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A yet to be identified gunmen have killed at least three policemen in Achi, Oji River Local Government Area, Enugu State.
DAILY POST learnt that the incident happened at a checkpoint close to Ozudaa Market, Achi.
Details of the incident are still sketchy as the Police Public Relations Officer of the Enugu Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe could not take his calls.
However, a viral gory video obtained by DAILY POST shows lifeless bodies of the slain policemen.
More to follow….
Watch video on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Nasrk54MA/
[DailyPost]
On Tuesday, April 15, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) released 11 steps every Nigerian should adopt when renewing their passports.
Stating that the procedure is contactless, the NIS said the new biometric passport application system has been launched in the United States of America, Mexico, Jamaica and Brazil.
According to NIS, the application process which can be accessed on Google Play Store (NIS Mobile) is designed to help Nigerian passport holders carry out their renewal process without visiting any Passport Centre for Biometrics enrollment.
“It is yet to be rolled out in Australia and Nigeria, a future date will be announced for both countries in due course,” the NIS said in statement on its X account.
Below are the steps to follow when applying for contact passport:
1. Download and install the NIS Mobile App from relevant mobile app store(Google Playstore); create a profile and activate your account using a valid email
2. Click on ‘passport application services’ tab on the landing page
3. Proceed with the passport application process as indicated and ensure to choose the self enrollment option.
4. Make payment and note your application ID and Reference No.
5. Click the contactless biometric enrollment option on the passport application services
6. Input your application ID and reference number as required to check eligibility and proceed
7. If you are not eligible, proceed to book appointment via the NIS passport application portal (passport.int.immigration.gov.ng)
8. If eligible proceed with biometric fingerprints and passport photograph enrollment and submit appropriately.
9. Print your application form and payment receipt.
10. Send your old passport including your application form and payment receipt to the processing Embassy in a self-addressed return envelope l refusal to comply with this means that you will not receive your newly produced passport)
11. Wait for your passport to be delivered to the address indicated on your envelope within the stated timeline.
The NIS further listed those eligible for the process to include people aged between 18 and 60 years, those with not more than six months to the expiration on their current passports and those for re-issuance of existing passport.
In addition, the NIS said those for correction of data, replacement of lost or stolen passport and other exceptional cases are not eligible for the contact application process.
Thousands of Nigerians are reeling from the collapse of CBEX, a digital asset trading platform that has reportedly disappeared with more than N1.3 trillion of investors’ funds.
The platform, which lured users with promises of a 100% return on investment within 30 days, abruptly crashed on Monday.
Investors were shocked to find their digital wallets emptied, while CBEX shut down its Telegram channels and froze all withdrawal options.
In a last-ditch attempt to maintain control, CBEX introduced a so-called “verification” process, demanding $100 or $200 from users in exchange for a supposed chance to recover their lost funds—further deepening suspicions of a coordinated scam.
CBEX had presented itself as a secure and transparent digital trading platform, but its sudden disappearance has left investors counting heavy losses in what is now considered one of Nigeria’s largest digital financial scams.
However, its operational model is now under intense scrutiny as accusations of fraud and deceptive tactics surface. The platform allegedly displayed fake withdrawal records to cover up the issues users faced when trying to access their funds.
Reports indicate that user funds disappeared almost immediately after deposit, meaning investors never truly owned or accessed the digital assets they believed they were trading.
CBEX reportedly operated without proper licensing and ran a poorly designed website that mimicked reputable platforms like ByBit to appear legitimate and gain users’ trust.
It was reported that behind the scenes, investors’ deposits were funneled into a TRX (Tron) wallet, quickly converted to USDT and then ETH. Meanwhile, what appeared on users’ dashboards were fake balances — artificially generated figures showing fictitious AI trading profits.
In reality, the scheme ran like a typical Ponzi structure, using funds from new investors to simulate returns for earlier ones.
After the platform’s crash, CBEX introduced a so-called “verification” phase, demanding an extra $100 from users with balances below $1,000, and $200 from those with higher amounts, under the guise of helping them recover their funds.
Analysts have described this as a last-ditch effort to extract more money from desperate victims, possibly to pay a few and sustain the illusion of credibility, while the majority are left defrauded.
