Politics
PMG Lauds Speaker Abbas’ Leadership, Reps Commitment to Nation Building
The Parliamentary Monitoring Group (PMG) has praised Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas’ outstanding leadership, citing significant contributions to the House’s commitment to nation-building.
The group noted that Abbas’ guidance has fostered constructive debate, promoted economic growth, enhanced national security and strengthened institutional frameworks.
The PMG’s mid-year assessment highlighted key reforms, including constitution review, legislative transparency and public engagement.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director Dr. Adebayor Lion Ogorri, the group applauded the House’s prompt passage of key bills, increased transparency and effective representation.
The PMG urged Abbas to continue championing initiatives promoting economic growth, institutional strength and national security.
The statement said: “The Parliamentary Monitoring Group (PMG), a civil society organization dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s legislative arm, is pleased to announce its mid-year assessment of the 10th National Assembly.
“Our comprehensive evaluation reveals outstanding leadership qualities exhibited by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, which have significantly contributed to the House’s commitment to nation-building.
“Speaker Abbas’ exemplary leadership has fostered a collaborative environment, promoting constructive debate and informed decision-making. His ability to sponsor numerous bills showcases his dedication to legislative excellence.
“Abbas’ leadership has been instrumental in promoting economic growth, enhancing national security, and strengthening institutional frameworks.
“Under his guidance, the House has demonstrated remarkable dedication to the welfare of Nigerians. The PMG notes significant reforms initiated by the 10th National Assembly, particularly in areas such as constitution review, legislative transparency, and public engagement.
“These reforms demonstrate the House’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and citizen participation. The establishment of a Constitution Review Committee is a testament to the House’s willingness to address pressing national issues.
“Improved accessibility of legislative documents and proceedings has also enhanced transparency. Furthermore, enhanced interaction with constituents through town hall meetings and public hearings has fostered a sense of inclusivity.
“The PMG’s assessment reveals that Nigerians have expressed satisfaction with the House’s performance, citing prompt passage of key bills, increased transparency, and effective representation. These achievements underscore the House’s dedication to fulfilling campaign promises and meeting citizen expectations.
“Nigerians have particularly applauded the House’s efforts in promoting economic growth and strengthening institutional frameworks. The passage of critical legislation impacting economic development and national security has been well-received.
“The House’s commitment to transparency and accountability has also contributed to its high rating.
The PMG urges Speaker Abbas to continue championing legislative initiatives that promote economic growth, strengthen institutional frameworks, and enhance national security.
“His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the House’s agenda, and his commitment to nation-building is commendable. We encourage Speaker Abbas to maintain his focus on citizen-centric governance, prioritizing initiatives that address pressing national challenges.
“The PMG also calls upon other leaders to emulate Speaker Abbas’ exemplary leadership, prioritizing collaboration, transparency, and accountability. By doing so, Nigeria’s legislative arm can truly serve the interests of its citizens.
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Effective leadership, such as that demonstrated by Speaker Abbas, is crucial in promoting economic growth, enhancing national security, and strengthening institutional frameworks. We urge other leaders to draw inspiration from his commitment to nation-building.
“As the 10th National Assembly continues its legislative duties, the PMG remains committed to monitoring its activities, promoting transparency, and holding public officials accountable.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday nominated Mr Jude Ezenwafor as its candidate for the Nov. 8 governorship election in Anambra.
Dr Cornell Onwubuya, Chairman of the Anambra Governorship Election Congress Committee, said Ezenwafor was the sole aspirant and secured 798 ‘yes’ votes.
He added that 26 votes were declared invalid, while 853 delegates were accredited out of 999 listed for the congress.
The congress took place at the Women’s Development Centre, Awka.
Onwubuya said the process followed the PDP constitution and electoral guidelines.
“By the power vested in me and in line with PDP rules, I hereby declare Jude Ezenwafor our candidate,” he stated.
In his remarks, Ezenwafor said the PDP was on a rescue mission in Anambra and urged voters to support their bid to reclaim leadership.
He said he joined the race to return the PDP to the Anambra Government House.
“If you support me, the dream will come true. They say PDP is dead, but I will prove them wrong.
“All LGA and Ward Chairmen are now automatic coordinators in their areas. Our journey to Government House has begun,” he added.
Mr Chidi Chidebe, PDP Chairman in Anambra, said the party was heading into the election rejuvenated, united and strong.
He said Anambra regretted rejecting the PDP in the past and was ready to make amends.
According to him, many who left the PDP returned after discovering worse conditions in other parties.
Chidebe said PDP remains Nigeria’s most liberal party and had built the core governance structures in place today.
