Okowa’s Defection: PDP Shall Overcome – Bukola Saraki

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April 25, 2025

“Those who want to leave PDP should leave now and allow us to concentrate and reposition the Party. Tomorrow is very bright”

Following the development in the Delta State Chapter of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), I have been inundated with phone calls from leaders and members of our party as well as various youths who have been active in promoting democracy and good governance in our country. Many of the callers want to know what my reaction is to the defection of top PDP leaders in Delta State and its impact on our party.

My view is that those who want to leave the PDP should leave now and let the rest of us who want to stay concentrate on rebuilding the party and refocusing it to play the role of a viable opposition that will provide a better alternative for the good people of Nigeria.

I am convinced that it is important for all Nigerians to work for the sustenance of democracy. And to sustain democracy, there must be viable choices for people at every point. Also, there must be a viable opposition to keep people’s hope alive and create credible alternatives to keep the government on its toes. A one-party state as being disingenuously designed by some people will not augur well for a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural, multi-religious, and highly diversified society like ours. It is even more dangerous when we eliminate alternatives and make people hopeless.

Therefore, it is in the interest of Nigeria and the survival of our democracy for the opposition to be vibrant and strong enough with the capacity to replace the ruling party at any point. Thus, my charge to our party members is that the PDP is merely experiencing a rebirth. Those who want to leave the party should go and let those of us remaining have a clear view of who we are talking to and where their political loyalty lies. All we need is for those who want to stay back in PDP to show commitment and we can all work to rebuild the party.

This development has vindicated the stance of people like me who have decided to remain silent and watch events unfold. I have seen that there was no sincerity with supposed leaders of the opposition. One was not sure of the next person one was talking to.

My appeal to PDP members nationwide is that we should know that the sustenance of democracy is not a sprint. Rather, it is a marathon. It is not a knock-out football match series. It is a league. 24 hours is a long time in politics and nobody can predict how the dynamics will evolve in the coming weeks and months. That is why PDP members across the country should not be discouraged, disillusioned, disappointed, or demoralised by the development in Delta State. We should stay strong and focus on strengthening the party. It is not necessary at this point to lament why they left.

Our party members should also refrain from blaming our woes on the ruling party. That would be a lazy approach. They are playing politics to win elections. It is our responsibility as party members to ignore their antics and seize the moment and momentum to make our party stronger and better.

Yes, it is unbecoming and shocking for the running mate to the standard bearer of a leading party to abandon ship to join the ruling party. This is unprecedented and nobody should try to justify such an act with the talk of being put under pressure. It is simply a sign of how low we have sunk as a polity. The country is experiencing a collapse of leadership values.

These developments in the polity are the reason why I have always canvassed the idea that we should emphasize building and strengthening our institutions and not individuals. With the defection of the governor of Delta State, even if the party has only ten governors in its fold, the PDP is still in a good position to win the next round of elections..

Our numerous party members should know that the PDP is better with fewer members who are loyal, sincere, determined, dedicated, and committed to its ideas, ideals, and progress than to have so many who will identify with us in the afternoon and be romancing the ruling party in the night.

We still have about two years before the next election. That is a long time in politics. We have enough time to brace up to the challenge. There is nothing that prevents us from getting some governors from the other parties to join our ranks. My appeal to our young party members is that this defection is just a mere challenge to us to further mobilize and put our house in order. Also, our women’s wing should seize the opportunity to help in the rebuilding mission. The PDP will come out stronger from this development.

I am very sure the various leadership organs of our party will soon make public their reaction to this development and convey the necessary meetings to strategize on how to strongly and strategically respond to it. Therefore there is no cause for alarm.

Our party members should not lose focus, hope, or the determination to win. We should see the current development as a challenge to rebuild and refocus the party. Tomorrow is very bright.

*Dr. Saraki, CON, Waziri of Ilorin, is a former President of the Senate*

Rivers State Not Under Martial Law, Group Warns Ibas

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 25, 2025

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Vice Admiral Ibok- Ete Ibas - Rivers Sole Administrator

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

An advocacy group ,the Civil Rights Watch, CRW, on Thursday, April 24, 2025, cautioned the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok- Ete Ibas, against the resort to intimidation and suppression of the people.

