The Enugu state chapter of the Labour Party has launched a scathing attack on Governor Peter Mbah for his distribution of bags of rice across the 17 local government areas of the state, labeling it a mockery of governance.

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In a statement jointly signed by Barr. Casmire Agbo, the state chairman of the party, and Barr. Titus Odoh, the state publicity secretary, the party expressed outrage at the use of taxpayers’ money to print the governor’s name and picture on the rice bags.

The party questioned the priorities of the governor, suggesting that instead of engaging in token gestures, he should focus on providing essential infrastructure to improve the lives of the people.

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The statement reads;

“The leadership of Labour Party, Enugu State Chapter has observed with absolute disgust the on-going distribution of 10kg bags of rice to ndi Enugu in the name of palliative.

“The annoying thing therein is not just the sharing of the rice but the very fact that Governor Mba spent tax payers` money printing his name and picture on the bags of rice. What a shame !What does he want to achieve with that?”

“When did governance become rocket science? Why can’t Mba provide infrastructure that will better the lots of the people?
If the Pdp-led government does the right thing, the citizens can conveniently enter the market and buy food products of their choice instead of sharing beggarly 10kg bags of rice to party loyalists.”

“If I may ask; how far will the bags go? How many households will get it at the end of the day? You would later realize that the bags of rice will end up in the hands of politicians.”

“In this critical stage in our national life, the way to go is to institute purposeful governance and set the stage for meaningful, impactful and sustainable development and not dissipating energies and wasting time on frivolities.”

“We want to advise that the pdp-led government should not turn our people into helpless beggars.”

The Party also criticized the distribution process, expressing skepticism about the reach of the rice bags and raising concerns that they would ultimately end up in the hands of political cronies.

“What’s the essence of sharing rice to your subjects after suffocating them with excessive taxations and indiscriminate levies?”

The party further warned that the people of the state have had enough of the political theatrics, noting it’s time for real leadership.

“As it stands, we do not have much other than to say that enough is enough.” The statement added.

Daily Gazette recall that Governor Mbah had on Thursday flagged-off the distribution of palliatives meant for indigent people across the 260 electoral wards of the state in order to cushion the effects of hardship ravaging the country.

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Mbah noted that the exercise is a combined effort of the federal and state government, assuring that his administration has robust programmes in place to eliminate poverty.

Senator Adolphus Wabara, former Senate President and current Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has issued a stern warning against any attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to transform Nigeria into a one-party state, pledging unwavering resistance.

Wabara’s declaration came in response to reports of mass resignations among key PDP members in the South East geopolitical zone.

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He accused the APC of orchestrating these resignations through certain individuals within the PDP to weaken the party.

The wave of resignations followed the departure of former Imo State Governor, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, who cited ongoing controversies surrounding the position of PDP National Secretary as his reason for leaving the party.

Subsequently, several prominent PDP members and officials in Imo State reportedly tendered their resignations, including members of the BoT, zonal officers, state officers, and a local government chairman.

In light of these developments, Wabara affirmed that the PDP BoT would intervene promptly to prevent further defections.

He emphasized the BoT’s commitment to safeguarding the party from internal destabilization orchestrated by external forces.

Asserting the resilience of the PDP, Wabara underscored the party’s capacity to overcome internal challenges and reconcile grievances among its members.

He expressed confidence that ongoing issues would be resolved amicably in due course.

Prior to the recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the PDP, Wabara had dismissed speculations of the party’s impending collapse, affirming its unity and strength.

Analysts attribute the crisis within the PDP to a power struggle between the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike.

Following the demise of Senator Ayogu Eze, politicians from various spheres of Nigerian governance have come together to express their condolences and pay tribute to the late senator.

Former President, Goodluck Jonathan described Senator Eze as a patriot who dedicated his life to upholding democratic values of unity, justice, peace, and progress.

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Jonathan highlighted Eze’s impactful service and noted that he would be missed by many for his hard work and honesty.

Senator Eze, who passed away in Abuja at the age of 66 after a prolonged illness, had a distinguished career in both journalism and politics.

He served as Enugu State’s representative at the Revenue Allocation Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC) and held positions on the board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

In the National Assembly, he represented Enugu North Senatorial District from 2007 to 2015, where he chaired the Senate Committee on Works and the Senate Committee on Information and Media.

