‘I was tempted to obstruct PDP presidential primary process’ – Wike

The Governor of Rivers State and presidential aspirant in the just concluded People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) presidential primary, Nyesom Wike has revealed how he was tempted to scuttle the process on Saturday.

He said this at a reception organised in his honour at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday, following his return from the party’s presidential primary in Abuja.

Wike said the temptation was exasperated by an aspirant who had spoken previously was allowed to return to the podium to pronounce his withdrawal, in contravention to the guidelines of the election.

The governor, however sued for peace among his supporters, describing his loss at the PDP presidential primary as the will of God.

Governor Wike said though he did not clinch the PDP Presidential ticket, he believes, just like his supporters, that his performance has raised the political profile of Rivers State and other minority groups in Nigeria.

“I have never seen how people can violate procedures and guidelines. Somebody has spoken, it is at that point he was speaking that he would have said I am withdrawing. You don’t call him back.

“Shame to those who will sell out their own, I have never seen a thing like that,” he stressed. 

Oyegun chairs APC presidential screening exercise

Ahead of June 6th and 8th Presidential primaries, the governing party, All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced screening of 23 presidential aspirants on its platform.

According to reports, a former national chairman of the party, Chief Odigie John Oyegun, chaired the screening exercise.

 Primerosenews had learnt that about 30 party men purchased the party’s presidential nomination and expression form,  but only 23 would be screened by the Oyegun-led Screening Committee.

The aspirants to be screened at the ongoing exercise include; Former Minister of State Education; Chukwuemeja Uwaezuoke Nwajiuba; Governor of Jigawa state, Badaru Abubakar; Senator Robert A. Boroffice; Barr. Uju Ken-Ohanenye (only female aspirant); Nicholas Felix; Ebonyi state governor; Nweze David Umahi; former senate president, and Ken Nnamani; Gbolahan B. Bakare.

Others are; former Ogun state governor, Ibikunle Amosun; former Lagos state governor, Ahmed B. Tinubu; Ahmad Rufai Sani; Former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi; former speaker of house of assembly; Oladimeji Sabon Bankole; Ekiti state governor, John Kayode Fayemi; former minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Obot Akpabio; Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Yemi Osinbajo; and former governor of Imo state, Rochas Anayo Okorocha.

The rest are; Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state; Tein Jack-Rich; former minister of science and technology, Christopher Onu; Senate president; Ahmad Lawan; Rivers state governor, Ben Ayade; and Ikeobasi Mokelu.

Nigerian economy can’t afford another ‘go slow'- Expert

A Development Consultant and Strategist, Dr Agu Ojukwu, has impressed on candidates seeking election into political offices in 2023 to rather bury  their aspirations if they do not have the needed economic blueprint to liberate Nigeria out of her current economic woe. 

Addressing a press conference in Umuahia, Abia State capital, Ojukwu noted that Nigeria’s economy was bleeding profusely, and needed a quick fix, adding that the country cannot afford another ‘go slow economic drivers’, if it must survive.

The former Economic Adviser to ex-governor of Abia State, Theodore Orji appealed to aspirants and candidates seeking political offices in 2023 to seek to understand the mechanism for rapid economic development, saying the people have become impatient and will not tolerate any delay in improving their lives.

He said what Nigerians need is for aspirants and candidates to tell them how they will take them (Nigerians) to the future of their individual potentials.

The Expert lamented the precarious condition of the Nigeria economy, and said that only a visionary leader would navigate the country out of the woods.

He challenged incumbents to objectively appraise their performance so as to provide guide to their successors to know how to improve on their lapses.

Dr Ojukwu urged Nigerians to jettison primordial sentiments, party and religious affiliations, and vote for the most credible and competent candidates at the 2023 polls.

The Expert urged Nigerians to be careful of who to vote into power as the next President and Governors of various states considering the enormous role of the occupants of both seats in economic recovery and survival of any society.

The Development Consultant stressed that for the Nigeria economy to recover from its dangerous slope, caution must be exercised to ensure that only competent persons with proven track records were elected into power as President and Governors.

He cautioned the electorates against praise singing but challenged them to engage the aspirants and candidates in robust discussions of their agenda to revamp the failing economy.

Global warming may hinder longevity of flower life – Institute

The Kunming Institute of Botany under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, had reported that a Chinese research team found that continued global warming may hamper floral life of plants.

Using published data on floral longevity from 818 angiosperm species, researchers from the institute presented the first global quantification of the latitudinal pattern of floral longevity and the relationships between floral longevity and a range of biotic and abiotic factors.

