Politics
SDP woos sacked Senate Chief Whip, Ndume
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has invited the just removed Majority Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Ali Ndume, to join its fold.
The National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Gabam, extended the invitation at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.
Gabam said that the SDP condemned the removal of Ndume as Chief Whip of the Senate for criticising government, its programmes and policies.
He said that the SDP considered the advice by leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) that Ndume was free to join any opposition party as an act of intolerance.
Ndume representing Borno South (APC-Borno) was on Wednesday removed as the Majority Whip of the Senate and replaced by senator representing Borno North, Sen. Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno).
The decision followed a letter entitled “Complaints Against the Unbecoming Utterances of Sen. Ali Ndume” read by the President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio, during plenary on Wednesday.
The letter was signed by the APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje and the National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru.
Gabam said that Ndume’s criticism of the government’s policies and their impact on Nigerians was not only legitimate but also a testament to his commitment to the well-being of the citizens.
He said that instead of replacing Ndume as the Chief Whip of the Senate, the APC and government should have looked into the genuine issues raised by him and addressed those matters that concerned Nigerians.
“The SDP believes that criticism is essential to a healthy democracy, and we will not stand idly by while the APC seeks to stifle dissenting voices.
“We extend an official invitation to Sen. Ndume to join our party and continue his quest for social justice, good governance, and the entrenchment of democratic principles.
“To Sen. Ndume, we say: your courageous stand against the APC’s authoritarian tendencies is laudable, and we welcome you to our fold.
“Together, we shall continue to advocate for the rights of Nigerians and ensure that our democracy remains vibrant and inclusive,’’ he said.
Gabam said that Ndume was not just a very ranking senator but one of the most experienced parliamentarians in Nigeria today.
He advised APC and the Presidency to embrace criticism, listen to the concerns of Nigerians, and work towards building a more inclusive and participatory democracy.
He said that the removal of Ndume was of grave concern that does not augur well for the Senate and the executive.
He likened it to the suspension of Sen. Abdul Ningi was suspended for raising an issue of alleged padding of the budget.
“Recently, president of the 9th Senate, Sen. Ahmed Lawan, also raised serious concern and Sen. Adams Oshiomole suffered similar fates for speaking truth to power.
“This trend is alarming and undermines the principles of democracy and fair hearing,” he said.
He advised the ruling party to listen to voices of Nigerians saying “building a democracy is not an individual affair, but a collective responsibility.’’
Gabam also hailed the recent Supreme Court judgment affirming the financial autonomy of the local government in the country, describing it as victory for democracy.
While commending the Federal Government for initiating the suit, Gabam appealed to state governors to immediately comply to ensure that the third tier of government was in control of its financial affairs.(NAN
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)
…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.
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)