COVER
Ayade Defects to APC Wants Recovery of State Oil Wells
By Jude Opara, Abuja
Facts emerged that the Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, formally dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to open up a political fight over the oil wells ceded to neighbouring – Akwa Ibom state by previous central government
Ayade, who for a long time was linked with a move to the APC, consummated his ambition at the Cross River State Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Calabar after a two-hour meeting with seven APC governors led by the party’s interim chairman and governor of Yobe state, Mai Mala Buni.
Ayade said he decided to join the APC, having identified the character attributes of President Muhammadu Buhari and the “realisation that Cross River, which has been emasculated economically, following the ceding of its oil wells, needed to be in sync with the party at the center.
“Having seen and known the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and his commitment to this country, his nationalistic disposition and all the efforts he has made to bring Nigeria to where we are today, it is obvious that at this point, we needed to join hands with him to build a Nigeria that we can be proud of.
“We need all governors to recognise that it is not party that matters. It is character, it is honour, and it is commitment to the vision of this great nation. We all need to as a team, work ahead of the president by working towards building a prosperous country that the succession worries of 2023 will come without the fears and the worries the international community has for us.
“I believe that if everyone of us as governor joins hands with Mr. President, I think we can sit on the same dining table and fashion out a way to govern this country.”
In his remarks, a visibly happy Buni said he and his team were in the state to formally welcome Ayade to APC.
“I am here on behalf of the APC family to welcome His Excellency the Executive Governor of Cross River State formally to the APC. As from today he is the leader of the party in the state.”
Cross River PDP is Crippled – Deputy Speaker
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker of Cross River House of Assembly, Joseph Bassey, has officially left the PDP for APC following the defection of Governor Ben Ayade.
Bassey told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview yesterday in Calabar that the governor’s move has crumbled the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
He said that the governor was moving to the ruling party with all members of the State House of Assembly, Commissioners, elected local council chairmen, councillors, and over 6,000 political appointees in the state.
“I have already moved with the governor. Cross River is now an APC state and the House of Assembly has also moved with the governor. “We just have to help Cross River residents by aligning with the centre. Cross River receives the least allocation from the Federal Government and this is not good enough. “In the past six years, Cross River has been an opposition party; this is the first time we are missing touch with the centre.
“We don’t have oil wells, our allocation is low. Ayade has tried in using his intellectual capacity and ability to attract some federal government presence into the state.
“We are left with two years in this administration and we must align with the centre for the interest of the state,” he said.
Bassey said that the state needed federal government’s support for the superhighway, the deep seaport, and other projects that the governor had initiated.
“For somebody like Ayade who has gone far to appoint over 6,000 persons into his government, it will be a difficult moment for PDP in Cross River.
“I think today marks the official burial ceremony of PDP in Cross River and this will affect the national because I see other governors joining the APC soon.
“With this movement, some of our people can now get better appointments at the centre. For us in Cross River we have moved,” he said. Ayade officially joined the APC at a ceremony in Calabar on Thursday attended by Gov. Mai Bala-Buni of Yobe, who is the Caretaker Chairman of APC and other governors.
No Secession Agitation in Akwa Ibom – Gov Emmanuel
In a related development, the Akwa Ibom state government stated its resolve to remain solidly behind Nigeria’s quest to remain united for growth and progress of the nation and its citizens.
Governor Udom Emmanuel stated this when he received course participants of the Strategic Management and Policy Studies Course 3 of 2020 from the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, at Government House, Uyo.
He noted that although Akwa Ibom would not join in the quest for secession, the state “strongly believes in a Nigeria that is founded upon the strong principles of justice, equity and fairness”.
The governor stressed that the state would not, in any way, support the disintegration of the country as it “has all available resources to become a great nation envisaged by its citizens”.
Represented by the deputy governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, Governor Emmanuel appreciated the Armed Forces for its enormous contribution in ensuring unity and peace in the country and Akwa Ibom in particular, noting that no meaningful development can thrive under rancour.
He equally thanked the Federal Government for setting up the Army Resource Centre, which he said, “has contributed immensely towards providing strategic solutions to the wellbeing of the nation”.
On the choice of Akwa Ibom for the Study Tour, Governor Emmanuel described it as a mark of honour and credited the progress in the state to the determination of his administration to improve on the available infrastructure as well as add value to governance.
He listed several achievements of the state in different sectors including agriculture and air transportation, noting that Ibom Air would soon extend its services to the Northern part of the country and the West African sub-region.
