Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki has declared that the recent wave of defections will not affect the fortunes of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP). Saraki spoke on Thursday through a statement posted on his social media handle, amid the detection of former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and his successor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the All Progressives Congress, (APC). While declaring Okowa's defection as unprecedented, he said those remaining in the PDP would remain focused and provide a viable opposition. His statement below: "Following the development in the Delta State Chapter of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), I have been inundated with phone calls from leaders and members of our party as well as various youths who have been active in promoting democracy and good governance in our country. Many of the callers want to know what my reaction is to the defection of top PDP leaders in Delta State and its impact on our party. "My view is that those who want to leave the PDP should leave now and let the rest of us who want to stay concentrate on rebuilding the party and refocusing it to play the role of a viable opposition that will provide a better alternative for the good people of Nigeria. "I am convinced that it is important for all Nigerians to work for the sustenance of democracy. And to sustain democracy, there must be viable choices for people at every point. Also, there must be a viable opposition to keep people’s hope alive and create credible alternatives to keep the government on its toes. "A one-party state as being disingenuously designed by some people will not augur well for a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural, multi-religious, and highly diversified society like ours. It is even more dangerous when we eliminate alternatives and make people hopeless. Therefore, it is in the interest of Nigeria and the survival of our democracy for the opposition to be vibrant and strong enough with the capacity to replace the ruling party at any point. "Thus, my charge to our party members is that the PDP is merely experiencing a rebirth. Those who want to leave the party should go and let those of us remaining have a clear view of who we are talking to and where their political loyalty lies. All we need is for those who want to stay back in PDP to show commitment and we can all work to rebuild the party. "This development has vindicated the stance of people like me who have decided to remain silent and watch events unfold. I have seen that there was no sincerity with supposed leaders of the opposition. One was not sure of the next person one was talking to. "My appeal to PDP members nationwide is that we should know that the sustenance of democracy is not a sprint. Rather, it is a marathon. It is not a knock-out football match series. It is a league. 24 hours is a long time in politics and nobody can predict how the dynamics will evolve in the coming weeks and months. "That is why PDP members across the country should not be discouraged, disillusioned, disappointed, or demoralised by the development in Delta State. We should stay strong and focus on strengthening the party. It is not necessary at this point to lament why they left. "Our party members should also refrain from blaming our woes on the ruling party. That would be a lazy approach. They are playing politics to win elections. It is our responsibility as party members to ignore their antics and seize the moment and momentum to make our party stronger and better. "Yes, it is unbecoming and shocking for the running mate to the standard bearer of a leading party to abandon ship to join the ruling party. This is unprecedented and nobody should try to justify such an act with the talk of being put under pressure. It is simply a sign of how low we have sunk as a polity. The country is experiencing a collapse of leadership values. "These developments in the polity are the reason why I have always canvassed the idea that we should emphasize building and strengthening our institutions and not individuals. With the defection of the governor of Delta State, even if the party has only ten governors in its fold, the PDP is still in a good position to win the next round of elections.. "Our numerous party members should know that the PDP is better with fewer members who are loyal, sincere, determined, dedicated, and committed to its ideas, ideals, and progress than to have so many who will identify with us in the afternoon and be romancing the ruling party in the night. "We still have about two years before the next election. That is a long time in politics. We have enough time to brace up to the challenge. There is nothing that prevents us from getting some governors from the other parties to join our ranks. My appeal to our young party members is that this defection is just a mere challenge to us to further mobilize and put our house in order. "Also, our women's wing should seize the opportunity to help in the rebuilding mission. The PDP will come out stronger from this development. "I am very sure the various leadership organs of our party will soon make public their reaction to this development and convey the necessary meetings to strategize on how to strongly and strategically respond to it. Therefore there is no cause for alarm. "Our party members should not lose focus, hope, or the determination to win. We should see the current development as a challenge to rebuild and refocus the party. Tomorrow is very bright."

Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has again shunned an invitation from the House of Representatives.

Two days after the nationwide strike embarked upon by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMeT), union workers took its toll on the aviation sector, the Nigerian Government has commenced move to reconcile with the aggrieved workers.

Bandits have abducted a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Ibrahim Amos, in Kurmin Risga, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The late Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis died without suffering, his medical team has confirmed. According to the head of Pope Francis’ medical team, Sergio Alfieri, the pontiff died quickly on Monday morning from an unexpected stroke without suffering undue pain. He added that there was nothing that doctors could have done to save his life. Alfieri, a physician at Rome's Gemelli hospital reportedly oversaw the pope's treatment during a five-week stay when Francis was fighting double pneumonia earlier this year. He said he got a phone call at around 5:30 a.m. (0330 GMT) on Monday morning to come quickly to the Vatican and arrived about 20 minutes later. "I entered his rooms and he (Francis) had his eyes open. I ascertained that there were no respiratory problems. And then I tried to call his name, but he did not respond to me. "At that moment I knew there was nothing more to do. He was in a coma,” he said. According to Alfieri, some officials who were present with the pope suggested moving him immediately back to the hospital. "He would have died on the way. Doing a scan we would have had a more exact diagnosis, but nothing more. It was one of those strokes that, in an hour, carries you away,” he added.

