Home Blog Page 545

Three Kebbi Senators Defect To APC

May 13, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The defection of three Senators of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has altered the political setting of the red chamber.

The three PDP Senators who announced their defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress. are Adamu Aliero; Yahaya Abdullahi; and Garba Maidoki. They are from Kebbi State.

They all alluded to the internal leadership crisis in the PDP as the primary reason for dumping the leading opposition party.

Their defection letters have just been read to senators by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin.

They also expressed a desire to join President Bola Tinubu and support his bid to transform the country through his Renewed Hope Agenda.

The National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, many APC supporters and associates were at the Senate to witness the defection.

The defection has increased the number of APC senators to 68, while the PDP drops to 30. The Labour Party has five, SDP has two, NNPP, and APGA, one each.

“I Lack Words To Describe Asoluka’s Death”- Ohakim

The Source

May 13, 2025

A former Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, has expressed his devastation over the passing of Chief Chris Asoluka, PhD.

Ohakim, a close friend and associate of Asouka, described his passing as “an indescribable shock”, and highlighted Asoluka’s calm dignity and invaluable support during his tenure as Governor of Imo State.

Ohakim’s full statement reads : “I lack words to describe my state of mind since I learnt of the death of my bosom friend and ally, Dr. Chris Asoluka, a couple of days ago.

“The usual language is ‘shock,’ but for me, that is an understatement.

“Just sometime last week, I called the editors of my forthcoming memoir to say that in spite of the apparent space constraint, I had something very important to add to the book in order to properly put on record the immense contributions of Dr. Asoluka to the modest success we posted during my tenure as Governor of Imo State.

“Two days later, the news of his death came to me!

Chris was not a member of my cabinet, but he stood by me in all the challenges I faced.

“As a management expert, I found his advice on vital administrative issues quite invaluable. Of course, I was not alone.

“Dr. Chris Asoluka was highly sought after by everybody and every institution that placed premium on organizational excellence.

“Chris was simply everywhere.

Even though I knew of his ill health, from which he was almost fully recovered, Chris’s death should be a very, very big lesson to those of us still alive. In the touchy message released by his family to announce his passage.

“it said Chris transited from the world ‘with the calm dignity that defined his life.’ That testimony, ‘a man with calm dignity,’ should resonate in the minds of those of us that are still alive today, especially those unrepentant destroyers: to strive to live a life of dignity and calmness no matter how terrifying the challenges might be.

“My condolence goes not just to the family but to all Nigerians. To our good people of Imo State, I say once again, ‘take heart.’

“Coming just a couple of weeks after the demise of the late Paschal Dozie, another world-acclaimed economist, Dr. Asoluka’s death is quite painful.

But we cannot query God. As the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo, said, ‘It is not life that matters but the courage with which it is lived.’

“Chris was full of courage, but we should even show more courage in mourning him and bearing this irreparable loss.

“Good Night, Okwuruoha.

“Sgd:

H.E. Dr. Ikedi Ohakim”

Asoluka, a former Member of the House of Representatives was, also, a former Commissioner for Finance, Imo State. He passed on Friday, May 11, 2025, at the age of 70.

Rivers Women Protest As Pirates Abduct Eight Students On Way To Write WASCE

Ayodele Oni

May 13, 2025

Rivers Women Protest Priracy attack on Students

By Ayodele Oni

Some women in Rivers State have taken to the streets, demanding the release of their children and siblings abducted by suspected pirates.

Those abducted have spent eight days in captivity prompting the women of the Bille Community in the Degema Local Government Area to stage a protest at the Government House, Port Harcourt, demanding the release of the eight students.

The students were abducted by suspected pirates while in a boat, travelling from Port Harcourt to Bille to sit for the ongoing WAEC exams.

Suspected pirates had hijacked three boats with various goods and property worth millions of Naira and kidnapped 13 passengers in the Port Harcourt-Bille waterways on May 6, 2025.

Following the incident, the Chairman, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Port Harcourt Commercial District, Israel Pepple, has said they will suspend transport operations to compel the government to take the necessary action to protect the waterways from what he termed ‘incessant’ pirate attacks.

The women under the aegis of Concerned People of Bille Kingdom, clad in black attires, displayed several placards and chanted songs to drive home their demands.

