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Category: South South

  • Fubara Approves ₦1.1tn 2025 Budget Amid Assembly Crisis  

    Fubara Approves ₦1.1tn 2025 Budget Amid Assembly Crisis  

    Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has enacted the state’s ₦1.1 trillion 2025 budget, ensuring its implementation until December 31, 2025. 

    The approval follows a week after the Oko-Jumbo-led State Assembly received the proposal.  

    Fubara declared the Oko-Jumbo Assembly as the sole legitimate legislative body in the state, taking into consideration the legal implication of the defection of Martins Amaewhule and 26 other legislators from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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     Despite their attempts to reverse their decision, Fubara maintained they are no longer recognized as lawmakers.  

    The defection has fueled tensions between Fubara and former Rivers governor Nyesom Wike, who supports the dissenting legislators. 

    Despite political challenges, the governor stated his administration’s commitment to advancing the state’s development agenda.

    Based on extant laws, a legislator who defects from the party on which platform he/she was elected, into another party, even when the original party is not in any form of serious crisis, that legislator shall lose his/her seat.

  • Gov. Diri Warns Against Using Women, Children at Illegal Refineries  

    Gov. Diri Warns Against Using Women, Children at Illegal Refineries  

    Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has raised alarms over a disturbing practice where women and children are reportedly being used as shields at illegal oil refining camps. 

    This troubling discovery was made during security operations in areas like Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor, Brass, and Nembe.  

    Speaking at a meeting with traditional rulers and local government chairmen in Yenagoa, the governor urged community leaders to create awareness about the environmental and health risks of such activities. 

    He also called on them to identify and report illegal refining sites within their regions for effective action.  

    The governor stressed the need for collective efforts to address this growing issue, emphasizing the role of traditional institutions in safeguarding their communities.

  • Edo Election Tribunal Reschedules Hearing to January 13

    Edo Election Tribunal Reschedules Hearing to January 13

    The 2024 Edo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has postponed proceedings until January 13. 

    The case, filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the victory of Gov. Monday Okpebholo, contests his win in the September 21 election.

    Okpebholo, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), received 291,667 votes, while PDP’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, garnered 247,274 votes.

    During a recent session, the tribunal adopted a pre-hearing report that set the stage for witness testimony.

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     A total of 290 witnesses are expected to be called by both parties, with specific time allocations for questioning. 

    The petitioners will have 21 days to present their witnesses, while respondents will have 10 days each.

     The tribunal will convene daily at 10 a.m., excluding Sundays and public holidays.

  • APC Requests Dismissal of PDP’s Petition Against Okpebholo’s Victory

    APC Requests Dismissal of PDP’s Petition Against Okpebholo’s Victory

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Edo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal to reject the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

     In a motion presented on Wednesday, APC’s lawyer, Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, argued that the PDP’s petition was improperly filed and does not comply with the law. 

    Orbih also claimed the tribunal lacked the authority to hear the case, citing additional points in a motion paper dated November 30. 

    In response, PDP’s lawyer, Ken Mozia, SAN, refuted APC’s claims, presenting counter-arguments to the tribunal.

     The tribunal’s chair, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, deferred a ruling on the matter until the final decision day. 

    The APC also sought to have certain paragraphs in the PDP’s petition struck out. Orbih urged the tribunal to make a decision on this before proceeding with the main case. 

    PDP’s lawyer, however, called for the rejection of the APC’s motion. Justice Kpochi decided that rulings on preliminary motions would be made on the final day.

    The case centers around the PDP’s challenge to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration of Okpebholo’s victory in the September 21 election, where he secured 291,667 votes, defeating the PDP’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes. 

    The tribunal is set to resume on December 21.

  • Edo Governor, Deputy Seats Declared Vacant At Senate, House Of Reps 

    Edo Governor, Deputy Seats Declared Vacant At Senate, House Of Reps 

    Edo State has seen significant political changes, with both the Senate and House of Representatives declaring seats vacant due to recent elections. 

    The Senate declared the seat for Edo Central Senatorial District vacant after Monday Okpebholo, who previously held the position, was inaugurated as governor of the state in December. 

    The decision followed a letter from Minority Leader Abba Moro, which cited the Nigerian Constitution’s provisions on vacancies for elected officials appointed to higher offices. 

    The Senate has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize a by-election to fill the position.

    In a related development, the House of Representatives also declared the seat of Dennis Idahosa vacant. 

    Idahosa, who represented Ovia North East/Ovia South West Federal Constituency, was sworn in as the Deputy Governor of Edo State on November 12.

     Following the declaration, INEC is expected to set a date for a by-election to replace him.

  • Protest Erupts at Cross River PDP Office Over Ousted Chairman

    Protest Erupts at Cross River PDP Office Over Ousted Chairman

    Protests have ensued from efforts by officials of Cross River Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to re-install the ousted Chairman, Mr. Venatius Ikem.

    As the move crystalise, party faithfuls converged on the state secretariat in Calabar, voicing their strong disapproval over the potential reinstatement of the party’s ousted state chairman. 

