Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has put the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a precarious position in Delta State.

The defection happened three months after the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, dismissed the rumour about his alleged plan to join the APC as speculations concocted by some APC elements. 

Reacting to the speculation in January, Ahon said that given Oborevwori’s popularity and acceptance in Delta, the governor has no reason to dump the PDP for any other party.

According to him, the speculation was pushed because the APC — the opposition party at the time — was threatened by the rising acceptance and bridge-building efforts of the governor across political divides.

However, despite Ahon’s denial, Oborevwori’s rumoured plan to join the APC continued to swell.

To further dispel the speculation, the Delta State Commissioner for Works, Rural Roads and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, while speaking on Arise TV on Friday, January 17, 2025, explained that the PDP remains a strong party in Delta State, adding that Governor Oborevwori doesn’t jump ship like other politicians.

“Oborevwori is not only a proud member of the PDP, and remains a proud leader of the PDP both in Delta and in Nigeria, he is also a performing governor, who has also been able to show that he can be regarded as the poster governor for the PDP. So, those who are wishing that he’s jumping ship, we want to tell them that Oborevwori is not in the business of jumping ship,” he said.

Also, when the defection rumour started, the PDP described it as a baseless and sinister speculation by jobless political hirelings and their ignoble sponsors.

The party, therefore, advised “members of the public to disregard the dubious speculation, assuring them that all that nothing can distract the governor.”

However, in a surprising twist, the governor, alongside his commissioners and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, announced their defection to the APC.

Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, cited the lingering crisis in the PDP as one reason for their defection.

“This move is aimed at ensuring that Delta State continues on the path of development, security, and progress. Remaining in the PDP, given the current circumstances, would only truncate that journey,” he said.

Meanwhile, Governor Oborevwori had somehow validated his rumoured defection when he ascribed his administration’s success to President Bola Tinubu’s performance.

The governor, while addressing Deltans in December 2024, declared his support for President Tinubu’s administration and also asked his people to support the president, noting that his administration would fail if Tinubu failed. 

“Whether you like it or not, I will say it here, Mr. President, that you see, he is supporting this administration. God has made him president, as God has made me the Governor. So, as you are supporting me, support him,” Governor Oborevwori said.

While the APC rejoices over the defection of key political stakeholders in Delta State, the development puts the PDP in a precarious situation, as the party loses its over 25-year grip on the oil-rich state.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has not yet made a decision regarding the leadership of the Labour Party following a recent Supreme Court ruling.

Multiple sources in the commission confirmed to The PUNCH on Thursday that the commission was still reviewing the court’s judgment.

“No decision has been made yet on the Supreme Court judgment of the Labour Party,” an official said anonymously for lack of authorisation to speak to the press.

Another official said a decision would only be taken after INEC had studied the Certified True Copy of the jugdment.

“The commission needs to obtain a Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgement, study it carefully to determine what the court intended, before arriving at an informed decision,” the official said.

The Supreme Court had on April 4, 2025 overturned an earlier ruling by the Court of Appeal that had recognised Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the party.

The apex court held that the appeal court lacked jurisdiction over internal party matters.

But the apex court verdict was subjected to different interpretations, with Abure contending that the Supreme Court did not remove him from office, while the LP Caretaker Committee, led by Nenadi Usman, argued that Abure had been sacked.

At the same time a factional leader of the party, Lamidi Apapa, surfaced to lay claim to the party’s leadership.

In a move to clarify the leadership situation, an LP delegation led by Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti and the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, visited INEC headquarters in Abuja on April 9.

During the visit, Otti submitted a Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court’s judgment to the electoral body.

The visit aimed to provide clarity on the party’s leadership and ensure effective communication with INEC.

The delegation was received by the INEC National Commissioner, Sam Olumekun, and other senior officials of the commission.

Discussions during the meeting also covered ways to strengthen collaboration between INEC and the Labour Party, with an emphasis on upholding democratic values.

Olumekun reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to neutrality, transparency, and the rule of law in carrying out its responsibilities.

Meanwhile, Abure, on Thursday, insisted he remained the authentic LP National Chairman.

Abure warned Governor Otti and Obi to heed the Supreme Court judgment.

Speaking through LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, he said, “The position of the Labour Party after critically reviewing the Supreme Court judgment delivered on the 4th of April 2025 stated as follows: The Supreme Court, contrary to speculations, actually reaffirmed the National Convention of the Party held on the 27th of March 2024 at Nnewi.

