The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • Group berates SERAP over planned suit against NASS leaders

    Group berates SERAP over planned suit against NASS leaders

    The Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin-Hausa Coalition for Development (HAKCOD) in Jigawa State has faulted the decision of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to institute legal action against the leadership of the National Assembly over what it described as “baseless and politically motivated allegations” against the member representing Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin-Hausa Federal Constituency, Hon. Usman Kamfani Auyo.

    In a  statement by its Chairman, Comrade Abubakar Maje Ahmed,  the group accused SERAP of “acting hastily on falsehoods and political propaganda” peddled by opponents of the lawmaker.

    HAKCOD described the planned lawsuit as “a reckless attempt to undermine the integrity of an elected representative and distract him from his legislative responsibilities.”

    “The decision by SERAP to proceed with legal action based on unfounded claims is not only unjust but also a direct insult to the collective integrity of the people of Hadejia, Auyo, and Kafin-Hausa.

    “Hon. Usman Kamfani Auyo has been an exemplary representative, focusing on youth empowerment, education, and infrastructural development across the constituency. It is unfortunate that some political actors have resorted to distortion and blackmail to achieve their selfish aims.”

    According to the group, the controversy originated in August 2025, following a media interaction in which Hon. Auyo allegedly stated that lawmakers were required to make payments before sponsoring bills in the National Assembly — a claim which HAKCOD insists was “deliberately twisted” by political detractors.

    It clarified that the lawmaker merely explained that some legislators voluntarily spend personal funds — sometimes up to ₦3 million — to engage consultants who assist in preparing draft bills or motions before they are presented, emphasising that such expenses were not bribes or mandatory fees.

    “At no point did Hon. Usman Auyo suggest that payments are made to facilitate legislative processes. What he described was a common professional practice across many parliaments, where lawmakers hire experts to refine their legislative proposals,” the statement added.

    HAKCOD further alleged that some opposition figures within Jigawa State seized the opportunity to “feed SERAP with misleading narratives,” prompting the organization to embark on a misguided legal crusade.

    Read Also: SERAP seeks disclosure of new INEC chairman selection process

    “We urge SERAP, as an organization known for promoting transparency and accountability, to cross-check its facts before taking actions capable of damaging reputations or undermining public trust in democratic institutions,” HAKCOD said.

    The coalition also called on the National Assembly leadership and the general public to disregard what it termed “sensationalized claims,” insisting that Hon. Auyo remains committed to credible representation and good governance.

    HAKCOD concluded by urging civil society groups to exercise due diligence and maintain objectivity in their advocacy, warning that “politically influenced actions” could erode citizens’ confidence in democratic accountability initiatives.

    “We stand firmly by our representative. Any attempt to malign him is an attack on the will and dignity of our people,” the statement concluded.

  • Bayelsa’s return to mainstream politics

    Bayelsa’s return to mainstream politics

    Four of five Southsouth states are now under the control of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following the defection of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the implications of the shift for geo-political calculations ahead of 2027.

    The crowd was huge in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State. Brooms, the symbol of the All Progressives Congress (APC), filled the air at the Samson Siasia Sports Arena.

    Colourful posters and banners of various types welcomed party leaders from far and near to the grand ceremony.

    It was not a rented crowd. Drummers, trumpeters and live bands entertained the people who sang and danced as they welcomed the new dawn in Bayelsa.

    Joy was bold on all and sundry as the governor, Senator Douye Diri, received the party flag from  the National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, to the admiration of  Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Other party leaders were in the mood of excitement as the APC enlarged its coast in the state. “This defection is not a Beyalsa defection; it is the Ijaw nation defecting to the APC,” declared the governor who exuded confidence on the podium.

    PDP’s loss is APC’s gain. This year alone, the main opposition party has lost four governors — Diri of Bayelsa, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, and Peter Mbah of Enugu — to the APC. There are feelers that Agbu Kefas of Taraba and Caleb Mutfwang may also follow suit.

    Diri left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling party with his big political family, a huge structure that has dominated the oil-rich, Ijaw state for five years.

    Two sitting senators, Konbowei Benson and Benson Agadaga, Senator Ben Bruce and the House of Assembly Speaker, Abraham Ingobere, also dumped the umbrella.

    Commissioners, special advisers, other aides, notable grassroots figures and party mobilisers across the eight local governments bade farewell to the crisis-ridden PDP.

    Diri’s decision received the backing of 23 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker.

