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The National Working Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has officially released the timetable for its zonal congresses set for 2025.
The congresses will facilitate the election of new Zonal Working Committees and National Ex-Officio members.
In a statement from Abuja on Monday, PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba announced that the party’s National Executive Committee has greenlit the congresses. He noted that the NWC finalized the timetable during its 592nd meeting, coinciding with the end of the current tenures for Zonal Executives in the South-South, South-East, South-West, North-Central, and North-East zones.
The timetable details various key activities: “Sale of forms for all ZWC positions and National Ex-Officio roles in the South-South, South-East, South-West, North-Central, and North-East: Monday, November 18, 2024 – Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
“Deadline for submission of completed Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to the Directorate of Organization and Mobilization: Friday, January 17, 2025.
“Screening of aspirants at the Zonal Headquarters: Saturday, January 25, 2025.
“Screening appeal at the Zonal Headquarters: Saturday, February 1, 2025.
“Publication of cleared aspirants: Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Publication of delegate lists: Thursday, February 13, 2025.
“The congress dates are Zonal Congresses for the North-East, South-East, and South-South: Saturday, February 22, 2025.
“Appeal on Zonal Congresses: Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
“Zonal Congresses for North-Central and South-West: Saturday, March 22, 2025. Appeal on Zonal Congresses: Wednesday, March 26, 2025.”
The PDP has invited all prospective aspirants to reach out to the Directorate of Organization and Mobilization or the Directorate of Finance at the National Secretariat for details regarding fees and other queries.
Ologunagba also called on all PDP leaders, stakeholders, and members to foster unity and work towards the party’s advancement.
[FRipplesNigeria]
Billionaire CEO Elon Musk has unveiled a new initiative that offers $47 to registered U.S. voters who refer others to sign a petition promoting free speech and the right to bear arms.
The programme specifically targets voters in key swing states, aiming to maximise political influence in the upcoming elections.
“For every person you refer who is a swing state voter, you get $47! Easy money,” Musk announced via X on Sunday.
The petition is hosted on the website of Musk’s America PAC, a political action committee that aims to gather 1 million signatures from voters in battleground states.
The PAC, backed by several tech entrepreneurs, was established to support former President Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential bid.
The petition emphasises the importance of protecting the First and Second Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. The First Amendment ensures freedoms of speech, religion, the press, and assembly, while the Second Amendment protects citizens’ right to bear arms.
Musk recently took to the stage at a Donald Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he voiced his support for Trump’s campaign.
During his speech, Musk issued a stark warning, saying this could be “the last election” if Trump fails to secure victory. He also addressed claims that Democrats are allegedly planning to curtail Americans’ rights, including free speech and gun ownership.
Musk in another post added, “Sign our petition to support the Constitution! Also earn $47 for every person you refer to sign the petition if they’re in a swing state. Goal is to get 1M voters in swing states to show support for free speech & right to bear arms.”
[Punch]
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has directed the police to provide security to Rivers State Local Government Officials and to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately.
While instructing law enforcement agencies to bring the situation under control, President Tinubu emphasised the need to ensure the security of public institutions.
The President in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism.
He stressed that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy.
According to President Tinubu, the judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception.
The statement further stated that the “President called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders and their supporters in Rivers State to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.
“In response to recent tensions following last Saturday’s local government council election, the President expressed deep concern over reports of arson and explosions in the state.
“He urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign council in Edo says the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to allow it from inspecting election materials used in the state governorship election.
The election was held on September 21.
Asue Ighodalo, governorship candidate of the PDP, is challenging the victory of Monday Okpebholo, Edo governor-elect.
Okpebholo, a serving senator, won the election with 291,667 votes to defeat Ighodalo who polled 247,274 votes.
In a post on X on Monday, Oseh Anenih, the campaign’s director of strategy, said his party was prevented from inspecting the materials when it visited INEC’s office.
