₦airaland Forum

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the government and people of Liberia following the successful conduct of the Liberian presidential election.

The President, who spoke through his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, on Saturday morning, congratulated the President-elect Joseph Boakai.

He enjoined Boakai to unite the country and build on the popular support expressed through the ballot box to deliver good governance to the people of Liberia.

He also lauded the outgoing President, George Weah, for demonstrating uncommon leadership by conceding the election and averting any form of socio-political crisis.

He said Weah’s great act of democratic sportsmanship is exemplary, particularly at this time in West Africa, when democracy is under attack by malign actors who are bent on subverting the will of the people.

“I commend President George Weah for his sterling example, undiluted patriotism, and statesmanship. He has defied the stereotype that peaceful transitions of power are untenable in West Africa. He has demonstrated that the outcome of elections in the sub-region need not become the propellant of violence and unrest and that the will of the people must always be respected,” Tinubu said.

He equally thanked the people of Liberia for peacefully exercising their rights and implored them to remain steadfast in the furtherance of peace and democracy.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Friday presented a Certificate of Return to Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State.

The certificate was presented to Uzodinma in Owerri, Imo State, by INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state.

INEC had declared Uzodinma the winner of Saturday’s off-cycle governorship election in the state after polling the highest number of votes.

The re-elected governor defeated his counterpart from the Labour Party, Athan Achonu and Samuel Anyanwu of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Court activities have resumed fully in the Osun Magistrates’ and High Courts premises, after the two-day nationwide strike by the organised labour.

On Thursday, .ng observed judiciary workers going about their official businesses, with lawyers and litigants driving inside the court premises at Oke-Fia, Osogbo.

Also, some courtrooms were opened with Court Clerks sitting and waiting for Judges and Magistrates for the day’s proceedings.

Jimmy Jones, a legal practitioner, said the organised labour had done well in calling off the strike.

Jones called for more dialogue between the Federal Government and organised labour to have a clear goal for the betterment of Nigerian workers and citizens at large.

He said the strike has shown that organised labour can not be taken for granted despite the harassment and inhumane gesture which the President of the NLC, Joe Ajearo encountered in Imo State.

“I believe what has happened shows that no politician, political thugs or self-sponsored individuals can take organised labour for granted.

“Ajaero is the head of all workers in the country fighting for their rights. Also, attacking him is attacking the entire workers,” Jones said.

He also urged the government at all levels to ensure that such a situation never happens again, especially when the organised labour stages any protests in the country.

Also, Adegbemisola Ajayi, another legal practitioner, called for a thorough investigation into Joe Ajaero’s assault to ensure that those arrested were prosecuted and jailed.

Ajayi said every Nigerian has the fundamental right to protest in accordance with the stipulated laws without any breach of public peace.

She called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to ensure that the agreement reached with the organised labour was abided by to prevent future recurrence.

The labour unions on Monday evening directed their members and affiliates to withdraw their services starting from Tuesday, a move the government termed illegal.

Commercial activities have bounced back in the state especially Osogbo, the state capital with workers going to their various places of work.

Former Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Benjamin Dikki, told an FCT High Court on Tuesday that EFCC operatives forced him to make a commitment to refund N1 billion.

Dikki is being prosecuted by EFCC, alongside his company, Kebna Studio and Communications Limited, before Justice Yusuf Halilu.

He was dragged to court on a four-count charge bordering on receiving a bribe and abuse of office.

He was alleged to have received N1 billion bribe from Bestworth Insurance Brokers, for his role in facilitating the approval of outstanding insurance premiums and claims of deceased and incapacitated staff of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

The defendants were alleged to have committed the offence, which EFCC stated, was contrary to Section 17(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and punishable under the same act, between Jan. and Feb. 2015, when he was serving as BPE DG.

Dikki told the court that he was informed on Aug. 29, 2016, by an EFCC operative from Zuru that the commission had been looking for him and had gone to arrest his wife and son.

He said this surprised him because he did not receive any invitations from the anti-graft agency.

“I agreed to appear at the EFCC office on Sept. 1, 2016. On arrival at the commission, I was taken to the team leader, one Bashir.

“Bashir told me that the commission had finished its investigation and that there was nothing to say, other than to write a statement that I would refund the N1 billion paid into the account of Kebna Studio.

“I told him I that cannot make such a commitment and he said I was wasting their time,” he told the court.

