The Nation Newspaper

Category: News Update

  • 2027: Ijaw Youth Council endorses Tinubu, Fubara

    2027: Ijaw Youth Council endorses Tinubu, Fubara

    …demands clean-up of polluted Ijaw communities

    The second-term ambitions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, received a boost on Sunday as the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide endorsed their re-election bids ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The council also urged relevant government agencies to immediately commence comprehensive remediation and clean-up of all polluted Ijaw territories.

    The endorsement was contained in a communiqué signed by the IYC President, Dr. Alaye Theophilus, and issued to journalists in Abuja following the council’s National Convention.

    Passing a vote of confidence on both leaders, the council stated, “Through a resounding voice affirmation, the Convention unanimously passed a vote of confidence and endorsement on His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for a second tenure, and His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the 2027 general election.”

    The IYC said the decision was based on the leadership qualities demonstrated by Governor Fubara, particularly his commitment to peace in Rivers State as a foundation for sustainable economic growth and development.

    READ ALSO: Okpebholo’s weekend surprise for three workers

    According to the council, the governor’s efforts at maintaining stability and promoting inclusive governance have created an enabling environment for progress in the state, adding that continued peace remains critical to addressing developmental challenges in Ijaw communities.

    “The maturity he displayed when faced with challenges shows that he is well prepared for leadership. The governor as of day is a living Hero of democracy, an ambassador of peace, a detribalized leader par excellence.

    “While Mr President, on his own part, has won the heart of the Ijaw Youths, hence our declaration of total support of his re-election bid in 2027 is solely on his show of genuine love and commitment in making sure that there is peace in Rivers State for our Governor, Sir Siminalaye Fubara, to govern Rivers people in peace.

    “Mr. President has told us why he should be trusted, and we have seen it with the way he managed the Rivers State political impasse. Mr. President has given us reasons why the Ijaw Youths should support his re-election bid, and we have seen reasons with him. Hence, the Ijaw Youths hereby declare our unalloyed support for Mr. President come 2027.”

    Reviewing the environmental status of the entire South-south region, the council gave another 60-day ultimatum to all relevant agencies to immediately commence full-scale remediation and clean-up of all polluted Ijaw territories and avoid the shutting down of all oil and gas facilities within Ijaw territories

    It added that the Ijaw people would no longer tolerate the destruction of their land, waters, livelihoods, and future.

    The communique read, “The Convention unequivocally condemned the continued ecological violence, oil pollution, and environmental degradation being inflicted on Ijaw territories through decades of reckless oil and gas exploitation.

    “This Convention makes it abundantly clear that the Ijaw people will no longer tolerate the destruction of their land, waters, livelihoods, and future.

    “Upon the expiration of this ultimatum, and in the absence of visible and concrete action, the Ijaw Youth Council shall collectively and decisively shut down all oil and gas facilities operating within Ijaw territories, drawing precedence from the Ogoniland no remediation,  no oil and gas exploration and exploitation approach.”

  • Ndume asks Reps leadership to caution Agbese over tax law controversy

    Ndume asks Reps leadership to caution Agbese over tax law controversy

    Former Senate Chief Whip and Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has called on the leadership of the House of Representatives to caution the Deputy Spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese, over his comments on the senator’s position regarding the alleged alteration of tax laws.

    Ndume was reacting to an interview in which Agbese dismissed his claim that there were discrepancies between the Tax Acts passed by the National Assembly and the version later gazetted and made available to the public.

    Agbese had described the allegation as mischievous, insisting that “it is sheer mischief to suggest that the tax laws were falsified.”

    In response, Ndume accused the deputy spokesman of playing to the gallery in a bid to curry favour with the leadership of the House, stressing that Agbese lacked the standing to pronounce on the matter.

    He said the tax law alteration controversy is still before a committee constituted by the House leadership and noted that the panel, chaired by Rep. Muktar Betara, has yet to submit its report.

