Politics
Abe Is Not A Candidate For 2023 Gubernatorial Election – Eze
Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Eze Chukwumeka Eze, has said the chances of former Rivers South-East Senator, Magnus Abe, to get the guber ticket of the APC for the 2023 elections has been impeded by necessary estoppel arising from his very many treacherous acts of betrayal and anti-party engagements since 2015 till date.
Reacting to comments credited to Abe in a recent interview with Channels Television, where the ex-Lawmaker categorically stated that he can emerge Rivers Governor in 2023 without the support of his estranged benefactor – the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, Chief Eze said such wishful thought can only be rested on the tripod of the figment of Abe’s imagination, stressing that his fantasy fiction has a tenuous grasp on reality and thus, void.
In a statement made available to media houses in Port Harcourt, the former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP), said Abe’s inclination to clinch the party’s ticket and win at the polls without the support of the leadership and members of the Rivers APC beats ones imagination and aligns with the general proposition which pegs Abe as a hypocritical opportunist and self-professed democrat who is grossly bereft of knowledge of the mechanics of a democratic process.
“With the confidence he spoke, one wonders whether Abe has schemed to usurp leadership and arrogate to himself and his few friends the responsibilities of party members of electing candidates to fly the party’s flags against the tenets of democracy, during the 2023 elections.”
Whatever be the case, Chief Eze reminded Sen. Abe that one key strategy of winning an election especially in a democratic clime, is to get the support of majority of members of the party and ultimately the electorates who reserve the right to make choices at the polls according to preference and not through the anti-people schemes and undemocratic tactics and methodologies which he prefers and has plotted to deploy.
Recall that a few days ago, the Rivers State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Amb. Desmond Akawo, held a meeting with members of Sen. Abe’s political group where a deal was sealed to continue to use the courts to perpetuate instability in the Rivers APC, as a strategy contrived to outwit the party to enable the PDP coast to victory effortlessly once again.
The horrible revelation was made by Abe’s friends – Tonte Amachree and Kelvine Okechukwu, both of who among others, attended the said meeting held at the residence of a former Rivers Justice Commissioner, Worgu Boms.
Chief Eze however assured that the confidence of Sen. Abe, the People’s Democratic Party and other conflict entrepreneurs and allies, in the menacing schemes in the Rivers State Judiciary to unjustly hunt the Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress ahead of 2023 will fail.
While calling on Judges in the state to be courageous enough to protect the integrity of judiciary and the justice system by resisting every offer from wrongdoers to pervert justice, Eze stressed that dragging the judiciary into the dirty waters of partisan politics ahead of 2023 as was also the case in 2015/19, will definitely weaken the institution and further wane public confidence in the Nigerian judicial system.
The party Chief called on Abe to engage in a more productive ventures rather than waste his time and energy on the Governorship of the state which in all honesty should and in fact has been set aside for the riverine people in line with the principle of rotation and good brotherhood, emphasizing further that his anti-party activities since 2015 place a hurdle on him from party engagements as morality restrains one from benefiting from his own wrongs.
The Osun State Chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has expressed deep concern over the welfare of workers in the state, calling on the Osun State Government to prioritize the needs and aspirations of civil servants and public workers.
This was contained in a press statement issued on Thursday by the Chairman of the Party, Wole Adedoyin, and made available to newsmen in Osogbo.
According to the statement, APGA recognizes and appreciates the indispensable role that Osun workers play in the administration and development of the state. Without the hard work, loyalty, and sacrifice of civil servants, governance would grind to a halt, and public service delivery would be severely impaired.
The party noted that while workers across the country face similar challenges, the plight of Osun workers demands special attention. Delayed salaries, pension arrears, poor working environments, and lack of adequate motivation have continued to diminish the morale of workers in the state.
“Osun workers deserve better,” Adedoyin said. “It is unacceptable that in 2025, workers still struggle with irregular salary payments, inadequate housing, and insufficient health coverage. This is a violation of their rights and a breach of trust between the government and its employees.”
APGA called on the state government to implement a comprehensive worker-friendly policy that includes prompt payment of salaries and pensions, professional training opportunities, and improved infrastructure in public offices. According to the party, a motivated workforce is the bedrock of any successful administration.
The party also urged the state government to engage directly with workers’ unions and associations to identify critical areas of need and to ensure a participatory approach to policy-making regarding labor and employment matters.
APGA used the opportunity to salute the resilience and patriotism of Osun workers, especially teachers, health professionals, law enforcement officers, and local government staff, who continue to discharge their duties in the face of adversity. “Your commitment to the state does not go unnoticed,” the statement read.
