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  • Battle rages over Anyanwu in PDP

    Battle rages over Anyanwu in PDP

    • NWC, governors’ forum split over national secretary

    The division in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has further deepened.

    The party is now split down the line in the National Working Committee (NWC) and in its Governors’ Forum.

    At the centre of this is the position of national secretary.

    Besides, there is uncertainty over the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting billed for Monday.

    Two developments yesterday exposed the underbelly of the PDP crisis.

    Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, announced that Senator Samuel Anyanwu had been reinstated as the National Secretary.

    He also said Monday’s NEC meeting had been put off.

    But another group of leaders, comprising Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja and other key members of the NWC, repudiated the position expressed by Damagum.

    Damagum’s statement followed the advice by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the main opposition party to follow the guidelines on the issuance of the notice for the NEC meeting.

    Eleven of the 19-member NWC, led by Arapaja, denounced the decision, saying that it contradicted the resolution of the 99th NEC that the Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, should act as Secretary.

    Also, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, chided Damagum for waiting for directives from the electoral commission before implementing the Supreme Court judgment that affirmed Anyanwu as secretary.

    READ ALSO: Why is Nasir El-Rufai so desperate?

    Wike, who spoke in Abuja during the inauguration of some projects, said the issue of reinstating Anyanwu did not arise because the secretary was not an appointee of the Chairman, but a party officer who has been working since his election.

    ‘Why Anyanwu was reinstated’

    Explaining the reason for reinstating Anyanwu, the chairman said it was the outcome of the meeting between the party leadership and INEC.

    Damagum, who spoke with reporters at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, said: “After due consultation and everything, we thought it’s a bitter pill and we have to swallow it.”

    He said the party had no option but to ask Anyanwu to return to his office, adding that the observation by the electoral agency cannot be dismissed with a wave of the hand.

    With Damagum at the news conference were the chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed; Chairman of PDP National Assembly Caucus, Senator Abba Moro; House of Representatives Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda; Chairman of PDP Strategy Committee, Senator Bukola Saraki; former governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson, and some members of the NWC.

    Damagum also explained that the PDP/INEC meeting necessitated the postponement of the NEC meeting.

    He said: “We met with some of our governors, the Governors Forum, members of the Board of Trustees and the PDP Caucus in the National Assembly.

    “Today (yesterday), I convened a critical meeting of the PDP NWC, though at short notice. We had an extensive meeting, and critical issues were discussed. We know where our problem is.

    “INEC is our regulator and they have told us their position as it is; as it affects the issue surrounding the National Secretary.

    “We are all aware that the National Secretary is a signatory of this party; it is a critical position that he holds.

    “As such, we have decided to abide by the advice they gave us, especially as we have a very, very important election before us, that is, the FCT local government election, and we are running out of time.

    “So, we have no option but to abide by the decision.”

    Damagum urged the party faithful to show understanding about the difficult yet important decision.

    He added: “The survival of the party is more than all of us, more than everything that you feel that you know and yearn for so.

    “I want to use this opportunity to tell you that we will do the right thing, and it is the decision of most members of this party, led by the organs of the party.

    “The leaders of the organs of the party will have an expanded caucus so that we can discuss extensively the way forward. That would be on the 30th, and we will issue the notice as there is not going to be NEC, but an expanded caucus.

    “INEC told us that they do not have any notice of a NEC meeting from us because I was the only person who signed, and we have not followed the guidelines.

    “So, the expanded caucus meeting will make a decision for NEC as well as all critical issues brought before us and leading to our national convention.

    “Now,  Anyanwu will resume as the National Secretary. I think that’s the most important thing.”

    Wike: Anyanwu has always been secretary

    Wike said it was erroneous for the chairman to announce a reinstatement, stressing that Anyanwu never vacated the office of secretary.

    He said: “I heard it when the acting national chairman of PDP was directing the National Secretary to resume.

    “The National Secretary is not your appointee. The National Secretary has been doing his work. So, you can’t call him to resume.

    “The National Secretary has been working and will continue to work. He doesn’t require anybody to direct him to resume work.

    “If it’s because of your ignorance of the law, too bad. The law does not recognise ignorance. That you’re ignorant of the law is not an excuse.

    “I feel so bad when people can now move to INEC, for INEC to direct them to obey the Supreme Court judgment, it’s most unfortunate.”

    Wike urged Damagum to seek guidance instead of acting out of ego or relying solely on allocations, adding that money is not the solution to every problem.

    He said: “I will not be a party of those who will shoot themselves. When you don’t know something, ask the right person. Not because of ego, not because of oh, I’m receiving a monthly allocation. Money does not solve all the problems.

    “There’s nothing you can do about it. If you want to learn, come and meet us, we will teach you how to go about it.”

    Damgum led some governors and other leaders of the party to a meeting with INEC chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu on Tuesday.

    Prof. Yakubu advised the PDP chieftains who wanted him to guide the opposition party on who is their National Secretary, to take a decision based on the Supreme Court judgment.

    He said it was for the party to decide and not the electoral agency.

    Thereafter, Damagum promised to meet with party stakeholders to take a stance.

    It was learnt that party stakeholders met all through Tuesday night, where they agreed to allow Anyanwu to continue in office.

    NWC divided over reinstatement

    According to the 11 NWC members who opposed Anyanwu’s reinstatement, the chairman took the decision without recourse to Section 31[3] of the PDP Constitution.

    The aggrieved party officers also insisted in a statement that the PDP NEC meeting would be held on June 30.