According to the study, the environmental temperature during the flowering season shows the highest influence on the longevity of flowers.

In areas of high temperature, drought, and strong solar radiation, plants tended to have shorter floral lives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday reported that, continuous global warming and extreme high-temperature events may shorten the flower life of plants, and then aggravate the insufficient pollination of plants, resulting in changes in plant population or geographical distribution, said the study.

The research results provided a reference for the conservation of plant diversity under global climate change.

The study was recently published in the journal – New Phytologist.

Atiku emerges PDP presidential candidate

Former vice-president and perennial presidential aspirant in Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has emerged as the presidential flagbeearer of the opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party.

Atiku emerged as a candidate at the end of the presidential primary after polling 371 votes, to defeat his closest challenger and the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Woke,  who polled 237 votes. 

Other aspirants with the number of votes polled include Bukola Saraki – 70; Sam Ohuanbunwa – 1; Anyim Pius Anyim – 14; Udom Emmanuel – 38 votes; Bala Mohammed – 20 votes. 

Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, had earlier withdrawn from the race and had given his support to the former Vice President.

Atiku had in 1993, contested the Social Democratic Party presidential primary, losing to Moshood Abiola and Baba Gana Kingibe.

He was a presidential candidate of the Action Congress in the 2007 presidential election coming in third to Umaru Yar’Adua of the PDP and Muhammadu Buhari of the ANPP.

He contested the presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party during the 2011 presidential election losing out to incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.

In 2014, he joined the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2015 presidential election and contested the presidential primary and lost to Muhammadu Buhari.

In 2017, he returned to the Peoples Democratic Party and was the party’s presidential candidate during the 2019 presidential election, again losing to incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari.

APC reschedules presidential primaries to June 6

The governing party, All Progressives Congress (APC) has rescheduled its presidential primaries to June 6th and 7th.

The decision comes only a few hours before the original date of the exercise, which was earlier slated for Sunday, May 29.

APC’s announcement comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) accepted appeals by political parties to extend the dates for the conduct of primary elections.

INEC in a statement on Friday, extended the dates for primaries by six days.

Edo workers get N40,000 minimum wage

In fulfilment of the new minimum wage regime announced on Workers’ Day, Governor Godwin Obaseki has paid the Workers’ May salaries and pension, reflecting the new wage increase.

The Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, disclosed this via a statement issued on Thursday.

According to the statement, “The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has approved the payment of retirees’ pension and workers’ salaries for the month of May, reflecting the new N40,000 minimum wage.

“This is in fulfillment of the statutory obligations to workers and also a reflection of the governor’s expert and judicious management of the state’s resources,” the statement read in part.

Announcing the increment of minimum wage from N30,000 to N40,000 on May 1, governor Obaseki noted that the increase was necessary to help workers overcome the country’s overbearing economic challenges, which have caused galloping inflation among other socio-economic dislocations.

A cross-section of workers, who spoke with journalists after the payment of the new minimum wage, expressed excitement about the development, praising the governor for keeping to his word.

Alleged N96b fraud: ‘Supreme Court ruling vindicates my stance’ - Amaechi

The immediate past Minister of Transportation and former governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has disclosed that the Friday pronouncement of Supreme Court had further vindicated his stance that the investigation by the commission ought not to be portrayed as personal to him because he was not on trial.

He stated this on Friday while reacting to the judgement of the apex court which contained in a statement by his Media Office 

According to the statement, “Nigeria’s apex court today ruled on the Appeal filed by Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi against the Rivers State Government on the Justice Omereji Judicial Commission of Inquiry.

“The Supreme Court in dismissing the appeal however pronounced that the function of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry was mere investigative, that nobody, neither Amaechi nor anyone else, was on trial before the panel.

“The Supreme Court ruling clearly vindicates the former Governor of Rivers State. The apex court was categorical and clear that Amaechi was not on trial. The implication of this is that any indictment from the Commission is null and void and cannot stand.

“With this judgment, Amaechi has been vindicated and cleared him of all purported or alleged indictment by the Governor Wike’s Commission.

“It has been further settled that the decisions/recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry and subsequent White Paper issued by the State Government is not a conviction or indictment and cannot stand.

“From the onset, it was obvious to any discerning mind that the Commission was set up to embarrass, denigrate and humiliate Amaechi.

“The apex court’s judgment today, further buttressed this stance. A commission purportedly set up to investigate past financial transactions was actually a commission to personally witch-hunt Amaechi.”

