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Jonathan Supports Rivers Council Election, Warns Judiciary and Police Against Misuse of Court Orders

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Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, has weighed in on the current political crisis rocking Rivers State.

In a statement personally signed by him and posted on his X handle, he called for caution from political actors especially policemen in the conduct of the election.

“I am aware that the local government election taking place in Rivers State today, October 5, has been a subject of great interest to political actors.

“The political happenings in Rivers State in the past days is a cause for serious concern for everyone, especially lovers of democracy and all actors within the peace and security sector of our nation.”

“Elections are the cornerstone of democracy because they are the primary source of legitimacy. This process renews the faith of citizens in their country as it affords them the opportunity to have a say on who governs them.

“Every election is significant, whether at national or sub-national levels as it counts as a gain and honour to democracy.”

He noted that it was the responsibility of all to work for peace in the elections.

“It is the responsibility of all stakeholders, especially state institutions, to work towards the promotion of sound democratic culture of which periodic election stands as a noble virtue.”

“Democracy is our collective asset, its growth and progress is dependent on governments commitment to uphold the rule of law and pursue the interest of peace and justice at all times.”

He further noted that institutions of the state including security operatives must refrain from actions that could lead to breakdown of law and order.

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“Institutions of the state, especially security agencies must refrain from actions that could lead to breakdown of law and order.”

“Rivers State represents the gateway to the Niger Delta and threat to peace in the state could have huge security implications in the region.”

“Let me sound a note of caution to all political actors in this crisis to be circumspect and patriotic in the pursuit of their political ambition and relevance.”

He called on the National Judicial Council to take actions that will curb proliferation of court orders, so as not to ridicule the judiciary.

“I am calling on the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to take action that will curb the proliferation of court orders and judgements, especially those of concurrent jurisdiction giving conflicting orders. This, if not checked, will ridicule the institution of the judiciary and derail our democracy.”

“The political situation in Rivers State, mirrors our past, the crisis of the Old Western Region. I, therefore, warn that Rivers should not be used as crystal that will form the block that will collapse our democracy.”

“State institutions especially the police and the judiciary and all other stakeholders must always work for public interest and promote common good such as peace, justice and equality.” his statement read.

There have been crisis in Rivers state over conduct of local government elections in the state while the governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers Independent Electoral Commission has stated that the election going on is valid, the Police say a court order has ordered otherwise.

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As of the time of this report, elections are recorded going on in some part of the state while protests have also been held concurrently.

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2027: Ex-Governor Okowa drums support for Oborevwori

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Former Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Saturday called on the people of the state to support incumbent Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori in his bid to return for a second term in office in 2027.

Okowa made the call while addressing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faithful in Ika North East Wards 3 and 4, at Boji-Boji Owa.

He said the call had become necessary because Gov. Oborevwori has demonstrated love for all people of the state and has initiated policies that were adding value to the lives of the average person in Delta.

The ex-governor appreciated the massive turnout of party faithful in the two wards, but frowned at the few PDP members who left the party despite their personal achievements and successes, which were largely traceable to the empowerment they received while in the PDP.

Okowa said that he was aware of the antics of those looking to deceive others but expressed confidence that party members knew those who truly meant well for them and their communities.

He lauded the decision of the party leaders in the local government to initiate a monthly contributory scheme aimed at empowering the people in the area.

He said, “It’s a thing of joy seeing party leaders coming together to extend ₦100,000 grants to each of the 100 persons drawn from the two wards.

“One hundred thousand naira might not be too much considering the state of the economy, but I do not have any iota of doubt that it will have an impact on the very micro businesses of these our people, even as it will also aid and encourage our farmers.

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“The beauty of this process is that the party leaders have assured that two wards will benefit from this gesture every month going forward.”

Earlier, the PDP Chairman, Ika North East, Mr Chuks Agbormah, thanked the former governor and other party leaders for gracing the event.

He assured the party leaders that efforts were ongoing to continue mobilizing support for Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori.

Agbormah later received members of the APC who decamped to the PDP and assured them that the umbrella was large enough to accommodate them.

