Author: joshua

Southern Women Empowerment Forum Inauguration For May 8, Asiwaju Prince Olusoji To Receive Top Honour

 

All roads lead to Orchids Hotel, Asaba, as the Southern Women Empowerment Forum (SWEF) officially inaugurates its Delta State Chapter on Wednesday, May 8, 2025.

The grand occasion will also feature a distinguished awards ceremony, honoring exceptional individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to community development and humanitarian service.

Among the recipients, Asiwaju Prince Olatunji Olusoji will receive the Golden Torch of Humanity Award, the highest honorary recognition of the day.

Known for his rare compassion, humility, and relentless service to humanity, Asiwaju Olusoji has impacted countless lives across Nigeria—empowering the less privileged, orphans, widows, the elderly, and jobless youth through education, healthcare, and skill-based support.

Speaking ahead of the event, the Delta State Coordinator of SWEF, Amb. Dr. Mrs. Rose Obi, remarked: “Asiwaju Prince Olatunji Olusoji deserves this prestigious award. His heart for the needy, the hopeless, and vulnerable is second to none. From sponsoring over 700 students through JAMB, WAEC, and NECO, to supporting churches, mosques, traditional rulers, medical workers, and community initiatives—his impact is overwhelming yet unsung.”

The inauguration ceremony that will be chaired by Elder Emmanuel Ogidi will also be graced by top dignitaries including Delta State First Lady (Mama Delta), Her Excellency Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, Princess Pat Ajudua, Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs as well as Dr. Helen Taiwo Adebakin, National President of SWEF, among other eminent personalities within and outside Delta State.

This historic event marks a new chapter for SWEF’s Delta State Chapter, which is focused on promoting women empowerment, leadership, and grassroots development.

The awards segment is designed to shine the spotlight on individuals who are silently but powerfully transforming lives.

Asiwaju Prince Olusoji’s recognition reflects the Forum’s values of service, impact, and inclusion. While he stands tall as the foremost honoree of the day, all awardees and dignitaries will be honored with the respect and visibility they deserve.

The organizers invited the general public to attend “the groundbreaking event and be part of a transformational movement that uplifts the forgotten and celebrates those who serve humanity without fanfare.”

Disobedience of Contempt Proceedings: Let Justice prevail in Kogi PDP – Hon. Mohammed Sanni Gambo Writes Gov. Bala Mohammed, Chairman PDP Governor’s Forum.

 

… swear me in as duly elected Chairman

… Says all actions taken by Enemona Anyebe, contemptuous, spell doom for Party in 2027.

The runner up of the 31st August, 2024 Congress of the Kogi State People’s Democratic Party, Hon. Mohammed Sanni Gambo has written the, Gov. Bala Mohammed, Chairman , PDP Governor’s Forum, seeking for justice.

In the letter titled: “Petition Over Disobedience of Contempt Proceedings By Enemona Anyebe, Still Parading Himself As Chairman Kogi PDP”, said failure to ensure that the contempt proceeding order is obeyed, the party being in the opposition, may be at the risk, as every action taken by the purported Chairman remains contemptuous, will spell doom for the Party in 2027.

Below is the letter to the Governor’s Forum Chairman as copied to Newsmen.

The Chairman,
People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Governor’s Forum.

Your Excellency,

Petition Over Disobedience of Contempt Proceedings By Enemona Anyebe, Still Parading Himself As Chairman Kogi PDP.

I, Hon. Muhammad Sani Gambo, Runner up, Kogi State PDP Congress, held on 31 August, 2024, write to intimate Your Excellency, the Chairman, People’s Democratic Party, PDP Governor’s Forum, Your Excellency, Gov. Bala Mohammed, of the grieve consequences awaiting our Party in Kogi State.

Permit me to intimate Your Excellency that prior to the State Congress of our Party held on the 31st August, 2024. That a Kogi State High Court issued an order on 31st July, 2024, suit no HC/OKP/54/2024 where Enemona Anyebe and respondents 1-7 were bound to obey.

