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Confusion As PDP Postpones 103rd NEC Meeting

 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has postponed its 103rd National Executive Committee meeting, originally slated for Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

The decision was announced in a statement released on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.

According to the statement, the National Working Committee (NWC) convened an emergency meeting in Abuja on October 13, 2025, and resolved to postpone the NEC session in light of “recent developments in the party.”

The postponement was made under the authority of Section 29 (2)(b) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).

Ologunagba reminded NEC members that their scheduled meeting was earlier communicated, but he asked them to await a fresh date, which will be shared in due time.

The party’s leadership called on all NEC members to take note of the change and remain alert for further instructions.

This move comes amid a wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which many see as placing enormous pressure on the PDP.

In response, Governor Bala Mohammed, chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, publicly reaffirmed the party’s resolve.

He assured stakeholders that neither defections nor external forces will derail the planned National Convention in Ibadan, set for November 15–16, 2025.

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Rivers New SSG Sworn In, Urged To Uphold Integrity

Governor Fubara

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has tasked the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Benibo Anabraba, with discharging his duties with honour, integrity, and a strong commitment to the state’s interests.

Governor Fubara gave the charge during Anabraba’s official swearing-in ceremony, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, the governor emphasised that the appointment was not based on merit alone but on divine favour.

“Congratulations. It is not by our power but by God’s special grace that a few of us are called to serve in exalted positions. Leadership is not attained solely by effort, but by His favour,” Fubara said.

He described the Office of the SSG as one of great responsibility and honour, noting that only a select few have held the role since the creation of Rivers State.

He urged Anabraba to serve with humility and dedication.

The governor expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, referencing his experience as a former principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“This office is a rare privilege. Guard it with integrity. Let your service be remembered with honour,” Fubara stated.

“This is not a platform for showmanship or the display of authority, but a call to responsible service.”

The governor also highlighted that the appointment comes at a crucial time, as his administration seeks to rebuild public trust and consolidate the peace recently restored in the state.

“We’re emerging from a difficult phase. Now that peace has returned, we must show our people that we are committed to their welfare,” he said.

Fubara urged the new SSG to align with the administration’s vision and work toward meaningful development and progress for all residents of Rivers State.

Earlier that day, the appointment was formally confirmed in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo.

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ESUT Joins ASUU’s Nationwide Two-Week Warning Strike

 

The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has joined the union’s ongoing two-week nationwide warning strike.

Chairman of ASUU-ESUT, confirmed the development in an interview with DAILY GAZETTE on Monday.

He said the action, which affects all federal and state-owned universities across the country, was prompted by the Federal Government’s failure to address the union’s long-standing demands, despite multiple engagements and a 14-day ultimatum issued on September 28.

“The notice expired without any meaningful response from the government,” he said.

Following a meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC), ASUU resolved to commence the warning strike, citing what it described as the government’s continued neglect of public universities and non-implementation of previous agreements.

“We had hoped that this administration would live up to its promise that no academic disruption would occur during its tenure. Unfortunately, that has not been the case,” the ASUU-ESUT chairman added.

ASUU’s current demands include; renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, Payment of three and a half months’ withheld salaries, Sustainable and adequate funding of public universities, Payment of outstanding salary arrears (25%–35%), Release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative dues and Payment of long-overdue promotion arrears, some dating back up to seven years.

The union warned that failure to address these issues within the warning strike period could lead to a full-blown industrial action.

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Lagos Re-Arraigns Convicted Kidnap Kingpin Evans Over Murder Of Policemen

 

The Lagos State Government has re-arraigned notorious billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, before the Lagos High Court in Ikeja on fresh charges relating to the killing of police officers.

Evans, already serving a life sentence for multiple kidnapping cases, was brought before Justice A. O. Ogala alongside his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, on Monday, October 13, 2025.

The two are facing a five-count charge bordering on murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

The charges stem from a case involving the alleged murder of two police officers during one of Evans’ infamous operations.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The re-arraignment is part of a broader effort by the state government to ensure full prosecution of Evans’ alleged crimes, some of which date back several years and span multiple states.

Though convicted in earlier trials, this new set of charges highlights the extensive criminal network and violent history tied to Evans’ operations before his 2017 arrest.