Former Presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan have expressed heartfelt grief over the passing on of former Permanent Secretary in the Anambra State, Chief Mathias Anohu, describing him as a distinguished public servant. Also, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, and Governor Umar Bago of Niger State have expressed deep sadness over the death, noting, however, that the deceased’s good works would immortalise him. The outpouring of grief and condolences come ahead of the funerals of Chief Anohu, which begins today, Thursday, with a Service of Songs in his honour at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja. Obsequies released by the deceased’s eldest son, Engr. Victor Anohu also shows that the Service of Songs would be followed be followed by a requiem mass at The Cathedral of the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, Onitsha, Anambra State, on Wednesday, April 30, 2024, while a funeral mass would hold in his honour at Christ the King Parish, Ubahu, Okija, Anambra State on Thursday, May 1, followed immediately by interment of his remains at his country home at Okija. In his condolence message to Anohu family, Obasanjo recalled the lifetime of the late octogenarian as “a devout Christian, who lived his entire life in the service of God and humanity.” “His life was also a practical demonstration of patriotism, professionalism, commitment and diligence in public service,” he added. In his condolence message, Jonathan commended Chief Anohu’s unwavering integrity” as his defining qualities, adding that he bequeathed a legacy of offspring that had rendered great service to the country. “The hope of every human, is to leave a lasting legacy behind, one which Chief Anohu has achieved through his good works and his children, two of whom I have worked with in the service of our great nation – Honourable Emeka who served meritoriously in the 8th National Assembly in the House of Representatives and Chinelo, whose outstanding work in the Nigerian Pension Reform paved the way for her appointment by my administration, as the first female Director general of the National Pension Commission.” He said. In his message, Governor Mbah said, “Chief M. C Anohu will be remembered as a celebrated statesman, eminent Pharmacist, outstanding public servant, phenomenal community leader, renowned humanist and devout Catholic.” On his part, Governor Bago said the death was too monumental to qualify. “We sincerely found words inadequate in describing the sadness that engulfed us. He lived for and served humanity with passion.,” Bago stated. Chief Mathias Anohu, who passed on on Monday, January 6, 2025, aged 84, was appointed Permanent Secretary for Education in 1998 by Group Captain Rufai Garba, Military Administrator of Anambra State at the time and served as Commissioner 1, Anambra State Civil Service Commission during the administration of the late Dr. Chinweoke Mbadinuju. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Virgy Anohu; his sons, Engr. Victor Anohu and Hon. Emeka Anohu and his daughters Chinelo, Chinwe, Chinenye, and Chioma, as well as his brothers, sisters, and grandchildren, among others.

Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, has decorated his Chief Security Officer, CSP Alex Akinlalu, with his new rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police. Taking to his verified X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram handles, @PNMbah, on Wednesday, the governor shared: "Today, I had the honour of decorating my Chief Security Officer, Alex Akinlalu, with his well-deserved new rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, assisted by the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Giwa. "ACP Akinlalu is a disciplined, strategic, and exceptionally dependable officer whose commitment to duty continues to stand out. His professionalism, loyalty, and excellence are commendable. "This promotion is not just a recognition of his service, it is a testament to his impeccable track record and leadership acumen. Congratulations, ACP Akinlalu", he wrote.

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Eke Ibas is in attendance as Vice President, Kashim Shettima presides over the National Economic Council, NEC, meeting at the Presidential Villa Abuja. Others spotted at the meeting include Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hycinth Alia, Kwara, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, Edo, Monday Okpebholo, Cross River, Bassey Otu, the newly defected Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, among others. There were also a good number of Deputy Governors in attendance at the meeting. More details later...

