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“Nothing Has Changed, I Remain In APC”  – Fayemi

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kayode Fayemi

By Ayodele Oni

Former Governor  Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi  has explained that he has no intention to dump the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC), for now.

Reacting to social media report of his proposed dumping of the APC in a statement titled: “Nothing Has Changed”,  Fayemi, immediate past chairman of the Nigeti’s Governors Forum, (NGF), pointed out that as a foundation member of APC, the position has not changed.

The statement:

“My attention has been drawn to a story circulating on several online platforms regarding my defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“As I have had cause to state in the past, I am a card carrying foundation member of the APC and this position has not changed.

“While I have been at the vanguard of demand for greater internal democracy and inclusion in the ruling party, I believe it is still not late for our party to change course and move towards greater inclusion and internal democracy.”

Fayemi had been rumoured to be among some prominent politicians in the country planning to firm a mega political party to dislodge President Bola Tinubu during next election.

Earlier on Monday, former governor of Kaduna state, Nasir elrufai, dumped the APC and joined the Social Democratic Party,(SDP).

Elrufai in his resignation letter, pointed out that “I have diligently served the APC and made my contributions to its viability as a political platform.

“However, developments in the last two years have confirmed a troubling disregard for democratic principles and progressive values that I hold dear.”

He highlighted his role in securing electoral victories for the APC in 2015, 2019, and 2023, emphasizing his commitment to advancing human development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, job creation, and investment in Kaduna State during his tenure as governor.

“At this point in my political journey, I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish.”

Rivers House Of Assembly Issues Warrant Of Arrest On RSIEC Chairman, Members

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Justice Adolphus Enebeli

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In continuation of its combative posture,the  Speaker Martins Amaewfule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, on Monday March 10, 2025, continued to dig  deeper into the trenches,with the issuance of an arrest warrant on the Chairman of the State’s Electoral Commission RSIEC, Justice Adolphus Enebeli rtd.

The Lawmakers cited  the refusal of the Electoral Umpire Chairman and other members of the Commission to honour their  earlier invitation to appear before them as a major reason.

The Source reports that the pro-Wike dominated Legislative body, had last Wednesday March, 5, during plenary directed the RSIEC boss to appear before it within 48 hours to explain some issues bordering on the conduct of the last local council polls in the state on October 5,2024 .

The election which was swept by Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s adopted party ,the Action Peoples Party APP, was, however, nullified by the Supreme Court on February 28, 2025.

The Court directed the conduct of a fresh poll.

At the expiry of the two-day ultimatum on Friday last  week, and with the Electoral Umpire Chairman failing to appear, the  Lawmakers decided to extend the dateline by 72 hours.

During Plenary on Monday, the legislators decided to invoke their powers to compel the Commission’s Chairman to appear before them.

Relying on the provisions of session 129 (1) (d) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the Lawmakers  resolved to issue a warrant of arrest on the Commission’s Chairman.

The resolution of the House which was read by the Majority Leader, Hon Major Jack, also, expressed surprise at the refusal of the Commission’s Chairman, a retired High Court Judge of the Nigerian Judiciary to honour the House of Assembly’s invitation.

The Speaker had earlier regretted the tendencies by those who were screened and confirmed for appointments to now be shunning invitations by the same body.

The Speaker insisted that  Justice Enebeli and other Members of the Electoral body must appear, noting that by virtue of the provisions of session 128 of the Constitution, the House is empowered to inquire into the affairs of Agencies, Commissions and other Government institutions.

According to him, the chairman and other Commissioners must be made to appear and explain how several billions of Naira,public funds allocated to them during the last Cuncil polls were expended.

However, it is not yet certain if the warrant of arrest will be implemented going by some subsisting court cases in that regard.

The RSIEC Chairman  and most members of the Commission  last week approached the Courts seeking to stop the House of Assembly from summoning them.