[TheNation]
The leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra has cautioned youth from the Southeast region against applying for enlistment in the Nigerian Army.
IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful in a statement on Tuesday, said Military’s call for youths of Igbo extraction to join the Army is aimed at exploiting the people.
Recall that over the weekend, delegates of the Nigerian Military had visited some states in the Southeast and South-South region calling on youth from the area to join the Army.
According to the Army delegates, the number of youths joining the force from the two regions have continued to diminish over time leaving the Igbos with slim chances of ever securing positions in the Military hierarchy in the future
However, reacting to the call, the IPOB accused the Military of planning to use Southeast youths as ‘sacrificial lambs’ in the decade-long insurgency battle, particularly in the northern regions of Nigeria.
“We caution Ndigbo against encouraging and campaigning for Igbo youths to enlist to combat state and foreign-sponsored terrorists who have more resources than the Nigerian Army,” Powerful stated.
According to the IPOB, there are better government job opportunities that youths from the region should be encouraged to apply for rather than being used as expendable assets in the fight against these criminal activities that have become enterprise for many.
“The question is, if the Nigerian Army presents a solid job prospect, will the Nigerian government or its violent military provide Igbo youths with such an opportunity? Are our young people not capable of securing jobs in the Central Bank, NNPC, EFCC, Customs, and other profitable parastatals in Nigeria?
“What actions has the Nigerian government taken to support the families of soldiers who died in active duty defending Nigeria?
“Why were the valiant Igbo soldiers who allied with their peers to prevent Nigeria’s downfall in 1966 characterized, betrayed, and labeled “the Igbo coup plotters,” resulting in the slaughter of thousands of Ndigbo in the North during that same year?” IPOB queried.
Nigerians on several social media platforms have begun to count their losses as a digital asset trading platform popularly known as CBEX reportedly swept over N1.3 trillion from their investors’ accounts.
The digital trading platform crashed on Monday after the money in their investors’ wallets vanished.
CBEX also locked its telegram channels and postponed its withdrawals while giving investors the lifeline of $2,000 for $200 verification and $1,000 for $100 verification.
Analysing the crash on X space organised by Trending X, a cryptocurrency expert and security analyst, Taiwo Owolabi said data has shown that the money was moved to a TRX address (yourself:TDqSquXBgUCLYvYC4XZgrprLK589dkhSCf) and a total volume stolen so far in USDT is $847 million and likely to increase.
Owolabi stressed that the invested funds are gone because CBEX is not a licensed platform, and the creators designed a weak website to look like ByBit, which is a legitimate trading platform.
“They designed the weak website to convince people in the future that it was a security breach that affected them. Apparently, when you make payments, you pay them into a TRX account, and then, immediately, they move it from that TRX wallet, gather it, convert it to USDT, then to ETH. So, when you are logging into your account, there is literally no money on your profile.
“What you see are just numbers. All the daily activities you do to ‘trade’ increase your money. All the AI trading is fake. When it’s time for withdrawal, they will send you another person’s money.
“Since, you won’t be leaving them because of greed. You will most likely put the money back and even more. So, they will use that same money to pay another person. As you spread the word for them, more people will join and do the same.”
What exactly is CBEX?
CBEX is a digital trading asset platform that gives investors 100 per cent Return On Investment in 30 days. Its purported goal was to create a secure, transparent environment for transactions.
However, its operational model now comes under scrutiny as allegations of fraud and deceptive practices emerge. The platform is said to display falsified withdrawal records to mask the difficulties users encounter when trying to access their funds.
Can Nigerians still withdraw their money?
Owolabi, while explaining on the X space, said that in reality, all the funds are gone. Unless people decide to pay the $100 and $200 verification fees, that way, they will settle some people and leave others to languish.
He also maintained that it was the same way popular Ponzi schemes that have duped Nigerians in the past behaved, adding, “It is a rob Peter to pay Paul’ deal.
SEC warns Nigerians against investing in Ponzi schemes
However, amid the growing concerns of the crash, the SEC clarified that, in accordance with the ISA 2025 recently signed by President Bola Tinubu, it is now an offence for any entity to operate an online forex trading platform or provide related services without prior registration with the commission.
