Metro

APC Destroyed Nigerian Economy, All Institutions Built For 16 Years – PDP Governors

Published

1 year ago

July 17, 2024

Governor elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PPD, have accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, of running down the nation’s economy and inflicting untold hardship on Nigerians.

The governors, under the umbrella body of PDP Governors, expressed dismay and grave concern over what they called “unprecedented hardship faced by the majority of Nigerians as a result of the dismal performance of the APC-led federal government”.

They frowned at the long delay in the minimum wage negotiations.

Rising from a meeting hosted by Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, the governors welcomed the autonomy granted Local Government Councils, and said that they believe in the efficacy of the Local Government system which ensures that governance is taken closer to the people as enshrined in the constitution.

The Forum also frowned at what it called the destruction of good institutions and developments put in place by the party when it was in power at the federal level by the ruling APC.

The Forum expressed strong support for the Governor of Rivers State in his political battle and said that a political solution that would bring peace to the state would be initiated.

A communique from the meeting read by the Forum’s Chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State said:
“The meeting deliberated on a wide range of issues bordering on critical national interest. The unprecedented hardship faced by the majority of Nigerians as a result of the dismal performance of the APC led federal government, the minimum wage negotiations and the recurring issue of intergovernmental relations with special reference to local government autonomy and funding.

Following an exhaustive discussion and consultations with all the organs of the party as you can see here, the national Working committee of the party.

Upcoming congresses

“In the spirit of the founding fathers of our great party who adopted internal democracy as a fundamental principle on which our party was built, the congresses leading to the elections of the party leaders at the various tiers must be all-inclusive, transparent, fair and in compliance with the constitution of our party. To ensure the successful conduct of the congresses of the 36 states of the federation and the federal capital territory”.

Off-season election.

“Of the off-season elections in Edo and Ondo, the Forum admonishes all parties in the election to ensure that campaigns are issue-based, violence-free and in strict compliance with the provision of the electoral act. The forum urges the Independent Electoral Commission INEC to provide a level playing field that guarantees transparent, fair and peaceful elections as any act of bias will be resisted. The forum urges the president to show leadership as a true democrat by refraining from making any statement suggesting political interference in the entire process”.

The economy

“The Forum notes with dismay and grave concern the mismanagement of the economy by the APC led federal government”.

The Minimum wage

“The Minimum wage negotiations are becoming unduly protracted in the face of the attendant unprecedented hardship and impoverishment of the people. The forum resolves as follows: The Labour’s demand for a substantial salary raise is eminently justified and therefore commands total support of the forum. While the forum supports Labour’s demand, agreement must take into consideration the ability to pay by the sub-nationals, the federal government and the third tier of government.

“While negotiations are ongoing, we appeal for restraint in both utterances and actions that could lead to a complete breakdown of law and order and ultimately the collapse of the economy”.

Supreme court ruling on LG autonomy

“The forum believes in the efficacy of the local government system which ensures that governance comes closer to the people as provided in the constitution. The forum will also support the autonomy of the local government as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Restoring the Nation’s Past Glory

“The forum regrets that the 16 years of the tremendous development of the PDP-led federal government during which the country with single-digit inflation, the establishment of the existing anti-corruption institutions and higher standard of living by the majority of Nigerians has been eroded during the lifespan of the lacklustre APC led federal government.

“The forum identifies with the Nigerian populace in these troubling times and promises to bring back those good old days of low inflation rates, affordable food, fuel and transportation, steady FDI influx resulting in high Naira value and great quality of human life that was recorded.

“In that regard, the meeting commended the Governors of the PDP-controlled states for their innovative approach to governance in many fields, especially infrastructure, education, health, women and youth initiatives and the timely delivery of developmental projects across the country.

“The forum notes the crisis in Rivers State of the party and commits to supporting the governor of Rivers State and also resolved that the issue could be done through the political solution that will be required and other measures that all the leaders of the organs of the party will be committed so that we can go together and resolve this issue with minimal friction, division or rancour.

“The forum therefore calls on all Nigerians to refrain from any anarchy as we all march towards the return of the PDP to power in 2027”.

Earlier the chairman of the Forum described the meeting as “an extraordinary meeting of the PDP Governors Forum and some of our major stakeholders, including our National Working Committee and various organs of the party. This meeting is very unique and auspicious because we are here to showcase our history as a party. We have been leading in this country as a party. We have all the structures established before the commencement of the APC administration”.

The governors in attendance were Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Umo Eno of Akwa-Ibom, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Agbu Kefas of Taraba, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, and Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, and the host governor, Peter Mbah.

Also in attendance were the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara and the Acting National Chairman of the party, represented by the Deputy National Chairman, South, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, former governor of Kaduna State and former Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, and former governor of Niger State, Dr Babangida Aliyu.

Metro

Teenager Allegedly Kills Cousin For Ritual In Edo

Published

5 hours ago

November 9, 2025

Editor

A 12-year-old boy identified as Emiliano Egwunbare, was allegedly kidnapped and killed by his 18 years old cousin, identified as Tega Emajuwa.

