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Senate: NNPCL Fails To Account For $300bn Crude Oil Sales

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Senator Ned Nwoko

The Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft in the Niger Delta says it has uncovered close to $300billion unaccounted for from crude oil sales by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPCL Limited.

The revelation was contained in a preliminary report submitted to the Senate on Wednesday by the chairman of the Committee, Senator Ned Nwoko.

The report noted that a forensic review of domestic crude proceeds and tax oil returns showed differentials, mismatches and unaccounted funds amounting to a staggering $22 billion.

Similarly, it uncovered a shortfall of $81 billion between receipts declared by the NNPCL and those recorded by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN for 2016 and 2017, a development that shocked the Senate.

Furthermore, the panel’s review of crude oil sales from 2015 to date, indicated that over $200bn in oil proceeds remained unaccounted for globally.

The report followed months of document reviews and public hearings, tracing the problem to faulty measurement systems, weak regulatory oversight, and poor coordination among government agencies.

The panel identified the use of unverified measuring instruments, lack of meteorological control, ineffective interagency collaboration, and uncoordinated enforcement mechanisms as major enablers of crude oil theft.

The panel also faulted the suspension of the Weights and Measures Department’s activities in the upstream sector under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, saying the decision undermined accountability and accurate measurement in crude oil operations.

In addition, it noted that the absence of a special court to prosecute oil thieves and the non-implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust Fund, HCDTF, under the PIA had contributed to persistent sabotage and theft in oil-producing areas.

The panel projected that the unaccounted domestic crude sales proceeds amount to about $300 billion, calling for urgent local and international tracking, tracing and recovery of stolen crude oil funds for the benefit of the country.

The committee appealed to the Federal Government to mandate the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission, NUPRC to enforce international crude oil measurement standards at all production sites and export terminals or restore the Weights and Measures Department to its former regulatory role.

Moreover, it recommended that the government provide security agencies with modern surveillance technology and equipment, including unmanned aerial vehicles, to strengthen monitoring of oil facilities and detect theft and leakages in real time.

The panel called for the establishment of a Maritime Trust Fund to support the development and maintenance of maritime infrastructure, training and safety operations, as well as the creation of a special court to promptly prosecute crude oil thieves and their collaborators.

The Nwoko panel advised the immediate implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust Fund (HCDTF) to reduce community sabotage and promote inclusion in the management of oil resources.

Besides, the committee expressed concern over the growing number of abandoned and poorly decommissioned oil wells across the Niger Delta, which it said were leaking oil and gas into the environment and polluting communities.

The report recommended that such wells be ceded to the NUPRC for handover to modular refineries to increase crude availability for local consumption and reduce vandalism.

Nigerian Tribune

PDP Convention: Anyanwu Kicks Against BOT Intervention

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Senator Adolphus Wabara

Samuel Anyanwu, the factional National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has rejected the peace overtures by the party’s Board of Trustees, BOT, to reconcile the two factions in the leadership crisis rocking the major opposition party in the country.

The magazine reports that the Adolphus Wabara-led BOT had met on Wednesday in Abuja, the nation’s capital where it set up a six-member reconciliation committee to resolve the leadership crisis rocking the party.

The BoT, named Ambassador Hassan Adamu (North-East) to head the reconciliation committee, with a representative from each of the six geopolitical zones of the country.

Other members are Mike Oghiadomhe (South-South), who doubles as the Secretary of the committee; Chief Ugochukwu Okeke (South-East); Senator Zaynab Kure (North-Central); Prince Onyinlola Olagunsoye (South-West); and Dr Lubna Mohammed Gusau (North-West).

The intervention came after last week’s suspension and counter- suspension by the two factions involved in the leadership crisis, one led by Umar Damagun and the other led by Mohammed Abdulrahman .

The two factions are claiming control of the party’s National Working Committee, NWC following last Friday’s judgment of the Abuja High Court which stopped the National Convention of the party slated for Ibadan, the Oyo state Capital next week.

