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Anyanwu Assumes Leadership as PDP National Secretary Amid Crisis

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Anyanwu Assumes Leadership as PDP National Secretary Amid Crisis

Governor Bala Mohammed’s 12-member PDP Governors Forum has rejected Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s decision to acknowledge Sunday Ude-Okoye as the party’s national secretary.
Anyanwu reportedly returned to work as the PDP’s National Secretary on Monday.
Just 48 hours prior, Anyanwu had appealed the security services to assist him in halting what he said was an attempt by the party’s 12 governors to instigate mayhem by appointing Hon. Sunday Ude-Okoye as a substitute for him.

Anyanwu entered the party’s National Secretariat at Wadata House through the service entrance behind the structure without any incident, according to Vanguard. After making small talk with the few secretariat employees on duty, he entered his office.

Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye have reportedly been instructed by the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) to abstain from all next BoT meetings until the national secretary conflict is settled.

Read Also: Breaking: President Tinubu Approves Bill for Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoni

This was included in the resolution that the Board of Directors reached during its most recent meeting, according to Leadership.

The BoT was “very disappointed with the way events turned out,” according to a source who talked to the news outlet.

At last week’s BoT meeting at the PDP’s national secretariat in Abuja, a physical altercation broke out as a result of Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye’s dispute over who should be the party’s national secretary. One of Anyanwu’s aides tried to physically prevent Ude-Okoye from attending the meeting, to which he was invited.

Ude-Okoye was escorted to the high table, but the BoT demanded that he attend the meeting.

The two candidates were asked by party elders “to stay away from BoT meetings until the issue is resolved,” according to sources at the meeting.

Breaking: President Tinubu Approves Bill for Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoni

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Breaking: President Tinubu Approves Bill for Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoni

Under President Bola Tinubu’s signature, the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Ogoni, has been established.
On Monday, the presidency announced this in a brief statement posted on the X platform, its social media account.
According to the statement, the development represents a fulfillment of President Tinubu’s commitment.

“The Federal University of Environment and Technology (TAI) Establishment Bill 2024: Assented into Law by President Bol: Promise Kept,” the State House announcement said.
It was noted that President Tinubu recently urged the Ogoniland people to put their past grudges aside and give peace a chance.

The call was made by President Tinubu, who said that his administration will give peace, justice, and sustainable development in the region first priority during a meeting with a group of Ogoni people, leaders, and senior government officials at the Aso Rock Villa.

At the meeting, which was also attended by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and others, Tinubu fervently urged unity and healing, emphasizing that wounds cannot be healed while resentment remains.

President Tinubu asked for mutual understanding and inclusive consultation, and he gave National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu instructions to oversee the negotiations.

Read Also: Grammy: Davido Reacts as Tems Triumphs Over Him, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Others

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement that the President praised the group for accepting the Federal Government-led discussion and emphasized the need of cooperation, trust, and inclusivity in resolving persistent problems in the area.

Grammy: Davido Reacts as Tems Triumphs Over Him, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Others

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Grammy: Davido Reacts as Tems Triumphs Over Him, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Others

The afrobeat musician David Adeleke, better known by his stage name Davido, has congratulated his colleague Temilade Openiyi, better known by her stage name Tems, on her victory at the 67th Grammy Awards on Sunday for Best African Music Performance.
Tems was reportedly the winner of the award for her song “Love Me JeJe.”

Davido posted on his X Twitter on Monday to express his pride in Tems, the incredible singer, following her winning at the music award gala.

His writing said, “Congratulations to my one and only! Chris Brown! Additionally, we are proud of you, Queen @temsbaby.

Read Also: Pastor Adeboye Urges Nigerians to Take Precautions Against Fire Disasters

Tems has been putting out successful tracks since 2020, working with well-known artists like Drake, Rihanna, and Beyoncé on her recordings.

The most nominated African performer this year, she was nominated in three categories: Best R&B Song, Best Global Music Album, and Best African Music Performance.

In 2024, the singer’s first studio album, “Born in the Wild,” had the highlight song “Love me jeje.”

Pastor Adeboye Urges Nigerians to Take Precautions Against Fire Disasters

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Pastor Adeboye Urges Nigerians to Take Precautions Against Fire Disasters

In light of the impending tragedies, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye has urged Nigerians to take preventative action against fire breakouts.
At the church’s February Thanksgiving service at the Throne of Grace Parish in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, Pastor Adeboye stressed the importance of prayer, vigilance, and taking preventative measures in order to avert preventable catastrophes.

