Home Blog Page 73

Rivers APC Says Felix Morka Must Step Down as Party Spokesperson

coic
-
0
Rivers APC Says Felix Morka Must Step Down as Party Spokesperson

The National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has been requested to step down from his position immediately.

After hearing Morka’s interview on national television and his remarks criticizing the party’s stance on legislative overreach and what he called a coup d’etat by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. (Mrs.) Ngozi Odu, the party said the call was necessary.

The party added that Morka’s response to the inquiry on the status of Mr. Darlington Nwauju, who made statements on the party’s behalf in Rivers, was embarrassing.

Nwauju was “an official of the old exco, saying he doubts if he is still part of the current exco,” according to Morka.

The APC in Rivers State said in a statement signed by Nwauju on Tuesday that it is concerned about Morka’s persistent mockery, disrespect, and disdain for legitimate court decisions, which he claims has raised serious doubts about the veracity of the remarks, opinions, and statements made by the legally recognized Party Spokesperson in Rivers State.

The statement continued, “We are therefore calling for his disbarment, owing to the fact that Suits No. PHC/3592/CS/2023 (Sam Sam Etetegwung Vs APC) and No. 3859/CS/2024 (Okwu Joe Brown Ndke Vs APC) both voided the kangaroo congress held in November 2023 to replace the Executives elected in October 2021, giving Mr. Nwauju the audacity to speak on behalf of the party in Rivers.”

“Mr. Morka has lost the moral high ground to continue acting as a national officer of our great party after being elected to appear on national television to promote partisan interpretation to existing court rulings over the party leadership question in Rivers APC, since we are practicing a Constitutional democracy and our Party is built on progressive ideals to defend democratic practice and promote the rule law.”

“Any sincere member of our party who is hoping for the party to mobilize and win fair and square elections in Rivers for Mr. President should not disregard this deceptive story.

“We dare claim that Mr. Morka ought to have remained silent instead of using his interview to disguise himself as a non-party member above and beyond one of the Party’s governors who also serves as our party’s undisputed leader in Rivers State.

Once more, we understand that the National Working Committee, which operates independently of the National Executive Committee (NEC), represents our party’s conscience and should not continue to support individuals who prioritize internal party cohesion over divisiveness.

We are also aware of Article 13.4 (xvi), which states that “the National Working Committee shall communicate with governments established by the Party at all levels with a view to ensuring that members of the Party are accorded priority in appointments into public offices and shall furnish the National Executive Committee with periodic reports in this regard.”

Therefore, we don’t understand why Mr. Morka, an APC national officer, would minimize the grave problem of a self-serving impeachment procedure against an APC governor in office. There is much to be desired in Mr. Morka’s opinion, which we all know is wholly personal and cannot pass for the position of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress in Nigeria. It also raises concerns about his allegiance to the APC.

“Party supporters throughout Rivers State and beyond are left with a bad taste in their mouths and a black eye due to Mr. Morka’s disregard for the collective welfare and interests of our Party. We are tempted to wonder: “Is Morka genuinely working for the APC’s victory?

Mr. Morka is a qualified attorney who ought to know better, but he has deliberately decided to ignore the situation as it benefits him financially.

“We think it’s time for the NBA, and more especially the Legal Practitioners Privileges Council, to look into and examine the intentional, scandalous behavior of Mr. Morka, whose remarks and actions on national television are intended to undermine the court’s dignity and harm the Nigerian legal profession’s reputation irreversibly.

“We reaffirm this fact and inform everyone, including our wonderful party’s National Working Committee, that the actions of individuals who were allegedly “elected” to lead the APC in Rivers State through kangaroo congresses led by Alhaji Umar Ganduje in November 2023 are a direct insult to the courts because their actions are based on flawed principles and cannot withstand the test of legal fireworks!

“What happened to Rivers APC in 2019 cannot be repeated by our National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwada, and Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru.”

Bala Ibrahim Dismisses Speculations on Shettima’s Position as Overhyped and Divisive

coic
-
0
Bala Ibrahim Dismisses Speculations on Shettima’s Position as Overhyped and Divisive

The issue surrounding the removal of Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s photo from a party banner has been rejected by Bala Ibrahim, National Director of Publicity for the All Progressives Congress (APC), as needless and motivated by malice.

In a phone interview with Daily Trust, Ibrahim characterized the conjecture regarding the Vice-President’s political prospects as inflated and intended to incite conflict inside the Presidency.

