Politics
Sen. Nwoko dumps PDP, defects to APC
Sen. Chinedu Nwoko, a.k.a (Ned), member representing Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Nwoko, a former member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under which platform he rode through during the May 29, 2023 general election, on Friday, dumped the PDP.
The Senator picked up the APC party membership card at his ward in Idumuje- Ugboko, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta.
The Senator, a foundation member of the PDP since 1999 in Delta, with this demonstrated will and action, has laid to rest the speculations among diverse groups including journalists in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that with the defection of Nwoko to the APC, all the senators representing the three senatorial districts in the state are now in APC.
According to Nwoko in his resignation letter dated Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 to the Chairman, PDP Ward 8, Aniocha North LGA of Delta, his defection is informed by the divisions, fighting and fractionalisation in the PDP.
“My decision to resign from the PDP is first and foremost due to deep division and fractionalisation within the party.
“This fragmentation has made it increasingly difficult to foster unity and advance the collective interest of our people.
“Just this Jan. 29, the top party functionaries degenerated to the lowest levels by physically fighting themselves arising from the stated factions which have become irreconcilable.
“I also deeply appreciated the platform the PDP provided me to contest the 2023 senatorial election. It was an opportunity that allowed me to engage directly with the people of my constituency and present my vision for a brighter future.
The senator said that he made a solemn campaign promise to his people, but regrettably, the current PDP structure in the state had made it difficult for him to realise those promises.
Nwoko said that his decision to quit PDP was rooted in the best interest of those he served, adding that he remained committed to the progress and prosperity of Delta and Nigeria.
“After careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that stepping away from the PDP is necessary to fulfil my obligations to my people.
“While I bid farewell to my membership in the PDP, I assure all party members and my constituents of my unwavering dedication to statesmanship, unity and advancement of Delta state.
“I extend my gratitude to the party and members for their support and wish the PDP continued success in its endeavours,” Nwoko said.(NAN)
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)
The heightened security follows the controversial impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, 2025, over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of power.
A heavy security presence has been deployed at the Lagos State House of Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja, amidst escalating tensions ahead of a crucial court hearing on March 7.
The hearing is related to the ongoing leadership crisis within the Assembly. To maintain order, operatives from various security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Lagos State Task Force, have been strategically positioned around the complex.
They are conducting thorough checks on individuals and vehicles attempting to enter the premises.
The heightened security follows the controversial impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, 2025, over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of power.
In response, Obasa filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of his removal, with the Lagos State High Court scheduling a hearing for March 7.
The leadership tussle has led to a tense atmosphere within the Assembly.
On Monday, an emergency plenary session was convened amid speculations that current Speaker Mojisola Meranda might resign to align with the party’s zoning arrangement.
Security personnel cordoned off the premises, thoroughly searching staff and visitors before granting entry.
Following reports that journalists were denied entry into the premises of the State House of Assembly, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin refuted the claim.
He said, “To forestall breakdown of law and order, CP Olohundare Jimoh ordered the proactive deployment of human and operational resources to the House of Assembly. This is also to ensure water-tight security and prevent miscreants and thugs from causing mayhem.
“For clarification, entry is allowed into the Assembly complex for journalists and every other person with genuine business to carry out there.
“Furthermore, part of the measures employed is diversion of vehicular traffic around the Assembly complex. This is necessary to ensure firm grip and control over the security architecture.
“For emphasis, there is no restriction of movement into the Lagos State House of Assembly, and the diversion of traffic was proactively emplaced to forestall breakdown of law and order in the Assembly and its environs.”
The situation has also impacted Assembly operations, with civil servants directed to work remotely until further notice due to the ongoing leadership dispute.
The Lagos House of Assembly has been embroiled in a leadership crisis following the removal of Speaker Obasa.
The crisis stems from internal power struggles within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and growing dissatisfaction among lawmakers regarding Obasa’s leadership style and alleged financial mismanagement.
Tensions escalated when Obasa was ousted, leading to the emergence of a new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, by the majority of the lawmakers.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn last week when Obasa, refusing to accept his removal, stormed the Assembly complex with a team of security operatives. His presence, accompanied by heavy security, was seen as an attempt to reclaim his position and assert control over the legislature.
This development has deepened the crisis, with divisions among lawmakers and interventions from key political figures, including President Bola Tinubu, who is reportedly pushing for Obasa’s reinstatement despite resistance from some legislators.
The directive was issued during a plenary session in Port Harcourt on Monday by lawmakers loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, following a recent Supreme Court judgment.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a 48-hour deadline for Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the 2025 budget.
The directive was issued during a plenary session in Port Harcourt on Monday by lawmakers loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, following a recent Supreme Court judgment.
Elanzanews previously reported that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had pledged to implement the Supreme Court verdict that nullified the local government elections conducted by the state in October 2024.
However, he noted that his administration disagreed with the court’s ruling delivered on Friday. He made this position known in a statewide broadcast on Sunday.