Upon assuming office in 2015, his successor and the incumbent governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Woke constituted the Justice George Omeregi-led judicial commission of inquiry to probe the alleged sale of state assets by the immediate past administration led by Amaechi.

Amaechi challenged the decision of the governor at High Court of Rivers State in a suit marked: PHC/187/15.

Delivering a judgment on August 20, 2015, Justice Simeon Amadi held among others that that the judicial commission of inquiry was not established to investigate the personal activities of the former governor, but set up to investigate the previous actions of the government as they affect the people of Rivers State.

On appeal, the Court of Appeal also expressed similar view, which was also reflected in the judgment of the Supreme Court on Friday.

In the lead judgment prepared by Justice Emmanuel Agim, but read by Justice Adamu Jauro, the court said:,”The gist of this decision is to the effect that the commission of inquiry was to investigate some transactions, hence no one was on trial, hence the issue of denial of fair hearing therefore, does not arise.”

The judgment also awarded N1million as cost against the appellant.

‘I’m not desperate to succeed Buhari’ - Obi

Hours after joining a  new party, former governor of Anambra State and presidential aspirant, Dr Peter Obi has revealed that he is not desperate to become Nigeria’s president  in 2023.

Obi who stated this while featuring on Channels TV programme on Friday night, Politics Today with Seun Okinbaloye, said what he was desperate about was to see Nigeria work for the teeming youths and other Nigerians facing hardship across the country.

While announcing his new party on his twitter handle on Friday morning,  the presidential hopeful said he had chosen a path that he considered to be in line with his aspirations and the mantra of taking the country from consumption to production.

Responding to a question during the programme on whether his desperation led him to dump the PDP for LP, Obi said, “Not at all, I am not desperate to be President. But what I am desperate about is to see Nigeria work. Especially for the youth of this country.

“As I said, I have moved on to where I think the process might allow me. It is not about losing or winning. I will rather lose doing the right thing than win doing the wrong thing.

“My politics have been consistent in character and integrity since I started and you can go and check. I have been consistent in seeking the right process,” he stressed. 

Obi joins Labour Party to pursue his presidential ambition

          Obi(middle)  receiving LP membership card

Few days after dumping the main opposition party in Nigeria, the former Anambra State Governor and presidential hopeful, Peter Obi has formally pitched tent with the Labour Party to pursue his presidential aspiration.

He is expected to contest the presidential primary on the platform of his new party.

While announcing his new party in his verified twitter handle, Obi thanked his supporters especially the youths who have joined him “in the mission of taking back and reuniting Nigeria.”

“This project is yours and for the future of your children. I am just a facilitator.

“Since I resigned from the PDP because of issues that are at variance with my persona and principles, I have consulted widely with various parties and personalities to ensure we do not complicate the route to our desired destination.

“For me, the process of achieving our goal is as fundamental as what one will do thereafter.

“Therefore, I have chosen a route that I consider to be in line with our aspirations and my mantra of taking the country from consumption to production; and that is the Labour Party which is synonymous with the people, workers, development, production, securing and uniting Nigerians as one family.

“I invite all Nigerians to join me in taking back our country.

“Be assured that I’ll never let you down,” he vowed. 

Amaechi loses bid to stop probe in alleged N96b fraud

Some hours to the commencement of All Progressives Congress, a Presidential aspirant on the platform of the party and immediate past Minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has lost his legal battle seeking to stop his probe in alleged N96b fraud and alleged fraudulent sale of valued assets belonging to Rivers State.

The Supreme Court in a judgment delivered on Friday ordered Amaechi to go and face the Commission of Inquiry set up by the Rivers State Government to investigate his 8-year tenure as governor of the State.

The apex Court dismissed the former governor’s appeal where he had asked for order of the court to prohibit his successor, Nyesom Wike from investigating his 8-year tenure as Executive Governor of the State.

Justice Adamu Jauro, who read lead judgment in Amaechi’s suit, held that it lacked merit, ought to be dismissed and was subsequently dismissed.

The Supreme Court affirmed the judgments of the High Court of Rivers State and that of the Court of Appeal which had earlier dismissed same suit for want of substance and merit.

With the final decision of the apex court, Amaechi will be made to appear before the Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice George Omekeji to give account of how N96b was allegedly withdrawn from the Treasury of the State government and how it was expended.

The Commission of Inquiry inaugurated by governor Nyesom Wike is to look into the lawful or otherwise of the alleged sale of valuable assets of the State.

