The Labour Party’s Ebonyi State Chapter has expressed strong confidence in its presidential candidate from the last general election, Peter Obi, asserting that he possesses the necessary skills to revitalize Nigeria’s faltering economy.

The party has urged Nigerians to support their movement to assume power and drive the nation towards prosperity.

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During an expanded stakeholders meeting in Abakaliki, the party emphasized its belief that the economy can be revived once the Labour Party is in power.

A communique issued after the meeting, signed by Rt. Hon. Linus Okorie (Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone), Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh (Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone), and Rt. Hon. Barr. Emmanuel Nwobo (Central Senatorial Zone), outlined the discussions focused on the party’s future political activities, including new member mobilization and registration.

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The meeting, convened by the members of the National Transition Committee (NTC) of the Labour Party, Chief Fidelis Nwankwo, Rt. Hon. Linus Okorie, and Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, aimed to brief members on the future activities of the Labour Party, including the mobilization of new members and their registration.

The communique highlighted key resolutions from the meeting:
– Peter Obi remains the National Leader of the Labour Party, acknowledged for his capability to rescue the Nigerian economy.
– Support for the National Transition Committee’s efforts to conduct inclusive State Congresses and National Conventions.
– A call for unity among party members, urging them to put aside differences for the greater good of the party and the nation.
– A target to recruit and register 400,000 new members in Ebonyi State.

Additionally, in a motion moved by Chief Jerry Obasi, former Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Deputy Governorship Candidate in the 2015 general election, and seconded by Hon. Sylvester Nwankwo, former House of Assembly member in Ebonyi State, the stakeholders unanimously appointed Engr. (Chief) Fidelis Nwankwo as the Leader of the Labour Party in Ebonyi State.

Salihu Moh. Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman (Northwest) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called for unity among Nigeria’s leading political figures to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He expressed concern over the growing despondency in the country and urged notable political leaders such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Yemi Osinbajo, Rotimi Amaechi, Kayode Fayemi, Ibikunle Amosun, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rauf Aregbesola to rise above their individual ambitions for the sake of Nigeria’s democratic development.

Lukman questioned whether these leaders would continue to let their narrow political ambitions hinder Nigeria’s progress or come together to create a united political front.

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Such unity, he argued, could transform Nigeria’s democracy and counteract the ‘state capture’ phenomenon, where small, corrupt groups of former government officials manipulate decision-making processes to their advantage.

He lamented that many political leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, are currently operating in isolation.

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Similarly, APC leaders like Yemi Osinbajo, Rotimi Amaechi, Kayode Fayemi, Ibikunle Amosun, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rauf Aregbesola have been marginalized within the party and pushed to the periphery of Nigerian politics.

Despite some political activities around these leaders, Lukman noted that there has been no significant commitment to building strong political parties capable of challenging the APC and President Tinubu.

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He prayed for divine intervention to unite all patriotic political leaders across party lines, including marginalized APC leaders, to build democratic institutions that ensure government accountability to citizens.

Lukman acknowledged attempts by President Tinubu’s administration to attribute current economic hardships to the previous administration of Muhammadu Buhari.

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However, he emphasized that both administrations are under the APC.

He argued that the APC’s popularity stemmed from the failings of the PDP but noted that the current challenges under the APC are even more severe than those during the PDP’s tenure.

He stressed that the failures of former President Buhari should be shared by all APC leaders, including President Tinubu, as they collectively benefited from the Buhari era.

Lukman concluded that without Buhari, the APC’s victory over the PDP in 2015 would have been nearly impossible, and by extension, so would Tinubu’s presidency.

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has issued a stern directive to Local Government and Local Government Education Authority officials to return the diverted ₦30,000 Sallah gifts meant for workers, or face severe consequences.

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Addressing a gathering of well-wishers and supporters at the Government House in Sokoto on Friday, following his successful Hajj pilgrimage, Governor Aliyu expressed his dismay over the actions of some finance officers at the local government level who allegedly withheld the funds allocated as Sallah gifts by the state government.

“I am appalled that some individuals would deny our workers the stipends provided to them to ensure their financial stability during the Sallah festivities,” Governor Aliyu stated.

“Those who diverted these funds must return them immediately, or we will implement serious punitive measures against them. We will ensure that the perpetrators face the full extent of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.”

The governor also instructed the heads of agencies involved in the corrupt practices to expedite the compilation of a list of affected workers and ensure that they are reimbursed promptly.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and prudent management of public funds for the benefit of all residents of Sokoto State.