Students Disrupts Vehicular Movement Over Disappearance Of LASU Graduate

By
Akinwale Kasali
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LASU Students Protest over Quadri Ogunbode

By Akinwale Kasali

There was pandemonium on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as Students in Ogun State, under the aegis of the National Association of Ogun State Students, NAOSS, and the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, on Monday disrupted vehicular movement following the sudden disappearance of Quadri Ogunbode, a graduate of Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos.

The protesting Students demanded that the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene on the issue.

The students were armed with placards with various inscriptions, such as “An injustice to one, is an injustices to all”; IGP Egbetokun, please come to our rescue”; IGP should investigate Quadri’s disappearance”; IGP should probe the extortion of the poor parents by some police officers in Lagos State”; NAOSS demands IGP to order special investigation into disappearance of Quadri Ogun Ode”; IGP should investigate efforts in frustrating the investigation by some police in Lagos command for about 2 months” among others.

Ogunbode, a graduate of Political Education from LASU disappeared on 17th February 2025, at a location very close to a Celestial Church in the neighbourhood of the University.

Kehinde Thomas, National President of the National Association of Ogun State Students, NAOSS, alleged that the Police in Lagos State have compromised in the matter.

He, therefore, called on IGP Egbetokun, to intervene and order a special investigation into the case of the alleged kidnap and possible murder of Ogunbode.

Thomas said: “This call on the IGP, who is also a parent, to intervene in the matter had become imperative after police complicity and compromise was perceived.

“At NAOSS and NANS level, we are smelling foul play and Police complicity. The melancholic parents of Quadri have been made to cough out several thousands of naira by the police to track Quadri’s phone to aid their investigations.

“And with the tracking done and some discoveries made, no tangible progress has been made to unravel the mysterious disappearance of one of own in NAOSS.

“We temporarily block this busiest expressway in the country in order to draw the attention of the Inspector-General of Police, who is also an indigene of Ogun State, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and order a special investigation into the case of the alleged kidnapping and possible murder Quadri Ogunbode.

“Quadri is a member of NAOSS, hence, we are appealing passionately to the IGP to use his office, manpower and technology to unravel the disappearance of this affable LASU graduate.

“As an umbrella body of all Ogun State students, NAOSS cannot sit idly and watch the matter to be swept under the carpet. We will not fold our arms and allow Quadri’s matter to join the swelling number of unresolved disappearances or murder cases in the country.

“While we are optimistic that the intervention of the IGP will yield a fruitful result, NAOSS will not relent to continue to explore all legal means to mobilize relevant stakeholders to take action on the matter.

“The anguish and psychological trauma parents of Quadri are going through are better imagined than experienced.

“According to a preliminary police investigation, two suspects, including the Shepherd in charge of the Celestial Church, were arrested and questioned over the disappearance of the LASU graduate.

“Despite the arrest of two key suspects in the case, police operatives at the Ojoo Divisional Police headquarters have not done much to unravel the mysterious disappearance of Quadri, despite obvious evidence that linked these two suspects to the case.

“Yet, Quadri remained missing, without any one or group claiming to have abducted him. Also, no ransom was demanded from his parents.

“It is, therefore, a disheartening situation when one of the suspects arrested in connection with the matter was discovered to have withdrawn about N2 million (two million Naira) from Quadri’s bank account, but Nigeria police have not found enough evidence to pin the disappearance of Quadri on him.

“The Shepherd in charge of the Celestial Church very close to the location the LASU graduate was last seen, was also discovered to have received a huge sum of money transferred to him by the principal suspect. Further findings revealed that the Shepherd’s daughter also got money transferred from Quadri’s account.”

Akpabio Challenges Courts’ Jurisdiction In Natasha’s Suspension

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Godswill Akpabio - Senate President
Godswill Akpabio, Senate President.

By Akinwale Kasali

Godswill Akpabio, Senate President  has challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to hear the suit that was brought before it by the suspended lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The former Akwa Ibom State Governor through  his team of lawyers led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, queried the powers of the Court to meddle in the affairs of the Senate.