Some of the inscriptions on the placards read, ‘Government save us from sea pirates’, ‘Our children going to write WAEC are with the pirates in the bush; some have been raped’, and ‘Bille people are suffering in the hands of pirates’, among others.

The women had first marched to the State Police headquarters along Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, and later moved to the Government House along Azikiwe Road, where they terminated the protest.

Some of the women who spoke to newsmen alleged that the heavily armed pirates also raped their daughters and disposed of their belongings.

They stated that the eight students are still in the hands of their captors over a week after they were abducted along with five other passengers in a boat.

While in front of Government House, one of the protesters, an elderly woman, flung herself to the ground shouting, “Government please help me my son is inside the River (creek). Sea pirates took him inside the bush. Government please help me bring my son, don’t leave like this.

Speaking to newsmen, a lady who gave her name as Blessing Alale narrated that “Some time ago my mum was a victim. On that day, eight of them were abducted, and a ransom of N30 million was paid. After the N30 million they requested, we bought dream fuel (petrol), power banks, bread and water before they will release them.

“We paid all that before they were out. That was then. Now this one on the 6th of this month our children were going to write WAEC in Bille, sea pirates abducted them.

“The other time they will say they are adults, but these are children going to write WAEC. Their siblings are writing the exam. So it means that these children have missed out on all the papers that have been written.

“That is why the women, the mothers are here, I’m also a mother and have come out to say enough is enough. These mothers of the abducted one and the entire mothers of Bill are here seeking for help so that these children will be released to join the others.

In her address presented to a government House official, one of the leaders of the protest, Janet Adebayo, said, “On 6th May 2025 along the Port Harcourt –Bille Waterways a speedboat carrying 13 passengers was intercepted by heavily armed pirates who diverted them into the creeks.

“Since then, all abducted persons remain missing, leaving their families in a state of deep distress and uncertainty.

“This tragic incident marks yet another escalation in the persistent security threats along our waterways and endangers the lives of commuters and the socio-economic stability of riverine communities, especially Bille Kingdom in particular.

“In the light of this, this is an urgent appeal for intervention in the activities of sea pirates and formal submission to the Rivers State Government.

“We humbly appeal to the Nigerian Police, the Army and the Navy for urgent intervention by deploying patrol units to intensify surveillance and rescue operations.

“Additionally, we request your support in working with relevant security agencies to ensure the safe release of the kidnapped victims and prevent further attacks.

Addressing the women, the Camp Commandant, Rivers State Government House, O.I. Gabriel, thanked them for their peaceful disposition and assured them that actions would be taken immediately.

Gabriel stated, “The Sole Administrator gave instructions to the Chief of Staff, and the Chief of Staff now instructed me, as the Camp Commandant, to come and address you.

“And that I should collect the letter from you for immediate action to be taken in respect of the letter.”

When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the investigation is still ongoing to ensure those abducted are released unhurt.

She stated, “We have intensified efforts to also ensure that the perpetrators are fished out and made to face justice.”

APC LG Primary: Aregbesola Political Structure Crippled In Alimosho

Akinwale Kasali

May 13, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Time was when Rauf Aregbesola was a political godfather and dictator in Alimosho area, Lagos State.

He stood like a colossus, and dictated who got the ticket to run as a Lawmaker in the National Assembly, State House of Assembly, Chairman and Councillor under the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Sadly, Aregbesola’s structure in the Party has collapsed since his defection from the APC.

Though no one ever envisioned it, not even the co-founders, that the once rosy relationship between President Bola Tinubu and Aregbesola would degenerate into him leaving the Party, 12 years it birthed APC, but it happened. He left.

His defection resulted in his disciples leaving the Party in droves, particularly in his stronghold, Alimosho City.

His allies who once occupied all political offices including Council Chairmanship seat in Alimosho under Aregbesola’s umbrella, do not have any candidate for the July 12, 2025 council election after his Aspirants for the Chairmanship Seat across the six Local Government and Local Council Development Area, LCDAs, lost during the Local Government primaries conducted by the Party in the State.

This development during the primaries held across the Six Councils, Alimosho Local Government, Egbe-Idimu, Ayobo-Ipaja, Mosan Okunola, Igando-Ikotun, and Agbado Oke-Odo LCDAs, have crushed the age-long political structure created and controlled by Aregbesola through his representative, Abdullahi Enilolobo, who held the structure together after their leader assumed office as the Osun state governor and later as minister under the Buhari led administration.

