Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has sharply criticized a media aide to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, calling him a “data boy” and a “dog seller” in response to remarks made about his administration’s projects in Etche-Omuma.

Speaking to the press on Friday, Fubara took issue with the aide’s comments, accusing him of lacking understanding of governance despite having been close to a former governor for eight years.

The Governor also questioned the aide’s qualifications, stating that if he was indeed competent, he would have been appointed to a more meaningful position.

“The appointment they gave to one boy the other day, if you were good, why didn’t they give you that appointment? Go and check yourself, something is wrong with you,” Fubara remarked, criticizing the aide’s online attacks.

He further lambasted those who resort to social media insults and trivial pursuits like “selling dogs,” urging them to reflect on their life choices and contribute more positively to society.

Fubara’s remarks followed criticisms that the projects he was inaugurating in Omuma were merely continuations of those started by Wike.

The Governor clarified that while his administration acknowledged the efforts of the previous government, it was focused on delivering new, meaningful projects aimed at addressing the real needs of the people.

“We will not celebrate projects that lack significance,” Fubara declared during the unveiling of the remodeled Government Girls’ Secondary School in Ahoada, a project he inherited.

“This is an investment in the future of the girl-child and will help shape responsible citizens.”

The Governor emphasized his commitment to impactful and enduring projects, contrasting them with previous initiatives he claimed had little lasting effect.

“Delivering projects is not about fanfare. It’s about addressing the needs that matter,” he said.

Fubara also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the Ekpeye people for their support amid challenges such as the unjust detention of traditional rulers and his Chief of Staff, Dr. Edison Ehie.

“The truth always prevails. The enemies have their time, but they cannot last forever,” he asserted, expressing confidence that justice would soon be served.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to initiate the process of conducting a new election to fill the vacant seat for the Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, following the defection of Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

This call came on the heels of Thursday’s defection of four Labour Party members in the House of Representatives—Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), and Iyawe Esosa (Edo)—to the APC. Ibori-Suenu also joined the APC, ending her affiliation with the PDP.

In a statement issued on Friday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated that according to constitutional provisions and the Supreme Court’s interpretation, Ibori-Suenu’s defection had resulted in the permanent loss of her seat, privileges, and recognition as a member of the House of Representatives.

“The PDP demands that INEC immediately begin the process of conducting a fresh election to fill the vacant seat in the House of Representatives,” Ologunagba stated.

“Her defection from the PDP has automatically vacated the Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency seat in line with Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

Ologunagba further emphasized that Ibori-Suenu should no longer present herself as a sitting member of the House of Representatives, warning that any attempt to do so would amount to impersonation and may attract legal repercussions.

The PDP also urged the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms to ensure that Ibori-Suenu is no longer recognized as a member of the House.

Governor of Anambra State and national leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has announced that APGA is open to forming alliances with other political parties that genuinely embrace progressive ideologies.

Speaking at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of APGA in Abuja on Friday, Soludo emphasized that the party, having received validation from the courts, is now poised for greater progress.

He described APGA as the leading progressive political movement in Nigeria and urged other like-minded parties to collaborate with it in rebuilding the nation.

Soludo stated, “APGA is ready to extend a hand of fellowship to any political party that genuinely believes in progressive ideologies. Together, we can move the country forward.”

He reiterated APGA’s commitment to values such as fairness, equity, true federalism, and ensuring that no one is left behind.

He also highlighted that APGA, founded in 2002, is the first political party in Nigeria to embrace progressivism, with all other progressive parties emerging much later.

Soludo declared that APGA is strong, vibrant, and growing, and that it remains dedicated to the core ideals of progressivism.

The governor also expressed his appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Bianca Ojukwu, a prominent APGA member, as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, calling it a testament to the president’s commitment to national unity.

He pointed out the shared progressive values between APGA and Tinubu’s party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasizing that APGA is ready to collaborate with other progressive parties for the benefit of the nation.

Soludo outlined his administration’s focus on using Anambra as a model of good governance, driven by the principles of progressivism.

He also praised the Supreme Court for resolving the leadership crisis that had plagued the party and commended the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their roles in strengthening the democratic process.

At the meeting, APGA National Chairman Barrister Sylvester Ezeokenwa shared that the party is undergoing a transformation, with a focus on infusing discipline and promoting youth inclusivity.

He announced that the party had granted amnesty to members who had strayed during the crisis, though it did not apply to non-card-carrying individuals.

Additionally, Ezeokenwa revealed that the party has started digitizing its membership register and establishing skill acquisition centers through the newly inaugurated APGA Foundation.

The event was graced by prominent APGA leaders, including Bianca Ojukwu, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Anambra State Deputy Governor Onyekachukwu Ibezi.

Former APGA Chairman, Victor Oye also addressed the gathering, urging elected officials to resist the temptation to defect to other parties.

The League of Northern Democrats (LND), led by former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, has established a committee to thoroughly examine the four tax reform bills presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.

The tax reform proposals have sparked controversy, particularly among northern leaders, who argue that the reforms could negatively impact the region’s economy.

In response to the growing debate, the LND announced the creation of a technical committee to conduct a detailed, clause-by-clause review of the bills.

This initiative aims to form an informed position on each provision of the legislation.

