Some stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State have accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the party’s state chairman, Mr. Stephen Ntukekpo, and the Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, of selling the soul of the party to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in exchange for PDP’s support for Akpabio’s 2027 third-term ambition.

The allegation was made in an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, titled “The Worrisome State of the APC in Akwa Ibom State: A Call for Your Intervention”, jointly signed by Elder Okokon James, Peter Ibanga, and Chief Victor Affiah from the Uyo, Eket, and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial districts, respectively.

A copy of the letter, made available to newsmen on Sunday in Uyo, reads in part:

“We, the founding fathers of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State, are compelled to write this open letter to you.

“The state chairman of the party, Mr. Stephen Ntukekpo, and the Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, are openly declaring that they were directed by the Senate President to cripple the party in the state, giving the PDP an easy ride to victory in the 2027 polls in exchange for PDP’s support for the Senate President’s third-term ambition.

“We want to assure Mr. President that if urgent action is not taken to revive and strengthen the party in the state, there won’t be party members left to receive you when you visit next year to campaign.

“The soul and spirit of the party in the state have been sold to the PDP-led government, and as a result, party members are gearing up to join an upcoming opposition coalition against your second-term ambition.

“How can party members be mobilized for you when the party itself has been intentionally crippled by the Senate President and his close allies? It is unbelievable that the party is dead in a state that produces the Senate President and the Minister of Petroleum Resources.”

The APC stakeholders described Akpabio’s actions as a betrayal of confidence and treachery against the party, which provided the platform for his Senate Presidency.

“Should members of the party in the state move en masse to the opposition coalition against your second-term ambition, hold the Senate President and the Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, responsible,” they asserted.

They further warned that Governor Umo Eno would neither join the APC nor commit to Tinubu’s second-term ambition, stating:

“While Governor Umo Eno and his team are strengthening their party daily, our party leaders are doing nothing to show that APC still exists in the state.”

However, responding on Sunday, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, dismissed the allegations as spurious and mischievous.

“The writers of the letter are non-existent and not known to the party. Their allegations are spurious and mischievous.

“The Senate President has strengthened the party through various appointments he has secured for members. Do you call that working against the party?” Eyiboh said.

Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has described his father as the greatest president in Nigeria’s history.

In a video that went viral on Monday, Seyi made the remark while addressing a gathering of youths in Adamawa State.

“It was never politics, but they keep coming for me, they keep coming for my family, they keep coming for your father, they keep coming for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the greatest president in the history of Nigeria,” he said.

He further praised his father’s leadership, claiming he had prioritised youth empowerment and economic growth.

“He is the only president that has kept your people at home, from when he was governor to when be became president, the only president that considers youths, the only president that created a platform for young people to fly.

“The only president that created an economy that has benefitted everybody, the only president that is not trying to enrich his own pocket,” he stated.

Seyi has recently been seen distributing food items during visits to northern states.

Earlier in March, he joined Kano residents, including the state chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Hashimu Dugurawa, in breaking the Ramadan fast.

He has also visited Yobe State as part of his engagements with youths.

The former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has defected to the All Progressives Congress.

Jandor made the announcement on Monday during a press conference at his office in Ikeja, Lagos, weeks after resigning from the PDP.

Jandor cited internal crises and lack of party discipline within the PDP as the primary reasons for his departure, expressing disappointment in the party’s inability to address anti-party activities during the 2023 general elections.

He said, “Our story in the PDP was a case of working with perennial political saboteurs but we have resolved to love our future much more than we hate our past.

“After extensive consultations with family, political associates, elder statesmen, supporters, and well-meaning Lagosians who share our vision for a greater and more prosperous Lagos, and in identifying that the primary reason a political party exists is to win elections and ultimately form the government to contribute to the welfare, security and total development of the people, we wish to formally announce that we have decided to join a political party that considers winning for its members as top priority, not minding who is on the ballot.

“We have decided to return to the All Progressives Congress.”

Jandor revealed that he consulted widely with political associates, supporters, and leaders across various parties, including the Social Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, and Young Progressive Party, before deciding to return to the APC.

Addressing concerns about his earlier exit from the ruling party, he likened his experience to a Yoruba adage about learning from different situations.

“Before you are quick to remind me of the reasons upon which we left APC in the first place, let me respond with a popular Yoruba adage that says if a woman has not tried two husbands, she probably would not know which is better.

“In APC, we have a leader, even if you fault his selection choices, you can’t fault his desire to always win for his party to the benefit of all members, followers and the state.