“By virtue of this Act, it is an offence in Nigeria for any entity that is not registered by the commission to carry out the business of online foreign exchange trading platforms or related services.
“Any business entity with the plan of setting up a business in any of these areas is advised to visit the HOD DRM Department of the commission for further direction on how to register with the commission to avoid sanctions,” it added.
The commission noted that “Under the newly enacted legislation, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is now empowered to regulate a broader scope of market activities as Section 3(3)(b) of the Act explicitly mandates the commission to “register and regulate securities exchanges, commodity exchanges, virtual and digital asset exchanges, and other market venues.”
Speaking on the development, the director general of the commission, Dr Emomotimi Agama, described the new law as “a landmark step in positioning Nigeria’s capital market to be more inclusive, robust, and in tune with global best practices.”
He stated, “The ISA 2025 has given the commission the legal backing to provide clarity, ensure investor protection, and enhance market confidence, especially in new and previously unregulated segments such as digital asset exchanges and online foreign exchange platforms.”
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting innovation while maintaining strict oversight. “We welcome innovation, but it must occur within a regulated environment that protects investors and maintains the integrity of our market,” Agama added.
Eighteen-year-old Osariemen Unuigbe, a Nigerian-American student of Edo State origin, has been accepted into six Ivy League universities in the United States, including the prestigious Harvard and Yale.
Currently a senior at Egg Harbor Township High School in New Jersey, Osariemen is earning widespread praise for her exceptional academic performance and steadfast pursuit of excellence.
Her parents, Dr. Augustine and Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Unuigbe, expressed their heartfelt joy, describing her achievement as “a great miracle” and giving “all glory to God.”
Osariemen’s impressive resume includes acceptance into the highly competitive Governor’s School of New Jersey, as well as holding numerous leadership positions throughout her academic journey.
She has received a host of academic honours, all highlighting her commitment to personal growth and intellectual achievement.
Recently, Osariemen Unuigbe was named a 2025 “Rising to the Top” scholar by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Southern New Jersey Chapter—another prestigious recognition of her all-around excellence.
Her success reflects the increasing visibility and impact of Nigerian students in U.S. higher education.
The Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange revealed that Nigerian student enrollment at U.S. institutions reached 20,029 in the 2023/2024 academic year, marking a 13.5% rise from previous years.
The house of representatives has inaugurated a 21-member ad hoc committee to oversee the emergency rule in Rivers state.
Speaking while inaugurating the committee on Tuesday, Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, said the move indicates the parliament’s “dedication to transparent governance and the rule of law in our country”.
On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the Rivers, citing a political crisis.
He also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly for a period of six months.
The president appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.
Shortly after his appointment, Ibas suspended all political officeholders appointed by Fubara.
During the Monday’s event, Abbas, who expressed support for the state of emergency, recalled how similar measures were implemented under previous administrations, particularly during Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure, when some serving governors were suspended.
“This decisive action was taken out of genuine patriotism and a deep concern for the security and welfare of both the people of Rivers State and our country as a whole,” he said.
“The President’s extraordinary actions were not taken lightly. They reflect a profound sense of duty and responsibility and a recognition that when democratic institutions falter, decisive action is necessary to protect the interests of the nation. This same sense of duty underpins our proceedings today.”
Abbas said when a state of emergency was declared in some states in the past, the intervention of the national assembly ensured continuity in governance.
He cited section 11(4) of the 1999 constitution, saying it confers on the parliament the authority to make laws for any state in which its legislature is unable to perform its statutory functions. It states that:
“It is paramount to note that the current administration in Rivers state is inherently temporary,” Abbas said.
Abbas said Ibas’ role is “strictly circumscribed”, adding that he is charged with maintaining law and order and ensuring that the basic functions of governance are met only until full democratic governance is restored.
“The administrator is required to operate with the highest levels of transparency and accountability, reporting directly to the national assembly on all matters that pertain to the peace, order and good government of the State as prescribed by the constitution,” Abbas added.
He said the duty of the committee is to monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers state, ensure that the caretaker administration adheres to the law, and protect the public interest while facilitating the re-establishment of full democratic governance in the state.