 

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No FCT Judge Will Live In Rented Quarters By 2027, Says Wike

 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged that by 2027, no judge serving in the FCT High Court will reside in rented accommodation.

Speaking at the official launch of the design and construction of residences for Heads of Courts in Abuja, Wike affirmed that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, judges should be provided with permanent homes.

“Before the end of Mr President’s first tenure, no judge of the FCT High Court will be living in a rented quarter,” Wike declared.

“I didn’t say Federal High Court or Industrial Court, but specifically the FCT High Court.”

Wike noted that the project is anchored in the FCT 2024 and 2025 budgets, duly approved by the National Assembly and signed by the President.

He emphasized that the commitment to improve judges’ welfare comes directly from presidential policy.

He warned against the risks associated with judges living in rented homes:

“Sometimes, you don’t even know the landlord or the neighbours. These judges preside over sensitive matters, and we cannot anticipate what might happen,” he said.

Under the scheme, once judges retire, the houses will become their personal property, a gesture with presidential approval, Wike added.

Certificates of Occupancy have already been issued in the names of intended beneficiaries.

The housing initiative will cover multiple senior judicial positions, including the President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judges of the FCT and Federal High Courts, and the Judge of the National Industrial Court.

Wike clarified that constructing judicial residences does not amount to interference in the judiciary’s functions, citing the role of the Federal Capital Development Authority in building public infrastructure in the FCT.

Supporting the initiative, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, described the project as a forward step toward strengthening judicial independence.

He also suggested that having secure, dignified housing will help reduce temptations or perceptions of corruption.

“Accommodation should no longer be a ground for suspicion. Their housing is guaranteed,” he said.

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2027 Elections To Hold In November 2026 – NASS

 

In a bold shake-up of Nigeria’s electoral calendar, the National Assembly has proposed shifting the 2027 presidential and governorship elections to November 2026, about six months ahead of the usual schedule.

The proposal was unveiled at a public hearing convened by the Joint Senate and House Committees on Electoral Matters, where the draft amendments to the Electoral Act were laid bare.

Under the plan, polls for president and governors would be held not later than 185 days before the outgoing term expires, placing the elections in November 2026.

Key reforms on the table includes:

– Shortened litigation timelines: Tribunal rulings reduced from 180 to 90 days; appeals from 90 to 60 days, all within a 185‑day window.

– Mandatory e‑transmission of results: The draft mandates that presiding officers transmit results electronically (and manually), with stiff penalties for noncompliance.

– Early voting: Certain groups, security personnel, INEC officials, observers, journalists, would be allowed to vote up to 14 days before election day.

Hon. Adebayo Balogun, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, explains that the aim is to clear electoral disputes before inauguration day, thus avoiding the recurrent overlap of court cases with new administrations.

At the hearing, INEC’s representative, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, threw support behind the proposed changes, particularly the push for electronic voting and result transmission.

Several civil society groups and political actors also hailed the reforms as much‑needed steps toward greater electoral credibility.

However, the proposal is not without controversy. Critics warn of constitutional hurdles and implementation challenges, especially in regions with weak infrastructure or security constraints.

If adopted into law, these changes would reset Nigeria’s political calendar, giving more breathing room for dispute resolution, reducing election stress on the courts and potentially redefining how Nigerians conduct and perceive elections.

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Enugu: Obeagu Community Accuses Police Of Bias After Arrest Over Suspected Killer’s Death

 

Obeagu Community in Enugu South Local Government Area has raised serious accusations against the Enugu State Police Command, claiming injustice after a developer was arrested following the death of a suspected militia member involved in a murder case.

According to local sources, villagers captured one of the alleged attackers, believed to be part of a militia that had slain a young man named Onyedikachukwu Ede last Friday, in what they say was an act of reprisal.

The suspect was reportedly trying to flee when he was caught. Villagers say he was beaten by an angry mob before police officers arrived, rescued him and took him into custody.

Later, the police announced that the suspect had died, triggering further arrests in the area.

Residents are outraged, insisting that the police have prioritized the death of the suspect over investigating the initial murder of their kinsman.

They say the real perpetrators remain at large, and yet little is being done to hold them accountable.