Another ruling from an Oyo state High Court, which ordered the Damagun-led NWC to go ahead with the Delegates Convention has further polarized the party, so much so that it’s no longer clear which of the factions is now in charge.

During its meeting to intervene in the leadership crisis yesterday, the BOT urged the two factions to sheathe their sword to enable the Trustees resolve the problem, even though the BOT said there was no going back on the Ibadan Convention in line with the state’s court ruling.

Reacting to the BOT, Anyanwu described its action as a nullity, saying he was supposed to be invited into the meeting as a member.

“What took place today was a meeting of friends and associates.

“Any BoT meeting without my presence is a nullity. The letter of the PDP is with me. Since I was not there and I was not invited, what took place was not a BoT meeting”, Anyanwu said.

The PDP national scribe also reiterated the judgment of the AbujaH igh Court which stopped the National Convention, noting that the ruling of the Oyo High  court on the issue cannot stand, because it’s not superior to the one given by Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja High court last week.

Meanwhile, the BOT in the communique issued yesterday after the emergency meeting aligned with the Oyo state high court ruling, saying it “ solidly stands with” the Damagun-led NWC.

Part of the communique, reads: “The BoT solidly stands with and commends the Amb. Iliya Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC), the PDP Governors Forum, the National Convention Organising Committee and other critical Organs of the Party for their collective roles in stabilising our Party, especially as we progress towards the conduct of the Elective National Convention scheduled to hold on the 15th and 16th of November 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital.

“The BoT welcomes the ruling of the Oyo State High Court, presided over by Justice A L Akintola which affirmed the Constitutional right and liberty of our Party to manage its internal affairs including holding our 2025 Elective National Convention as scheduled. This landmark ruling is a victory for Democracy, Rule of Law and political development in our country.

“The BoT, however, expresses worry over the recent developments within our ranks that have caused understandable concerns. The tensions, misunderstandings, and regrettable incidents that have played out in public including the invasion of our National Secretariat are not reflective of the ideals and character of the PDP.

“As the conscience of the party, the BoT cannot and will not take sides but remain focused on safeguarding the integrity of the PDP and ensuring dialogue over discord. The decision for reconciliation is not as a sign of weakness but as a demonstration of maturity and responsibility.

“Against this backdrop, the BoT sets up a high-powered committee to immediately reconcile all conflicting sides and restore unity of purpose in our party as we head to the Elective National Convention in Ibadan.”

PDP Factional NEC Suspends Party’s National Convention

By
Ayodele Oni
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PDP Anyanwu Faction

By Ayodele Oni

The Factional Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP), Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, has announced the suspension of the forthcoming National Convention, which was earlier scheduled for Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.

The Acting Chairman, alongside the suspended factional National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, and some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) disclosed this at a press briefing on wednesday.

He informed the public that the PDP had received the Certified True Copy of the recent Judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja delivered by Honorable Justice James Omotosho in Suit FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025.

Members of the  factional NEC are all loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike.

Wike had, earlier, described the order of the Oyo state High Court directing the National Chairman of  PDP, to go ahead to conduct the party’s National Convention as a ruse.

The Acting Chairman pointed out that “we are pleased to confirm that our esteemed National Legal Adviser, Ajibade K.A. (SAN), has provided a thorough legal opinion on the implications of the judgment.

“In strict adherence to due process and our commitment to fairness, we have filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal to seek further judicial clarification and interpretation in the overall interest of our party, our members, and Nigerian democracy.

“Consequently, having lodged an appeal and in line with our responsibility to uphold the rule of law, the PDP hereby suspends and cancels the proposed Ibadan National Convention pending the decision of the Court of Appeal.

“Any continuation with the proposed convention at this time would amount to a violation of the rule of law and shall not be condoned.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission was a party to the Suit and is fully aware of the judgement of the Federal High court.