    READ ALSO: Okpebholo’s weekend surprise for three workers

    According to Ndume, only the Betara-led committee has the authority to determine, after due investigation, whether there are differences between the version of the tax laws passed by the National Assembly and the one subsequently gazetted.

    The Borno lawmaker further argued that Agbese’s comments should not be taken seriously, adding that the deputy spokesman does not possess the requisite legislative experience to fully appreciate how parliament handles sensitive issues such as the ongoing tax laws controversy.

    “Agbese is forgiven on the grounds of inexperience. He is a first-timer. I was in the House in 2003 when he was probably in secondary school. For him to disrespectfully come out to say that my statement is mischievous is very unfortunate,” he added.

    While insisting that Agbese’s remarks were disrespectful, the Borno lawmaker said, “If he has the guts to say that I am mischievous, it means he can tell his father the same thing. At 66, if I’m not old enough to be his father, I am close to that. My first daughter is 40 years-old.

    “My position was simply that things should be done the right way. I did not insult anybody. I cross-checked the votes and proceedings, clause by clause, before I said that there were some flaws.

    “If the harmonised version says ‘this shall be,’ and the gazetted copy says ‘this will be,’ these are two different things, subject to interpretation.

    “For him to use such a strong word on me, I think he’s just trying to be a MAGA dog, which barks even when the master did not ask him to do so.

    “I understand the dirty jobs he is doing. He is hoping to find himself in the good books of the leadership of the House, but he has only succeeded in embarrassing himself and the House of Representatives. He is not speaking for the House because the House is yet to take a position on this matter.

    “I insist that the parliament should do a comparison and examine the sections of both versions of the Tax Acts. They should simply say, ‘This is what we passed and signed. We should do this section-by-section. This way, Nigerians will be comfortable,” he stressed.

  • OPEC confirms conformity with November, December 2025 production data

    OPEC confirms conformity with November, December 2025 production data

    Arising from the 64th Meeting of the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) took place via videoconference on Sunday, 1 February 2026. 

    The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) confirmed the overall conformity with the November and December 2025 production data.

    This was contained in a press statement of the organization.

    READ ALSO: Okpebholo’s weekend surprise for three workers

    The statement said, “The JMMC reviewed the crude oil production data for November and December 2025 and noted the overall conformity for OPEC and non-OPEC countries participating in the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC).”

    The Committee reiterated the critical importance of achieving full conformity and compensation, and reviewed the updated compensation schedules.

    The Committee also reaffirmed that it will continue to monitor adherence to the production adjustments decided upon at the 38th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting (ONOMM) held on 5 December 2024, and the additional voluntary production adjustments announced by some participating OPEC and non-OPEC countries as agreed upon in the 52nd JMMC held on 1 February 2024.

    The JMMC retains the authority to convene additional meetings or to request an OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting, as established during the 38th ONOMM held on 5 December 2024.

    According to the statement, the next meeting of the JMMC (65th) is scheduled for 5 April 2026.

  • ADC committee list: Igbuzor rejects inclusion, affirms loyalty to APC, Tinubu

    ADC committee list: Igbuzor rejects inclusion, affirms loyalty to APC, Tinubu

    Civil society activist and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Otive Igbuzor, has condemned the unilateral inclusion of loyal APC members in committees constituted by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as an affront to the party’s commitment to the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC’s victory in 2027.

    Speaking with The Nation in Abuja at the weekend, Igbuzor expressed outrage over the inclusion of his name in the ADC’s “Wise Men and Women Policy and Manifesto Committee,” constituted by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) late last week.

    He stressed that he was neither consulted nor did he give consent to be listed, insisting that he remains a committed member of the ruling APC with no intention of joining any other political party.

    “I am not just a loyal APC member; I am a founding member of the party. I have never contemplated joining ADC or any other political party, so you can imagine how surprising it was to see my name on that list,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Okpebholo’s weekend surprise for three workers

    Igbuzor added that he would not honour the ADC’s invitation to be part of the 50-member committee.