Before you reach the bridge, you don’t discuss crossing a river. He claimed that the rumors about the vice president’s role were exaggerated, full of mischief, and meant to cause a wedge within the presidency.

Ibrahim emphasized that the Constitution acknowledges a single presidency and clarified that the Vice-President’s post serves mainly as constitutional cover in the event that the President is unable to carry out his responsibilities.

“The Vice President has never voiced complaints about being ignored or left out. As talks about the 2027 general elections heat up, he continued, “It is troublemakers who are creating a storm in a teacup.” He urged party members to exhibit moderation.

Protest Is Sparked by Banner Omission
After Shettima’s picture was left off of a poster at a significant party event in Maiduguri, Borno State, the APC spokesperson’s response coincides with fresh internal concerns inside the ruling party regarding Shettima’s political future ahead of 2027.

Governors, party leaders, and other regional stakeholders attended the North-East zonal public hearing on proposed revisions to the APC constitution on Monday when the event took place.

The Vice-President, who is from Borno State, was noticeably left out of the banner, which included pictures of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the five APC governors from the Northeast, and the party’s National Legal Advisor.

Abdulkarim Lawan, the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, immediately protested the deletion, calling it unjust, inflammatory, and untimely.

Speaking during the event, Lawan urged organizers to be aware of the sensitivities surrounding party unity in the area and cautioned that such efforts could revive unresolved fault lines within the ruling party.

Primate Ayodele Issues Election Warning to Tinubu Over Planned Protests in Five States

coic
-
0
Primate Ayodele Issues Election Warning to Tinubu Over Planned Protests in Five States

Primate Elijah Ayodele, the leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has issued a warning that there will be a large-scale demonstration to overthrow the current administration before to the presidential election.

Primate Ayodele stated in a statement signed by his media assistant, Osho Oluwatosin, that although the demonstration will begin slowly, the government won’t take it seriously until it abruptly grows in size.

The man of God urged the president to take it very seriously, saying that it is a part of the plan to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and that it will have an impact on the economy.

“Five states will be the first to participate in this big demonstration. If the president is careless, this is still one of the ways to remove him from office. The president shouldn’t take this for granted since the protest has the power to shut down the economy.

The prophet cautioned the president to pay attention to security reports, particularly those from the DSS, since certain actions could trigger a protest.

He also disclosed that certain former leaders are now plotting to overthrow the current administration.

“The administration will not take the protest seriously, but it will begin gradually. The president should pay attention to the security, particularly the DSS, since it will greatly assist him in preventing protests.

“To destabilize the current administration, some of the heads of state are conspiring against it.”

FG Opens 2026 PTDF Scholarship Applications for Study in UK, Germany, France, Malaysia

coic
-
0
FG Opens 2026 PTDF Scholarship Applications for Study in UK, Germany, France, Malaysia

The 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas Scholarship Scheme, which offers Nigerian postgraduate students the chance to study in the UK, Germany, France, and Malaysia, is now accepting applications, according to the Federal Government.

Dada Olusegun, Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, made the statement on Monday via X (previously Twitter).

The post said, “FG has announced that the 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Scholarships overseas are now accepting applications.”

Benefits include tuition, return flights, housing, living allowances, health insurance, and, if appropriate, bench fees. The program targets MSc and PhD applicants in fields related to the oil and gas industry.

The initiative seeks to develop domestic capacity in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry while giving access to top-notch training, research facilities, and international expertise, according to a statement on the PTDF scholarship board website.

Scholarships for PhD candidates in the UK will be split-site, enabling research to be carried out at the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK) as well as a few UK partner universities, such as Robert Gordon University, the University of Strathclyde, and the University of Portsmouth.

The PTDF emphasized that the scholarships are extremely competitive, and candidates are evaluated based on their academic background, research projects, professional body membership, and how applicable their studies are to the oil and gas sector.

Requirements for Eligibility:

MSc candidates must have finished the NYSC program and have at least a Second Class Lower (2.2) or higher in their first degree.

A five-page research proposal detailing the goals, methods, and data collection strategies must be submitted by PhD candidates.

Every applicant must have a valid National Identity Number (NIN), and submitting false documents or submitting repeated applications will result in instant disqualification.

For authorized programs at PTDF partner universities, interested individuals are encouraged to apply online at scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng. The application deadline is February 27, 2026.

