Governors from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have expressed their confusion over the motivations behind the upcoming nationwide protest in Nigeria.

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Following a closed-door meeting of the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF) in Abuja, PGF Chairman and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, commented, “We don’t know what they are protesting for. We invite all of them to sit down with us in a room so we can discuss and agree on the issues, what they are and proffer solutions.”

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Governor Uzodimma emphasized the APC’s commitment to the unity of the country and improving the lives of Nigerians, including creating jobs for graduates.

He urged citizens to reconsider the protest, stressing that this is not an ideal time for demonstrations.

He further appealed for patience, assuring that the government is working on alleviating the economic challenges facing the country.

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“We think it is not wise at this moment for any demonstration by any group of persons be it in whatever guise,” Uzodimma stated.

He highlighted the need to address pressing issues like insecurity, national minimum wage, food security, and the struggle to emerge from the current economic recession. Uzodimma also warned against instigations that could lead to crisis or chaos.

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“Nigerians have already suffered a lot due to the global economic recession, insecurity, political tension from opposition parties, and social media attacks on government policies. We advise for the interest of the country and as a show of patriotism, our citizens must take ownership of this country because we have no other country we can call our own outside Nigeria,” he added.

The Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) has rescheduled the Local Government elections to October 5, 2024.

Initially slated for July 6, 2024, and later moved to November 16, the new date was announced on Wednesday by the Commission’s Chairman, Dr. John Chen, during a meeting with the Benue State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Electoral Matters and Civil Society.

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Represented by the Commission’s Secretary, Dr. Vincent Gisaor, Dr. Chen cited a recent Supreme Court ruling as the reason for the date change.

He emphasized the Commission’s collaboration with stakeholders to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.

Dr. Chen also highlighted several challenges faced by the Commission, including a lack of funds and operational vehicles.

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He noted the importance of addressing these issues to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections.

Mr. Abu Umoru, Chairman of the Standing Committee, urged the Commission to prepare thoroughly for the elections, referencing the Supreme Court ruling that declared Caretaker Committees at the Local Government level illegitimate.

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He stressed the need for elected councils to be in place by the court’s deadline to avoid disruptions in Local Government administration.

Additionally, Mr. Umoru called for the unfreezing of the Commission’s accounts to facilitate access to funds necessary for election preparations.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo has expressed its commendation for President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill, calling it a significant advancement for the region.

The organization described the President’s action as “a quantum leap” and a renewal of hope.

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In a statement, Ohanaeze celebrated the President’s decision as a new beginning for the South East, which includes the states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo.

The group extended its gratitude to Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and other co-sponsors of the bill for their efforts in bringing the long-awaited SEDC to fruition.

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The SEDC is designed to manage funds from the Federation Account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads and other infrastructure in the South East, addressing ecological and environmental challenges that have plagued the region.

Ohanaeze emphasized that this commission is a crucial step towards addressing the historical neglect and underdevelopment of the South East.

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Ohanaeze’s statement also highlighted the federal government’s neglect of the region over the past 54 years since General Yakubu Gowon’s 3R promise—Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction—was made in 1970.

The organization pointed out that the South East has suffered from a lack of local government areas, states, political appointments, and poor infrastructure compared to other regions.

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The group linked the region’s youth restiveness and secessionist agitations to these long-standing issues.

They expressed optimism that the SEDC would help leverage the industrial, agricultural, tourism, energy, commercial, and investment potentials of the South East, as well as establish a centrally coordinated security architecture.

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Additionally, Ohanaeze noted the federal government’s plans to construct a 477-kilometer, six-lane super highway connecting the South East to Abuja, as announced by the Minister of Works, Sen. David Nweze Umahi. This development is seen as another positive step for the region.

The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu, acknowledging his departure from previous administrations by signing the SEDC Bill into law and making key appointments, such as Sen. Dave Nweze Umahi as the Minister for Works and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla as the Chief of Naval Staff.

Ohanaeze concluded by affirming that these actions represent a significant leap forward and a promising new beginning for the South East.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio recounted how he faced backlash from Nigerians following a comment he made about Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

During a recent Senate plenary, Akpabio remarked that the Senate chamber was not a “nightclub” and that Akpoti-Uduaghan should be recognized before speaking.

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This comment sparked outrage, leading to a flood of calls and messages directed at Akpabio and his family.

On Tuesday, during another plenary session, Akpabio apologized, stating he never intended to insult Senator Natasha and had no desire to denigrate women.

He blamed the social media backlash on political enemies manipulating his words.

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Akpabio mentioned that his wife’s phone number was leaked, resulting in her receiving over 3,000 calls daily.

He added that his own phone crashed within three hours due to the overwhelming number of calls.

He reflected, “I am still learning. Even those who have been in the Senate for 16 years are still learning. I merely intended to emphasize that we should speak in turn, not to offend. Unfortunately, my words were twisted on social media.”

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressives Governors’ Forum, has officially presented former Senate President Pius Anyim to President Bola Tinubu.

Anyim, who was the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, recently switched allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

After meeting with Tinubu, Uzodimma addressed State House reporters, praising the current administration’s support for the South East region.

He highlighted the South East Governors Forum’s satisfaction and gratitude towards the President’s efforts, noting that an entire local government area had recently come under APC control due to the administration’s performance.

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“This is a new dawn and many people have agreed that the President’s administration is doing very well,” Uzodimma stated.

Anyim expressed his commitment to national progress, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to advance the country.

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His defection to the APC, along with his supporters, took place during the grand finale of the APC campaign for the Local Government Area elections in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State.

Joining Anyim in his defection were former Senator and PDP Gubernatorial Candidate in the 2023 general elections, Sen. Obinna Ogba, Labour Party’s Chief Edward Nkwegu, and several former members of the National and State Assemblies, as well as former Local Government Area Chairmen.

All these political figures transitioned from the opposition to the APC.