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“This administration is committed to zero-tolerance for corruption and any corrupt tendencies,” Governor Aliyu emphasized. “Anyone who believes they can embezzle public funds and escape consequences is gravely mistaken. Our administration is a true reflection of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. We have a significant responsibility ahead of us, and we must fulfill it diligently, regardless of the challenges.”

Governor Aliyu also urged the people of Sokoto State to continue supporting his administration in its mission to deliver on campaign promises.

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He expressed gratitude to the All Progressives Congress leader in the state, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, for his guidance and leadership, as well as to the people of Sokoto State for their unwavering support and prayers.

“We are thankful for the continued support and fervent prayers from the people of Sokoto State,” he said.

“Let us maintain this momentum as we strive to achieve our goals and improve the lives of our citizens.”

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Governor Aliyu’s address highlights his administration’s dedication to eradicating corruption and ensuring that public funds are used for the intended purposes, reinforcing the state’s commitment to good governance and ethical leadership.

The lawmaker representing Enugu East Rural Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Raymond Ugwu, on Saturday wedded his heartthrob, Perpetual Jenifer Ohabuike.

The reception ceremony, which took place in Enugu, was attended by a host of dignitaries, family members, political associates, and well-wishers who gathered to witness the joyous occasion.

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The couple earlier exchanged marital vows in a Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Calistus Onaga, Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Independence Layout, Enugu.

It was a beautiful ceremony that highlighted their love and commitment to each other.

The event featured modern elements, reflecting the contemporary tastes of the newlyweds.

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Among the prominent guests were the Governor of Enugu state, Peter Mbah, former minister of Power, Prof. Bart Nnaji, former speaker of the state Assembly, Edward Ubosi, current speaker, Hon. Uche Ugwu, fellow lawmakers, government functionaries, and political associates, numerous friends from across the state.

The reception was filled with heartfelt speeches, music, and dance, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrated the union of the couple.

Speaking with a Daily Gazette correspondent, Hon. Ugwu expressed his gratitude to all who attended and supported the event.

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“I am overwhelmed by the love and support we have received from our friends, family, and colleagues. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in our lives, and we are deeply grateful for the blessings and well-wishes,” he said.

The bride, radiant in her attire, also shared her joy and excitement, thanking everyone for being part of their special day.

“This is a dream true, and I am so happy to be surrounded by loved ones as we start this journey together,” she remarked.

A Federal High Court in Lagos has directed Sadiya Umar Farouq, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, to provide a detailed account of the N729 billion she approved for distribution to 24.3 million Nigerians over six months.

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The court’s decision, delivered in June by Justice Deinde Isaac Dipeolu, came in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) lawsuit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

The suit, case number FHC/L/CS/853/2021, sought transparency regarding the disbursement of the substantial funds.

Justice Dipeolu ordered the former minister to supply SERAP with a comprehensive list of beneficiaries, the number of states covered, and the specific payments each state received.

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“The former minister is compelled by the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act to give information to any person, including SERAP. I therefore grant an order of mandamus directing and compelling the minister to provide the spending details of N729 billion to 24.3 million poor Nigerians in 2021,” the judge stated.

Farouq is also required to explain the criteria used in selecting the beneficiaries, the mechanisms employed for the payments, and the rationale behind the N5,000 payments to each of the 24.3 million recipients, which amounted to five percent of Nigeria’s 2021 budget of N13.6 trillion.

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Justice Dipeolu dismissed the objections raised by Farouq’s counsel, affirming SERAP’s argument that the minister failed to provide any valid reason for withholding the requested details.

The judge noted, “the minister did not give any reason for the refusal to disclose the details sought by SERAP. SERAP has reeled out the relevant sections of the Freedom of Information Act 2011 that the minister contravened and has, in line with sections 20 and 25(1) of the Act, prayed this Court for an order of mandamus to direct and compel the minister to provide the information sought.”

Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director of SERAP, praised the ruling as a milestone for transparency and accountability in public spending.

He emphasized the importance of President Bola Tinubu addressing corruption allegations within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and other government bodies.

“This ground-breaking judgment is a victory for transparency and accountability in the spending of public funds,” Oluwadare said.

“Justice Dipeolu’s judgment shows the urgent need for the Tinubu government to genuinely address the systemic allegations of corruption in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development and other ministries, departments, and agencies, as documented by the Auditor-General of the Federation.”

Oluwadare commended Justice Dipeolu for her courage and wisdom and called on President Tinubu to comply with the court’s orders promptly.