ADC-Obidient Partnership May Break APC’s Grip in 2027 — Odigie-Oyegun

coic
-
0
ADC-Obidient Partnership May Break APC’s Grip in 2027 — Odigie-Oyegun

Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, a well-known leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has stated that he is confident that the growing cooperation between the ADC and the Obidient Movement could cause the APC to lose the 2027 general elections.

During an official welcoming for members of the Obidient Movement who recently defected in large numbers to the ADC, Odigie-Oyegun made the statements on Monday in Benin City, Edo State.

The defection comes after Mr. Peter Obi, a previous presidential contender for the Labour Party, recently joined the ADC.

Speaking to the crowd, Odigie-Oyegun stated that the Obidient Movement’s choice to join the ADC is indicative of Nigerians’ growing determination to seek political reform and national revitalization, particularly among young people.

“My belief that a new Nigeria is within reach is strengthened by the caliber and dedication of new members joining our party,” he stated.

“A few days ago, I witnessed the entry of Dele Momodu, a prominent figure, into the party,” he continued, recalling recent events. I see a lot of young people nowadays who are sincerely dedicated to the development of their country. I am convinced that young people are prepared to take significant political action after meeting so many members of the Obidient Movement.

He explained that the mass defection was an intentional and calculated decision made by the Obidient Movement to actively engage in the fight for social and political change.

“I am happy that you have decided to join the ADC in order to take up this fight. I have been certain that we are headed in the correct direction from the coalition’s founding, Odigie-Oyegun stated.

Additionally, he maintained that individuals should band together for collective political action in response to growing unhappiness with both national and Edo State governance.

“We have a country to save, and that is our obvious mission. We can create a new Nigeria through the ADC,” he continued.

Kwankwaso in High-Level Talks With Obi, Amaechi, PDP, Other Opposition Figures

coic
-
0
Kwankwaso in High-Level Talks With Obi, Amaechi, PDP, Other Opposition Figures

Prior to the 2027 general elections, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), is now in negotiations with prominent opposition personalities.

According to a high-ranking source in Kwankwaso’s inner circle who spoke to Leadership, the former governor of Kano State has been interacting with important opposition figures in an attempt to create a cohesive political front against the ruling party.

The source claims that Kwankwaso has had conversations with leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), former Transportation Minister Chibuike Amaechi, and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential contender.

The engagements are part of larger consultations aimed at creating a powerful opposition coalition, according to the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.

Kwankwaso works in politics. He is addressing each group. I am aware that he is speaking with Amaechi, Obi, and members of ADC. The insider stated, “He is speaking with the PDP.”

According to the source, Kwankwaso is also in communication with opposition leaders and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and talks are still going on.

“We are talking with the intention of uniting all the opposition,” he continued.

The insider went on to say that Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president, and other well-known Nigerians who are unhappy with the current government are involved in the growing opposition movement.

“Obasanjo is not the only one. There is unanimity among Nigerian leaders on a change in government. Everyone thinks that the current administration is failing, according to the source.

He clarified that because Obasanjo is prepared to speak candidly about national issues, his name is frequently used.

The source went on, “Obasanjo is mentioned because he is the only one that is outspoken.”

Ajiboye: ADC Is Evil, They Might Destroy Nigeria’s Future

coic
-
0
Ajiboye: ADC Is Evil, They Might Destroy Nigeria’s Future

Biodun Ajiboye, a leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has called the African Democratic Congress (ADC) a wicked alliance.

He bemoaned the possibility that the ADC will destroy Nigeria during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday.

He questioned what the coalition had done incorrectly and chastised them for denouncing the current administration.

“If Nigerians are not careful with these people called the ADC, they will destroy Nigeria’s future,” declared Ajiboye.

In Nigeria, there is a broad insurgency led by ISIS, ISWAP, and other groups.

Is it improper to hire public relations professionals? Is engaging in lobbying illegal? In the field of public relations, which I am well-versed in, you need some specialists to break the ice when things are getting worse and there isn’t much room for conviction.

“What has gone wrong with the Nigerian government? You see, these individuals are quite bad, and Nigerians must realize that the ADC coalition is terrible.

“One of them claims that famine exists in Nigeria. Why pay $9 million for PR? For heaven’s sake, we prevented Nigeria from suffering unnecessary devastation at the hands of a single individual whose actions are unpredictable.

