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Bayelsa Guber polls: APC ‘s Lokpobiri, Lyon abandon Sylva

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Ahead of the November 2023 governorship election in Bayelsa state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in State have fallen apart.

There are about 10 political parties fielding candidates for the poll, but the incumbent Governor Douye Diri, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Minister of State for Petroleum resources Chief Timipreye Sylva of APC are the main contenders .

A challenged Diri is said to have made incursions into the divided APC fold to woo key members into the PDP camp.

Dependable source told our correspondent in Yenogoa that Diri has lured prominent APC leaders who have issues with Sylva, including the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and 2019 governorship candidate, David Lyon, into his camp.

Informed sources alleged that Lokpobiri and Lyon are believed to be working behind the scene for Diri’s re-election.

This accounts for why Lokpobiri and Lyon have distanced themselves from the campaigns and political activities of Sylva in the countdown to the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the oil-bearing state.

The misgivings between Lokpobiri and Sylva it was gathered manifested when Sylva allegedly declined to support the ministerial bid of the former.

Lyon, who was defeated at the primary by Sylva felt short changed on the ground that he should have been giving the right of first refusal .

Lyon, who was sacked as Bayelsa state governor-elect by the Supreme Court in February 2020, had expected an automatic ticket in the consideration of the gubernatorial candidate of the party in the November election.

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Even the intervention by the National Chairman of APC , Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, and other top leaders of the party for the warring chieftains to work together did not assuage them.

Diri is said to be capitalising on the crisis to woo the opposition members and promising them political patronage .

Chief of the governor’s promise is to hand over to Lokpobiri as governor with Lyon as his deputy ” if the duo can fully abandon Sylva and team up with him to consolidate his hold on the oil-producing,South-south state”

Besides , Diri is said to have promised 50 slots of Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) each to Lokpobiri and Lyon as well as other largesse in due course .

Inside source stressed: “This alliance between the governor and APC top chieftains implies that the two may have to defect to the PDP after Lokpobiri has served his term as minister in the Tinubu administration ahead of the battle to succeed Diri in 2026.”

Meanwhile, Governor Diri is said to be uncomfortable with the silent and lukewarm attitude of his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, who has distanced himself from his administration.

“In Bayelsa, the former governor and his loyalists are feeling alienated and marginalized in the scheme of things .

Dickson was said to be disenchanted that Diri was running the show especially with the opposition elements without his inputs.

Diri has not limited its ‘succession promises’ to Lokpobiri and Lyon and APC family alone; he has extended it to other big wigs in his party.

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A source hinted that the governor has also promised Senator Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East) the succession opportunity. Agadaga is from Ogbia, the home base of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The source said: “Diri is promising succession across party lines by making overtures to APC and PDP. He also promised the Director General of his campaign council, Hon. Mitema Obodor, who is a member of the House of Representatives ,representing Ogbia Constituency of succession.

“So, also is Robert Enogha, a former Commissioner and two-time member of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, who also hails from Ogbia.

“The three of them, Diri has made succession promises to – Obodor; Agadaga and Enogha, are all of Goodluck Jonathan’s stock in Ogbia. This succession promise for Ogbia guys is a ploy to secure Dr. Jonathan blessing and support in the November poll.

“He (Jonathan) is supporting Diri’s election because of dummy the governor has sold to him that one of his kinsmen from Ogbia is going to succeed him after his second term in office. ”

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Gen. Katunku Simon Gora, A Leader With Humility, Purpose, Positive Heart For Service

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By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

I’AM ROOTED IN HUMANITY AND DRIVEN BY IMPACTIVE SERVICE:

With nearly 30 years of exemplary military service behind me, my approach to leadership has always been anchored in humility and a profound respect for every individual. These principles are not mere concepts; they are deeply embedded values that influence every decision and action I take.

I firmly believe that true love and genuine selfless service can only originate from God. It is His presence within our hearts, minds, and strength that empowers us to extend sincere care and support to one another. My faith has been the guiding force, shaping my view that life’s true rewards come not from accolades, but from lifting others in their time of need.

Witnessing suffering – whether through poverty, disease, or adversity – stirs a deep compassion within me. I remain steadfast in my hope that one day, the essential needs of every community will be fully met. This vision continues to inspire my goals and fuels my enduring commitment to service.

