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APC CONDEMNS SPORADIC SHOOTING BY PDP SUPPORTERS AT TRIBUNAL VENUE IN BENIN

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned the sporadic shooting incident involving members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Governorship Election Tribunal venue in Benin City. The incident, which occurred today, has been described as a deeply disturbing and unacceptable act of violence. In a statement, Edo State APC Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, emphasized that the Tribunal is a sacred space where justice is meant to be administered impartially. “Any act of violence within its walls undermines the very foundation of our legal system and threatens the safety of all involved,” Tenebe said. Emperor Jarret Tenebe further stated that resorting to violence to resolve disputes is never justifiable, regardless of political affiliation. “We must all condemn such actions in the strongest possible terms,” he added. Tenebe stressed that violence has no place in a civilized society, and those responsible for this heinous act must be brought to justice swiftly and without exception. The APC chairman’s statement comes amidst rising tensions in Edo State, with the PDP and APC trading blame over recent violent incidents.

NUJ FCT COUNCIL CONDEMNS ATTACK ON JOURNALIST AT PDP SECRETARIAT

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has strongly condemned the assault on a member of the council, Mr. Ndubuisi Orji, at the PDP Party secretariat. Mr. Orji, a correspondent with THE SUN Newspaper, was assaulted by Emmanuel Okoronkwo, a member of staff of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Monday, January 5, 2025, at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja. According to the NUJ, the incident occurred when Mr. Orji was about to enter the press center located within the secretariat to carry out his lawful duty. Okoronkwo violently prevented him from gaining access to the secretariat and assaulted him, insisting that it was an order from the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, that no journalists should be allowed into the secretariat. Ndubuisi recounted his experience, saying, “As I was heading to my car, Okoronkwo descended on me with a series of slaps and assaulted me until those private security guards rescued me from him. He even damaged my mobile phone. He also threatened to deal with me.” Senator Samuel Anyanwu denied giving such orders, stating that the party was on holiday and that he had made efforts to invite the affected journalist but to no avail. “They reported the matter to the police. But I have told the journalist to come on his own time so that I will find out what the matter is all about,” Anyanwu said. The NUJ FCT Council described the attack as “irresponsible, uncivilised, unwarranted, and an affront to press freedom.” The council demands an unreserved apology from the party within 48 hours and has vowed to take up the matter with the relevant security authorities. The NUJ statement reads, “Any form of assault on a journalist is an affront to the fundamental principles of press freedom and the right of citizens to access accurate and unbiased information. We must protect journalists and ensure that they can perform their duties without fear of retribution.”

EDO STATE GOVERNOR ACCUSES SUSPENDED LG CHAIRMEN OF REMITTING OVER N12BN TO PDP LEADERS

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has made a shocking revelation that the suspended 18 Local Government Council Chairmen remitted about N12 billion to leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 15 months. The Governor made this statement while hosting the acting Chairmen and Councilors of the 18 Local Government Areas at the Government House. In a statement made available to CTN signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo commended the acting Chairmen and Councillors for upholding democracy and ensuring transparency at the Local Government level. The Governor stressed that local government funds do not belong to any individual, regardless of their status. Governor Okpebholo explained that his discovery of the suspicious transactions began when he met with the Accountant-General, who showed him some financial records with unexplained spending. As Governor Okpebholo delved deeper, he found an item tagged “Environmental security funding,” which amounted to N800 million every month. He invited the Chairmen to explain this spending, but they failed to provide satisfactory answers. The Governor then sent a letter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate their records. Governor Okpebholo noted that the suspended Chairmen were engaged in wasteful spending, even when schools lacked teachers. The Governor recognized the acting Chairmen and assured them of his support. He emphasized that driving development to the grassroots is their responsibility and that they have the full power to serve the people. Governor Okpebholo advised them to work with the resources available, as the money belongs to the grassroots, not individuals. Chairman Local Government Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani, who led the acting local government Chairmen on the courtesy visit, assured Governor Okpebholo that they are ready to work closely with the administration. As stated by the Itua, the acting Chairmen pledged their loyalty to the administration and assured Governor Okpebholo that they will collaborate and support his administration to deliver dividends of democracy to Edo State.