“This morning they refused to comply with a court order mandating them to allow the PDP inspect BVAS machines used to steal the Election,” he posted.
“The Nigerian Police prevented the PDP legal team from accessing the Commission; then thugs magically appeared.”
INEC is colluding with the APC.
This morning they refused to comply with a court order mandating them to allow the PDP inspect BVAS machines used to steal the Election
The Nigerian Police prevented the PDP legal team from accessing the Commission; then thugs magically appeared. pic.twitter.com/OC8Kr15cPn
— Ose Anenih (@ose_anenih) October 7, 2024
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TRIBUNAL ORDER
In an order dated September 29 and seen by TheCable, the Edo governorship election tribunal, said the PDP should have “unfettered access” to all electoral materials in its custody.
“That the 1st Respondent (INEC) is directed to grant the Applicants or their Solicitors and Forensic documents Examiners unfettered access to and open up for inspection all electoral documents or any document in the custody of the National Chief Elcctoral Commissioner or any officer of the Commission/ 1st Respondent particularly the Voter Registers, the ballot papers, the BVAS machines, Forms EC25B, EC 25B(i), Forms EC40A and Forms EC40C which were utilised for the conduct of the Edo state governorship election held on the 21st September, 2024,” W.I. Kpochi, the tribunal judge, held.
[TheCable]
Actress Annie Idibia has been named one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Africa by Glocal Unity Women International.
The organisation will honour Annie at the International Women’s Empowerment and Sustainable Development Summit.
Annie’s recognition is a testament to her immense talent, charisma, and dedication to social impact work.
Her passion for women’s empowerment and success in both fashion and business have made her a standout figure in Africa.
Reacting to the news via her Instagram story, Annie expressed her shock and gratitude.
She wrote: “Ok, guys!! This one Loud I am still rubbing my eyes. Gosh!! Pitching myself. So grateful!! Child of Grace Na me be this?? 100 Most Influential in the entire African continent and the world. What?”
Nigerian social media sensation and relentless crusader, Martins Vincent Otse, known as Verydarkman (VDM), has once again turned up the heat in his ongoing clash with Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky.
This time, VDM, on Monday, October 7, dropped Part 2 of the explosive audio recordings, a calculated strike against the transgender influencer that has sent shockwaves through online platforms.
Coming in the wake of flat denials from the EFCC and prison officials implicated in the scandal, VDM’s timing, according to his followers, couldn’t have been more perfect—he’s proving he had more up his sleeve all along, waiting for just the right moment to unravel the truth.
The newly released audio, allegedly from May 2024, paints a damning picture of what went down during Bobrisky’s time at the rumored private prison where the crossdresser was said to be held in seclusion.
In this recording, Bobrisky is reportedly caught making yet another phone call, this time revealing far more than he may have intended.
The crossdresser is allegedly heard telling a close friend about her deep ties with a powerful ‘Godfather,’ a shadowy figure who allegedly arranged for a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to step in and handle the delicate situation.
But that’s not all. Bobrisky is said to have also spoken about dealings with prison officials and even the EFCC, hinted at how far his connections run.
Then came the jaw-dropper: Bobrisky allegedly addressed the discovery of large sums of money in his account by the EFCC, brushing off any criminal implications by claiming the funds came from his influencer work, where he claims he earns as much as $100,000 per job.
Verydarkman, however, was left floored, not only by the supposed earnings, but by the eerie background voice that surfaced in the audio—allegedly that of a maid assigned to Bobrisky during her time in prison. This unexpected detail threw VDM and his followers into a frenzy, raising even more suspicions about the influence and power Bobrisky wields behind bars.
In classic VDM fashion, he didn’t just release the audio quietly. With sharp precision, he captioned the recording and tagged the very prison officials who had previously denied any involvement, calling them out and daring them to listen to the incriminating evidence.