Leader of the team and representative of the Director General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Major General James Akomolafe, said they were in the state for a four-day study tour.
He said the preference of Akwa Ibom for the research tour above other states was due to its peaceful ambience and the developmental progress it was making in spite of current global economic challenges.
Some places visited by the team include Champion Breweries Plc, which the Major General observed was making steady progress as one of the oldest industries in the state.
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has released the consolidated financial statements of the Bank and its subsidiaries for the three months ended 31 March 2025.Financial HighlightsAfreximbank Group delivered satisfactory financial performance for the first quarter of 2025, meeting expectations with solid profitability, strengthened liquidity and a resilient capital base.
This performance provides a springboard for the Bank to continue playing its pivotal role of advancing the aspirations of Africa and the Caribbean for economic transformation and sustainable development in the months and years ahead. Net interest income grew by 4.53% to $411.2 million compared to prior year, driven by growth in interest earning assets, complemented by effective management of borrowing costs, helping the Bank to cushion the marginal decline in total interest income due to softening benchmark rates.Fee income from Guarantees and Letters of Credit saw robust growth of 47% and 36% respectively, partially offsetting lower advisory fees to contribute to total unfunded income of $26.9 million for Q1-2025. While this represented a 7.41% decrease from $29.0 million in Q1 2024, the strong performance in Off-balance sheet assets is in line with the Bank’s strategy to grow unfunded business.The Group posted strong Net Income of $215 million, a 21% increase year-on-year from $178 million in the prior period.The Group’s total assets and contingent liabilities increased by 6.4%, reaching $42.7 billion as of 31 March 2025, up from $40.1 billion at FY’2024. On-balance sheet assets grew by 4.85% to $37.0 billion; driven primarily by a 58% surge in cash balances to $7.4 billion, while Off-balance sheet assets i.e. letters of credit and guarantee volumes increased by a 19% to reach $5.7 billion at the end of Q1-2025.Net loans and advances closed Q1-2025 at $27.8 billion; down from the FY2024 closing position reflecting early repayments from certain customers on account of improved foreign currency balances position of some sovereign borrowers. Importantly, the Loan Asset Quality remained strong, with the Non-Performing Loans (NPL) ratio at 2.44%, a modest increase from 2.33% at FY’2024 – well below the Bank’s strategic NPL ceiling of 4%.Driven by inflationary pressures and growing personnel costs, operating expenses rose by 23% to reach $75.4 million by 31 March 2025. Despite this, Afreximbank Group maintained a healthy Cost-to-Income Ratio of 16%, below its strategic range of 17-30%.Afreximbank’s liquidity profile strengthened considerably, with liquid assets now comprising 20% of total assets, up from 13% at the close of FY’2024. This higher liquidity position was as a result of successful fund-raising, coupled with loan repayments received during the quarter.Shareholders’ funds increased by 3.4%, reaching $7.5 billion, driven by strong internally generated capital of $215.4 million in addition to new equity investments under the second General Capital Increase (GCI II) programme.Operating HighlightsIn line with the Afreximbank strategic objective of driving Industrialisation and export development, the Bank and the Government of Kenya ratified a number of initiatives designed to support the development Industrial Parks (IPs) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Kenya under the US$3 billion Kenya country programme.The projects which include Dongo Kundu Industrial Park in Mombasa and Naivasha SEZ II in Mai Mahiu, are key components of Kenya’s Vision 2030 plan to boost export manufacturing and industrialisation. Afreximbank’s support for these initiatives will specifically enhance infrastructure development, attract investment, and strategically position Kenya as a key hub for African and global commerce.The rollout of the Pan-African Payments and Settlement System (PAPSS) continues to gain momentum with KCB Group in Kenya and Bank of Kigali in Rwanda launching the platform, becoming the first banks in their respective countries to offer seamless, instant, and affordable cross-border payments in local currencies across Africa.Aligned with its mandate to promote Global Africa following the recognition of the African Diaspora as the 6th region of Africa, the Bank further cemented its expansion and presence in the Caribbean with the historic groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the construction of the first ever Afreximbank African Trade Centre (AATC) outside of Africa in Bridgetown, Barbados. AATC Barbados will also host its regional office. The Barbados AATC is an authentic icon of trade embodying the ambition, resilience, and influence of leading commercial cities in Africa and the Caribbean that serve as dynamic focal points for commerce, fostering regional and global trade connections, and is expected to enhance intra-and extra-African trade, with a focus on countries of the Global South.Denys Denya, Afreximbank’s Senior Executive Vice President, commented:“Our QI 2025 results, which were in line with expectations, reflected a strong and resilient financial performance, notwithstanding continued macroeconomic challenges. With solid profitability growth, a strengthened liquidity position, and a well-capitalised balance sheet, the Group is firmly positioned to continue playing a pivotal role in advancing the aspirations of Africa and the Caribbean for economic transformation and sustainable development.”