It would be recalled that Aregbesola’s structure which was once used as the negotiating power for the group during the 2023 election has been pulled down during the 2025 Local Government Chairmanship Primaries by the party members who were said to be loyal to two other groups controlled by the Special Adviser to the President on Sustainable Development Goal,SDG, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, and the other, Bisi Yusuf, a former Lawmaker.

It was gathered that Aregbesola’s Political dynasty had approached the Council Chairmanship Primary held inside the Party’s secretariat at Acme, Ikeja with the aim to retain tickets of the six Councils as it was during the former minister’s reign but the results announced after the exercise sent a shocking wave across Alimosho.

It would be recalled that at the Primary, the results announced by the electoral Committee led by APC former publicity Secretary, Babatunde Ogala, the aspirant sponsored by Yusuf, one of the allies of Aregbesola lost the the Chairmanship ticket for Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA to Abiodun Agbaje, who won the primary with 23 Votes.

Also in Egbe-Idimu LCDA, Balogun Idris, the Aspirant from the Orelope-Adefulire camp won with 17 votes, while Kazeem Adeniran and Egunjobi Rasak polled eight votes and one vote respectively.

Orelope-Adefulire choices won the the Chairmanship Primaries for Mosun-Okunola, Alimosho, and Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA.

While Igando-Ikotun LCDA Chairman, Lasisi Akinsanya, who was once loyal to the Aregbesola group, got his second term ticket through his personal relationship and efforts and not courtesy of Aregbesola group.

Sources in APC disclosed that a lot of Aspirants in the Six Councils in Alimosho lost the Primaries because of their ties with Aregbesola.

An APC Chieftain who claimed anonymity revealed that some members of the group in Egbe-Idimu LCDA have started reaching out to the other groups, in other to remain relevant within the party.

He said: “I received a call recently, the caller is the aide to Egbe-Idimu LCDA Chairman, Kunle Sanya-Olu Olowoopejo, who has left the council boss to pitch his tent with the Orelope-Adefulire group.

“I know this will happen because the council Chairman, who is a senior member of the Aregbesola’s group, has serve his term and efforts to secure the party ticket for their member has proven abortive.

“This primary was the only thing still giving the group any relevance within the party and since they could not achieve their aim during the LG primaries, it is obvious that they have lost out completely and the structure does not exist in Alimosho again.

“This is why the victory for many who had endured the torture from the Aregbesola’s group are rejoicing today that the group’s structure has been pulled down completely within Alimosho”, he added.

Following this development, Aregbesola ‘s has finally lost his stronghold, as he has remained irrelevant since leaving the APC.

His followers who are still in the Party are been witch hunted for still aligning with him.

Immorality: Kano Varsity Orders Female Students Out Of Hostel

Ayodele Oni

May 13, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Following allegations of immorality and other social vices, the management of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, (MAAUN) has ordered the immediate closure of one one female hostel.

The hostel, Al-Ansar Indabo female students’ hostels located at Hotoro and UDB Road in the Kano metropolis, has failed safety and disciplinary tests.

In a statement the University’s Vice President, Campus Life, Dr. Hamza Garba also announced the withdrawal of its approval for the use of the hostel following reported violations of its code of conduct.

According to the statement, the decision was taken as part of MAAUN’s efforts to ensure the provision of safe, secure, and morally upright accommodation for its students.

The statement reads : “I am directed by the management to write, inform, and bring to the attention of our esteemed parents and students that the university has withdrawn its approval for Al-Ansar Indabo female students hostels located at UDB Road and Hotoro.”

It noted that the hostels failed to comply with university regulations guiding the operation of private students accommodation.

It added that the non-compliance had led to various infractions, including reported cases of immoral behaviour, poor water and electricity supply, students violence, unauthorised movement at night, and the sharing of facilities with unknown tenants.

“These issues pose a serious threat to the well-being of our students.”

“The university, therefore, directed all affected students to vacate the hostels immediately after the conclusion of the current semester examinations and warned them against further association with the facilities for their own safety and security.

“Management is working closely with relevant security agencies to ensure total compliance with the directive.

“Students and parents are advised to contact the Office of the Vice President, Campus Life.”

The university further stated that it would not take responsibility for any consequences arising from non-compliance with the directive.