“We are the strongest party in Anambra. Only PDP can defeat the ruling party here. Let’s unite and make it happen,” he said. (NAN)
Politics
Labour Party: Return to founding ideals of inclusivety and worker solidarity or perish- LPPMC opines
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
The National Coordinator of Liberal Progressive and Patriotic Members Congress (LPPMC), Dr. Kingsley Okundaye, has called on the Labour Party (LP) to return to its founding ideals of inclusivity and worker solidarity, or perish as a relic of one man’s ambition following the leadership crisis the party has found itself.
According to him, “The ball is now in Senator Nenadi Usman’s court and the hands of Labour Party members ready to reclaim their party’s soul.”
A statement he issued and made available to Daily Post, said, “The Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria has been embroiled in a leadership crisis that encapsulates the tension between democratic principles and autocratic maneuvering. At the heart of this turmoil is Julius Abure, whose controversial rise to power, legal battles, and eventual judicial rebuke by the Supreme Court offer a stark lesson in the consequences of constitutional disregard and judicial overreach.
He alleged that “Abure’s scheming, a blend of legal loopholes and political coercion collapsed under judicial scrutiny”, saying that the Supreme Court’s judgment reaffirms that legitimacy flows from democratic processes, not court rulings.
Okundaye lamented that under Abure’s leadership, LP was crippled in the sense that 12 House of Representatives members, 4 senators, and 21 state legislators defected, saying that the LP scored less than 2% in the Ondo governorship election and lost all 23 chairmanship seats in Edo LG polls while members deserted to the PDP and APC, citing Abure’s “toxic unilateralism”.
According to the National Coordinator, “The verdict affirmed INEC’s stance: Abure’s tenure expired in March 2024, and his convention was illegitimate. For Usman, this was vindication, though the apex court stopped short of installing her, urging the LP to resolve its crisis internally.”
He explained that the Supreme Court’s ruling offers the Labour Party a lifeline, pointing out that Senator Usman’s leadership must quikly convene a legitimate convention that adhere to the NLC’s consent judgment and LP Constitution, ensuring worker unions and NEC members participate.
Okundaye stated that the party should
reintegrate fractured blocs, mend ties with Peter Obi’s base, youth groups, and the Obidient Movement as well as ebrand for 2027 and prioritize internal democracy, credible candidates, and grassroots mobilization.
He explained that Julius Abure’s path to the LP’s national chairmanship began with a brazen political coup in Edo State, as National Secretary, he exploited factional divisions to orchestrate the removal of Maria Labeki, the constitutional successor of the late chairman, saying that Abure installed himself as chairman, violating the LP Constitution, as the move set a precedent for his subsequent power consolidation.
By 2023, he noted that Abure’s leadership faced legal scrutiny, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), a critical stakeholder, sued him for sidelining workers’ unions in party decisions, stressing that the case (NLC v. LP & Anor, Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1626/2023) culminated in a consent judgment on March 15, 2024 where Abure agreed to conduct an “all-inclusive, expansive national convention” within one year as well collaborate with the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to reorganize the party.
“Instead of complying, Abure staged a sham national convention on March 27, 2024. INEC flagged irregularities, noting the LP failed to provide the mandatory 21-day notice under Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022,” he explained.
He opined, “The LP’s survival hinges on heeding the lessons learned and ensuring no future leader becomes a second Abure.”
The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) has cautioned Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and Alex Otti, governor of Abia state, over alleged anti-party activities.
In a statement released after a national executive council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Monday, the faction cautioned Obi against any actions that could undermine the unity and integrity of the party.
“NEC in session in exercise of its duties, hereby caution the former presidential candidate of our great party not to participate in any action capable of undermining the peace, unity, and integrity of the party as the NEC will not hesitate to issue stiffer penalties if found culpable,” the statement reads.
The party also took aim at Otti, accusing him of engaging in conduct contrary to the interests of the LP, including holding “unauthorised” stakeholder meetings and conducting LG elections using another political party.
According to NEC, Otti has been attempting to factionalise the party by convening what it described as an “illegal NEC” meeting scheduled for Wednesday.
The faction further alleged that the governor is plotting to destabilise the LP before defecting to another party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
“NEC in session notes the various anti-party activities of Gov. Alex Otti, including calling of unauthorized stakeholders meeting and usurping the powers of NEC,” the statement reads.
“He also conducted LGA elections using another political party. The governor has also intensified his effort to factionalize the party leadership by calling an illegal NEC schedule to hold on Wednesday.
“The leadership of the Labour Party is also aware of the governor’s plot to cripple our party before moving to another political party where he hopes to contest the 2027 governorship election.
“His anti-party activities are unbecoming of a highly respected personality and can no longer be acceptable. NEC stated that it will not hesitate to discipline him in line with Article 19 of the Party’s Constitution.
“NEC in session noted that it would not hesitate to discipline any other erring member who violates the party constitution regardless of how big or powerful such individuals may be.”
On Monday, Obi and Otti announced a stakeholders’ summit set for Wednesday, April 9.