“While in Lagos PDP, you have a leader that will, at every election cycle work against his own party, and willfully dash the hopes of many party members and followers. We have chosen the better alternative,” he stated.

He added, “Our return to the APC is not a decision made lightly. It is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to the progress of Lagos State and our belief that unity among progressives is essential to achieving the collective aspirations of our people.”

He acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, in persuading him to rejoin the APC.

Jandor stated, “Let me once again extend our sincere gratitude to the President and the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who recognized our modest contributions to democracy and nation building.

“I must also recognize the relentless efforts of the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, who has been on our case for over one year to return ‘home’, and join hands with Mr. President.

“Upon hearing the news of my resignation from the PDP, the President’s son, Mr. Seyi Tinubu immediately put a call across to say “Egbon, this is the time to come back home.” Prior to that time, Seyi had exhibited the learnings he has had from the best and reached out, asking for support for the administration of his father, the President. What more can a father ask for.”

Jandor assured his supporters that the move was in Lagos’ best interest and urged them to join him in the new political chapter.

“We remain committed to the values of service, integrity, and progress. Together, we will continue to champion the cause of a better Lagos for present and future generations,” he said.

The political crisis rocking Rivers State took a fresh turn on Monday as the State House of Assembly accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy Ngozi Odu of gross misconduct.

The development is the latest in the series of political crises that have engulfed the oil-rich state.

The lawmakers, under the leadership of Martin Amaewhule, have forwarded the notice to the Governor and his deputy.

“In compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws, we the undersigned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly hereby forward to you a Notice of Gross Misconduct by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State in the performance of the functions of her office,” the notice reads in part.

Details later…

Despite former President General Muhammadu Buhari’s insistence that he remains a dedicated member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), his loyalists, who form the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) faction within the ruling party, are reportedly plotting their exit.

There have been growing dissatisfaction among CPC loyalists, many of whom backed Buhari in the 2011 presidential election under the party’s platform before he was defeated by former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

These individuals believe they have been sidelined, particularly in political appointments, which they claim have disproportionately favored the South West APC.

This sense of exclusion has intensified frustration among Buhari’s supporters, who feel marginalized within the party’s power structure. As a result, discussions have gained momentum regarding potential alliances with other political groups.

Sources within the CPC faction revealed to Daily Sun that their grievances stem from what they perceive as a diminished role in APC’s decision-making process.

In response, the CPC bloc is seriously considering forming an alliance with opposition parties, led by key political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai.

El-Rufai, who recently joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has been vocal about his reasons for leaving the APC.

He stated that he had informed Buhari of his decision and claimed the former president had given his blessing.

However, shortly after his remarks, Buhari released a statement reaffirming his membership in the APC.

In his statement, Buhari reiterated his allegiance to the party, expressing gratitude for the support he received during his two terms in office.

He described this backing as the highest honor of his political career and emphasized the contributions of the party’s founding members.

The former president also stressed the importance of strengthening the APC as a vehicle for national progress. “I am an APC member, and I like to be addressed as such. I will try to popularise the party by all means,” he said.

While Buhari’s remarks appeared aimed at reassuring party members, they have done little to ease tensions within the CPC bloc.

Many within the faction view Buhari’s loyalty to the APC as a personal choice that does not reflect their collective stance.

If the CPC faction proceeds with its departure, it could have significant consequences for the APC.

The CPC played a vital role in the party’s formation in 2013 and was instrumental in Buhari’s electoral victories in 2015 and 2019.

Political analysts warn that losing the CPC bloc could substantially weaken the APC, particularly in northern Nigeria.

The National Chairman of the Action Development Party (ADP), Yabagi Sani, has said Nigerians are experiencing the worst of economic hardship under President Bola Tinubu.

Sani said the policies of the President have prolonged citizens’ pains for too long.

Speaking on Trust TV’s Sunday Politics, Sani, who was the presidential candidate of the ADP in the 2023 election, stated that Nigeria’s economy promised greatness, but poor management is affecting the economy.

“Nigeria’s economy is a promise of greatness and I believe we can do much more better with what is happening today. Yes, the government took certain decisions that one would say are necessary.

“But today Nigerians are not happy. They are going through what is called hell because looking at Nigeria before President Tinubu took over power, it wasn’t anything good, but today we are worse off.

“I understand that you must go through pains before enjoying but don’t let the pains be prolonged, otherwise by the time all the goodies come, there will be nobody available to enjoy them,” he said.

The ADC National Chairman called on the government to do more to alleviate citizens’ hardship. He urged the government to address inflation, corruption and foreign exchange issues.