It warned that no kind of veiled threat will deter the people from exercising their fundamental human rights to peaceful protests, or engaging in any other legitimate means of ventilating their disaffection with the imposition of an unconstitutional arrangement on them.

The CRW cautionary note is coming against the backdrop of the Sole Administrator’s recent warning to youth and women groups protesters demanding for the restoration of democratic institutions in the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Hector Ighikiowubo, his Media Aide, Admiral Ibas cautioned protesters against testing his will, insisting that the state of emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu granted him sweeping powers to deal with any situation that may threaten the peace of the state.

“The fact that people are able to protest speaks to the Administrator’s level of tolerance. If you check the gazatte, it grants him sweeping powers. But he has exercised restraint.

“These protests are testing his will. We urge Rivers residents to be restrained and allow peace to reign. All hands must be on deck to restore democratic institutions”, Admiral Ibas stated.

But in a statement issued on Thursday by Segun Adekunle its President, the CRW, condemned Ibas’ warning as tyrannical, reckless and unbecoming of a person charged with the duty of restoring normalcy in Rivers State.

The group particularly took exception to the Sole Administrator’s description of the spate of protest marches against emergency rule as ” a test of his will.

According to CRW, declaration of State of emergency in the State does not translate to the people being under martial law, noting that the constitution of Nigeria, which is what is still applicable in Rivers State, allows for peaceful assembly and association.

“This isn’t a military rule. Nigeria is not under martial law. The constitution allows for peaceful assembly, and any attempt to criminalize, or threaten such activities is illegal.

“Ibas’ veiled threats to use ‘sweeping power’ is nothing short of declaration of war on democracy.

“The women protesting in Rivers state are not criminals. They are mothers, market women, teachers, citizens who have taken their destinies in their own hands to demand what is right; that the man elected by the people governs in peace”, the CRW noted.

The group advised the authorities to rather pay attention to the security threats posed by terrorists in different parts of the North instead of dissipating energy on innocent and harmless Rivers state protesters demanding for the restoration of democratic institutions.

“This country is battling real threats in Benue and Plateau states where terrorists have turned communities into graveyards. Yet the Sole Administrator of Rivers State believes that the real enemy is unarmed women marching peacefully for democracy.

“Under Ibas’s reign as Sole Administrator, Rivers state has witnessed illegal removal of statutory appointees, clampdown on Local Government Councils ,and now public threats to peaceful citizens. This is not governance, but despotism”, CRW noted.

The group, therefore, called on the Federal Government, particularly the National Assembly to call Admiral Ibas to order before Rivers State will descend into chaos and anarchy.

According to the civil society group, the unfolding events in Rivers State is a potential threat to the country’s fragile democracy.

“If unelected officials feel emboldened to act like overlords in any part of this country, then the very idea of Nigeria as a constitutional democracy is under siege. President Bola Tinubu must act now”, the CRW insisted.

LASG Laments Poor Performance Of State In 2024 WAEC

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 25, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

The decline in the standard of Education in Lagos State is shaken the Lagos State Government. The poor performance is despite the huge budget allocated ro the Educational Sector in the State.

The Government is literally mourning the woeful performance of the Students in the State at the 2024 West Africa Senior Secondary School Examination Council, WASSCE.

TheyMinistry of Education disclosed that 54.3 per cent of the 58,188 students who participated in the examination failed woefully.

It added that only 45.7 percent of the Senior Secondary School students who took part in the examination could successfully scale the hurdle with the two major subjects, English and Mathematics.

A check on the statistics provided by the Government further revealed that of the 58,188 students who participated in the examination, 45.7 per cent – 26,591 – passed while 31,596 others would have to retake the examination.

Tolani Alli-Balogun, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, made this disclosure on Thursday while reeling out the scorecard of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

He lamented that the Government spent over N1.5 billion to ensure the students participated in the examination without hitches.