The listed valuable assets are Omoku Gas Turbine, Afam Gas Turbine, Trans Amadi Gas Turbine, Eleme Gas Turbine, Olympia Hotel and the award of contract for the execution of Mono Rail Project.

Senator Aishatu Binani defeats Nuhu Ribadu in Adamawa APC guber primary

The senator representing Adamawa Central, Aishatu Binani, has emerged as the governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State.

Mrs Binani who became the first female governorship aspirant to win a primary election to represent a major political party in the forthcoming 2023 general elections, polled 430 votes to defeat former EFCC chairman, Nuhu Ribadu who scored 288 votes.

A former governor of the State, Umaru Bindow, got 103 votes to come to the third position in the election.

Abdulrazak Namdas got 94 votes while Safari Theman scored 21 and Umar Mustapha got 39.

Senator Bassey Otu emerges Cross River APC gov primary

A Senator representing Cross River South senatorial district, Prince Bassey Otu has declared winner of the All Progressives Congress, APC primary and emerged as the party flagbearer for the 2023 Governorship election in Cross River State.

Otu who had earlier emerged as a consensus candidate of the party won in the APC primaries held on Thursday, at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, the State capital.

The governorship primary election results that was announced in the early hours of Friday, Senator Otu polled 811 votes to defeat his closest rival, Sen. John Owan-Enoh who scored 84 votes and Barr. Chris Agara who polled 63 votes.

The former House of Representatives Member for Odukpani/Calabar Municipality Federal Constituency polled 84.5% of the votes, while Owan-Enoh, a former Senator Representing Cross River State Central Senatorial District and Agara, a businessman and oil mogul scored 8.9% and 6.6% of the total votes.

The election was attended by the governor of the State, Prof. Ben Ayade, and several other APC stakeholders and members.

The All Progressives Congress screening panel headed by DIG Suleiman Fakai had earlier disqualified Otu following several petitions written against him, regarding his certificate and record of past conviction.

According to a news report, one of the petitions dated 14 May was submitted by Messrs B. Dakum and co, a firm of lawyers.

Although the committee found no evidence of Otu’s conviction, it found his academic credentials questionable, when he (Out) could not produce his first leaving certificate nor his WASC. He could only produce his secondary school testimonial.

A unanimous decision by the 17 Governorship aspirants and Party critical Stakeholders had earlier declared Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu as the consensus candidate of the APC for the 2023 governorship election in Cross River State.

The meeting, which was presided over by Governor Ayade, had in attendance the State Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, other Exco members and the 17 Gubernatorial aspirants under the platform of the APC.

However, some of the aspirants disagreed afterwards, with Pst. Usani Usani, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs leaving the APC to join PRP and Barr. Agara proceeding to purchase the Interest and Nomination forms under the same party.

Owan-Enoh, on the other hand, stepped down and threw his full support behind Prince Otu on May 19, 2022, in a critical stakeholders meeting held in Calabar.

Accord party woos Peter Obi

The Anambra State chapter of Accord Party has said the resignation of  the State former Governor, Mr Peter Obi, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has became a blessing in disguise for smaller parties in the state.

Speaking with the press men at the party’s secretariat in Awka on Thursday,  the party Chairman in Anambra State, Chief Bartho Igwedibia urged Mr Obi to join Accord party. 

Igwedibia said the exit of Mr Peter Obi from the PDP is like a thunderbolt to his former party, but a very joyous development to smaller parties like Accord in the state.

“As you might have heard many aspirants who bought forms to contest state assembly, house of representatives or senate in PDP are resigning in their numbers.

“A good number of people are buying forms in our party since Wednesday and I make bold to call on His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi, to equally take advantage and come to Accord because we have a veritable platform for him to achieve his presidential ambition,” he said.

According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Val Ozigbo, Tony Nwoye, both senatorial aspirants in Anambra South and North, equally announced their resignation from the PDP respectively on Thursday.

Others who resigned are: Ms Juliet Anaeme (House of Assembly, Ekwusigo), Chief Andrew Onwurah Azike (Aguata Federal Constituency), Mr Obiora Chira (House of Reps in Oyi/Ayamelum federal Constituency) and Mr Idu Emeka (House of Reps in Onitsha North and North).

Igwedibia who used the medium to reaffirm the expulsion of one Innocent Igboekwe from the party, explained that Igboekwe from Ogidi ward one, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra, was expelled following what the party described as”anti-party misconduct”.

