Politics

Benue APC Crisis Deepens As Police Shut Secretariat

Published

2 years ago

March 2, 2024

The crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress in Benue State has assumed dangerous dimensions as the party opened a factional secretariat on Thursday.

The party is in turmoil, with the state governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, and his cabinet and supporters pitted against the APC structure led by state Chairman, Austin Agada.

The Agada-led state working committee is loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

The PUNCH had reported that Agada was purportedly removed as the party chairman by his Ehaje council ward and subsequently restrained from parading himself as party chairman.

Following the court injunctions, the state executive committee of the party led by the governor thereafter appointed Benjamin Omakolo as the acting party chairman.

But Omakolo was later sacked by the Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpampese, after vacating the order restraining Agada.

While the party secretariat located at J.S. Tarka Road is being occupied by the Agada-led state working committee, the factional office was opened on Thursday by Omakolo-led team located close to the government house, Makurdi.

The PUNCH correspondent who monitored the situation on Friday observed stern-looking security men drawn from police officers, personnel of the state Community Volunteer Guard, members of the Peace Corps and political touts condoned by the Agada-led secretariat.

Vehicles and motorcycles as well as people passing through the area were thoroughly scrutinised and diverted to other routes.

The sealing of the secretariat may not be unconnected with the meeting of the APC stakeholders earlier conveyed by the state party chairman.

The notice of the meeting was announced by the state party publicity secretary, Daniel Ihomun, in a notice titled, ‘Notice of Executive Interface with Dr Mathias Byuan and APC stakeholders meeting’ at the state party secretariat on Friday.

Shortly after the announcement of the meeting, the state government placed a ban on political meetings in the state and hinged the reason for insecurity.

A letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the governor, Paul Biam, and addressed to the state Commissioner of Police partly read, “I write to inform you that his Excellency, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has banned all political gatherings in any form, be it intra or inter-party or groups in Benue State till further notice.

“This has become necessary following intelligence on the volatility of the security atmosphere in the state.”

In response to the letter banning political gatherings, the CP, Emmanuel Adesina, through his deputy, Samuel Gimba, wrote a letter to the APC state chairman, Agada, and asked him to suspend the proposed meeting.

Politics

Jonathan’s Ex-aide Dumps PDP For APC

Published

10 hours ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

A former Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Matters and Social Events to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Waripamo-owei Dudafa, has formally announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party and joined the All Progressive Congress.

Dudafa, a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, announced his resignation from the PDP in a statement he issued on Saturday in Yenagoa.

In the letter of resignation addressed to the Chairman, PDP, Southern Opokuma/Ayibabiri Ward 8 in Kolokuma Opukuma Local Government Area, he stated that his decision to quit the PDP followed a period of deep reflection and consultation with his political associates, supporters, and family members.

The letter read in part: “It is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation from the People’s Democratic Party effective immediately. Throughout my time with the party, I have been deeply committed to our shared values and goals, and it has been an honour to work with so many dedicated individuals.”

Dudafa stated that the unresolved disputes, particularly at the national level, “have significantly impeded our ability to move forward, rather they create an environment of conflict that’s no longer conducive to advancing the shared values and objectives.”

He said: “While this decision has been difficult, I remain committed to serving the best interests of our people, motivated by my dedication to their welfare and progress.”

Announcing his decision to join the APC, he said: “After careful reflection and consideration, I have decided to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), a platform I believe offers renewed hope, unity and a stronger foundation to address the challenges facing our dear state.”

To the members of the APC, Dudafa wrote, “I look forward to working alongside new colleagues who share this vision.”

He expressed appreciation to the PDP for the relationships and experiences he gained during his time in the PDP and wished the party well in overcoming its present challenges.

Political observers are of the opinion that his resignation could signal realignments ahead of future political developments in Bayelsa State and at the national level.

Politics

Why Wike Is Always Attacking Peter Obi — Obidient Movement

Published

2 days ago

October 17, 2025

Editor

The Obidient Movement has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his recent comments describing Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, as a “social media president.”

Wike had, on Thursday, accused Obi of playing politics with national issues after the former Anambra State governor visited a local authority school in the FCT and lamented the poor condition of public facilities.

“I hear one of the social media presidential candidates went to a local authority school and said the government has abandoned public schools. His name is Mr Peter Obi. It’s not everything you must play politics with,” Wike had said.

However, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, dismissed Wike’s comments, saying they were aimed at keeping the minister in the news.

“How will Wike sell his market if he doesn’t mention Peter Obi?” Tanko asked. “As I am talking to you, you need to see the mammoth crowd we have in our town hall meeting here in Nnewi (Anambra State).”

Tanko further dismissed the FCT minister as the least of the Obi and his followers’ worries and defended Obi’s comments on the state of public schools in the country’s capital, insisting that the Wike merely drew attention to a national concern.

He stressed that Obi’s comment on the state of public facilities in the FCT was to point out that they are in dire need of attention, saying, “I was there on the ground and saw those dilapidated buildings. We also visited a clinic where only one nurse was on duty. Even the roads to the place are not easily accessible.”

Politics

JUST IN: Rivers Cancels N134bn Secretariat Contract, Demands N20bn Refund

Published

3 days ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

The Rivers State Executive Council has cancelled a ₦134 billion contract awarded by the former sole administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ikot Ete Ibas (retd), for the reconstruction of the State Secretariat complex in Port Harcourt.

The contract, awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation during the period of emergency rule under Ibas, was nullified by the Council at its meeting on Thursday.

Following the cancellation, the Council directed CCECC to refund the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee already paid for the project.

Also, the Council approved the constitution of a six-member committee chaired by Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu to assess and recommend suitable locations for the construction of Computer-Based Test centres across the state to support external examinations.

The Council also mandated the state’s flood control committee, also headed by Odu, to take urgent measures to mitigate flooding in affected areas, while cautioning residents against blocking drainage channels.

More to come…