    “The attention of the NWC of the PDP has been drawn to a press briefing by Ambassador Damagum, wherein he attempted to overturn the resolution of the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which scheduled the 100th NEC meeting for Monday, 30th June 2025.

    “The Acting National Chairman also reportedly announced that Senator Samuel Anyanwu has been asked to resume as National Secretary of the party, contrary to the resolution of the 99th NEC meeting, which referred all matters relating to the office of the National Secretary to 100th NEC meeting.

    “The pronouncements by the Acting National Chairman have no foundation as no organ of the party (including the NWC), individual or group has the power to cancel, overrule, veto or vary the resolution of the NEC under the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the NEC is the highest decision-making organ of the party, second only to the National Convention.

    “By virtue of Section 31 (3) of the PDP Constitution, the resolution of the NEC to hold its 100th meeting on Monday 30th June, 2025 is binding on all organs, officers, chapters and members of the party and no organ, group or individual can vary or veto this resolution of NEC.

    “Furthermore, the claim by Amb. Damagum that Sen. Anyanwu has been asked to resume office as the National Secretary of the party is therefore misleading, being contrary to the resolution of NEC.

    “In the light of the foregoing, the 100th NEC meeting as scheduled for Monday, 30th June, 2025 has not been cancelled or postponed. “

    Signatories to the statement are: Arapaja;  Koshoedo (Deputy National Secretary), Ahmed Yayari Mohammed (National Treasurer), Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel (National Auditor), Debo Ologunagba (National Publicity Secretary), Woyengikuro Daniel (National Financial Secretary), Chief Ali Odefa (National Vice Chairman (Southeast),  Emmanuel Ogidi (Caretaker Committee Chairman (Southsouth), Mrs. Amina Darasimi D. Bryhm (National Woman Leader),  Senator Hayatu Bello Gwarzo and Ajisafe Kamoru Toyese (National Vice Chairman (Southwest).

    The statement indicates a division, not just in the NWC but also in the PDP Governors’ Forum.

    Arapaja is a known supporter of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. The governor is known to be opposed to Anyanwu but favours Sunday Ude-Okoye as National Secretary.

    It was at a meeting of the Governors Forum he hosted in Ibadan that an arrangement was reached to side-step Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye for Setonji to act as national secretary.

    That arrangement was dumped following superior legal advice and the admonition by the INEC chairman.

    Suswam: Governors, Damagum are PDP’s  problem

    Former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam yesterday accused Damagum and the governors of creating problems for the opposition party.

    He said he may quit the PDP, adding: “With what’s going on in the PDP, I have started consultation on which party to move to.”

    The former governor, who spoke on a television programme, said the chance of participating in next year’s governorship polls in Ekiti and Osun states by the party is remote.

    Suswan, who said these chieftains were bent on destroying the party, hinted that he may leave along with his supporters.

    He said Damagum and the governors were not good leaders, lamenting that their actions had led to confusion in the party.

    The former governor said the confusion is underscored by the antagonistic statements of the chairman and other members of the NWC.

    Suswan said: “The last time I was here, I told you about leadership.  Certain qualities define a good leader: integrity and clarity. The PDP leadership doesn’t have any of these. There’s no integrity in PDP leadership.

    “I’m happy that Nyesom Wike mentioned repeatedly that Damagum is not a leader. It’s obvious here.

    “What should have happened was that after a meeting with the INEC, a good leader would have met with the NWC to brief them before holding any press conference.

    “I believe if he had met with them and agreed on the way to go, no member of the NWC would have gone out there to give a contrary opinion. I am sure they are not in the know of the outcome of the PDP/INEC meeting. That’s not leadership.

    “Damagum has been the problem of the PDP. Since he assumed the acting national chairmanship office, the party has been drifting downwards. I have said this without number.

    “First and foremost, they breached the provisions of the constitution, which stipulates that he should act for a certain time after which the position of the chairman returns to the Northcentral.

    “Now, the magnitude of the confusion is unimaginable.

    “We’re supposed to have a NEC meeting. While the chairman is saying one thing about the meeting, other NWC members are saying another thing about the meeting.

    “It’s quite unfortunate that people who have benefited from this platform are the ones who are intentionally or unintentionally destroying the party.

    “The governors cannot be exonerated from the confusion that has reigned in our party. The same governors, led by Bala Mohammed, met and passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Damagum.

    “So, a lot is going on that we don’t know. And, I believe that there’s more to it than what we see.

    “And when you have a leader without clarity with focus and purpose, this is where it will lead us.

    “It is very ridiculous that the PDP wrote letters to the INEC with different names as national secretary.

    “How can you keep such a person leading a party as big as PDP and expect to get a different result?

    “If Damagum, alongside the governors, issued a statement saying that Anyanwu should continue as a National Secretary and other members of the NWC being controlled by these governors, issuing another statement to counter Damagum’s, then, there’s more to it than meets the eye.

    “Based on this confusion, we might end up not having a candidate in the Ekiti governorship election in 2026.

    “Whether that is intentional, we don’t know. They just want to kill the PDP, and the governors are complicit in it.”

  • Coalition promoters are politically displaced persons, says Tinubu

    Coalition promoters are politically displaced persons, says Tinubu

    • ‘They cannot unseat me’

    • Sule: I did projects without borrowing

    Members of the coalition plotting to unseat him are on a futile mission, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said yesterday.

    He described them as politically displaced persons, saying they will only end up unseating themselves.

    President Tinubu spoke in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, during his one-day working visit to inaugurate legacy projects executed by Governor Abdullahi Sule.