The Accord Party chairman warned the public against dealing with Igboekwe who was the state vice chairman of the party before his expulsion.

Two candidates emerge in Akwa Ibom PDP governorship parallel primary

A two-term member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Michael Enyong, and a former Commissioner for Lands, Pastor Umo Eno have emerged as the winners of a parallel primary which was conducted at Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, and Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo respectively, on Wednesday.

Enyong, who is representing Uyo Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, was declared the winner of the parallel primary, whose venue was different from the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, where Pst. Umo Eno was declared the winner.

A report made available to newsmen in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday night indicated that the lawmaker defeated other aspirants to emerge the winner having scored a total of 2448 votes.

Announcing the results of the exercise following votes cast by the accredited delegates across the 31 Local Government Areas, the returning officer, Mr.  I. D. Sunday said Enyong scored 2448 votes and trailed by Pastor Umo Eno who polled 239 votes; Obong Bassey Albert scored 50 votes; Hon. Onofiok Luke, 34 votes; Akan Okon, 5 votes while Mr Ide Owodiong, scored none. 

Enyong’s declaration is coming hours after Pst. Umo Eno, Governor Emmanuel’s anointed successor was declared the winner of the PDP primary held at the Nest of Champion International Stadium, in Uyo and supervised by the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom state, Mr. Mike Igini

Eno polled a total of 993 votes, beating other contestants to emerge as the PDP governorship candidate for the 2023 general election. A total of 1018 delegates were accredited to vote at the primary.

However, Enyong, while reacting shortly after he was declared winner of the parallel primary, thanked the “delegates for their overwhelming and unwavering trust reposed in him to represent the party in the 2023 governorship election in the State”.

He said as the candidate with the right formula to fight poverty, he would “eradicate poverty from all the nooks and crannies of the state and ensure improved lives for  the children, youths, women and men in the state”

He, therefore, called on all other aspirants who lost at the primaries to see his victory as a win for all and called on them to join hands with him to conquer the state for the PDP come 2023.

My commitment to rescuing Nigeria remains firm’ – Obi

The former Governor of Anambra State and Presidential hope under the umbrella of opposition People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has assured Nigerians that his commitment to salvage the country from her current woes remains unchanged even if the route differs. 

Obi stated this in a letter addressed to the National Chairman of the party, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, while announcing his resignation and withdrawal from the presidential race of PDP. 

The ex-governor explained that “recent developments” within the Peoples Democratic Party were responsible for his resignation and withdrawal from the party’s presidential primary slated for end of May.

Obi who was the running-mate of the party’s presidential candidate in the 2019 general elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, was one of the 15 PDP presidential aspirants cleared by the Senator David Mark-led Presidential Screening Committee last month.

In the letter titled, ‘Resignation From Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Withdrawal from the Presidential Contest’, Obi explained that the recent developments in PDP won’t make it possible for him to make “Constructive Contributions”.

Some groups had bought the N40m PDP presidential nomination form for Obi last month.

Obi said, “I am writing to intimate you of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, which was conveyed to the Chairman of Agulu Ward 2. Anaocha LGA Anambra, effective Friday 20 May, 2022. Consequently, I am by this letter informing you of my withdrawal from the PDP Presidential Primaries.

“It has been a great honour to contribute to nation-building efforts through our party. Unfortunately, recent developments within our party make it practically impossible to continue participating and making such constructive contributions.

“Our national challenges are deep-seated and require that we each make profound sacrifices towards rescuing our country.

“I wish to thank you personally for your graciousness and leadership. I wish you well and best of luck in the service of the country,” he prayed.

The party had thrown its presidential ticket open of late attracting rebuke from socio-cultural organisations like the Ohanaeze Ndigbo which maintained that political parties like the PDP and the All Progressives Congress should zone its ticket to the South-East geopolitical zone.

Food prices surge by 42% in one year – NBS

The figures by the National Bureau of Statistics have shown that selected food prices recorded a growth of 42 percent in the last 12 months. 

A new report titled “Selected Food Price Watch for the month of April 2022” showed that the average price of 1kg of beans (white, black eye, sold loose) rose on a year-on-year basis by 44.32 per cent, from N359.64 in April 2021 to N519.05 in April 2022.

Similarly, the average price of 1kg of yam tuber on a year-on-year basis rose by 42.88 per cent, from the value recorded in April 2021 (N252.80) to N361.20 in April 2022. On a month-on-month basis, it increased from N353.56 in March 2022 to N361.20 in April 2022, indicating 2.16 per cent growth. In the same vein, the average price of palm oil (1 bottle) increased by 45.59 per cent, from N578.86 in April 2021 to N842.75 in April 2022. It also grew by 0.06 per cent on a month-on-month basis.