He said that in spite of the fact that he told the officer that he could not make such a commitment, the operatives insisted and later took him to the commission’s cell. He added that he was detained in the cell from 6 pm to 7:40 pm.

Dikki said he was neither with his lawyer, Ali Suberu when he was made to write his statements nor advised to get any lawyer before writing the statements.

He further told the court that: “On Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016, Bashir came into the cell and told me that I was the one detaining myself because I was blowing long grammar and that once I commit to refund, I would be released.”

He said for the sake of his freedom, he made arrangements for a N50 million payment to be made to EFCC, adding that the money came late on Monday, Sept. 5, 2016, and it was after that that he was released the following day.

Under cross-examination by EFCC counsel Chris Mshellia, Dikki told the court that he was not arrested by the EFCC.

According to him, he wrote statements after being cautioned that anything he wrote would be used against him in court.

“I had no option but to write the statements. The operatives tried to dictate what I should write in my statement. I was harassed and tortured, psychologically by the operatives,” he said.

After his testimony, Justice Halilu adjourned until Jan. 16, 2024, for adoption of processes in the trial-within-trial.

President Bola Tinubu says he is committed to changing the narrative of Nigeria for the benefit of all Nigerians.

He stated this while briefing newsmen at the end of rituals for the performance of the lesser Hajj, Umrah, on Sunday in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Tinubu said his administration was determined to change the narrative through various reforms, programmes and policies that would ultimately benefit the citizens.

‘’The prospect of the country is yet to blossom to the level that we require. It needs hard work and consistent prayers by each and every one of us. We are committed to using our strength to bring out this potential for the benefit of all Nigerians.

‘’That’s why we are here, and May Allah accept all our prayers, individually and collectively, for the good of the nation and its people. There is a need for me to thank God for what He has done for me.

‘’For His guidance; His blessings and His answers to my prayers and the country’s prayers and for the good of all humanity. I have to give thanks to God at every opportunity,’’ NAN quoted him as saying.

The D-day is here as residents of Kogi State file out to elect a brand new governor.

No doubt, the election, according to political pundits, is the most scary in the history of Kogi State because of its ethnic colouration.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) had stated that 1,833,160 voters in Kogi State are going to the polls.

The election is filled with surprises as the political situation makes it so hard to predict the outcome.

The unusual turn of events that led to the victory of opposition candidates during the February 2023 election makes it so difficult to predict.

Although the major contenders have their strongholds where they are expected to pull a lot of votes, there is a possibility that there might still be unforeseen circumstances that would lead to them to not having bulk votes away from their strongholds.

Before 2016, when Governor Yahaya Bello was sworn in as the fourth democratically elected Governor of Kogi State, power had been in the hands of the Kogi East.

First it was Late Prince Abubakar Audu, (1992-1993, 1999-2003), second, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris Ibro, (2003-2011) and lastly Capt. Idris Ichala Wada, (2011-2015.

This escalated the drive for power shift from the other ethnic groups who over the years cried of marginalization by a section of the State.

The emergence of Alhaji Yahaya Bello as Governor of Kogi State shortly after the demise of Prince Abubakar Audu brought sign of relief as other ethnic groups (Kogi West) had envisaged that it will be their turn after eight years of the current administration.

However, in all of these, some observers have accused Governor Bello of promoting a third term agenda by backing his kinsman, Ahmed Usman Ododo, the APC Governorship candidate to succeed him.

Recently at the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, campaign grand finale, the Governorship Candidate, Senator Dino Melaye called on the people of Kogi to join hands with him to stop the alleged third term ambition of the current administration.

Melaye contended that Governor Bello was secretly seeking a third term in office, circumventing legal and constitutional constraints by positioning himself behind the APC governorship candidate, Ahmed Ododo.

According to Melaye, Governor Bello, unable to run for a third consecutive term himself, is orchestrating the political charade to ensure his continued influence and control over the state.

Melaye went on to emphasize that should Ododo win the election, he would essentially serve as a figurehead, with Governor Bello effectively pulling the strings behind the scenes.

“Don’t be deceived that Yahaya Bello is not on the ballot. Ododo is physically on the ballot but Yahaya Bello is the one seeking a third term through a proxy,” he said.

Senator Melaye insisted that his track record in Kogi State will usher him to Lugard house on 27t January 2023.