    Speaking at the town hall meeting with stakeholders afterwards, the President said: “Those who have triggered the politics with a coalition suddenly, let’s not pay them attention, they are political IDPs.

    “Don’t give them room; the hope is here. Sule is doing well.

    “We will support whatever Governor Sule brings about to work harder for the prosperity of Nasarawa State.

    “This is what we stand for. I’m not here for a political campaign, but who is a politician that will keep quiet when gangsterism is coming with a coalition to unseat themselves?” he said

    President Tinubu commended Sule for his giant strides in all sectors of the state’s economy.

    “I can see the mechanisation efforts of the governor, the improvements in rice production and many others.

    READ ALSO: Why is Nasir El-Rufai so desperate?

    “Yes, we will work with you to ensure values are added to your mineral resources.

    “Don’t rely on solid minerals and forget agriculture.

    “We are going to make agriculture profitable and interesting for all of you, the youths and women.

    “We will empower you through small-scale financing loans and opportunities for prosperity,” the President said.

    He assured the people that hard times are over and that they would not regret voting him as their President.

    He believes Sule had transformed the state and needs adequate support to continue succeeding.

    “I can see hard work coming from Governor Sule.

    “He is determined to use resources available to him for the benefit of Nasarawa State.

    “Sule is doing well. Bola Tinubu is doing well too,” he said

    Sule thanked the President for making time to visit Nasarawa State to inaugurate what he described as legacy projects despite his tight schedule.

    He told the President that he was able to start and complete all the projects without borrowing any kobo due to the increased resources available to the state following the removal of the petrol subsidy by the President.

    The governor described President Tinubu as a democrat, a nationalist and an inspirational leader whom he will learn from.

    He said the flyover and underpass inaugurated in Lafia will be replicated both in Akwanga and Keffi, as work on those projects has reached advanced stages.

    Sule thanked the President for appointing sons and daughters of Nasarawa into his government.

  • DHQ to deploy 800 special operatives in troubled states

    DHQ to deploy 800 special operatives in troubled states

    • 17 soldiers die in gun battle

    The Defence Headquarters is to deploy over 800 special forces in troubled states like Benue, Plateau, and Borno to complement troops in combating their security challenges.

    Chief of Defence Staff  Gen. Christopher Musa made this known shortly before  Army spokesperson   Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, announced the death of 17 soldiers during a gun battle with bandits in Niger State. 

    Ten other soldiers were injured by the bandits during the incident in Bangi, Mariga Local Government Area. The number of bandits neutralised by troops was, however, not given by Lt.-Col.  Anele.

      At a DHQ training seminar in Abuja yesterday,   Gen.   Musa revealed that members of the special force are currently undergoing a comprehensive training on how to tackle the rising threats to the nation’s security.

    He said: “Sometime next week, we will be graduating the first 800 special forces team trained to face the challenges we are undergoing. The training is very comprehensive.

    READ ALSO: PDP to INEC: Tell us our secretary!

    “We have realised that deploying them in pieces also creates that weakness that we see. We will be deploying them together, a force that stays together, that will understand each other. Because from experience, a fighting force must be able to understand itself.”

    The CDS explained that the conference on Performance-Oriented Training and Trends in Contemporary Operating Environment,”  was organised as a critical part of a shared commitment to building a professional and combat-ready force equipped to navigate the evolving operational landscape.

    “Our mission also aims to create a unified training system that is adaptable, technology-driven, economical, and mission-driven.

    “This entails expanding joint training programmes and doctrinal reviews as well as performance simulation and work-giving, among other innovations that will enhance professional operational ability.

    “Furthermore, this training will enhance collaboration, cooperation, and ‘jointness’ among the services of other relevant security agencies.”

    According to him, an effective response to the country’s complex security threats requires inter-service collaboration,  cooperation and rapid integration of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, advanced surveillance technology and sophisticated electronic cyber warfare.

    He emphasised the need for the military to understand the enemy it is dealing with in order to prepare for emerging challenges.

    Defence Minister  Mohammed Badaru urged the military to ensure that troops’ training aligns with national security objectives.

    He said that addressing the country’s security threats required the military to adopt forward-looking strategies based on rigorous training, inter-agency coordination, and real-time adaptation to emerging doctrines and technologies.

    Badaru reaffirmed Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the military in overcoming the nation’s security threats.

    He said: “As part of our strategic vision, we are working closely with the Services to review and enhance our defence training architecture, with a clear focus on: Aligning training programmes with strategic defence objectives; upgrading facilities and infrastructure in our training institutions, expanding partnership with regional and international military academies and think tanks; Promoting training exercise that reflect both local and global threats and encouraging innovation in training methodology, doctrine development and simulation tools.” 

    Also in Abuja,   Army Spokesperson Lt.-Col. Anele said bandits, numbering 300   on Tuesday morning, launched an attack on Bangi community, prompting a swift land and air component response by troops in Kwanar Dutse Forest.

    She said: “The criminals had attempted a night-time transit towards Kwatankoro Forest, where they were reportedly planning coordinated attacks on surrounding communities or looking for a haven to evade the pressure from our operations in Zamfara State.

    “However, their movement and actions were effectively disrupted by troops who engaged them in a fierce fire-fight that lasted over three hours.

    “Sequel to the ground engagement by the Nigerian Army troops, the Nigerian Air Force conducted precision airstrikes on the terrorists’ withdrawal routes, delivering accurate heavy bombardments on identified terrorists’ locations.”

