The People Democratic Party(PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) called for forgiveness, dialogue and unity to resolve the party’s lingering internal crisis..The Board Chairman, Sen. Adolphus Wabara stated this in his remarks at the party National Executive Committee (NEC) 99th meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja.

“No ambition, grievance, and misunderstanding should ever be allowed to override the collective interests of the party and the hopes of Nigerians yearning for PDP return to national leadership. “The journey of PDP has been long, sometimes turbulent, but always deeply rooted in members collective aspirations for a united, democratic, and prosperous Nigeria,” he said.He said while PDP had faced internal and external challenges, and in most cases self-inflicted challenges, it had also witnessed enduring strength of members’ ideals, the resilience of its structures, and the loyalty of millions of Nigerians who still believe in the party as the most credible platform for national transformation.He said that members must be honest with themselves, there were still much work to do.“Divisions, mistrusts, and lingering grievances within our ranks have at times hampered our progress and blurred our vision.“As the party of the people, we must recommit to healing these wounds and restoring faith among our members.“As chairman of the board of trustees, the conscience of the party, I call on all of us leaders, elders, youths, and stakeholders to embrace reconciliation, not just as a political tactic, but as a moral imperative.“We must open our hearts to forgive, to dialogue, and to debate,” he said.He urged party leaders to initiate a genuine and structural reconciliation process led by respected elders extending hands of peace to all aggrieved members.Wabara emphasised the need for the party to remain open to fresh ideas, new members, and all Nigerians who believe in justice, equity, and good governance.He said that Nigerians were looking for leadership that listens, leadership that delivers, and leadership that reacts, urging PDP to rise to the occasion.“Let us strengthen our internal democracy, revamp our communication channels, and prioritise policies that directly touch the lives of every day Nigerians.“We must begin now to articulate a people-focused vision and present a credible opportunity, not just as critics of government, but as champions of the future.“Let this 99th meeting be remembered as a turning point, a moment where we chose unity over division, hope over despair, and service over self-interest.“Let us go back to the grassroots with a renewed spirit, a clear purpose, and a firm resolve to reclaim our place as the party that not only knows Nigeria, but truly loves Nigeria,” he said.The Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum, ov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, said irrespective of intimidation, members of the forum would not abandonee their mandates.He expressed confidence that PDP governors who defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would still return to the party.“We believe this is not the first time people left PDP and came back. I’m sure they will come back,” he said.He said that the PDP leadership remained stronger and would continue to work for the interest of the party.The Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro, pledged commitment of the PDP National Caucus to work with other party organs and stakeholders to revamp the fortunes of the PDP.Moro dispelled the impression that the PDP was on the verge of collapse due to the recent gale of defection, adding that it will make the party stronger.“While the defection of very senior members of the party must have a temporary setback, we believe that PDP, with its ideas will definitely be the party to beat, even in 2027,” he said.(NAN)

From Yagana Ali Yola.

Adamawa State Governor, the Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has reassured of his commitment to safeguarding the rights of children as future leaders. Governor Fintiri in a Children’s Day message noted that his government will continue to develop relevant policies; programmes and projects towards ensuring children are protected from harm and neglect.

This year’s celebration which has as its theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation, Fintiri stated that children must be given priority because they are our most sacred trust. ”As we celebrate Children’s Day, I am reminded of the sacred responsibility we hold toward our children, our most valuable treasure and the architects of our tomorrow. Their voices, creativity, and resilience will shape the character of our great nation. Our administration remains committed to providing every child in Adamawa with a safe, supportive, and enabling environment, free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Through policies such as the Child Rights Act and education-focused initiatives, we aim to ensure every child is given a future”The Governor also reassured his administration’s commitment to providing children with the necessary support and resources to develop their full potential and grow into responsible adults.“On this special day, I urge all stakeholders, including parents, guardians, and communities, to join hands in creating a nurturing environment that allows our children to thrive. Let us work together to protect their rights, promote their welfare, and empower them to become the leaders of tomorrow”.He pointed out that the adoption of the Child Rights Act, while also giving education and children’s welfare priority, are all tailored towards ensuring that children are given a sense of belonging.“Happy Children’s Day to all the children of Adamawa State. May your dreams be nurtured, your voices heard, and your futures safeguarded.”Highlight of celebration include parade by school children at Muhammad Ribadu square

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

Professor Salisu Usman, a Political Economist and Development Specialist, has called for the conversion of the recovered housing estate of former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele to Liaison Offices for the 774 Local Government Areas. Usman, in a statement made available to Journalists in Lokoja, said that this would ensure each council has a physical presence in the nation’s capital and collaborate with federal government ministries and agencies.

The Federal Government has decided to sell the 753 housing units confiscated from Emefiele to Nigerians after a final forfeiture declaration by the judiciary. The properties were recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and structural integrity test would be done before the sale. This was disclosed in a joint statement from the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the EFCC recently. The estate covers more than 150,000 square metres and consists of duplexes and other types of apartments. According to Usman, converting these properties into National Liaison Offices for councils will promote national representation, administrative convenience and unity. “Each LGA would have a physical presence in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), symbolising national inclusiveness and strengthening their identity as fundamental components of governance. “The proposal will ensure administrative utility, as the estate could serve as official liaison offices for local governments to interface with federal ministries, agencies, and development partners. “It would also reduce expenses on accommodation for Local Government chairpersons, officials, or delegations visiting the FCT. Additionally, it will promote national unity and generate revenue for each LGA through commercial ventures,” he said. The academician advised that the cost of building the extra 21 units and completing the existing ones should be equitably deducted from the monthly federal allocations to councils over a period of time. This approach, he said, would ensure the project’s success and strengthen Nigeria’s federal system. He added that the initiative would be a legacy project, giving every part of Nigeria a physical footprint in the capital and strengthening grassroots governance at the national level.