“The members of this committee have been selected with meticulous care by the house leadership based on their integrity, experience, and steadfast dedication to the national interest,” Abbas said.
The speaker asked members of the committee to carry out the assignment with the “highest standards of professionalism, impartiality, and diligence”.
“In fulfilling your mandate, you must conduct your oversight in strict accordance with the constitution and avoid all forms of partisanship or bias,” he told the panel members,” he said.
“It is imperative that you monitor every aspect of the caretaker administration’s conduct, scrutinise public expenditures, and ensure that all federal directives and policies are implemented as intended.
“Moreover, it is expected that you will regularly report your findings to this house in a transparent manner, enabling us to continuously assess the impact of the emergency measures and to take further legislative action if necessary.
“Beyond mere oversight, your work must actively support efforts to restore lasting peace and re-establish a fully functioning democratic system in Rivers state.
“You are called upon to interface with federal agencies, security institutions, and any reconciliation initiatives that may be established, fostering trust among all stakeholders in the process.”
Abbas added that the committee members must be conscientious, forthright and astute in the assignment.
[TheCable]
Former presidential candidate and media mogul, Dele Momodu, has sounded a warning to potential contenders in the 2027 presidential election: challenging President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike will be no small feat.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Momodu emphasized the formidable political strength of Tinubu, even before he became president—strength that is now magnified by Wike’s alliance with him.
“Tinubu, who is already president, even when he was not president, we faced a lot of fire,” Momodu said.
“Now, when you have Tinubu and Wike on one side, then it means you have to be battle-ready; you have to assemble all your weapons and be ready for the battle ahead because 2027 is going to be like the World Cup, and you need your best players.”
PDP Governors Under Fire Over Opposition Coalition Rejection
Momodu also criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum for rejecting the opposition coalition led by former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar. He expressed concern that the governors’ decision might be inadvertently aiding President Tinubu’s administration.
The proposed coalition includes Atiku, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, and Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate. Despite this significant alliance, the PDP governors—after meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State—declared their refusal to join.
“Opposition leaders are very determined to work together this time around. The truth of the matter is that Atiku cannot do it alone, Peter Obi cannot do it alone, and Kwankwaso cannot do it alone, and whosoever wants to run,” Momodu said.
“They have to find a way to pay the APC back in its own coin. I was one of those who supported APC in 2014 and 2015, they are going to pay them back in their own coin by at least trying to get a chunk of all the parties including APC to come together.”
He further questioned the motives behind the PDP governors’ stance:
“A Bully Only Respects a Bully”
Highlighting lessons from political history, Momodu stressed the importance of unity and resistance in the face of power:
“People must learn from history and I’m a good student of political history. The only way Lagos State under Tinubu survived blistering attack from Obasanjo’s government was because they were able to stand alone. A bully only respects a bully.”
He criticized the current climate of fear among opposition figures:
“But all of us are already behaving like chicken. People panic because of Tinubu—‘Oh they are going to use EFCC, they are going to arrest me.’”
A Call for Courage and Unity
Momodu concluded by calling on political actors to show courage and resist temptations to defect:
“The thing is that we all like to read about Mandela in South Africa, we all read about the Mau Mau struggle, even in Nigeria, we had the nationalists who struggled for our independence—but everybody suddenly feels power can be offered to you on a platter.
“But I can tell you that any governor, senator, or House member who may be tempted to jump ship, may jump into the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.
“That is why some of us are appealing to people that this thing is doable if they agree to work together.”
The Kwara State Police command on Monday dragged a Nigerian controversial singer, Badmus Okikiola, popularly called Portable, before a Kwara state Upper Area Court presided over by Chief Magistrate Sunday Adeniyi.
Reports were, however, rife that Portable struggled to meet the bail condition on Monday.
According to Investigating Police Officer, ASP Adeniyi James, the charges were filed based on direct instructions from police authorities.
Portable was dragged to court following the petition of a famous Fuji music star, Okunola Saheed, who’s fondly called Osupa.
According to the Police First Information Report, the Fuji music star, in a direct complaint made to the Police, accused Portable of criminal defamation, criminal intimidation, inciting Public disturbance and cyberstalking.
