Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has issued an interim order restraining the Rivers State Government from withholding financial allocations meant for the 42 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state.

The ruling, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, comes as a response to a suit filed by LGA Chairmen and nine others, seeking relief from alleged interference in their operations.

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Justice Omotosho’s ruling also directs all parties involved to maintain the status quo until the court reaches a final determination on the matter.

Additionally, it prohibits the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Police Commissioner in Rivers, Director General of the State Security Service (SSS), and its Director from withdrawing security personnel assigned to the LG Chairmen pending the resolution of the case.

The court’s decision follows an ex-parte application presented by the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Mr. Aliyu Hussein, emphasizing the need to ensure the LG Chairmen can fulfill their duties without hindrance.

The plaintiffs argue that they were duly elected under the Rivers State Local Government Law and have the right to autonomy in governing their respective areas.

The plaintiffs allege that the Rivers State Government, along with the Attorney General and Commissioner for Finance, sought to withhold revenue accruing to the LGAs and attempted to withdraw security services provided to them.

They claim this interference is aimed at frustrating the implementation of newly amended local government laws.

Dr. Chidi LLoyd, Chairman of Emohua Local Government and one of the plaintiffs, asserted in an affidavit that the LG Chairmen are constitutionally recognized and deserve autonomy in their operations.

They argue that any attempt to undermine their authority would disrupt governance and service delivery at the local level.

In response, Justice Omotosho ordered all parties to maintain the status quo and refrain from taking actions that could undermine the pending motion for interlocutory injunction. The court scheduled a hearing for May 2, 2024, to further address the matter and provide an opportunity for all parties to present their arguments.

The plaintiffs in the case represent various LGAs across Rivers State, highlighting the widespread concern among local government officials regarding alleged government interference and the need to uphold the rule of law at the grassroots level.

Chief Edwin Clark, a prominent figure in the South South and former Federal Commissioner for Information, has penned a compelling letter to the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Umar Ililya Damagum.

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In the letter, Clark advised Damagum to either step up his efforts or gracefully resign from his position to salvage the party from imminent collapse.

Clark’s letter, dated April 24, 2024, addresses the recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which he describes as a farce, highlighting the undue influence of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, over the party’s affairs.

He criticized NEC members for their apparent timidity in confronting Wike’s dominance, emphasizing the need for truth-speaking and accountability within the party’s leadership.

Clark further accused Damagum of being complicit in anti-party activities, particularly in Rivers State, alleging that he is under the sway of Wike.

He underscores the concerning influence of Wike within the party, suggesting that key party positions, including Damagum’s, are filled with individuals loyal to the Rivers State governor.

Clark delves into the intricate dynamics of Rivers State politics, outlining Wike’s alleged manipulation of governance and party affairs to suit his interests.

He points out instances where Wike’s control over the party has led to internal conflicts and defections, ultimately weakening the PDP’s position in the state.

The letter concludes with a call to action for Damagum to reassess his role within the party and take decisive steps to address the internal strife, emphasizing the urgency of the situation to prevent further damage to the PDP’s integrity and unity.

Former Ondo State Deputy Governor, Ajayi Agboola, has clinched the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) ticket for the forthcoming November governorship election in the state.

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Agboola emerged victorious at the party’s primary held on Wednesday, garnering a total of 264 votes.

His closest contender, former House of Representatives member Kolade Akinjo, trailed with 157 votes.

The fiercely contested primary saw the participation of seven aspirants, with a total of 621 delegates accredited to cast their votes.

Other notable results include Chief Sola Ebiseni securing 99 votes, Adeolu Akinwumi with 64 votes, Bamidele Akingboye obtaining 24 votes, while Mr. John Mafo and Mr. Bosun Arebuwa garnered nine and two votes respectively.

Ahead of the primary, the Chairman of the PDP primary election committee, and Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, pledged to oversee a transparent, equitable, and credible electoral process.

Agboola’s political journey has been marked by his tenure as deputy governor to the late Rotimi Akeredolu, which lasted until 2020. Following unsuccessful attempts to impeach him, Agboola defected to the PDP amidst the build-up to the 2020 governorship election.

Although he contested on the platform of the Zenith Labour Party after failing to secure the PDP’s nomination, Agboola now stands poised to confront the incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was Akeredolu’s former deputy, in the November poll.

Aiyedatiwa had previously clinched the governorship candidacy of the All Progressives Congress (APC), setting the stage for a compelling electoral contest in Ondo State.

Ayodeji Akinnodi has been selected as the Action Democratic Party’s (ADP) candidate for the upcoming Ondo state governorship election slated for November 16.

Akinnodi’s emergence came through a consensus reached by the party’s leadership, who hailed him as a figure of exceptional competence and unimpeachable character poised to revolutionize the state’s trajectory.

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The ADP’s gubernatorial primary, held at Alagbaka, witnessed the unanimous endorsement of Akinnodi by elected party delegates, subsequently confirming him as the ADP’s gubernatorial flagbearer.

In the aftermath of his selection, Akinnodi outlined his vision to uphold and perpetuate the legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, particularly in the domains of education, healthcare, security, and agriculture.

Central to his agenda is a commitment to prioritizing education through increased budget allocations, infrastructural enhancement, and sustained efforts to reduce the alarming rate of out-of-school children.