“Nevertheless, we have dimmed it necessary and responsible to formally communicate our position to the commission. Accordingly, we have notified INEC to suspend the National Convention in strict compliance with the directive contained in the judgement.”

On the judgement of Oyo High Court given a go ahead order for the convention, Mohammed stated that “We are also aware of an ex-parte order recently issued by a High Court in Oyo State.

“While we await the Certified True Copy of the said order, we reiterate that an ex-parte order cannot override a subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court. We shall continue to act only in accordance with valid judicial authority and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“As a responsible, law-abiding, and democratic institution, the PDP remains unwavering in its commitment to the rule of law, constitutional governance, and internal party democracy.

“Our actions will continue to be guided by legal advice, by respect for our members, and by our duty to protect the integrity of our party.”

SE Entrepreneurs Lament Unfavourable Govt Policies At GPS, Host Minister

By
The Source
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Doris Uzoka-Anite

By Ingram Osigwe

Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, CFA  on Saturday, November 1st, 2025, met with South east business entrepreneurs, professionals, captains of industry and merchants at the maiden Government- Private Sector Dialogue Sries (GPS) for the Southeast.

The event held at Radisson Blu, Isaac John Street, Ikeja Lagos. The theme of the Dialogue was Finance and SME Growth Round table.

The GPS roundtable was aimed at bringing  together stakeholders from both the Federal and Lagos State Government alongside Community Representatives to discuss concerns, identify bottlenecks and agree practical next steps on access to finance and enterprise.

The event also featured a grand reception in honour of the Minister by the Southeast business community in Lagos.

Earlier, as part of her high- impact engagements in Lagos, Dr. Uzoka- Anite had upon arrival, paid a courtesy visit to the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Speaking at the GPS, the Minister extolled the entrepreneurial and can- do- spirit of the Igbo and assured that the President Bola Tinubu administration was committed to ensuring the economic growth of the South east.

Her words: “The Igbo spirit of enterprise is legendary.  From Onitsha and Aba to Alaba and Balogun, your story is the story of Nigeria’s economic dynamism- built on resilience, hard work, and faith. Yet, today’s conversation asks us to look beyond survival toward influence, strategy and alignment”

Urging the South east business chiefs to be abreast of government business policies, the Minister said: “When business leaders ignore policy, others write the rules that shape their profit, logistics, taxes and access to opportunity. This platform is designed to change that- to bring government closer to the people, to listen, and to act”.

According to her, the Tinubu administration was committed to partnership with the private sector, pointing out that the renewed hope agenda of the administration was not just a policy but social contract to rebuild the Nigerian economy.

Dr. Uzoka- Anite explained that the various economic reforms of the federal government were groundwork for stability and inclusive economic growth.

The Minister assured the business leaders that ” the federal government values the contribution of the South east entrepreneurs and remains committed in positioning the region as a hub of manufacturing, trade, and export”.

In his submission, the substantive Minister for Finance, Wale Edun who made a surprise and brief appearance at the GPS long after the event had gone underway reiterated the federal government’s efforts to pull the economy from the doldrums. He assured the South east businessmen of federal government’s support at all times.

In their various contributions the South east business leaders lamented unfavourable government policies targeted at them including high cost of clearing of containers in the Nigerian ports as against lower rates in neighboring countries, unwarranted seizures of already cleared goods by the Federal Operation Units (FOU) of Customs, undue business advantages given to Chinese businessmen in Nigeria. excessive and unnecessary Customs and police checkpoints along Lagos- Ore-Benin- Asaba expressway where Igbo businessmen moving their containers to the South east are mindlessly extorted among other policies they say adversely affect their businesses.

Lady (Dr.) Adaora. O Chukwudozie, Chairman Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, South East Zone and Chairman keystone bank Plc , in her contribution expressed delight that “the GPS and  reception afforded Southeast businessmen in Lagos the opportunity to celebrate their daughter and sister, fellowship with her in her moment of national assignment and rob minds with her on issues bordering on Southeast businesses and economic growth”

The Keystone Chairman and Coordinator of the three-part event however, urged the federal government to remove all bottlenecks that hamper manufacturing and economic growth of the Southeast.