At the resumed proceeding in the matter on Monday, Ogunwumiju noted that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had yet to effect proper service of the court processes to enable him to file the necessary application to challenge its competence.

Aside from Senator Akpabio who was cited as the 3rd defendant in the matter, equally joined in the suit are: the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Michael Numa, SAN, maintained that all the parties were duly served. He drew the attention of the Court to affidavits of Service that are already in its record.

After going through the affidavits of service before court, Justice Obiora Egwatu confirmed that all the defendants were served.

Senator Akpabio’s prayed the court to grant a short adjournment for all the processes to be harmonised.

Justice Egwuata, however, adjourned the matter to March 25. He ordered the parties to file and exchange all the necessary processes before the date.

Fayemi, Aregbesola, Malami May Dump APC For SDP

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Kayode Fayemi and Rauf Aregbesola and Abubakar Malami

By Akinwale Kasali

Hours after former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, speculations are strong that former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, are planning to  pitch their tent with the Social Democratic Party, SDP.

It was also gathered that former Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Adamu and some aggrieved members (of APC) as well as some former Ministers who served during the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari are in talks to join the SDP.

The development is coming amidst talks of a coalition among opposition parties to present a common front capable of challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 election.

Some Opposition parties are reportedly planning on joining forces under an existing registered party.

However, if they are unable to agree on a shared platform within the party they intend to join, they will opt to align with the SDP instead, according to sources.

It would be recalled that the former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  Kola Ologbondiyan, has said merger talks from opposition politicians has been gaining success.

Ologbodiyan, who spoke on AIT Focus programme, on Monday, stated that the opposition politicians would come out with what would give Nigerians hope.

Ologbondiyan had stated that defeating the current government would be easy with what the opposition political leaders would be bringing out.

Court Jails Enugu Neuropsychiatric Hospital CMD, Director Correctional Centre, Over Disobedience of Court Order

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Court and Law

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The duo of Dr Ngozi Unaogu, the Acting Chief Medical Director, CMD, of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, and the Director, Clinical Services of the Nigeria Correctional Centre, will remain in jail until they purge themselves of contempt of Court, an Enugu High Court has ruled.

Justice Ngozi Orji in her verdict on Monday, March 10, 2025 ordered the two medical officials to be remanded until there is a complete compliance with the terms of the judgement delivered by Hon. Justice E.M. Egumgbe, in the matter between the hospital and one Afam Ndu, the suspended Principal of the School of Basic Psychiatric Nursing of the same hospital.

The Source reports that Justice Egumgbe had on December 10, 2021, while ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by Ndu granted a perpetual order restraining the Hospital Management  (respondent) from scrutinizing or subjecting to any verification exercise the credentials of the applicant ( Ndum) .

However, the trial Judge, Justice Orji, observed that both the Acting CMD and the Director of Clinical Services of the Nigeria Correctional Centre flouted the earlier restraining Court order.

According to the Court, the CMD, in flagrant disobedience of the subsisting Court order constituted a commit3tee which she, also, headed to verify the  applicant’s NYSC discharge certificate.

The CMD had claimed that the directive for the scrutinization of the certificate was from the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

But the Court in its ruling held that the constitution of the probe committee was in breach of the earlier restraining Court order as granted by Justice Egumgbe.

The Court consequently ordered the two public officials to be  remanded  in Custodial Centre until there is a total obedience of the restraining order as issued on December 10, 2021.

Osun: APC, PDP Differ On Gov Adeleke’s Fraud Allegation Against Oyetola

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gboyega Oyetola and Ademola Adeleke

By Ayodele Oni

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have disagree on the money laundering accusation against the immediate past go Ernie of the state, Adegboyega Oyetola.

While the APC see the accusation as being politically motivated, the PDP insisted that the present administration has done its homework before dragging the former governor to the antigraft agency.

Governor Ademola Adeleke had last week announced that his administration had petitioned the Economic, Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) after it uncovered some illegal dealings by his predecessor.

The APC dismissed the accusation of a $20 million fraud against former Governor Oyetola.