The Enugu Government, Wednesday, met with leaders of Aguowa community ahead of the relocation process of the residents as part of government’s big plan to clear all slums in Enugu city by the end of 2026. At the meeting, which held at Government House, Enugu, government said that eye-marking of property owners at Aguowa would begin on Friday, 25th April, while a two-week deadline set for the submission of title documents to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government would commence on Monday, 28th April. While making clarification on the verification process, the Commissioner for Housing in the state, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, however, noted that simply submitting property documents would not be enough for the verification. He said that each property owner would stand with the document in the said property for eye-marking. "The verification process will go beyond submitting property documents. We want to do physical verification. We will do eye-marking. "You stand before the property, and we ascertain the property, the size, the document you have - if it is Certificate of Occupancy or not - then the government will decide the property that is conducive to stay, and the one to go. "Governor Mbah plans that there will be no slums in Enugu city by 2026. That is why this exercise is important. The governor said we will help those who have issues with the title because if you do not have a valid title document, you can not be entitled to relocation. The relocation process will also be at no cost," the commissioner said. Speaking, Dr. Ikechukwu Nebo, a stakeholder from Aguowa community, thanked the commissioner for the way things were being resolved so far, affirming that he was sure the governor meant well for the people and the state. “Governor Peter Mbah promised to carry the people of Aguowa along in what they are doing, and that has been the case. I thank the commissioner for the way and manner this meeting has resolved the issue of old and new. Everybody is happy," he said. Also speaking, Mrs Ifeyinwa Ozoaka, a resident of Aguowa said she would support all government efforts to see that Aguowa is developed, but urged the government to have human face while embarking on the relocation or resettlement process. "If the government has an intention to redevelop Aguowa, it is a good path and a laudable idea, but when the government wants to start this process, they should wear the emblem of humanity and human face;" she stated. The Commissioner for Lands, Barr. Chimaobi Okorie, stressed the importance of the verification, assuring the people that it was about openness, taking inventory of what is where, to know who truly owned a property, and to verify property owned by inheritance and others. Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Matters and Inter-Ministerial Relations, Barr. Juliet Okonkwo, assured the stakeholders of Aguowa community at the meeting that what the governor was doing was in their best interest and that of the state. "Since May 29, 2023 when Dr. Peter Mbah was sworn in as the Governor, all he has been doing is to make Enugu better, both rural and urban areas. "Someone asked why it is only Aguowa that was singled out. But that is not the case. There are about 25 sites, slum areas that will be cleared. We may have started with Aguowa, but we will get to the other 24 sites. It is for the best interest of these 25 areas," Barr. Okonkwo said.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) has restated its push for compulsory drug tests for corps members. The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), who renewed the demand, described the initiative as a preventive, not punitive measure. Marwa spoke during a courtesy visit by the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, and senior NYSC officials to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja. This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, who said Marwa emphasised the urgent need to curb drug abuse among Nigerian youth. “This is not a punitive action. “The goal is prevention—helping individuals before drug use escalates into addiction. “One in seven Nigerians aged 15 to 64 is involved in drug use. The drug scourge continues to ravage our families and communities. There is no part of this country untouched by the crisis.” While highlighting the NDLEA’s collaboration with NYSC, Marwa lauded the formation of War Against Drug Abuse clubs in NYSC orientation camps and proposed deeper cooperation, including mandatory drug tests for corps members. “In addition to suggesting that intending couples obtain drug-free certificates, we believe early detection through drug tests can prevent severe consequences, including psychiatric disorders, which affect not only users but the society at large,” he said. Responding, the NYSC DG described the proposal as a “fantastic idea,” pledging to review the NDLEA’s recommendations for possible implementation. Nafiu also assured that the NYSC would develop a comprehensive framework to facilitate the posting of qualified corps members to NDLEA commands, particularly those with active counseling and treatment facilities. He commended Marwa for his leadership and reaffirmed the NYSC’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the NDLEA in tackling drug abuse among Nigerian youth.

Former presidential aspirant, Mr Dele Momodu has blamed the recent massive defection of politicians into the All Progressives Congress, (APC), on fear of prison and state of emergency. He made the claim on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday. Momodu said that contrary to APC’s claims, fear was driving politicians into the party. “I’m not surprised; Okowa’s defection isn't shocking given the recent harassment he faced. “I would be surprised if President Bola Tinubu genuinely believes people are joining the APC out of love or administration, this is survival now; prison as martyr days are over. “We once admired the likes of Nelson Mandela, MKO Abiola, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo for enduring detention in the name of principle. These days, nobody wants to go to detention. “Everybody wants to stay at home and talk about the money they’ve made from politics; name one politician who has not been harassed by either the EFCC or the ICPC at some point.” He added that, “For me, it’s clear that this government’s strategy is ‘if we can’t persuade you, we’ll force you.’ And for now, that force appears to be working. But politics can change in 24 hours. “The APC is in more trouble than any other political party in Nigeria; the only thing holding it together right now is the access to resources they have to share. “But beneath that surface, there are serious problems. For nearly two years, APC members have blamed former President Buhari for the country’s issues. “Now, the same party is running back to Kaduna, trying to appease him. Whether he accepts their efforts or not doesn’t matter much to me.” While accusing the presidency of threatening the governors, he said, “They’re being told behind the scenes, ‘If you support us, we’ll leave you alone. If you don’t, we’ll make life difficult for you.’ That’s the reality of the current political climate. “And honestly, I don’t blame the governors. What choice do they have? “Rivers State was peaceful, yet Fubara was suddenly removed in a swift and aggressive move orchestrated by a minister in Abuja, Nyesom Wike. “Nothing happened afterward — no consequences. That sent a message, and now everyone is taking note. “If that isn’t coercion, then what is? What exactly was Fubara’s offense that warranted such a response? Now we hear he’s negotiating with them. That’s his choice. I’m not concerned with who he negotiates with.”