    The 24-member Assembly currently comprises 20 PDP lawmakers; three APC, and one All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    On that defection spot, Diri became the automatic and authentic leader of the APC in Bayelsa, who is expected to coordinate its activities and wield the tendencies together without contradiction during the harmonisation of party structures.

    “Today, you have shown us that Bayelsa State has chosen the light of national integration over the shadows of political isolation. The All Progressives Congress is the party of those who believe that progress can only be guaranteed when we stand together, when we answer the call of the people,” said Vice President Shettima, who received the governor into the APC.

    “Your story mirrors that of your people. You have led with calm and dignity. But beneath that calm has flowed a restless comitment to development, to unity, and to peace. You have expanded roads to remote communities and assured them that they are not forgotten.

     “You have built bridges where there were barriers. You have lit homes where there was darkness. This is what it means to govern with empathy. So, we welcome you into this fold to watch and support you as you champion what you have always done,” he added.

    Other party leaders nodded affirmatively, while also acknowledging the importance of the political realignment in the Southsouth.

    Ahead of 2027 polls, five of six Southsouth states are now governed by the APC, which hopes to elicit vast support from Niger Deltans based on the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration in the politically conscious region.

    From 1999 to that hour of defection, Bayelsa prided itself as the stronghold of the PDP. The state produced four governors on the platform- Diepreye Alamieseigha, Goodluck Jonathan, Tmpreye Silva, Seriake Dickson and Diri. It also produced Dr. Jonathan as president.

    Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN), who expressed happiness at the new geo-political calculus, described Diri’s move as the “last piece of the jigsaw puzzle” that solidifies APC’s dominance in the region ahead of the next general election.

    “From a position of absolute weakness in 2015, 2019 and 2023 to a position of absolute advantage and strength ahead of 2027. Welcome home, Governor Duoye Diri,” he added.

    Diri fell into the warm embrace of Yilwatda and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a southsoutherner and an ally of President Tinubu in the course of forging integration, fostering inclusion and ensuring good governance.

    Also present at the carnival-like rally were Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State), Pastor Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Ahmed Ododo (Kogi), and Monday Okpebolo (Edo).

    The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Kwara State (AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq), Peter Mba (Enugu), and former Edo Governor Adams Oshiomhole also hailed Diri for taking the right step.

    Also at the rally were the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri,

    Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, his counterpart in the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, Chief Ebitimi Amgbare.

    A wordsmith, Akpabio said the party was happy to receive Diri as demonstrated by the large turnout of top party members. He commended the governor for steering the state on the path of peace. He also congratulated him for taking the bold step in moving the affairs of the state in the direction of the party at the centre.

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma,  Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said the Bayelsa governor has taken a progressive step by aligning with the renewed hope agenda of the President.

    Thanking Bayelsans for taking the right decision, Yilwatda said the Ijaw nation has spoken in one voice through the governor.

    Bayelsa state has spoken. Today, Bayelsa state is APC,” Yilwatda said.

    “Bayelsa State is too critical for us to leave it in the hands of the PDP. The roads have been constructed. We saw it. We saw the fishes in the fish farms. We saw agriculture booming. We saw trading. We saw everything doing good.

    “Therefore, Governor Diri is welcome to the family of the APC. I now give him this flag as the leader of the party in the state.

    “He takes over as the leader of APC in Bayelsa State. And anything concerning Bayelsa State, the National Working Committee will contact Governor Diri.

    “I will hold him responsible for APC in the state. Today, you take over as a leader of our party in Bayelsa state. Welcome, our leader in Bayelsa.

    “Take this broom as a symbol of our party. Sweep out PDP, and ensure that the votes are swept in. In 2027, sweep in all the votes for APC,” he added.

    Diri is a politician who cannot be dismissed with a wave of the hand. He had served the Ijaw nation from his activist days as the National Organising Secretary of the Ijaw National Congress. Under Governor Jonathan, he served as Commissioner for Youths and Sports before he was elected into the Senate.

    On the eve of the event, he had said at a thanksgiving service in Yenagoa that the defection was motivated by the need to protect and promote the interest of Bayelsans.

    Diri said: “Somebody had to take the decision (to leave the PDP) and I took it on behalf of the state. I took it in the best interest of the state. Some of you might not understand now but later, it will be clear to all.

    “When we came in as a government, what we did at the beginning was to ensure that most of the uncompleted projects were completed and we introduced new ones. That alone is enough reason to thank God.

    “The peace and security we are enjoying is another reason to thank God. Politics is for development and not to kill your brother.  The gathering here is a testimony of the unity in the state.”

