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2027: Politicians Eyeing ZLP, Those Banking On Peter Obi’s Wave Bent On Destroying Enugu LP – Party Chieftain Alleges

 

The Labour Party (LP) in Enugu State is facing an existential crisis as internal wrangling, defections, and alleged political sabotage threaten its stability.

A party chieftain, Dr. Chukwudi Nnabuike in an interview with DAILY GAZETTE, accused political actors of deliberately weakening the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

Dr. Nnabuike alleged that some disgruntled politicians within the LP are secretly aligning with the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) as an alternative platform.

He warned that this move is part of a broader strategy to undermine the Labour Party in Enugu.

“There are individuals within our party who are not committed to its growth. Rather than build, they are looking for shortcuts. Some of them are already negotiating with the ZLP while pretending to be loyal to LP,” Nnabuike revealed.

DAILY GAZETTE recall that the Labour Party gained significant traction in Enugu following the 2023 general elections, largely due to the influence of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

However, since the elections, the party has struggled with defections and internal discord.

In March 2024, six members of the Enugu State House of Assembly elected on the Labour Party platform defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), significantly weakening the LP’s legislative influence.

Similarly, rumors recently surfaced about Senator Kelvin Chukwu representing Enugu East Senatorial zone leaving the party for the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) —claims he has since denied, insisting his resignation letter was forged.

Dr. Chukwudi Nnabuike also lamented that many who rode on the wave of Peter Obi’s popularity have now abandoned the party, further deepening its crisis.

“The problem is that some of these people never truly believed in the Labour Party. They only followed Peter Obi’s wave in 2023, but now that elections are over, they are either inactive or looking for alternatives. If we don’t reorganize ourselves, these same people will scatter the party before 2027,” he warned.

Despite the challenges, the chieftain maintained that LP remains a formidable force in Enugu, provided it can address internal weaknesses.

He called for party discipline, ideological commitment, and strategic leadership to prevent further defections and infiltration.

“The future of the Labour Party in Enugu depends on how we handle this crisis. If we allow personal interests to overshadow collective progress, we will lose everything we worked for,” he concluded.

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Security Guard Jailed 18 Months For Defrauding Woman Of Chickens, Feed Money

A Magistrates’ Court in Jos has sentenced a 36-year-old security guard, Justice Terfa, to 18 months in prison for defrauding a woman of 30 day-old chicks and misappropriating money meant for their feeding.

Magistrate Shawomi Bokkos delivered the judgment on Wednesday after the accused pleaded guilty to the charge.

“The convict is sentenced to six months in prison with an option of a N30,000 fine. Additionally, he must pay N500,000 as compensation, failing which he will serve another one year in prison,” the magistrate ruled.

Earlier, Prosecutor Inspector Ibrahim Gokwat informed the court that the case was reported on December 21, 2024, at the Anglo-Jos Police Station by the complainant, Anthonia Osirho.

According to Gokwat, the convict was entrusted with 30 day-old chicks and given N300,000 for their feeding and medication.

“The chickens were meant for the Christmas celebration, but after rearing them, the convict sold 29 out of the 30 and diverted the money to his personal use,” the prosecutor stated.

The prosecution noted that the offence contravenes the Plateau Penal Code Law.

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Policeman Who Raped Teenager In Lagos Sent To prison

 

Owolabi Akinlolu, the policeman who allegedly raped a 17-year-old resident of Lagos state in his office, has been remanded in prison custody.

Akinlolu, an officer attached at the Ogudu Police Station in Lagos, had promised to help the teenager retrieve her phone, which was stolen by ‘one chance’ robbers.

The suspect was said to have overheard the victim recounting her ordeal to her mother at her shop and offered to help track the phone.

“On June 29, officer Owolabi called my mum on her phone and told her he had arrested the person with my phone and my mum should send me to his police station and I went there. On getting there, I was told they made a mistake with the tracking, and that the person caught wasn’t the one with my phone,” the teenager said while narrating her ordeal to PUNCH.

“The officer sent his personal assistant to call me into his office and he showed me directions there. When I entered his office and greeted him, he replied and got up to lock the door and put the key in his pocket. I shouted, ‘Sir, why did you lock the door?’

“He started trying to pull my clothes off and I shouted, then he brought out a gun, cocked it, and threatened to shoot me if I shouted. Then he began harassing me and when I struggled with him he hit me on the back of my head with the gun and raped me.