Verydarkman wrote;
“Before them bring lawsut @official_bto come and see what went down in your prison,.this is A well detailed confession from bobrisky,which involves everyone deeply,EFCC,SAN AND,CORRECTIONAL,bobrisky even get maid oo for alleged prlson”
Famous presenter Toke Makinwa has captured attention online with her breathtaking outfit at the grand finale of the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show, held on Sunday night, October 6, 2024.
The media personality dazzled attendees in a striking red dress featuring intricate net and mesh detailing, which captivated fans and fashion enthusiasts.
The outfit, designed by notable fashion designer Veekee James, showcased Toke’s unique style with its vintage flair, highlighted by stylish gloves.
One glove elegantly adorned her bosom, while another rested on her abdomen.
Toke Makinwa’s bold outfit choice did not go unnoticed on social media, where fans and followers took to Instagram to express their admiration for her stunning appearance.
Many fans and colleagues showered her with compliments, praising her ability to slay in any outfit she wears.
I Have Done At Least Two NYSC’s In My Life – Minister Musawa addresses NYSC certificate scandal
AFOLABI
The Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa has claimed that she has done the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) at least twice.
Musawa made the claim while addressing the controversy surrounding her NYSC certificate scandal.
She stated this on Sunday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
The Minister has been in the public’s eye after failing to provide the Nigerian Senate with evidence that she participated in the mandatory NYSC scheme when she appeared for her screening after President Bola Tinubu sent her name for confirmation.
Her confirmation in 2023 subsequently led to a legal firework instituted by some aggrieved Nigerians who described her appointment without completing the mandatory service as an aberration.
Speaking on the situation, Musawa said she would not set the record straight concerning the controversy.
She insisted that she was not ready to deliberate the issue with anybody until an undisclosed period when she would be willing to come clean on what transpired.
She said, “I don’t know what you have heard. There have been so many different accounts of that particular situation. The fact that I am sitting here means that I didn’t do anything wrong. But I have not come out to set the record straight as to what happened. The social media has just run rife with different accounts.
“The matter had been adjudicated and one day, I will come out with my account. I have probably done more NYSC than you (presenter). I have done at least two NYSCs in my life.”
When quizzed further on why she was shying away from the question despite knowing that she owed Nigerians an explanation for the exalted office she holds, the minister kicked.
“I think what I owe Nigerians is to say that I didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t break the law. The NYSC I did and finished. That is the much I can tell you. Everything I did was by the law.
“That was why I also said that one day I would come out with my account of what happened to set the record straight. As of now, I think it is important for me to focus on giving Nigerians the deliverables,” she said.
Naija News reports that according to NYSC regulations, the program is designed as a one-time experience for eligible Nigerian graduates.
The law stipulates that once a corps member has completed the program and received their discharge certificate, they are not permitted to re-enroll.
Akwa Ibom: PDP declared winner of Akpabio’s LGA — AKISIEC lists APC candidate as chairman-elect
AFOLABI
On Saturday, the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) conducted local government elections in the 31 LGAs and 369 wards of the state.
In the result posted by AKISIEC on Sunday, the PDP won in 30 LGAs, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) claimed one local council.
Typically, the electoral commission publishes the results announced by returning officers for each LGA — but the election in the south-south state took a bizarre turn in Essien Udim.
Godswill Akpabio, senate president and former governor of Akwa Ibom, hails from Esien Udim LGA of the state.
Inyang Ating, a professor from the University of Uyo who served as AKISIEC returning officer for Essien Udim LGA, had declared Enobong Patrick Friday of the PDP as the winner of the election in the area.
Announcing the results, Ating said Friday scored a total of 55,612 votes, while Usoro Ntiedo of the APC got 686 votes.
“That Enobong P. Friday of the PDP having complied with the requirement of the law and scored the majority votes is hereby declared elected,” he said.
“I want to add that Enobong P. Friday, in addition to scoring the majority votes, had more than 25 percent in all the 13 wards of Esien Udim local area.”