Various federal government agencies and parastatals that made presentations at the GPS include NAFDAC, FIRS, Bank of Industry, NEXIM, NOTAP, SEC, NEPC, Customs, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, among others.

The event was attended by a number of notable South east industrialists and businmen and women.

Osigwe, a strategic Communications and Public engagement expert, is the MD of Fullpage Communications Ltd. He lives in Lagos

Insecurity: Nigeria Will Continue To Reach Out To Int. Community On Various Efforts – Min. For Info

By
Ayodele Oni
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Mohammed Idris - Minister of Information and National Orientation

By Ayodele Oni

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris has said that the administration will continue to keep abreast the international community on efforts Curtail insecurity in the country

The minister pointed out that President Bola Tinubu remains calm despite threats by the United States, (US) President Donald Trump over the security situation in Nigeria.

In an interview shortly after meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the minister stated that the President continues to be committed to efforts at making Nigeria safer for all Nigerians, irrespective of tribes, religions or any kind of differences.

Idris said: ‘Mr President is calm. He is looking at the whole situation; he is looking at the ways and means of ensuring that the international community understands what we have been doing.

‘Only last week or two weeks ago, Mr. President, in his own desire to rekindle the security architecture of the country, reinvigorated the hierarchy of the armed forces.

A new Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs were appointed. Now, this is all the issues that came out of the United States. So, that tells you that Mr. President has been working assiduously to ensure that Nigeria is a country that remains safer for all Nigerians to live in.

“We are looking at all the issues, and we don’t want to overheat the discussions. But work is ongoing, and we have also opened channels of communication so that the international community will understand what Nigeria has been doing better.

“Also what we intend to further do to ensure that whatever concerns that there are, either domestically here or from the international community, are answered.”

On what to further do to douse tension among the religious groups in the country, the minister said that the administration continue to engage religious leaders.

Obasa’s Son, Abdulganiyu  Becomes Agege LG Chairman As Tunde Azeez Resigns

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Abdulganiyu Vinod Obasa - Obasa Son

By Akinwale Kasali

Abdulganiyu Vinod Obasa, Son of Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has become the Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government following the resignation of Hon. Tunde Azeez, popular as Disco.

Azeez had resigned his position due to prolonged illness that has kept him incapacitated with Abdulganiyu, who was his Vice, attending functions and filling the vacuum in his absence.

Azeez submitted his resignation letter to the Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chapter and copied the Local Government.

Since his swearing-in as the Chairman of the Local Government, he has embarked on medical leave.

Azeez, in the letter read by the Leader of the house, Adeshina Haruna, stepped down from his role as Chairman of Agege Local Government due to persistent health challenges that had significantly impacted his ability to discharge his duties after assuming office.

Obasa’s son was unanimously voted on Wednesday by the lawmakers as the new Chairman of Agege Local Government after Azeez’s resignation letter was read and approved by the Lawmakers during a session in the council.

The Lawmakers argued that the decision to vote Obasa’s son unanimously was due to his contribution to the development of Agege since assuming office and the need to avoid leadership vacuum in the Council.

It would be recalled that there were issues in Agege Local Government  when Abdulganiyu indicated interest in running for the Chairmanahip position in the LG, leading to protest from a section of Agege Residents and Political Stakeholders who said it was impossible for the Father to be the Speaker of the State Assembly, with the Son also given the Chairmanship Ticket.

He stepped down for Azeez who won the Primary and picked him as his Vice Chairman.

Due to the health challenges of Azeez, Abdulganiyu has been running the affairs of the LG.

Edo: Protesters Kick Against Location Of Museum Of West African Art In Benin

By
Ayodele Oni
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Monday Okpebholo - Governor of Edo State
Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State.