Your Excellency, in suit no: HC/OKP/8/2024, Motion No:HC/OKO/55M/2024, the Court on 31st day of July, 2024 made an order against Enemona Anyebe, barred him from contesting the PDP State Congress.

The said Enemona Anyebe was barred from purchase of PDP Chairmanship nomination form, presenting himself from being screened and to participate in the State Congress. This order Your Excellency, was violated abinitio.

But in brazen disobedience to the Court order, which was not appealed and vacated, how he presented himself for the election leaving much to be desired, with the ruling APC now waiting in the wings to take advantage of that shortcomings.

Enemona Anyebe’s case is a clear case of brazen disobedience of subsisting orders of the honourable court. He made a caricature of himself to participate in the State Congress contrary to the orders of the court, thus making him to be contemptuous.

It is with emphasis Your Excellency, that the court order till date has not been vacated by any appellate court order setting aside the earlier order.

It may also interest Your Excellency, the Chairman, PDP Governor’s Forum to know that on 18th February, 2025, Justice Yahaya Adamu of the Kogi State High Court further delivered another judgement where he declared as follows: “The 7th respondents, Enemona Anyebe’s participation in the PDP State Congress of 31/08/2024 is illegal, null and void and hence his purported declaration by PDP as elected official is null and void”, ordered for his arrest.

It is on this premise Your Excellency, that I wish to draw your attention to the above order and Judgment by the following Courts that attempt for our party to still recognize Enemona Anyebe and to still allow him parade himself as Chairman of the Party in the State is contempt and utter disobedience of the Court.

The PDP is a Party built on justice and the rule of law. For a party that is in opposition, it will amount to gross violation of contempt proceedings allowing Enemona Anyebe to still preside as the Chairman of Kogi State PDP.

Aside the fact that the issues of contempt is hanging on the neck of Enemona Anyebe, which has become a public knowledge, there is also the issue of his falsification of his tax clearance certificate that has also barred him from parading himself as Chairman.

Your Excellency, the 31st August,, 2024 PDP State Congress was an election I, Hon. Muhammad Sani Gambo won as the only rightful participant, as Enemona Anyebe was not qualified to contest as contained in the High Court Judgment.

I, therefore use this medium to appeal to you as the Chairman PDP Governor’s Forum of our Party to allow Justice prevail by swearing me in as the duly elected Chairman of the State PDP.

Let me add that failure to ensure that the contempt proceeding is obeyed, our party being in the opposition, may be at the risk as every action taken by the purported Chairman which is contemptuous will spell doom for the Party in 2027 following the outright disobedience of the court.

The issue of contempt having been established against Enemona Anyebe, Your Excellency, is criminal, an outright violation of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

I, therefore make bold to State that no one, no matter how highly placed, should be above the law. Except the PDP act swiftly, it will render every action taken thus far by the State PDP, null and void.

I’m therefore appealing for Justice from our Party. This is predicated on what happened in other judgement and scenarios and in other instances where the runner up were declared as winners, sworn in, after the purported winners of those elections were declared as not fit to contest because Contempt Proceedings has been established.

Let me at this point emphasis that having emerged runner up in the said Congress, I’m the duly elected Chairman of the Kogi State PDP and should be sworn in immediately.

Submitted for your urgent intervention with the view to saving the Kogi State PDP. A stitch in time will save the promising future of our Party in the State.

Kindly find attached, certified true copies of the mentioned judgment and other documents to substantiate why the Chairman PDP Governor’s Forum of our Party must act now.

Signed
Hon. Muhammad Sani Gambo.

Copy,

(1) The National Chairman, People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Abuja.

(2) The National Secretary, People’s Democratic Party, Abuja.v

• Let Justice prevail by swearing me in as duly elected Chairman, Kogi State PDP, Hon. Mohammed Sanni Gambo Writes PDP National Secretary.

 

… Says any action taken by Enemona Anyebe, contemptuous, will spell doom for our Party in 2027.

The runner up of the 31st August, 2024 Congress of the Kogi State People’s Democratic Party, Hon. Mohammed Sanni Gambo has written the National Secretary of the Party seeking for justice.