“I saw his phone ringing and the caller was my mum, but he told me since I didn’t have a phone with me, I should tell her I didn’t get to his office and from now on I should be reporting at his office by 12 pm every day during school break or while returning from school that he had been watching me for two years and now I just fell into his trap.”

In July 2024, Mrs Aramide Olupona, mother of the victim, however, accused the police of trying to cover up the allegation.

“The suspect’s wife and the rest of his family have come to my shop to plead with me saying he would soon retire, but what about my daughter that was raped? Is it because I am a poor woman?”

At the Magistrate Court 11 on Tuesday, the prosecution counsel urged the court to remand the defendant.

The prosecution counsel, backed by a seven-paragraph affidavit, stated that the offence of defilement violates Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Responding to the request, Magistrate O.O. Fagboun ordered the defendant’s remand at the Maximum Correctional Centre Kirikiri.

The Magistrate adjourned the case until March 11, 2025, for trial and further proceedings.

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ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane Urges Families To Claim Over 300 Corpses Before Disposal Deadline

 

The management of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Teaching Hospital, Parklane, has announced plans to dispose of over 300 unclaimed bodies that have overstayed in its mortuary.

In a public notice signed by the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Bethrand Ngwu, the management urged relatives and friends of the deceased to come forward and claim the bodies.

“This announcement serves as a notice to anybody whose relations or friend’s corpse has stayed in the hospital for a period of six months and above, to proceed and claim it.”

Prof. Ngwu further warned that any unclaimed bodies would be disposed of after the given deadline.

“Failure to do so within three weeks after this announcement, all bodies not claimed shall be disposed of permanently, and the hospital will not be held accountable.”

For concerns or inquiries, the hospital advised the public to reach out via the following contact details:
Phone: 08033750269 or 08063251100
Email: info@esutth.org.ng

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Just In: National Grid Collapses Again

 

Many Nigerians have been left without electricity following yet another collapse of the national grid.

The system failure occurred around 11am on Wednesday, causing a sharp decline in power generation from 4,064 megawatts to 1,203MW by 12 pm, before dropping completely to 0.00MW at 1 p.m.

This marks the twelfth collapse of the national grid in 2024 alone and adds to the over 100 incidents recorded in the past decade.

Confirming the latest system failure, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) issued a statement on its X handle, saying:

“Dear Valued Customer, We regret to inform you that a system disturbance occurred on the national grid at 11:34 am today causing a power outage across our franchise areas.

“While gradual restoration of power supply has commenced, please be assured that we are working closely with relevant stakeholders to fully restore electricity as soon as the grid is stabilised. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work to serve you better.”

Similarly, Ikeja Electric also informed its customers of the disruption, stating:

“Dear esteemed customers, please be informed that we experienced a system outage today, 12th February, 2025 at 11.34hrs affecting all our feeders.

“Restoration of supply is ongoing in collaboration with our critical stakeholders. Kindly bear with us.”

The repeated grid failures have raised concerns about the country’s power infrastructure, with many citizens and businesses bearing the brunt of frequent blackouts.

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UNIZIK Reacts To Viral Video Of Student Assaulting Lecturer, Begins Investigation

UNIZIK Acting Vice Chancellor, 

The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, has initiated a thorough investigation into an altercation between a lecturer and a student, which has sparked widespread reactions on social media.

The university assured that any individual found guilty of misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary measures.

In the viral videos, Precious Mbakwe, a 300-level student from the Department of History and International Studies, was seen recording a video in the university hallway when Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, a lecturer, walked past her.

Reports indicate that the lecturer lightly tapped her shoulder, signaling her to make way.

This interaction seemingly triggered a reaction from the student, who expressed displeasure and remarked:

“Can you imagine, he just hit me.”

Further footage showed Mbakwe confronting Dr. Okoye, questioning his actions, and engaging in a heated exchange.

The situation escalated, attracting the attention of other students and university officials.

At one point, the student reportedly grabbed the lecturer’s shirt and dragged him in the presence of onlookers.

She allegedly bit him on the wrist and arm during the altercation.

Despite the incident, the lecturer remained composed throughout the ordeal.

Reacting to the controversy, UNIZIK’s spokesperson, Njelita Louis, issued a statement on Wednesday, stating:

“The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has been made aware of a disturbing incident involving Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies, and Goddy Mbakwe Precious, a third-year student in the Department of History and International Studies.

