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  • War in PDP as Atiku, Wike factions battle for control

    War in PDP as Atiku, Wike factions battle for control

    • NWC faction suspends Acting Chairman, National Secretary

    • Court bars NEC from sacking Damagum before Dec 2025

    • BoT intervenes; urges peace, return to status quo

    • Party would emerge stronger from crisis – Bala Mohammed

    The bad blood generated in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by its loss of the 2023 presidential election snowballed into an open confrontation yesterday between the two main factions battling for the soul of the party.

    Supporters of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar,the  PDP presidential candidate in that election and those of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike launched into a battle of wits, with each side claiming to sack key party functionaries loyal to the other side.

    The day broke with Atiku supporters announcing the suspension of the PDP acting National Chairman Umar Damagum  and the  National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, for alleged anti-party activities.

    They proceeded to name Alhaji Yayari Mohammed as Damagum’s replacement.

    Swift reactions came from the Wike faction which not only got a Federal High Court Abuja injunction restraining the party from removing Damagum,but  also issued a counter statement suspending the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade  and the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba for alleged disloyalty to the party.

    Their offices at the PDP National Secretariat, Abuja were under lock and key all day yesterday.

    Ologunagba signed the statement suspending Damagum and Anyanwu.

    The PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) asked the gladiators to sheath their swords, de-escalate the tension and revert to the status quo to “preserve the unity and stability of our great party.”

    Read Also: Five Nigerian actors who are politicians

    The PDP Governors Forum said it was stepping into the matter and expressed optimism that the party would emerge stronger from the crisis.

    Ologunagba in a statement early yesterday said Damagum and Anyanwu were suspended from all meetings, activities and programs of the NWC pending the conclusion of investigation by the National Disciplinary Committee.

    His words: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP has extensively considered the series of complaints raised against the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Illiya Damagum and National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu particularly with regard to the letter addressed by them to the Court of Appeal in Appeal No:CA/PH/307/2024 against the Party’s position in the case involving the 27 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who vacated their seats upon decamping from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “The NWC condemned this anti-party activity of the Acting National Chairman and the National Secretary which is in gross violation of the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) and their Oath of Office.

    “Consequently, the NWC, pursuant to Sections 57, 58 and 59 of the PDP Constitution, has suspended Amb. Illiya Damagum and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Chairman and National Secretary of the Party respectively and referred them to the National Disciplinary Committee for further action.”

    A counter statement came from the Wike side a few hours later.

    The PDP National secretariat’s Director of Publicity, Pastor Chinwe Nnorom who signed it said Ologunagba and Kamaldeen had been suspended.

    She   said: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) arising from its 593rd Meeting today, Thursday, October 10, 2024, has directed the National Publicity Secretary (NPS), Hon Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser (NLA), Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, to step aside, respectively.

    “As a result, the NWC constituted a committee to be chaired by the Deputy National Chairman (South) H.E. Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the issues raised against the officers in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Party.

    “Following the NWC’s decision, it directed their respective deputies (DNPS and DNLA) to assume office in acting capacity with effect from Friday, October 11, 2014, pending the conclusion of investigation by the Committee: the officers are Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga, Esq, Acting National Publicity Secretary and Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, Acting National Legal Adviser.”

    Soon afterward, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim Manga issued a two-paragraph press statement announcing his assumption of office as  Acting National Publicity Secretary in place of the ‘suspended  ‘Ologunagba.

    His words:“Arising from its 593rd meeting,10th October,2024,the National Working Committee has suspended the National Publicity Secretary and the National Legal Adviser of the Party,pending the determination of allegations of DISLOYALTY and INSUBORDINATION levelled against the duo

    “In the meantime,the Deputies in the respective DIRECTORATES,Ibrahim Abdullahi and Barr Okechukwu Osuoha, have stepped-in in acting capacity.”

    “Rivers issues at core of PDP NWC Split” says new PDP spokesman

    Manga also addressed a press conference where he shed more light on the situation.

    According to him Ologunagba and Ajibade exhibited insubordination and disloyalty in their support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s recent local government election.

    He said that a meeting attended by 12  members of the party’s  National Working Committee (NWC) recorded eight votes in support of a boycott of the  local government election but the suspended duo went ahead to contradict the NWC position and thereby helped to confer legitimacy on the election.

    He said the Arapaja committee would probe Ologunagba and Ajibade over the next two weeks.

    He said Ologunagba would have to explain when the meeting to appoint a replacement for Damagum took place.

    “Nobody can wake up from the wrong side of the bed to make announcements that mislead the public and we stated that the 593rd session of the NWC meeting formally decided on suspension of the duo; I wouldn’t know at what forum, in what city, with what number and who were the dignitaries that came up with that kind of narrative when what is wrong is wrong,” Manga said.

    Court restrains PDP’s NEC, BoT from removing Acting National Chair Damagum 

    Justice Peter Lifu  of the Federal High Court , Abuja, restrained  the PDP  National Executive Committee (NEC) and the Board of Trustees (BoT) from removing Damagum as acting National chairman and also ordered that no person must be recognised as PDP chairman  other than Damagum until the national convention of the party scheduled for December next year.

    Justice Lifu held that under Articles 42, 47 and 67 of PDP constitution, it is only at the National Convention of the party that national officers can be elected.

    The judge said PDP members are bound by the Constitution of the party and as such must always act in line with the provisions and obedience to the party’s law

    The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/ CS/579/2024 was filed by Senator Umar El-Gash Maina who claimed to be chairman of PDP in Yobe State.

    Respondents in the suit are PDP and eight others.

    The plaintiff alleged that some stakeholders of the party had been holding clandestine meetings to forcefully remove Damagum from office in gross violation of the party’s Constitution.

    He said that a former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Dr Phillip Omeiza Salawu was being pushed forward as replacement for Damagun by the stakeholders.

    Maina claimed that upon becoming aware of the plan, two separate letters complaining against the clandestine meetings were delivered to the national secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu and that despite the acknowledgment of the two letters, the National Secretary and BoT members never deemed it fit to act on the letters and their claims.

    In the suit instituted on his behalf by Joshua Musa, SAN, the plaintiff therefore prayed the court to invoke article 45, 47 and 67 of PDP Constitution to stop the move to replace Damagum as the Acting National Chairman.

    The plaintiff specifically asked the court to declare that the national chairmanship of PDP is rotated between the north and south region and not through any other procedure not enshrined in the PDP’s Constitution.

    In his ruling delivered by Zoom after perusing the PDP’s Constitution and exhibits, Justice Lifu agreed with the plaintiff that Damagum can only be replaced at the national convention of PDP or through an order of a court.

    Justice Lifu also held that any attempt to truncate un-exhausted four years tenure of the northern region without the national convention of the party will amount to an affront to the Constitution of the PDP.

    Earlier, the judge had dismissed the opposition of the defendants to the suit on the grounds that the plaintiff had no locus standi to bring out the case and that the court lacked jurisdiction.

    Justice Lifu held that the plaintiff predicated his suit on the protection of PDP Constitution from violation, and the northern region from where he hails from being denied its four year tenure.

    Justice Lifu said that the plaintiff having displayed his PDP membership card before the court and having raised the fundamental issue of protection PDP’s Constitution had sufficient interest and justiciable cause to institute the case.