    “I was surprised to see my name among the 50 Wise Men and Women to draft the manifesto and policy documents for ADC. Although the party’s Publicity Secretary later explained that the committee includes both party members and others selected based on pedigree, I want to put it clearly on record that I am not a member of ADC and I did not consent to be included,” he stated.

    While noting that he has written extensively on party manifestos and national development as a public intellectual, Igbuzor maintained that such contributions do not translate to membership of, or affiliation with, the ADC.

    He further highlighted his political background, noting that he was a governorship aspirant on the platform of the APC in 2015 and served as Chief of Staff to an APC chieftain who was Deputy President of the Senate between 2019 and 2023.

    “I have never considered joining any other political party, and I am not considering doing so now,” he emphasized.

    Earlier, former Executive Director of Enough is Enough (EiE), Yemi Adamolekun, and former KOWA Party presidential candidate, Prof. Remi Sonaiya, had also publicly objected to the inclusion of their names in the ADC committee, which is expected to provide policy direction ahead of the 2027 general election.

    In a statement, ADC spokesman, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, explained that the 50-member Wise Men and Women Policy and Manifesto Committee was approved by the NWC to harness the members’ experience in governance, economic management, social development, security, and democratic reform.

    The committee will be chaired by former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, with Prof. Pat Utomi as Deputy Chairman, while Salihu Lukman will serve as Secretary. It is scheduled for formal inauguration in Abuja on Monday, February 2.

  • PROFILE: Meet longest-serving Reps member since 1999, Hon Mutu Nicholas Ebomo 

    PROFILE: Meet longest-serving Reps member since 1999, Hon Mutu Nicholas Ebomo 

    With more than 25 years in the House of Representatives, Hon. Nicholas Mutu, is the longest-serving member of Nigeria’s lower legislative chamber, the House of Representatives.

    With an unbroken streak since the start of the 4th Republic in 1999, this year marks 27 years for the politician in the House of Representatives. 

    Mutu attended Rivers State School of Basic Studies where he graduated in 1986. 

    He proceeded to St. Clements University Caicos/Ireland, British West Indies, and graduated in 2003.

    He served as chairman of the Bomadi Local Government Council from 1996 to 1997. 

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    In 1999, he was elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a member representing Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency, and has remained a federal lawmaker till date. 

    He was the Chairman, House Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), a position he held across multiple legislative sessions (from 2009 to 2019). Under his leadership, the Committee was noted for advancing accountability and promoting the interests of oil-producing communities.

    He has also served in several other committees including; Banking & Currency, Niger Delta, Governmental Affairs, Sports, and Federal Capital Territory.

    Mutu has consistently empowered his constituents through scholarship schemes, job creation programmes, youth and women empowerment drives, health missions, and infrastructural interventions,

    In 2025, he defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He explained that his decision was driven by unresolved internal divisions within the PDP at both the national and zonal levels. 

    During the session, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudden Abbas, formally recognized Mutu’s defection and welcomed him to the APC fold. 

    Hon. Abbas, in his address to the House, acknowledged Mutu as the oldest member of the Nigerian parliament, having served continuously in the House of Representatives since 1999. 

    He praised Mutu for his long-standing service and highlighted the significance of his defection.

    Mutu is a grassroots politician, and this evident in the winning of his re-election in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023 all under the platform of PDP.

    There are indications that he is still seeking re-election in 2027.

  • 2027: RTEAN to mobilise members for Tinubu’s re-election

    2027: RTEAN to mobilise members for Tinubu’s re-election

    Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for another term.

    The organisation pledged a nationwide grassroots mobilisation, logistics support, and the activation of its structures across the 774 local government areas in the country for the president’s re-election.

    President of RTEAN, Musa Maitakobi, made the declaration when members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Jagaban Squad paid him a courtesy visit, where he was formally crowned Life Patron of the group.

    As part of its commitment, Maitakobi announced that the association would donate a fully branded bus to the Jagaban Squad to enhance its visibility and mobility within Abuja.