Alli-Balogun further expressed concern about the abysmal performance, saying there was need to up the ante in the State Educational Sector.

Outrage Over Imposition Of Mortuary Levy By Enugu State Govt

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 25, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Imposition of Mortuary Tax Levy by the Enugu State Government on the people has been met with outrage.

The State Government had imposed taxes on corpses kept in mortuaries. Each corpse attracts N40 per day.

The decision by the State Government has sparked debate about the morality and feasibility of taxing dead bodies in the State.

Many are calling on the State Government to reconsider the tax and prioritize the welfare of its citizens.

Condemning the decision of the Enugu State Government, Ben Nwoye, former State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, said it was insensitive and inhumane for the Government to come up with such outrageous Tax.

Nwoye questioned the logic behind taxing the dead when the living are still struggling to pay their taxes.

“Have we finished taxing the living before we go into the dead?”, he asked. “The living should pay their tax, those selling things, they’re making money, you must have your tax paper, traders pay their income tax”, he queried.

Speaking further, he said, “When you govern, you govern with a human face. And I think this one lacks sensibility. It is insensitive, even if it is one kobo for the tax.”

Nwoye emphasised that the tax is not just a financial burden but also an emotional one.

“As Igbo, there is a way we relate with our dead, and if I’m told that for me to keep my deceased person for one day I have to pay N40, it gets to me,” he said.

He also pointed out that the mortuary attendants already pay taxes to the State and Federal Government.

“The mortuary people are mortuary attendants. They also have to pay the State tax, they have to pay the Federal tax.

Now we are taxing the bereaved.”

Nwoye believes that the State Government should focus on taxing the living rather than the dead.

“We raise funds by directly taxing the bereaved for keeping the body of their deceased loved ones? Then you pay N40. I don’t think it’s right.”

He called on the State Government to review and reconsider the tax. “So, it’s something they have to go back and review and look at it,” he said.

Nwoye also questioned the calculation behind the tax.

“Someone must have made an attempt in doing calculation of how many bodies that are left, how many deaths we have per year,” he said. “Because you have to budget for this.”

He believes that the tax is a sign of insensitivity and lack of empathy.

“It has to be in paper, the estimate that maybe 200 people or 1000 people will die this month and will be kept in the morgue, you have to write,” Nwoye said.

Nwoye emphasised that the tax is not acceptable in Igbo culture.

“From our own concept, cultural concept, it is not acceptable,” he said. “Certain things don’t belong in this culture when you govern, you govern with a human face.”

He urged the state government to prioritise the welfare of its citizens over revenue generation.

Air Peace Resumes Flight Operations As NiMET Labour Unions Suspend Strike

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The Source

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April 25, 2025

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Air Peace, Nigeria’s foremost airline and West and Central Africa’s largest carrier, on Friday, April 25, announced the resumption of all flight operations.

This followed the suspension of the industrial action by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and other labour unions in the aviation sector.

In a release signed by Dr. Henry Ndiulo, its Head, Corporate Communications, which conveyed the good news, the Airline thanked Nigerians for their patience, understanding, and unwavering support throughout this challenging period.

“Your resilience and trust in our brand mean the world to us. We commend the active and decisive intervention of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Hon. Festus Keyamo, SAN, MON, whose leadership and commitment were pivotal in resolving the impasse and restoring normalcy within the aviation industry.

“Hon. Keyamo’s swift engagement with all stakeholders, his transparent approach to dialogue, and his unwavering dedication to the stability and progress of the aviation sector reflect a deep understanding of the critical role aviation plays in national development.

“His efforts not only facilitated the timely resolution of the strike but also underscored his broader vision for a safer, more efficient, and investor-friendly Nigerian aviation landscape.”

For the safety of its passengers and crew members, Air Peace cancelled all its flight nationwide, following the strike. Other Airlines, however, carried out with their operations.

FCT Area Councils Received Fund For Striking Teachers Entitlements – Wike, Summons Council Chairmen, NUT

By

Ayodele Oni

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April 25, 2025

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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister

By Ayodele Oni

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has waded into the industrial dispute by primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), over non implementation of the new Minimum wage and other Entitlements.