    The judge therefore declared that PDP NEC and BoT are bound by the party’s Constitution and that Damagum as national chairman can only be replaced through the national convention of the party.

    He also held that Damagum, having been appointed from the northern region where the former national chairman Senator Iyorcha Ayu hailed from, is entitled to serve out the remaining tenure of the national chairman.

    Revert to status quo, BoT tells warring factions

    Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara,warned both sides to shun any act that could worsen the crisis in the party.

    He called for a return to the status quo by the two sides and  to de-escalate tensions for the sake of party unity.

    He said:  “In the light of the on-going internal crisis within the National Working Committee (NWC), the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wishes to address the situation and provide clarity on the party’s stance.

    “The BoT calls on all sides of the NWC to sheath their swords and de-escalate the tension; the warring persons must, in the overall interest of the party, revert to the status quo to preserve the unity and stability of our great party.

    “We understand that disagreements may arise, but as a party with a long-standing tradition of internal democracy, we must not let these challenges derail our collective vision; the Board of Trustees will meet with the members of the NWC to intervene, foster reconciliation, and ensure that normalcy is restored in the NWC of our Great Party.

    “We call on all party faithful and supporters to remain calm during this period; the PDP has an effective conflict resolution mechanism, and we are confident that the current issues will be addressed and resolved in a manner that strengthens the party.”

    PDP will come out of crisis strong, says Bauchi gov

    Damagum, who was in Bauchi when his ‘suspension’ by the Atiku faction was announced, paid a courtesy call on Governor Bala Mohammed.

    Mohammed who doubles as Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum said there were no factions in the party although he acknowledged that it has some problems.

    He said the problems were not insurmountable and expressed optimism that it would come out of the crisis stronger.

    Speaking at the end of his meeting with Damagum,the governor said: “I would say that we have met and discussed these situations extensively with the acting National Chairman and we have agreed to work together along with other party organs –the BOT, the members of the Governors’ Forum, the Caucus of the Senate and the House to resolve all these issues and that is the major takeaway of this visit.

    “We will deepen stake holding, collaboration so that all these issues that are disparaging the members of the party would be resolved and nipped in the bud.

    “We have decided that henceforth, we will not allow a gap and we will make sure that we resolve all these issues.

    “We are not recognizing any faction, we are together as a body and definitely at the end of the day, we will resolve all issues.”

    He said he was consulting with his fellow PDP governors on the next line of action.

    “We have agreed, in the presence of other stakeholders, that we will do whatever it takes to restore the party’s glory so it can achieve victory in the 2027 elections,” Mohammed said.

    On his part Damagum said “You can see the chairmen of the Northeast PDP with me. They come here also to support me to reiterate their commitment that the Northeast, where they come from is one, and also they believe in the leadership of the governor’s forum chairman.

    “Today we came for a friendly visit to discuss many things.”

    Only two months ago, the PDP set up a 25-member National Reconciliation Committee to resolve the crisis tearing the party apart.

    The committee is headed by  a former governor of Osun State, Prince  Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

  • Wike blames violence on Fubara’s refusal to obey court

    Wike blames violence on Fubara’s refusal to obey court

    • Governor sets up Commission of Inquiry

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike yesterday attributed the cause of Monday’s mayhem in Rivers State to Governor  Siminalayi Fubara’s disobedience of court order.

    “The moment you don’t obey court judgment, you are inviting anarchy, you are inviting violence,” Wike said, alleging that Fubara once admitted that Rivers “was turning to state” where the rule of law is not obeyed.

    He spoke while featuring on a national television programme last night.

    Fubara, speaking in Port Harcourt, said the withdrawal of policemen from local government secretariats encouraged “political miscreants” to go on the rampage. 

    Secretariats of some of the local governments were torched on Monday by hoodlums.

    One person was said to have been shot dead in Khana LGA.

    Fubara also yesterday inaugurated a seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry to probe the mayhem that broke out when 22 Action Peoples Party (APP) and an Action Alliance(AA) members inaugurated on Sunday assumed offices.

    Election was held amid tension caused by the state government’s refusal to halt the process as directed by the Federal High Court judgment and the determination of major political parties to prevent the election from holding.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) declined to participate in the poll.

    Wike said: “I was a governor, I have always obeyed the rule of law. You heard the governor say that our state is turning to a state of anarchy where people do not obey the rule of law.

    “You must obey the judgment of a court. You must not take the law into your own hands. The moment you don’t obey court judgment, you are inviting anarchy, you are inviting violence.” 

    Read Also: You are cause of anarchy in Rivers, Wike replies Fubara

    He added: “And those who went to court, what did they do for the judiciary to settle disputes? And you came up as a governor to say, ‘No, this is a fraudulent judgment’, accusing judiciary of being fraudulent. ‘I will not obey this judgment. I will not. I will go ahead and do what I’m trying to do’.

    “In that case, who is inviting violence? Who is inviting anarchy?”

    Wike argued that by defying the court’s decision, Fubara has set a dangerous precedent, one that undermines the very fabric of democracy in the state and the nation.

    He said: “This country is a country where you see people trying to use opportunity, because Wike is here. I have a grouse about Wike. I want to settle that grouse. This is the only way I can do it.

    “If today a court gives a judgment, and you refuse to obey: you forget that it’s not about Wike. It’s about society. It’s about state. It’s about our nation.

    “INEC said, ‘We will comply with the court judgment’. What did they do? That the REC, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, who acted on behalf of his office, he should be removed. Why? Because he said, ‘Look, we are going to comply with court judgment’.

    “Police said, ‘Look, we are party to this suit. The court has stopped us. And therefore, we are going to comply with judgment’. He said, ‘No, get out. I don’t care. You don’t need to’. DSS was stopped. And said, ‘Look, you don’t do this. We are not in a lawless society’.”

    “I feel so bad today when people talk about derailing democracy.

    “Who is derailing democracy? Is it the man who says law and order should be respected, or the one who refuses to obey the courts?”.

    But Fubara absolved himself from any blame in the political crisis in the state, saying that everyone knows its architect.

    Asking that he should be allowed to govern, he recalled that when Wike was governor for eight years, Rivers was the envy of every other state.

    The governor, who attributed the feud between him and his predecessor to the quest for ‘’power and control,’’ said that he had kept all agreements he had with Wike. 

    Fubara, however, did not give details of the pacts.

    Describing the rift between him and the minister as an ‘’in-house issue’’ that ought not to be in the public, the governor urged Wike and his loyalists to wait till the next governorship poll. 

    “When the election comes, you can fight and do whatever,’’ he said.

    Fubara  welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s quick response to the Monday violence, but expressed reservation that his name was singled out in a statement by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga.

    He said: “My appeal is that everyone should shield their sword. Even to the minister, my oga, there is no need to destroy things. He once ruled and the state was the envy of every other state.

    “Another person is there now. What he needs is to give his support. After four years or who knows eight years, I will also leave and another person will take over. That should be the spirit.

    “When the election comes, you can fight and do whatever. But now is the time for governance. We need all the support. We are complaining that Nigeria’s oil production is low and we are trying to improve our production stage. We have problems in Emohua and Degema. We are trying to manage them and we are now adding in-house issues. This is an in-house issue that ought not to be out.

