House of Representatives member, Alhassan Doguwa, has responded to former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, following his criticisms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and predictions about the party’s future.

Doguwa dismissed Kwankwaso’s comments that Nigerians would reject the APC in 2027, calling the statement a “mere hallucination.”

Advertorial

Kwankwaso, who spoke in Kano on Thursday while welcoming defectors from the APC to his New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), claimed that Nigerians, especially in the North, are dissatisfied with the current administration and will not tolerate the APC beyond 2027.

He asserted that people are tired of the party’s leadership.

In a sharp rebuttal, Doguwa, who is the Chair of the Northern Regional Caucus of the 10th House of Representatives, accused Kwankwaso of still being affected by his loss in the 2023 presidential election to President Bola Tinubu.

Advertorial

He stated that the APC government is working tirelessly to improve Nigeria and advised Kwankwaso to prepare for political retirement.

“During a political event on Thursday, Kwankwaso took his hallucinations to new heights by claiming that Nigerians are fed up with the APC and will replace it in 2027. The truth is, President Bola Tinubu is relentlessly pursuing reforms to restore Nigeria’s progress and prosperity for all,” Doguwa said in a statement released on Friday.

Advertorial

Doguwa also criticized the NNPP’s performance in Kano, stating that the APC is confident about reclaiming the state in future elections.

He praised Tinubu’s administration for its notable achievements, including attracting over $30 billion in foreign direct investments, reducing the debt service ratio, and improving security in the North West.

He further highlighted the efforts made to combat banditry in the region, leading to a resurgence in farming activities as peace gradually returns.

Advertorial

“A fresh air is sweeping through the North West as the fight against bandits intensifies, and our people are now returning to their farms,” Doguwa added, commending Tinubu’s government for making strides in restoring stability and fostering development.

The Action Peoples Party (APP) has distanced itself from a faction in Rivers State that claims to represent the legitimate leadership of the party.

In a statement released on Friday by the party’s National Chairman, Chief Uche Nnadi, the group was described as “impostors” with no official standing within the party.

Advertorial

Nnadi called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to take action against the individuals involved, urging their arrest and prosecution.

He clarified that Chief Sunny Nwokekoro is the duly recognized Chairman of the APP in Rivers State, having succeeded Hon. Kenneth Atata.

The APP’s leadership also voiced strong support for the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission’s (RSIEC) decision to move forward with the local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024.

Advertorial

Nnadi emphasized that the party had secured a court judgment in its favor, issued by Justice I.P.C. Igwe, which mandated the commission to conduct the poll.

“Our National Working Committee fully backs the RSIEC’s decision to conduct the local government elections in line with the court ruling. We won this judgment and are entitled to benefit from it,” the statement read.

Advertorial

The APP also urged security agencies, particularly the police, to maintain neutrality during the election, cautioning against any actions that could undermine the credibility of the institution.

Nnadi stressed that it is the responsibility of the Inspector General of Police to ensure the safety and security of the process, in compliance with the court’s directives.

The party further encouraged the people of Rivers State to turn out and participate in the elections, stressing the importance of exercising their civic rights in electing their local leaders.

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has reaffirmed that his embattled Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, remains impeached, despite recent developments.

In a statement released on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, Obaseki urged state workers to disregard directives issued by Shaibu, asserting that the impeached deputy governor lacks the authority to make such statements.

Advertorial

This response follows a recent comment attributed to Shaibu, where he warned Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prevent political appointees from looting government properties.

Obaseki described Shaibu’s statement as “infantile ramblings,” emphasizing that Shaibu remains impeached until the court makes a final determination on the matter.

Advertorial

It is important to note that in July, the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified Shaibu’s impeachment, ordering his reinstatement as deputy governor on the grounds that due process was not followed by the Edo State House of Assembly.

Subsequently, on September 24, Justice James Omotosho dismissed two motions filed by the Edo State Government and the State House of Assembly challenging Shaibu’s reinstatement, while also imposing ₦400,000 in costs against the state.

Advertorial

Despite these rulings, Governor Obaseki insists that Shaibu is still impeached and, until a court decision is reached, he cannot issue directives to government employees.

“We want to reiterate that Philip Shaibu remains impeached as Deputy Governor of Edo State and lacks the power to issue warnings or instructions to any staff of the Edo State Government,” the statement from Obaseki read.

Obaseki called on Edo State workers to continue performing their duties without fear or intimidation, while ensuring efficient service delivery to the people of the state.

Advertorial

He stressed that they should disregard Shaibu’s statements and focus on their lawful responsibilities.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed concern over the involvement of the Nigeria Police in the upcoming Rivers State Local Government Area (LGA) elections, warning that their actions could undermine the democratic process.