Unity Bank CEO To Youths: Manage Your Money ‘Wisely’ To Secure Your Future

James Orji

May 13, 2025

The managing director/ chief executive of Unity Bank Plc Ebenenzer Kolawole has advised youths in the country to develop a positive financial management habits necessary to secure their future.

The commercial bank CEO made the remark in commemoration of this year’s Global Money Week, urging the youths to save money for their future.

“The habits you form now around saving, spending, and investing will shape your financial future. It’s not about how much you have, but how wisely you manage it,” Kolawole said.

Held under the theme, “Think before you follow, wise money tomorrow,” this year’s engagement focused on helping young people develop discernment and critical thinking in making financial decisions, particularly in an era shaped by social media influence and digital distractions.

Kolawole, supported the initiative as the Bank held an impactful session at Boys Model Secondary School, Owerri, Imo State.

Represented by the Bank’s Zonal Head, South South/South East, William Odigie, Kolawole shared practical lessons on financial responsibility, guiding students on how to cultivate savings culture, investment and financial management; advising against any impulsive financial behaviours, more especially those involving online.

Instructively, the lender has futher demonstrated its commitment to financial empowerment targeting Youths, by facilitating the Training, in 13 secondary schools across Nigeria to commemorate the 2025 Global Money Week.

In each of the 13 schools visited nationwide, Unity Bank’s facilitators engaged students in interactive discussions, practical money management exercises, and quizzes. Participating students who displayed exceptional skills at various sessions got recognition and were presented with branded gift items to strongly reinforce the financial literacy training.

Recall that recently, Unity Bank launched GenFi digital banking app, a youth-focused solution designed to empower children and teens with smart money habits through gamified learning, goal-setting, and parental guidance. The participation of the Bank in the financial literacy training marks this year’s Global Money Week is to further Youth engagement.

Global Money Week is a worldwide initiative coordinated in Nigeria by the Central Bank of Nigeria in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee and Junior Achievement Nigeria. The engagement aims to instil sound financial knowledge and habits in young people from an early age, being a strategy to promote financial inclusion.

NIMASA To Roll Out Mult-million Dollar CVFF @ Single Digits Interest Rate To Shipowners

James Orji

May 13, 2025

The Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, CVFF, to be disbursed by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), shall attract a single-digit interest rate.

The Agency’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who announced this today at a one-day interactive forum organized for stakeholders on the operationalization of the CVFF, also disclosed a two-year moratorium and an eight-year tenure for the facility, which will be disbursed through twelve (12) Primary Lending Institutions.

Other issues being addressed by NIMASA in collaboration with the PLIs include insurance, fund security, flexible tenures, and the reduction of sundry fees to the barest minimum at subsidized rates.

Dr. Mobereola emphasized the importance of the CVFF to the development of the Nigerian maritime sector, while acknowledging the role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, through the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, in ensuring the immediate disbursement of the funds.

In his words: “I am delighted to announce that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, and with the support of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, HE Adegboyega Oyetola, we have secured the necessary approvals for disbursement. This disbursement will be transformative for our industry by empowering indigenous shipowners to compete favourably, boost local content in the maritime sector, create employment opportunities for Nigerian seafarers, and strengthen ancillary maritime services.”

Mobereola also emphasized the need for transparency in the entire process. “To ensure transparency and accountability, we established a dedicated Secretariat Cabotage Unit, developed clear eligibility criteria, and partnered with 12 Primary Lending Institutions to facilitate access to the fund.”

In his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Aminu Umar, and other industry stakeholders commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Management of NIMASA for their efforts in facilitating the disbursement of the funds.

Meanwhile, keen stakeholders in the maritime sector say they are worried that the Ministry of Transport and NIMASA have been secretive on the actual amount in the CVFF. They demand that the figure be made public for the sake of transparency.

Under-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles Secures World Cup Ticket, Zooms Into AFCON Semi Finals

Akinwale Kasali

May 13, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigeria Under-20 Team, the Flying Eagles has qualified for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup scheduled for Chile later this year.

The Coach Aliyu Zubair-led team, also, secured a place in the semi finals of the Africa Cup of Nations U-20 tournament after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Senegal.

The tightly contested knockout stage encounter ended goalless after regular and extra time.

Ultimately, it was Nigeria which triumphed 3–1 in the penalty shootout.

The match, held in the knockout stage of the Continental Youth Championship, saw the two sides locked in a stalemate throughout regulation and extra time.