    “We all know the issue. It is very simple. It has to do with the issue of power and control. You have all seen it in this case. If an election had been held in Rivers and council chairmen had been inaugurated in a normal situation, do we even need anybody to go and obstruct them from entering the secretariats?

    “Maybe, there is somebody somewhere who believes that he is higher than the authority in the state. It is all issues of power. I don’t intend to discuss it and I don’t want to take issues with that. I want to focus on governance and manage the situations as much as I can.

    I don’t think there is any understanding we had that I haven’t kept. There is no understanding that we had that I haven’t kept. Like I said, I won’t want to discuss those issues.

     “I don’t have any issue with the President’s intervention. But I was a bit concerned when my name was only mentioned. But like I said, since it is coming from the President, I have no comments about it.

    “This issue is simple. It is as simple as  ABC. Everyone in Nigeria and Rivers knows where this issue is coming from. It is not rocket science. The issue is not Fubara.

    “I was never of the opinion that the Nigerian police should pull out completely. But when they said they were moving out, that allowed miscreants to take advantage and destroy the secretariats.”

    Governor inaugurates  probe panel, four commissioners

    Fubara inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the violence at the   Government House in Port Harcourt. 

    The Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri-led commission has one month to conclude its assignment. It has Inyingi Brown as secretary and Uzor Ikenga as lawyer.

    Other members are Felicia Nwoke; Blessing Didia;  Samuel Egbe and  Alex Usifor.

    Fubara said his administration would not look away while ill-guided youths and sponsored political thugs turn the state into a theatre of violence. 

    Fubara also inaugurated four commissioners cleared by the Speaker Victor  Oko-Jumbo-led three-member House of Assembly.

    The new commissioners are Dr. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, Evans Bapakaye Bipi; Otamiri John Ngubo, and Benibo Anabraba.  

  • You are cause of anarchy in Rivers, Wike replies Fubara

    You are cause of anarchy in Rivers, Wike replies Fubara

    Following the political crisis in Rivers State, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on Tuesday night asked Governor Siminalayi Fubara to “obey the rule of law”.

    This, Wike said, is the only thing that can bring peace to Rivers State.

    Wike stated this while speaking in an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’, monitored by The Nation..

    He insisted neither he nor the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu is fighting Governor Fubara.

    He said: “The moment you (Fubara) don’t obey a court judgement, you are inviting anarchy, you are inviting violence. Allow the rule of law to prevail. It is the only thing that can bring peace. It is up to Fubara. Fubara accused the Judiciary of a fraudulent judgment. Fubara did not follow due process by law. When you do not have good lawyers doing your work you blame the judges.

    “No person who believes in the peace and stability of any nation would say that you want to support violence or destruction. What is important is that when there is violence and instability, it is for you to ask questions about what led to the violence and instability and destruction. The only thing that can bring peace in Rivers State is for the Governor to obey the Rule of law.

    “I was a Governor and I have always obeyed the rule of law. You had the Governor say our state is turning to a state of anarchy where people do not obey the rule of law. What is obeying the rule of law? You must respect and obey court judgments. You must not take the law into your hands. It does matter how you take the judgment. The moment you do not obey court judgments you are inviting anarchy; you are inviting violence. A governor came out on national television to tell the world that he will not obey court judgment, what does that mean?”.

    On July 19, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a restraining order preventing the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other security agencies from providing security during the Rivers State local government elections.

    On September 30, the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered a judgment that again prohibited the police and other security agencies from participating in the Local Government Election.

    Despite the rulings, Governor Fubara insisted that the election will be held though police authorities in the State did not participate in the exercise.

    Wike also accused his Fubara of sponsoring the Action Peoples Party (APP) in the just-concluded local government election in the oil-rich state.

    The APP won 22 of the 23 chairmanship positions in the election. The chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State also attended swearing in of the elected chairmen..

    In the lead-up to the poll, Fubara who is a member of the PDP, said he is the “greatest loser” since his party was not on the ballot.

    But Wike claimed Fubara sponsored the APP for the election.

    “Today, people say ‘Discipline Wike, he did anti-party’. I did not do anti-party; I said we must stand for equity, fairness, and justice’,” he said.

    He also stood his ground over his support for President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 election.

    Read Also: Wike pleased with construction at Kugbo, Mabushi bus terminal

    Wike said: “Today, what happened? The Governor (Fubara) is the one who sponsored the APP. The chairman of the (PDP) governors’ forum was the one who attended the swearing-in”.

    Wike was Rivers Governor under the PDP from 2015 to 2023.

    He contested the party’s presidential primary but lost to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

    He accused the party of injustice, insisting that the PDP should zone its presidential ticket to the south and not leave it open for people like Atiku to contest.

    Efforts to reconcile Atiku and Wike failed.

    That led him to work for Tinubu of the APC, resulting in the PDP’s loss in the presidential election in Rivers State. The president thereafter appointed him as a Minister.

    Although they have been clamouring for Wike’s suspension from the PDP, the Minister insisted that he did not violate the party’s laws and does not regret backing the APC.

    “I have no regret at all,” Wike said when asked about his support for Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election.

  • Wike pleased with construction at Kugbo, Mabushi bus terminal

    Wike pleased with construction at Kugbo, Mabushi bus terminal

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work at the ongoing construction of Kugbo and Mabushi bus terminals in Abuja.

    Addressing reporters shortly after inspection, Wike stressed that the contractor has also assured of their timely completion.

    The Minister said the projects will change Abuja’s landscape and improve transportation in the nation’s capital when completed.

    He said: “I’m so excited. This site (Mabushi bus terminal) was flagged off in July of this year, and within three months, you can see what they’ve been able to do.

    “The time given to them is 15 months to complete the project, but with the speed the contractor is going, I believe it will be completed before the 15 months. He (the contractor) even told us that by January, he would be able to hand over this project to us, this Mabushi, and the one at Kugbo.

    Read Also: State House records 99% overhead expenditure implementation – Perm Sec

    “The quality of work, you can see for yourself. If you were here when we flagged off the two, you would know that they’ve really done very well.

    “I’m happy that at the end of the day, the residents of Abuja would see that we have changed the landscape of the area; we have given them different transportation systems, which they have been yearning for but lacked for years. So, we are very happy with what we have seen”.

    On the bus terminal for the Abuja Central Business District, the Minister said the issues surrounding the project have been resolved, paving the way for work to commence.

    He said: “We had some problems there, but we have been able to sort them out. There are a lot of underground facilities that they’ve tried to settle with the FCDA. I’m sure that very soon, work will seriously start there.”

    Wike further disclosed that commercial buses and taxis in the FCT must operate from the bus terminals when the projects are fully completed.

  • FCT bus terminals ready in January – Wike

    FCT bus terminals ready in January – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says two of the three Bus and Taxi Terminals under construction by FCT Administration will be ready in January.

    Wike, who stated this when he inspected the ongoing projects in Abuja on Tuesday, said that when completed, no bus or taxi would be allowed to operate on FCT road.

    He added that “everybody has to move to the various terminals.”

    The minister expressed satisfaction with the spate of work inaugurated in July, barely three months ago.

    He said that the contractor was given 15 months to deliver the three terminals at Mabushi, Eagle Square and Kugbo in the FCT.

