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  • PDP lists CP, REC redeployment, others in six-point demand

    PDP lists CP, REC redeployment, others in six-point demand

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded the redeployment of those heading all police and electoral operations in Edo State before next week’s governorship election in Edo State.

    Speaking with reporters shortly after the party’s NWC meeting, PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Ilyas Damagum urged the Federal Government to accede to a six-point demand before the PDP can agree that the election is going to be free, fair and credible.

    Essentially, the six-point demands tabled by Damagum are as follows: The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun must recognize his duty to the Nigerian people, the Constitution and the sustenance of peace and security in Edo State and the entire nation; that the IGP should immediately redeploy the Edo State Commissioner of Police CP Nemo Edwin-Iwo to guarantee confidence, peace and security during the election; and that he should immediately release all members of the PDP being detained by the police.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Edo PDP chairman, gov candidate boycott peace accord signing

    Other demands are that the IGP should desist from interfering in the activities of Edo State Security Corps, a body lawfully established under the law; that INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu should immediately redeploy the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Dr. Anugbum Onuoha from the State, especially now that people are already agitated against this obnoxious appointment; and that implementing all the demands will not only guarantee a credible election but also avert the ugly scenario witnessed in the 2023 Adamawa State governorship election where a biased Resident Electoral Commissioner and other INEC officials nearly lost their lives in the hands of the agitated electorate.

  • PDP may not sign Peace Accord, says Obaseki

    PDP may not sign Peace Accord, says Obaseki

    • ‘IG can’t suspend State Security Corps’

    The Edo State Governor and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has indicated that the PDP may not sign the Peace Accord today.

    The governor said the agency, the Police, responsible for enforcing the accord have, through their actions, shown that they are acting in the interest of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and waging war against the PDP.

    Obaseki spoke when he received the Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC) and former Military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, who was on a courtesy visit to the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital, ahead of the signing of the Peace Accord on September 12, 2024.

    Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, raised alarm over the deployment of associates of the former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to act as the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state and the Edo Commissioner of Police in the lead up to election.

    Read Also: Omokri: Tinubu deserves no blame for NNPCL business decisions

    The governor, had in a statement he personally signed on September 10, noted that since the commencement of the electioneering process in the State, the steps taken by the Police have shown that they are one-sided.

    During his interaction with Abubakar in Benin City, the governor expressed worry that the Police under the manipulation of the APC, has arrested not less than 10 PDP chieftains who they perceived would be strong political opposition to them in the coming election, including the serving Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Hon. Collins Aigbogun, who was arrested and whisked to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

    Obaseki therefore queried how one enters a peace accord with an umpire who, from the onset, has shown bias in favor of one of the parties in the election.

    Similarly, the State Government has said that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has no constitutional power to suspend the Edo Security Corps, as it is a creation of the Edo State House of Assembly.

    The IGP had at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’ Stakeholders’ Meeting yesterday, announced that the outfit had been suspended ahead of the governorship election.

    But, in a statement, Osagie said, “The Edo State government insists that the ESC is a body set up by law passed by the Edo State House of Assembly.

    “This is tantamount to the IGP disbanding the Western Nigeria Security Network popularly known as Operation Amotekun ahead of the governorship election in Ondo State billed for next month.”

    He added however that in the interest of peace in the State, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has directed that all the officials of the ESC should proceed on leave from today till 23rd of September after the election.

  • Ondo poll: PDP inaugurates local govt campaign council

    Ondo poll: PDP inaugurates local govt campaign council

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has inaugurated its Local Government Campaign Council in Idanre Local Government.

    It urged the team to deliver votes in the locality for its governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi.

    Chairman of Ondo PDP Campaign Council, Olorogun Eddy Olafeso, thanked them for showing love to the party.

    He said Idanre would deliver huge votes for PDP.

    “Idanre should be a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) site. May God forgive the APC government. Show them you are angry with your votes. “

    Deputy governorship candidate of PDP, Festus Akingbaso, urged the people to eschew violence before, during and after the election.

    Akingbaso, the member representing Idanre/Ifedore federal constituency, advised the campaign council to begin door to door wooing of voters.

    He said: “APC is threatening us that we are not as financially buoyant as them. But we have God. When they give you money, take their money and vote for PDP. 

