By Mike Odiakose, Abuja 

Ahead of local government council election in Edo State, the State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded for the immediate redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anugbum Onuaha, for his  role in the last governorship election.

According to the PDP,  the actions of the REC during the last gubernatorial polls undermined the credibility and integrity of the electoral process, and “we cannot allow such a tainted official to oversee the forthcoming bye-elections in Edo State.

Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman, Edo PDP Caretaker Committee,

 stated this in Benin City while briefing journalists on the preparation of the party for the fourth coming by- election.

“We however want to express displeasure that some electoral officers whom we are aware of, from their antecedent, have been compromised”.

“His actions during the last gubernatorial polls undermined the credibility and integrity of the electoral process, and we cannot allow such a tainted official to oversee the forthcoming bye-elections in Edo State.

The party urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, a matter of urgency meets this demand and boosts voters confidence and assures the credibility of the process.

 They also demanded  that the Electoral Officers (EOs) during the 2024 gubenaotiral who were in Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, Etsako West, Etsako East, and Akoko Edo steer clear of the bye-elections. Their involvement in the alleged irregularities that marred the last governorship election makes their participation unacceptable.

According to Aziegbemi, “Having completed this pre election process, our party in Edo State is highly prepared for the polls and are confident that we will emerge victorious. The areas in the contest are traditional strongholds of the PDP and with the quality and credential of our candidates and the support of the people, including our party supporters and members, we are sure of victory at the polls”. He stated.

The mantra, “One Man, One Vote”, remains our slogan and this we will uphold during the forthcoming bye-elections. As a party, we will not tolerate any form of electoral manipulation. We insist on a fair, credible, and transparent election and urge INEC, security agencies, and all stakeholders to ensure that every citizen’s vote counts and is protected.

“To those who have chosen to defect from our great party, we wish them the best in their future endeavors.However, we remind them that the natural laws of nature also apply to politics. 

“As we go into the elections, we remain focused on winning the National Assembly seats and as a formidable political party that enjoys the love and support of the people especially at the grassroots, we are confident of coming out victorious.

“We urge voters in the various constituencies to remain vigilant, participate actively by coming out enmasse to vote the PDP and its candidates who have the capacity and ability to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people, he said.

Prof Rufa’i Alkali Congratulates New National Chairman of APC

…Lauds Party for Smooth Leadership Transition

Former Political Adviser to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Prof Rufai’s Ahmed Alkali has congratulated the new national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.

In a congratulatory message made available to Journalists in Abuja, Prof Alkali applauded the APC for the rancour-free transition of power that saw the emergence of the new National Chairman.

According to Prof Alkali, “the well thought out selection and the smooth process of his appointment by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great party clearly shows that the APC has come of age.

”

He added that some opposition political parties were taken unawares by the smooth process that saw the emergence of APC new National Chairman and that is a clear indication that the ruling party is a step ahead of other political parties in the country.

Part of the statement read: “I wish to convey my special congratulations to Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda on his well deserved appointment as the National Chairman of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“His well thought out selection and the smooth process of his appointment by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great party clearly shows that the APC has come of age.

“From their initial reactions, it appears some members of the opposition were taken unawares.

“This is how it should be. A ruling party should always be steps ahead.

“We wish Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda success in the challenges that lie ahead.”

…Lauds Party for Smooth Leadership Transition

Former Political Adviser to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Prof Rufai’s Ahmed Alkali has congratulated the new national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.

In a congratulatory message made available to Journalists in Abuja, Prof Alkali applauded the APC for the rancour-free transition of power that saw the emergence of the new National Chairman.

According to Prof Alkali, “the well thought out selection and the smooth process of his appointment by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great party clearly shows that the APC has come of age.”

He added that some opposition political parties were taken unawares by the smooth process that saw the emergence of APC new National Chairman and that is a clear indication that the ruling party is a step ahead of other political parties in the country.

Part of the statement read: “I wish to convey my special congratulations to Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda on his well deserved appointment as the National Chairman of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“His well thought out selection and the smooth process of his appointment by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great party clearly shows that the APC has come of age.

“From their initial reactions, it appears some members of the opposition were taken unawares.

“This is how it should be. A ruling party should always be steps ahead.

“We wish Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda success in the challenges that lie ahead.”

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Digital Economy and Technical Assistant on New Media to former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Philip Obin, has described the recent public outburst by Senate President Godswill Akpabio is not only unfortunate, but also unprecedentedly inciteful.

Obin said in his social media handle that such utterances, coming from the nation’s number three citizen, carry the dangerous potential of igniting tension—even outright violence—between two sister states, Cross River and Akwa Ibom. “This is reckless and deeply disappointing.”For historical context, Cross River State is one of Nigeria’s oldest federating units, created in 1967 (originally as South-Eastern State) and renamed Cross River in 1976. “Akwa Ibom State, on the other hand, was carved out of Cross River State on September 23, 1987, by the Ibrahim Babangida-led military government. “As such, Akwa Ibom is not only our geographical neighbour but also our “younger sister” in both administrative and historical terms.”It is ironic, then, that Cross River—a state that gave birth to Akwa Ibom—has suffered the loss of 76 offshore oil wells to this younger sibling under highly controversial circumstances. “These oil wells were once a vital source of revenue and development for Cross River, contributing significantly to its federal allocations before their loss. Since the 2012 Supreme Court ruling, Cross River’s allocation dropped by over 40%, plunging the state deeper into economic hardship.”In spite of the economic hardship caused by the loss of the 76 oil wells—an act many still believe was politically engineered to Cross River’s disadvantage—our people have chosen the path of peace. “Cross River has demonstrated maturity, restraint, and exceptional neighbourliness towards Akwa Ibom. “We have maintained friendship and extended the hand of brotherhood, even while pursuing justice through peaceful and legal means.”This is why it is deeply troubling to see both the Akwa Ibom State Government and the Senate President engage in coordinated attempts to silence any conversation around redress, using the Supreme Court ruling as a final seal to shut down dialogue. But justice is not always only a legal conclusion—it is also a moral one.”Yes, the court ruled in 2012, but the pain and sense of injustice remain fresh among Cross Riverians. The fact that we lost our maritime boundary due to a federal action (the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon) does not justify the further economic punishment of our people. “A political solution remains the most honourable and sustainable path forward—one that acknowledges the complexity of the situation and respects the sacrifices of Cross River.”Let it be clear: calls for a review or political settlement are not acts of provocation; they are calls for equity. “Rather than dismiss these legitimate concerns with arrogance, leaders—especially at the national level—should promote dialogue and healing, not division and threats.”The hate and condescension in Senator Akpabio’s utterances will not intimidate us. They will only strengthen our resolve. “The people of Cross River may be peaceful, but we are not weak. We demand justice, and we will continue to pursue it—peacefully, lawfully, and fearlessly.”