    He, however, said that the contractor promised to deliver the Mabushi and Kugbo terminals in January, which would be nine months earlier than the scheduled timeline.

    “For the terminal that is sited at Eagle Square, we have some problems there, but we have been able to sort it out.

    Read Also: Rivers crisis: Senator Natasha seeks Tinubu’s intervention over Wike, Fubara’s feud

    “There are some underground facilities which the contractor tried to settle with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

    “I am sure very soon work will commence there,” the minister said.

    Wike explained that the bus terminals were designed to ensure a secure and convenient travel experience for commuters in the FCT.

    He noted that while inaugurating the projects in July, the measure was part of efforts to reduce the level of insecurity under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

    He added that the move was also a critical step toward enhancing transportation infrastructure in the territory.

    (NAN)

  • Nigeria @64: Wike vows to ensure security in FCT

    Nigeria @64: Wike vows to ensure security in FCT

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has promised to further ensure the safety of lives and property in the nation’s capital.

    Wike gave the assurance on Tuesday, October 1, in his message to residents of Abuja on the occasion of the 2024 Independence Day celebration.

    This year’s Independence Day, Wike said, comes at a time when Nigerians are faced with significant challenges—economic, security, and social.

    He, however, said that as the capital city and the heart of the nation, residents must demonstrate resilience and lead the charge in building the Nigeria of our dreams.

    The minister urged every resident to reflect on the spirit of the national day and take personal and collective responsibility for the development of communities, adding that they should stand together to support security efforts, promote peace, protect the environment, and be our brother’s keeper.

    According to the statement he, personally signed, the minister said: “It is my honour and great privilege, on behalf of the FCT Administration, to congratulate all residents of the Federal Capital Territory on this occasion of the 64th Independence Anniversary of our great Nation, Nigeria

    “We felicitate with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR as he courageously takes the bold and necessary measures essential for the growth and development of Nigeria as a strong, virile, and indivisible nation.

    “Let us also spare a thought for our founding fathers whose vision, determination, and sacrifices laid the foundation for the Nigeria we call home. Their commitment to a united, strong, and prosperous Nigeria continues to guide our journey, and we must honour their legacy by embracing the values of unity, peace, and collective progress.

    Read Also: Wike to PDP govs backing Fubara: I’m bigger than you

    “As residents of the Federal Capital Territory, we occupy a special place in the heart of our nation. Abuja, as the seat of government, symbolizes the unity of our people from all corners of Nigeria. It is a melting pot of diverse cultures, ethnicities, and traditions, all coexisting harmoniously. This unique blend of diversity is not just a strength but the hope for a brighter future.”

    In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, Wike said residents must be committed to fostering national unity and progress.

    He said the FCT is at the forefront of these efforts, and we will: “continue to ensure that Abuja remains a symbol of hope, a centre for opportunities, and a place of peace for all Nigerians.

    “Let us also take this opportunity to celebrate our collective achievements, honour our diversity, and look forward to a brighter future together. We must also not forget to reflect on the sacrifices of our gallant men and women in uniform who continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of residents.

    “On this note, I wish to assure all residents of the FCT that the Federal Capital Territory Administration remains committed to the infrastructural development of the Territory, enhancing security, providing quality services, and improving the overall quality of life for everyone in the nation’s capital. We remain committed to creating an inclusive society where opportunities abound for all, and no one is left behind”, Wike added.

  • Clash of umbrella, elephant, broom in Rivers confusing political identity

    Clash of umbrella, elephant, broom in Rivers confusing political identity

    The political environment in Rivers State was once stable. Throughout the reign of former Governor Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rivers had a defined political colour.

    The state was mainly divided into two political groups, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). While the PDP dominated the government at all levels, the APC grappled with the prolonged internal crisis caused by the egotistical grandstanding of some key leaders.

    At least, then Rivers was referred to as a PDP state, and rightly so because since the rebirth of democracy in 1999, the oil-rich state has been governed by the PDP with other political parties making little or no impact. The political grandmaster, Dr. Peter Odili, who held the state together from 1999 to 2007 was a product of the PDP.

    His successor and former Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi was produced from the same political platform from 2007 to 2015. He only jumped ship to the APC towards the end of his administration and created some political storm in the state. 

    But Wike was one of the strongest governors produced by the PDP from 2015 till 2023. The former governor ensured that the PDP was in control of Rivers. In all the Presidential elections held before 2023 during his tenure as a governor, the ruling APC could not score the constitutionally required 25 per cent votes despite having Amaechi as the leader of the APC.

    Rivers was an example of a unified political colour. The political family was united and PDP, the umbrella, was the only acceptable logo.

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    But now Rivers wears a confusing political rainbow. There is no unified colour and the logos of the elephant, umbrella, and broom are clashing making the environment fluid and unstable. The once-united PDP political family has collapsed into different undefined structures.

    The Genesis

    Public analysts refer to the build up to the 2023 Presidential election as the beginning of the political confusion in the state. The state PDP under former governor Wike fell apart with the party’s leadership at the national level. The choice of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the election fueled the crisis. 

    Wike, having lost out of the race for the presidential ticket of the PDP and betrayed in the power play to produce Atiku’s running mate, demanded the fulfilment of the promise made by the former National Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Iyorcha Ayu. The former chairman was said to have agreed that he would step down and yield his position to the South if, after the Presidential primaries, a northerner emerged as the party’s candidate.

    His refusal to bow out of office after the emergence of Atiku infuriated some party bigwigs including Wike. The former Rivers governor, who commanded political influence and material affluence decided that in the interest of equity, justice and integrity, no northerner should aspire to become the President after the eight-year reign of another northerner, Muhammadu Buhari.

    Wike, who formed the G-5 comprising former governors of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Abia, Ikpeazu; Oyo, Seyi Makinde; Benue, Samuel Ortom and himself as well as other notable PDP leaders across the country nursed a different party orientation ahead of the presidential election and campaigned against Atiku.

    Wike was vocal in his rejection of Atiku’s candidacy. Rivers was the capital of the anti-Atiku campaign. Out of the frontline presidential candidates, the former governor held marathon meetings with the PDP stakeholders in the state and they unanimously agreed to support and work for the victory of the APC presidential candidate, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Therefore, the full structures of the PDP and a faction of the APC all coordinated by Wike teamed up for the first time defying their party leanings and orientations to work for the emergence of Tinubu. But while they voted for Tinubu, they voted for PDP candidates in other elections in the state. It was a political jigsaw, a risky political chess game, which Wike gambled with but later succeeded.

    The former governor singlehandedly developed the strategies that gave the APC Tinubu victory ensuring that his party’s presidential candidate for the first time since he resigned as a governor did not get up to the required 25 percent votes. But all his other candidates in the PDP won across the state from the governorship to the National Assembly.

    Incidentally, the same party merger occurred in the Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi-led APC structures in the state. Amaechi, an erstwhile governor and former Transport Minister, reportedly directed his supporters in the APC to vote for Atiku for President and Chief Tonye Cole, his political son, for governor. He, however, lost out because the Wike’s force overwhelmed him.

    In fact, Wike after his resounding victory and rare courage to dare his national PDP leadership began to seriously hobnob with the APC leaders across the country. He won the confidence of President Tinubu and became a force to reckon with in his administration. The Rivers henchman became the Minister of the FCT and has been the brains behind the appointments of Rivers people across party lines in Tinubu’s administration.