According to the report, the average price of 1kg of plantain (unripe) rose by 38.66 per cent on a year-on-year basis, from N243.37 in April 2021 to N337.47 in April 2022. In addition, the average price of groundnut oil (bottle) stood at N1,007.68 in April 2022, showing an increase of 46.21 per cent from N689.19 in April 2021. On a month-on-month basis, it rose by 1.31 per cent from N994.62 in March 2022.

At the state level, Ebonyi recorded the highest average price of beans (white, black eye, sold loose) with N875.71, while the lowest was reported in Borno with N256.67. The highest average price of bread sliced at 500g was recorded in Ebonyi with N650, while the lowest was recorded in Borno with N261.38. In addition, Akwa Ibom recorded the highest price of 1kg of yam tuber with N695.93, while Bauchi recorded the lowest with N133.28.

Ekweremadu pulls out from Enugu governorship race

 

The two-term former Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has receded his ambition to succeed governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in 2023.

The lawmaker announced that he would not participate in today’s governorship primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party in Enugu State.

This was contained in a statement made available to the newsmen on Wednesday morning by his campaign organisation.

Ekweremadu who is currently representing Enugu West Senatorial District at the Senate, was a foremost governorship aspirant in the state before announcing his withdrawal.

On Tuesday, the former governor of old Anambra State Senator Jim Nwobodo had announced that Enugu East Senatorial zone had adopted Dr Peter Mbah as the next governor of Enugu State.

He also said that Senator Ekweremadu had given his support for Peter Mbah to succeed Ugwuanyi, although the governor had yet openly endorsed anybody as his successor.

However, in a swift reaction, Ekweremadu campaign organisation said it was false.

But on Wednesday morning, in what appeared a new twist, the campaign organisation issued a statement titled “Senator Ekweremadu won’t participate in PDP primary election”.

The statement signed by Ikeoha Campaign Organisation, Hon Charles Asogwa, read “I wish to inform our supporters and Nigerians that the former Deputy President of the Senate and foremost governorship aspirant in Enugu State, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, will not be participating in the PDP governorship primary election scheduled for this Wednesday, May 25, 2022.

“Meanwhile, we continue to trust God as we appreciate our teeming supporters and the good people of Enugu State for the enormous goodwill they have ceaselessly invested in the actualisation of the “Pathway to a New Enugu State”.

“We urge them to remain peaceful and be assured that we will keep them abreast of our decision on the way forward," the statement read. 

Governorship aspirant laments disunity in Akwa-Ibom State

 

A governorship aspirant under the umbrella of All Progressives Congress, Akwa-Ibom State chapter,  Mr Larry Esin has said the ditching of power-sharing among ethnic nationalities in the state by today’s politicians had resulted in great disunity in the oil rich state.

Esin who had earlier declared his intention at the weekend, to succeed Emmanuel Udom in office next year, lamented that zoning that was supposed to engender ethnic inclusion, has failed and divided the state like never before.

Speaking in Uyo yesterday, the governorship hopeful pledged to restore the lost hope of citizens of the state and revive ailing sectors of the state economy.

The Oron born politician averred that governorship is not a white-collar responsibility, but a blue-collar job, adding that his government would partner with various communities for accelerated and even development of the state.

Esin expressed his commitment to ICT, tourism development, and agriculture which will form the front row of his administration if he gets elected governor of Akwa Ibom.

Gunmen kidnap priests, others in Kukkah’s Diocese

 

The armed hoodlums early Wednesday broke into the rectory of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Gidan Maikambo, in the Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State and kidnapped two priests and two others, The Primerosenews has learnt.

The church is one of the parishes presided over by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan-Kukah.

Bishop Kukkah’s Sokoto Diocese covers four northern states which includes Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi States.

The Director, Social Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Rev. Fr Christopher Omotosho, confirmed the development on Wednesday morning with newsmen.

He said the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto is under attack and no information has been gotten as to the whereabouts of the abductees.

Omotosho said, “As at midnight of today, 25th May, 2022, gunmen broke into the rectory of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Gidan Maikambo, Kafur LGA of Katsina State.

“The parish priest and his assistant Rev. Frs. Stephen Ojapa, MSP, and Oliver Okpara and two boys in the house were kidnapped.

“No information as to their whereabouts. Kindly pray for their safety and release,” Omotosho stated.