“The reason for the non-justiciability of internal disputes of a political party is simple, and in the eyes of the law, a political party is a corporate entity with its constitution, rules, regulations, and guidelines which are binding on members who had joined freely have consented to be so bound (See Abegunde Vs. Ondo State House of Assembly & Ors. (2015) LPELR-24588 (SC).

“Consequently, we admonished Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia State, and Peter Obi, former presidential Candidate of our party in the 2023 General Election, who are the protagonists of the current division in the Party, to hear the Supreme Court loud and clear.”

Continuing, Abure insisted that before the contentious National Convention, the Labour Party fulfilled all legal requirements in line with the LP Constitution, Electoral Act, and the 1999 Constitution.

According to him, those insisting their tenure has expired probably misinterpreted the judgment.

 “The Supreme Court admonished party members to respect the Constitution of their party when it stated thus; Political Parties have put in place diverse kinds of internal dispute resolution mechanisms to handle any matter arising from disputes among members.

 “Political parties and their members should, therefore, have faith in the internal dispute resolution mechanisms prescribed in their party constitution,” he urged.

Abure’s press conference comes two weeks after Obi and Otti supporters presented the 48-page Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment at a parallel meeting of the LP National Executive Committee with several stakeholders in attendance in Abuja.

Otti had announced that the document had put an end to the debate of misinterpretation of the verdict.

In attendance were Obi; the lawmaker representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Victor Umeh; Nigeria Labour Congress Political Commission, Prof Theophilus Ndubuaku; and the National Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, Senator Darlington Nwokocha.

Others include former LP chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo, members of the National Assembly, Abia State Assembly and chieftains of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, among others.

When contacted for reaction, the spokesman of the Usman-led caretaker committee, Tony Akeni appealed for time, saying he was indisposed at the moment.

He, however, promised to call back.

As of the time of filing this story, his lime could not be reached.

Efforts to get the reaction of Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, were also unsuccessful.

Flight operations will now resume fully at the nation’s airports as workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have called off their strike action after the intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Thursday.

LEADERSHIP reports that NiMet staff had commenced an indefinite strike over poor salary packages and welfare.

Speaking to journalists, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Tunde Moshood, said that the NiMET unions suspended the strike after intervention by the minister.

He hinted that the workers suspended the strike until May 13, 2025, pending the outcome of the minister’s intervention on the issues raised.

At the meeting with the minister were the leaderships of the unions – the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP). 

Speaking after the meeting, the general secretary of NUATE, Comrade Aba Ocheme,
said that the unions resolved to suspend the ongoing strike till May 13, 2025, in recognition of the Minister’s sincere intervention.

He explained that the unions awaited the progress of the actions the minister had committed to take.

Also, National President of ANAP, Comrade Alale Adedayo, said that as a mark of respect for the minister, the unions had decided to “temporarily call off the strike” while the process of resolution was ongoing.

The unions had downed tools over several unresolved grievances relating to poor working conditions, including salary relativity with other aviation agencies, non-implementation of the 2019 consequential adjustment to the national minimum wage (affecting at least 30 omitted staff), demands for a 25 – 35 per cent salary increase, 40 per cent hardship/peculiar allowances, annual staff training, among others.

In his response, Keyamo expressed empathy with the affected workers and pledged his commitment to finding lasting solutions to their concerns.

As part of immediate steps, Keyamo said that he would personally intervene through formal communications to both Pesident Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Finance, aimed at fast-tracking the resolution of pressing financial concerns.

He also promised to establish a ministerial committee, which would be headed by Dr Ibrahim Kana, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, to interface with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to clarify issues surrounding subsistence allowances and related matters.

The minister further reiterated the importance of industrial harmony in the aviation sector and commended the union leaders for their maturity, patriotism, and willingness to dialogue in the national interest.

In his comment, Kana assured all stakeholders that tangible progress would be made before the May 13 deadline and called for continued cooperation as the ministry works to ensure improved welfare and working conditions for NIiET staff and all aviation personnel.

MTN Group, Africa’s largest mobile operator, said on Thursday it suffered a cybersecurity breach that exposed personal data of some customers in certain markets, but its core networks, billing systems, and financial platforms remain secure.

An unidentified third party claimed to have accessed parts of MTN’s systems, the company said in a statement posted on its website.