    Apart from being the PDP strongman, Wike oversees the faction of the APC led by Chief Tony Okocha, who is the caretaker committee chairman of the party in the state. Most notable APC leaders in Rivers rally around him including the Southsouth leadership structure of the party. They all refer to him as their leader and follow him to events.

    In March during the special thanksgiving organized in Rivers by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, Wike said the APC and PDP were united in the state.

    He said: “In Rivers you have seen APC and PDP. We want our state to be united. We want our state to see what we can get from the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Our support for him, he has been reciprocating by giving us federal positions. We will continue to support and he will continue to find us something”.

    Wike-Fubara rift

    The ongoing political rift between Wike and his estranged political godson, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has further created a political party identity crisis. Wike has tactically maintained his stronghold on all PDP structures in the state leaving Fubara and his supporters, who are mainly members of the PDP to operate without structures. 

    Fubara was so frustrated that he once lamented that the PDP had failed them adding that they were no longer a party but a movement in the state. Despite the visit of the PDP Board of Trustees members led by Senator Adolphus Wabara and all promises made to the governor, Wike and his loyalists continue to hold tenaciously to the PDP structures. Wike’s camp took advantage of the congresses to cement their ownership of the PDP.

    The PDP state congress

    For the first time in a long while, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Secretariat located along the popular Aba Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, came alive recently.

    The atmosphere was electrifying as hundreds of party faithful and delegates converged on the facility to elect members of the Rivers State, PDP Working Committee (SWC).

    It was a grand finale of the state’s PDP congresses, which started with the ward congress on July 27th and that of the local government on August 11th.

    However, the state congress was the largest of the three events. PDP leaders elected as delegates and their foot soldiers from the 23 local government areas of the state were in attendance.

    Decked in uniform made of mix-coloured fabric, the party leaders cast their votes for members of the new SWC that will pilot the affairs of the party in the next four years.

    Wike, was the cynosure of all eyes. His entry into the facility was triumphant as the delegates received him with aplomb. He is the political apple of their eyes.

    Though the event was peaceful, it emphasised the deepening political crisis rocking the state and the irreparable chasm between two camps in a once united and thriving political family.

    While Wike and his loyalists partook in the crucial exercise,  Fubara and his supporters were conspicuously absent. It was indeed a day to realise that the political differences, which snowballed into crisis and started like a joke in October 2023, have wrecked relationships and created unimaginable enmity.

    Why was Fubara and his team absent from the event, which handed over a fresh party structure to Wike and his camp?

    In fact, Fubara and his camp had never participated in any of the congresses. On July 16, Fubara’s camp approached the state High Court sitting in Port Harcourt and obtained an order restraining the party from conducting the congresses. The court issued the order in a suit filed by 11 applicants against the PDP, the National Chairman of the PDP, the party’s Financial Secretary, and the Organising Secretary.

    The Presiding Judge, Justice Sobere Biambo, issued an order of interim injunction restraining the defendants from carrying out the PDP congress on July 27th or any other day or location rescheduled for the event.

    The court also stopped the PDP from holding the Congress in Rivers on any day at all pending the determination of the suit.

    The court further stopped the PDP from taking any decision or giving any directive to further extend the already expired tenure of the ward, local government and state executive officers of the party.

    Fubara and his camp boycotted all the congresses following the court order. But why did the NWC of the PDP go ahead with the congresses despite the order?

     The camp of Wike on July 23 obtained a counter order from the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja mandating the PDP to go ahead with the congresses.

    Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja,  restrained the Department of State Service (DSS), police, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and seven others from stopping or disrupting the conduct of congresses forwards and local governments of the PDP in the state.

    The ex-parte application was filed by six members of the PDP in the state. Justice Lifu ordered the PDP, the Acting National Chairman of the party, Iliya Damagum; National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu and National Organizing Secretary, Umar Bature, to proceed with the conduct of the congresses as scheduled by PDP.

    In a state already enmeshed in legal conundrum, the two camps chose the court orders to obey. Wike’s camp relied on Justice Lifu’s pronouncement to massively partake in the congresses and took over all the structures of the PDP in the state. Fubara and his camp embraced Justice Biambo’s directive and stayed away from all the events thereby risking being axed from the PDP.

    Indeed, the event showed that the central leadership of the PDP is in limbo. The party has failed woefully to unite the warring camps in Rivers. Various arms of the party seem to have taken sides in the crisis. Some have continued to make fake promises to the governor.

    Recently, Senator Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees (BoT) was in Port Harcourt and held a meeting with the governor and key members of his political camp.

    They said they were on a fact-finding mission and promised to visit the rival camp insisting that “there is always two sides to a coin.”

    Wabara said they visited as the conscience of the party in search of peace and unity following what he described as the ungodly tension in recent times that had threatened the PDP in Rivers. Wabara, a former Senate President, said the PDP was scared of losing Rivers State and vowed that the BoT would seek constitutional resolution to the crisis.

    But the BoT’s visit and their assurances seem to have ended in politics. Wike first rubbished their mission as a nullity. There was no intervention of Wabara and his team to compel postponement of the state Congress to allow for the resolutions of the crisis in the state.

    Few days after the BoT’s visit, the the PDP’s Governors’ Forum held its meeting in Bauchi State and brought Fubara’s dilemma to the front burner for discussion.

    The governors restated their support for Fubara.

    The governors assured their readiness to engage the NWC of the party to revisit the congresses and insisted that Fubara must be allowed to take his rightful leadership position of the party in the state.

    Like the toothless bulldog, the PDP governors failed to fulfill their promises to their colleagues. They were unable to help Fubara. The Local Government Congress was neither revisited nor canceled. Amidst the revisiting promise, the NWC sent a delegation to conduct the state congress, which settled the question of PDP leadership in Rivers.

    Wike seized the opportunity of the state Congress to send a stern warning to the PDP’s Governors’ Forum. He told the governors to steer clear of the PDP structure in the state.

    The former governor, whose speech was intermittently interrupted with applauses and solidarity chants by the crowd of delegates and other party members, vowed to ignite political crisis in states of governors dabbling in Rivers PDP affairs.

    While issuing the stern warning, Wike assured his camp in the Rivers PDP that nobody would take away the party structures from them.

    Apparently referring to the Bauchi State Governor, Wike said he would not give a damn insisting that any governor trying to hand over the structures of the PDP to Fubara would not sleep well in his state.

    He said: “Let me assure all of you that not while we live, anybody will take away the structure of PDP from us. Let me tell people, I hear that there are some governors, who said they would take away the structure and give it to somebody.

    “I pity those governors because I will put fire in their state. When God has given you peace, you say you don’t want peace, then whatever you see you take. I don’t understand. I don’t understand simply because I heard they got some money and their heads are getting big that you put hand in my own state.

    “Prepare because I have the capacity to also do the same thing in your own state. Whether you are from Bauchi I don’t give a damn. Whichever state you come from, as far as I know that you are trying to put your hands in Rivers State, your hand will get burnt and you will never sleep in your state.

    “You will never do governorship again, you will see a political crisis as far as PDP is concerned. I have told them while you have started, when I start, don’t say I am the one that destroyed PDP. Allow Rivers State to conduct the affairs of the party.”