    Read Also: Ajaero: No human rights abuse in Nigeria, says Presidency

    “Please go from house to house. Don’t fight with anybody. Idanre has never produced a deputy governor. This is the first time. We will do it. We will face them and we will defeat them. Appeal to our youths not to fight them. We need to vote. “

    Ajayi said they were in the locality to commiserate with the people over the death of their king, Oba Fredrick Aroloye.

    He said no reasonable person should contemplate voting for the APC with the level of hardship unleashed on Nigerians.

    Idanre PDP chairman Adekunle Akinlalu said the chances of victory for the party were on the rise, especially with the choice of Akingbaso as the deputy governorship candidate.

  • PDP, APC clash over purported plan to make Edo ungovernable

    PDP, APC clash over purported plan to make Edo ungovernable

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have clashed in Edo State over what the latter described as a plan to shut down the state, ahead of next week’s governorship election.

    The Director of Media of the Campaign Council of the APC in Edo, Prince Kassim Afegbua said the Godwin Obaseki-led administration plans to shut down the state from September 15 so that the election would not hold.

    Afegbua said in a press statement that the planned shutdown would be through mass protests and that other PDP-controlled states would join the protests, to invite the military to take over power at the federal level.

    He said the strategy was perfected last Sunday at a meeting held at the Government House, Benin.

    The former Edo Commissioner for Information said: “The latest plan by Governor Obaseki is to shut down Edo State starting from 15th September, through mass protest, and that other PDP-controlled states would join the protest, to invite the military to take over the reins of power at the federal level.”

    Afegbua said the meeting in Government House was attended by people who were complicit in the murder, through gunshot on July 18, 2024, at the exit gate of Benin Airport of police Inspector Onuh Akoh of No. 45, Police Mobile Force, Abuja, who was attached to the governorship candidate of the APC in Edo, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

    However, Governor Obaseki, who responded yesterday through the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare said there is no iota of truth in the purported plan. He said the administration decided to extend the school resumption date to ensure the safety and well-being of the students.

    Nehikhare said: “The decision is rooted in our deep commitment to protecting our children from all forms of danger, including the possible consequences of the astronomical increase in the price of fuel, as well as the concomitant increase in the cost of living.

    “We are also mindful of the intelligence report we received about the threats posed by the APC, who have reportedly imported and armed thugs that are causing mayhem across the state.

    Read Also: We’re committed to finding lasting to recurring flooding crisis — Shettima

    “Because the safety of our children is paramount, we do not want to take any chances. Hence, we are keeping our children in the safety of their homes, until we defuse the situation shortly.

    “The APC’s actions, including their reckless behaviour, that have resulted in the shooting of innocent individuals, raise serious alarms. We believe that these actions are part of a desperate strategy to instigate a state of emergency and shift the blame onto the PDP.”

    The commissioner said apart from the public holidays on Monday and Friday, the government has devised mechanisms to ensure that any learning loss during this extended period would be effectively addressed.

    He said: “Our commitment to our children’s education remains unwavering, and we will work diligently to regain any lost instructional time. Our priority is the safety and education of our children. We will continue to take necessary measures to protect our communities, and ensure that our schools are safe environments for learning.”

    Nehikhare also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and work together to maintain peace and stability in Edo.

  • PDP accuses APC of deliberately detaining its leaders ahead of election

    PDP accuses APC of deliberately detaining its leaders ahead of election

    The Edo State Government has alleged that members of the governing People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who were arrested following the recent incident at Benin Airport where a police officer was murdered were deliberately being kept in the dungeon to be out of circulation during the crucial governorship election scheduled for next week Saturday.

    Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare made the allegation while briefing reporters yesterday in Benin. He said over 10 PDP leaders, including the chairman of Esan West Local Government Council, were being detained.

    Nehikhare called on security agencies to halt the incessant arrest of PDP leaders and supporters ahead of the election, to be contested by candidates of 17 political parties.

    A security source who spoke in confidence maintained that the persons arrested, detained and being investigated had to do with the murder, through gunshots, on July 18, 2024, at the exit gate of Benin Airport of police Inspector Onuh Akoh of No. 45, Police Mobile Force, Abuja.

    The murdered Akoh was attached to the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Monday Okpebholo, who arrived from Abuja, in company with the reinstated Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu.

    Read Also: Tinubu calls for focus on youth empowerment, digital economy

    The commissioner added, however, that no amount of intimidation would make the APC win the election.