The party has called on the police to refrain from interfering and urged the people of Rivers State to turn out en masse for the elections scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024.

Advertorial

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, reaffirmed that the elections will proceed despite growing tensions sparked by protests from supporters of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Fubara has warned against any efforts by individuals or groups to disrupt the elections, emphasizing that the state will not tolerate actions leading to instability.

Advertorial

The controversy arose as PDP members loyal to Wike, along with a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Chief Tony Okocha, announced their withdrawal from the election.

They cited irregularities and a lack of transparency by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

Governor Fubara has further accused the police of working in collaboration with Wike to disrupt the elections.

Advertorial

In a statement issued by PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party stressed that the people of Rivers State are ready for the elections and called for full participation.

RSIEC, according to the statement, has declared its preparedness to conduct the polls and has all necessary materials in place.

The party emphasized that under the Electoral Act of 2022, no court has the power to halt the election process.

Advertorial

Ologunagba encouraged the people of Rivers State to assert their constitutional right to participate in the elections and warned against any attempts to derail the democratic process.

He urged the international community to hold the APC and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, accountable for any unrest that might occur during the election.

The PDP condemned what it described as the APC-led police force’s attempt to frustrate the election, stating that any interference in the electoral process is an affront to democracy.

Advertorial

The party reiterated that the people of Rivers state are determined to exercise their right to vote and would not tolerate any disruption or suppression of their will.

Ologunagba praised the determination of Rivers residents to protect their democratic rights and expressed the PDP’s support for the state’s efforts to peacefully elect representatives who will oversee the 23 local government areas.

The PDP concluded by urging the police to fulfill their constitutional duty by ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for the election to take place.

Professor Obiora Okonkwo, political economist and Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, has expressed deep concerns about the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo in Anambra State.

Okonkwo, a former governorship candidate, criticized Soludo’s two and a half years in office, calling the governor an “intellectual narcissist” and asserting that Anambra is “becoming a ghost state” under his administration.

Advertorial

According to Okonkwo, who chose to remain silent initially to allow the new government time to stabilize, the security situation in Anambra has deteriorated since Soludo took office.

He remarked that insecurity has stifled economic and social life, with many elite and business owners fleeing the state.

“The state has lost almost 60% of its economic capacity,” Okonkwo lamented, adding that businesses, particularly those in the local government areas, are suffering due to increased taxation and insecurity.

Advertorial

Okonkwo also criticized Soludo’s alleged lack of engagement with critical stakeholders, describing the government’s efforts as largely self-serving.

He accused the governor of focusing more on his political ambitions, including securing a second term, rather than addressing the pressing needs of the people.

On the issue of security, Okonkwo dismissed claims that state governors are powerless, noting that Soludo receives a monthly security vote of around N2 billion, which he claims is not being adequately spent on tackling the worsening security challenges.

Advertorial

He emphasized that without a secure environment, no meaningful development can take place.

Despite being long-time friends, Okonkwo stressed that his criticisms stem from a sense of responsibility and love for Anambra, not personal animosity.

He expressed concerns about Soludo’s leadership style and urged the governor to focus on creating a legacy that benefits the people, rather than prioritizing his ego.

Advertorial

Okonkwo further touched on the recent local government elections in Anambra, where the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) had a landslide victory, describing it as a display of the governor’s power but warned that such dominance could invite future political retribution.

As Anambra gears up for another election, Okonkwo left the decision to the people but was clear in his call for Governor Soludo to live up to his promises and prioritize the welfare of the state.

On Friday, a large group of angry protesters gathered at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office, chanting slogans like “Election must hold” despite heavy rain.

The demonstrators set up canopies and blocked part of the road as they sang and drummed in defiance of the weather.

Advertorial

The protest followed an earlier incident in which Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara rushed to the RSIEC to prevent the Rivers State Police Command from taking control of the electoral office.

The governor expressed his frustration over the police’s plans to halt the voting exercise scheduled for Saturday, stating, “Keep your security; I do not need it. It happened in Anambra State. This election must hold on Saturday. The results will be declared, and the winners will be sworn in.”

Advertorial

In a related incident, security operatives successfully thwarted an attempt by individuals dressed in police uniforms to seize the RSIEC office around 1 a.m. on Friday.

These individuals reportedly tried to breach the gates and strongroom to steal sensitive electoral materials needed for the upcoming local government elections.

A source, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that the operation was disrupted when alert security personnel notified key officials at the commission and relevant government authorities.