The Minister has summoned a meeting with the chairmen of FCT area councils and leadership of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing.

The meeting was to find lasting solutions to the lingering primary school teachers’ strike over unresolved welfare concerns.

Wike spoke in Abuja on Thursday, after inspecting ongoing projects in preparation for celebration of the second anniversary of President Bola Tinubu.

Responding to the protest by the teachers, the minister, who described the development as very unfortunate, wondered why the chairmen of the FCT area councils did not have conscience.

He said that the area council chairmen refused to pay the teachers their entitlements, in spite of receiving approved funds specifically for that purpose.

“They were unable to pay them. In fact, I got the report yesterday and have summoned all of them for a meeting.

“You see, that’s the problem we have in this country; by the time I apply the big stick, people will be saying all kinds of things.

“I don’t know why people don’t have conscience that these are teachers who take care of our children, and you are happy that you are not paying them their salaries.”

Wike explained that primary schools were under the purview of the area councils and not FCT administration, adding that the area councils were in charge of primary schools.

He appealed to the NUT to give him some time, assuring that the issues would be sorted out soon.

Earlier, the NUT Chairman, Mr Abdullahi Shafa, who led the protest, acknowledged Wike’s intervention to resolve the lingering strike, including the release of N4.1 billion to the area councils to pay the striking teachers.

He accused the area council chairmen of diverting the funds and called on the National Assembly and the Economic and Financial Crime Commission to intervene and called them to order.

Primary school teachers had embarked on a series of strikes over non-payment of minimum wage and 40 per cent Peculiar Allowance.

Other unresolved issues included the non-implementation of 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases, and the N35,000 wage award, among other benefits.

Rivers SOLAD Ibas Attends First NEC Meeting

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James Orji

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April 24, 2025

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The Rivers state Sole Administrator ViceAdmiral IbokEte Ekwe Ibas (rtd) has attended his first ever National Economic Council, NEC meeting since his appointment in February by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The meeting presided over by Vice President Kassim Shettima was attended by some governors and other top government officials, and held at the State House, Abuja.

Vice President Shettima is statutorily the Chairman of the NEC, the country’s highest economic advisory body to the President comprising all 36 state governors and key federal agencies.

The last time the meeting was held was last December, its 147^th when the Council revealed that all states government submitted their reports for the creation of State Police. The issue is however not part of the deliberations today, according to sources who attended the meeting.

The magazine reported that SOLAD Ibas was appointed by President Tinubu on March 18, 2025 after he suspended the governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy and the lawmakers in the state House of Assembly.

The suspension followed the month-long political crisis in the oil bearing state, caused by the clash between the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal capital Territory, FCT.

Tinubbu said he took the action to prevent the state from further degenerating into bloody violence.

CBN Not Subsidizing BTA For Hajj Pilgrims

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James Orji

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April 24, 2025

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The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has approved the request by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, for cash transactions to be granted to intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the request was granted by the apex bank after the intervention of Vice President Kassim Shettima.

Aliu Abdulrazaq, NAHCON’s Commissioner for Policy, Personnel Management and Finance made this known to journalists after a meeting with Shettima in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The Commission said the approval is not a subsidy, to the intending Hajj pilgrims, by the Yemi Cardoso-led apex bank

The Agency had earlier reported that CBN introduced a new payment method for Basic Travel Allowance, BTA, for Nigerians embarking on the 2025 hajj pilgrimage.

There had, however, been concerns that the hitherto use of mandatory debit cards proposed by the CBN for the pilgrimage would endanger the smooth planning, operation, and performance at the 2025 Hajj.

According to Abdulrazaq, the meeting was prompted by the policy of the federal government on the card for BTA for 2025 Hajj operations.

”Out of the magnanimity of the CBN and an appeal made by the Vice President, the idea of a card for pilgrims in the 2025 Hajj has been dropped.