However, AKISIEC published Ntiedo’s name as the winner of the poll.
The result was signed by Aniedi Ikoiwak, AKISIEC chairman.
The state electoral commission did not explain why Ntiedo was declared winner — contradicting the results announced by the returning officer.
A former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Okpara, has said the outcome of the Rivers Local Government election showed that the people of the state were tired of oppression and dictatorship.
The chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State asserted that Rivers people have been liberated due to the success of the October 5 local council elections.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, Okpara said the oil-rich state now has a governor who wants to serve the people, not an emperor.
He said, “What it portends is that Rivers people are tired of oppression, Rivers people are tired of emperorship, Rivers people are tired of dictatorship.
“The difference now is that we have a governor who wants to serve and not be served, not a governor who Adolf Hitler is his mentor or (Donald) Trump. Rivers people feel liberated; Rivers people are happy; they came out in their numbers to vote, and they are excited.”
Okpara also berated the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for trying to control the structures of the state’s PDP and the All Progressives Congress.
The former ally of Wike said he dumped the minister and moved to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s camp because of ideological differences.
He said, “A man wants to control the APC structure, but he wants to be in control of the PDP structure in a state? How do you explain that?
“We were political associates, but now we are no longer. The point of our disagreement was when he supported the APC in the 2023 presidential election at the expense of the PDP.”
Okpara applauded Fubara for defying all odds to hold the state’s local government election despite the PDP and APC withdrawal, stating that the governor had no option.
He said, “We should give credit to Governor Fubara because by the end of the month, any state that does not have (a) democratically elected local government structure will not receive money. What’s the implication? It means that civil servants at the local government level will not be paid? Families will be deprived.
“So, Governor Fubara was helpless in this situation, sacrificed and ensured that rather than go on a party line, let there be an election so that the state would continue to benefit from FAAC allocations.
“We cannot describe that as an anti-party because his party is where he belonged. If you listen to his speech today (Sunday), he said he is still a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, and his party opted out of the election. How do you explain that? A PDP state? His party opted out, so he decided to hold the election.”
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that Nigerians will appreciate him soon for the tough policies his administration is currently taking.
He stated this during the South-West Assembly of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos on Saturday, October 5.
The event was attended by leaders of the APC in the southwest geopolitical zone, including governors, deputy governors, federal and state lawmakers, and former elected officials.
Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, who represented him at the occasion, President Tinubu said the reforms initiated by the current administration have exposed the party to widespread criticism. He assured the APC members that his tough decisions would set the country on the path, adding that he appreciates the support shown to his administration.
The president added that he is not thinking about the 2027 election but about improving the lives of Nigerians and bequeathing a prosperous country to the next generation.
“We acknowledge that our decisions have been tough, but they needed to be taken. The gains are at the end of the tunnel. That time will come when we will all be happy and thank our government for taking those decisions. Right now, I am not thinking of the next election but about the next generation.
This is why we are implementing reforms that are long overdue. This is the hallmark of a true leader.”
Members at the Church of the Brethren (EYN) Moduganari in Maiduguri, Borno State, were thrown into confusion on Sunday following the death of their pastor, Reverend Alaku Vincent.
The tragedy struck when Vincent suddenly slumped and died during a child dedication ceremony in the church.
According to Punch, efforts to revive Vincent were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead shortly after.
While the cause of death has not been officially disclosed, church members and colleagues have taken to social media to mourn the loss of their beloved pastor.
In a Facebook post, the District Church Secretary of Church Brethren of Nigeria, Timothy Hammajam, described the deceased as “a visionary leader with focus.”
He added, “KBC DCM 2003 graduating class will ever miss your elderly and prophetic words. May God comfort EYN and your family.”
Another church member with the Facebook name Prince Malikson Papaman shared a tribute, describing Vincent’s departure as leaving an “unfillable void” but took comfort in the Bible’s assurance that his death is but a sleep.