In addition to Jonathan’s condolences, other political figures such as Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, and Dr. Ben Nwoye, former chairman of the APC in Enugu State, have also expressed their sympathies and prayed for the repose of Senator Eze’s soul.

As Nigeria mourns the loss of Senator Ayogu Eze, his legacy of service and dedication to democratic principles will continue to inspire generations to come.

Kogi State High Court sitting in Lokoja has issued a summons for the appearance of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, on May 13, 2024.

The summons stems from allegations of contempt of court brought forth by former governor Yahaya Bello.

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Justice I. A. Jamil rendered the order based on an ex-parte motion filed by Bello’s legal representative, M.S. Yusuf, Esq. Bello’s counsel argued that EFCC operatives, in defiance of a court order, besieged Bello’s residence on April 17, 2024, with intentions to arrest him.

This action allegedly violated a court order restraining such actions until the determination of the Originating Motion.

Consequently, Bello sought an order to issue and serve Olukoyede with a Notice to show cause why he should not be held in contempt of court.

After considering the submissions and exhibits, Justice Jamil granted Bello’s prayers, directing Olukoyede to appear before the court to address the contempt charge.

The court noted that the EFCC allegedly violated the restraining order issued on February 9, 2024, and deemed their actions as contemptuous.

Justice Jamil emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and summoned Olukoyede to defend his actions on May 13, 2024.

This legal saga underscores the significance of judicial oversight and adherence to court orders, highlighting the ongoing tension between law enforcement agencies and the legal system.

The matter remains pending until Olukoyede’s appearance before the court.

In a keenly contested primary election, Oluwatosin Ayeni has clinched the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) ticket for the upcoming November 16 governorship election in Ondo State.

Chairing the 2024 NNPP Governorship Primary Election Committee in Ondo State, Alhaji Yusuf Galambi disclosed that 113 delegates were accredited for the exercise.

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Ayeni secured a resounding victory with 100 votes, while his closest rival, Prof. Ibrahim Ajaguuna, garnered 12 votes, with one void vote recorded.

Galambi affirmed the transparency and integrity of the primary election, attested by representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), party aspirants, and all delegates present.

“I hereby declare Oluwatosin Israel Ayeni as the winner of the primary election, having obtained the highest number of valid votes cast. The process was conducted peacefully,” Galambi announced.

Ayeni expressed gratitude for the committee’s dedication in ensuring a free and fair electoral process, attributing the victory to the collective efforts of party members.

In his address, Ayeni urged party faithful to remain steadfast in their commitment to securing victory for the NNPP in the November gubernatorial election.

He pledged inclusivity in his campaign, vowing to carry all stakeholders, including his fellow contestants, along in the journey towards electoral success.

With Ayeni’s emergence as the NNPP flag bearer, anticipation mounts as the party gears up for a spirited campaign ahead of the November polls.

Dr. Ayodele Festus Olorunfemi, a prominent unionist, has clinched the governorship ticket of the Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State, emerging unopposed during the party’s primary election held at its Secretariat in Akure over the weekend.

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Olorunfemi, a former General Secretary of the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), secured the party’s nomination form and was returned unopposed, with two other aspirants failing to fulfill the necessary requirements.

Hon. Olusola Ayodele, Chairman of the Labour Party Primary Committee and the party’s deputy chairman in Oyo state, commended the simplicity of the process, attributing it to the thoroughness of the screening committee.

He announced Olorunfemi as the sole candidate, emphasizing his fulfillment of the party’s guidelines.

In his acceptance speech, Olorunfemi outlined his commitment to a welfarist agenda if elected governor of Ondo state.

He reiterated the Labour Party’s socialist orientation, pledging a governance approach focused on the people’s welfare.

“The Labour Party, as a socialist-oriented political entity, prioritizes governance that places people at the forefront,” Olorunfemi stated.

“We will work diligently on a four-point agenda encompassing health, education, employment creation, and extensive infrastructural development, leveraging local resources and direct labor systems for prudent fund utilization and equitable resource distribution.”

With his nomination secured, Olorunfemi looks forward to rallying support from across the state as he embarks on his gubernatorial campaign, aiming to translate his vision for a people-centric government into tangible reality for the benefit of all Ondo residents.