Politics
Group Condemns Baseless Lies Against Minister Badaru

A group under the auspices of Tinubu Arewa Media 2023, led by Comrade Abdulhamid Bala, has issued resounding condemnation of the baseless allegations circulating against the Minister of Defence, Muhammadu Badaru, by persons it described as certain meddlesome individuals.
The group, which has been in the forefront of the campaign for the victory of President Bola Tinubu, described the media attack on the Minister as unfounded and totally unacceptable.
The group said in a terse media release on Tuesday, said, “These shameless falsehoods, accusing Minister Badaru of an imaginary shadow romance with PDP figures, are nothing but lies from the pit of hell, concocted by those desperate to destabilize the APC and disrupt the unity we have worked hard to build.
“Comrade Bala denounced the allegations against the Minister as a deliberate, malicious campaign of calumny.
“These detractors are attempting to weaken our party’s stronghold by tarnishing the image of a man who has devoted himself to the APC and to our nation’s progress,” Said Bala
He explained that, “The claims linking Minister Badaru to an opposition plot are the height of absurdity and betrayal, grounded in fiction rather than fact. Those fueling these rumors are simply enemies of progress with no respect for truth or integrity.”
The group insisted that Minister Badaru’s unshakable dedication to the APC, both as a former governor and now as Minister of Defence, is indisputable. It noted that Badaru’s leadership has consistently embodied the values of the APC, advancing the interests of Jigawa State and Nigeria as a whole.
The group further stated that Badaru’s allegiance to the party and unwavering support for President Tinubu’s administration cannot be questioned, as his record of service speaks volumes.
The group called on all APC loyalists and President Tinubu to disregard these pathetic, unfounded rumors intended to distract from the party’s goals.
“These smear campaigns are orchestrated by agents of division and deceit,” Bala continued, “They may try to stir up trouble, but they will find no footing within the APC. Minister Badaru remains an honorable figure of loyalty, courage, and competence.”
The group declared that it stands firmly with Minister Badaru and condemns “the reckless tactics of those attempting to undermine his
legacy and loyalty.
“We remain united against these disgraceful, fabricated attacks, which only highlight the desperation of those who fear the strength and resilience of the APC in Jigawa State and beyond. No level of slander will distract us from supporting our leaders and pursuing our mission for a stronger, united Nigeria”, they emphasized.
The group further disclosed that it is well aware of the politician behind this smear campaign against Minister Badaru.
“This same politician, notorious for his intolerance, previously resorted to similar tactics in dealings with a Mining business partner. We therefore issue our final warning: if this individual dares to target Minister Badaru with such deceitful antics again, the group will not hesitate to expose his full identity to the public, through the media,” it threatened.
Politics
PDP inaugurates newly elected North-East executives

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated the newly elected executive members of the party in the North-East zone.
Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who inaugurated the members on Monday in Bauchi, tasked them to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Represented by his deputy, Auwal Jatau, the governor said that the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) has failed Nigerians, hence the leadership of the PDP must develop strategies to enable it to wrestle power and meet the aspirations of the electorate.
“The APC has failed to deliver on its promises instead created more hardship for Nigerians and deepened poverty.
“It is time for a change, and the PDP is poised to reclaim the hopes and dreams of the Nigerian people,” he said.
He urged the new party executives to recognise the enormous responsibilities on their shoulders, stressing that, “they are the vanguard of change in the region.”
According to Mohammed, the next general election is not just about political power but the future of children, security, and overall wellbeing of Nigerians.
While assuring support to the party, Mohammed charged the leadership of the party to be change makers, leading with integrity, compassion and dedication to the people.
Responding, the Zonal Chairman of the party, Babangida Umar promised to work collectively to achieve the desired objectives. (NAN)
Politics
Rivers Assembly Gives Fubara 48 Hours To Present 2025 Budget