The alleged offence was deemed contrary and punishable under Section 392 (Criminal Defamation), Section 114 (Inciting Disturbance), Section 397 (Criminal Intimidation) of the Penal Code and Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015, as well as Sections 10 and 13 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2020.
According to the Police First Information Report, Osupa alleged that Portable made a live stream video to abuse him, adding that the defendant (Portable) dented his personality by claiming that he removed his music from Apple Music and Spotify, which would have been fetching him income.
According to the First Information Report presented by the police, the complainant accused Portable of using a live stream video to malign his character.
He alleged that the defendant falsely claimed to have removed his music from streaming platforms like Apple Music and Spotify, thereby harming his reputation and potential income.
The petition alleged that Portable, during a live Instagram broadcast on March 19, 2025, made defamatory remarks against Osupa, accusing him of jealousy and attempts to sabotage his career.
In the viral video, Portable was quoted saying, “This man dey try to bring down my shine! He be like person wey dey chop snail with its shell—he doesn’t get sense. Osupa na tortoise. When Apple Music and Spotify wan drop money for me, na him remove my song from the platform make I no see money.”
Osupa described the statements as damaging, inciting, and an attack on his reputation, further claiming that the content had caused public tension and unrest.
The prosecution, led by Abubakar Issa, urged the court to remand the defendant to a correctional facility pending the conclusion of the police investigation.
However, Portable’s counsel, Barrister Adebayo Isaac, opposed the remand application, stating that the police had already granted his client administrative bail the previous day.
He argued that the defendant, being a public figure with a known and traceable address, would not evade trial, assuring the court of his client’s readiness to stand trial.
Adebayo urged the court to discountenance the submission of the prosecutor, saying the police would have held Portable back in custody till their investigation is completed.
He said, “I want to inform this honourable court that the defendant was granted administrative bail yesterday by the police”, adding that “Portable is a public figure with a traceable address and he will make himself available for trial if admitted to bail.”
Adebayo said that he premised his argument on Section 172 (1) and Sec 165 of the Administration of Criminal Justice system, adding that a critical appraisal of the sections of the law may guide the court to admit him to bail.
Magistrate Adeniyi, in his short ruling, “admitted Portable to bail in the sum of N1 million and 2 sureties out of which one of them must be chairman of the Performing Musician Association of Nigeria while the other must own landed property in the Government Reserve Area within the jurisdiction of the Court.”
He, however, adjourned further trial of the case till the 30th of April, 2025.
Chief Bode George, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, has said that the opposition would collapse if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as its 2027 presidential candidate.
The PDP chieftain said this on Channels Television when he appeared on the station’s Politics Today programme on Monday.
“If he (Atiku) picks it (PDP’s ticket), that is the end of this party. If he picks it by manipulation which was what was done the last time, we will not accept it,” he said.
Atiku, who has been contesting for Nigeria’s president for over three decades, came second in the 2023 presidential election, defeated by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ahead of the 2027 election, Atiku has championed an inter-party alliance that birthed a coalition, which was announced on Thursday, March 20, 2025, as a springboard to wrestle power from the Tinubu-led government.
The coalition, which includes the Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai as arrowheads, is banking on the numerical strength of the votes Atiku and Obi recorded in the 2023 poll.
It would be recalled that Atiku of the PDP and Obi of the LP came second and third, respectively, with combined votes of over 12 million.
However, while Atiku succeeded in establishing himself as a founding member of the coalition, governors elected in his party rejected the move.
The PDP governors on Monday, April 14, 2025, rejected the coalition spearheaded by Atiku and ruled out any party plan for mergers or coalitions.
Speaking on Channels Television, praised the PDP governors for rejecting the coalition led by Atiku.
He said Atiku has not shown himself to be a leader of the party because he has not made efforts to resolve the crisis rocking the party.
“No, if he is the leader of the party, he would have waded into it (the crisis). The fact that he was the presidential candidate of the party at the last election doesn’t mean he is a bona fide, fixated leader of the party. If he’s running for his private interest, it’s different from the interest of the party,” George said.