    Explaining why he left the PDP on Monday, the governor said that  he did his best to salvage his former party, which observers have described as a sinking ship.

    Diri said the PDP had been hijacked by undertakers bent on destroying the party, adding that he had no choice than to join the ruling party to the protect the political future of the state.

    “After seeing that the undertakers wanted to bury the PDP, I never wanted my state to be buried alongside with PDP.

    “So, knowing what was going on, after all my consultations with all the leaders, it was incumbent on me as governor to make a decision,” he stressed.

    The governor said President Tinubu’s love for development of the state and the Ijaw nation through developmental initiatives, including the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, the second phase of the Nembe-Brass road and also a N4bn tax waiver granted the state when he procured the 60megawatt gas turbine influenced his decision.

    Diri said: ”On October 15, I did something after consultation with elders and the State Assembly and afterwards resigned from the PDP for obvious reasons. This defection is not only for Bayelsa. It is for Ijaws in Ondo, Edo, Delta and Rivers.

    Read Also: NIS to introduce emergency passport for Nigerians abroad

    “I will not denigrate my former party. We were happy with it until some undertakers destroyed it.

    “We tried to salvage it but to no avail. I never wanted my state to be buried with the PDP. What was going on became incumbent on me to take a decision and majority of the state House of Assembly, including the Speaker, have come with me to the APC.”

    Diri praised President Tinubu for fighting the infrastructure battle in the region. He said the call for the construction of the Lagos–Calabar coastal highway started before the current administration; it had been on since the military era.

    “Long in the military regime, we requested a coastal road from Lagos to Calabar,” he stated, displaying an old memorandum from the Ijaw National Congress to General Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Military Head of State.

    “Bring those documents. Memorandum on the demands by the Ijaw ethnic nationality submitted to the Head of State. The major demand here was the construction of the coastal roads from Lagos to Calabar.”

    Diri argued that President Tinubu had acted on that demand, saying that his intervention aligned with the long-term aspirations of coastal communities.

    “I don’t care how much the coastal road will cost. Today, we have a President who has come to realise that this coastal road is important to the people of the coastal area, majority of whom are Ijaw people,” he added

    Diri asked rhetorically: “Are we going to leave that type of man?” The crowd chorused “no.”

    The governor also dismissed comments that leaving the PDP would cost him his mandate.

    “There is only one way a governor will lose his office, by impeachment from the State House of Assembly. And in this situation, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and the majority of the members are going with me,”

  • Agege legislative council confirms Obasa as chairman after Azeez’s resignation

    Agege legislative council confirms Obasa as chairman after Azeez’s resignation

    The 10th Assembly of the Agege Legislative Council, led by Hon. Adeshina Haruna, on Tuesday accepted the resignation of Hon. Tunde Azeez Disco as Chairman of Agege Local Government, paving the way for a new leadership structure in the council.

    Azeez stepped down citing health challenges that had hindered his ability to perform his duties. 

    The councillors commended his service and wished him a speedy recovery.

    Following deliberations, the council unanimously approved Hon. AbdulGaniyu Vinod Obasa as the substantive Chairman of Agege Local Government. The decision was described as key to ensuring continuity, stability, and effective governance in the council.

    During the plenary session, lawmakers also carried out a strategic review of the council’s committee system and oversight functions, with emphasis on strengthening transparency, accountability, and project monitoring across the local government.

    Read Also: Obasanjo, Sasakawa chief meet to deepen pact in agriculture

    The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to delivering development-driven initiatives to residents of Agege under its renewed leadership and legislative oversight framework.

    Speaking with The Nation, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agege, Rotimi Sulaiman, hailed the transition, describing Azeez’s resignation as a thoughtful move.

    “Hon. Tunde Azeez has been long sick and his decision to resign and devote his attention to his health rather than being weighed down by the responsibility of that office is the wise decision any sane person should take,” he said.

    He also praised Obasa, noting that “the beneficiary of that excellent decision, Abdulganiyu Vinod Obasa, is a visionary young man who in the last few months of Azeez’s absence has demonstrated uncommon capacity. I think Agege is lucky to have both men.”

  • I didn’t leave N600bn debt, says Obaseki 

    I didn’t leave N600bn debt, says Obaseki 

    Immediate past Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki has denied leaving the state with a debt of N600bn.

    Obaseki was reacting to allegations by Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua.

    Besides the N600bn debt allegations, Kassim said there were many questions about legacy projects of Obaseki especially the Radisson Hotel and the Museum for West African Arts (MOWAA).