    Members from various local government areas and wards across the state gathered, holding placards expressing their dissatisfaction with the former chairman’s leadership.

    The protesters made it clear that if Ikem were reinstated, they would consider leaving the party.

    Some placards boldly declared their stance with messages like “Ikem must go,” and “The decision of the Cross River State Working Committee (SWC) is the best for the party.” 

    The protest, led by the chairman of Calabar Municipality, Bassey Asuquo, emphasized the belief that removing Ikem was a necessary step for revitalizing the party’s fortunes in the region.

    Asuquo and other local leaders spoke passionately about how Ikem’s leadership had hindered the progress of the PDP in Cross River.

     They argued that his actions had caused stagnation and division within the party, which they believed was detrimental to its overall growth.

    “We fully support any measure, including the removal of Ikem, that will help the party move forward,” Asuquo stated. “If the national leadership reinstates him, we’ll have no choice but to leave.”

    The protest gained further momentum with comments from Chief Dennis Nkiri, the PDP’s deputy state chairman, who assured the demonstrators that the party’s leadership was committed to doing what was best for its development.

     Mike Ojisi, the party’s state Publicity Secretary, added a metaphorical warning, saying, “We want Jonah to be removed from the boat for it not to sink.”

    Ikem’s removal, which took place two weeks ago, followed serious accusations of financial mismanagement, authoritarian leadership, and poor performance.

     However, the former chairman has contested the decision, labeling it as unconstitutional, and has threatened to seek legal action to reverse it.

    Despite his protestations, the anger among local party members remains palpable, with many insisting that his exit is non-negotiable for the future of the PDP in Cross River.

  • Edo State Names Suleiman Aledeh as New Broadcasting Chief

    Edo State Names Suleiman Aledeh as New Broadcasting Chief

    The Edo State Government has appointed Suleiman Aledeh as the Managing Director of Edo Broadcasting Service. 

    This announcement, made through the governor’s office, confirms that Aledeh will assume the role immediately.

    Aledeh, a seasoned journalist and media consultant with over 20 years of experience, has worked with notable international media platforms such as Al Jazeera, SABC, and GB News, UK. 

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    Known for his contributions to broadcast journalism, he has also served as a news anchor for Arise News and Classic FM.

    A graduate of Philosophy from the University of Benin, Aledeh began his broadcasting career at Edo Broadcasting Service during his undergraduate years.

     His journey has spanned various roles, including stints at Ebonyi Radio during his National Youth Service and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, where he created and hosted influential programs

  • Edo Governor Reshuffles Tertiary Institutions, Hospitals Boards  

    Edo Governor Reshuffles Tertiary Institutions, Hospitals Boards  

    Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has implemented sweeping changes affecting state-owned tertiary institutions and healthcare facilities.  

    The Governing Councils of all state-owned tertiary institutions in Edo State have been dissolved, marking a decisive shift in their administration. 

    Members of the affected councils have been directed to relinquish government properties to the respective heads of their institutions immediately.  

    Additionally, the management teams of Edo Specialist Hospital and Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin City have been relieved of their duties. 

    The outgoing officials are required to hand over government assets to the senior officers within their establishments.  

    These changes, outlined in an official announcement dated November 20, 2024, were disclosed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor. The directive is aimed at ensuring a smooth transition and realignment within the affected institutions.

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  • EFCC Siezes Okowa’s Passport 

    EFCC Siezes Okowa’s Passport 

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized the international passport of Ifeanyi Okowa, former Delta State Governor, amid investigations into an alleged misappropriation of N1.3 trillion. 

    The funds, linked to the 13% oil derivation allocation from 2015 to 2023, reportedly lacked proper accounting under his administration.  

    Okowa, who also faces allegations of investing N40 billion in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas and acquiring an 8% equity stake in a major Nigerian bank, was taken into custody on November 4, 2024.

     He has since been granted bail, with a requirement to submit his travel documents to the EFCC as investigations continue.  

    The agency is scrutinizing these transactions for potential mismanagement, as they aim to prevent any attempt to evade justice. 

    Okowa has denied the accusations, attributing them to political motives, and expressed confidence in clearing his name.  

    The EFCC’s probe into Okowa’s administration has reignited public discourse on the financial accountability of former governors.

  • Okpebholo Names Fred Itua as Chief Press Secretary

    Okpebholo Names Fred Itua as Chief Press Secretary

    Fred Itua has been appointed Chief Press Secretary by Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

     This marks Okpebholo’s first key appointment as he prepares to assume office from Governor Godwin Obaseki on Tuesday.  

    The announcement, made in Abuja, highlights Itua’s extensive media background. 

    He previously held roles at Leadership and The Sun newspapers and has covered a wide range of topics, including the National Assembly, health, and environmental issues.  

    Itua’s academic journey spans a Bachelor’s degree in English from Ambrose Alli University, a Master’s in Media Arts from the University of Abuja, and ongoing PhD research in Development Communication at Veritas University.  

    As head of the Governor-elect’s media team, Itua is expected to bring his wealth of experience to bear in shaping the administration’s public communications strategy.