Pastor Adeboye asked people, companies, and government organizations to put fire safety first by making sure electrical appliances are handled properly, utilizing fire-resistant materials, and following fire prevention recommendations, according to the information gathered.
His warning comes as Nigeria has seen numerous fire accidents that have destroyed property and claimed lives in public buildings, residential areas, and markets.

“I need to share something very urgent,” said Pastor Adeboye.

Praying against fire breakouts, storms, and floods was one of the prophecies made at the start of this year. The number of fire accidents worldwide has already been seen in just one month. Prayer is necessary since Nigeria is a part of the world.

The cleric emphasized that negligence might have disastrous results and explicitly counseled farmers getting their land ready for cultivation to avoid bush burning.

“Don’t joke with any kind of naked fire around you,” he cautioned.

“As you prepare your farms, farmers, please refrain from burning shrubs. Please don’t claim I didn’t tell you. May our petitions be granted and our prayers answered by the All-Powerful God.

During his lecture titled “The Covenant-Keeping God,” Pastor Adeboye reminded the congregation that following God’s covenant guarantees His blessings and fidelity.

“If you obey and keep God’s covenant, He will make you His peculiar treasure,” Adeboye stated, quoting biblical accounts of people who were blessed by God for obeying.

Additionally, he cited the late founder of RCCG as evidence of God’s ability to uphold covenants.

“God summoned this church’s founder, a man who never went to high school or college. God promised him that if he followed specific guidelines, He would use him to launch a church that would grow all over the world. Since the founder met God’s requirements, RCCG is now present almost everywhere in the world, Pastor Adeboye recalled.

Adeboye rejected ideas that the church’s expansion was entirely attributable to his scholarly accomplishments.

According to the RCCG General Overseer, some people attribute it to academician Pastor Adeboye. However, I haven’t been to many of the RCCG churches in nations where church constructions are prohibited. In one Muslim nation, despite his wife’s protests, a powerful man asked our missionaries to establish a church in his yard. That is God’s covenant; it has nothing to do with me.

Assuring the assembly that God is still true to those who uphold His covenant, he exhorted them to cherish their connection with Him and hold tight to it.

Even though some individuals fast and pray more than we do, God has showed us incredible love. God would make you His unique treasure if you uphold His covenant, Pastor Adeboye said.

Jimoh Ibrahim Urges Donald Trump to Dialogue with Tinubu as China Expands Influence in Africa

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Jimoh Ibrahim Urges Donald Trump to Dialogue with Tinubu as China Expands Influence in Africa

U.S. President Donald Trump should speak with President Bola Tinubu about ways to strengthen American influence in Africa and stop Chinese infiltration, according to Jimoh Ibrahim, a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He claimed that the US president has a good chance to meet with Tinubu and talk about the country’s political involvement in Africa.
The Nigerian leader has already been contacted by BRICS+, a 10-member political and economic entity with Chinese influence, regarding economic alignment and the possibility of trading in China’s Yuan, according to Ibrahim, a sitting senator from Ondo South District in the 10th National Assembly.
The Nigerian leader has already been contacted by BRICS+, a 10-member economic and political entity with Chinese influence, regarding economic alignment and the possibility of trading in China’s currency, according to Ibrahim, a sitting senator from Ondo South District in the 10th National Assembly.
Ibrahim stated, “Dennis Trump has a very good opportunity to sit down with Tinubu as an African leader and understand the political engagement that we have here because China is already infiltrating Africa,” while appearing on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program.

Read Also: FG Seeks Resolution with NLC Over 50% Telecom Tariff Protest

The senator claimed that China has begun its drive to become Africa’s economic superpower and that the US has to have urgent talks with some of the continent’s leaders in order to curb China’s expanding influence.

“China provided loans to numerous African nations to construct seaports, airports, and other infrastructure, but what is China seeking?” Ibrahim asked. The legitimacy of the continent.

China has also approached Bola Tinubu to offer him the opportunity to trade in our currency. “Increase the volume of trade, and increase my benefit before I come to you,” is Ginubu’s response to their question. They return home and give it some thought.

In terms of the hegemonic leadership of the world and its acceptability, Africa will eventually be viewed by China and America as the primary goal of the geocentric political system.