In the letter titled: “Petition Over Disobedience of Contempt Proceedings By Enemona Anyebe, Still Parading Himself As Chairman Kogi PDP”, said failure to ensure that the contempt proceeding order is obeyed, the party being in the opposition, may be at the risk, as every action taken by the purported Chairman remains contemptuous, will spell doom for the Party in 2027.

Below is the letter to the National Secretary as copied to Newsmen.

The National Secretary, People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

Your Excellency,

Petition Over Disobedience of Contempt Proceedings By Enemona Anyebe, Still Parading Himself As Chairman Kogi PDP.

I, Hon. Muhammad Sani Gambo, Runner up, Kogi State PDP Congress, held on 31 August, 2024, write to intimate Your Excellency, the National Secretary, People’s Democratic Party, Ambassador Umar Damagun of the grieve consequences awaiting our Party in Kogi State.

Permit me to intimate Your Excellency that prior to the State Congress of our Party held on the 31st August, 2024. That a Kogi State High Court issued an order on 31st July, 2024, suit no HC/OKP/54/2024 where Enemona Anyebe and respondents 1-7 were bound to obey.

Your Excellency, in suit no: HC/OKP/8/2024, Motion No:HC/OKO/55M/2024, the Court on 31st day of July, 2024 made an order against Enemona Anyebe, barred him from contesting the PDP State Congress.

The said Enemona Anyebe was barred from purchase of PDP Chairmanship nomination form, presenting himself from being screened and to participate in the State Congress. This order Your Excellency, was violated abinitio.

But in brazen disobedience to the Court order, which was not appealed and vacated, how he presented himself for the election leaves much to be desired, with the ruling APC now waiting in the wings to take advantage of that shortcomings.

Enemona Anyebe’s case is a clear case of brazen disobedience of subsisting orders of the honourable court. He made a caricature of himself to participate in the State Congress contrary to the orders of the court, thus making him to be contemptuous.

It is with emphasis Your Excellency, that the court order till date has not been vacated by any appellate court order setting aside the earlier order.

It may also interest Your Excellency, the National Secretary of our Party to know that on 18th February, 2025, Justice Yahaya Adamu of the Kogi State High Court further delivered another judgement where he declared as follows: “The 7th respondents, Enemona Anyebe’s participation in the PDP State Congress of 31/08/2024 is illegal, null and void and hence his purported declaration by PDP as elected official is null and void”, ordered for his arrest.

It is on this premise Your Excellency, that I wish to draw your attention to the above order and Judgment by the following Courts that attempt for our party to still recognize Enemona Anyebe and to still allow him parade himself as Chairman of the Party in the State is contempt and utter disobedience of the Court.

The PDP is a Party built on justice and the rule of law. For a party that is in opposition, it will amount to gross violation of contempt proceedings allowing Enemona Anyebe to still preside as the Chairman of Kogi State PDP.

Aside the fact that the issues of contempt is hanging on the neck of Enemona Anyebe, which has become a public knowledge, there is also the issue of his alledged falsification of his tax clearance certificate that has also barred him from parading himself as Chairman.

Your Excellency, the 31st August,, 2024 PDP State Congress was an election I, Hon. Muhammad Sani Gambo won as the only rightful participant, as Enemona Anyebe was not qualified to contest as contained in the High Court Judgment.

I, therefore use this medium to appeal to you as the National Secretary of our Party to allow Justice prevail by swearing me in as the duly elected Chairman of the State PDP.

Let me add that failure to ensure that the contempt proceeding is obeyed, our party being in the opposition, may be at the risk as every action taken by the purported Chairman which is contemptuous will spell doom for the Party in 2027 following the outright disobedience of the court.

The issue of contempt having been established against Enemona Anyebe, Your Excellency, is criminal, an outright violation of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

I, therefore make bold to State that no one, no matter how highly placed, should be above the law. Except the PDP act swiftly, it will render every action taken thus far by the State PDP, null and void.

I’m therefore appealing for Justice from our Party. This is predicated on what happened in other judgement and scenarios and in other instances where the runner up were declared as winners, sworn in, after the purported winners of those elections were declared as not fit to contest because Contempt Proceedings has been established.