    ‘’Although the exact number of casualties could not be ascertained, multiple blood trails along their escape routes indicated significant enemy losses.

    “Regrettably, 17 brave and gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the encounter.   Ten others, who sustained varying degrees of injury, were evacuated to a military medical facility, where they are receiving treatment. They  are in stable condition.”

     She urged the public to continue to support the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by providing timely information to security agencies “by any means possible.”

    The Nation gathered that the bandits had first invaded Kwana Duse, where they engaged soldiers in a gun battle.

    According to the Mariga LGA Chairman, Abbas Adam, when residents heard the gunshots, they alerted the military command in Kontagora, which sent a reinforcement team.  

    Adamu said bad roads made it difficult for the team to arrive at the communities on time, causing the bandits to continue their attack.

    The Head of a vigilante group in the area, Mallam Abubakar Sani, also confirmed that some of the bandits were killed during the gun battle.

    We are under siege, Niger Assembly laments

    Speaker of the  state House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, described the killing of the soldiers as ‘’barbaric, wicked and inhuman.’’

    He said: “This is a serious catastrophe that has befallen not only the military but the people of my constituency and the state in general.

    ‘’I received the news of the killing of these promising young officers who have kept my constituency safe for a long time now with a heavy heart. This is a wicked, barbaric and inhuman act.

    “This singular attack is a big setback for the entire farming   Mariga Local Government. My entire Constituency is under siege.”

    National Assembly wants Benue massacre probed

    The National Assembly called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the Yelewata, Benue State massacre.

    The call followed the adoption of motions by  Senator Titus Zam and Rep. Dickson Tarkighir during plenaries by the Senate and House of Representatives.

    In the  Senate, where members declared the Benue State killings an act of terrorism,  a minute’s silence was observed for the deceased.

    The members, who also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his response to the tragedy,  called on the Federal Government to deploy more military personnel in the troubled state, particularly in  Yelewata and other known flashpoints.

    Besides, they urged the Federal Government to provide compensation to the families of the deceased and begin the reconstruction of properties destroyed during the attacks.

    The Senators agreed to send a delegation to Yelewata as a show of solidarity and to conduct legislative oversight on the humanitarian and security response on the ground.

    They also called for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s national security strategy, including the adoption of community-based policing models better suited to protecting vulnerable populations.

      Before  Senate President Godswill Akpabio concluded the session, members also expressed outrage over the killing of 12 wedding-bound travellers from Kaduna State in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State on June 21.

      “What we are witnessing is state failure, and outside this chamber, there is a final judgment before God,” said Akpabio.

    In the House of Representatives, the members charged security agencies to intensify efforts at restoring peace in Yelwata and other affected communities.

     They called on the Federal Government to build a Forward Operation Base (FOB) for the Army in Yelwata, to forestall further attacks on the border community.

    The House asked its Committee on Interior and Security to immediately visit Yelwata and other communities affected by the attacks.  

    It also asked the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and the  National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)  to urgently provide adequate relief materials and medical assistance to the displaced persons. 

    Abuja to host Africa Chiefs of Defence Staff summit 

     President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the hosting of the African Chiefs of Defence Staff summit in Abuja.

    The three-day summit, aimed at proffering home-grown solutions to the continent’s security challenges, will begin on August 25.  

     Chairman of the planning committee Air Vice- Marshal Precious Amadi told reporters that  53   Defence chiefs including those of  Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, have indicated interest to attend the summit.

      “In the light of current realities, it has become imperative to seek African solutions to African problems. And it is in recognition of this, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the Defence Headquarters to host the maiden African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit,” he said.

  • Tinubu signs historic Tax Reform Bills to law Thursday

    Tinubu signs historic Tax Reform Bills to law Thursday

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Thursday sign into law four historic tax reform bills set to overhaul Nigeria’s fiscal landscape, streamline tax administration, and boost investor confidence.

    The four bills — the Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill — were recently passed by the National Assembly following extensive stakeholder consultations and technical reviews.

    The ceremonial signing is scheduled to take place at the State House, Abuja.

    A statement on Wednesday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the legislation as a major step forward in President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, with the new legal framework expected to simplify tax compliance, enhance revenue generation, and improve the overall ease of doing business in Nigeria.

    “These laws will significantly transform tax administration in the country, leading to increased revenue generation, an improved business environment, and a boost in domestic and foreign investments,” the statement said.

    The signing ceremony will be witnessed by key government officials including the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, majority leaders of both chambers, the chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Finance, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and the Attorney General of the Federation.

    At the heart of the reforms is the Nigeria Tax Bill (Ease of Doing Business), designed to consolidate Nigeria’s previously fragmented and overlapping tax laws into a single, harmonised statute.

    The bill seeks to eliminate multiple taxation, reduce compliance burdens on taxpayers, and create a more transparent and predictable fiscal environment.

    Read Also: Senate declares Yelewata, Mangu killings as acts of terror

    The second bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, introduces a uniform operational and legal framework for tax administration across federal, state, and local governments.

    It aims to standardise procedures and reduce conflicts in the collection and management of taxes at various levels of government.

    Also to be signed is the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, which repeals the current Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Act.

    It establishes a new, autonomous national revenue agency — the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) — with a broadened mandate.

    In addition to tax collection, the NRS will also be responsible for the collection of non-tax revenues, operating under a strengthened regime of transparency, accountability, and performance benchmarks.

    The fourth legislation, the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, creates a formal institutional framework to foster cooperation and coordination among revenue authorities at all tiers of government.