Other dignitaries who attended the rally include, Mr Victor Nwokolo, Member Representing Ika Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Marilyn Okowa Daramola, Representing Ika North East State Constituency, State House of Assembly,

Also, Dr Kingsley Emu, Secretary to the Delta State Government, Mr Charles Aniagwu, Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Monday Hunkamma Odigwe, Chairman Ika North East, Dr Hillary Ibegbulem, Mr Ifeanyi Egboigbe, Dr Frank Nwugo, Hon Tony Elekeokwuri.(NAN)

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LP Lawmakers Haven’t Given Party a Dime Since 2023 Elections, Says Abure

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Julius Abure, national chairman of the Labour Party (LP), says the party’s federal lawmakers have not made any financial contribution since the 2023 elections.

Abure spoke during a town hall meeting organised by the Lagos chapter of the party.

The LP national chairman also warned against the creation of parallel structures by some party leaders.

Abure said the LP has a single structure and that it is impossible for a party to survive with conflicting structures.

“It is a fact that they don’t respect the party, it is a fact that they don’t make contributions to the party,” Abure was quoted in a statement released by Obiora Ifoh, LP spokesperson.

“As I speak with you today, we have not received one kobo at the national level, from those we elected to the national assembly.

“The responsibility of running this party is still with the leadership of the party. As of today, we have 6 senators, about 30 reps members and numerous house of assembly members.

“But it will shock you to know that none of these lawmakers have contributed a dime to the party since their election in 2023.

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Abure urges “Obidient” family to register with Labour Party

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The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr Julius Abure has urged members of the “Obidient “ family to register with the party and participate in the National Congress of the party holding in June.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Obiora Ifoh, made this known on Friday in a statement issued in Abuja.

Ifoh said that Abure made the call while speaking at a town hall meeting organised by the Lagos State chapter of the party.

According to him, Obidient Family members should work towards owning the party by registering with the party and be qualified for the coming congresses in June and July 2025.

“We are willing and ready to absorb all the Obidients into the Labour Party. All you need to do is to go to your ward as Obidient and register. The party has only one structure, all other ones are counterfeit.

Ahure frowned against instigation of parallel structures by some party leaders, warning that such anti party activities must surely attract grave consequences.

The national chairman also revealed that elected members of the Labour Party have not lived up to their financial obligations to the party since assumption of office nearly two years ago.

“A party cannot have two conflicting structures, a party can only have one structure and I advice, if you do not want to be left out of the scheme of things, find your way into the main structure.

“Those who are doing parallel structure, candidate structure will lose out at the end of the day.”

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The national chairman speaking on the relationship between elected members and the party, said, “it is a fact that they don’t respect the party, it is a fact that they don’t make contributions to the party.

“As I speak with you today, we have not received one kobo at the national, from those we elected to the national Assembly.

“The responsibility of running this party is still with the leadership of the party. As at today, we have six senators, about 30 Rep members and numerous House of Assembly members.

“Unfortunately none of these lawmakers have contributed a dime to the party since their election in 2023. Let them go and ask other parties, it is those elected under their platform that fund the party.

“Today, most of them want to have control over their local government and for us to hand over their constituencies to them, yet they are not ready to work or partner with the party. Is it fair?.”

Abure also promised to look into the grievances within the Lagos State party faithful.

He said, “I want to appeal to our members in Lagos State who may have one grievances or the other, arising from the imperfection witnessed in 2023 general elections to keep their grievances aside. We cannot continue to dwell in the past.

“Those who did not get the party ticket in 2023 election may have the opportunity to do so in 2027.

“Some of you who have special cases, I plead with you to come and present the matter to the leadership of the party, instead of fighting ourselves in the social media.

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“As long as I am the National Chairman, those with genuine cases will be given special attention in the 2027 general election,” he said.

The town hall meeting which witnessed defection of top political personalities in the state into the Labour Party.

In attendance were stakeholders including national and state lawmakers, Ward, Local Government and state executives, some members of the National Working Committee and governorship candidate in the 2023 governorship election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour. (NAN)

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