Despite numerous attempts from both sides, neither team could break the deadlock which then led to a penalty decider.

Nigeria converted three of their spot-kicks, while Senegal managed only one, allowing the Flying Eagles to clinch the win and progress to the last four of the competition.

Sporting Lagos goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was the Flying Eagles’ hero, saving two penalties in the shootout to help Nigeria get the better of their opponents.

Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s side, who conquered the WAFU B zone last year reached the quarter-finals as the second best team in Group B behind Morocco.

There was little to separate both teams during regulation time in terms of goalscoring action, although Senegal’s Cheikh Thiam came close in the 42nd minute with a header that cane off the post.

Also, Flying Eagles number one Harcourt made a superb stop in the 53rd minute to deny the Junior Teranga Lions from breaking the deadlock.

The Nigerian lads also had a few half-chances of theirs through Kparobo Arierhi and Divine Oliseh, but Senegal shot-stopper Mouhamed Sissokho made several saves to keep them at bay.

During the ensuing shootout, Nigerian trio; Precious Benjamin, Israel Ayuma, and Emmanuel Chukwu all converted from the twelve yards, while goalkeeper Harcourt stood his ground as he saved two penalties from the Senegalese.

Senegal’s spot takers were not so lucky, as the duo; Pierre Dorival and Mame Mor Faye failed to beat Harcourt – with the Nigerian making pinpoint saves, while Ousmane Konate’s effort rattled the crossbar. Their only successful penalty came via Seydi Diouck, which was insufficient to see them through.

Nigeria currently remain unbeaten at the U-20 AFCON in Egypt, and are on course to win a record-extending eighth continental title while Senegal suffered their first defeat in a knockout match at the competition since 2017.

Furthermore, the result sees Nigeria clinch a ticket to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Chile from September 27 to October 19.

Nigeria will face South Africa in the semi-finals on Thursday.

Follwing the triumph of the Flying Eagles, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Kwara State Chapter have extended heartfelt congratulations to Coach Zubair and his assistant, Coach Lukman Ijaya, for leading Nigeria’s Flying Eagles to a thrilling semi-final qualification at the ongoing U20 AFCON, a feat that also secured a spot at the upcoming FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.

In a joint statement signed by Kwara SWAN Chairman, Ayodeji Ismail, and the Assistant Secretary, Sodiq Adebara, the association described the achievement as “a historic milestone in the annals of Kwara sports,” proudly highlighting that both tacticians are illustrious sons of Kwara State.

It commended the duo’s tactical brilliance, composure, and steadfast leadership, all of which were clearly demonstrated during the Flying Eagles’ resilient performance, particularly in the quarter-final clash, where Nigeria edged Senegal 3-1 on penalties after a hard-fought goalless draw across 120 minutes.

The association praised the team’s unity, discipline, and fighting spirit, attributing their success to the exceptional preparation and guidance provided by the Kwara-born coaching pair.

“This moment goes beyond football; it reflects Kwara’s rising influence in Nigeria’s sporting landscape. Having both the head coach and his assistant hail from our state is a source of great pride and inspiration for emerging talents,” the statement read.

It however offered prayers for continued success for Coach Zubair, Coach Ijaya, and the entire Flying Eagles team as they pursue continental glory and prepare to fly Africa’s flag on the world stage in Chile.

The association also reaffirmed its unwavering support for the coaching crew and the team.

Gov Aiyedatiwa Approves Promotion Of 3,000 Workers In Ondo

Ayodele Oni

May 13, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

No less than 3,000 workers in the Ondo State Public Service are set for promotion as the exercise for this year commenced.

The Head of Service, Bayo Philip, disclosed this on Monday, while flagging of the 2025 promotion exercise in Akure.

Philip, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of Establishment and Training, Mrs Olufunke Dare-Atunse, lauded the State Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa for timely approving the commencement of the exercise.

According to him, not only that Ondo State is one of the few states in the federation where promotions are approved timely, but such exercise is backed with the attendant financial benefits.

The Head of Service therefore charge workers to reciprocate the gesture by rededicating themselves to their duties, saying to whom much is given, much is expected.

He noted that the flag-off of the exercise for the centrally deplored officers marked the commencement of the 2025 promotion processes and would be extended to other MDAs next week and returns would be forwarded to appropriate quarters for speedy approval

In his words, “For our Governor, His Excellency, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, we want to thank him for all he has been doing in prioritising the welfare of the workforce in Ondo State.

