Chief Ezekiel Nwifuru Nwankpu, the father of Ebonyi State Governor Chief Francis Nwifuru, was formally crowned as the traditional ruler of the Oferekpe Agbaja Autonomous Community on Saturday.

Nwankpu, a farmer from Ebonyi, is known for his large family, having married 19 wives, with 17 still living, and fathering 108 children, including the current governor.

The coronation ceremony took place at the Oferekpe Agbaja Primary School in Izzi Local Government Area, where Nwankpu was presented by the community town union leadership and received the staff of office, symbolizing his new role as the monarch of the 17-village community.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Godwin Ogbaga, a former minister, commended the selection of Nwifuru Nwankpu as the traditional ruler.

He credited the Ebonyi State Governor for providing the necessary support, including signing the legal framework that enabled the establishment of the community and the selection of qualified leaders.

Ogbaga praised Nwankpu for his strong character, traditional knowledge, and dedication to community development, emphasizing that his reign would be vital in advancing the community’s progress.

He further noted that traditional rulers, unlike political appointees, hold their positions for life as custodians of culture and tradition.

Governor Nwifuru’s father, now recognized as the traditional leader, overcame various life challenges before marrying multiple wives, a decision he reportedly made after feeling isolated and disliked by his community.

The reappointment of Fatima Shinkafi for a third consecutive term as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) has sparked concerns among civil society groups.

The Community Watch Vanguard (CWV), in a statement issued on Saturday by its founder, Comrade Umar Ibrahim Gidado, criticized the decision, calling it a violation of the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which advocates for good governance and adherence to tenure limits.

Shinkafi, who has held the position since May 24, 2017, saw her second term renewed in 2021 for another four years.

CWV expressed disappointment over her reappointment for a third term, claiming it sets a negative precedent for governance and undermines the principle of term limits for public officeholders.

The group urged President Tinubu, the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, and other concerned authorities to scrutinize the situation and take appropriate action.

They stressed that this move could jeopardize the administration’s commitment to reform and governance.

DAILY GAZETTE recall that President Tinubu had appointed Yazid Danfulani as the new Executive Secretary for the SMDF, only to reverse the decision and reappoint Shinkafi shortly after.

The Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria’s North Central Zone has officially inaugurated its Directorates of Mobilisation and Integration Committees as part of an ambitious strategy to recruit 20 million new members before the 2027 general elections.

The initiative, which aligns with a directive from the LP National Chairman, Julius Abure, is aimed at strengthening the party’s base in preparation for the upcoming elections. Abure has set a clear goal of registering 20 million new members to ensure the party’s success in 2027.

According to a statement issued on Saturday, the National Vice Chairman for North Central, Ibrahim Idoko, confirmed that the inauguration ceremonies held across the region on Friday were peaceful and well-organized, with local party officials attending the events.

The state chairmen, acting on behalf of Abure, read the national chairman’s speech during the ceremonies.

In his speech, Abure stressed the importance of early preparation, citing the challenges faced by the party during the 2023 elections.

“By planning ahead for the 2027 general election, we can avoid the fire brigade approach that was evident in 2023,” he remarked.

Abure emphasized that building a strong, well-structured party is key to realizing the vision of a New Nigeria.

“A New Nigeria cannot be achieved without a political party that is robust enough to defend our votes and uphold the values we stand for,” he stated, urging members to work together toward a united, revitalized Labour Party.

Abure further urged party members to be more proactive in engaging others to join the party.

He cautioned, “Those who are in the Labour Party but have not yet encouraged their friends, families, and followers to join need to rethink their approach if they wish to use the party’s platform for electoral success.”

Idoko also introduced the newly appointed State Coordinators and Secretaries for the Mobilisation and Integration Committees in the region: John Kwaghza (Benue), Kenneth Sunday (FCT Abuja), Philip Yakubu-Pam (Plateau), Ablaku Anthony (Nasarawa), and Ibrahim Sanusi (Kogi).

He called on the new leadership to remain dedicated and disciplined in their efforts to meet the ambitious target of 20 million new members.

“I believe in the ability of our team to deliver. With this new leadership, the Labour Party is set to achieve a landslide victory in the future elections,” Idoko concluded.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed the expulsion of House of Representatives member, Ikenga Ugochinyere, from the party by the Imo State chapter.

The NWC declared the expulsion, announced by the PDP executive in Ideato Local Government Area, as invalid and contrary to the party’s constitution.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated that Ugochinyere’s removal was not in compliance with the party’s established procedures, citing Sections 57(7) and 59(3) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).

The expulsion was announced on Friday by the Imo PDP Publicity Secretary, Lancelot Obiak, after the party executive in Ideato LGA issued a letter dated December 5, 2024, accusing Ugochinyere of gross indiscipline, insubordination, and anti-party activities.

However, Ologunagba clarified that only the National Executive Committee (NEC) has the authority to expel or discipline members of the National Assembly, including Ugochinyere, in accordance with the party’s constitution.

He explained that the expulsion was not legitimate, as it failed to follow the correct processes.

The statement from the NWC read, in part: “The NWC of the PDP has reviewed the situation and declares the expulsion of Hon. Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu as null and void. This action was not in line with the clear provisions of Sections 57(7) and 59(3) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), which govern discipline within the party.”

Ologunagba stressed that no ward, local government, or state executive has the authority to discipline National Assembly members without the NWC’s consultation.

He further emphasized the importance of adherence to the party’s constitution and rules.

The NWC reiterated that Ugochinyere remains a full member of the PDP, with all associated rights and responsibilities.

Party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters were urged to disregard the expulsion and to remain united in the interest of the party.