    He accused unnamed leaders of the APC of being behind the arrest of some of the chieftains and supporters of PDP across the state.

    Nehikhare said: “Some of our members have been in detention for the past two months, without being charged to court. The APC and its cohorts should tell the Edo people why the intimidation and arrest of PDP members. APC’s leaders should explain to the Edo people where our members and leaders are. Why have they not been charged to court since their arrest?”

    He said there was the need for a level playing field, for the off-season/cycle poll to be credible, free and fair.

  • Ekiti PDP caretaker committee proscribes internal groups

    Ekiti PDP caretaker committee proscribes internal groups

    Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee has placed embargo on internal political groups.

    The Chairman of the committee, Mr Dare Adeleke, said the move was aimed at strengthening unity in the party and giving room for collective party work.

    He said this during a meeting with stakeholders across the state, including former governors, ex-deputy governors, former National Assembly members and other leaders of the party.

    He warned members of the party that it would no more be business as usual, saying henceforth every anti-party activity by anyone, no matter how highly placed, would attract sanctions.

    Adeleke, who stressed the need for discipline among members, noted that speaking against the party in private and public places constituted anti-party activities. “This and other negative behaviours against the party shall be thoroughly sanctioned without delay. Please be advised,” he said.

    Read Also: FG, Ekiti to upgrade  NYSC orientation camp

    Speaking about the groupings and factions in the party, the caretaker chairman said: “I appreciate the leaders and members of the groups in Ekiti PDP for their steadfastness and visibility provided for the party through their groupings. Thank you for your efforts.

    “However, starting from today and as part of our standard declarations to instill further discipline across the board, to achieve lasting peace within the party, public displays of groupings must end forthwith.

    “The Caretaker Committee shall frown seriously and sanction anyone who is publicly using any group to create distractions within the party. Please don’t be a victim of sanctions from the party. Up until now, you have all done well through the groups, and you have all assisted the party in one way or the other. But it is time to sit up and do the work.

    “From today, Ekiti PDP is one, and so shall it remain. I was appointed here to get results for the party, and hence, the CTC won’t tolerate any inappropriate behaviour from any individual, group or association.”

  • PDP aspirant ‘will unify, reposition party’

    PDP aspirant ‘will unify, reposition party’

    Aspirant for National Chairmanship of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Conrad Utaan, has said he will unify and reposition party as  national chairman.      

     He spoke when he met  G-14, comprising PDP elders from the 14 Tiv speaking councils of Benue State in Makurdi.

    The meeting was continuation of consultations, ahead of PDP National Convention.

    Utaan, an indigene, said he would work to ensure victory for the party in 2027.

    He said Nigerians were missing PDP and could not wait for PDP to return to power.

    Speaking with reporters after the meeting, he denied being in the race to fight Ayu by going to court.

    Read Also: Senator Barau to Nigerians: support Tinubu to succeed

    He argued that what he did when Ayu was suspended was to seek intervention by asking the court to interpret the PDP constitution to save the soul of the party.

    He said it was not because Ayu was suspended by officials of the party from Ingyorov ward, Gboko council, where he hails from.

    “I’m in the race to complete the tenure of Zone B, same as Ayu. All what the party needs to do is to ratify my candidature to replace Ayu as  national chairman,” he said.

    Leader of G-14, Laha Dzever, noted the party needs a chairman to ensure PDP wins the state and federal in 2027.

  • I did not sack Ayu, says PDP national chairmanship candidate Utaan

    I did not sack Ayu, says PDP national chairmanship candidate Utaan

    Peoples Democratic  Party’s (PDP) national chairmanship candidate,  Engr. Conrad  Terhide Utaan, has denied rumours  that he sacked Dr.Iyorchia Ayu as national chairman of the party .

    Utaan spoke at the Makurdi residence of the leader of G-14 , a political group within the  PDP, spread among the  14 Tiv speaking local government areas .

    He said ” I did not sack Ayu.  I was only courageous enough to seek court interpretation on what the law says about the circumstance Ayu found himself  and save PDP.

    He said the matter  against Ayu went through the High Court and the Court of Appeal before Ayu withdrew the case from the court.

    “He was accused of not paying party dues for almost a year and his ward EXCO suspended him from the party.