    It introduces new accountability structures, including the establishment of a Tax Appeal Tribunal and an Office of the Tax Ombudsman, to ensure fairness in tax enforcement and resolution of taxpayer grievances.

  • Coalition are IDPs, out to unseat themselves – Tinubu

    Coalition are IDPs, out to unseat themselves – Tinubu

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described members of the coalition as a group of political gangsterism that are out to unseat themselves.

    President Tinubu stated this on Wednesday in Lafia during his one day working visit to commission legacy projects in Nasarawa State executed by Governor Abdullahi Sule.

    Speaking at the town hall meeting with stakeholders of the State after commissioning the projects, the president said, “Those who have triggered the politics with a coalition suddenly, let’s not pay them attention, they are political IDPs, don’t give them room, the hope is here, Sule is doing well.

    “We will support whatever Governor Sule brings about to work harder for the prosperity of Nasarawa State, this is what we stand for, I’m not here for political campaign, but who is a politician that will keep quite when gangsterism are coming with coalition to unseat themselves” he said 

    President Tinubu commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for his giants strides in all sectors of the state economy.

    “I can see the mechanization efforts of the Governor, the improvement rolling in harvest of rice and many others, yes we will work with you to ensure values are added to your mineral resources.

    “Don’t rely on solid minerals and forget Agriculture, we are going to make agriculture profitable and interesting for all of you the youths, the women, and we will empower you through small scale financing loan and opportunity for prosperity” The President assured Governor Sule

    He further assured the people of the state that hard times are over and that the people will not regret voting him as their president, adding that Governor Abdullahi Sule has transformed the state and needs adequate support to succeed.

    Read Also: Tinubu pays tribute to late Cornelius Adebayo, hails him as “true statesman”

    “I can see hardwork coming from Governor Abdullahi Sule, he is determined to use resources available to him to the benefits of Nasarawa State, Sule is doing well, Bola Tinubu is doing well too” he said 

    Speaking earlier, Governor Abdullahi Sule thank the president for making out time to visit Nasarawa State despite tight schedule to commission what he described as legacy projects.

    He told the president that he was able to starts and complete all the projects without borrowing any kobo due to the resources available to the state due to the removal of fuel subsidy by Mr President.

    He describe the president as a democrat, nationalist and inspirational leader that he will learn from, and informed the president that the flyover and underpass he commissioned in Lafia will be replicates both in Akwanga and Keffi as work on those projects has reach advance stage.

    He outlined most of his achievements and the reasons for initiating such, especially the vocational and technical institute in Lafia that trains people in various Vocational areas.

    He thanks the president for appointing sons and daughters of Nasarawa State into his government.

  • JUST IN: PDP leaders bow to pressure, reinstate Senator Anyanwu as party’s national secretary

    JUST IN: PDP leaders bow to pressure, reinstate Senator Anyanwu as party’s national secretary

    Months after a fierce internal battle, governors, members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other stakeholders who had opposed FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his ally, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, have finally backed down.

    PDP’s acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Ilyas Damagum, confirmed the development on Wednesday during a press conference at the party’s national secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

    “After due consultation and everything, we thought it’s a bitter pill and we have to swallow it,” Damagum admitted, signalling a reluctant but final acceptance of Anyanwu’s reinstatement.

    He revealed that the decision followed a meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday, after which the party’s leadership had no choice but to return Anyanwu to his position.

    Present at the briefing were key PDP figures including chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed; chairman of the PDP National Assembly Caucus, Senator Abba Moro; House Minority Leader, Honourable Kingsley Chinda; Chairman of the PDP Peace and Reconciliation Committee, Senator Bukola Saraki; former Bayelsa governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, and other members of the PDP National Working Committee.

    Damagum further disclosed that in light of the new developments, the PDP would indefinitely postpone its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting originally slated for June 30, opting instead for an expanded leadership session.

    Damagum added, “Gentlemen of the press, yesterday when we rose from a meeting with INEC, you demanded we tell you what we discussed; we couldn’t do that until we go back and meet with some of our stakeholders.

    “We met with some of our Governors, the Governors Forum and members of the Board of Trustees and the PDP caucus of the National Assembly.

    “Today, I convened a critical meeting of the PDP NWC, even though it was at short notice, and some of the members are not here, but we feel that you are waiting for us to brief you on what happened yesterday.

    “We had an extensive meeting, and critical issues were discussed. We know where our problem is.

    “INEC is our regulator, and they have told us their position as it is, as it affects the issue surrounding the National Secretary; we are all aware that the National Secretary is a signatory of this party; it is a critical position that he holds.

    “As such, we have decided to abide by the advice they gave us, especially as we have a very, very important election before us, that is the FCT local government election and we are running out of time so,  we have no option but to abide by the decision,” he said.

    Explaining further, Damagum urged all stakeholders and party faithful to understand that although it was a difficult decision, it is a necessity.

    Read Also: PDP, LP lose members to APC

    “The survival of the party is more than all of us, more than everything that you feel that you know and yearn for, I want to use this opportunity to tell you that we will do the right thing and it is the decision of most members of this party led by the organs of the party.

    “The leaders of the organs of the party will have an expanded caucus, so that we will discuss extensively the way forward to NEC; that would be on the 30th, and we will issue the notice as there is not going to be NEC, but an expanded caucus.

    “INEC told us that they do not have any notice of a NEC meeting from us because I was the only person that signed, and we had not followed the guidelines; so, the expanded caucus meeting will take a decision for NEC as well as all critical issues brought before us and leading to our national convention.