Wole Adedoyin reaffirmed APGA’s commitment to the protection of workers’ rights, stressing that the party’s philosophy—Be Your Brother and Sister’s Keeper—would remain its guiding principle in standing with the workforce of Osun State.
Call Mgbeke Comedian
North Central Women on Friday criticized Prof Mgbeke, dismissing her recent remarks about the representative of Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as mad imaginings, deception and fantasy.
They also described the remarks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South Organizing Secretary, Mr. Blessing Agbomhere, as banal and irrelevant.
“It is amazing that male politicians in Nigeria are resorting to dishonest tactics to fight women.”
The women in a statement in Abuja criticized the leadership of the Senate for placing Nigeria in a dilemma.
“The six-month suspension is raised in almost all the news media in the world.’’
They urged the senate leadership to save Nigeria from ignominy.
Specifically, the women praised Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for not allowing anyone to make her an emotional client in the country.
They also applauded her for playing a major role in the national history of Nigeria.
The statement issued by the Chairperson of North Central Women Front (NCWF), Mrs. Mary Adamu emphasized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unflagging commitment to improvement of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The women scolded the spokesperson of Executive Watch Dog, Mr. Fidelis Ella for advertising his ignorance.
The women of repute and experience branded Dr Sandra Duru (Mgbeke), Ella and Agbomhere parrots and bootlickers of anti-democratic forces.
“Unstable people can destroy anybody for a political appointment, contract and petty cash.”
The women further dismissed allegations of malicious agenda, dirty game of propaganda and destruction.
They described the plot to dismantle Yoruba Government, destabilize the national structure and halt the country from moving forward as a foolish talk.
“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is guided by patriotic commitment.’’
The women urged sympathizers of the Senate President and a former ministerial nominee not to lead Nigeria to confusion.
The statement denounced intolerance, lies, perversion of truth and crazy ideas.
Umo Eno, governor of Akwa Ibom, says political parties should not be the reason for division among people.
Speaking on Comfort 95.1 FM in Uyo on Wednesday, Eno said it is time Nigerians moved past partisan conflicts.
“Why can’t we be peaceful? Why must political parties separate us? Why must we have issues because my brother is in one party? No, we are all Akwa Ibomites first,” he said.
The governor described political parties as mere vehicles to attain power, saying governance should be inclusive once the mandate is secured.
“I see party as a vehicle to get to power — and when you get there, please begin to govern. Govern everyone, relate with everyone,” he said.
Eno lamented what he called the growing culture of misinterpretation, citing a recent controversy about his comments on Ibom Air.
“I know every day, now, I say something, people go to town and misinterpret it. Yesterday, I made an analogy and they say, ‘Oh, the man is demarketing Ibom Air’. That’s far from it. Ibom Air is the best airline,” he said.
“I’m saying that much as I love Ibom Air — it is our airline, it’s a preferred airline. Much as I love it and have it as a state government, if I arrive at the airport and Ibom Air has a technical fault — which is possible — and I have an appointment in Abuja or Lagos, maybe to deliver a talk or meet investors, and there’s an alternative airline… will I not go?
“Will I say, because this is my airline and it is owned by the state government? So when people say, ‘Oh, he was demarketing Ibom Air…’ No! It’s an analogy. Come on, people know better than this.”
Eno reiterated his position that Akwa Ibom people must remain united regardless of party affiliations.
“For me, what I’m saying is that Akwa Ibom is one, political parties are vehicles,” he said.
He said Nigerian politics lacks defined ideological boundaries, unlike in developed democracies.
“I’ve asked the question, and I want you to tell me: What’s the political ideology of this party and that party in this country?” he asked.
“We’re not like the Americans who say, ‘This is the ideology of the Democrats and this is the ideology of the Republicans.’ Everybody keeps going and coming, keeps going and coming.”
Eno said his message was one of unity and maturity, regardless of the platform anyone belongs to.
“Whatever thing I’m doing, I’m saying let us be one. Whether it is any party, any party platform,” he said.
“You have finished the election. We are now in governance. You are sworn into office to be a governor for Akwa Ibom.”
On Tuesday, Eno hinted at a possible defection ahead of the 2027 general election.
He likened the PDP to a faulty aircraft, adding that the party is now fragmented and risks grinding to a halt before the 2027 elections.
In response, Felix Morka, national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said the ruling party welcomes the governor’s remarks and agrees with his assessment of the PDP.
“We couldn’t agree more that Plane PDP has become demonstrably inoperable and unsafe for travel,” the APC spokesperson said in a statement.
“We assure Governor Eno that a flight with us will be a mighty good ride to remember.”