Rivers Political Turmoil: Oseni Says Fubara Impeachment Bid Shows Tinubu Can’t Protect APC Governors

coic
-
0
Rivers Political Turmoil: Oseni Says Fubara Impeachment Bid Shows Tinubu Can’t Protect APC Governors

President Bola Tinubu has been encouraged by Arise Television personality Rufai Oseni to prevent the impeachment of Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara from proceeding.

Oseni revealed that the impeachment of Fubara is an indictment of Tinubu’s failure to defend governors on the All Progressives Congress, or APC, platform.

“If Fubara is impeached, then it’s a big indictment on President Tinubu’s ability to protect APC governors,” Oseni posted on Facebook.

Additionally, this impeachment notice invalidates the claim made by government authorities that the state of emergency was necessary to save Fubara.

“President Tinubu’s state of emergency did not save Fubara because an impeachment is still pending despite the state of emergency, no peace, and no settlement.

Right now, there is no doubt that Wike is in the lead in this battle. President Tinubu is 50, Wike 100.

Will President Tinubu be able to prevent Wike from harming Fubara? Is President Tinubu going to support Fubara?

Will the Chief Judge carry out the procedure? Does the court’s order stand?

Will Wike join the opposition and work against Tinubu? We’ll see in time.

Araraume Declares Support for Tinubu’s Re-Election

coic
-
0
Araraume Declares Support for Tinubu’s Re-Election

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection is supported by Senator Ifeanyi Araraume.

Speaking to reporters at his country home in the Isiebu community in the Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Araraume asserted that Tinubu has the constitutional right to run for a second term and that the president has done a good job and should be given an additional four years to complete current reforms.

Araraume praised the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda in a statement signed by Jimmy Enyeh, the lawmaker’s media assistant. He described it as a transformative framework that will positively influence Nigeria’s development.

“First, by directing the funds to the two levels of government, President Tinubu eliminated the subsidy and put an end to subsidy scams, something that some of his predecessors were unable to accomplish. The money should be used by the subnationals for the benefit of the populace at large.

Araraume also stated that the president pushed for the nation’s Local Government (LG) autonomy and forced state governors to abide by a Supreme Court decision requiring direct funding to councils.

According to Mr. President, it is essential for genuine federalism, improved service delivery, and grassroots development. If the governors don’t comply, he said, the federal government will step in.

“This is another victory for Mr. President because it has highlighted financial independence, enabling LGs to manage funds directly without intervention from the state—a crucial step in enabling them to effectively address local needs.”

“President Tinubu’s reforms are repositioning our country for sustainable growth and stability,” Araraume added.

He emphasized the administration’s major policy accomplishments, including economic revival, the unification of exchange rates to stabilize the financial system, and the introduction of new tax measures to increase the national income base and streamline the budgetary framework.

Araraume also highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s social investment initiative.

“The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was established to expand youth initiatives, strengthen social intervention programs, and encourage access to higher education.”

He emphasized that Nigeria is not a one-party state and warned against what he called false narratives about the country’s political system and the ruling party.

He claims that Nigeria is a multiparty democracy with over 40 registered political parties, a phenomenon that amply demonstrates political pluralism and democratic freedom.

Every Nigerian has the right to join any political party they choose, according to Araraume, who also noted that members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were not persuaded or compelled to join.

He clarified that political realignments are not new in the nation, pointing out that such moves had place during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) era.

According to Araraume, the APC operates as a single family, working together at the federal, state, and local levels of government. The party is still in support of President Tinubu’s reelection campaign.

He said that the APC has started an electronic registration process, encouraging new members to sign up and asking current members to verify their membership.

Speaking on Imo State, Araraume stated that Governor Hope Uzodimma is now serving out his last term and expressed confidence in the ability and acceptability of the candidate the party chooses.

Although there is always space for improvement in governance, he added that the party would support its final candidates at all state levels and that any flaws found would be constructively handled.

Recalling his involvement in Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign, Araraume stated that the president had appointed him as national director of trade and economy for Southern Nigeria, which included the South East, South South, and South West. He added that Tinubu would perform even better if given another chance.

Judges Appointment: Allegations In Petition Against CSP Blessing Nkechi Ezeala, Others, Frivolous, Unfounded, Group Tells NJC, FJSC, Others

coic
-
0
Judges Appointment: Allegations In Petition Against CSP Blessing Nkechi Ezeala, Others, Frivolous, Unfounded, Group Tells NJC, FJSC, Others

The Africa Centre For Good Governance And Corruption Free Communities has called on the National Judicial Council, NJC, and the Federal Judicial Service, FJSC, to to be mindful of conspiracy and frivolous petitions against nominees for the appointnent judges to Federal High Court.

