Former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, says former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, must leave PDP immediately over alleged anti-party activities. George, in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos, said, “the party is being embarrassed by the open display of affinity by the duo to the All Progressives Congress (APC)”He accused the two PDP chieftains of hobnobbing with opposition elements, saying they could not continue to claim membership of the main opposition party with their recent actions.

“What exactly is going on? Anybody who is tired of PDP should leave and join another party. Enough of this embarrassment. “As a founding elder of this party, I will not watch while some people openly disrespect the party. It is impossible,”he said. George queried why Atiku ,along wuth others, visited former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna . George also faulted what he called the open endorsement of President Bola Tinubu by some PDP governors and PDP leaders ahead of 2027. He said: “Nigerians are yearning for change, which only the PDP can offer because ours is the only organised party. “This is the time for the national leadership of PDP to take decisive steps to save our great party.“As a founding member of our party and statesman, I call on other elders of our party to call Atiku and Wike to order, as the two are not bigger than the PDP. “They cannot continue hobnobbing with enemies of our party and think I will keep quiet. “The truth must be told every time without minding whose ox is gored.This is the time to save our party from those undermining PDP from within.” George also faulted the involvement of Atiku in the coalition to unseat Tinubu. According to him, if Abubakar is working on a coalition with others because of 2027, he should do that outside the structure of the party. He said: “You cannot be within and be working against the interest of this party. We will never allow that. “This is the time for our party leadership to wield the big stick because nobody is more powerful than the party. “The moment we remove the liabilities in our party, we will be in a formidable position, as an opposition party, to take over power from APC at the federal level in 2027.” Also speaking on current economic challenges, George advised Tinubu to create a Special Fund account where Managing Directors of banks will deposit, at least, N20 billion each annually to alleviate the suffering of the masses. He alleged that bankers were part of the professionals who created economic hardship in the country. George queried the source of the billions of naira declared by banks as profits yearly. “There is what is called round-tripping. There is also insider abuse, hidden and fraudulent charges. All these are targeted at Nigerians. “You can’t see a bank MD in the U.S., United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, United Arab Emirates in private jets every other day.“Here, our Bank MDs not only charter private jets but own jets. Where are they getting the money from to maintain this type of luxury and lifestyle? “The government must look into this. Now that Tinubu is trying to lessen the burden of Nigerians, these bank MDs should be made to pay not less than N20 billion each into this special intervention fund account.” He urged the President to tackle insecurity and deal with other threats to development (NAN)

From Francis Sadhere, Delta

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State have expressed deep shock and sorrow over the sudden death of Shemite Love, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Export and Trade, who passed away in the early hours of Monday.

According to a statement released by the State Publicity Secretary, Sunday Apah, the party described Love’s passing as a significant loss to the state, particularly in the areas of trade development and economic policy where she played a pivotal role.

“Her passion for fostering economic growth and her tireless efforts to promote the State Government’s M.O.R.E Agenda has made a lasting impact,” the statement read.

Shemite Love, known for her dedication and commitment to public service, died around 3am on April 21, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and impactful governance.

Her work as Special Adviser was marked by innovative strategies that helped boost the state’s export potential and build strong connections between local entrepreneurs and global markets.

The PDP praised her extensive experience and the remarkable strides she made in shaping economic policy, particularly in enhancing trade opportunities and promoting entrepreneurship across Delta State.

“Chief Mrs. Shemite Love was not just a dedicated public servant; she was a beacon of hope and inspiration for many. Her contributions have helped lay a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth in Delta,” Apah stated.

The party extended heartfelt condolences to Love’s family, friends and colleagues, acknowledging the personal and professional void her passing leaves behind.

As the state mourns her untimely demise, tributes continue to pour in, celebrating a woman who dedicated her life to the service of her people and the economic advancement of Delta State.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has dissolved the Solomon Agwanana-led State Working Committee (SWC) of the party in Bayelsa State.

The Zonal Working Committee (ZWC), which announced the decision after its meeting at the Zonal Secretariat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, held yesterday said the Edo caretaker committee has also been replaced with new members.

Subsequently, it appointed the zonal secretary, George Turnah to oversee the affairs of the party in Bayelsa as caretaker Chairman for three months.

A statement from the zonal Publicity Secretary, Prince Etim Isong shortly after its meeting cited various acts of gross misconduct and poor performance as the reasons for wielding the big stick against the party leaders in Bayelsa and Edo States.

 

According to him, the appointment of the caretaker committees for Bayelsa and Edo States was in the best interest of the party.

‘’The decision to set up Caretaker Committees for both States follows the dissolution of the State Working Committee of Bayelsa State and the Caretaker Committee in Edo State on account of various acts of gross misconduct by the dissolved Executives which are in clear breach of the party’s constitution, the poor performance and woeful outing by the Party in Edo State at the last Governorship elections, and the poor handling of internal crisis rocking the Party in both States.

‘’The Zonal Working Committee took these decisions in the best interest of the Party after a careful review of the activities of the Party in both States in line with the Constitution of the Party as amended in 2017, particularly Articles 10(1),(f),(g),(k), and (4) as well as Articles 26(2),(a), 27(2)(a&b), 58(1),(a),(c),(i),(j) and 59(1)(f),’’ he said.

Isong expressed optimism that the bold move by the Zonal Working Committee would strengthen the party’s foundation and ensure effective leadership in both Bayelsa and Edo States, respectively.

Those appointed into the caretaker committee in Bayelsa State include Tony Gabriel as deputy Chairman, former Ijaw Youth Council spokesman, Ebilade Ekerefe as secretary, and Didi Ebiekake Werilaghebofa as Vice Chairman- Central.

Others are Andy Majors, Vice-Chairman, East, Evelyn Bolouebi Odi, Vice-Chairman, West and Biobelemoye Ogoniwari, Treasurer.