From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has maintained that the growing wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is propelled by the sterling performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rather than political calculations.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr.

Governor Otu emphasized that Cross River, which for years stood as the lone APC-governed state in the South-South, now proudly shares the progressive banner with Delta and Edo States, marking a new dawn of strengthened political realignment in the region.

“An increasing number of South-South states under APC governance is a dream realized,” Governor Otu remarked, highlighting President Tinubu’s transformational leadership that has inspired trust, value reorientation, infrastructural rebirth, and economic rejuvenation across the nation.

Describing the mass defection led by Governor Oborevwori — with former Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and key PDP structures in Delta as a historic moment, Otu noted that it sets the stage for deeper regional collaboration, accelerated economic development, and greater political stability.

As Vice Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, Governor Otu urged Governor Oborevwori, other political stalwarts, and their supporters who have now joined the APC to bring their wealth of experience and grassroots mobilization strength to bear in advancing the collective quest for a flourishing South-South and a renewed Nigeria.

“Your Excellency’s decision to board the progressive train is a profound testament to your commitment to inclusive governance, sustainable development, and national unity. I am confident that your leadership will further galvanize our collective resolve to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people and drive forward the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Governor Otu declared.

By Emmanuel Antswen

Makurdi, April 28, 2025 Mr Ifeanyi Emenari has assumed office as the new Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command.

This is contained in a statement signed by SP Sewuese Anene, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), and made available to newsmen on Monday in Makurdi.

Anene in the statement, said the veteran officer who hails from Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Academy in 1992.

He had served in various operational, investigative and administrative capacities across the country.

According to Anene, the new CP served Zamfara, Imo, Katsina, Anambra, Calabar, Osun, Ogun, Abia and Federal Capital Territory,  Abuja.

“The CP served as Unit Commander  27 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Kastina State from 1996-1999, Unit Commander 29 PMF  Awka, Anambra state from 1999-2002 and  Unit Commander 11 PMF Calabar, Cross-River state from 2002-2003,” she said.

Anene further said that the new CP had represented Nigeria in different foreign missions where he served as  Commanding Officer.

She said the CP was a Contingent Commander, Nigeria Police Contingent to United Nations Mission in Sudan, Ops Officer, Joint Operation Center (JOC) Khartoum, Sudan, Deputy Security Advisor, Eastern Equatorial state, South Sudan in 2012.

The PPRO said that before Emenari’s deployment to Benue State Command, he was the Commissioner of Police, Force Provost Marshal.

“As Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Emenari pledges to strengthen community policing and partnerships, enhance security measures to protect lives and properties and use available resources to combat insecurity in the State.”

From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo
The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stated emphatically that the ruling party in the state is neither surprised nor disappointed by the defection of Hon Wole Oke, member representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to the PDP, Oke’s decision, though unfortunate, is entirely in line with his history of erratic political behaviour and unstable loyalties.

The statement personally issued and made available by the Osun PDP Chairman, Hon Sunday Bisi said, it is public knowledge that for over two decades, Hon Oke enjoyed consistent goodwill of the PDP, securing multiple terms in the National Assembly under the party’s banner.

“Yet, rather than engage in transparent and competitive internal processes, he habitually resorted to wild goose chase, abusing privileges conferred on him by the party and the good people of Obokun/Oriade, always fighting the winds in his characteristic scheming to further his personal ambitions.

“Hon Oke has long conducted himself like a pampered political stakeholder, more interested in being spoon-fed than earning his place through rules of healthy competition” the statement reads. 

“His trademark has always been orchestrated discontents and divisive tactics, never genuine in party commitment.”

“The PDP leadership has remained well ahead of his shenanigans, fully aware of his pattern of self-serving pontifications. 

“His latest move only affirms what has always been evident – that he sees politics as a personal enterprise rather than a wheel of service to the people.

“As the days unfold, it will become even clearer to the world that politics is and must remain a game of the people, not a playground for selfish adventurism. 

“The PDP stands firm in its values of loyalty, transparency, and service and calls on all members and lovers of the party in Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in particular, to stay focused and united in pursuit of meaningful progress being channelled by the PDP administration of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke.”