MY LIFE BUILT ON PURPOSE AND INTERGRITY:

Integrity stands at the core of everything I do. I believe in living authentically, staying true to the person I am, while always striving to evolve into the person I am destined to become. God has blessed each of us with the gift of free will, and with it, the profound responsibility to use that freedom wisely.

Every goal I set is purposeful, pursued with enthusiasm, and carried out with unwavering dedication. Regardless of the final result, I find contentment in knowing that I have given my best, embracing each outcome with gratitude and humility.

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Purpose, for me, is not a mere ambition; it is the reason for living. It is about making a tangible impact, however big or small, and knowing that one’s life has contributed meaningfully to the world.

FULFILLING MY CALLING OF SERVICE:

The most profound mission in life, I believe, is to answer the call for which we were created. Whether on the battlefield, within the community, or through personal growth, I have always sought to serve a purpose greater than myself.

Every act of service, no matter how modest, contributes to a larger tapestry of positive change. I am committed to ensuring that my time, my talents, and my energy are dedicated to making a difference leaving behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and hope.

To me, success is not measured by personal achievements alone but by the lives we touch and the hope we inspire. If through my service I can make even the smallest difference, then I believe I have truly fulfilled my purpose.

WE MUST UNITE IN PROGRESS AND HOPE:

I firmly hold to the belief that unity is our greatest strength. “United we stand, divided we fall” is more than just a phrase; it is a timeless truth that reminds us of the power of collective effort. By standing together, supporting one another, and striving for common goals, we create a future rich with promise and opportunity.

Growth and progress are not achieved in isolation. They flourish when communities come together, bound by mutual respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to a better tomorrow. It is through unity that we overcome adversity, and through cooperation that we achieve lasting success.

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The journey ahead may be filled with challenges, but with a spirit of togetherness and an unwavering focus on service and integrity, I am confident that we can continue to grow, prosper, and uplift one another.

I STAND ON LEGACY OF SERVICE AND FAITH:

As I reflect on my life’s journey, I remain deeply grateful for the experiences that have shaped me. Every moment of service, every challenge faced, and every act of compassion has reinforced my belief that a life of humility, purpose, and unwavering faith is a life well lived.

May we all strive to serve with heart, live with purpose, and unite in a spirit of hope and progress. Together, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

United We Stand – Divided We Fall. Together, We Grow and Progress!

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Kaduna State to hold education summit – Commissioner

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Kaduna State Government will convene an Education Summit as part of its strategy to bring about transformative change in the education sector, which will be anchored on four strategic pillars.

The Commissioner for Education, Professor Muhammad Sani Bello, who disclosed this while inaugurating the steering committee, further said that the event will be titled KADA EDUPACT International Summit 2025″.

According to him, one of the pillars is the Policy/Governance/Innovative Education Financing Pillar.

The Commissioner also listed the Access and Retention, Credible Learning Outcomes From Quality Inputs Pillars, as well as the Technology and Innovation pillars.

Prof Bello argued that the main objective of the summit is “to forge an Educational Pact between the government and the people, establishing commitment to shared model for education delivery, measurable outcomes and clearly defined negotiables.”

He further said that experts will make motivating presentations, adding that the Summit will provide opportunity for robust discussions on local and international investments in education, policy-making as well as technological innovations for improved teaching and learning.

The Commissioner also assured that a comprehensive education development roadmap for Kaduna State would fashioned out during the summit.

He said that the Director General of Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority, Professor Usman Abubakar Zaria, will coordinate the activities of the steering committee, whose membership cuts across relevant Ministries Department and Agencies.

Sub-committees to handle various aspects of the summit were announced immediately after the steering committee was inaugurated.

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Police Bust Human Trafficking Ring In Oyo, Rescue 84 Victims

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The Oyo State Police Command has uncovered a human trafficking ring in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

In a major operation, the police rescued 83 individuals and a child from a house in the Orogun area of the city, where they had allegedly been held for an undisclosed period.

Preliminary reports suggest that the victims, believed to be nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo, were lured to Nigeria under the pretence of being offered employment opportunities.

There are also claims that the perpetrators extorted significant sums of money, reportedly in dollars, from the victims’ parents and relatives as part of the elaborate scheme.

The rescued individuals are currently at the Police Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, where authorities are conducting further investigations to ascertain the full details of the case.

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