FG Seeks Resolution with NLC Over 50% Telecom Tariff Protest

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FG Seeks Resolution with NLC Over 50% Telecom Tariff Protest

To avert the statewide demonstration against the 50% increase in telecom rates that is set for tomorrow, February 4, the Federal Government has called a critical meeting today with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leadership and its civil society supporters.
According to what was learned, the NLC’s opposition to the ₦8 billion annual allocation for electricity bill sensitization—which the labor organization has referred to as “the height of profligacy, wastefulness, and corruption”—will also be discussed.
The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), which is organizing the meeting, confirmed to Vanguard that it will start at 5 p.m.
As per the source, the interaction is a “discussion on issues of national interest as they impact the Nigerian workers.”

With the SGF spearheading talks on the government’s intention to modify telecom rates—a move that has been fiercely opposed by the NLC and its allies—the meeting is anticipated to be interministerial.

During the meeting, the federal government’s planned budgeted allocation of ₦8 billion for power bill sensitization in 2025 would also be discussed. Additionally, the source stated that the meeting had to be scheduled at 5 p.m. on Monday following the FEC meeting due to other government-scheduled meetings.

Although NLC officials have consented to attend the conference and hear the government’s viewpoint, they have not wavered in their opposition, declaring that “the 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs is unacceptable.”

In the meantime, the NLC has stated its unwavering opposition to the 50% hike in telecom charges and has continued to rally the public and employees for tomorrow’s large-scale demonstration.

Emma Ugboaja, the general secretary of the NLC, directed all state councils and affiliate unions to guarantee complete mobilization for the protest in a letter dated January 30.

The protest is intended to make the government aware of the financial strain on Nigerian workers and residents, he underlined.

State councils were instructed in the letter to plan a nonviolent rally in state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that would start at 7:00 a.m.

To voice their opposition to the tariff increase, demonstrators are anticipated to march to State Houses of Assembly or National Communications Commission (NCC) offices.

Regardless of how the conference turns out, Labour leaders have sworn they will not accept the 50% hike in telecom tariffs.

“Your steadfast assistance and action are essential to protecting our country and ourselves from policies that emasculate us for the benefit of corporate fat cats during this time of extreme adversity,” the NLC said.

Political Actors Using Abure to Weaken Labour Party – Ndubuaku

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Political Actors Using Abure to Weaken Labour Party – Ndubuaku

Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, the deputy president of the Nigeria Labour Congress Political Commission, has argued that some individuals are funding the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party in an effort to undermine the party.
He made the argument in an interview with Punch on Monday, when he discussed the turmoil engulfing the Labour Party and the reasons behind the Nigeria Labour Congress’s (NLC) refusal to acknowledge Abure as the party’s National Chairman.
According to Ndubuaku, Abure is merely operating a publicity apparatus, and the truth will be exposed shortly.

“The folks behind Abure are known to us. I am unsure if you are aware of Abure’s indictment by the Inspector General of Police when I speak to you. Know? “I said that during the interview.”
Furthermore, Abure has not been charged in court despite the current indictment against him, according to Professor Ndubuaku. Abure, he further claimed, falsified court records.

Yes. It isn’t vacated yet. He is never brought before a judge. That was the formal wording of an indictment letter. He was not prosecuted, however. The Abure in question is the same one who falsified court records. We’re waiting to see what the court says and whether it will try to pressure him into joining the Labour Party. “This man has been rejected by the sole governor in his party,” he continued.

The recent decision by the Appeal Court regarding the leadership of the Labour Party, according to Ndubuaku, is not a support for Abure’s stance.

to bringing the case to the Supreme Court, the attorneys are reviewing the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling, he continued.

He claims that what sets the Labour Party apart from other political parties in the nation is that it was started and is owned by workers.

“This propaganda machine of Abure’s can distort anything,” he continued. The first question to ask yourself if you are considering a Supreme Court case is: what is the ruling? You have to view the ruling you plan to present to the Supreme Court. According to the Appeal Court, the matter of LP leadership before the lower courts was only an academic exercise, thus it shouldn’t have been there in the first place, based on their own arguments.

Read Also: Telecom Tariff: NLC Planned Protest Not In Public Interest, CSOs Tell Labour

This implies that the entire matter of Abure being the LP’s leader is irrelevant in that ruling. We simply waited to see and examine the CTC before acting.

“They also stated that the court had neither authority nor any business with a party’s leadership decision. As a result, if the Appeal Court declares that a lower court has no commercial dealings with a party’s leadership, the Appeal Court no longer ought to do so either. They therefore cannot rule on a matter that they claim is outside the purview of a subordinate court.

