Former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, alongside his daughter Fatima and two others, are set to be arraigned before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama.

The charges involve alleged abuse of office amounting to N2.7 billion.

The case stems from EFCC investigations into fraudulent contracts awarded during Sirika’s tenure as minister under the previous administration.

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Sirika was detained after being questioned by EFCC investigators regarding the alleged contract malfeasance.

Originally scheduled for Tuesday, the arraignment was postponed due to EFCC’s request to amend the charges.

In a dramatic turn of events, the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday witnessed the ousting of Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule from the speaker’s position, plunging the state deeper into its ongoing political turmoil.

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Stepping into the spotlight, Hon. Jumbo Victor Oko, representing Bonny State Constituency, emerged as the new speaker, signaling a seismic shift in the power dynamics within the assembly.

Sources told Daily Gazette that Hon. Oko took the oath of office immediately after he was elected speaker by lawmakers loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The swift change in leadership prompted scrutiny from supporters of both factions, who closely monitored the unfolding situation with bated breath.

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Amidst the palpable atmosphere of uncertainty, speculations swirled regarding the potential impact on legislative agenda and the overall stability of governance in the State.

Stay tuned for more details..

Former Abia State House of Assembly Speaker, Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, has added his name to the growing list of politicians leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

Enyinnaya, son of former Governor Theodore Orji and a prominent figure within the PDP, formally announced his resignation in a letter addressed to the Chairman of PDP in his urban I ward on Monday.

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In the letter, he stated, “This is to formally notify you of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with effect from today. Kindly note that this decision is taken after extensive consultations.”

He expressed gratitude to the party for providing him with a platform that led to his election as Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly.

The resignation follows closely on the heels of Chris Nwagboso, a former Deputy Chief of Staff in the office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State, who also recently resigned from the PDP. Nwagboso conveyed his decision in a personal letter to the PDP Ward Chairman in Isiala Ngwa South LGA, Abia State.

Additionally, the entire executive committee members of the PDP in Item ward C, Bende local government area of the state, have resigned from the party.

These defections come against the backdrop of the PDP’s loss in the last gubernatorial election in the state to the Labour Party, with Alex Otti emerging as the governor.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has raised concerns over reports of the alleged deportation of Osun indigenes from Lagos to the Ilesa area of Osun State.

Following an investigation initiated by the Osun State Government to verify the authenticity of the reports, eyewitness accounts confirmed the arrival of several youths in luxurious buses, suspected to be from Lagos.

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Sections of the media reported that these youths were rounded up in various parts of Lagos before being transported to Ilesa.

In response, Governor Adeleke disclosed that he has engaged in discussions with his Lagos State counterpart, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urging him to investigate the matter promptly and ensure appropriate action is taken.

Governor Adeleke expressed shock at the incident and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the alleged deportations.

He stated, “I spoke with my brother, Governor Sanwo-Olu on the matter. He too was surprised and he denied ever authorizing any such action.”

Assuring the public of swift action, Governor Sanwo-Olu has promised an immediate investigation into the matter to uncover the truth.

He reiterated his commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals residing in Lagos State.

Governor Adeleke further directed Osun’s security agencies to intensify surveillance in and around Ilesa to track the deported youths and ensure their well-being.

He urged residents to remain calm while awaiting updates from the investigation.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, didn’t mince words as he rebuked members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, asserting his authority by suggesting they owe their existence to his recognition, based on the Peace Accord initiated by President Bola Tinubu.

Addressing a delegation of political and traditional leaders from Bayelsa State seeking to end the political crisis in Rivers State, Fubara expressed disappointment in the conduct of the lawmakers.

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He emphasized his role as a peacemaker despite facing intimidation and attacks.

In a bold statement, Fubara declared, “Those who claim to be Assembly members are nonexistent without my acknowledgment. I allowed their existence as a gesture of goodwill.”

He underscored the sacrifices he’s made for peace, asserting his power to de-recognize them at will.

Despite his efforts to resolve the crisis, Fubara lamented facing new challenges after each meeting.

He pledged to maintain peace, acknowledging the transient nature of power.

Acknowledging the divine nature of his leadership, Fubara refused to be swayed by political alliances, asserting his independence from his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

He criticized the use of police to intimidate his supporters and lamented sabotage from some of his commissioners.

Responding, the leader of the Bayelsa delegation, Dickson, emphasized the historic and cultural ties between Rivers and Bayelsa, calling for unity and mutual benefit.

He commended Fubara’s efforts and urged collective responsibility from both leaders to resolve the political tensions.

Dickson urged support for Fubara and Wike, likening Rivers State’s importance to the South-South to that of Lagos State in the South-West.

He advocated seeking counsel from other leaders for a permanent solution to the crisis, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation between the leaders of both states.