“For this promotion, I can tell you that Ondo State, is one of the few states that conduct their promotions during Promotion Year and with financial benefits.

“Some states do conduct promotion in arrears and atimes, without financial benefits. But in Ondo State, our promotion has been as and when due and at same time backed up with the financial benefit.

‘”And on this note, to whom much is given, much is expected. Government is trying its best to prioritise our welfare. We are equally expected to reciprocate the kind gesture by being diligent on our duties.

“We should not forget our mantra, ‘don’t deliver short, don’t deliver late. That translate to the fact that whatever assignment committed to our hands, we must ensure that we deliver within the time allotted for it and ensure that quality is maintained.

“This year, a little above three thousand officers will be promoted. Government has given approval for them to be promoted. The exercise commenced today with the centrally deplored officers and next week, the MDAs will follow suit.”

Abure Reports Gov Otti To President Tinubu Over Obscene Language

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 13, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

“Since Otti’s election, he has added no value to the Party, and has made no impact generally”

The national leadership of the Labour Party has expressed serious concern and regrets over some disparaging remarks allegedly made against its factional National Chairman, Julius Abure and his ofice by Abia state Governor, Dr Alex Otti.

This is just as it accused the Governor of not adding any value to and or made any significant impact on the party since being elected as its only Governor.

The Source reports that the Abia State Governor in reaction to his purported suspension, alongside others by the Abure-led National Working Committee NWC, last week dismissed Abure as a “clown desperately in search of a crown”

He had, also, called on the Police and other Security Agencies to arrest Abure and his cohorts for alleged impersonation.

According to Governor Otti, Abure, having been explicitly sacked by the Supreme Court judgment of April 4,2025 should no longer be parading himself as the LP National Chairman.

Governor Otti, Peter Obi, LP’s Presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, his running mate, Senator Datti Ahmed, National Assembly caucus of the party and other major stakeholders are backing the Senator Easter Namadi Usman-led Interim Leadership of the Party.

But in a statement on Monday May 12, 2025, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, Abure’s factional National Secretary, described Otti’s comments as deeply regrettable and a direct threat to the leadership of the party, and democratic values.

“While we would have normally ignored such attacks, especially from individuals undergoing internal disciplinary processes, the persistent threats from Governor Otti and his allies have compelled us to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and concerned Nigerians to intervene and restrain him.

“It is both ironic and unfortunate that Governor Otti, who joined the Labour Party in 2022 after being rejected by other platforms is now attacking the very leadership that facilitated his electoral victory”, the party stated.

According to the National Secretary, Governor Otti, had, some time last year, equally ordered for the arrest of the Abia State Chairman of the Party, Dr Prince Ndubueze, and Ceekay Igara ,the South East Vice Chairman .

The party also recalled that in April 2025, same Governor Otti issued “doomsday threats” during a meeting with aggrieved party members in Abuja

The Party, therefore, expressed serious worries that the same Governor Otti has now resorted to issuing same threats to its National Chairman, and other NWC members owing to his suspension.

It called on the President and other relevant authorities to rein in the Governor, noting that his incessant threats represents a dangerous trend that must not be allowed to fester.

The National Secretary explained that the party in 2023 granted Governor Otti a waiver to become its Abia governorship candidate at a time he was schemed out by other parties.

He, therefore, expressed regrets that, such a huge beneficiary of the large heartedness of the party could turn around to be its undertaker.

He accused the Governor of being on a mission to kill the LP before finally defecting to his preferred party ahead of the 2027 general election.

The party expressed shock and disbelief that Governor Otti could condescend that low and describe Abure as “clown in search of a crown.”

He, however, insisted that the National Chairman was already wearing the crown before Governor Otti and group joined the party.

“We have repeatedly said that Governor Otti is on a mission to stifle life out of the Labour Party ahead of 2027 general elections before making way to his already known destination.

“If not, why would a Governor who has absolute cooperation of the leadership of his party at the centre, a Governor who had publicly told the world that God used Abure to make him the Governor, suddenly vacillate and somersaulted and by so doing unleashed an unnecessary crisis on his own party, where he once called the shots”, the statement further reads.

1...544545546...2,889 Page 545 of 2,889