Reacting to the allegation, the APC’s Media Director in Osun, Kola Olabisi, described it as a politically motivated attack meant to damage Oyetola’s reputation.

He accused Adeleke of making the claims to cover up his own administration’s struggles, especially his inability to gain control over the state’s local government councils.

Olabisi alleged that after Adeleke’s attempt to take over the councils failed, he resorted to using fraud allegations as a way to discredit Oyetola.

Olabisi challenged Adeleke’s government to provide proof by revealing the names of contractors and contract award dates.

He also compared Oyetola’s transparency record to the current administration’s, noting that the former governor made details of over 100 contracts public, while Adeleke’s government had only published a few.

In response, the Osun State Government insisted that the petition to the EFCC was based on thorough investigations and had nothing to do with politics.

The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, stated that a Contract Review Committee had been set up in early 2023 to examine the previous government’s financial records.

According to him, the committee uncovered widespread corruption, financial mismanagement, and violations of due process under Oyetola’s administration.

He stressed that those involved should be prepared to defend themselves instead of trying to discredit the findings.

“Resign Within 48 hrs Or Be Impeached” – APC Threatens Governor Fubara

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Siminalayi Fubara
Governor Siminalayi Fubara

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

The festering political crisis rocking Rivers state ,on Monday March 10,2025 took a turn for the worse .

This follows the call on embattled Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the All Progressive Congress, APC, in the State to either resign within 48 hours, or be impeached.

At an interactive session with the Media at his residence, factional Chairman of the APC Chief Tony Okocha, towed  the path which  many had envisaged  since the Supreme Court judgment of February 28, 2025, which shockingly affirmed the 27 pro-Wike Lawmakers as  authentic members  of the State House of Assembly.

The Speaker Martin Amaewfule-led legislature, since mounting the saddle after the Supreme court ruling, has not pretended about its intentions to uproot Governor Fubara.

Since their first plenary post-Supreme court verdict on Monday March 3, 2025, the State Legislators have issued no fewer than three ultimatums to the Governor, his Commissioners, other political appointees, as well as the Chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC.

In one of the ultimatums, the Lawmakers  demanded the Governor to represent the 2025 appropriation bill within 48 hours.

But an attempt by Governor Fubara to engage the combative Legislators on the modalities for the representation process was on Monday  rebuffed by the Lawmakers who cited abnormal communication as a major reason.

Instructively, the factional APC Chairman’s outburst, came on the very day the meeting between the Governor and the House Members was scheduled.

According to Okocha, Governor Fubara has already committed many impeachable offences as has been affirmed by the country’s apex court in its verdict.

The APC Chairman noted that there is no longer the need for the observance of constitutional demands in impeaching the Governor, as according to him, the Supreme Court has already established all the grounds for an impeachment.

“The Supreme Court has already exposed those allegations against the Governor.

“There are two options left for Sir Siminalayi Fubara. He should either resign honourably or face impeachment”, Okocha stated.

The Source reports that in its ruling, the Supreme court apart from recognizing the defected 27 law makers as authentic members of the House, also, criticized Governor Fubara for taking some steps to paralyze the Legislative arm of Government in the State.

The court likened some of the measures he took to those that were carried out during Military Regimes in undermining the Legislature as an arm of Government.

APC Treated Me With ‘Contempt’ After Helping Them Win, El Rufai Says After Dumping Party

By
James Orji
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Nasir El-Rufai
Nasir El-Rufai

A former Governor of kaduna state has stated the reason for leaving the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. He said the party treated him shabbily despite the fact that he played a major role in the party’s ascension to power three consecutive times at the national level.

The former Minister of the FCT made this remark in a statement on Monday, few hours after he announced his departure from the party, thus bringing an end to moths of speculations about his future in the party he played a major role as one of the founding leaders.

The magazine reported that the former governor had for months been at logger heads with his party after he failed to scale the Senate ministerial hurdles in 2023, amid suggestions that he was planning to dump it, his recent comment that he no longer believe in the party had also fueled rumour that his days were already numbered in the APC.