Asked if Atiku could be the flag bearer of the PDP in 2027, the PDP chieftain said, “He cannot be. This is what I am saying. There was eight years in the north, there should be eight years in the south. That is the dictate, that is the doctrine of the PDP. I can’t say he cannot contest; he can go to any party because it is his constitutional right but as far as we are concerned, he cannot be the candidate.”
George also said he doesn’t want Tinubu to be re-elected in 2027, adding that he wants his party to win the next election with a southern candidate.
More...
Tension is mounting among users of CBEX, a popular cryptocurrency and forex trading platform, following reports that the company has emptied the accounts of hundreds of investors without prior notice.
Naija News reports that the platform, which had gained widespread attention due to its high-yield investment packages and aggressive online marketing, is now facing serious allegations of investment fraud.
Multiple users have come forward, revealing that they discovered their account balances wiped out when they logged into the CBEX platform over the weekend. The affected users, some of whom had invested amounts ranging from ₦200,000 to over ₦5 million, have expressed devastation, with many finding themselves financially stranded.
Kunle Adewola, a tech expert, shared his shock with the Nigerian Tribune, stating, “I thought it was a glitch at first. But when I tried to withdraw and got an error message, I knew something was wrong. My entire savings is gone.”
The incident comes just hours before the scheduled withdrawal date of April 15, which CBEX had promised investors after suspending all withdrawals on April 11. This has added to the frustration of many who had hoped to retrieve their investments by that date.
The platform’s sudden and unexplained action has left users in a state of disbelief, as there was no prior communication from CBEX administrators explaining the situation or offering any recourse.
With the company’s credibility now in question, the ongoing developments have raised concerns about the safety of cryptocurrency and forex investments, leaving many users wondering if they will ever recover their funds.
Meanwhile, some angry Nigerians have looted the office of the CBEX platform in Oke Ado, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Trending videos show angry investors looting televisions, Air Conditions and many other items from the office.
Reactions have flooded social media platform X (formerly Twitter), with users sharing complaints, screenshots, and rallying around hashtags like #CBEXScam and #JusticeForCBEXInvestors.
Twitter user @DaddyGO4825 wrote,
“Cbex finally crashed. Check your account AI trade all. Millions of money gone ??? This is so sad. Sorry for the lose.”
Another user, @purity_gifts, tweeted,
“Let me go and take antibiotics to cure this #CBEX scam headache… My dream car will have to wait.”
@the_cruisetv commented,
“If you know anyone doing CBEX please hold them tight ? they are going through a lot rn ???? Where’s that Aunty 15th of April? ?”
User @r2kizzmusic shared,
“So I was invited to CBEX all in the name of making enough money to push my unreleased song Alhamdullilah which I have been begging @Zlatan_Ibile for a verse only to wake up today and discover that all my $4000 dollars is gone ??????? at this point I am lost.”
Another user, @Omo_Harkin1, tweeted,
“AI don lost all of una trade ?? They don lie on top AI head. Congratulations to all of una o.”
And @Fresh_Thiago urged,
“If you have any of your friends or family members wey run CBEX try check on them now ASAPU #CBEX.
@Nichola0081 said: “Nigerians! Invest in $GODL?? Hell NO!! CBEX? Sure sure ? Have you seen any AI trading without a loss?? Always green green green?? What happened to 15th kee??”
The factional leader of the Labour Party (LP) Lamidi Apapa, has insisted that Julius Abure and his supporters, including 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti, must relinquish control of the party.
Apapa, who made a return last week after a two-year absence, affirmed his position as the legitimate acting National Chairman of the Labour Party. This comes after a recent Supreme Court ruling that overturned the Court of Appeal’s recognition of Abure.
In an interview with The PUNCH, Apapa emphasized that the apex court’s decision is consistent with prior judgments that restrained Abure, further solidifying his claim to leadership under the party’s constitution.
He stated, “If the chairman cannot function, the deputy steps in. That’s what Article 14 (2) A and B of our constitution says.”
Apapa maintained that his actions were not motivated by personal ambition but were driven by the need to address the ongoing crisis within the party. “The party is in crisis and someone has to take the wheel. I’ve acted within the constitution,” he explained.
He also rejected the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee, which has gained prominence within the party, claiming it lacks constitutional legitimacy.