The incident was said to have happened in Obagie Community, Egor local government area of Edo State.

The suspect and two of his friends allegedly kidnapped their victim and collected ransom from parents of the deceased but didn’t release him.

The suspect had reportedly stayed with parents of late Emiliano for few months before carrying out the dastardly act on September 16th, 2025.

Sources said the police were involved after payment of ransom, and through due intelligence, Emajuwa was tracked down and arrested.

Police source said Emajuwa confessed to the crime one week after his arrest, adding that two of his accomplices, Edugie Destiny, aged 20 and Osayande Vincent, aged 23 were arrested.

Their confession led police to where they dumped the body of Emiliano inside a well.

Some vital organs of late Emiliano were reportedly harvested.

Deputy spokesman of the Edo Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident and denied allegations that the suspects have been released.

She said the case was initially reported at Ogida Police Division and later transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Unit, Benin, for discreet investigation.

“Following sustained tactical and technical intelligence, operatives of the unit arrested three suspects — Tega Emajuwa ‘m’ aged 18, Edugie Destiny ‘m’ aged 20 and Osayande Vincent ‘m’ aged 23 — who all made confessional statements linking them to the crime.

Sadly, during the course of investigation, the victim’s body was later discovered inside a well in Obagie Community.

“The remains were evacuated and deposited at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) mortuary for autopsy.

“In a viral video recently circulated on social media, the mother of the deceased alleged that the suspects have been released from Police Custody.

“The Edo State Police Command wishes to categorically state that this claim is false, misleading, and unfounded.

“The suspects remained in lawful custody until they were charged to court on 16th October 2025, where the case is currently, while they have all been remanded for prosecution.

“The said mother was of the deceased was present in court during the proceedings.”

Metro

Police Rescue Seven Kidnap Victims In Edo

Published

6 hours ago

November 9, 2025

Editor

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have rescued seven kidnapped victims in Ewohimi, Esan South-East Local Government Area of the state.

The Command’s deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Emem Ikoedem, disclosed this on Saturday in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin.

She said the victims were abducted in the Ikeken Forest, where they had gone to farm by armed men suspected to be kidnappers.

The statement reads, “The Edo State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its relentless onslaught against kidnapping and violent crimes in the State, as operatives of the Command have successfully rescued seven kidnapped victims in Ewohimi, Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

“The incident occurred on Saturday, 1st November 2025, when one Enoch Omozokpia of Ikeken Ewohimi reported that his father, William Omozokpia (65 years), who went to his farm in the Ikeken Forest, was abducted by armed men suspected to be kidnappers alongside six others.

“Acting swiftly on the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Ewohimi, led a team of operatives in a joint rescue mission with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups.

“The team stormed the forest in a well-coordinated operation, engaging in an intense bush combing effort that forced the abductors to abandon their captives and flee.

“All seven victims were rescued unhurt and have since been reunited with their families. The rescued victims are: William Akhabue, Innocent Ebarekor, Rachel Ebarekor, Efuah Ebarekor, Winner Ebarekor, William Omozokpia and Lucky Igiese (popularly known as Bulala).”

She stated that the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command CP Monday Agbonika commended the gallantry and professionalism displayed by the Police operatives, soldiers, and vigilantes who participated in the rescue operation.

Ikoedem, reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to the safety of all residents and assured that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.

Ikoedem urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police station.

Metro

PHOTOS: Residents Cry For Help As Flood Ravages Delta Community

Published

2 days ago

November 8, 2025

Editor

Natives of Souragbene community in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State have cried to the Delta State Government and the local government council chairman for urgent help as flood submerges the community.

In a video that has gone viral, a young lady is seen with school pupils and other adults lamenting “we are at this moment gathered here inside water in Souragbene to tell the whole world that flood has taken over our community.”

According to her, “Our children had to literally swim in the flood to get to their schools. They get soaked; they get so dirty in the process.”

“Our houses have been submerged — we have nowhere to go. We are literally swimming in the flood to our children’s schools. Is this okay? Yet we have well-connected people as indigenes; we have wealthy people; we have those politicians who are connected to the government, yet they feel no concern about the community.”

Another woman appears in the video with the pupils inside the flood, saying in a sober voice: “We greet the government from here. We know you are trying your best. Today, we are gathered here in Saurogbene community, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.”

The woman, while lamenting in the video that the flood has lasted for seven days, added: “Because of the flood we can no longer do anything. Our children do go to school but because of the flood, they can no longer go to school. We have to use a woodenboat to ferry them to school in the flood. You can see the suffering of the children.

“When the flood starts, for 3 to 4 hours, everything stands still. And if everything stands still, we cannot do anything. Imagine we, not doing nothing for four hours because of flood, how do we survive?”

She appealed to Delta State governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the local government council chairman, Chief Sylvester Oromoni, and well-meaning Nigerians and Deltans in particular to come to their rescue.

A man identified in the video as the
spokesman of the community appears in the video lamenting: “Because of the flood, everyone literally swims. Hon Sylvester Oromoni, you are the chairman of this local government. We are begging you to come to our rescue.”