    “Now, Anyanwu will resume as the National Secretary; I think that’s the most important thing,” Damagum stated.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu visits Nasarawa, to commission key infrastructure projects in Lafia

    JUST IN: Tinubu visits Nasarawa, to commission key infrastructure projects in Lafia

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday arrived at the Usman Danfodio Airport in Lafia, Nasarawa State, for a one-day working visit to commission major infrastructure projects executed by Governor Abdullahi Sule during his second term in office.

    Accompanying the President were the governors of Kaduna, Borno, Kwara, Benue, Imo, and Ogun states, along with the Deputy Governor of Gombe, former governors, and several serving ministers.

    Read Also: Tinubu hails Gbajabiamila’s role in deepening democracy on birthday

    President Tinubu was warmly received at the airport by Governor Sule, former Governors Abdullahi Adamu and Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, as well as other prominent stakeholders from the state.

    During the visit, the President is scheduled to commission several key projects, including the Lafia Interchange Flyover and Underpass, the new Nasarawa State Secretariat, the dualised Shemdan Road in Lafia, as well as operational vehicles for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), security agencies, and agricultural equipment.

  • Atiku’s ambition has impacted negatively on Niger Delta, unity – Eradiri

    Atiku’s ambition has impacted negatively on Niger Delta, unity – Eradiri

    A former President, Ijaw Youths Council Worldwide, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, has called on erstwhile Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to jettison his presidential ambition.

    Eradiri told Atiku that his serial failed bids to occupy Aso Rock Villa had done untold damage to the development of the Niger Delta and destroyed the reputation of some of the respected leaders from the region.

    Besides, Eradiri, who is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), argued that Atiku’s insensitive and desperate ambition to become President was threatening the peace of the country.

    Explaining how Atiku’s Presidential ambition had negatively impacted Niger Delta, he recalled that the late former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, was humiliated, suffered and died because of his relationship with Atiku.

    Eradiri, a former Commissioner for Youths and later Environment in Bayelsa, also noted that a former Delta Governor, Chief Onanefe Ibori ‘s political alliance with Atiku was part of the reason he was thrown into jail.

    He alleged Atiku was part of those, who teleguided the suspended Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara with deceptive assurances that worsened his ordeal.

    Eradiri recalled that at the buildup to the 2023 election, Atiku’s inordinate ambition and his desperation plunged Delta State into huge debts using former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to bankroll his campaigns in exchange for Vice-presidential ticket.

    He observed that Atiku’s ambition destroyed the PDP and attempted to destabilise the country by ignoring the zoning arrangement of the presidency between the north and the south.

    Eradiri said Atiku demonstrated the highest level of desperation, unreasonableness and lack of patriotism in 2023 when he cornered  the Presidential ticket of the PDP to retain power in the North despite former President Muhammadu Buhari eight years in office.

    Read Also: Reno Omokri: we packaged Obi as Atiku’s running mate in 2019

    Eradiri said: “I want to call on Alhaji Abubakar to demonstrate statesmanship by jettisoned  his ambition to be President of Nigeria. This call is not political. It is borne out of unbiased assessment of the damage his ambition has caused the people of the Niger Delta. 

    The late former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha suffered and died because of his association with Atiku. Former Delta State Governor, Chief Onanefe Ibori went to jail because of his association with Atiku. 

    “Delta State is indebted financially because of Okowa’s association with Atiku ‘s ambition. Sim Fubara of Rivers State was deceived by assurances from Atiku and his men. The Nigerian political space in recent time has suffered untold damage because of Atiku. 

    “A period that should be the turn of the South after the North had done two terms, but you can see that Atiku is still insisting on becoming the President and today opposition has been allianated because of Atiku. 

    “The PDP is in tatters today because of Atiku. Therefore, it is clear that Atiku’s ambition is bringing untold hardship especially for us in the Niger Delta. It is creating the problem that is destabilising the Nigerian polity. 

    “Every society needs a virile opposition for the ruling party to sit up. But Atiku’s ambition has dealt a deadly blow on PDP, which many people relied upon to provide this opposition.”

    Eradiri further told Atiku that the country would be more peaceful and the rising tension will also be toned down if he supports the South to complete their tenure.

  • Benue, Plateau killings: we’ve arrested 53 suspects, says Egbetokun

    Benue, Plateau killings: we’ve arrested 53 suspects, says Egbetokun

    • Manhunt ongoing to track down fleeing criminals

    Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has said the police have arrested 53 suspects in connection with the recent deadly attacks on Yelewata community in Benue and Plateau states.

    Dozens of people were killed, and several others were injured and displaced in the course of the attacks.

    Egbetokun, who addressed reporters yesterday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, said 26 suspects were arrested for the attack in Yelewata, 22 others in connection with the Plateau incident, and five others in Benue State.

    The IGP said 47 persons were killed and 27 others were injured in the Yelewata attack, adding that two general-purpose machine guns and eight AK-47 rifles used in the attack were recovered.

    The arrests came about a week after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the IGP and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS),

    Gen. Christopher Musa, to immediately arrest the killers of over 100 in the attacks on Yelewata community in Benue State.

    READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu at 60

    President Tinubu gave the directive while addressing stakeholders at the Government House in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

    The President asked the IGP why no arrests had been made over the incident.

    “How come no one has been arrested for committing this heinous crime in Yelewata? Inspector General of Police, where are the arrests? The criminals must be arrested immediately,” President Tinubu said.

    He urged the heads of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to intensify surveillance and gather actionable intelligence to apprehend the perpetrators.