    The FCT Minister said they had done their part by electing a governor but that they had resolved to move forward since Fubara said they were no longer part of his plans.

    Wike encouraged the PDP loyalists to liken their rejection and maltreatment by the governor as a bad business insisting that not everybody business would yield the desired profit.

    He said they remained the party members and that they had taken over the affairs of their party praying that God would help them repeat the 2023 victory in 2027.  The FCT Minister has clarified the hullabaloo generated by his warning that he would put fire in the state of any PDP governor, who tried to meddle with Rivers PDP affairs. His camp has also gone to court to secure an injunction debarring anybody from tampering with the current structures of PDP in Rivers.

    Observers believe that the entire organs of the national PDP have failed Fubara and his team. They opined that the governor and his loyalists should have summoned the courage to participate in the congresses and attempt to divide the various leadership of the party in the state.

    Instead of obtaining a court order, which may not invalidate the congresses, they should have created factions in the state and initiated endless court processes.

    By all indications, Fubara has lost out of the battle to control the PDP in Rivers State. As the governor earlier said, the PDP has failed him and his people. The governor seems to have started reviewing his status in the party. His rumoured defection to the All Peoples Party (APP) to chart a new political journey for himself and his team seems to have regained traction.

    Undoubtedly, APP has been thrown into the mix to further confuse the political identity of Rivers. The unfolding events show that the little known APP with its logo, the elephant, is the coveted political destination of Fubara and his camp.

    The Rivers Local Government Election and PDP’s boycott

    While Wike is carrying the PDP and a faction of the APC, Fubara has been left to shop for another political identity. Despite still being a member of the PDP, Fubara has no control of any PDP structures in the state. Though the governor scheduled October 5 for controversial governorship elections, he could not use the structures to prepare for the elections.

    Without mincing words, while Fubara is still in PDP, his political family has chosen the APP to contest the October 5th local government elections. They were said to have unofficially defected to the APP to enable them to contest the poll.

    Governor’s loyalists and social media aides are promoting the activities of the APP making the little-known party to gain popularity within the state. The camp published the final list of the chosen chairmanship and councillorship candidates under the APP. Most of the local government caretaker committees’ chairmen emerged as chairmanship candidates.

    Known Fubara’s loyalists, who emerged as chairmanship candidates of the APP are Abua/Odua, Vincent Reuben Obu; Ahoada-East, Chibudom Ezu; Ahoada-West, Mr. Iyekor Ikporo;  Akuku-Toru,  Mrs. Tonye Oniyide; Emohua, David Omereji; Obio/Akpor, Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo; Omuma, Promise Reginald; Opobo/Nkoro, Enyiada Cookey-Gam; Port Harcourt, Ezebunwo Ichemati, among others.

    The APP Secretariat located at the new GRA in Port Harcourt has become a beehive of political activities as Fubara’s supporters are trooping in and out of the building.

    The state Chairman of APP, Sunny Wokekoro,  handed over the flag of the party to Fubara’s local government chairmanship candidates vowing that his party would cripple the structures of the PDP and other parties in the state.

    Wokekoro said the nation would take the party seriously after the local council elections and the state 2027 poll describing the APP as a veritable destination for everybody in Rivers.

    The Chairman said that the candidates were carefully selected based on their track record of leadership and capacity assuring that they would deliver the dividends of grassroots leadership.

    He said: “By the time we are done with the local council election, everybody from local, state, and national will take APP seriously. This will be made possible because the people are behind the APP. God is on our side, to use us as a tool to liberate Rivers State”.

    Fubara’s loyalists and APP’s candidates had since launched their electioneering campaigns in all the senatorial Districts of the state. They are all over the place parading the insignia of the APP; wearing the party’s outfit and dancing the popular Igbo elephant’ songs. 

    Their campaigns were first inaugurated at the Rivers South-East Senatorial District comprising seven local government areas of Andoni, Oyigbo, Opobo Nkoro, Eleme, Tai, Khana and Gokana. The APP gathered party faithful, residents and loyalists of the governor to kick off its campaign in Bori.

    A party loyalist, who attended the event said: “The event drew an unprecedented crowd, reflecting the community’s eagerness for change and good governance.

    “For many, this moment has been long anticipated, symbolizing hope for a brighter future. Residents gathered in large numbers, united by their desire for effective leadership and meaningful progress.

    “The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as local leaders and party officials outlined their vision for the district, promising transparency, development, and engagement with the people.

    “As the APP sets the stage for its campaign, the turnout marks the urgent need for responsive governance and the collective aspiration for a better tomorrow in Rivers State.

    “This epoch-making event marks not just the beginning of a campaign, but also a renewed commitment to addressing the pressing needs of the community down to the grassroots.”

    The PDP officially announced its decision to boycott the October 5 local government election in the state. The state Chairman of the party, Aaron Chukwuemeka, who spoke at the PDP secretariat in Port Harcourt, said the party was waiting for the court verdict on the election in the case instituted by the All Progressives Congress (APC). Chukwuemeka urged members of the party to stay away from any activities connected with the election.

    He said: “As a law-abiding party in the state, we will not be part of the purported local government election that they have slated on 5th October. That is the resolution of the party. All the stakeholders met and we resolved that we won’t be part of that election.

    “The reason is that a few months ago there was a suit instituted by the APC. We are not part of the suit but as a law-abiding party, we heard that an order was issued by the court restraining INEC from releasing voters register to RISIEC.

    “What elections are we going to have when the voter register is not released to RISIEC and security agencies are not going to be part of the election?

    “Based on that the party said we would not be part of it because we believe in the rule of law. All the major stakeholders of our party were in the meeting when we took the resolution. It was a collective decision of our party”.

    Undoubtedly, Rivers has an undefined political party identity. The state governor has not officially resigned from the PDP, but for political survival, his loyalists, who were once members of the PDP, are currently in APP contesting the local government elections. The state government is a mixture of the elephant, the PDP’s logo and umbrella, and the PDP’s identity.

    On the other hand, Wike is a PDP strongman. Most of his loyalists are in PDP controlling the party’s structures in the state. But the former governor controls a significant faction of the APC and has a strong political alliance with notable APC leaders in the state.

    For Amaechi, though he has been quiet, his loyalists and a faction he controls, are hobnobbing with Fubara in the PDP. But some analysts believed that the recent uncommon political formations are not sustainable and will collapse in due time. They opined that if Fubara succeeds with his political experiment in the APP, he will surely depart for the APP while disagreements ahead of the 2027 governorship election can break Wike’s hold in PDP and APC.

  • Rivers crisis: Wike mocks Fubara’s camp for choosing APP

    Rivers crisis: Wike mocks Fubara’s camp for choosing APP

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chief Nyesom Wike has ridiculed the camp of the Rivers Governor Siminialayi Fubara, for choosing the All Peoples Party (APP) as their preferred political party platform amidst the ongoing crisis rocking the State.

    Wike wondered when Rivers had degenerated to the level of having the APP as its political party.

    The former Rivers Governor spoke on Saturday during a civic reception organised by the Ijaw people in Rivers State at Amadi-Ama, Abuloma, Okirika Local Government Area, to honour him.

