The Zamfara State House of Assembly is embroiled in a fresh wave of political turmoil as two rival factions held simultaneous sittings on Wednesday, deepening the division within the legislature.

Both groups are calling on Governor Dauda Lawal to re-submit the 2025 budget and to urgently address the state’s worsening insecurity within the next month.

One session was presided over by embattled Speaker Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki.

The second, however, was conducted by 10 lawmakers loyal to Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi, who insists he is the legitimate Speaker following Moriki’s impeachment last year over allegations of highhandedness and misconduct.

During their session, Gummi’s camp—which includes members from both the PDP and APC—issued a strong condemnation of the escalating security crisis plaguing all 14 local government areas of the state.

They gave Governor Lawal a one-month ultimatum to curb the persistent threats of armed banditry, kidnappings, and general insecurity.

“The state government appears indifferent to the suffering of the people,” one of the lawmakers stated.

“While insecurity and poverty engulf the state, huge sums are being spent on frivolities, and victims of bandit attacks are left without support.”

The lawmakers also took issue with the state’s recent dismissal of more than 4,000 civil servants, describing the action as arbitrary and devoid of due process.

They called for the immediate reversal of the decision and demanded the prompt payment of all withheld salaries and benefits.

Further criticism was directed at the inadequate resourcing of the state’s local security outfit, the Askarawa.

The faction blamed poor equipment and neglect for the deaths of more than half of the security team during confrontations with criminal elements.

They urged Governor Lawal to channel part of the state’s N2 billion monthly security vote towards compensating families of the deceased.

They proposed, “at least N10 million in compensation for each bereaved family.”

The lawmakers didn’t spare the governor’s associates either, accusing some individuals from neighboring states like Niger, Kaduna, and Adamawa of suddenly acquiring enormous wealth.

“If his associates can build multi-billion-naira mansions after visiting Zamfara, then the governor has no justification for downsizing the workforce under the guise of insufficient resources,” they charged.

In addition, the faction labeled the suspension of their members by Speaker Moriki as invalid and unconstitutional.

They argued that since Moriki had been impeached, he no longer held the authority to take such disciplinary actions.

Among the lawmakers at the Gummi-led sitting were: Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara (Talata Mafara South), Hon. Ibrahim Tudu Tukur Bakura (Bakura), Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Maru North), Hon. Faruk Musa Dosara (Maradun 1), Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi (Gummi 1), Hon. Barr. Bashir Abubakar Masama (Bukkuyum North), Hon. Amiru Ahmed (Tsafe West), Hon. Basiru Bello (Bungudu West), and Hon. Mukhtaru Nasiru (Kaura Namoda North).

Delta State witnessed a major political realignment on Wednesday as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and all members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The dramatic development was announced in Asaba after a marathon meeting at the Government House that lasted over six hours.

Senator James Manager broke the news, revealing that the decision was unanimous among PDP leaders and officeholders.

“All PDP members in the state, including the governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, all the local government chairmen and others, have agreed to move to the APC. We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” Manager declared.

Confirming the development, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Aniagwu Charles, emphasized the collective reasoning behind the move, pointing to a broader vision for Delta’s progress.

“There is a need for us to adjust our drinking patterns. And in adjusting that drinking pattern, we needed to make a decision that would further help to cement the development in our state, to build the court of law that has existed in our state, to further advance the cause of security and the welfare of our people, and, to a large extent, ensure that development in Delta is not truncated,” he stated.

Aniagwu added that the leadership was compelled to make a bold decision for the state’s future, likening the situation within the PDP to a palm wine that has lost its taste.

“In taking that decision, we concluded that leaving the PDP was very necessary for us to be able to collaborate and build a state that every Deltan will be proud of.”

“We believe that what is happening, and the state of the PDP, is akin to that palm wine whose taste has changed — and there was a need for us to change the drinking party.”

He hinted that a formal announcement would follow soon.

“By the grace of God, on Monday next week, we will be able to make a very big statement confirming that we are moving into the APC,” he said.

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has appointed renowned Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia, popularly known as Tuface, as Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.

In a video that has been circulating online, Governor Alia expressed gratitude to Tuface for his consistent support of the state’s administration and noted that the music star has the potential to contribute even more.

“On behalf of the Benue State government and our very good people, we want to give you some more responsibility plus the ones you have been doing because you have the capacity to do some more and help us chart a way forward to improve other people’s lives and to gain more from your wisdom and advise as well,” the governor said.

He further added, “So, I’m pleased to announce that we will make you a technical adviser to the Governor on entertainment and community outreach.”

Tuface, a Benue native, is celebrated as one of the most influential Afrobeats artists and a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s music industry, particularly for his role in shaping the pop music scene in the early 2000s.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has formally left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The declaration followed a private meeting held on Wednesday evening at the Government House in Asaba.

Confirming the move, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, said the decision came after “wide consultations with political stakeholders and in the interest of Delta’s long-term development.”

Oborevwori, who secured victory in the 2023 gubernatorial election under the PDP, was welcomed into the APC fold by top party figures.

The Special Adviser to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo on Political Mobilisation and Engagement, Eugene Utubor, has indicated that Senator Neda Imasuen of the Labour Party may soon defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking after meeting with the senator in Benin on Tuesday night, Utubor noted that the senator has shown clear signs of moving to the APC and that steps are being taken to bring him fully into the party’s fold at both the state and national levels.

The Labour Party has been plagued by sustained leadership disputes and internal divisions, both within Edo State and at the national level.

Senator Imasuen, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, has reportedly sidestepped questions about his party allegiance amid the turmoil in the LP.

Utubor stated, “I can tell you that Senator Neda Imasuen will join the All Progressives Congress in the coming days. I was with him on Tuesday, and his body language speaks volumes.”

He added, “Imasuen believes that the governor has performed remarkably well in such a short time, and it is crucial that we unite to support the governor’s vision for our people.

“He has encouraged every well-meaning Edo citizen to rally behind the governor as he works diligently for our collective progress.”

Recently, Imasuen has been spotted at several public events alongside prominent APC figures in Edo State, sparking speculation about his political future.

Sources say he maintains a friendly rapport with key members of the ruling party.

Hon. Oluwole Oke, who represents Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has formally exited the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Oke, who also chairs the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, made the announcement in a resignation letter dated April 16.

Addressed to the chairman of Ward 7 in Obokun Local Government, the letter revealed that the decision to leave the party was made following consultations with his constituents, associates, and loved ones.

The lawmaker’s departure from the PDP is effective immediately.

In the letter, obtained by DAILY GAZETTE on Wednesday in Osogbo, Oke stated:
“I wish to formally notify you that I am resigning my Membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect.
This was concluded after consultation and engagement with my political associates, family and friends.
It is my wish that you accept my resignation in good faith.”

Although Oke did not disclose his next political destination, his resignation comes amid reports of a deepening rift between him and the party leadership in the state.

Tensions within the PDP in his federal constituency have recently resulted in visible factional divisions.

Oke is currently serving his fifth term in the House of Representatives.