    Egbetokun said: “As we all recall, on June 13, two militias invaded the Yelewata community in the Manuka Province area of Benue State, killing and maiming any soul on sight. The invaders rampaged and pillaged the community, setting several houses ablaze and maliciously destroying other properties and properties of livelihoods.

    “It was a coordinated attack of terror against the community. In this senseless, barbaric attack, 47 persons were confirmed killed, 27 persons sustained various degrees of injuries, while hundreds of others have been displaced but not dead.

    “The police and other security agencies responded with adequate deployment of personnel and resources, including the deployment of tactical units and special forces to restore confidence in the affected community and neighboring communities.

    “Also, immediately deployed were detectives from our intelligence response team who swung into action, launching a manhunt for the perpetrators of this heinous crime. I am pleased to inform you here today that 26 persons directly connected to this crime have so far been arrested and their weapons recovered.”

    Explaining how the suspects were arrested, Egbetokun said: “On June 19, two prime suspects who were masterminds of this attack were apprehended from their hideout. This arrest led to the arrest of seven other suspects the following day. They were picked up from their previous locations, where they had fled, hoping to evade justice.

    “On June 21, another key suspect, in whose house the pressure meeting to plan the attack was held, was also arrested. On June 22, a major breakthrough was recorded with the arrest of 18 other suspects who directly took part in the killings. On June 23, our detectives recovered two general-purpose machine guns and eight AK-47 rifles, which were part of the weapons used during the attack.”

    The IGP said all 26 suspects arrested in connection with the Yelewata attack were in custody and had confessed to the crime.

    “As I speak, legal proceedings have been finalised and they will be arranged by a court without delay. We will go after anyone, planner or executor, who attacks any community in Nigeria,” he said.

  • More confusion in PDP over Anyanwu

    More confusion in PDP over Anyanwu

    The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) sank deeper into confusion yesterday over who is the National Secretary.

    Leaders of the party, who met with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the question: “Who is the recognised National Secretary?” failed to get an answer, it was learnt.

    Sources said they were told by INEC chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu during the closed session of their interactions that it is for the party to decide who its National Secretary is and not the responsibility of the electoral agency.

    Prof. Yakubu was quoted as saying that the Supreme Court judgment is clear that the issue is an internal affair which only the party can decide.

    The source added that the shocked PDP leaders promised to go back to the drawing board on the matter.

    The party leadership resolved to convene a larger stakeholders’ meeting to take a position on the crisis after their meeting with INEC.

    The delegation to the INEC office, led by Umar Damagum, included Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Caleb Matfwang (Plateau), former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, Senator Seriake Dickson, and Senator Ben Obi.

    Damagum, who spoke with reporters after the meeting, which lasted for about one hour, said the outcome would be communicated to the larger house.

    He said: “We had a very frank and fruitful discussion. Politics, as you know, is dynamic.

    READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu at 60

    “We will go back and meet our larger stakeholders and relate to them all that has taken place today, and we will come up with a position immediately.”

    Speaking before the meeting, Damagum said the party leaders were at the INEC headquarters to discuss the issues relating to the status of the National Secretary.

    He said in view of the Supreme Court judgment on the position of the National Secretary, the NEC of the party had mandated him to sign letters to the commission without the Secretary.

    He said the letter he signed informing the commission of its forthcoming NEC meeting was queried by the commission, necessitating the meeting to iron out the issue.

    Prof Yakubu said the meeting was at the instance of the party, adding that the commission was interested in knowing who is the actual National Secretary of the party.

    He said the commission received a letter from the party signed by the Chairman inviting it to monitor the 100th NEC meeting of the party.

    The INEC Chairman said: “Ninety-nine times you wrote to invite the commission, the letters were signed by the Chairman and Secretary.

    “This meeting is at the instance of the party. They requested to interact with us, and our doors are always open to meet with leaders of political parties in our capacity as the registrar and regulator of political parties in Nigeria. 

    “You may recall that not long ago, we received similar visitors when we played host to the Labour Party.

    “The acting National Chairman has stated the purpose of the meeting, which is to discuss the status of the party’s  National Secretary, particularly regarding the letter we sent to the party on the request for us to monitor their 100th NEC meeting.

    “I am glad that the meeting was the 100th meeting of the NEC of the party, meaning that 99 times in the past, you fully complied by inviting us by means of a letter signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the party.

    “So, there are issues to discuss, and we look forward to this important clarification from the party as to who is the Secretary.

    “In the last couple of months, we received letters from the party saying that one Mr Ude Okoye was the Secretary.

    “Thereafter, the party changed its mind and said it was Senator Anyanwu.

    “Thereafter, the party changed its mind  to say that it was  Mr. Sholeye. And again, the party changed its mind to say it’s Senator Anyanwu.

    “And the last letter from the party actually has no Secretary at all, because only the Acting National Chairman signed.

    “But we are here as the registrar and regulator of political parties, and we hope that as we go into the working sessions, we will fully understand where you are coming from and what more you expect from us as the registrar and regulator of political parties.”

    PDP NWC in total confusion, says Olafeso

    PDP Board of Trustees member Eddy Olafeso yesterday lamented the stalemate in the party.

    The NWC of the party is in a state of confusion, Olafeso said while featuring on national television last night.

    He, however, expressed hope of redemption for the torn-apart party.

    He said: “It was really disgraceful that the party NWC wrote five different letters to INEC over a single office.

    “This is what is called total confusion and it is a shame. I keep wondering how we descended this low in a party that was in power for 16 years.”