“This election is a work over for PDP because of maladministration, poverty, non-payment of salaries and gratuity; promotion is not being backed by cash and many more. The people of Kogi State are not happy as they are looking for a messiah that will save them from captivity.

“Dino Melaye and Habiba are saying here we are, send us. I want to advise especially our local government chairmen, you have all become evangelists and Imam to encourage our people to come out and vote.

“Our people are afraid because APC has sold fear in the mind of the people. I am telling you that as Dino Melaye, I am not afraid of Yahaya Bello or the APC,” he said.

There is no doubt that the former Kogi lawmaker will gain sympathy vote from his kinsmen in Kogi West who wants to taste the seat of power for the first time in their history, but he has the likes of Olayinka Braimoh of Action Alliance, (AA), serving house of representatives member, Leke Abejide of Action Democratic Congress (ADC) to contend with.

Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party, SDP, candidate, Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, also a major contender in the Governorship race, has openly accused the present administration of promoting ethnic agenda.

While the Government has debunked the claim, saying it is baseless and unfounded, Ajaka believes his popularity will work for him at the ballot, insisting that Governor Bello has failed Kogi State.

Situation calm in Kogi State

The situation in Kogi State is very calm ahead of today’s election. .ng observed that there is presence of security agents across the nooks and crannies of the State.

A police helicopter with registration number 5N-GEJ is still hovering over the state capital and its environs.

President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero, has said that operatives of the Nigerian Police Force asked him to say his last prayers during the period he was taken into custody in Owerri, Imo State capital.

Operatives of the Police Force reportedly brutalized the NLC President on Wednesday last week, when he led workers to protest over unpaid salaries in Imo State.

.ng recalls that the NLC and the Trade Union Congress had declared a nationwide strike following the incident.

The Presidency on Thursday accused Ajaero of playing partisan politics in Imo State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

The Presidency faulted Ajaero’s claim of fighting for workers in the state.

But the NLC President, while addressing the press in Abuja on Friday, said, “Police said I should say my last prayers.”

The family of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has accused the Department of State Services, DSS, of barring him from visitors.

Kanu’s brother, Emmanuel Kanu, claimed that the DSS denied the IPOB leader access to visitors to prevent them from knowing the current status of “his deteriorating health condition”.

The IPOB leader has been languishing in DSS custody in Abuja despite courts ordering his release.

DSS had locked up the IPOB leader following his rearrest in Kenya and subsequent extraordinary rendition to Nigeria in June 2021.

Following his return, an Abuja Federal High Court had ordered the secret police to allow the Biafra agitator access to family members and lawyers twice a week.

However, Emmanuel lamented that the secret police has refused to allow Kanu access to visitors.

According to Emmanuel, the action of the DSS was suspicious.

“DSS is stopping my brother’s visitors from seeing him, which is another flagrant disregard of a subsisting court order and their effort to conceal my brother’s deteriorating health condition.

“For me, DSS has become a private security company where the authority manages it as his personal family business. I’m yet to know why my brother is still currently in detention against

The Federal Government has finalised plans to commence the reconstruction of the collapsed bridge at New Artisan, along the Enugu Port Harcourt dual carriageway, beginning with palliative works on the standing bridge on one lane.

It promised to ensure the bridge is ready for use within the next 10 days.

This was made known by the Governor of Enugu State, Barr Peter Mbah, and the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, during a pre-reconstruction visit to the site on Wednesday.

Speaking to newsmen, Governor Mbah appreciated the Minister and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their prompt response to alleviate the hardship the collapsed bridge had caused road users.

“First of all, let me start by thanking Mr. President and the Honourable Minister of Works for the interest and the speed at which they have attended to this challenge that is before us.

“As we know, the Minister was also here with us to inspect and to identify areas of quick intervention the last time we came here; and I am happy now to announce to you that the Minister has come here to inform us again that work is going to commence here tomorrow (Friday).

“So, there is going to be the repair of the existing lane, and hopefully, within the next 10 days, our people should be able to use one of the lanes. Then effectively around the middle of next month, the full work on the bridges on both lanes would commence”, he said.

Also, fielding questions from newsmen, the Minister of Works, described Mbah as a productive leader who had remained focused and applied pressure to ensure that the challenge was addressed immediately.

Umahi said: “Let me thank the governor of Enugu State, a very productive man, and to congratulate him for success over the numerous distractions, even though he has refused to be distracted.