While the scope of the breach is still under investigation, MTN reassured stakeholders that there is no indication that customer accounts or digital wallets were directly compromised.

“No evidence of compromise to any of our critical infrastructure, core MTN platforms, or services,” MTN stated, adding that its “core network, billing systems, and financial services infrastructure remain secure and fully operational.”

The Johannesburg-based telecom giant, which serves 280 million customers across 19 countries, has notified the South African Police Service and the Hawks, a specialised crime unit, and is coordinating with authorities in affected markets.

MTN is also reaching out to impacted customers to meet local regulatory requirements.

“We have informed the relevant country authorities and will continue to update them on an ongoing basis while working closely with them and law enforcement agencies to support their investigations,” the operator noted.

As part of its ongoing efforts to mitigate potential risks, MTN is in the process of notifying affected customers in accordance with local legal and regulatory requirements.

The company advised its customers to take preventive steps to safeguard their information.

Among the recommended measures are placing fraud alerts on credit reports, regularly updating apps, using strong and unique passwords, and exercising caution with unsolicited messages containing suspicious links.

MTN further urged customers to avoid sharing sensitive information, such as passwords, PINs, and one-time passwords, over the phone, text, or email.

Where available, the company also recommends enabling multi-factor authentication for added security.

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has opened up about the episode which resulted in the inability of the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to visit the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in the state.

Speaking on Thursday during an interview with TVC, Governor Alia said he didn’t know the intention Obi had for the planned visit, as there was no prior information on the visit.

While debunking any political colouration of the denial, the Benue State Governor added that there are protocols for such high-profile visits that need to be vetted before approval can be given.

Naija News recalls that following the denial, Peter Obi had lamented the treatment meted out to him by the Benue State Government over his planned visit to camps housing Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state and called for a need to change his approach in responding to issues in politics.

Sharing his own side of the story, Alia said the denial wasn’t a political move but more of a security approach and protection for the people in the IDP camp.

He said, “I can never politicize that. I am the one bearing the brunt and the pains and the sorrows of the IDPs in my state.

“The very respected Peter Obi was a Governor and if you are coming into someone’s state, there are protocols. A very high personality you are coming into someone’s state and you party does not even know you are coming and I the sitting Governor do not know you are coming and then you are going to where I’m protecting even most, the IDP camp. It’s my duty to protect them, they have been disbalanced and I need to protect them even some more.

“So I don’t know the intent you have. Is it not courteous enough just for me to know as a sitting Governor and even to provide more security to you and to prepare the mind of the IDPs.”

Governor Alia also denied claims by Obi that he couldn’t be reached, adding that if he couldn’t be reached directly, other senior members of his government could have been reached.

The Imo State Police command has arrested two women while attempting to sell a kidnapped four-year-old boy in Owerri for N2.7m.

The boy had been kidnapped in Abuja, while hawking vegetables, and transported to Owerri to be sold.

Police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye gave the name of the suspects as Joy Ugwu from Idah, Kogi State, and Rosella Michael of Zamba in Abuja, while the third suspect, a nurse, is currently on the run.

According to him, the suspects were arrested in Owerri, the state capital, following a discreet operation by operatives while they were trying to sell the boy for N2.7m. 

He said the arrests were made following joint efforts between the Imo State Police Command and Zone 7 Police Headquarters, Abuja.

He pointed out that the suspects have been transferred to the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja, for further investigation and prosecution.

Okoye said, “The Imo State Police Command has uncovered a suspected case of child trafficking, leading to the arrest of two female suspects and the rescue of a four-year-old boy. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Scorpion Unit intercepted the suspects—Joy Ugwu from Idah, Kogi State, and Rosella Michael of Zamba, FCT Abuja—in Owerri on 14th April 2025 at about 6 pm, following a discreet operation.

“Investigations revealed that the boy, Jaffa Umar, who speaks Hausa fluently, was abducted in Abuja while hawking vegetables. The suspects brought him to Owerri and were negotiating to sell him for N2.7m before their arrest. A third accomplice, believed to be a nurse, is currently at large.

“The child has been safely reunited with his family through coordinated efforts between the Imo State Police Command and Zone 7 Police Headquarters, Abuja while the suspects have been transferred to the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja for further investigation and prosecution.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, reassures the public of the Command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and dismantling trafficking networks. He encourages residents to report suspicious activity to the nearest police station or via the emergency line 0803 477 3600,” Okoye said.