PDP VOWS TO PRODUCE MORE GOVERNORS IN 2027, TAKE OVER CENTRE

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed confidence that the party will produce more state governors in 2027, in addition to the current 12, and take over governance at the centre. In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Daniel Alabrah, the National Treasurer, Alhaji Ahmed Yayari, stated that due to the level of disenchantment across the country, occasioned by the lingering economic hardship, PDP would produce more governors in 2027. Yayari noted that PDP was the only viable opposition party that could wrest political power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, stressing that “if it (PDP) does not take over the leadership of the country, it could be the end of democracy in Nigeria.” Yayare also stated that “Nothing stops the PDP producing the president and the vice president in 2027. The cry of hunger and poverty is too much in the land. “The 36 states of Nigeria are yearning for the return of PDP. The APC can not go out to campaign because they will be stoned. Nigeria is in your hands. We need your support to salvage Nigeria.” The PDP National Secretary, Ude Okoye, also stated that the NWC was poised to reposition the party and demonstrate to Nigerians that they have an alternative that could offer quality leadership. As reported by Alabrah, Okoye commended Governor Diri for his exemplary leadership and remarkable developmental strides in Bayelsa, saying the party was very proud of him. Responding, Governor Diri, as stated by Alabrah, said it was essential for the party and its governors to be united as the only viable party in opposition. Diri assured the party of his support, adding that he was not interested in polarising the PDP. “If anybody is bigger than the party, the person can leave. It is PDP that has made most of us. We can not be in PDP in the daytime and at night be at another party. We need to do in-house cleansing.” Diri expressed support for the idea of forming a mega party with PDP standing out prominently to take over power at the centre. He equally urged his colleagues to strengthen the party so it can salvage the country from its current slide.

FACTIONAL PDP, A SECURITY THREAT TO GOVERNANCE IN EDO STATE

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe has stated that the factional Edo State PDP Caretaker Committee’s allegations against the Edo State Government are unfounded and libelous.In a release circulated to CTN, Tenebe emphasized that Governor Monday Okpebholo, as the Chief Executive of the State, has a responsibility to ensure that all tiers of government operate within the law. The suspension of local government chairmen and vice chairmen by the House of Assembly was done to maintain order and stability in the State, Tenebe explained. He noted that the Edo State Laws provide a framework for governance, and the government has a duty to protect citizens’ interests and maintain public order. Tenebe criticized the factional PDP Caretaker Committee for accusing Governor Okpebholo of “lawlessness” and “extermination of constitutional democracy.” He argued that the committee should engage in constructive dialogue instead of making baseless accusations. Tenebe also pointed out that the people of Edo State are aware of the PDP’s tactics and are not swayed by their allegations. Under the previous PDP administration in Edo State, led by Godwin Obaseki, the state witnessed the biggest financial heist in history, Tenebe claimed. He alleged that the PDP government removed and suspended local government chairmen, abused citizens’ rights, and demolished opposition members’ properties despite valid court orders. Tenebe expressed support for the actions taken by the House of Assembly and urged anti-graft agencies to recover stolen funds perpetuated by the PDP. He also commended councillors who impeached corrupt and inept suspended chairmen. Tenebe reiterated that Governor Okpebholo has a clear mandate and will not be distracted by the PDP’s allegations. As Tenebe stated, “Enough is enough!”

Appeal Court sacks Anyanwu, affirms Ude Okoye as PDP substantive secretary

The Appeal Court, Enugu on Friday sacked Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretary and declared Ude Okoye as the substantive national secretary.By the ruling, Okoye is expected to complete the remaining tenure of Anyanwu, as at the time when the incumbent left as the national secretary to run for the governorship election in lmo State.The Appeal Court affirmed the judgement of the Enugu High Court which had earlier sacked Anyawu as the PDP national secretary and upheld the nomination by the South East PDP caucus which nominated Ude Okoye as Anyawu’s replacement. The court in a lead judgement delivered by Justice Ridwan Abdullahi, described Anyawu’s claim as the PDP secretary, despite contesting election as the PDP governorship candidate as a grave violation of the party’s constitution and declared that his Appeal against the lower court judgement lacked merit.Reacting to the development, the Opposition Lawmakers Coalition hailed the judgment, describing it as the dawn of a new era in the PDP and end to the shameless politics of sabotage, betrayal, political materialism and sell-out which Anyawu represents. The coalition stated that the acting PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, who is in same the boat with Anyanwu in the agenda to kill opposition is the next to be ousted from office.In a statement signed by the coalition’s spokesman,Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the lawmakers described the judgment as the beginning of the end of Damagum/Anyanwu’s evil politics against the PDP.He noted that the coalition supports the judgment, pledging loyalty to Ude Okoye as the substantive national secretary.He said: “We want to salute the courage of the appeal court to have ended this madness by first of all upholding the judgment of the Enugu State High Court that recognizes the decision of South East PDP leaders that nominated Ude Okoye as substantive national secretary to complete the remaining tenure created by the vacancy in the office by the resignation of Samuel Anyanwu as the national secretary when he went to run for governorship. “The appeal court has restated the principle of the PDP constitution that anyone elected to the executive committee of the party at any level may resign his or her office by giving 30 days’ notice in writing to the executive committee, except in cases of vying for an elective office which shall be effective within the period stipulated by NEC. The law has said that you should resign. When you