According to him, Nigeria, being an import-dependent country, must get its foreign exchange policy right to address inflation.

“So, it is expected for this government to do more than what it is doing. The reality is that the current inflation in the country is too high.

“The government should tackle the issue of corruption because it is there. Government should ensure that direct measures should be taken to ensure that the cost of transportation is addressed.

“Another factor the government should address is the exchange rate. It also plays a big role in what becomes inflation. Nigeria imports a lot of things, therefore the strength of naira is crucial, that is what we are asking government to look at this,” he stated.

The Trade Union Congress has backed a Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye, also known as Raye, who claimed to have received threats for criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

TUC President, Festus Osifo, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, said that the corps member spoke out of frustration, advising the government not to go after her but to be tolerant of critics.

The TUC boss, however, advised critics to always criticise the government within the expected norm and with some level of decorum.

He said, “They (government) have to develop this resilience to understand that people are frustrated, people are hungry, people are tired. So, if they decide to vent, I strongly believe that the government should not personalise it and come after such individuals.

“Imagine a young lady carrying out her NYSC function, what does she really have to do to bring down government? So, it is about personal frustration that she has aired.

“So, I think that the government has to persevere much more, they have to be more tolerant, and they have to have this deep level of patience with Nigerians because people are passing through a lot as it stands today.”

Raye, a corps member serving in Lagos, recently made headlines after a video she posted criticising government policies went viral.

She later claimed to have faced threats, reportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to take down the video.

In the video posted on her TikTok account #talktoraye on Saturday, Raye voiced frustration over Nigeria’s deteriorating economic situation, lamenting that hard work no longer guarantees financial stability.

She criticised Tinubu’s leadership, calling him a “terrible leader,” and questioned the government’s commitment to easing citizens’ hardships.

However, the NYSC has yet to release an official statement regarding the issue.

Fubara frustrating implementation of S-Court judgement —Rivers Assembly

Reconvene to receive 2025 budget — Govt replies Assembly

 
 
Rivers State government and the state House of Assembly were yesterday locked in a war of words over implementation of the Supreme Court judgement, especially as it concerns the presentation of 2025 budget.

While the Assembly accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of frustrating all aspects of the implementation of the judgement, the state government challenged the lawmakers to reconvene, so the budget could be presented before them

Speaking in Port Harcourt yesterday, the Chairman, House Committee on Information and spokesperson of the House, Dr. Enemi Alabo George, challenged the governor to produce the acknowledged copy of the letter he sent to the House.

George said: “ Last week, we were told that on his way to Ogoni for a programme, the governor made a stopover at the gate of the House of Assembly Quarters to grant an interview to the press.

“In that interview, he claimed that he had sent a letter to the House of Assembly indicating his intention to visit and present the appropriation bill, a claim we found rather astonishing as no such letter was received by the House of Assembly.

“His aides later alleged that they forwarded a letter through whatsapp to some members of the House, which was also awkward, unprofessional and embarrassing.

“As I speak, the social media space is awash with stories about a purported letter from the governor to the House of Assembly expressing his intention to visit the House to present the appropriation bill for the year 2025.

“Nothing can be farther from the truth. We want to state categorically that there is no such letter before the House of Assembly nor any of its staff. We challenge the governor and his aides to produce an acknowledgement copy of such a letter or any evidence that such a letter was sent or received by the House of Assembly.

‘’It is absolutely untrue and unfortunate. The general public must, as a matter of importance, ignore such claim.

“It is now very obvious that if at all there was such a letter, the intended recipient was not the legislature, but the public, and the clear intention was to play to the gallery, whip up public sentiment, demonise the House of Assembly and set the public against us. This is demeaning, denigrating and perilously unfortunate.”

He claimed that the governor frustrated all the efforts of the House to work with him to resolve the lingering crisis immediately after the Supreme Court judegment, especially as regards budget presentation.

“Recall after the recent Supreme court judgement on the budget of our state, it became absolutely necessary for the governor to present the appropriation bill to the legislature for consideration and passage.

“Also recall that immediately after the judgement, this House wrote to the governor, calling on him to immediately present the budget for speedy consideration.

“It was our hope that by March 15, 2025, we would have concluded the process of passing the appropriation bill into law, so as to give us enough time to approach the federal government to release funds meant for our state which have been seized by the judgement of the Supreme Court.