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has pledged his administration’s commitment to preserve the Benin Kingdom’s cultural sovereignty and halting any moves that could undermine the Oba of Benin’s authority over ancestral artifacts.

Okpebholo spoke on Wednesday while addressing a large crowd of peaceful protesters outside the Government House, Benin.

The demonstration, organized by palace chiefs, civil society groups, youth organizations, and concerned Edo indigenes, was a direct response to the scheduled inauguration of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) on November 11, 2025.

Protesters decried the event as premature and disrespectful, arguing it bypasses ongoing deliberations in the Edo State House of Assembly and lacks the explicit endorsement of Oba Ewuare II.

“Our culture is our identity, and I assure you that this administration will never allow its desecration,” Governor Okpebholo declared to the hundreds gathered, emphasizing that returned Benin bronzes and artifacts—looted during the 1897 British punitive expedition—must be housed in a dedicated Benin Royal Museum under the Oba’s custodianship.

“We know where these artifacts were taken from. Now that they have been returned, they must be restored to their rightful place.”

The governor’s remarks come amid escalating tensions over MOWAA, a flagship project initiated under former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration.

Okpebholo commended the protesters’ civility, calling it a reflection of Benin’s global dignity, and announced immediate steps: a personal meeting with Oba Ewuare II, consultations with the Minister of Culture and Tourism, who has already contacted him and a firm assurance that “nothing belonging to the people of Edo will be taken away from them.”

He urged calm, promising resolution “in a way that honours our history and our Monarch.

The protesters, had alleged that funds originally allocated for the Royal Museum were diverted to MOWAA via a controversial “Legacy Trust” structure, and that the site built on the grounds of the demolished 119-year-old Central Hospital represents a “misplaced priority” that sidelined public health needs.

They called for the revocation of MOWAA’s Certificate of Occupancy to rebuild the hospital, a demand echoed in recent social media discussions and earlier protests.

Osazee Amas-Edobor, speaking for the coalition of Benin socio-cultural groups, labeled the planned opening “unacceptable” and an “affront to the State Government, the Edo State House of Assembly, and, most importantly, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II.”

He highlighted the project’s evolution from a palace-centric initiative to one perceived as externally influenced, urging legislative clarity before any commissioning.

UNIJOS Dental Health Graduands Protest Non Accreditation Of Course

By
Ayodele Oni
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University of Jos - UNIJOS

By Ayodele Oni

After waiting for 10 years, graduated Dental Health students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State, on Wednesday, took to the streets to protest the non-accreditation of their programme.

The aggrieved students, under the banner of the Jos University Dental Students Association (JUDSA), blocked the university’s main gate at the Permanent Site, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Save us from unending depression,” “Our future is on hold,” “Accredit us now,” and “We are tired of UNIJOS.”

Speaking during the protest, the association’s president, Mr. Johnson Titus, explained that the students were frustrated by years of stagnation caused by the university’s inability to secure accreditation for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme.

“What you see behind me is the frustration of dental students who have been in this university for the past ten years without graduating. We have been stagnating because of the non-accreditation of our programme,” Titus lamented.

He called on the university management and relevant authorities to urgently intervene by fixing a date for accreditation and resolving the curriculum and administrative issues delaying their progress.

“Nobody should blame us for protesting. If the university is going to conduct screening and admission, they never inform prospective students that the programme lacks accreditation. Many of us have wasted years of our lives without any hope of graduating soon.”

Group Lashes Fayose, Label Him As  Frustrated Politician

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Ayodele Fayose
Ayodele Fayose

By Akinwale Kasali

A Group, Ekiti Peoples Democratic Party Progressives, EPDPP, has lashed former Ekiti State Governor,  Ayodele Fayose, for saying that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is dead in the State.

Fayose is a former two-term  Governor of the State.

Gani Salau, Chieftain of the Group stated that Fayose was embittered that he has lost grip of the PDP structure in the State, hence, the unwarranted statement.