    The reception put together by stakeholders under the auspices of the Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress (RIPCO)  attracted Ijaw leaders, traditional rulers, politicians among others from Ijaw dominated local government areas of Rivers.

    All known Ijaw cultural dance troupes and wrestling groups were in display to welcome Wike, whom they said Ijaw would eternally remain grateful to for producing from among them a governor and influencing the appointments of their sons and daughters at the federal level.

    The FCT Minister was accompanied by the Petroleum Minister, State, Heineken Lokpobiri; Adamawa Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri; former Governors and members of the G5, Samuel Ortom, Benue; Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu and Okezie Ikpeazu, among others.

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    But Wike slammed his detractors especially the Fubara’s camp for opting for the APP as their alternative political party.

    He said: “Imagine in Rivers they are contemplating of APP. It is not about  money. Money does not move. You can have all the money but if there is no capacity there is no capacity.

    “All the things you see are people envious of our growth. We have defeated them severally and if opportunity comes again we will defeat them

    “We have not started politics, when the time comes we will play politics. Our job is politics. Tell them to keep their party ready. We will teach them what is called politics”.

    Wike, who called all House of Assembly members representing Ijaw extraction to join him on the stage, said out of 12 of them 10 were supporting the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule.

    He said the 10 were against the alleged abuse of the constitution and non performance of the governor.

    Wike said it was nor true that Ijaw people were fighting him but that few ungrateful people among the ethnic nationality were put up such disposition.

    He said: “It is an interesting occasion. Why they honoured me. Many people go and speak on TV as if they are representing Ijaw. Ten Ijaw lawmakers out of 12 are saying that the governor has done infractions of the Constitution.

    “These are people representing Ijaw in the Assembly and they are saying that he is not doing well. If anybody tells you that Ijaw people are fighting me. It is not true. It is just few ungrateful Ijaw people.

    If a father has 12 children one can be an armed robber, does it mean all of them are armed robbers?”

    Wike described the crisis period in Rivers as a time for some people to enrich themselves adding that such persons see the state government as a big market.

    He said someone from Delta spoke about Ijaw governor but that he told the person to emulate him and make an Ijaw person a Governor in Delta. 

    The Minister said: “There is a big market and some people are rushing to the market. Soon, they will come back and say there is nothing good in the market. I have friends in Ijaw and they haven’t betrayed me. 

    “Somebody was talking about Ijaw governor and I told the person you are from Delta make an Ijaw person governor in Delta. I have made an Ijaw man governor of Rivers State. Who loves Ijaw more. Is it people who appear on TV. 

    “If they were that strong, since after the old Rivers state has an Ijaw man become governor. Where were they? I am an Ikwerre man but I sat down and said for political conviviality and unity let’s go this way. 

    “They said why should I bring an Opobo man that Opobo is not the real Ijaw. Now food is ready and Opobo has become the real Ijaw. This is leadership of the stomach”.

    The former Governor described threats from the opposing camp as empty recalling that he had earlier said nobody would take the PDP structure from him, observing that they lacked the capacity to do so.

    While warning that nobody should push his camp to the wall, Wike recalled that in 2023, he openly led his people to champion equity, fairness and justice and to work for the emergence of a southern President.

    He said: “For anybody to be governor, it takes everybody to gather together. Let nobody threaten anybody. All those threats are empty. I said nobody would take the structure of the party. We are law abiding people, nobody should push us to the wall. 

    “When in 2023, people were hiding their faces, I said we would support equity, fairness and justice. How does anybody think we will hide to do something? Where is the person address?”

    Wike said persons, who initially told him that they would not serve him, the master, and still serve, the servant, Fubara, were the ones running to the servant in pursuit of their stomachs.

    But he said: “They are not fighting me. I am too big. If you don’t recognize someone bigger than you, know you are sick. I am far bigger and all of them put together they can’t withstand it”.

    Alluding to the Edo State election, Wike wondered why people were faced with examination but they chose to be concerned about his Rivers State PDP structures.

    He said: “You have exam and instead of you to concentrate on the exam you are going to do protest now you have failed and you said teacher failed you. 

    “They went to the TV to say I made them fail. Go and carry your problem. It is a lesson to others. Don’t touch Rivers. It is a special state. Continue to be united for the interest of Rivers. Don’t lose hope. We must continue to work together”.

    Wike observed that his rivals had not won any matter they had instituted against members of the state House of Assembly describing Fubara’s camp as disorganized.

    He confirmed that his detractors sent some thugs with dynamites to attack the venue of the event, but that the police caught the suspects.

    Wike said the people would hear from him through their leaders the next line of action adding they would continue to support the administration of President Tinubu 

    He said: “Every mater they had instituted against you have the won anyone? They are the ones that go to court, they are the ones that keep losing. When people are not organized, you can’t get a good result. 

    “We are very organized. When you see our legal team, you know we have a legal team. Don’t be afraid. Having God on our side, we would continue to be victorious. We believe in the unity of this state. 

    “They sent some boys with dynamites to come and dynamite here but police arrested them. This one is now known. Let me see how they would hide it. Where the Minister of FCT and governors are coming they sent boys to dynamite here. Let me see how they release them. 

    “The fact that we chose to be law-abiding. We will continue to support the administration of President Tinubu. I can come home any time because I stand tall to challenge anybody. 

    “The Ring road was me. I initiated them thinking that we would work together. They are now bragging they are the ones. I have gone to Abuja to repeat what I did in the state. Go and see the testimony. 

    “Lastly, all of us we are together. At the appropriate time, our leaders will come and I will tell you the next line of action. I know today they will not sleep”.

    Speaking through the Director, Finance, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Boma Iyaye, Rivers Ijaw openly apologized to Wike for the alleged misdeeds of Fubara.

    Iyaye, who made a special presentation superlatively said sorry to Wike and begged him not to judge the Ijaws on Rivers through the behaviour of one person.

    He said: “I want to apologize to you for what our son is doing to you. We are sorry. It is not in our nature to pay good with evil. Don’t because of this bad behavior and run away from us. 

    “Continue to be our brother. It is not  because we fail exam we won’t repeat it again. We are not ungrateful people. That is why we  are celebrating you”.

    In his goodwill message, the Managing Director, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said he was a direct beneficiary of Wike’s benevolence.

    “I am a direct beneficiary of your goodwill. We thank you for what you have done for Ijaw people. You are instrumental for me being the MD. While we are transiting, you supported me and brought a brother to work with me. 

    “The Ijaws have no reason to complain because we now have MD and Director of Finance and Administration. I am standing here to say thank you. You have displayed unalloyed loyalty and support for Mr. President. 

    “You supported him to ensure he won his election and that his administration succeeds. I am also committing my support to you. We know you love the Ijaw. I saw the series of appointments and majority are sons and daughters of the Ijaw nation”.

    On his part, Lokpobiri said Wike made his appointment possible disclosing that the discussions that gave him the appointment started at Wike’s home in Port Harcourt and ended at FCT Minister’s Abuja house.

    He said: “I am proud to be here. My kinsmen from Rivers have identified the strategic help, leadership and partnership between Wike and the Ijaw people. He made my appointment possible. My case was a more direct role. 

