The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has thrown a challenge to any leader or governor of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to publicly accuse him of being a mole.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” Wike dared anyone within the PDP to name names and accuse him of undermining the party.

Advertorial

Wike revealed that before accepting his appointment as FCT Minister, he sent letters to the PDP leadership at the state, zonal, and national levels.

He asserted, “If anyone in the PDP claims I’m a mole, let them name names. I challenge any governor or National Working Committee member to come on national television and make such an accusation.”

Reflecting on the 2023 elections, Wike reiterated that he openly refused to support the PDP presidential candidate because he believed it was against the principles of equity and fairness.

Advertorial

He said, “Did I hide it when I said I wouldn’t support the PDP candidate? The PDP still won the governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly elections in my state. How many states achieved that?”

Wike further emphasized his reputation as a man who stands by his word. He disclosed that Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, had approached him to support his preferred successor, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.

However, Wike declined, citing past experiences where his support for Obaseki had only resulted in insults.

Advertorial

He also confirmed that the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) is his first cousin, adding that, like him, his cousin could not be intimidated by anyone, including the INEC Chairman.

Wike said, “Nobody born of a woman can intimidate my cousin into doing anything wrong.”

Wike pointed out that his cousin had been serving as the REC in Edo State for over a year, questioning why concerns were only being raised now by some within the PDP.

Additionally, Wike expressed deep disappointment with Rivers State Governor Similaye Fubara, accusing him of betraying the political family that helped him rise to power. Wike declared that this was an unforgivable offense.

The leadership crisis within the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has deepened, with the party’s founder, Chief Chekwas Okorie, accusing Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo of undermining the party’s internal structure.

Okorie’s remarks come amid an ongoing dispute between Chief Edozie Njoku and Chief Victor Oye, with tensions heightened by Soludo’s alleged interference.

Advertorial

Okorie reiterated his stance on the Supreme Court’s March 23, 2023, ruling that recognized Njoku as the legitimate National Chairman, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had also acknowledged Njoku’s leadership in line with the court’s decision.

However, Okorie criticized Soludo for disregarding these rulings by appointing Sly Ezeonwuka as national chairman, despite court orders nullifying such actions.

He pointed to multiple judicial confirmations, including those from the FCT High Court and the Court of Appeal, which affirmed Njoku’s position.

Advertorial

Okorie expressed disappointment in what he described as a troubling trend of political manipulation, warning that Soludo’s actions could damage APGA’s future.

He urged party members to remain steadfast in their loyalty to the legitimate leadership.

“It’s disheartening to witness a progressive party like APGA being hijacked by political opportunists,” Okorie said. “APGA is now the only party in Nigeria where a Treasurer was installed as national chairman without a proper national convention. This is executive recklessness by a governor who vowed to uphold the rule of law.”

Advertorial

He added, “The faction within APGA may believe that money can solve all problems, but true APGA believes that only faith in God can. Nigerians who cherish democracy should urge Governor Soludo to allow APGA to operate freely.”

The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), representing youth groups across the country, has strongly condemned the sealing of Oracle Business Limited, a company owned by former Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, over an alleged N93.5 million tax default.

In a statement issued on Thursday from Owerri, CONYL President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, criticized the actions of Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, and the Benue State Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), accusing them of targeting a company that provides significant employment opportunities for youths in the state.

Advertorial

Ibem expressed disappointment in the governor’s approach, claiming that the decision to shut down Oracle Business Ltd reflects a disregard for youth welfare and employment.

He also alleged that the move was politically motivated, calling on the BIRS acting Chairman, Mr. Sunday Odagba, and the Board Secretary/Legal Adviser, Mr. Ushahemba Dekaa, to resist being used for “anti-democratic practices.”

Advertorial

“The sealing of Oracle Business Ltd is a calculated attempt to deprive workers of their livelihood, especially in a time of widespread hunger and food insecurity,” Ibem remarked.

CONYL called for the immediate unsealing of the business and urged Governor Alia to focus on addressing the ongoing security issues in Benue State, where communities are regularly targeted by terrorists.

The youth body praised Dr. Ortom for his service as governor, urging the current administration to focus on governance and leave his business concerns alone.

Comdt. Joseph Haruna Sduzaof, the representative of Munya Constituency in the Niger State House of Assembly, has passed away.

He reportedly died on Friday evening after a brief illness. Sduzaof was the Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Security and Intelligence.

Advertorial

His death was confirmed by Farouq Isah, the Head of Media and Public Relations of the Niger State House of Assembly.

In a statement, Farouq said, “The death occurred this evening, Friday, 13th September 2024, after a brief illness. We pray that God grants his soul eternal rest and provides strength to his family, the leadership, members, and staff of the Assembly, as well as the people of Munya Local Government Area, to bear this loss.”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced on Friday that he would no longer back Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in his political career.

Advertorial

Wike made the declaration during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he accused Governor Fubara of making false statements against him.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chapter in Ijumu has declared that the alleged suspension letter of Senator Dino Melaye is a forgery and cannot be upheld.

Hon. Olorunmaiye Olabode, the PDP Chairman in Ijumu Local Government, issued a communiqué in Lokoja on Friday, stating that the suspension of Melaye is baseless and was hurriedly written, with inconsistencies in the date.

Advertorial

Olabode emphasized the party’s commitment to its constitution and regulations, pointing out that no proper procedures were followed in conducting the Ward Ad hoc Congress or the LGA Congress in Ijumu.

He further denounced the alleged State Congress held in Lokoja as an illegal and failed effort.

The communiqué claimed the suspension was orchestrated by external forces attempting to remove Melaye, the party leader in Kogi State, to weaken loyal party members.

Advertorial

It also highlighted Melaye’s contributions, including paying for the party’s accommodation, staff salaries, and purchasing membership cards.

The PDP Ijumu chapter urged members to disregard the suspension, stating that it lacked due process and was part of a malicious plot to vilify Melaye.

Senator Nanedi Usman, the National Interim Chairperson of the Labour Party (LP), has called for unity and reconciliation as she steps into her leadership role.

In her inaugural speech, Usman expressed her aspiration to unify the party and build a strong, resilient political force capable of winning elections across the country.

Advertorial

Acknowledging past divisions within the party, she urged members to forgive each other and focus on moving forward together with integrity and fairness.

Usman emphasized that no individual or faction should feel defeated, as all had emerged victorious through legal processes.

She encouraged all party members, including Julius Abure and others, to set aside their differences and work towards the shared goal of strengthening the party.

Advertorial

Extending an olive branch, Usman warned that those who sow division would be met with prayers, while those who strive for unity would receive support.

“Those who fight together as brothers for freedom will ultimately win together as champions of liberty,” she said.

Professor Theophilus Ndubuaku, the Acting Chairman of the NLC Political Commission, echoed Usman’s message of reconciliation, urging all members to join forces for the betterment of the party, declaring, “There is no victor, no vanquished—let’s build together.”

The Federal Government has announced that Monday, September 16, 2024, will be observed as a public holiday in celebration of Eid-ul-Mawlid, the commemoration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.

Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, made this announcement on behalf of the government, extending his congratulations to Muslims across Nigeria and abroad.

Advertorial

In a statement released by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the Minister encouraged the Muslim community and all Nigerians to embrace values such as patience, sacrifice, and resilience during this period.

He also called on the faithful to use the occasion to pray for lasting peace and progress in the country, urging all citizens to work towards a more prosperous and just nation.