    According to him, the bus would be branded with the Jagaban Squad identity and photographs of President Tinubu, himself, and the Abuja-based Coordinator of the group, serving as a mobile platform to showcase the squad’s activities.

    READ ALSO: Okpebholo’s weekend surprise for three workers

    He disclosed that discussions were already ongoing with key APC stakeholders on the possibility of securing additional buses to strengthen nationwide outreach ahead of the 2027 election.

    Maitakobi described RTEAN as one of the most organised political support structures in the country, noting that the association has functional leadership in all local government areas.

    He said, “RTEAN chairmen in every state are fully committed to ensuring victory for the APC. Once the campaign officially begins, our mobilisation efforts will be intensified.”

    He added that the association plans to convene a national convention to publicly reaffirm its political direction and support for the President.

    Recalling RTEAN’s early endorsement of Tinubu ahead of the 2023 elections, Maitakobi said members of the association openly identified with the APC candidate at campaign rallies across the country.

    “At the presidential campaign rally in Jos in 2023, we were present in our uniforms. We were also seen in Kano, Ogun, Jigawa, and many other locations across the country,” he added.

    He revealed that his loyalty to the APC had come at personal cost, including the demolition of his house in his home state.

    Looking ahead to 2027, he assured that RTEAN’s efforts would surpass previous campaigns.

    “By the grace of God, our focus is now on 2027. Compared to what we did in the past, our efforts this time will be doubled and even multiplied. Those who honored me as Patron of the Jagaban Squad are determined to show the world that we stand firmly with Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

    Maitakobi also commended the Tinubu administration for what he described as transformative initiatives in the transport sector, particularly the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles and filling stations across parts of the country.

    He noted that transport unions, including RTEAN and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), as well as labour centres, have benefited from the distribution of CNG vehicles.

    The RTEAN president expressed optimism that a Transport Bank, similar to the Bank of Industry and the Bank of Agriculture, would be established to support operators in the sector.

    He disclosed that RTEAN has over five million registered members nationwide, pledging continued loyalty to the Tinubu administration.

    In his remarks, National Coordinator of the APC Jagaban Squad, Adekunle Alebiosu, appreciated RTEAN for its partnership and support, describing the association as a formidable organisation capable of boosting grassroots mobilisation for the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

    He commended the RTEAN leadership for the donation of the bus and other planned logistics, describing the association as an integral part of the APC family.

    He said, “RTEAN is a formidable organization with a strong nationwide structure. Its support will significantly boost grassroots mobilization for the APC ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

    “We are confident that this partnership between RTEAN and the Jagaban Squad will yield positive results and contribute immensely to the success of President Tinubu and the APC in the coming election cycle.”

  • NCC, NSCDC raise concerns over rising incidents of fibre cuts across Nigeria

    NCC, NSCDC raise concerns over rising incidents of fibre cuts across Nigeria

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have expressed concerns over the sudden rise of fibre optic cuts and damages across the country.

    The two bodies said the development comes at high costs not only for the telecommunications industry, but for Nigeria’s critical national assets and infrastructures.

    According to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC in Abuja, Babawale Afolabi, the NCC and NSCDC warned construction companies and concerned agencies to desist from willful cuts or damage to telecommunications infrastructures forthwith.

    Babawale said, “The rising incidents of avoidable fibre cuts resulting from negligence will no longer be excused, noting that offenders risk prosecution as the act constitutes a crime.”

    READ ALSO: Okpebholo’s weekend surprise for three workers

    He noted that fibre optic cables are critical national assets that power Nigeria’s digital economy, enable seamless communication, support emergency services, connect businesses, and facilitate government operations.

    Babawale maintained that the destruction of cables, whether through negligence, lack of coordination, or willful actions, poses a direct threat to national security, economic stability, and public safety.

    “Under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, telecommunication fibre infrastructure is classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure. Consequently, any damage resulting from unauthorized digging, construction activities, or failure to collaborate with relevant authorities to prevent damage during construction constitutes a criminal offence,” he said.