“The incident, which has gained significant attention on social media, is being taken very seriously by the university authorities.

“In line with our core values of discipline, self-reliance, excellence, and adherence to the principles of fair hearing, equity, and justice, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, has ordered a full-scale, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the matter.”

The university assured that the investigation would be conducted fairly, and any party found culpable would be sanctioned accordingly.

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Kidnappers Of APC National Director Demand N350m Ransom

 

The kidnappers of Dr. Adekunle Raif Adeniji, the Director of Administration at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretariat in Abuja, have demanded a ransom of N350 million for his release.

According to reports, his family has been contacted by the abductors, who insist that the ransom must be paid before he is freed.

A family member, speaking to our reporter, confirmed that Dr. Adeniji and others taken alongside him remain in captivity.

“The director and others are still in captivity, and the abductors said he will not be released until the money is paid.”

A source within the APC also corroborated the development, telling Daily Trust that efforts are being made to secure his release.

Dr. Adeniji was abducted two weeks ago by armed men wielding AK-47 rifles in the Chikakore area of Kubwa, within the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He was taken along with three others, including his brother, his brother’s wife, and their son.

Reports indicate that he had visited his brother’s residence when the gunmen stormed the area.

Tragically, the brother’s wife, Madam Esther, was killed, and her body was discovered the next morning in Ijah-Gbagyi, Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State.

Chikakore, a community on the outskirts of Kubwa, is located approximately 30 kilometers from central Abuja.

Dr. Adeniji assumed office as Director of Administration in August 2024, following the resignation of his predecessor, Prof. Alaba Adediwura. His appointment was formally confirmed in a letter issued by the party’s National Secretary.

APC Confirms Abduction:

Senior APC officials have acknowledged the abduction but have refrained from providing extensive details on the matter.

A source at the party’s national secretariat stated:

“Yes, it’s true. But it’s not something that we want to discuss.”

Regarding the ransom demand, another party official commented:

“Well, efforts are being made to secure his release, and we don’t want to blow it.”

Another senior official at the party’s secretariat in Abuja also confirmed the incident, stating:

“It’s true. This one I am telling you is a confidential confirmation. But we are seeing to his release soon.”

However, there has been no official statement from the National Working Committee (NWC) or security personnel attached to the party’s secretariat regarding the incident.

Efforts to get a response from the police were unsuccessful, as the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, did not answer calls or respond to messages seeking an update.

One Week After, Abducted General Still in Captivity

In another case of abduction, retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga and nine others remain in captivity one week after being taken by bandits in Tsiga town, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Tsiga, a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was kidnapped last Wednesday when over 100 armed men stormed his residence at midnight.

The kidnappers have reportedly contacted his family, demanding a ransom of N250 million for his release. However, details of any negotiations remain unclear.

The Chairman of Bakori Local Government, Alhaji Aliyu Mai Chitta, confirmed that efforts are being made to rescue the hostages.

Expressing concern over the possible role of informants in the attack, he stated:

“If not for informants, how would bandits know that he was in town, let alone come to abduct him?”

He reassured that security agencies are actively working to secure their release.

Meanwhile, residents, particularly women, have been offering prayers for the safe return of General Tsiga.

A local resident noted that his generosity toward the less privileged had prompted many to seek divine intervention for his freedom.

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Idahosa Urges INEC To Conduct All Elections On Same Day To Reduce Costs

Bishop Isaac Idahosa, the 2023 Vice-Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct presidential, senatorial, and gubernatorial elections on the same day.

He believes this approach will cut costs and improve election outcomes.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Idahosa advocated for a more streamlined electoral process, stating:

“I would like to suggest that all elections be conducted on the same day. That will help curb a lot of issues—presidential, senatorial, gubernatorial, all on the same day. It will cut costs and produce the desired results. But when elections are spread over one or two weeks after the presidential poll, a lot can happen—a bandwagon effect can take place.”

Beyond cost-saving measures, Idahosa emphasized the need for accountability within INEC and among public officials responsible for electoral failures.

“We don’t punish anyone for wrongdoing; there are no consequences, so they keep repeating the same actions,” he said.

“INEC makes mistakes, yet no one holds them accountable, and then the same mistakes happen again. Once there are no consequences for actions or inactions, the cycle continues because there is no accountability.”

As part of the 2023 general elections, INEC introduced the Result Viewing Portal (IReV) and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

However, many politicians raised concerns about their effectiveness, while INEC attributed some of their shortcomings to technical glitches.

Idahosa, a close ally of former Kano governor and 2023 NNPP presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso, was part of the election in which his party finished fourth with 1,496,687 votes.

The final results saw Bola Tinubu of the APC win with 8,794,726 votes, Atiku Abubakar of the PDP secure 6,984,520 votes, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party garner 6,101,533 votes.

Despite challenges in court, the Supreme Court ruled that the inability to upload results on IReV was not sufficient to annul the election.

Idahosa also decried the growing influence of money in Nigerian politics, stating:

“Some individuals in government have become more powerful than institutions, negatively affecting governance in the country. Money politics has taken over the system.”

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Reps Summon Customs Boss Over Senior Officers’ Refusal To Retire

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, to appear before it on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

The summons follows allegations that some senior officials of the service have refused to retire despite reaching their due retirement dates.

The petition, submitted by the Obasi-Pherson Help Foundation, claims that several Assistant Comptrollers and Comptrollers were due for retirement but had deliberately remained in service.

A statement released on Wednesday by Chooks Oko, Head of Media for the House Committee on Public Petitions, named the officers in question as Imam, Umar, and Egwu (Assistant Comptrollers), and Awe, Fatia, and Faith (Comptrollers).

Issuing the summons, the Committee emphasized the need for accountability, stating:

“Nigerians deserve to know the truth of the matter, and only the CG can clarify the situation. We are elected to serve the people and ensure that all government agencies function effectively as part of that service.”

Chairman of the Committee, Mike Etaba, further stressed:

“In this era, when most of our youths are seeking employment, it is unfair for those due for retirement to refuse to leave. That is not to say we shall take sides—far from it. We treat each case on merit, ensuring that justice is served at all times to those who deserve it.”

In a related matter, the Committee has warned that it will order the arrest of the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Abisoye Coker-Odusote, if she fails to appear in person to respond to allegations regarding an unpaid software development project.

The allegations were made by Truid Limited, a private firm, which claimed that NIMC had breached a licence agreement for a tokenisation system that was developed, deployed, and funded entirely by the company, without any financial obligation on NIMC’s part.

According to Opara, counsel to Truid Limited, the agreement allowed the company to recover its investment through patronage by service providers, with proceeds shared based on an agreed ratio.

The arrangement was intended to last for ten years, starting in 2021, when the software was first deployed.

However, the petition alleges that issues arose following the appointment of the new NIMC Director General, who is now reportedly attempting to terminate the agreement unilaterally.

Reacting to arguments presented by the legal representatives of both parties, Etaba criticized the repeated absence of the NIMC DG at previous hearings.

“If she fails to appear at the next hearing, we will have no option but to direct the Inspector General of Police to compel her attendance. How can a government official treat a constituted authority with such levity? We will no longer condone such behaviour,” he warned.

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BREAKING: NLC Orders Boycott Of MTN, Airtel, Glo Over Tariff Hikes

 

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has directed workers and other concerned Nigerians to boycott telecommunications services from MTN, Airtel, and Glo starting at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 13, 2025, in response to recent tariff hikes.

The directive was issued in a statement by NLC President Joe Ajaero and Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja on Wednesday.

“The CWC demands an immediate reversal of the tariff hike, which took effect today, and insists that the companies revert to the previous tariff until the committee completes its deliberations and reaches a conclusive agreement,” the statement read.

As part of the resistance against the tariff increase, the NLC declared: “As a first step in resisting this arbitrary tariff hike, the CWC has directed that beginning Thursday, February 13, 2025, Nigerian workers and other willing citizens shall boycott the services of MTN, AIRTEL, and GLO daily between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM until the end of February 2025.”

The Congress also condemned the government’s inaction in safeguarding citizens from corporate exploitation, emphasizing its role in ensuring fair economic policies.

Additionally, the NLC reviewed the Tax Reform Bills and warned against policies that could impose further hardship on Nigerian workers. While acknowledging the importance of fiscal reforms, the Congress pledged to advocate for “fair and worker-friendly tax policies.”

If telecom providers fail to reverse the tariff hike by February 29, 2025, the NLC announced its plan to escalate action: “If the tariff hike is not reversed by February 29, 2025, the NLC will commence a nationwide telecom shutdown from March 1, 2025.”

The Congress called on civil society organizations and all Nigerians to join in resisting “exploitative economic policies” and ensure that the interests of the people are protected.

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