Let me at this point emphasis that having emerged runner up in the said Congress, I’m the duly elected Chairman of the Kogi State PDP and should be sworn in immediately.

Submitted for your urgent intervention with the view to saving the Kogi State PDP. A stitch in time will save the promising future of our Party in the State.

Kindly find attached, certified true copies of the mentioned judgment and other documents to substantiate why the National Party must act now.

Signed
Hon. Muhammad Sani Gambo.

Copy,

(1) The Chairman of PDP Governor’s Forum.

(2) The National Chairman, PDP, Governor’s Forum.

(3) The National Legal Adviser, PDP, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

Orbih Running APC Arm Of PDP- Says Edo PDP

 

By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City

The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday dismissed the claims by the party’s National Vice Chairman, South-South, Dan Orbih that he has sacked the PDP Zonal Committee Excos in Bayelsa and Edo
States.

Addressing newsmen in Benin, Edo PDP Caretaker Committee publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare said Dan Orbih has no authority to sack any excos, noting that his statement has no validation.

Nehikhare stated that, Dan Orbih is running the APC arm of PDP.

According to Nehikhare, ” Only the national body of our party that has the authority, the power, constitutional power to set up caretaker committees.

“It is the National Working Committee, the National Executive Committee that also organizes Congresses from the ward to the state and local government to the zonal and the national convention.”he said.

He added that the party’s Congress has not been held particularly in the south south zone to unveil the new party executives.

Adding that, What we have is the Caretaker Committee in the South South zone headed by Emmanuel Ogidi and not Dan Orbih.” Nehikhare said.

Nehikhare noted that Orbih is now in the APC following his unsolicited praises for the APC led government in Edo State.

Recall that the South South Zonal Working Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday, 22 April 2025, approved the appointment of Caretaker Committees to oversee the affairs of the Party in Bayelsa and Edo States respectively for a period of three (3) months.

The decision, effective Tuesday, was made known at the end of a Zonal Working Committee meeting presided over by Chief Dan Orbih, national vice-chairman of the party.

The decision to set up Caretaker Committees for both States follows the dissolution of the State Working Committee of Bayelsa State and the Caretaker Committee in Edo State on account of what the PDP zonal working committee described as various acts of gross misconduct by the dissolved Executives which it said were in clear breach of the Party’s Constitution and also, the poor handling of internal crises rocking the Party in both States.

KOGI/KOTO ZONING IS ‘NOT’ UP FOR DEBATE

 

The growing debate over who should represent Kogi/Koto Local Government in the State House of Assembly come 2027 has taken an unfortunate and unnecessary turn. What should be a straightforward and respectful process, rooted in a long-standing tradition, is now being twisted into a tool for distraction, division and political manipulation.

Let’s be honest, this argument serves no meaningful purpose. It seems like a calculated attempt to stir disunity and mislead the public. If we’re not careful, it will shift our attention away from what truly matters: peace, fairness and mutual respect.

For decades, Kogi/Koto LGA has stood as a model of political stability. That stability didn’t happen by chance; it is the result of a zoning structure that is intentional, just and widely respected. Like a carefully nurtured garden, this system gives every zone, (A,B,C) its season to lead, serve and contribute. So, No zone dominates. Every zone is valued. Every zone has its turn.

Zoning in Kogi/Koto isn’t just a tradition; it is the foundation of our political harmony. It guides how key leadership positions like Council Chairman and House of Assembly member are fairly distributed, helping to avoid political monopolies and fostering inclusion and unity.

Let’s recall recent facts between 2011 to date:

Between 2011 to 2014, HRM Dr. Salihu Saidu Akawu Salihu from “Zone A” represented Kogi LGA at the state Assembly, delivering community-impacting projects like boreholes and a clinic in Okpaka (verifiable).

Between 2015 to 2019, Alhaji Zakari Osewu from “Zone C” implemented skills acquisition programs with a center in Koton Karfe, engaging people with skills (verifiable).

Between 2020 to 2023, Hon. Abubakar Muhammed Tanko Okofi from “Zone B” secured JAMB forms for hundreds of constituents and executes other projects (verifiable).