    Babawale warned that individuals, construction companies, or government contractors who damage fibre optic infrastructure would be made to face prosecution and applicable sanctions as provided under existing laws, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.

    He said NCC and NSCDC would take action on “future damage to fibre optic infrastructure caused by excavation, road construction, or any civil engineering activity conducted without due consultation or collaboration with network operators and relevant regulators”, asserting that there would be strict legal consequences henceforth.

    He called on federal, state and local government agencies; road construction companies; utility service providers; and private developers to ensure full compliance by conducting pre‑construction verification of fibre routes and collaborate with the NCC, telecom operators and NSCDC before and during construction; adhering to approved guidelines for excavation and right‑of‑way management; and reporting any accidental damage immediately to enable rapid response and mitigation.

    He said the public is encouraged to report any act of fibre-optic infrastructure sabotage or damage to the nearest NSCDC Office or email to protect@ncc.gov.ng, cipu@nscdc.gov.ng, or call 622 toll-free.

  • Lokpobiri mourns victims of fatal Bayelsa road crash

    Lokpobiri mourns victims of fatal Bayelsa road crash

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has expressed deep sorrow over a fatal road accident that claimed two lives on Friday along the Sagbama–Ekeremor Road at Orua community in Bayelsa State.

    The accident involved an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus travelling from Yenagoa to Ofoni for the burial of a former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. Reports said the bus collided with a truck, resulting in the death of two passengers, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

    In a statement by Nneamaka Okafor, Special Assistant, Media and Communication to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Lokpobiri described the incident as heartbreaking, noting that it occurred at a time when the state was already in mourning.

    “It is deeply saddening that lives were lost in such tragic circumstances, especially when families and loved ones were gathered to pay their last respects to a revered leader,” the minister said.

    READ ALSO: Okpebholo’s weekend surprise for three workers

    He commiserated with Governor Douye Diri, the Bayelsa State Government, and the people of the state over the incident, describing it as a painful loss to the entire state.

    “This is a tragic loss not only to the affected families but to Bayelsa State as a whole. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by this unfortunate incident,” he said.

    The minister extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, praying for divine comfort and strength, and also expressed concern for those injured in the crash.

    “I pray for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries and that they receive the best possible medical care,” he added.

    Senator Lokpobiri further urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads, particularly during periods of increased travel, while reaffirming his solidarity with the people of Bayelsa State in their moment of grief.

  • Kurmin Wali: 80 Worshippers escape from bandits’ den, 86 still in captivity

    Kurmin Wali: 80 Worshippers escape from bandits’ den, 86 still in captivity

    Eighty worshippers abducted during a church service at Kurmin Wali in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have escaped from their captors and reunited with their families.

    The Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, disclosed this on Sunday, saying the escapees fled from the bandits’ camp and took refuge in neighbouring communities before returning home.

    Dan’azumi explained that although about 177 worshippers were initially believed to have been kidnapped during the attack on three churches, 80 have now been confirmed safe after escaping from captivity.

    He, however, said 86 worshippers are still being held in the forest by the bandits, with families anxiously awaiting their return.

    “We have observed that some people are trying to politicise our situation, even as families are going through serious trauma,” the village head said.

    He appealed to the government and the military to urgently intensify rescue efforts to secure the safe release of those still in captivity.

    “We are appealing to the government and the military to expedite action to secure the safe return of the remaining 86 people still in the bandits’ camp,” Dan’azumi added.

    The Nation recalled that conflicting accounts followed the January 18 attack, which had triggered denials and counter-claims from officials, religious leaders, and community members.

    While the Kaduna State Police Command and the Kajuru Local Government Council initially dismissed reports of a mass abduction as falsehood, community leaders and church officials insisted that scores of worshippers were taken during services.

    The controversy deepened when a list of 177 alleged abductees, said to have been compiled by families and church leaders, surfaced following a public challenge by the Police Commissioner for concrete details.

    Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the FCT, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, had earlier confirmed that over 160 worshippers were abducted from churches in the area during Sunday worship.