He said, “Just a few hours ago, he stood confidently on the altar… passionately shepherding his flock.
“His powerful message still resonates in my mind, as he emphasized the importance of family unity in worship.
“Little did I know it would be his final sermon.
“Rest in eternal peace, Rev. Vincent Alaku. Until we meet again.”
‘Hoodlums’ raze sections of Eleme, Ikwerre secretariats — hours after police unsealed Rivers LGA HQs
AFOLABI
Suspected hoodlums have set sections of Eleme and Ikwerre local government secretariats in Rivers state on fire.
The torching comes barely hours after Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police personnel from the secretariats of the 23 LGAs of the state.
Grace Iringe-Koko, police spokesperson in Rivers, who announced the development, said the IGP’s directive “is in line with the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force stance to ensure neutrality and the smooth functioning of democratic institutions”.
Reports say some of the newly elected chairpersons and councillors arrived the facilities to the sight of thick black smoke billowing from what should be their new offices.
There are also reports of widespread chaos in a raft of other LGAs in Rivers, as the new council bosses set out their stalls for governance.
On Sunday, Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers governor, swore in 23 newly elected local government chairpersons.
The Action Peoples Party (APP) won 22 LGAs in Saturday’s election, while the Action Alliance (AA) was victorious in one LGA.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony on Sunday, Fubara said there were plans to perpetrate violence against the elected officials on Monday.
“I’m aware that they are mobilising 20 people per unit to go and confront you tomorrow when you resume in your local government headquarters,” Fubara said.
“Please if they are coming with violence, avoid them.
“The peace of this state is too important to us. Everybody knows what they are planning but please I want to beg everyone to follow my approach.
“At the right time, you will always win if you are patient and calculative. We have made our promises to our people. We are going to lead them to the promised land.”
There has been palpable tension in Rivers due to the prolonged turf war between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).
On October 3, a crowd besieged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, to protest against the LGA election.
Hours before commencement of voting, an explosion reportedly rocked the secretariat of an All Progressives Congress (APC) faction led by Tony Okocha, the ex-chairman of the APC caretaker committee in the state.
On Saturday, Police officers reportedly disrupted the local government election in Elekahia primary school, Port Harcourt.
A former Senator, Dino Melaye has been acquitted in the twelfth and final case against him by the Federal Government.
This lengthy legal battle began six years ago.
According to him, Justice Sylvanus Oriji delivered the verdict at the FCT High Court in Maitama, clearing Melaye of two charges of providing false information concerning an alleged assassination attempt on his life in 2017.
This legal saga began in February 2018 when Melaye faced accusations of falsely implicating Edward Onoja, the then-chief of Staff, to Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in the assassination plot.
Taking to social media platform X on Monday to celebrate the verdict, Melaye expressed his gratitude towards his legal team and emphasised his unwavering faith in divine justice.
“I take life as it comes, but in all the vicissitudes of life, I trust in God only. He is always with the just,” he stated.
In his post, he also noted, “Justice served after six years. Justice delayed is never justice denied. God alone be praised. SEN. DINO MELAYE 12 – FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND IGP 0. 12 CASES ALL WON BY GOD.”
The initial case regarding the alleged assassination attempt saw delays, including the unfortunate passing of Justice Aromeh Benson Akogu, the judge overseeing the matter, during a cross-over service on December 31, 2017.
The Attorney General’s Office formally charged Melaye on January 31, 2018, claiming his allegations were unfounded, stemming from an investigation into the supposed assassination attempt at his hometown in Ayetoro-Gbede, Kogi State.
He pleaded not guilty on March 1, 2018.
Some other alleged assassination attempts
Again, in July 2018, Melaye accused the Kogi State police command of attempting to kill him.
He made this accusation in response to claims that his security details had shot at policemen conducting ‘stop and search’ operations in Mopa.
In March 2019, Melaye again alleged a conspiracy against his life by the Kogi State government, which the state authorities denied.
Details later