    But Obaseki, who spoke through his Media Adviser, Crusoe Osagie, said lies being spewed by the Okpebholo’s administration were giving the country a bad image. 

    He urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to cross check with the Debt Management Office on whether Edo drew a debt of N600bn.

    Obaseki noted that no government at whatever level whether local government, state government or federal government, has capacity to draw loans or enter into any debt arrangement without the knowledge and approval of the DMO.

    He stated that certain statement from the Edo State government gave impression that the state was being governed by people who don’t understand what it meant to run a government. 

    Obaseki stated that comments by Afegbua were false and out of place.

    He said every record about the transaction between Radisson Hotel and the Edo State Government were contained in the transition report.

    On the planned probe of Radisson Hotel, Obaseki noted that Radisson Hotel remained a international brand that entered into a business agreement with Edo State with all T’s crossed and all I’s dotted.

    According to him: “The Museum for West African Arts is an international investment drawing funds from German government, United Kingdom’s government, French government for its development. You think such an investment will be put on a land that was not ceded to that organization by the state.

    “These people just come out there and toss all kinds of irresponsible information out there. At the end of the day what happens is that all of these turn around to form the intelligence that gathered out of Nigeria by the international community. 

    “It makes these countries think that the country is a failed state and the place is not being governed. 

    “So when comments like this begin to come out of a state like Edo also governed by the All Progressive Congress, it gives credence to the, attitude that we are receiving from foreign nations. 

    “Can you people kindly ask where that N600bn he is speaking about is recorded in the DMO office. 

    “If Obasaki took such loans or had such indebtedness at least you can find it there in the DMO office. So he j comes out and spews these lies and makes this statement. 

    “It gives the impression that the state is being governed by touts. It gives impression that the state is being governed by people who don’t understand what it means to run government.”

  • Adjournment: House backtracks resumes plenary Wednesday

    Adjournment: House backtracks resumes plenary Wednesday

    The House of Representatives has rescinded its decision to adjourn plenary for one week for interface with the Executive over payment of debts to local contractors for works executed since 2024.

    Spokesman of the House, Akintunde Rotimi said in a statement that to decision to backtrack followed positive development arising from engagement and interventions. 

    The House decided to adjourn after adopting a motion by the Minority Leader on the need to immediately pay the local contractors and commence implementation of the 2025 capital budget. 

    Rotimi said: “The House of Representatives will reconvene for plenary on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, contrary to the earlier resolution to adjourn sittings until Tuesday next week. 

    “This decision follows positive developments arising from engagements and interventions across various levels of government concerning issues that informed the earlier adjournment, particularly matters relating to contractors’ agitations and the non-release of funds under the 2024/2025 budget.

    “The development was formally conveyed to Honourable Members by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Esq., via an internal memorandum issued on Tuesday evening.

    “According to the communication, the early resumption will afford the Leadership of the House the opportunity to brief Members on progress recorded in resolving these issues and other related matters of national importance.

    “At Wednesday’s plenary, the House is expected to formally rescind its earlier adjournment resolution to enable proceedings to continue. The Leadership urges all Honourable Members to make the necessary arrangements to be in attendance.”

  • Tinubu urges Senate to confirm Ude as Minister

    Tinubu urges Senate to confirm Ude as Minister

    President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday urged the Senate to consider and confirm the nomination of Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Ude, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), from Enugu State, as a Minister. 

    The President’s request was contained in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, during plenary.

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints five new Permanent Secretaries

    The letter reads in part: “In compliance with the provisions of section 147 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), I am pleased to forward to the Senate the nomination of Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu-Ude, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, for confirmation as minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

    “While I hope that this request will receive the usual expeditious consideration of the Senate, please accept, distinguished Senate President and distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest regards.”

    After reading the letter Akpabio referred the request to the Committee of the Whole for further legislative work.

  • Anambra poll: PSC boss warns police officers against misconduct 

    Anambra poll: PSC boss warns police officers against misconduct 

    The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), has cautioned police officers deployed to secure polling units during Saturday’s governorship elections to avoid misconduct. 

    Argungu disclosed the PSC staff have been deployed to the three Senatorial zones of Anambra State to monitor Police conduct during the election. 

    Argungu advised Police officers on electoral duties to exhibit a high level of impartiality and discipline and must ensure that both the electoral officers and the electoral materials are protected. 

    The PSC Chairman also directed that the Police men on election duty must ensure that a conducive environment is created for the people of Anambra state to vote without let or hindrance adding that Officers who compromise their rules of engagement will be sanctioned.