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a man identified as Kelvin Okoro, for allegedly hacking a Revered Sister to death in the Aluu community in the Ikwerre local government area of Rivers State.

It was gathered that the deceased (Maureen Wecheonwu) persistently asked Okoro to pay the money owed.

A source who pleaded anonymity said Okoro tricked the Reverend Sister, under the guise of being ready to pay, to a place where he did the killing.

The source said the Reverend Sister’s lifeless body was discovered in a pool of blood by some natives who alerted a local security outfit in the area.

He stated, “What we heard was that he didn’t know how to repay the money. So he called the woman out in the guise of discussing the debt.

“The Reverend Sister has been complaining to people in the community that he refused to pay his debt.

“Not knowing his evil intentions, he took her to a lonely path and hit her severally with an object.”

He said following the discovery of the remains of the Reverend Sister, people began to wonder why they hadn’t seen Okoro, prompting an intensified search by the vigilante codenamed OSPAC.

Speaking further, the source said the Vigilante Commander in the Aluu community, Kingsley Wali led a search team to Okoro’s hideout where he was arrested and handed over to the police.

He said Okoro also took possession of some personal effects belonging to the deceased.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident, saying the investigation was ongoing.

She stated, “Yes I can confirm. The matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department.”

The National Association of Nigerian Students on Thursday called on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to extend its proposed mandatory drug testing initiative to political office holders and aspirants.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), had repeatedly proposed drug integrity tests for corps members, prospective couples, and other groups, as part of efforts to curb substance abuse.

Marwa restated the call on Wednesay during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja.

He clarified that the tests were not punitive but preventive, aimed at early detection and treatment for individuals who test positive, to prevent their conditions from deteriorating into addiction or serious health complications. 

However, in a statement on Thursday, NANS, through its Vice President for Inter-Campus and Gender Affairs, Akinbodunse Felicia, commended the NDLEA’s initiative but warned against any form of selectivity.

According to Akinbodunse, the same drug integrity test should be applied to individuals seeking elective positions and those currently serving in public office at both federal and state levels.

“The proposed drug test is a commendable step, but it must not target only young Nigerians,” she said. “If we are to build a drug-free society, then the spotlight must also shine on those in power — those who make and enforce the laws.”

She called for legislation that would institutionalise mandatory drug testing for all political aspirants and public office holders.

“We applaud the NDLEA’s proactive approach to tackling drug abuse through early detection. However, promoting a drug-free society requires consistency and fairness,” Akinbodunse added.

“It is no longer news that some political office holders have been linked to drug-related misconduct over the years. If young people are being subjected to mandatory tests before entering service or marriage, then leaders should be held to even higher standards.”

She urged the NDLEA to collaborate with the National Assembly to ensure swift passage of a law mandating drug testing for all political actors.

“A clean and drug-free leadership will inspire public confidence and demonstrate that no one is above accountability,” she said.

NANS reiterated its support for all genuine efforts to combat substance abuse but stressed that such policies must be inclusive, covering all sectors and social classes equally.

A coalition of legal professionals under the banner of Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law has announced its intention to file a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday, demanding an investigation into alleged corruption and mismanagement during the tenure of former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari.

Speaking with The PUNCH on Wednesday, the group confirmed the forthcoming submission of the EFCC petition, which follows a similar petition already filed with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

The group is calling for Kyari’s investigation, arrest, and prosecution over a range of alleged financial infractions.

“We will submit a petition to the EFCC on Monday,” the group stated. 

Kyari was removed from office on April 2 and replaced him with Bayo Ojulari. Kyari was NNPCL helmsman for nearly six years, occupying office from July 2019 to April 2, 2025.

On Wednesday, the lawyers seeking Kyari’s probe marched to the Federal Ministry of Justice headquarters in Abuja to submit a formal petition dated April 23, 2025.

The document was co-signed by the group’s convener, Emmanuel Agada, and National Secretary, Jonathan Uchendu. It accuses Kyari of overseeing a corrupt and opaque administration at NNPCL.

Wednesday’s protest marked the second consecutive day of public demonstrations outside the AGF’s office.

On Tuesday, another group, Concerned Citizens Against Corruption, also demanded a full investigation into NNPCL’s financial activities over the past five years.

In their petition, the Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law alleged that Kyari ran the NNPCL “as a racket in favour of his friends and associates.”