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Minister for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday presented N1.7 trillion as the total FCT 2025 statutory budget to the National Assembly.The FCT Minister presented the budget on behalf of President Bola Tinubu to the House committee on FCT in Abuja.
He said the sum of 1,289,690,124,776 Naira is for capital projects, which constitutes 72. 33% of the budget. He said FCT Administration is indeed grateful for the understanding and magnanimity of the Honourable Committee in considering the FCT 2025 Statutory BudgetHe reminded the committee that FCT Statutory Budget is funded from proceeds of the 1% of the 52.68% Statutory Allocation of the Federal Government from the Federation Account, InternallyGenerated Revenue (GR) and the other sources as contained in the Revenue Fiscal Framework.He noted that the 2025 budget is accordingly prepared within the context of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) and the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). The Budget also took into consideration the Federal Government’s assumptions for 2025.The Budget proposal also has taken into cognizance the estimated revenue accruing to the FCT through the Federation Account and recognizes other in-house efforts to bo0st revenue generation capabilities in FCT. The focus of the capital budget is mainly on completion of on-going projects that have a high impact on service delivery.He said, “Accordingly, a fiscal framework of the sum of N1,783,823,708,392.00 comprising Distributable Revenue of N1,392,573,937,087.00 and Non-Distributable Revenue of N391,249,771,305.00 has been proposed for the FCT 2025 Statutory Budget after due deliberations with all the Revenue Generating Agencies of the FCTA, taking into consideration the parameters highlighted in paragraph 5 above.”When compared 2025 Budget proposal of the sum of N1,783,823,708,392.00 with the Revised 2024 Appropriation of the sum of N1,668,770,61 0,283.00, there is an increase of the sum of N115,053, 098,108.76 (7%) in the 2025 statutory budget proposal.This increase is to achieve a realistic budget performance in 2025 having considered the remarkable improvement in the revenue generated in 2024 fiscal year”.The chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Hon. Aliyu Betara earlier commended the FCT Minister for tackling the current waves of insecurity in FCT, being able to deliver its mandate effectively.He said, “We have noted with satisfaction the completion of various projects and new ones embarked by the FCT administration. Out of the total FCT 2025 statutory budget of 1,783,823,708,392 Naira, the sum of 1,289,690,124,776 Naira is for capital projects, which constitutes 72.33% of the budget.”It is important to note that out of the total capital proposal of the sum of 1,889,014,910,776 Naira is for ongoing projects, and this constitutes 85% of the capital project. In effect, what I’m saying is, out of the total amount earmarked for capital for 2025, the FCT is using or utilizing or proposing to use 85% of that amount for completion of ongoing projects. The sum of 200,775,212,000 is just for new projects”.The Minister had earlier presented the same 2025 budget to the Senate Committee on FCT.The Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is Senator Ibrahim Bomai, who said FCT is presenting one of the best budgets so far.”And before I allow the floor for questions, I would also like to note that the IGR proposed by FCT has greatly improved. The FCT is proposing 608 billion just IGR.”So this is something to commend the Honorable Minister of State and his staff for doing a wonderful job”, he said.
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
The leadership of the Labour Party yesterday alleged that Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led by Joe Ajero, is responsible for the crisis rocking the party and not the Federal government.In his reaction to the allegation by Ajero, Nenadi Usman and others said that the Labour Party is being destabilized by the federal government because of the potential of the party, the party’s Spokesman; Obiora Ifoh said they are economical with the truth.