    Read Also: PSC promises to probe allegation against AIG

    DIG Argungu said the Anambra election should be a test case for the Police as the nation prepares for the 2027 General elections.

    He expressed happiness with the preparations so far put in place by the Anambra state Police Command especially the State Commissioner CP Ikioye Orutugu, who according to reports has recently visited all the Area Commands and known flash points in the state to underscore the readiness of the Police to ensure a free and fair election.

    According to a statement on Tuesday by the Head, Press and Public Relations, PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC boss said the Commission will appreciate officers who exhibit professionalism and commitment during the election and would sanction those who will be found wanting.  

    He said: “The Commission staff Monitors will operate from the state capital and the three Senatorial Districts of the state”.

  • APC to Obi: Nigeria’s interest must rise above politics

    APC to Obi: Nigeria’s interest must rise above politics

    The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said Nigeria’s national interest must always rise above partisan politics.

    The party was reacting to the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi’s comment on the U.S. designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” and threat of possible military action.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Obi had described the U.S. designation as “deeply concerning”, expressing worry over insecurity while also urging the government to protect citizens’ lives and freedoms.

    The APC’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Seye Oladejo,in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos, said sensitive national issues should not be politicised.

    He said that Obi’s statement on the matter reflected “selective outrage” and an attempt to exploit a sensitive national issue for political relevance rather than demonstrate statesmanship.

    Oladejo, accused Obi of grandstanding and seeking political attention from Nigeria’s temporary challenges.

    He said national unity and integrity must guide every public reaction to international reports about Nigeria.

    Oladejo urged citizens and political leaders to defend the country’s image through responsible communication and patriotic engagement.

    He said political differences should never override collective responsibility to protect Nigeria’s reputation.

    According to him, leaders should project optimism and confidence when discussing the nation’s challenges.

    “The interest of Nigeria must always rise above politics. We all have a duty to defend our nation’s dignity,” Oladejo said.

    The APC spokesman noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was taking bold steps to restore security and strengthen governance.

    He said reforms were ongoing to improve military coordination, intelligence sharing, and technological capacity in the fight against insecurity.

    Oladejo said the Federal Government was also addressing economic challenges that contribute to insecurity through targeted reforms and job creation.

    Read Also: Diri: I joined APC to stop Bayelsa from being buried with PDP

    He urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive as the benefits of the Renewed Hope Agenda continue to unfold.

    Oladejo emphasised that patriotism must be a shared value for both leaders and citizens.

    He called for constructive dialogue and collaboration across political lines to sustain national progress.

    According to him, development and stability can only thrive when the nation speaks with one voice.

    Oladejo said the APC welcomed all genuine suggestions but cautioned against statements that may weaken public confidence in the country.

    He reaffirmed that Nigeria would overcome its challenges through unity, resilience, and patriotic commitment.

    NAN recalls that the United States had  recently re-designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged violations of religious freedom.

    NAN also reports that the Federal Government had rejected the designation, describing it as inaccurate, and reaffirming its commitment to protecting the rights and freedoms of all Nigerians.

    (NAN)

  • Wike mocks embattled PDP chair Damagum

    Wike mocks embattled PDP chair Damagum

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday took a swipe at the embattled National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Umar Damagum.

    Wike described him as a “tax collector” who lacked the discipline and integrity to lead the opposition party.

    Speaking on a Television programme ‘Politics Today’, monitored by our correspondent in Abuja, Wike alleged that Damagum was never in control of his legal affairs when the party faced internal court battles, claiming that he personally intervened to stabilise the PDP leadership during that period.

    He said: “Damagum does not even know who his lawyer was when we went to court. That was how we were able to stabilize and keep Damagun”.

    The FCT minister also accused Damagum of being driven solely by financial interests, describing him as someone who prioritizes money over loyalty or principle.

    He said: “But you see, as a tax collector, he will always be. Damagum is a tax collector. He doesn’t need to work with FIRS, he is a company tax collector.

    “There are people who are like that naturally in their life, that is how they are. They think money is everything in life. They think they can never be steadfast”.

    Read Also: Wike vows to resist impunity, hails court ruling on PDP national convention

    Challenging Damagum to take legal action if he felt defamed by the claim, Wike declared: “Let Damagum challenge me. Let him go to court and sue me and say, ‘Look, this was what the minister said about me.’ He knows he cannot.”