    “It started in his house in Port Harcourt and was concluded in his house in Abuja. It is important to complete this history. We have a brother and a friend. It is better to have a good friend than to have a bad brother. A bad brother is of no use. But a good brother is a blessing. 

    “Let me on behalf of Ijaw people express our gratitude to you. We will always be grateful to you for what you have done and we are looking forward to you to do more. 

    “We are not known for betraying people. You are not just a leader of Rivers, apart from President Tinubu I don’t know any other leader that plays the role you play. You are our leader. One of the few national leaders and we are proud to associate with you”.

    Speaking on behalf of the G5, former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, described Wike as a good man, who would never abandon his friends.

    “We appreciate God for Wike and we appreciate Ijaw people for this reception. He is a good man and a good friend and brother. He will not abandon his friend and brother at the time of his needs. We appreciate Mr. President for appointing you the Minister and we appreciate you for not disappointing Mr. President. We pray for you”, he said.

    The Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri described the celebration as an honor and a means to build peace in Rivers.

    He said as one of the leaders of the PDP, they would continue to look for ways to reconcile Wike and the governor.

    Fintiri said: “He is a very good man. I thank the Ijaw people for organising this reception in honour of what the leader is doing. It is not easy to recognize someone doing good in this country.

    “This celebration is an honor and a way means to build on the peace of Rivers. This honour sends a message that what is happening is temporary. It will send a message to Fubara to come and reconcile with his master. 

    “We will continue to work with Wike and the G5. It is not easy for a man to stand tall and build bridges across this country. Wike has built people and made friends all over. He had worked. 

    “Most of us are challenged by what we have come to see in Rivers. I picked this challenge from Wike. You have a son that you will continuously celebrate. We will continue as leaders of our party to see that we build a reconciliation between Wike and your governor”.

  • Wike knocks contractor over delays on road project

    Wike knocks contractor over delays on road project

    •Vows to ensure accountability

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Friday warned contractors responsible for the delayed construction of left-hand service carriageway of OSEX from Ring Road 1 (RRI) to Wasa Junction (15KM), expressing deep dissatisfaction over the slow pace of work.

    This is despite receiving over 80% of the contract payment. 

    Speaking during a site inspection in Abuja, Wike blasted the contractor, China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), for their failure to meet project milestones.

    “Very bad, I am not encouraged. As far as I am concerned, regarding this road, I am not happy,” Wike stated, visibly frustrated.

    Wike noted that despite promises of progress, the contractor had barely completed 50% of the work.

    The Minister said: “We have paid over 80 percent of this contract, and as far as I am concerned, they have not done the work.”

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    In response to the delays, Wike summoned the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and CGC for an emergency meeting, ordering the contractor to commit to completing the project by May 2025.

    “Let them go and commit themselves and tell us by May they are going to finish this project. That’s the only way I am going to accept it,” Wike emphasized.

    The Apo-Karshi Road project is a critical infrastructural development meant to ease traffic congestion in Abuja and stimulate economic activities in the area.

    Wike stressed the importance of timely completion, noting that the road, once finished, would have a significant impact on reducing traffic bottlenecks and enhancing business operations.

    He also sent a clear message to underperforming contractors, stating that non-performers would face severe consequences.

    Wike said: “We don’t have any relationship with non-performing contractors. If you don’t perform, we kick you out. There is no sentiment about whether you are an indigenous contractor or foreign contractor, we don’t care”.

    The FCT Minister underscored that contractors who fail to deliver on their promises would not only be terminated but also be required to pay back any funds received.

    Wike said: “You can’t just collect our money and think we will let you go. No. When we kick you out, we make you pay for it.”

    As Wike continues his push for accountability and transparency in the administration of the FCT’s projects, Abuja residents and commuters hope that his firm stance will bring about the timely completion of crucial infrastructure developments, starting with the Apo-Karshi road.

  • FCT Budget: Wike commended for rebuilding trust, confidence in public officials under Tinubu

    FCT Budget: Wike commended for rebuilding trust, confidence in public officials under Tinubu

    The Concerned Young Leaders Forum has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike for revitaliding trust and confidence in public officials under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

    In a statement by Dr. James Titus Uzah, the group said the House of Representatives’ passage of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) 2024 Supplementary Appropriation Bill of N288 billion demonstrates Wike’s commitment to infrastructure development and internal revenue generation.

    The Green Chamber passed the supplementary appropriation bill for a third reading on Thursday, after Muktar Betara, chairman of the House Committee on FCT, presented a report.

    Betara asked his colleagues to approve the budget, saying there were critical projects that need to be completed within a short timeframe.

    Uzah said the allocation of 89.21% of the supplementary revenue to capital projects will stimulate economic growth and improve residents’ quality of life.

    The Concerned Young Leaders Forum also applauded Wike’s vision, adding that it aligns with their values, and his dedication to restoring the Abuja Master Plan.

    Uzah said Wike’s collaborative approach with stakeholders ensured swift passage of the supplementary budget, facilitating the timely execution of critical projects.

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    He added that his leadership extends beyond infrastructure development, instilling confidence in the FCT administration through transparency and accountability.

    The group also commended Rt. Hon. Betara for for his outstanding role in steering the supplementary appropriation bill through the House of Representatives. 

    Uzah said Betara’s leadership and collaboration with colleagues demonstrate his ability to drive progress and achieve result. 

    “The Concerned Young Leaders Forum warmly commends the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nyesom Wike, for his tireless efforts in rebuilding trust and confidence in public officials under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu,” the statement said. 

    “The recent passage of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) 2024 Supplementary Appropriation Bill of N288 billion is a testament to Minister Wike’s commitment to infrastructure development and internal revenue generation in the FCT.

    “This supplementary budget will undoubtedly revitalize the FCT’s lost glory over the past eight years. The allocation of 89.21% of the proposed supplementary revenue to capital projects demonstrates Wike’s focus on infrastructure development, a move that will stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents.

    “Wike’s efforts in internal revenue generation is a model for other government appointees to follow. This attests to Wike’s innovative approach to revenue generation, which has yielded significant results.

    “The Concerned Young Leaders Forum applauds Wike’s vision for the FCT, which aligns with our forum’s values. His dedication to restoring the Abuja Master Plan is evident in his short, medium, and long-term plans, which will reposition the FCT among the world’s top capitals.

    “We are impressed by Minister Wike’s ability to work harmoniously with stakeholders, including the National Assembly, to achieve his developmental goals. This collaborative approach has facilitated the swift passage of the supplementary budget, ensuring timely execution of critical projects.

    “The impact of Minister Wike’s leadership extends beyond infrastructure development. His commitment to transparency and accountability has instilled confidence in the FCT administration. 

    “As young leaders, we recognize the importance of visionary leadership in driving national progress. Minister Wike’s achievements demonstrate that effective governance can transform lives and communities. We pledge our support for initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and progress in the FCT.

    “The Concerned Young Leaders Forum believes that Wike’s achievements will have a lasting impact on the FCT. His legacy will serve as a benchmark for future administrators, inspiring them to strive for excellence.

    “As we celebrate Wike’s accomplishments, we acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. We urge him to remain focused on his developmental goals, ensuring that the FCT becomes a model for sustainable development and good governance.”

    The Forum urged other public officials to emulate Wike’s exemplary leadership and commitment to development, recognizing visionary leadership’s impact on national progress.