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.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

As part of activities marking the World Immunization Week 2025, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has organized a two day Media Dialogue with journalists across the 12 states cover by their operations.

The media dialogue by UNICEF in collaboration with Broadcasting Corporation of Abia state took place at Fidelma Hotel Enugu state had in attendant media practitioners from Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross river, Benue, Ebonyi, Enugu, Rivers, Delta, Imo and Kogi states.

From Joseph Ebi Kanjo

Edo State government has vowed to bring to justice the killers of a Benin-based realtor and business man, Mr Joel Umwueni Isibor.

The 42 years old estate developer and owner of a boutique was sent to his untimely grave by unknown gunmen who broke into his store on Friday evening, penultimate week, and shot him at a close range.

The state deputy governor, Hon.

Idahosa, who said he received the news of the killing with a huge shock, condemned in strong terms the gruesome murder of the Benin-based realtor.

He assured that the state government would not leave any stone unturned to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act and bring them to book.

Idahosa said Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, was deeply touched and saddened over the gruesome murder of a vibrant young and energetic man.

He assured that the state government would not leave any stone unturned to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act and bring them to book.

He warned criminal elements to relocate from Edo State as the government would not compromise its stand on dealing decisively with criminals and their collaborators, using the instrumentality of the law, to serve as deterrent to others.

Idahosa added the state government would synergise with security agencies to launch high scale investigation into the matter, with a view to apprehending the perpetrators of the heinous act and bring them to justice.

He assured the bereaved family of the state government’s unwavering commitment to identify with them.

Responding, Mrs Joel Isibor, wife of the deceased business man, appreciated the state government for its prompt response to commiserate with the family, and described her husband’s death as a heinous crime against humanity.

She said the assailant laid ambush for her husband, while trying to lock the shop after the day’s business and opened fire on him, without any provocation, adding that nothing was removed from the store which painted a true picture of a well orchestrated assassination.

Mrs. Isibor said she was completely devastated, as the husband was the bread winner of the family and appealed to the state government to carry out thorough investigation to unravel the mystery surrounding the gruesome murder of her husband.

The deputy governor who was in a sober mood could not controlled his emotions as he broke down in tears.

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