“The issue now returns to the consent judgment that is still in effect, which is a decision that cannot be challenged. It is a consent judgment, so it cannot be vacated and has not been vacated. Abure did not inherit it; rather, he signed and entered into it.

“There is a limit to the extent to which you can try to destroy or succeed in destroying a party, particularly if that party is part of an institution, in light of the fact that Abure is being supported by those who wish to undermine the Labour Party. Perhaps you won’t know who founded or owns it when they pass away because this isn’t a party that a group of individuals came together to start. This is not a party where you may join without institutional membership. Instead of having individual members in its organs, this party has its owners as permanent members.

Telecom Tariff: NLC Planned Protest Not In Public Interest, CSOs Tell Labour

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Telecom Tariff: NLC Planned Protest Not In Public Interest, CSOs Tell Labour

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups (CHRMG) has condemned the Nigeria Labour Congress’s (NLC) planned protest against the 50% telecom tariff increase, describing it as “misguided and not in the public interest.”

The CSOs said the tariff hike, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), is a necessary measure to prevent the telecom sector from collapsing.

According to Dr. Gabriel Agibi, President of the group, with the current inflation rate at 34.8%, a nearly 300% increase from 8.5% in 2013, the tariff adjustment is essential to reflect economic realities.

Agibi said the NCC’s decision was made in good faith, taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.

He added that the tariff hike is also crucial in ensuring that Nigeria’s telecom sector remains competitive with international standards.

“The last telecom tariff increase was in 2013 when Nigeria’s inflation rate was 8.5%. However, with the current inflation rate at 34.8%, a nearly 300% increase, the tariff adjustment is essential to reflect economic realities,” Agabi said.

“The NCC’s decision was made in good faith, taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability. The increase will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, ensuring that it does not unduly burden consumers.

“The tariff hike is also crucial in ensuring that Nigeria’s telecom sector remains competitive with international standards. Compared to other countries, Nigeria’s telecom tariffs are relatively low.

“For instance, in South Africa, the average cost of 1GB of data is around ₦1,200, while in Ghana, it is around ₦1,500. In Nigeria, the average cost of 1GB of data is around ₦500. The tariff hike will help to bridge this gap and ensure that telecom operators can invest in infrastructure and provide quality services to consumers.

“The tariff hike is also essential for the Nigerian government’s digital economy agenda, which aims to leverage technology to drive economic growth and development.

“With increased revenue from tariffs, telecom operators will be able to invest in expanding their networks, improving internet speeds, and developing new digital services, ultimately supporting the government’s efforts to create a more digital and connected society.”

Read Also: 2027: Coalition Dismisses PDP, Scouts for Presidential Candidate Among Obi, Atiku, El-Rufai, Others

The Coalition commended President Tinubu’s administration for its efforts to reform the telecom sector, ensuring its sustainability and growth.

Agabi said the President’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment is laudable, and the coalition believes that this tariff adjustment is a step in the right direction.

However, the Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups urged the NLC to reconsider its stance and engage in constructive dialogue with the NCC and other stakeholders.

“We warn the NLC that its actions may have unintended consequences, including harming the very people it claims to represent,” Dr. Agibi said.

“We urge the NLC to prioritize the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens by supporting policies that promote economic growth and development.”

The coalition urged Nigerians to look beyond the short-term pains of the tariff hike and consider the long-term benefits it will bring to the telecom sector and the economy as a whole.

According to Agabi, a stronger and more sustainable telecom sector will create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life for Nigerians.

2027: Coalition Dismisses PDP, Scouts for Presidential Candidate Among Obi, Atiku, El-Rufai, Others

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2027: Coalition Dismisses PDP, Scouts for Presidential Candidate Among Obi, Atiku, El-Rufai, Others

According to reports, important political figures from northern Nigeria and other interested parties nationwide have decided to drop the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a strong opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the general election of 2027.
Over the course of the last three months, a wide coalition of political leaders from both the North and the South have met and come to the conclusion that the PDP is no longer able to function as an effective opposition, according to investigations by the Nigerian Tribune.
It was stated that a committee was established in late December 2024 to complete the creation of a new mega party, with an announcement of the party’s organization due in late February.

The alliance opposing the All Progressives Congress (APC) is reportedly considering the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and other minor registered parties as platforms.

Read Also: Tinubu Moves to Keep Lagos Politics Stable, Disowns Obasa Reinstatement Plot

Because several of its governors are allegedly terrified of President Tinubu and are secretly pushing for his reelection, the PDP is not included prominently in the calculation, according to a source.

