General News
PDP GROUP ACCUSES APC MEDIA NETWORK OF MISPLACED AGGRESSION OVER GOVERNOR ENO CRITICISM
The PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice (PAPA-J) has condemned the All Progressives Congress (APC) Media Network for attacking a citizen who reminded Governor Umo Eno of his campaign promise to be a servant leader.
In a statement, Dr. Tom Fred Fish, Chairman of PAPA-J, expressed disappointment over the APC group’s response to Mr. Michael Bush, who had recalled the Governor’s own words about servant leadership. The statement was also signed by Mr. Saviour Uko, Secretary of the group.
Fish described the APC Media Network’s reaction as both laughable and tragic, noting that Bush merely referenced the Governor’s publicly declared commitment to servant leadership made during his 2022 campaign.
According to Fish, Governor Eno had promised during his campaign kick-off on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, in Uyo to provide service instead of rulership to sustain peace, security, and development for the state if elected in 2023. The statement referenced a report by Joe Effiong published in The Sun Newspaper entitled “A’Ibom needs a servant leader not ruler.”
Fish questioned the logic of the APC group’s position, asking, “When did reminding a leader of his own words become an ‘attack’? When did holding leadership accountable to its promises become disrespect?”
The PAPA-J chairman highlighted the contrast between the Governor’s campaign assurances and recent reported remarks where the Governor allegedly lambasted Akwa Ibom people with comments including, “Am I your receptionist? Who are you that I should even pick up your phone? It’s even an insult to be saying that to a governor, that I’m not picking your calls.”
Fish argued that this contrast raises legitimate public concern, stating that Bush’s reminder of the earlier pledge to serve rather than rule is not an attack but is ingenious, responsible, and entirely within democratic engagement bounds.
The group characterized the APC Media Network’s reaction as revealing a troubling intolerance for accountability, noting they resorted to personal attacks instead of engaging the substance of the matter. Fish described them as jobless busybodies who function as professional sycophants.
Fish advised members of the APC Media Network to channel their energy into learning useful skills to become productive citizens, stating that Akwa Ibom needs builders, thinkers, and innovators, not political errand boys.
PAPA-J saluted Mr. Michael Bush for his bravery and steadfastness, noting it takes uncommon resolve to insist that campaign promises align with governing conduct.
Fish urged the APC Media Network to abandon intimidation tactics and adopt issue-based debate, emphasizing that public office holders must remain accountable to their words and citizens must never be bullied for recalling them.
The statement concluded that Akwa Ibom deserves servant leadership, not hostility toward the people leaders swore to serve.
The Federal Government has inaugurated a Textile Steering Committee to lay the groundwork for a Cotton, Textile, and Garment Development Board, aimed at reviving Nigeria’s struggling textile industry.
The initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which focuses on industrial growth, job creation, and economic diversification.
Speaking at the Abuja ceremony, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, highlighted that the textile sector, once a major contributor to the economy and rural livelihoods, has faced declining production, poor infrastructure, inconsistent policies, and competition from smuggled products.
He urged the committee to prioritise local content and public-private partnerships, assuring government support for implementing their recommendations.
The committee, chaired by Mr. Abia Ifiok Bassey includes representatives from key industry associations such as the Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association, Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria, Apparel and Accessories Manufacturers Association, and the National Cotton Association of Nigeria.
Coordinator of the Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Forum, Anibe Achimugu, described the move as a historic step toward rebuilding Nigeria’s cotton, textile and garment sector and coordinating policy, investment, and standards across the industry.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has clarified that the drug trafficking case against suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari is still ongoing despite his recent discharge in a separate court case.
The agency said the substantive drug-related charges remain before Emeka Nwite, a judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, with the next hearing scheduled for March 16, 2026.
The clarification follows a ruling by James Omotosho, who discharged Kyari in a 23-count charge involving alleged money laundering and non-declaration of assets.
According to the NDLEA, the decision relates to a different case and should not be interpreted as an acquittal of the suspended police officer in the drug trafficking allegations filed against him.
NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the agency issued the clarification to prevent confusion about the status of the drug case.
He explained that the prosecution team had been directed to obtain the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before deciding on the next legal step.
“First, I need to clarify that the ruling by Justice Omotosho is completely different from the main and substantive drug case which continues before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, March 16, 2026. That one is very much on course,” Babafemi said.
He added that once the Certified True Copy of the judgment is obtained, the agency’s legal team will review it and advise the NDLEA leadership on whether to appeal the ruling.
The development underscores the ongoing legal battles facing Kyari, as the anti-narcotics agency maintains that it will continue to pursue the drug trafficking charges through the courts.
General News
Tinubu Oversees Resolution of OPL 245 Dispute, Paves Way for Major Deepwater Investment
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the successful resolution of the long-running dispute over Oil Prospecting Licence 245 (OPL 245), a development expected to unlock major deepwater oil investments and boost Nigeria’s crude production capacity.
The agreement, reached between the Federal Government of Nigeria, Eni, and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited, was finalised during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Present at the meeting were Eni’s Chief Executive Officer Claudio Descalzi, Chief Operating Officer Guido Brusco, Head of Sub-Saharan Region Mario Bello, Managing Director of Nigerian Agip Exploration Fabrizio Bolondi, and the President’s Special Adviser on Energy Olu Verheijen.
The settlement ends a dispute that has lasted more than 15 years and restores clarity to one of Nigeria’s most commercially promising deepwater oil assets.
With the dispute resolved, stakeholders say the pathway is now open for a Final Investment Decision on the Zabazaba–Etan deepwater project. The project is expected to add about 150,000 barrels per day to Nigeria’s oil production capacity and strengthen the country’s long-term energy outlook.
Tinubu described the agreement as a strategic milestone in the government’s economic reform efforts, noting that resolving legacy disputes is key to restoring investor confidence and ensuring Nigeria’s natural resources deliver value to citizens.
“This resolution sends a clear signal to global investors that Nigeria is prepared to address legacy issues transparently, uphold the rule of law, and create a stable environment for long-term capital,” the President said.
Energy adviser Verheijen explained that the settlement represents a significant improvement on the 2011 resolution agreement and aligns with the policy framework introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act.
According to her, the revised terms provide investors with the clarity and predictability needed to proceed with large-scale deepwater investments, while also ensuring stronger value and safeguards for the federation.
The resolution forms part of broader reforms undertaken since 2023 to strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in global energy markets. These reforms, anchored in the Petroleum Industry Act and supported by executive actions, have helped renew investor interest and attract capital into the country’s oil and gas sector.
The President commended key institutions involved in reaching the agreement, including the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and NNPC Limited.
The government said the settlement underscores its commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s strategic energy assets, attracting responsible investment, and ensuring that the nation’s resources translate into growth, jobs, and long-term prosperity.