Apapa addressed concerns about his prolonged absence from public view, admitting that the extensive litigation over the past two years had taken a toll on him.
“I needed to take a break. Going from one court to another over the past two years was draining. But the Supreme Court judgment has made it necessary for me to return,” he shared.
However, the Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has strongly opposed Apapa’s claims.
National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh dismissed Apapa’s assertions, accusing him of being used by external forces to destabilize the party.
“He is likely being sponsored by the Nenadi Usman camp, perhaps even Peter Obi and Governor Otti. One of their people visited him two months ago and gave him money while he was ill,” Ifoh alleged.
Ifoh further questioned the legitimacy of Apapa’s return, arguing that the Labour Party had not issued any official statement regarding his re-emergence, as his position is not recognized within the party.
“How can we sponsor such a person? His actions are simply a payback for the financial support he received. We don’t take him seriously,” he stated.
Efforts to contact the Nenadi Usman Caretaker Committee for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
In Cross River State, the Labour Party’s Interim Committee has initiated reconciliation efforts, expressing loyalty to the Nenadi Usman-led leadership.
A statement issued Sunday by the state’s Publicity Secretary, Amawu Cletus, hailed the Supreme Court’s April 4 judgment as a victory for both the rule of law and party constitutionalism.
“The Supreme Court has spoken, and the matter is settled. The impunity led by Julius Abure has been firmly rejected,” the statement read.
The Cross River chapter also criticized the post-judgment response from the Abure camp, calling it reckless, and pledged to collaborate with the national body to rebuild the party from the grassroots level.
“This is a new dawn for the Labour Party. We are setting the foundation for credible congresses at all levels and restoring internal democracy,” Cletus concluded.
Gunmen reportedly stormed a prayer session at a remote mountain site in the Egbola area, along Agbaja Road in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State and abducted an unspecified number of the worshipers.
The incident is said to have occurred on Friday during a night vigil on the mountain.
A woman identified as Mary Adams Gure was said to have been rescued by men of the state vigilante services who got the wind of the incident and mobilized to the scene and confronted the gunmen in a gun duel.
According to the source, their attackers stormed the prayer ground, firing sporadically to instil fear before forcefully whisking the worshippers into the bush.
The rescued woman was said to have escaped amidst chaos.
“The vigilantes were mobilized quickly in response to the attack; and in the process, Gure was rescued . A search-and-rescue operation is ongoing to locate the remaining abducted faithful.
“Gure managed to escape and later found safety, thanks to the swift intervention of local vigilante members who were alerted and got to the scene of the incident on time,” the vigilante source said.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP William Aya, did not respond to calls and messages sent to him on the incident.
[DailyTrust]
Niger Delta human rights activist, Ann-Kio Briggs, has accused Rivers State Administrator, Ibok Ete Ibas of pouring petrol to the fire President Bola Tinubu sent him to quench in the state.
This was as she said Ibas’s actions in the state were contrary to what the president sent him to do.
DAILY POST reports that Tinubu appointed Ibas, Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff from July 2015 to January 2021, as the Administrator of the oil-rich state in March after the President declared state of emergency and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
The president had said that his decision was to restore peace in the state following the political tension between Governor Fubara and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
However, speaking on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Monday, Ann-Kio Briggs alleged that Ibas is pouring petrol on fire.
“First of all, I can assure you that he is pouring petrol on a fire Mr President believes that was on.
“So, he was told to come and pour water on that fire, to quench it. Well, he has done nothing of the sort, I have told you that he has removed people who were constitutionally and democratically in governance.
“There were no issues, and he came along and removed everybody. Even in the government house, it is alleged that he has removed the pictures of Siminalayi Fubara. I repeat Siminalayi Fubara remains the governor of Rivers State,” Ann-Kio Briggs said.
According to her, Ibas is currently overseeing violence in Rivers State, saying that the retired military chief is not welcomed in the state.
She added that although the President stated the state of emergency would last for six months, it doesn’t mean he can’t change his mind and return everything to the status quo before the stipulated time.
Recall that earlier on Monday, two groups of women held rallies in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
While one group was in support of Ibas and the emergency rule, the other group who were half-clothed demanded the return of Fubara.
[DailyPost]