Advertorial

This information was swiftly communicated to Governor Fubara.

Meanwhile, the police had previously announced, citing a ruling from a Federal High Court, that they would withdraw their personnel from the election set for Saturday.

More than 960 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State have officially defected to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

This move is spearheaded by Alhaji Baba Sabiu, the Chairman of the APC in the Dala Local Government Area.

Advertorial

The mass defection occurs in anticipation of the local government elections scheduled for October 26. Among the defectors are former councillors from 12 wards within the Dala LGA, who expressed a desire for progressive change as their primary motivation for joining the NNPP.

Alhaji Sabiu, representing the group, expressed confidence in the NNPP’s potential to instigate significant reforms and enhance its electoral prospects.

Advertorial

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the National Leader of the NNPP, warmly embraced the newcomers, assuring them of equal treatment within the party ranks.

He reiterated the NNPP’s dedication to fostering socio-economic and political growth in Nigeria, emphasizing their focus on the 2027 agenda.

Advertorial

“NNPP is committed to promoting unity and steering Nigeria towards greater progress,” Kwankwaso remarked, urging residents of Kano and citizens across Nigeria to rally behind the party’s candidates in the upcoming elections.

He encouraged voters to participate actively and support the NNPP, highlighting the party’s vision for a stronger, united nation.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara intervened early Friday morning to thwart an alleged attempt by the Nigerian Police, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), to take over the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) premises.

The incident occurred around 1 AM, as police were reportedly trying to breach the gates and secure room of the commission to seize sensitive electoral materials intended for the upcoming local government elections.

Advertorial

A video obtained by Channels Television showed the police attempting to gain access, prompting vigilant security personnel to alert key officials of the commission and relevant government authorities.

The alarming news quickly reached Governor Fubara, who mobilized a team of government officials, lawmakers from both the National and State Assemblies, and other political leaders to the scene.

Advertorial

In the video, shouts of “Move this thing! Illegal police! Illegal police! Thief! Thief!” can be heard as the governor and his supporters confronted the situation.

Supporters of the governor were seen physically confronting police vehicles stationed outside the RSIEC office, which were reported to be carrying a number of police officers.

As the situation unfolded, prominent officials, including the Chief of Staff and the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, along with other stakeholders, took up positions at the RSIEC office to prevent the police from re-entering and to ensure that the elections would proceed as scheduled.

Advertorial

This incident comes in the wake of a statement from the Rivers State Police Command, where spokesperson SP Grace Iringe-Koko acknowledged receiving a restraining order preventing police from providing security during the local government elections slated for October 5, 2024.

In a separate meeting with PDP stakeholders at the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara expressed regret that his party would not participate in the upcoming elections.

He emphasized the importance of conducting the elections on Saturday to adhere to the three-month timeline set by the Federal Government for implementing the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy.

The Rivers State Police Command has announced its commitment to fully comply with a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja, which prohibits its involvement in the upcoming October 5 local government election in Rivers State.

This decision follows less than 24 hours after members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by state chairman Aaron Chukwuemeka, staged a protest against the election’s conduct by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

Advertorial

The protesters, who marched to the headquarters of both the Department of State Services and the State Police Command in Port Harcourt, submitted a petition and a copy of the court judgment, urging the security agencies to adhere to the court’s order and refrain from participating in the poll.

In response, the state police spokesperson, Superintendent Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed in a statement that the police command would follow the court’s ruling.

However, she emphasized that this would not mean the police would stand by and allow any security breaches to occur during the election.

Advertorial

The statement, issued on Thursday, clarified that the decision was made after receiving directives from the Force Legal Department, which advised that the ruling from the Federal High Court, dated September 30, 2024, takes precedence over any previous orders.

Iringe-Koko further explained that the police had carefully reviewed the court judgments barring their participation in the election and advised citizens to remain peaceful during this period.

Advertorial

The statement read, “The Nigeria Police Force wishes to inform all law-abiding citizens and stakeholders in Rivers State about the upcoming local government election, especially in light of recent court rulings. On July 19, 2024, and again on September 30, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja issued orders restraining the police and other security agencies from providing security or participating in the election.”

She also noted that an opposition party had recently protested, calling for compliance with the court orders, adding that the police encourage all aggrieved parties to seek legal redress if necessary.

Advertorial

While assuring the public that the police would not allow any disturbances, Iringe-Koko reiterated that all police commanders and tactical teams had been instructed to comply fully with the court’s judgment. She also urged other security agencies to follow suit.

In conclusion, the police urged all citizens to remain calm, cooperate with law enforcement, and uphold the rule of law during this crucial period.