The group said the allegations in petition against CSP Blessing Nkechi Ezeala and others before the NJC and the FJSC are frivolous, unfounded.

The group said it is in possession of the petition written against Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Blessing Nkechi Ezeala, who was accused of compromise in the discharge of her duties, asking why it was leaked to the media, if it was not for conspiracy purpose.

The group, in a statement, Sunday, told the judicial bodies to investigate how some petitions against the nominees leaked to the media and should not be considered.

According to the Convener of the group,
Temitope Olubunmi Joseph, the NJC should invoke it’s rules on leaked petitions by discarding them.

The group said, “Our organisation is in possession of the petition against Blessing Nkechi Ezeala and we can confidently confirm that the petition against Blessing Nkechi Ezeala was leaked to the media with an already prepared news report on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at about 3pm.

“Again, at this point, may we ask, what is motive of the petitioner by leaking the petition to the media. We would have thought that since the petition had been submitted to the relevant judicial bodies and individuals, the petitioner would have left it there and allow them to take a look at it and consider it one way or the other.

“We challenge the petitioner to prove some the allegations contained in the petition”.

He said the NJC, the FJSC and other relevant judical bodies should bear in mind that once members of the public are called upon to make comments and observations about an individual for an exalted position, such as was done by the FJSC, all manner of allegations will be flying, both true and untrue.

He said thorough investigations should be conducted on petitions submitted against nominees to ascertain those with genuine case amd those that are frivolous.

“We make bold to say that the sole aim of leaking the petitions was to paint CSP Nkechi Blessing Ezeala and others black in the eyes of the members of the public.

“A move our organisation condemn in its entirety and we call on the the NJC and other bodies in line with its National Judicial Policy and Judicial Discipline Regulations of Nigeria to discard the petition against CSP Nkechi Blessing Ezeala, and others, having been leaked to the public.

“Our organisation has reliably gathered that some very powerful forces have ganged up and are bent on stopping CSP Blessing Nkechi Ezeala, from being appointed to the position of a Judge of the Federal Republic of Nigeria based on enforcement of judgment of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory over a property in Wuse, Abuja, for which the Petitioner grossly violated the Order of Court by forcefully regaining possession of the property after he was evicted by the Court, which led to his lawful arrest by the Police.

“The petitioner failed to show that the CSP compromised in the discharge of her duty or that the investigation conducted by the Inspector General of Police into the case found her culpable. If the FJSC considered the Petition, would it not have asked for the Police investigation report on the case? Adopting the leaked Petition and allegations of the petitioner, without thorough investigation, clearly supports the theory of grand conspiracy against the CSP”, he also said.

It would be recalled that based on the National Judicial Policy and Judicial Discipline Regulations of Nigeria, the National Judicial Council (NJC) generally will not look into or will discontinue a petition that has been leaked to the public or discussed in the media. The NJC policy emphasizes strict confidentiality to protect the integrity of the judiciary and the reputation of judicial officers against frivolous or malicious complaints.

“The NJC, the FJSC, and other relevant judicial bodies should particularly, be concerned and careful in considering the petitions made against nominees because not only are the petitions full of falsehood against the nominees, they were also deliberately leaked to the public, particularly, the media to tarnish and stop the process for the appointment of some of the nominees.

“From our investigation, since the FJSC published the names of the nominees and called for public comments, and observations on the nominees, many interested Nigerians and organisations have filed petitions to the NJC, FJSC and other relevant bodies.

“Our organisation was able to lay our hands on one of such petitions to the FJSC, NJC and other judicial bodies, which was filed against a Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Blessing Nkechi Ezeala.

“In the petition dated September 22, 2025, signed by Sanni Abass Esq., on behalf of his client, one Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya, CSP Blessing Nkechi Ezeala, whom from our investigation has been a very dutiful officer, who carries out her duties without fear or favour, was said to have compromised in the discharge of her duty.

“Like we observed earlier, the petitions are full of lies and was deliberately leaked to the public and the media to paint CSP Blessing Nkechi Ezeala and other nominees with similar petitions in bad light”, the group emphasized.

1...727374...2,795Page 73 of 2,795
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv