The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and address the actions of Governor Monday Okpebholo, accusing him of undermining constitutional democracy in the state.

At a press briefing in Benin on Tuesday, Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, urged the President to take immediate action to prevent further erosion of the rule of law.

He also appealed to the Attorney General of the Federation, the judiciary, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, and relevant security agencies to intervene and restore order in the state.

Aziegbemi expressed grave concern over the alleged harassment of the 18 PDP council chairmen, accusing Okpebholo of lawlessness and blatant disregard for the rule of law.

He warned that if left unchecked, this disregard for legal authority could lead to chaos and the collapse of law and order in Edo State.

The PDP chairman also pointed out that despite a clear ruling by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, which stated that the state government and the Edo State House of Assembly had no legal authority to suspend or dissolve elected local government councils, the state government had continued to prevent the chairmen from carrying out their duties.

Aziegbemi criticized the state government for ignoring both the court’s judgment and the advisory issued by the Attorney General of the Federation, which emphasized that local government chairmen and their deputies could not be removed or suspended without following the proper legal processes.

He further condemned the actions of Governor Okpebholo, alleging that he had ignored the legal advice and instead deployed thugs to intimidate the council chairmen.

These thugs, Aziegbemi said, have been traveling from one council to another, using force and weapons to illegally enforce the suspension of the chairmen, in direct defiance of court orders and the established legal position.

Ahead of the 2027 elections, the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has warned that the recent wave of defections by opposition legislators to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s democracy.

CHRICED expressed concern that this shift of power towards a single party is threatening the country’s democratic system.

The group believes such defections could stifle political debate and limit the choices available to Nigerians, potentially leading to a one-party state.

At a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, Executive Director of CHRICED, criticized the mass defection of 27 lawmakers in Rivers State, calling it a troubling trend.

He also pointed out that around 10 members of the House of Representatives had switched to the APC.

This growing dominance of the ruling party, he warned, could reduce the party’s incentive to address citizens’ concerns and needs.

Zikirullahi acknowledged the right of individuals to choose their political affiliations but argued that the increasing concentration of power in one party is undermining democratic practices.

He warned that a lack of political competition could lead to complacency, corruption, and reduced accountability, ultimately eroding public trust in political institutions.

He also expressed concerns about the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating exchange rate.

Zikirullahi described these policies as exacerbating poverty and hardship for many Nigerians, with no substantial relief being provided through short-term measures like food distributions.

The CHRICED executive director warned that the continuation of such policies would lead to further poverty, unemployment, and social instability.

He criticized the ongoing cash scarcity and rising costs for citizens who are forced to rely on Point of Sale (POS) operators to access currency.

CHRICED called on the government to focus on improving the welfare of the poor and vulnerable, implement sustainable economic recovery measures, and address disparities in public sector wages.

The group also advocated for judicial and police reforms, as well as a thorough review of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and protect fundamental rights.

Nigeria has expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue with Niger following recent remarks by the country’s National Council President, Abdourahman Tchiani.

In a statement, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, emphasized that the country is committed to dialogue as the primary means of finding sustainable solutions.

He assured that Nigeria would avoid any actions that could compromise Niger’s sovereignty, security, or territorial integrity, in line with ECOWAS principles.

The minister reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to ensuring peace and stability in West Africa, highlighting the strong historical, cultural, and economic bonds between the two neighboring nations.

Tuggar also extended an invitation to Niger’s leadership for a constructive dialogue aimed at addressing mutual concerns, calling on regional and international partners to support efforts towards reconciliation and stability, rather than deepening existing divisions.

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has been ranked as the third most corrupt leader globally, according to the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).

The OCCRP, a network of investigative journalists and activists, published the ranking after soliciting global nominations to spotlight individuals involved in advancing criminal activities and exacerbating poverty.

Kenyan President William Ruto topped the list, with former Indonesian President Joko Widodo coming in second.

Tinubu, who assumed office as Nigeria’s president in May 2023, secured the third spot. Despite the ranking, the OCCRP awarded the “Person of the Year” title to Bashar al-Assad, the recently ousted Syrian leader who sought refuge in Russia.

The OCCRP emphasized the public’s strong concern over corruption in its statement. Tinubu, 72, has been accused of fostering a culture of corruption during his tenure as Lagos governor from 1999 to 2003, accumulating vast wealth for himself and his family.

After becoming president, Tinubu awarded a controversial multitrillion-naira road project to a company owned by his son, raising concerns of continued corruption.

The nomination was also influenced by past allegations, including Tinubu’s reported involvement in drug trafficking in Chicago and claims of certificate forgery that surfaced following his inauguration.

Tinubu has consistently denied these accusations.