    ” I’m contesting for the chairmanship position of the PDP because the position is vacant and it was zoned   to the North Central ,and particularly Benue State , so I will take over and  complete the tenure of Dr. Ayu.”

    Read Also: Obaseki reveals cause of rift with Oshiomhole

    He said his first assignment as PDP chairman is to reconcile all groups as the party is highly divided.

    According to Utaan,the PDP constitution provides that  in the event of death or resignation, the same  zone will produce a replacement.

    In Benue state  Barnabas Gemade was the national chairman from Benue North East, Chief Audu Ogbeh from Benue South ,while Ayu was from Jemgba from Benue zone B, and that made him, Utaan, a perfect replacement.

    Utaan equally debunked rumours that he was being sponsored by a former governor.

    Responding, the leader of the G- 14, Dr. Laha Dzever, commended Utaan for the bold steps he has taken.

  • PDP rejects hike in fuel price

    PDP rejects hike in fuel price

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rejects the new increase in the pump price of petrol to about N1,000 per liter in various parts of the country.

     Abuja, Sept. 5, 2024 (NAN)The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rejects the new increase in the pump price of petrol to about N1,000 per litre in various parts of the country.

    The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba in Abuja on Thursday, described the hike in fuel price as thoughtless, especially at this time.

    Ologunagba advised President Bola Tinubu to save the country from further socio-economic challenges by immediately reversing the latest increase in fuel price.

    He said that Nigerians could not bear fuel price increase worsening effect on suffocating economic hardship which they currently faced.

    Read Also: PDP Governors chide Wike over remarks

    The publicity secretary said that the secretive administration of the petroleum sector, and persistent increase in fuel price without due regard to the wellbeing of the people had implications.

    He described the action as anti-people and a show of unconcern to the agonies of millions of Nigerians, who could no longer afford their daily meals, medications and basic support for families due to the high cost of living.

    Ologunagba said that today,  said that the majority of  Nigerians lived below the poverty line, businesses were collapsing daily as the Naira now exchanged for over N1,600 to a Dollar with over 34 per cent inflation rate.

    He said that the statistics were expected to rise further with the latest increase in the price of fuel.

    “Our Party restates that with a deft, transparent and innovative management of resources and national refining capacity, petrol should not sell more than N250 per liter in Nigeria,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • PDP storms Owan for campaign, inaugurates Sobe/Sabongida-Ora Road

    PDP storms Owan for campaign, inaugurates Sobe/Sabongida-Ora Road

    Governor Godwin Obaseki led the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) campaign for the September 21 governorship election to Owan West and East Local Government Areas at the weekend and assured residents that the party has a solid team that would continue from where he stops.

    The governor began the campaign at Owan West, where he inaugurated the 30-kilometre Sobe/Sabongida-Ora Road.

    The Speaker of Edo House of Assembly, Chief Blessing Agbebaku, while welcoming the governor at Sabongida-Ora, thanked him, on behalf of the people, saying they appreciated his administration’s policy of treating every part of the state equally, and for the road in particular, while assuring that Owan West was totally for the PDP.

    Read Also: Nwifuru approves new minimum wage for Ebonyi workers

    Agbebaku announced an award by the farmers in the area to Obaseki, which he presented to him.

    Cutting the tape to declare the road open, the Edo governor noted that he has fulfilled the promise he made to the residents four years ago. He also assured them that the politician who would take over from him, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, would do more for them.

    He stated that the plan was to link more communities by internal roads, so that Edo would not rely on federal roads alone.

    Agbebaku, at Owan West headquarters playground, the venue of the campaign, reiterated his earlier claim that Obaseki had done well for the area’s residents, who would reward him by voting for Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, a lawyer, to succeed him, to continue the good works.

    Deputy Governor Godwins Omobayo declared that Obaseki loves Edo North Senatorial District and that the party would be rewarded by the people during the September 21 poll.

    Ighodalo, while also speaking, hailed the Edo governor and the residents, while promising to do more than Obaseki was doing, and assured that companies that would process their farm products would be brought to the area and ensure that cocoa’s glorious days would be restored and processing industries built for their use.

    Obaseki told the cheering crowd that he had come to thank them for supporting him all through, and he hoped they would not stop the support this time.

    He described Edo as one while stressing that everybody, irrespective of where he comes from, must have the opportunity to be the governor of the state by being given the same and equal opportunities as others.