On  Monday, El Rufai did not prove critics wrong as he finally joined the Social Democratic Party, SDP. He said he had sent his resignation letter to his ward in Kaduna that he’s no longer a member of the APC. His resignation from APC, he said, is effective today, March 10, 2025.

Citing why he left, the former minister said he was not treated with respect by the party after he played a critical role in the party’s presidential win in 2015, 2029 and 2023, saying he had no choice to seek validation in another party.

He stressed his first task as a member of the opposition is to unite other key leaders in the opposition to wrest power from the APC in 2027

“Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and unite under a single democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027, by the Grace of God,” he said.

He added, “I, therefore, call on all our supporters and concerned Nigerians to join us in the SDP as we work towards making Nigeria a beacon of pride for Africans and the Black Race.”

He slammed the APC for the shabby treatment that was meted out to him despite being instrumental to its success in three successive elections, a development that left him disappointed but was no longer ‘acceptable’ to him.

According to him, “Founders naturally feel attached to institutions they helped build, but pragmatism demands recognition when differences become irreconcilable. I have diligently served the APC and contributed to its growth, but the party has since deviated, leaving me stuck in the vision of its well-meaning founders.

“As a loyal party member, I worked to secure the APC’s victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023. My tenure as governor of Kaduna State focused on progressive policies in education, healthcare, infrastructure, job creation, and investment promotion. However, in the last two years, the APC has sidelined its structures and treated its members with contempt. This is no longer acceptable.”

The magazine reported that the former governor met with former vice president Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 presidential candidate of the PDP whose future in the party have also been rumoured not to be certain.

But Abubakar said at the weekend that he remained a member of the PDP dismissing he plan to dump the party.

How Ondo Medical Doctor Died Of Lassa Fever

By
Ayodele Oni
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Dr Jide Idris
Director-General, NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is tracking some passengers that boarded a plane with a medical doctor from the United Kingdom. The Doctor, on return,  later died of  Lassa fever.

NCDC has confirmed that   31-year-old doctor died of  Lassa fever.

In a public advisory issued on Monday, the NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris said the doctor, who worked at a private health facility in Ondo State, had recently traveled to the United Kingdom, (UK) and returned home before succumbing to the illness.

‘’The patient departed Nigeria 19/02/2025 and returned 27/02/2025. Samples were taken late on Friday, 28/02/2025 on a suspicion of Lassa fever, but the patient unfortunately passed away in the early hours of Saturday, 01/03/2025.

“The laboratory investigation returned result was Lassa Fever positive on PCR on Tuesday 04/03/2025. The patient was said to have visited his fiancée in Edo state, as well as family and friends before travelling.”

Dr Idris stated that authorities are now tracking people who were in contact with him, including passengers on his flight, in order to prevent further spread of the disease.

Providing the latest statistics on Lassa Fever, the NCDC Director-General, reports that 535 cases of Lassa fever have been confirmed out of 2,728 suspected cases this year, resulting in 98 deaths.

Most cases are found in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states.

Dr. Idris advises the public to keep the environment clean, store food in sealed containers, cover dustbins, and block holes in their house to prevent rats from entering.

He also emphasized that people should avoid drying food in open spaces where rats can contaminate it, wash their hands regularly and keep good hygiene to help reduce the risk.

The NCDC officer urged those who experience symptoms such as fever, sore throat, or unusual bleeding to seek medical attention immediately, instead of self-medicating.

“Suspected cases should be reported via the NCDC toll-free number (6232) or the state health hotline.”

Dr Idris also reminded healthcare workers to follow safety protocols to prevent infections,  warning citizens about the dangers of living in rat-infested areas or handling food carelessly.

Lassa fever, caused by the Lassa virus, spreads through contact with infected rats or through body fluids of infected individuals.

Early detection and treatment significantly improve survival rates, even though initial symptoms may mimic malaria.

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