“So, because of his strength and his commitment to the people that he is leading, we have to follow. It is good leadership, and we have promised him that this week, we are going to do palliative work on this existing or standing bridge. We will also start reconstruction of the collapsed bridge courtesy of Mr. President.

“Also, graciously, Mr. President has, through the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Act, released some money that we can use to start the rebuilding of these two bridges and the other bridge by the Pipeline Products Marketing Company (PPMC) deport at Emene as well as a flyover by that location.

“I know the governor is very eager to build that federal road, being the Enugu-Abakaliki Road. He has concluded the design and is going to start in earnest. But, while he is doing that, we will be doing the flyover at the depot (Eke Emene) to complement it. Therefore, it is a partnership, and it is a healthy one”.

He commended the governor for placing service to the people above partisan politics and for refusing to be distracted by the opposition in the state.

“He has been on me over this road, insisting I must come to ensure that work commences as promised. It shows that leadership is commitment to the people of Enugu State and the entire Nigeria. So, the chain is as strong as its weakest link.

“I also want to thank the governor because he is not doing party; a party is just a vehicle to get to where we are going, and we have all gotten to where we are going. So, it is now time for leadership and time to work for the people. That is why Mr. President said we must come, and in the next 10 days, I am sure that we will reinforce the standing bridge on one lane, and we will start to use it”, the Minister concluded.

The chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. John Joseph Hayab, has disclosed that a ransom of N250 million was paid to secure the release of 121 students of Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna who were kidnapped by bandits in July 2021.

Rev. Hayab made this revelation during a courtesy visit to Governor Uba Sani in Kaduna. He also clarified that Treasure Ayuba, the last Bethel student who escaped from captivity about a week ago, did not willingly choose to remain with the kidnappers, as claimed in some quarters.

The CAN chairman stated that efforts were made to secure Treasure’s release, including sending ransom money to the kidnappers on two occasions, adding that the total sum paid to finally secure their release amounted to N250 million.

“Today, we gather here with mixed feelings—relief, joy, and gratitude. We are here to welcome back Treasure Ayuba, the last of the students of Bethel Baptist High School, Kaduna, who [were] marched out while in their sleep in the school hostel and kidnapped on the night of July 5, 2021, by bandits,” Rev. Hayab stated.

He explained the challenges faced by Treasure’s family, relatives, and well-wishers in securing his release and the subsequent abductions that occurred when ransom money was delivered.

Reacting, Governor Uba Sani assured Treasure Ayuba of the state government’s support and revealed that measures are being taken to enhance the safety of students in schools across the state.

Uba Sani said the establishment of security committees in schools, the deployment of the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVIS), and the securing of school premises by building fences are some of the steps to ensure the safety of students and improve the learning environment.

“We have taken steps to safeguard our schools and ensure that our schoolchildren have their education in a conducive atmosphere. We will set up security committees in all schools, ensure the deployment of KADVIS (Kaduna Vigilance Service) to all our schools, and secure our schools by building fences around the school, among other measures,” he said.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has commiserated with his Anambra State counterpart, Governor Charles Soludo, on the death of his father, Pa Simeon Soludo, aged 92.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile, on Monday, said that Pa Soludo lived a fulfilled life.

He urged Governor Soludo, the deceased family, friends and associates, as well as indigenes of Umueze, Isuofia community and the people of Anambra to immortalise the good name of the late nonagenarian.

“On behalf of the good people of Lagos State and my adorable wife, Ibijoke, I sympathise with my colleague, Governor Charles Soludo, on the demise of his beloved father, Pa Simeon Nwankwo Soludo.

“I also send my heartfelt condolences to the entire Soludo family and the people of Anambra State over the death of the governor’s father.

“The elderly and wise counsel of Pa Soludo would be sorely missed, not only by his family but the entire people of Umueze, Isuofia community and the entire people of Anambra State.

“I pray God will grant Pa Simeon Nwankwo Soludo eternal rest and grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has re-amended its list of candidates for Bayelsa State governorship election coming up on Saturday.

The electoral umpire in the amended list restored the name of Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which was earlier removed following a court order.

The development was contained in a document signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony and published on INEC’s website on Monday.

Oriaran-Anthony explained that the release of the list “Amendment No 2” in which the names of Sylva and his ruining mate, Joshua Maciver, were re-added, was in obedience to the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

.ng recalls that INEC had on Tuesday, October 24, uploaded an amendment list on its website and omitted the names of Sylva and his running mate in obedience to order of a Federal High Court.