“The NLC President, Ajero who is now sounding like a broken record, also restated his resolve to invade unannounced the national and state Secretariats of the Labour Party, with his armies, with the intention to take over the party forcefully.”We must state clearly and categorically that if there is any person or organization that has destabilized the Labour Party or who is working to destabilize the party, it is no other person than Joe Ajero and the NLC.”We must also state here that after the general election in 2023, the party has no issues at all, we had no faction and we had no major disagreement in the party.”It was Ajero who went ahead to illegally, unprofessionally and unconstitutionally set up a so-called Transition Committee which went all over the place making noise and debasing the image of the party.”It was the same Committee set up by Ajero that was going to INEC everyday, constituting nuisance, all in attempt to destabilize the party, mobilizing people, including old and retired men, including Abdulawaheed Omar, Ejiofor, Lawson Osagie and Prof. Theophilus Ndubaku, men who should be resting after many years of serving their fatherland, to go against the interest of the party.”Nigerians all over, have asked Ajero to concentrate on his primary assignment to fight for the welfare of workers. The regulatory body in charge of the Labour Union in the Ministry of Labour has also publicly admonished Ajero to excuse himself from matters concerning politics and to face his legitimate assignment as a defender of workers rights.”We put it on record that Ajero’s led NLC in all its ramifications has failed the Nigerian workers as shown by his last May Day speech. Today, Nigeria workers are oppressed, the economy is not working, there are unfair practices against workers, and nobody speaks for the oppressed workers in Nigeria, yet Ajero is busy plotting his future political ambition and toiling with the welfare of workers.”Over the past few years, instead of the NLC to be in support of the party, and for the party to draw strength from the Labour movement as it’s done in some Scandinavian countries such as in Brazil, Australia etc, what we found in Nigeria is a reversed approach were the NLC which ought to be a source of strength, is constituting itself as a destabilizing factor for the Labour Party.”Since 2015, this same NLC was the one that set up the Caretaker Committee that is unknown to the party constitution headed by one Salisu Mohammed. If there is any group or persons who have worked against the interest of the Labour Party, it is NLC and Joe Ajero.”So he should not shift the blame to any person, he should squarely take responsibility for whatever is happening in the party today.”We are also calling on all genuine members of the Labour Party to distance themself from the illegal activities of the Nenadi Usman group and their ploy to manipulate unsuspecting party members from parting with their hard earned money through illegal Congresses they are planning.”They do not have the powers to conduct any party activity, congresses inclusive. Be warned.”Labour Party open to all Nigerians but not for sale — NLC President
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared the Labour Party open to defectors, pledging to provide equal political opportunities for all Nigerians regardless of social status, religion, or ethnicity.The Congress added that the party is open to all Nigerians and willing to welcome defectors.NLC President, Joe Ajaero who spoke in Abuja during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Labour Party held yesterday alleged that government agencies were actively working to destabilise the party through various clandestine plots.“All agencies of government are involved in these destabilisation plots. We must be clear about this.“They must be told to remove their hands from the organisation of the Workers’ Party. That is a sin. Across over 57 countries of the world, Labour Parties are functional and driven by workers’ unions,” Ajaero warned.He cited the British Trades Union Congress (TUC), which has for decades operated the Labour Party using a union office, as an example of global practice.“So why should Nigeria be different? Why would the government keep eyes on the Labour Party here?” He queried.Ajaero reaffirmed that the Labour Party is not the exclusive preserve of the NLC but a party “formed by Congress and given to Nigerians with a clear-cut ideology.”He emphasised the platform’s openness and commitment to inclusivity.He also criticised attempts to use the Supreme Court to interfere in internal party affairs, asserting that the apex court has already ruled that internal crises should be resolved through mechanisms within the party.“When people talk about Supreme Court rulings, I wonder if the Supreme Court is now the one to run political parties. It is not the Supreme Court that constitutes the Labour Party,” he insisted.Taking a swipe at other political parties that charge exorbitant fees for expression of interest and nomination forms, Ajaero contrasted them with the Labour Party, which he said is rooted in pro-people values.In the Labour Party, we don’t charge hundreds of millions to contest elections because we can’t afford it. We are in politics to add value to society, to bring relief to the oppressed—not to profit from the people’s misery,” he said.Encouraging defectors from other political parties to join, Ajaero stressed the enduring institutional nature of the Labour Party.“This is our party. We do not defect. NLC and TUC are institutional members. When politicians defect, we remain. Soldiers come, soldiers go, but the barracks remain.”He called on all stakeholders to unite and work collectively towards strengthening the party and achieving its goals.Earlier, the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the party, Dr Sylvester Ejiofor, lamented that previous efforts to resolve internal crises had failed because they lacked alignment with the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act, and the widely accepted ‘Consent Judgement’ of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
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