The Group, in a statement signed by Salau, urged residents to disregard Fayose’s comments, and described him as a “conditional member” who would soon be shown the way out of the party.

Salau made the statement in response to Fayose’s claim that the PDP was moribund in Ekiti.

The Group said the unfounded statement made by Fayose was an expression of his frustration after losing control of the party’s structure.

He added that the PDP has been repositioned to win the 2026 governorship election, and noted that the party’s primary would hold on Saturday to elect its candidate.

It would be recalled that Fayose, at a press briefing in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State Capital on Monday, he described the PDP as “dead” in the State, and insisted that the Party’s Four Governorship aspirants were “fooling themselves.”

He had asked: “Where is the PDP in Ekiti? Where are the party members? Where are PDP meetings being held? The party is totally moribund. There is no hope. The PDP is dead here in Ekiti.”

Fayose further declared support for incumbent Governor, Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress, APC, saying the Governor was the preferred choice of the people until 2030.

But the Ekiti PDP Progressives condemned the former governor’s remarks as reckless, noting that the PDP provided the platform through which Fayose became governor twice.

The group asked Fayose to apologise to God for disparaging the party that, according to it, “lifted him and gave his life meaning.”

Salau explained that Fayose’s anger stemmed from his failure to influence the party’s recently concluded congresses.

“He is bitter, having realised that the party is no longer in his custody as before, when he allegedly used it as a bargain to siphon from members,” Salau said.

He described Fayose as “a political orphan who is naked without any reputation, going from pillar to post in the name of survival,” urging the public to ignore his “ranting and vituperation.”

The Group labeled Fayose as an executive beggar” in Oyebanji’s government in exchange for monthly stipends.

Edo APC Chair: We Are Following Okpebholo With “No Sense” Of Our Own

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Governor Monday Okpebholo

The Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Jaret Tenebe, has expressed total loyalty to state governor, Monday Okpebholo, saying in doing so the leadership of the party will behave as if they have “no sense” of their own.

The APC chairman in the state, who spoke during the “Edo State City Boy employment 2025” stated that  the governor has the total support of the members of the party, who are prepared to go the extra mile for him.

Tenebe stressed that the party is  also working to ensure that the 3.5 million votes promised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 by Governor Okpebholo became a reality, saying APC is a moving vehicle without a brake.

“That our loyalty to our governor is of no break, no gear, no sense,” Tenebe announced.

“The explanation is this: Anything the governor tells us to do, we cannot argue, because he has all the special advice and all the Special assistance.”

The APC chairman used a stark analogy to describe the party’s obedience.

“If you have ever seen a vehicle or truck with no gear and descending; you know how deadly such a vehicle is. That’s what we are as a party in this state. Because we have no sense.”

“The governor has already told us that 3.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu must be guaranteed and is already settled,” he stated.

The magazine reports that the APC chairman’s remark comes on the heels of the controversial comment by Governor Okpebholo recently, to the effect that commissioners who failed to wear Tinubu’s signatory cap on native clothes to the state Executive Council Meeting, will be sacked.

Following the governor’s remark, Etebe also followed up by warning that any members of the state cabinet who disobeyed Okpebholo will be suspended from the party, saying government appointees in the state are expected to be loyal to the president. .

He said, “If you refuse to wear the cap as the governor has directed, we will suspend you. That is indiscipline and insubordination.

“We are doing this because we have made a promise that 3.5 million votes are guaranteed for President Bola Tinubu. Everybody has keyed into achieving that target.

“If, as a member of the APC, you got an appointment, you are supposed to be loyal to the President. We are expressing our loyalty to him by wearing the cap. Those complaining are not members of the APC. We in Edo have made it clear — no Asiwaju cap, no Exco.”

Not a few watching events in the state insist that the governor and APC officials’ remark have got to the ridiculous level, never before witnessed in the history of the south-south state.

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