Choice of presidential applicant
Despite the progress of the talks, the coalition’s presidential candidate has not yet been settled.

The following names have surfaced as possible flagbearers: Former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 candidate for the PDP; Mr. Peter Obi, the 2023 candidate of the Labour Party and a former governor of Anambra State; Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State; Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, the former governor of Rivers State and former minister of transportation; Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the former governor of Sokoto State and former Speaker of the House of Representatives; and former President Goodluck Jonathan, who is allegedly being considered as a wildcard choice to oppose a candidate from the southern APC.

While waiting for INEC to release the 2027 election schedule in May, the leaders are weighing four or five choices, according to a person with knowledge of the talks. A southern candidate like Peter Obi is seen by some as necessary for the APC to be successfully challenged.

It is also said that the recently finished Democracy Summit in Abuja was a component of the strategic mobilization activities that preceded the establishment of the new party.

“The North seems to have decided on a candidate they think can pose a serious challenge to the APC in 2027,” a source said. In order to bring important opposition forces together before the election, the alliance is being organized.

The Role of Peter Obi
Peter Obi is allegedly gaining traction among the names being considered since some coalition members feel that the alliance cannot succeed without his participation.

Obi and Tambuwal are still important figures in the ultimate decision, even though Atiku is currently the opposition’s focal point, according to a source.

But given that Atiku will be 81 years old by the 2027 elections, there are worries about his age. Proponents respond by pointing to Donald Trump’s ongoing political significance in the US.

The Role of the League of Northern Democrats (LND)
Various opposition parties are reportedly being brought together into a single political force by a new organization called the League of Northern Democrats (LND), which is headed by former Kano State governor Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau.

Although there is still more than two years until the 2027 elections, the opposition’s plans to take on the APC are still up in the air, but the formation of a new mega party seems more likely.

Tinubu Moves to Keep Lagos Politics Stable, Disowns Obasa Reinstatement Plot

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Tinubu Moves to Keep Lagos Politics Stable, Disowns Obasa Reinstatement Plot

Today’s meeting of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governance Advisory Council (GAC) is scheduled to address the continuing speakership problem in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
I was informed that the panel would not discuss Mudashiru Obasa’s reinstatement.
Reports that President Bola Tinubu had ordered Obasa’s reinstatement were rejected by a GAC member who spoke anonymously to the Nigerian Tribune, calling them false stories propagated by his supporters.

Following Obasa’s dismissal as Speaker on January 13 and his replacement by Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as Speaker of the 10th Assembly, the Lagos Assembly has been embroiled in controversy.

With certain sections calling for his restoration, Obasa’s removal has caused division within the party’s leadership. Nevertheless, a senior GAC member rejected these attempts as unfounded.

The insider said, “The Lagos State House of Assembly crisis is the topic of our meeting on Monday (today), not Obasa.”

“The GAC had previously met with President Tinubu with a group that included Assembly leadership. There was discussion of the problem and remedies offered. The President’s allies are behind the false accusation that he gave the order for Obasa’s return.

“He was the first Speaker to be removed by his colleagues, and no one, including the President, is interested in reversing that decision,” the insider added. Tinubu will not meddle in this manner because he is a democrat.

Within the GAC, the speakership dilemma has also resulted in conflicts, especially between two powerful groups: the Justice Forum (JF), which is against Obasa’s return, and the Mandate Movement (MM), which is in favor of him.

The GAC source insisted that Obasa’s departure was solely an Assembly issue, rejecting any notion that the situation was a factional conflict.
“Neither the Justice Forum nor the Mandate Movement are involved in the leadership contest. People who are demanding Obasa’s return are not being honest. These are those who switched parties and are now back in the APC. “This has nothing to do with party factions,” he clarified.

The source restated that rather than reexamining Obasa’s stance, the GAC meeting is intended to ensure stability in the Lagos Assembly.

Read Also: GHL vs FirstBank: Court Overturns Mareva Injunction, Rules Against Obaigbena’s Request

Lagos has a robust political system, and Tinubu is still in charge of it. But he is committed to national administration and won’t let Lagos politics become unstable and poisonous,” the insider continued.

Additionally, he denied allegations that the attempt to reinstall Tinubu was motivated by Obasa’s purported knowledge of his political activities.

“What is it that Obasa knows that previous speakers and governors did not? “There is so much falsehood in the media because his influence is overhyped,” he said.

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