“This is a landmark achievement for NAHCON. If you go to Saudi Arabia, mostly in the areas where the pilgrims are going to perform their rituals, there is only one Automated Teller Machine there.

“And it is always crowded and poses so many difficulties for pilgrims to purchase whatever they want to purchase.”

”But now we are confident that the Hajj operations will be very seamless for the pilgrims, as all arrangements are in top gear; even the BTA that was our fear has now been addressed.”

Similarly, the NAHCON’s Secretary, Dr Mustapha Ali, clarified that the change was neither a concession nor a subsidy from the Federal Government.

”There is a need for clarification. It is not a concession or intervention by the federal government. It is not a subsidy either.

”The vice president intervened because most of the pilgrims make purchases in the streets of Mecca or Medina, and they do not need debit cards to make their purchases.

“Now it is allowed for them to carry cash. The CBN will provide the cash at the market rate,” he said.

PDP Chieftain, Sowumi Begs Peter Obi To Return As Gale Of Defection Sweeps Party

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James Orji

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April 24, 2025

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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Segun Sowumi has called on the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi to return to the party, saying the party needs him.

Having got the political fame that he now enjoys across the country, Obi, according to Sowumi must return to the party ahead the 2027 to give the PDP any chance of wining the Presidential election.

Sowumi spoke on Thursday on Arise Television, as the gale of defection continues to sweep the PDP, with fear that the ranks of the party could further deplete before the next general election.

Recall that the party suffered a big loss to its fold after the Wednesday defection of Governor of Delta state, Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa and host of other top politicians in the state.

Governor Sheriff and Okowa’s Defection has led to a disquiet in the party particularity following suggestion that more PDP governors were set to dump their party for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Sowumi however appealed to Obi to return to the party, as a way of giving back after the party gave him political fame, which climaxed with his choice as the 2019 PDP Running Mate to Atiku Abubakar.

The PDP chieftain said the former LP Presidential candidate can do a lot for the PDP by returning to its fold.

Sowumi: “You have to first of all understand that Peter is our gift to the national play. Before he came to our party, he used to play only in a small party called APGA. Then, we brought him and made him special adviser, or some kind of adviser to Jonathan, which was his first foray into the national play. Then we made him a vice presidential candidate in 2019 with Atiku. That was what launched him into the big national space.

“Now that he has gone to try to be president, we can all recognize and say, Okay, we see the numbers. It is up to him to do whatever he can. If we did not give Peter that chance, how would we have known that Peter can do this.”

Meanwhile, analysts insist that the PDP will continue to bleed, as more people are expected to leave the party ahead the next presidential election except it quickly put its house in order.

Catholic Church Sues For Calm As Another Priest Is Kidnapped

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 24, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Catholic family in Kafanchan, Southern Kaduna, on Thursday, April 24, 2025, called on public spirited Nigerians to pray for the safe return of one of its Priests, Rev. Father Ibrahim Amos.

Father Amos was abducted in the early hours of Thursday by suspected banditry elements in Kurmin Risga, Kaura Local Council of Kaduna State.

The incident is coming closely on the heels of the kidnap and subsequent murder of Rev Father Sylvester Okechukwu.

Rev Father Okechukwu was abducted on March 4, 2025, by a six-member gang led by one Fatai Yau at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Tachira community of the same Kaura Local Government.

His mangled body was recovered by security agents the following day March, 5, 2025.

Yau later revealed that late Rev Okechukwu’s neighbour, one Douglas, contracted them for the heinous crime.

According to a statement issued by the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Rev Fr Jacob Shanet, Rev Amos was kidnapped at about 12:15 am on Thursday at his residence at St Gerald Quasi Parish, Kurmin Risga .

The Diocese, while expressing sadness over the unfortunate development, called on the public to remain calm and prayerful.

Rev Father Shanet cautioned against a resort to self-help under the present circumstances.

“We solicit your prayers for his quick and safe release. Every legitimate and available means will be deployed to ensure that the Cleric returns unharmed and in good health”, Father Shanet stated.

Both the Kaduna State and Police authorities were yet to react to the development as at the time of reporting.