    Asked if the PDP can recover, Olafeso said nothing was impossible, adding that he and others have been saddled with the responsibility of reconciliation.

    On his disposition to coalition talks, the PDP stalwart said: “No single party can defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC), which now has a sagacious politician, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as its leader.”

    But, he said, before the coalition could achieve the goal of defeating Tinubu in 2027, there was a need for unity within opposition parties.

    “How can we achieve anything meaningful with a coalition if we are not united and resolve our internal affairs?” Olafeso queried.

    Minister for Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike during a media briefing claimed that a PDP delegation led by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah was told during a fact-finding mission to the INEC headquarters that based on the Supreme Court judgment, Sen. Anyanwu remains the PDP National Secretary until the expiration of his tenure in December.

    That claim had not been denied by the PDP.

    But yesterday’s interaction with INEC had further thrown the party into crisis because the Southeast geo-political zone insists that Sunday Ude-Okoye is the National Secretary and that Anyanwu ought to have gone, having left to contest for governor in Imo State.

    Wike, defending Anyanwu, had cited the case of Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, who he said, never resigned as PDP chairman in the state before contesting and getting the party’s ticket to run for governor in 2023.

    He said Anyanwu did no wrong by returning to his office after losing the election in Imo.

    It was learnt that the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) prevailed on Anyanwu to sign the nomination form of the party’s candidate in the November Anambra State Governorship election along with Damgum.

    Leadership crisis hits SDP

    Also yesterday, the crisis rocking the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP) took a new turn with the National Working Committee (NWC) dragging its suspended National  Chairman, Shehu Gabam, and two members of its members before anti-graft agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC).

    The other NWC members are the National Auditor, Nze Clarkson, and National Youth Leader, Uchechukwu Chukwuma.

    Their suspension was contained in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba  Aiyenigba, after an NWC meeting in Abuja yesterday.

    The statement also announced that the Deputy National Chairman, Sadiq Abubakar, had been directed to lead the SDP pending the outcome of investigations into alleged financial infractions by the suspended officials.

    Swiftly, Gabam dismissed his suspension as ‘fake.’

    “I remain the national chairman of the SDP as you can see,’’ he declared, describing the NWC meeting in which he was suspended as illegal.

    He also said those accusing him of financial impropriety must remember that ‘’the party’s account statement’’ contains their names and monies paid to them based on their memos.

    Besides, he accused the coalition of leading opposition politicians of causing the SPD crisis.

    Tension enveloped the party’s national secretariat as early as 10 am yesterday when some NWC members and workers were subjected to a thorough check before being allowed in.

    Reporters invited to cover the meeting were denied access.

    The Nation gathered that the meeting, which started peacefully at about 10.30 am, was nearly disrupted 15 minutes after by a group of youths who pulled down the gate of the secretariat when security personnel tried to deny a car conveying a party chieftain entrance.

    Reporters who monitored the development were later harassed by the security agents, who forcefully seized the telephones of two of them. 

    The phones were later released. 

    Peace was, however, restored by a security team.

    The statement reads: “In exercise of its exclusive powers as guaranteed in Article 19.1; 19.3(i) and 19.5 of the Party Constitution (2022 as Ammended), the National Working Committee  (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has approved the immediate suspension of the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, along with two members of the NWC, namely Nze Nnadi Clarkson, national auditor and Uchechukwu Chukwuma, national youth leader, over gross misconduct.”

    The statement explained that the decision “followed a resolution of a meeting of the NWC where overwhelming evidence were presented linking the suspended officials to a series of unauthorised financial transactions.’’

    It added that the decision was ‘’to demonstrate to the general public that the party, generally esteemed by Nigerians as a disciplined party and a credible alternative political platform, for national redemption, has zero tolerance for corruption and abuse of office.’’

    An interim probe panel, according to the statement, “has been constituted to audit all financial records and recommend further disciplinary or legal actions.’’

    “In the interim, the Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar, has been directed to assume leadership of the party pending the outcome of the investigations.”

    The statement further indicated that the suspension of the three officials had also been communicated to INEC.

    Gabam: I remain SDP chairman

    Gabam debunked his  suspension and called on the public to regard it as “fake.” 

    “I remain the national chairman of the SDP, as you can see,” he told reporters at the party’s secretariat.

    Gabam accused the coalition of opposition politicians of using some members of the NWC to fuel the crisis in the SDP.

    He argued that there was no official meeting of the party’s NWC where their suspension was taken and wondered where the statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Aiyenigba, came from.

    Gabam pointed out that a private legal firm had earlier approached INEC and requested a meeting of the NWC, which was rejected.

    His words: “INEC tagged the request by the party’s National Secretary to hold an NWC meeting as illegal since it didn’t have my signature.’’

    Defending his allegation against the coalition of opposition politicians, he said: “Some of us understand where it is coming from because this coalition and some of the people in the coalition believe that at all costs, they either get SDP or create confusion around SDP.

    “Many forces from so many fronts see SDP as very, very deadly. Or very, very strong that they cannot manoeuvre over.’’

    On the allegation of financial malfeasance, Gabam said: “I’m sure by the time we submit the complete printout of our account from the banks to the security agencies, they will see everything. They will see that money has gone into everyone’s account; all the NWC members. It has not excluded anybody.

    “I’m ready to account for my tenure any minute, any time.” 

    He also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call security agencies to order so that politicians would not use them to truncate democracy.

    “This is very, very dangerous for our democracy. Anytime we have leaders who don’t want to accommodate a dissenting voice, the country is gone. Democracy will disappear,” he said.