They expressed concern that while President Bola Tinubu eventually removed Kyari from office—largely in response to public outcry—there has been no formal probe into the former CEO’s conduct.

Among the allegations listed in the petition are inconsistencies in the reported rehabilitation of state-owned refineries.

The group highlighted the claim that Matrix Energy Limited invested $400m in the Port Harcourt Refinery, despite a prior $1.5bn approval from the Federal Executive Council for the same project.

Further, the group claimed that NNPCL accrued a debt of over $2bn to Matrix Energy, allegedly serviced through a crude-for-loan arrangement involving the daily allocation of 80,000 barrels of crude oil.

The petition questions the legitimacy and transparency of such transactions.

The lawyers raised key questions including how the Federal Government, through the NNPCL, accumulated a $2bn debt to Matrix Energy, why the debt is being repaid through crude oil allocations, who negotiated the agreement, and why the public has been left uninformed about the entire deal.

They urged the AGF to review all agreements signed under Kyari’s administration, investigate the transactions with a view to recovering any misappropriated funds, quantify any financial losses and recommend recovery strategies, and establish a commission of inquiry into NNPCL’s refinery rehabilitation projects.

They stressed that a full investigation would promote accountability, prevent a recurrence of similar mismanagement, and deter future abuse of public trust.

The group also pledged its support for any transparent and credible probe process.

Upon submitting the petition, the delegation was received by Deputy Director Winifred Adekunle, who assured them of the AGF’s commitment to justice.

“Your petition will receive immediate attention. There will be a response, and whatever questions you have asked will be addressed appropriately. Be assured that the Attorney General and the Solicitor General are people you can rely on,” Adekunle said.

The President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, says he has accepted his appointment to the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab, joining a select group of global business leaders tasked with driving investment and job creation in emerging economies.

In 2023, the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, co-chaired the Private Sector Investment Lab, which focused on attracting £1tn in sustainable investment to support the energy transition in emerging markets.

In a statement confirming his acceptance, Dangote reaffirmed his commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth through private sector-led investment, noting the transformative potential of such initiatives in developing markets.

“I am both honoured and excited to accept my appointment to the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab, dedicated to advancing investment and employment in emerging economies,” he said. 

Dangote added, “This opportunity aligns with my long-standing commitment to sustainable development and unlocking the potential of developing economies. Drawing inspiration from the remarkable successes of the Asian Tigers, which have demonstrated the power of strategic investment and focused economic policy, I am eager to collaborate with fellow leaders to replicate such outcomes across other regions.”

The World Bank announced Dangote’s appointment on Wednesday as part of a broader expansion of its Private Sector Investment Lab, which now enters a new phase aimed at scaling up solutions to attract private capital and create jobs in the developing world.

Joining Dangote in the elite group are the CEO of Bayer AG, Bill Anderson; the Chair of Bharti Enterprises, Sunil Bharti Mittal; and the President and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Mark Hoplamazian.

The World Bank said the expanded membership brings together business leaders with proven track records in generating employment in developing economies, supporting the Bank’s sharpened focus on job creation as a central pillar of global development.

“With the expanded membership, we are mainstreaming this work across our operations and tying it directly to the jobs agenda that is driving our strategy.

“This isn’t about altruism—it’s about helping the private sector see a path to investments that will deliver returns, and lift people and economies alike. It’s central to our mandate,” said World Bank Group President Ajay Banga.

The global bank said over the last 18 months, the Lab brought together leaders from global financial institutions to identify the most pressing barriers to private sector investment in developing countries and to test actionable solutions.

The statement said that the work had now been consolidated into five priority focus areas that were being integrated across the bank operations, including regulatory and policy certainty.

The statement made available to our correspondent stated that the Dangote Group, founded by Aliko, is the largest conglomerate in West Africa and one of the largest on the African continent.

“With interests spanning cement, fertiliser, salt, sugar, and oil, the Group employs over 30,000 people and is the largest taxpayer in Nigeria, contributing more in taxes than all of Nigeria’s banks combined. It is also the country’s largest employer after the government.

“The $20bn Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, the Group’s flagship project, stands as the largest single private investment in Africa.

“In addition to his business interests, Dangote leads the Aliko Dangote Foundation, the largest private foundation in sub-Saharan Africa, with the largest endowment by a single African donor. The Foundation primarily focuses on child nutrition, while also supporting interventions in health, education, empowerment, and disaster relief,” it was stated.