Akinnodi pledged to spearhead economic integration across southwestern states, thereby translating the visionary aspirations of Awolowo and other leaders into tangible realities.

Addressing pressing challenges such as insecurity, infrastructure deficits, and unemployment, Akinnodi stressed the imperative of decisive action and resource mobilization to rectify the prevailing socio-economic malaise.

Samuel Oladejo, the state Chairman of the ADP, lauded the transparent process that led to Akinnodi’s nomination, affirming the party’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles and constitutional obligations.

A group of stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing the North Central zone has submitted a letter to the National Working Committee (NWC) urging the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the party’s national chairman.

The letter, titled “Vote of No Confidence and Request for the Removal of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje from Office as National Chairman of the APC,” was signed by Mohammed Mahmud Saba and obtained by our correspondent on Thursday.

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In light of the recent turmoil surrounding Ganduje’s purported suspension, North Central APC members have intensified their calls to “retain” the leadership slot within the party.

The correspondence, copied to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume, highlights a stark contrast with the vote of confidence passed by APC state chairmen in favor of Ganduje on Tuesday.

Mahmud Saba emphasized that unlike the state chairmen’s stance, the North Central populace has expressed a vote of no confidence in Ganduje’s leadership, demanding his immediate resignation.

Saba further argued that Ganduje’s ascendancy to the national chairmanship position contradicted the principles outlined in the APC constitution, as it “betrayed” the North Central region, which was rightfully positioned to retain the office following Senator Abdullahi Adamu’s removal.

Th letter reads in part, “We the North Central APC Concerned Stakeholders have resolved to unanimously agitate for our right and reclaim our mandate which was handed unto us by the National Convention of our great party the APC in 2022.

“Various sections of our constitution have clearly established the procedure of replacing an Executive member at all levels of the party in an event of death, resignation, incapacitation or expulsion from party by any executive member.

“This singular act has impacted negatively on us as a people in the North Central, we feel betrayed and spited because we gave His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR the third highest votes after North West and South West in the country which put us on better position to enjoy the fruit of our labour.

“The North West where Ganduje comes from has the Speaker and Deputy Senate President zoned to them, the North East have Vice president and Deputy National chairman North, but the North Central which has only the SGF appointed from the zone should naturally produce the National Chairman of the party.

“We therefor make the following demands;
That Dr. Umar Ganduje resigns immediately and stop parading himself as the National Chairman of our great party. That the zoning arrangements made by the National Convention in 2022 which zoned the office of the National Chairman to the North Central be respected by the NEC and all other organs of the party.”

Former Senator Ayogu Eze, a prominent figure in Enugu politics and a founding member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has passed away at the age of 66.

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He represented the Enugu North Senatorial District from 2007 to 2015.

Eze breathed his last in an Abuja hospital following a prolonged illness.

During his tenure in the Senate, Eze played a significant role, particularly as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and Media, where he served as the official spokesperson.

He was also a member of the Constitution Drafting and Amendment Committee, contributing to significant changes in Nigeria’s 1999 constitution.

In addition to his legislative duties, Eze chaired the Committee on Works after his reelection in 2011 and served on various other committees, including Police Affairs, National Planning, Marine Transport, and Federal Character & Inter-Governmental Affairs.

His contributions to Nigerian politics and governance will be remembered by many.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential candidate for the 2023 elections, has expressed confidence in the LP’s ability to overcome its internal challenges and emerge stronger.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Obi compared the internal struggles within the LP to those faced by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), suggesting that the issues in the latter parties were more severe.

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Obi acknowledged the ongoing attempts by the Nigerian Labour Congress to unseat the LP’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, and the factional disputes within the party.

However, he remained optimistic that the LP would address these challenges and focus on its objectives.

He emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of ordinary Nigerians and urged political parties to prioritize serving the people rather than focusing solely on internal matters.

Regarding speculation about his presidential aspirations in 2027 and criticism he faced for questioning the timing and prioritization of government projects, Obi clarified that his main concern is improving the lives of Nigerians, not personal ambition.

Obi highlighted the urgent need to address infrastructure challenges, particularly the state of existing roads, before embarking on new projects.

He emphasized the importance of completing ongoing road construction projects and prioritizing repairs on existing roads to improve transportation and connectivity across the country.

In response to questions about the LP’s financial management, Obi confirmed that a forensic audit of the party’s accounts is underway, following his request for an independent audit firm to probe the allegations raised by former National
Treasurer, Oluchi Oparah.

He assured that updates on the audit would be provided once it is completed.

In Ondo State, 627 delegates from its 18 Local Government Areas convened to choose the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer for the upcoming November 16, 2024 gubernatorial election.

The primary, set in Akure, saw seven aspirants vying for the candidacy, including notable figures like former deputy governor Agboola Ajayi and Chief Sola Ebiseni, former General Secretary of Afenifere.

Overseen by a 7-man committee led by Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the election took place at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome), with a directive for non-delegates to maintain distance.

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Meanwhile, Chief Olusola Oke of the All Progressives Congress (APC) contested the validity of the APC primary, urging the election appeal committee to annul it due to alleged irregularities.

On another front, leaders from Ondo State’s Movement of Truth implored President Bola Tinubu to intervene and nullify the APC Governorship Primary Election, denouncing it as a sham devoid of legitimacy.