    Wike’s remarks came amid deepening internal strife within the PDP, with rival factions of the party led by Damagum and Samuel Anyanwu, respectively.

    He also said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had no option but to leave the PDP for another party, insisting that Atiku’s departure was inevitable given his history with the party.

    Wike accused Atiku and his allies of repeatedly destabilizing the PDP, saying their recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) only confirmed their lack of commitment.

    He said: “Atiku has no choice but to go. Someone who wants to use the PDP, knowing that I am there, cannot get that platform. These are people who destroyed the party. Remember how many times he left and came back to the PDP.”

    The FCT Minister also took a swipe at those who had accused him of secretly working for the APC, describing their actions as hypocritical now that many of them have defected to the ruling party.

    “The man you claimed is working for APC to kill PDP is still in the PDP, and you people have run away to join the party you said I am working for,” he said.

    When asked if he felt pleased that most of his critics had exited the party, Wike replied curtly, “They have never been committed.”

  • Hashim: Aremu, a great star has fallen

    Hashim: Aremu, a great star has fallen

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has visited Sango Ota, Ogun State  residence of his friend, the late Abiodun Aremu, to commiserate with his wife,  Mrs Funke, and their children.

    He said: “Aremson, as we called him, and I met in 1986 as young activists. I was in the School of Basic Studies and Aremu in the School of Technology, both campuses of the College of Technology, Ilorin, with the third college being  School of Management and vocation.

    “Aremu and I belonged to the Youths Thinkers Club, a group of Patriotic young thinkers committed to a better Nigeria and the Liberation of our Fatherland from underdevelopment. We were also Joint members of the Patriotic Liberation Movement, a working class and peasantry focused left group with leading figures like M Yaqub (later Rotimi Obadofin), Femi Ahmed, Didi Adodo, Rev Father Ofei, Bona Chizea, Alex Ayatollah, Sunday Ewen etc.”

    Hashim added: “Ilorin where Aremson cut his activist political teeth like I, was an ideological melting pot in the mid 80s.

    “At the Youth and Students fronts were actors like Shola Olorunuomi now a University Professor, Denja Yaq, Lanre Fulani, Mathew Keyi, Hamzat Ibn Suleman, etc.

    “In the media were Dapo Olorunyomi, Lanre Kawu (Modibo Kawu Ladi Abdul Azeez) who eventually became Dapo Olorunyomi’s wife.”

    He added: “ Atribute to Aremson’s unwavering commitment to the working people of Nigeria and the cause of a better Nigeria cannot leave out the influence of the family of patriots that produced him and ideologically birthed some of us.

    “Aremu and I had a closer bond, we were very passionate about change. Some people say every opportunity to confront the status quo was like a birthday ceremony for Aremu and I. Some more uncharitable critics called us “Petty bourgeois exhibitionists”.

    “In May 1986, Aremu as President of Students Union led protesting students of School of Technology and I led thousands of students from school of Basic studies to protest the Killing of students in Abu Zaria in what became the Ango must go protest. We were heading to rendezvous at the NTA Ilorin where we had planned to make a broadcast, when we were confronted by large detachment of Mobile Anti riot policemen at Ministry of Agriculture in Ilorin.

    “The Government declared a curfew but we managed to get together later at my grandmother’s place to a plate of mama’s Amala and Ewedu soup.

    “Aremson and I kept close contact and visited with each other regularly over the past four decades. He recently survived a stroke, but fell to the  cruel assault of a hit and run driver.

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    “Why was Aremu crossing the road all by himself? He had a car which he seldom use because the road to his house was simply impassable, the last time I visited. Most residents of the community simply just park their cars.

    “Aremu built his house amongst the poor, though I won’t consider him poor. He chose by himself what he did, not because he lacked better options.

    “His choice was made easy for him by the understanding and cooperation of his loyal wife who must now bear the greatest weight of this loss.

    “Aremson was an Internationalist, particularly a friend of Cuba and a promoter of the Legacy of Amicar Cabral.”

    Dr. Hashim added that “we were ideologically bonded until his death. Though, we chose different paths as we grew up, he, a professional revolutionary, I chose entrepreneurship and Mass Democratic Politics, but our cord of commitment to a better Nigeria remained unbroken.

    “A rare patriot has fallen, a combatant for the cause of the poor is gone, my friend has become the pool of water after the rain that passes by the street never to return home again. Adieu great one!”

    He noted that the respected revolutionary -Comrade Abiodun Aremu passed on Sunday 12th of October 2025.

    He  prayed for God to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.