over the party’s secretariat in the future will be resisted. .

According to him, “The party will take inventory of the losses and outright theft that are observed resulting from the illegal invasion, after which a formal charge will be pressed.

“We also warn that the party will no longer tolerate further attempts by some desperate politicians to impugn the lawful activities of the party. We also advise any group claiming leadership to exercise patience until the final determination of the matters at the appellate courts in the land.”

Meanwhile, the Usman faction has in its reaction to the Abure’s group action, accused the police of allowing them to take over the secretariat, saying law enforcement agennst were supposed to enforce the court judgment on the leadership crisis in the LP.

“There is a court judgment in place that says Abure has ceased to be the national chairman of the party, and the secretariat is where their lawful duty should be performed,’ Usman said though one of her aide.

“Now, someone has just gone there to take the law into his hands by saying the judgment should not be implemented. Have we gone bananas in this country?”