A community spokesperson told reporters:

“It’s painful! The police seem blind to the murder of our son, but they move swiftly when the victim is the one who killed him. We know who did the killing, but those people are untouchable. Instead, they pursue villagers who confronted the murderer.”

He further claimed that some officers were allegedly involved in the original attack:

“Some policemen were with the armed men who attacked us on Friday, so it’s obvious there’s more to this cover-up.”

The spokesperson also spoke of a broader concern that the community is being silenced, particularly over land disputes they say are longstanding:

“This is not about fighting, it’s about defending what our forefathers bequeathed to us. You can’t beat a child and expect him not to cry.”

Attempts to get a comment from the Enugu Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, by Sunday night were unsuccessful as of the time of this report.

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All Surviving Gaza Hostages Return Home, Israel Hails “Safe Release”

 

Israel confirmed on Monday that the final 20 living hostages held in Gaza have been returned, ending two harrowing years of captivity.

The nation erupted in relief, grief, and cautious hope as families were reunited and wounds reopened.

The Foreign Ministry, in a series of posts on X, jubilantly declared: “Welcome home.”

In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, crowds cheered and wept, chanting names and embracing loved ones with desperate gratitude.

The release came under a ceasefire deal and hostage‑exchange agreement mediated with U.S. involvement, following intense negotiations and international pressure. Israel, for its part, committed to freeing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange.

One hostage, Gali Berman, was among those handed over after years underground in Gaza’s tunnels.

Even as joy reigned, sorrow lingered, for 28 hostages confirmed dead, whose bodies are yet to be returned. The deal includes delivery of their remains as part of the agreement.

Donald Trump, who flew in for the occasion and helped facilitate the deal, told Israeli lawmakers that the war is over.

His speech in Jerusalem earned a standing ovation.

From Gaza to Israel, many streets stand in ruin, neighborhoods erased by conflict. A returning refugee, Fatima Salem, described her return to a neighborhood she barely recognized. “Nothing looked the same, the houses were gone,” she said.

On the diplomatic front, Trump is headed next to Egypt to co‑host a summit on Gaza’s future, with high stakes, disarmament, governance, and Israel’s withdrawals remain unresolved.

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Dr. Uma Ukpai Passes Away At 80

 

Rev’d Dr. Uma Ukpai, the internationally known evangelist and President of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, has passed on.

His family confirmed his death on Monday, saying he entered into glory on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80.

In a statement titled “Glorious Transition,” the family described Ukpai as a devoted soldier of the cross who devoted more than six decades to fiery evangelism, powerful teaching, and acts of prophecy.

They say his ministry transformed lives across Nigeria and around the globe.

“With hearts full of gratitude, we rejoice in the triumphant homecoming of Rev’d Dr. Uma Ukpai, A faithful soldier of the cross has been called to rest.” the statement read.

Known as a spiritual general and founding father of faith, Dr. Ukpai is remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, and mentor to many.

While his physical presence is gone, his legacy of faith, integrity, and transforming ministry continues.

Funeral and memorial details will be announced by the family in due time.

“In life, he served with power and love. In death, we celebrate that he has finished his race and now rests in eternal praise.”

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Veteran Politician, Vita Abba Resigns From PDP After Decades Of Service

 

A veteran politician and influential PDP stalwart, Engr. Vita Abba, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after years of dedicated service to the party.

Abba, a former Chairman of the PDP in Enugu State and one-time governorship aspirant, made the announcement in a heartfelt resignation letter submitted to the party’s leadership on Saturday.

His departure adds to the growing list of high-profile exits rocking the party in recent weeks.

“After profound introspection and meticulous deliberation, I hereby tender my formal resignation as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” Abba wrote.

In the letter, he expressed deep appreciation for the opportunities and trust the party had extended to him over the years, stating that his journey with the PDP was filled with “memorable moments, invaluable lessons and lifelong relationships.”

“I remain eternally grateful for the trust bestowed upon me, the party’s support, and the camaraderie extended by leaders and members at all echelons,” he added.

Although he did not disclose his next political move, sources close to Abba suggest he may be aligning with Governor Peter Mbah’s expected transition to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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