…I’m not afraid, victory is certain – Fubara
….Ex-Rivers LG Chairmen handover
The 27 members of Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule on Monday issued a 48 hours ultimatum to Governor Similanayi Fubara to present the 2025 state appropriation bill.
The development comes after the supreme judgement ordered Martins Amaewhule and the 26 other members of the Assembly loyal to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to resume sitting as the legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The 48 hours ultimatum was issued by the lawmakers during plenary in Port Harcourt on Monday.
Governor Fubara had on January 2nd , 2025 signed N1.1 trillion 2025 budget into law after it was presented to the Victor Oko Jumbo led 4 member house of Assembly.
Governor Fubara had in a state wide broadcast on Sunday said that he would implement the supreme court judgement without reservation after studying the content of the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the judgement.
In the meantime there is heavy security presence at the GRA Assembly quarters where the lawmakers use as their temporary chambers.
I’m not afraid, victory is certain – Fubara
Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured his supporters that victory is inevitable, despite the political challenges in the state.
He assured the immediate past council chairmen in attendance that there was no reason for concern.
Before addressing the crowd, Fuubara opened his speech with a passage from the Holy Bible, Philippians 3:18-19, emphasizing faith and resilience in the face of challenges.
“For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things,” the governor read.
“Despite everything, victory is sure,” he declared, stating that the struggle is not just about winning but about standing for truth and fighting gallantly.
Governor Fubara declared that the era of deception in Rivers State is over, emphasizing that the state is now determined to take control of its destiny.
While reaffirming his commitment to peace, Fubara stated that when the time comes, the necessary decisions will be made in the best interest of the state.
“I am not afraid of anything. The worst that can happen is for me to leave office,” he said, underscoring his resolve to stand by his principles.
Addressing the youth, the governor assured them that at the right time, they would receive the necessary direction.
While reacting to the Supreme Court’s ruling which nullified the local government elections and also ordered that the Martin Amaewhule-led group resume sitting, the governor maintained that the future holds greater promise than the past.
He pledged to complete his tenure with honour and integrity, ensuring that his decisions remain defensible.
Fubara also emphasized the need to counter political propaganda with evidence of purposeful governance, citing the ongoing inauguration of state projects as a testament to his administration’s commitment to progress.
He stated that the newly commissioned project was designed to enhance work efficiency among public servants in government houses.
Politics
Cross River PDP chairman remains suspended, SEC tells NWC

Cross River chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has objected to the recall of the suspended state Chairman of the party, Mr Venatius Ikem, by the National Working Committee (NWC).
This is contained in a statement issued by the state Secretary of the party, Mr Anthony Edako, on Monday in Calabar.
The party’s State Executive Committee (SEC) insisted that the chairman remained suspended until NWC and stakeholders met to decide otherwise.
According to the party, any purported decision to reinstate the suspended chairman without first having an expanded meeting to look into SEC’s complaint is null and void.
“We have been made aware of a letter circulating on social media, purportedly written by the national organising secretary reinstating the suspended state chairman.
“We wish to state categorically state that this letter is null and void, as it did not emanate from the proper channel having the authority to write such a letter,” the statement said.
The party said that only the national chairman and national secretary were authorised to write such a letter.
“So, the national oganising secretary overstepped his bounds, and his actions are consequently deemed ultra-vires,” it said.
The secretary recalled that on Nov. 20, 2024, NWC dismissed the suspension of the chairman of Cross River Chapter of PDP, Venatius Ikem, which was made on Nov. 15, 2024.
“The reason for the dismissal of the suspension was communicated to the SEC of the party.
“Consequently, the SEC of the party, on Nov. 22, 2024, suspended the state chairman based on the recommendation of the disciplinary committee of the state and communicated same to the national,” he said.
He further stated that SEC was invited by the NWC and after deliberations, it was unanimously agreed that NWC should convene a meeting with stakeholders from Cross River to determine Ikem’s fate.
“The meeting between the NWC and stakeholders from Cross River has not been convened yet.
“The meeting is a crucial step in ensuring that the decision-making process is transparent, fair and in line with our party’s constitution,” he said.
The secretary said that any purported decision taken to reinstate the suspended chairman without first having the expanded meeting to look into SEC’s complaint was, therefore, null and void.
He urged party members and stakeholders to disregard the said letter and continue to recognise the suspended chairman as such. (NAN)