“This we did in the interest of our dear state and in pursuit of peace, recognizing that no government can function optimally without a harmonious co-existence between the executive and the legislature
“This letter was rejected and the staff of the House of Assembly who attempted to deliver the mails were brutalised at the gate of Government House and sent back. undeterred by this, the House resorted to use a courier service to deliver the mail. The governor did not heed to our call, nor did he demonstrate any intention to.’’

Reconvene to receive 2025 budget — Rivers govt replies Assembly

But replying the Assembly last night, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, said: “Far from it. On March 7 when we got the CTC, we wrote the Assembly. The Assembly feigned ignorance of the letter we wrote, that they never saw it.

“We wrote another one and mentioned that we’re coming on the 12th, which was on a Wednesday, they hurriedly ended their sitting, locked us out and ran away.

 
“We wrote again and that was on March 13, only to hear that as soon as they received the letter, they are going to adjourn sine dine.

“We are hoping now that in a normal situation and when things are like this, what you discover is that, when a House, whether national or state adjourns sine dine and there is an emergency, the House reconvenes.

“We would expect that our assembly members who are truly representatives of their constituencies should reconvene and address this issues.

“This is because, if they don’t sit and address the budget the Supreme Court directed we present to them, it will be that they are against the decision of Supreme Court which is like a constitutional stalemate and that will not be in the interest of anybody.”

Abductors of a businessman, Tope Fuji, his wife, and their daughter, in Owo, Ondo State, have demanded a ransom of N30 million for their release.

Recall that the victims were abducted in front of their residence along Ipele Road, Owo, in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Family sources said the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N30 million but later reduced it to N20 million. Since then, there have been no further communications from the kidnappers.

A source said, “We were together on Friday because we were fasting. That day, we were all at his wife’s shop, playing, before we eventually parted ways. Later, I received a call from one of his sons, informing me that his father, mother, and sister had been kidnapped. We quickly got into a vehicle and rushed to Tope’s house.

“The boy who called me was the one who had stepped out of the car to open the gate. He said that while he was opening it, the kidnappers attacked, and he managed to escape. When the kidnappers called, they initially demanded N30 million, but later reduced it to N20 million.”

The source added that the victims are still in the kidnappers’ den, and their abductors have not communicated with the family since the ransom demand.

Contacted, the state police command spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami, claimed ignorance of the abduction.

The economic hardship bedeviling Nigerians has forced many to indulge in several abnormal means to generate income for survival.

As parents are struggling, so children are turning to various means of survival.
Economy&Lifestyle discovered that in some cities, in several parts of the country, many commercial drivers, especially those with mini buses operating in academic environments, have now turned their vehicles into provisions’ stores.

Items ranging from sweets, chewing gums, snacks, bread, beverages are displayed in these buses to easily attract passengers and clients.

Apart from these, Point of Sale, PoS, services are also rendered by these drivers, who display their bank account numbers at various angles in the vehicles.

Mr. Emmanuel Uromu, a driver, said: “I drive a mini-bus in an environment where mainly students reside.
“I noticed that such primary needs as milk, pen, bread, snacks among others are things these students buy and sometimes they hardly find time to get them.

“So I decided to create a mini store in my bus as another means of survival since the money I get from this driving business hardly sustains myself and my family.

“When I started it was awkward because passengers were complaining of heat and you know how students are. So I fixed a small fan in the bus.

“So far I have had lots of patronage and some people even request things I don’t have.
“This has also helped me to grow the business.

“It is one of the best decisions I have taken so far.”
Testifying to the development, Mrs. Elohor Edebor said she saw such in Delta State and was amazed by such creativity and smartness.

“I saw a commercial bus with a mini provision store a few months ago when I visited Delta State.
“I was amazed and asked the driver how he copes with people not stealing from him.

“He showed me the cage wire he constructed which was locked and fixed directly to the roof of the bus.
“I was just looking at him with surprise and various feelings.

“Never in my life have I boarded a passenger bus which is also a provision store.

“That is the creativity the difficult state we are in the country has brought out of that man.
“Himself and his family must survive and stealing is out of the box for him.”

Mr. Omoniyi Abbey, a commercial bus driver said: “I don’t blame any driver for selling provisions to our profession.

“Do you know how much a tire is? Both fairly used and brand new tires.
“Even the prices of other spare parts are high.
“Then you will settle the owner of the bus daily.
“What about the garage levies paid at different bus stops.
“Also in situations where we fall into the traps of law enforcement agencies, we pay through our noses.
“All these are making commercial transport business tiring and less lucrative.

“So, few drivers are sourcing incomes through other means like selling provisions in the bus at the same time with picking and dropping passengers.”