    Residents maintained that gunmen stormed three churches: Catholic, ECWA and Cherubim and Seraphim, shut the gates, and marched congregants into the surrounding bush.

    Days after the incident, the village head revealed that the bandits demanded N250 million and 20 motorcycles as ransom, a demand he described as far beyond the reach of the rural community.

    He lamented that Kurmin Wali and neighbouring villages have long lived under the shadow of repeated bandit attacks, kidnappings, and displacement.

    Amid the tension and confusion, Governor Uba Sani visited Kurmin Wali to sympathize with residents and reassure them of government support.

    The governor, accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu; Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN); Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Dauda Madaki, and other senior officials, met with families and community leaders.

    Addressing residents, Governor Sani said he was in the community to personally commiserate with them over the attack and to assure them that the state would not abandon the victims or their families.

    “In Kaduna State, every life matters. We are here to assure the people of Kurmin Wali that the government is collaborating with all security agencies to ensure that those abducted return home safely,” he said.

    He also disclosed that some residents sustained injuries during the incident and promised that the state government would bear the cost of medical treatment for all affected persons.

    When contacted on the latest development, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the police would soon issue a comprehensive report on the Kurmin Wali incident.

  • Otti: No coalition with opposition political parties

    Otti: No coalition with opposition political parties

    …to hold congresses next month

    …sets conditions for Abure, others to return to the party

    Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has ruled out the participation of the Labour Party in any coalition to oust the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from power in 2027.

    Otti said this during the first stakeholders’/ National Executive Council (NEC) meeting after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognised the leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman, the Interim National Chairman of the party.

    The meeting, which was held in Abia Governor’s Lodge, Abuja late on Saturday, had in attendance representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, Senator Usman, and other members of the party’s Interim National Working Committee.

    The Abia state governor said that the Labour Party was already a coalition on its own, comprising the Nigerian workers and people of progressive minds.

    Otti said, “Labour is already a coalition. This is the coalition of Nigerian workers and people who are progressive and like-minded.

    “So, I know when people talk about joining another coalition. We have no such plans.”

    The governor also expressed the party’s regret over the defection of its 2023 Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as well as several lawmakers in the National Assembly to the African Democratic Congress.

    Added, “We regret the exit of the former leader of the party, Peter Obi. While we regret his exit, we wish him well. We have also resolved that the party should come together.

    “The NEC acknowledged that the party has lost some members, particularly those elected under its platform into the National Assembly, as well as some caretaker committee officers who have since been replaced. However, it maintained that the party remains strong.”

    He also said the party would hold congresses from March 2026 and begin a nationwide revalidation of its membership, alongside the registration of new members.

    Otti said, “The National Working Committee and other stakeholders are to organise congresses from the ward to zonal level till the national convention. The timetable has been drafted, and INEC has been notified. Very soon, the congresses will happen, and the national convention will follow.

    “The other issue is the revalidation of membership, and a committee has been set up for congresses to start in March.”

    The meeting further agreed to establish a reconciliation committee to engage aggrieved members willing to return to the party.

    He called on the former National Chairman, Julius Abure, and his team to sheath their swords and return to the party, while also urging Nigerians to join the Labour Party.

    He added, “We also decided that we need to set up a reconciliation committee; the Interim National Working Committee will advise us on it. The whole idea is to reconcile everyone who is willing and desires to come back.

    “I call on Julius Abure and his people to sheath their swords and come back to the party. If they are willing to abide by the rules of the party, we will be happy to take them back.”

    Otti thanked INEC for recognising the Interim National Committee and uploading the names of the party’s leadership on its website in compliance with the Federal High Court of Abuja order.

    The party also regretted that it would not be able to participate in the February 21 Federal Capital Territory area councils election.

    The Abia governor also thanked supporters of the party and assured them that the Labour Party would emerge stronger and more united.

    Otti equally expressed regret that the party would be unable to participate in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council elections because of circumstances beyond its control, but expressed confidence that the party would be ready for subsequent elections.