Oriaran-Anthony recalled that the final list of candidates for the 2023 Bayelsa Governorship Election was amended on October 16.

This, according to her, is pursuant to the Order of the Federal High Court in Suit No-FHC/ABJ/CS/821/2023 in respect of the nomination of the APC candidate.

Oriaran-Anthony added that “The Court of Appeal, in a judgement delivered on October 31, 2023, in appeal No-CA/ABJ/CV/1060/2023 set aside the judgement of the lower court cited above”.

The decision of the Appeal Court led to the restoration of the names of the APC candidate and his running mate.

The Labour Party has thrown its weight behind calls by the Nigeria Labour Congress to redeploy the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Stephen Olarewaju.

The party, in a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, was reacting to the alleged attack on the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero in the state.

.ng recalls that Ajaero, who was in Owerri on Wednesday to mobilize workers for a protest over unpaid salaries in Imo State, was allegedly kidnapped by the police and brutalized.

The leadership of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC had on Friday, issued a 5-day ultimatum to the federal government to remove the police boss over his alleged involvement in the attack.

The Labour Party, while reacting to the attack on Ajaero, said the police structure in Imo State must be rejigged.

The statement reads partly, “On that note, the Labour Party is aligning with the leadership of NLC and TUC to demand the immediate removal of the Commissioner of Police, Imo State, the Area Commander, and other officials who are believed to be involved in the mistreatment and degradation of Comrade Ajaero and fellow workers.

“The Labour Party had a few months ago petitioned the Chairman Police Service Commission on the continued stay in office and discharge of duties of the present Commissioner of Police in Imo state who once held sway of the Adamawa State Police Command. Even against the directive of the Commission that the CP be redeployed immediately, he has blatantly disregarded the order.

“We are using this medium to call on the Police hierarchy to immediately rejig the entire police structure in Imo state. Their role in the attack on Labour Union leaders was done in bad faith and unmistakable evidence that someone is clearly blowing the trumpet they are dancing”.

The appeal court sitting in Abuja has affirmed the ruling of the lower court that declared the 2023 election in the Birnin Kudu/Buji federal constituency of Jigawa State inconclusive.

Delivering the judgment, the Chairman of the Appeal Court, Justice Ogochuku Anthony Ogakwu, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a bye-election at eight polling units within 30 days.

The court gave the order in an appeal filed by Adamu Yakubu, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate who was declared winner of the election by INEC.

Adamu Yakubu filed the case before the Appeal Court, challenging the ruling of the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Dutse, Jigawa State, which declared the result of the 2023 election of Birnin Kudu/Buji Federal Constituency inconclusive.

The earlier petition filed before the Tribunal by Magaji Dau Aliyu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, challenged the victory of Adamu Yakubu of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who was declared the winner by the Independent Electoral Commission, IINEC.

In its earlier judgement, the tribunal under the chairmanship of Justice A. Okeke said that INEC did not comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, and the manual for Election officials for the 2023 election in conducting the election and declaring the result of some polling units.

By the ruling of the Appeal Court, INEC is now mandated to organize a bye-election at the affected polling Units of Birnin Kudu/Buji federal constituency.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Nyesom Wike has vowed not to back down in the ongoing power tussle with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

.ng recalls that Fubara who fell out with Wike, his predecessor, is being impeached by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Speaker of the Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, who is an ally of Wike, and some other members of the House, had commenced impeachment proceedings against the governor.

Wike’s allies had suspended the Majority Leader of the House, Ehie Edison, who is believed to be Fubara’s loyalist.

Speaking after the governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, met over the crisis in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike insisted that the fight would continue even if heaven falls.

Wike said, “You know I will not agree. If heaven will come down, let heaven come down so that everybody will be at rest.

“Anybody who knows me knows too well: what I’ll never take is threat. You know I will not agree. If heaven will come down, let heaven come down so that everybody will be at rest.

“Let’s do things right. He said they should bring N20 billion every month; that’s politics. But nobody said this when I was fighting. If you like, accuse me.”

This is coming despite reports that President Bola Tinubu has resolved the crisis.

The planned impeachment has caused chaos in the state as party supporters have continued to stage protests in Port-Harcourt, the capital city.

A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently sack the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for allegedly masterminding a plot to impeach the Governor of Rivers State, Siminilaye Fubara.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Frank condemned the action of the police in tear-gassing and pouring water on Fubara.