In a statement issued on Friday, the group’s spokesperson, Dr. Ladan Salihu, explained that the committee’s goal is to ensure that the new laws reflect justice, fairness, and prosperity for all Nigerians, while prioritizing the developmental interests of the northern region.

The committee will consist of experts from various fields, including law, public accounting, legislation, and academia, who will spend one week reviewing the bills.

“The committee’s task includes identifying provisions that may be harmful or unjust, proposing necessary amendments, and ensuring that each clause aligns with the constitutional, religious, and cultural values of the northern region, while also fostering national unity and fairness,” Salihu said.

Upon completing the review, the committee will present its findings and recommendations in both electronic and tabular formats, ensuring that they are accessible to policymakers, legislators, the media, and the public.

The LND has expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver comprehensive and well-thought-out recommendations aimed at maximizing the benefits of the tax reforms for all Nigerians.

“We encourage Nigerians to stay tuned for the LND’s public presentation, which will offer clear insights into the bills and our proposed policy stance,” Salihu concluded.

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed confidence that Bianca Ojukwu, the newly appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, will bring significant value to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Soludo made the remarks on Friday during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abuja.

This meeting marked the first gathering of the party after the Supreme Court affirmed Sly Ezeokenwa as the party’s National Chairman.

Among the attendees were Bianca Ojukwu, the Senator for Abia South, Eyinnaya Abaribe, and the House of Representatives member for Aba North, Alex Ikwueche, among others.

Ojukwu, a prominent figure in APGA, previously served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain from 2012 to 2015 and was also the country’s Permanent Representative to the UN World Tourism Organization.

Soludo praised the President for honoring his commitment to forming an inclusive government and giving APGA a seat in the federal cabinet for the first time.

“I want to thank Mr. President for fulfilling his promise of a unity government. This is the first time APGA has had a minister in the Federal Government. We are grateful to the President for reaching beyond his own party,” Soludo said.

The Governor also commended Ojukwu’s credentials, stating that she would undoubtedly contribute positively to the Cabinet.

He added, “Bianca Ojukwu was Nigeria’s ambassador to Spain, and now she represents APGA in this administration. I am confident she will bring great value to President Tinubu’s Cabinet.”

Soludo also took the opportunity to commend the judiciary for its role in the recent Supreme Court ruling that recognized Ezeokenwa’s leadership of the APGA National Working Committee.

He expressed his unwavering belief in the rule of law, stating that justice always prevails in the end.

“I have always believed in the rule of law, and the judiciary continues to be a pillar of justice for the common man,” Soludo remarked.

“I never doubted the outcome of the case, and once again, the judiciary has risen to the occasion.”

Sly Ezeokenwa, the newly affirmed National Chairman, echoed Soludo’s praise for the judiciary, emphasizing that it does not discriminate based on position, ethnicity, or religion.

He also commended Soludo for his exemplary leadership in Anambra, noting that his successful governance validates his position as one of APGA’s most valuable assets.

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has reiterated its stance that Rabiu Kwankwaso and his Kwankwasiyya faction remain expelled from the party.

At a press conference held in Abuja on Friday, NNPP National Chairman Agbo Major cautioned Kwankwaso and his supporters against engaging in blackmail and disruptive activities aimed at destabilizing the party.

Major accused the Kwankwasiyya group of writing to the Speaker of the House of Representatives to replace the Deputy Minority Leader, Aliyu Madaki, with someone not recognized by the party.

He described this as an act of ignorance concerning the internal processes of the National Assembly.

“They have left the party but continue to undermine our National Assembly caucus. Their actions are a desperate attempt to disrupt the party’s operations,” Major stated.

The NNPP Chairman expressed concerns about the potential for unrest, urging security agencies, especially in Kano State, to monitor and prevent any actions that might threaten public peace.

He warned that the Kwankwasiyya group is known for its reckless behavior and illegal activities.

“Security agencies must step in to ensure that the rule of law is upheld, especially after the recent court judgment that affirmed their expulsion from the party,” Major said.

He also disclosed that petitions have been filed with security agencies against key members of the Kwankwasiyya group, including Senator Kwankwaso and Buba Galadima, to avoid any breakdown of law and order.

Referencing a recent ruling by the Abia High Court, which confirmed the management of the party was returned to its Board of Trustees (BOT) led by its founder, Boniface Aniebonam, Major emphasized that only communications signed by the BOT Chairman or the recognized leadership should be considered valid by the Speaker of the House.

“The Speaker should only act on letters signed by Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam or the recognized national officers of the party, Dr. Agbo Gilbert Major and Comrade Sunday Olaposi Oginni,” Major added.

The NNPP Chairman also condemned the Kwankwasiyya group’s attempts to initiate disciplinary actions against members like Aliyu Madaki and Kabiru Rurum, both of whom have publicly distanced themselves from the faction.

He stressed that the Kwankwasiyya group no longer holds any authority within the NNPP.

“Any actions taken by them against party members will be deemed invalid. The Kwankwasiyya group no longer has any standing within the NNPP following their expulsion,” Major asserted.

The NNPP leadership emphasized its commitment to upholding the rule of law, promoting democracy, and ensuring internal stability.

Major urged all party stakeholders to respect the court ruling and the official leadership of the NNPP as it continues to work towards the betterment of Nigeria’s democratic process.