Politics

PDP Warns Rivers APC Caretaker Chairman Against ‘Baseless Claims’

Published

2 years ago

February 28, 2024

The Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State has issued a stern warning to Tony Okocha, Chairman of the seven-man Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.

The PDP emphasized that Okocha should focus on his responsibilities at the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and refrain from spreading unsubstantiated falsehoods about the Rivers State government led by Governor Siminialayi Fubara.

Okocha had claimed that the battle against what he characterized as a “clueless, rudderless, directionless, and visionless” government in Rivers State led by Governor Fubara will be the easiest to win.

In response, the PDP, through its Publicity Secretary Sydney Tambari-Gbara, highlighted the satisfaction of Rivers people with Governor Fubara’s administration.

In a statement on Tuesday, Gbara said, “Fubara is a household name in the state due to the commitment he has shown in bringing development, good governance, and happiness to the people.

“In less than six months in office, Governor Siminialayi Fubara has embarked on several people-oriented projects cutting across the length and breadth of the State.

“Among the projects ongoing in the state are the multimillion naira Port Harcourt Ring Road, a major project that will cut through six local government areas, thereby easing movement of commerce and improving economic activities in the State.

“The Elelenwo and Bori Internal roads, the Ogoni- Andoni-Opobo/ Nkoro Unity road, among several others.”

The PDP spokesperson expressed amazement at Okocha’s discontent over Rivers women supporting Governor Fubara through a solidarity walk.

Tambari-Gbara clarified that such demonstrations are a global occurrence in politics, citing past instances in 2019 when women protested to protect electoral integrity.

The statement from the PDP urged Okocha to recognize the recurrent nature of such protests and reiterated the party’s confidence in the people of Rivers State to stand firmly with Governor Fubara, acknowledging his demonstrated capacity and competence in providing purposeful leadership.

“To boost food production in the State, Sir Fubara had paid an inspection visit to the abandoned Songai farm in Tai LGA, the Buguma fish farm in Asalga LGA, the Garri processing factory in Oyigbo LGA, with the view to revamp and put them to use to ensure food sufficiency.

“Governor Fubara also revived the Rivers State Micro Finance Agency, releasing the sum of N4Bn to the agency as loans to Rivers people interested in pursuing micro, small and medium scale businesses in the state.

“What about the payment of one hundred thousand naira to each civil servant, the promotion of civil servants who were not promoted for the last 8 years by the previous administration and other largesse to Rivers people during the Christmas celebration, the implementation of N30,000 minimum wage to Local Government staffs plus the ongoing employment into the Rivers State Civil Service.”

He said Rivers State representative on the NDDC Board should concentrate on his job and always cross-check facts before coming out to the media.

Politics

PDP Crisis: INEC Rejects Turaki-led NWC

Published

3 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it will not recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, citing existing court judgments and unresolved legal processes.

This was as contained in a letter dated December 22, 2025, signed by INEC Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

The Commission stated that it could not act on demands to acknowledge or upload on its website the list of national officers said to have been elected at the National Convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.

According to INEC, its position was guided by subsisting court decisions and pending litigation relating to the leadership crisis within the PDP.

The electoral body further noted that it would be improper to recognise any factional officers while the matter remains before the courts.

Politics

Govt That Fails To Protect Its Citizens Has No Business Remaining In Office – Kwankwaso

Published

3 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has accused the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of lacking the political will to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

Kwankwaso spoke on Tuesday in Kano while unveiling 2,000 operatives of the Kano State Neighbourhood Security Network.

He urged President Tinubu to “rise to the occasion and truly act as the Commander-in-Chief” in addressing banditry and other security challenges.

According to him, Nigeria’s military “remains one of the most gallant in the world,” having served in international peacekeeping missions in Darfur, Liberia, and other conflict zones.

However, he said the armed forces are not being adequately supported to perform optimally.

“Today, many innocent Nigerians are being killed, while the perpetrators walk freely as if nothing happened. The government must apologise to Nigerians for its laxity in the fight against insecurity,” he said.

Kwankwaso, who once served as Minister of Defence, added: “When I was Defence Minister, I knew the capability of the Nigerian military. They are courageous and professional but need clear direction, support, and political will to do the needful.”

He stressed that Nigeria’s armed forces had historically ranked among the best globally and urged the government to equip them properly to change the current security situation.

Kwankwaso also said that if elected president in 2027, he would recruit over one million additional military personnel to strengthen national security.

“Any government that fails to protect the lives and property of its citizens has failed woefully and has no business remaining in office,” he declared.

He further called on the Federal Government to integrate community-based security initiatives, like the Kano Neighbourhood Security Network, into the national security system to boost morale and improve intelligence-driven operations against criminals.

Politics

ADC Announces Temporary Closure Of Secretariat

Published

3 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The African Democratic Congress, ADC , says it has temporarily closed its National Secretariat as part of the end-of-year break.

A statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said full operations are scheduled to resume in the New Year.

According to the statement, the secretariat will close on December 23, 2025, and reopen on January 5, 2026.

The party, however, said essential skeletal services will remain available throughout the period, while all other official activities at the National Secretariat will be suspended to allow staff and party officials observe the Christmas and New Year holidays.

“This is to inform the public that the African Democratic Congress National Secretariat will close for the year on 23rd December 2025 and will resume full operations on 5th January 2026.

“During this period, only skeletal services will be available, while all other official activities at the Secretariat will be temporarily suspended,” the statement said.

The party thanked its members, partners and supporters for their continued loyalty and cooperation throughout the year, noting that their support remains critical to the growth and stability of the party.

The ADC also said it is committed to its ideals and to democratic engagement as it prepares for activities in the coming year.