He, therefore, called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to urgently remove the Commissioner of Police in Rivers over the partisan action of his men against the elected Governor of the State.

Frank said: “Already Wike has started demolishing houses and revoking ownership of landed property in Abuja to anger Nigerians, cause Tinubu to be hated and portray the APC’s administration as wicked and anti-people.

“By the time Tinubu will realize it, it will be too late because Wike would have destroyed his government to make way for him to contest the post of President in 2027.

“All Wike is after is governance, he has started preparation for 2027 presidency. So he’s very desperate and he will do everything to please Tinubu but at the same time he is going to destroy the government if they do not call him to order.”

Frank insisted that Wike’s sack has become necessary to stop him from bringing Tinubu’s government into disrepute and destroying the APC.

He added: “If Wike loves Tinubu and believes in his administration, let him officially join the APC and become a card-carrying member of the party. But he has refused to do so because he wants to destroy the APC to enable him contest for presidency in 2027 using the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He has refused to defect to APC because of his evil agenda.

“Tinubu and APC should not only be wary but should urgently call on Wike to stop this madness in Rivers State, otherwise, it will backfire.

“Wike campaigned for Fubara and claimed he was the best among all the other candidates for the governorship election. But suddenly, Fubara is now his enemy because Fubara is no longer taking directives from him being a dictator who is after Rivers’ money.”

He also called on governors across party lines to rally support for their Rivers State counterpart in his bid to end Wike’s dictatorship and God-fatherism in Rivers State.

“If they allow Wike to succeed, to use federal might to illegally remove Fubara as governor, at the end of the day, sitting governors will become vegetables like local government chairmen in states because former governors who worked for their emergence as governors, will borrow a leaf of illegality from Wike to hound them out of office whenever they fail to do their bidding. So, it’s not all about the Rivers’ governor,” he added.

He called on Fubara to remain resolute and dogged in pushing back the evil machinations of Wike. He said he believed that at the end of the day light would triumph over darkness.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed a top prosecutor for the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Oyedepo, and six others as new aides.

The new appointees have been deployed to the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja.

They are meant to function under the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.

The new appointees include:

1. Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Assistant to the President on Communication and Publicity

2. Hussein Oloyede, Special Assistant on Arbitration, Drafting and Regulations

3. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Special Assistant on Financial Crimes and Public Prosecution Compliance.

3. Monsurat Gafar, Special Assistant on Coordination and Intergovernmental Agency Relations

4. Marcus-Obiene Fernández, Special Assistant on Justice Sector Reforms And Ict/Digital and Innovative Technology

5. Ahmed Wada, Special Assistant on Special Duties

6. Tolu Obamuroh, Technical Adviser on Oil and Gas, Arbitration and International Disputes.

The National Chairman of Labour Party, LP, Julius Abure, has lamented that the last presidential election has shown Nigeria is sliding towards dictatorship.

Abure made the remark while accusing the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government of attempting to suppress its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

He noted that the verdict of the Supreme Court regarding the presidential election has shown that the executive has hijacked the judiciary and legislature.

He stressed that Nigerians have thrown away the lessons of their forefathers within a short space of time.

A statement by Abure reads partly: “However, there are great lessons to be learnt. What transpired in Nigeria since the February 25 presidential election is a clear testament that our institutions are not working and that we may be sliding towards dictatorship. It is very clear that the executive has hijacked both the judiciary and the legislature. This is so unfortunate for our democracy, and it is even more for the people of Nigeria.

“All what our forebearers taught us has been destroyed within a short space of time because of the Unbridled ambition of a few. The founding fathers fought with their lives to achieve independence for the country. People lost their lives for the struggle to keep our democracy and all these years people have been struggling to achieve electoral and constitutional reforms. Regrettably, all of these efforts and struggles have been destroyed today.

“It is also pertinent to put on record that we have it on very good authority that the government may have marked some Labour Party’s key leaders, myself especially and our Leader and Presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi in particular for vilification, in order to suppress the party, suffocate our team, and our goal of a new Nigeria. The planned persecution, intimidation, suppression and harassment of our leaders using security agencies and all other government institutions will be definitely defended.”

Abure urged LP’s members and the Obidient family to be vigilant and brace up for the challenges ahead, stressing that the struggle for a New Nigeria will certainly be tortuous and hard.