Currently, Hon. Idris Aliyu Maikudi from “Zone A” is serving and has contributed by paying school fees, JAMB fees and facilitating skills acquisition programmes for some constituents (verifiable).

So, in fair calculation, “Zone C” is next.

There’s no ambiguity or controversy—just facts.
Altering this pattern now threatens to unravel everything the drafters have built. This rotation system isn’t just about equal chances; it’s about respect, inclusion and wisdom. Disrupting it for personal ambition sets a dangerous precedent that would undermine community peace.

It’s clear that “Zone A” has the least number of wards and voter registrations, making it challenging to compete with “Zones B and C” on the ballots based on INEC records.

Social media platforms, especially Facebook, are flooded with misleading narratives.

However, maturity means knowing not every post deserves a reaction. Sometimes, wisdom lies in choosing peace over avoidable arguments.

Sadly, much of the commentary is being amplified by voices thriving on CONTROVERSY, not TRUTH.

This isn’t a time for CONFUSION—it’s a time for CLARITY.

Our party leaders must uphold the tradition of fairness and unity by preserving the zoning arrangement that has maintained harmony amongst US.

Zoning Is Not Up For Debate. Let’s shield our swords!

As a founding member of APC, I’m standing up to say what’s right, even if it’s UNCOMFORTABLE.

— Abdulkadir Bin ABDULMALIK
Kogi Local Government!

FixPolitics, WARDC, others task INEC on Natasha’s recall CTC

 

To ensure transparency and due process, stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic experiment have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to make available the Certified True Copy of the petition to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Peoples Democratic Party, Kogi Central) to her before considering a second.

Having thrown out the first petition by some constituents to recall the Kogi senator for lacking in requirements, another petition has reportedly been sent to the INEC for the same purpose.

In a letter signed by the Executive Director of #FixPolitics Africa, Anthony Ubani, and Executive Director of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, the stakeholders urged the commission to ensure that Akpoti-Uduaghan “has received the CTC of the first petition before the commission receives a second one.”
Other groups that joined their voices in the call are Transition Monitoring Group and Enough is Enough Nigeria.

The letter read, “We understand that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has requested the CTC of the recall petition your office received against her. Also, following the commission’s announcement that the petition did not meet the threshold, the petitioners are in the process of collecting additional signatures and plan to resubmit the petition.

“We understand that the allegations of forged signatures can only be investigated by the police and the true nature of support for the recall process will only become apparent if the commission goes to the field for verification.”

They, therefore, requested the commission to ensure that it followed the letter and spirit of the law by ensuring that the senator received the CTC of the first petition before accepting a fresh one.

Findings from investigations show that Akpoti-Uduaghan had made a formal request for the CTC and paid the necessary fees for it but the INEC, at the time of filing this report, had not released the CTC to her.

Cross River Introduces “Jesus Carnival” into State Tourism Calendar

 

…Governor Otu, Wife, Clergymen Lead Parade of Christian Revellers

The Cross River State Government has officially introduced a new annual event into its tourism calendar. The event, titled “Carnival Parade of Thanksgiving and Festival of Praise” — popularly known as the “Jesus Carnival” — will be held every Easter season.

The maiden edition took place on Easter Monday in the state capital, Calabar, and was flagged off by the Governor, Apostle Senator Bassey Edet Otu, alongside his wife, Bishop Eyoawan Bassey Otu. The colorful and spiritually charged event, marked by splendor and cultural flair, is a spiritual offshoot of the globally celebrated Carnival Calabar, traditionally held every December.

Organizers explained that the Jesus Carnival is designed as a moment of collective gratitude to God for the success of Carnival Calabar and the continued progress of the state. It blends faith, culture, and thanksgiving into a unique Christian celebration during the Easter season.

Speaking at the event, Governor Otu declared: “Jesus Christ has taken Cross River State to unimaginable heights within two years of this administration. From inception, I declared this a Godly state, and Jesus the true Governor. Easter Monday has now been set aside to celebrate Jesus and to say, ‘Father, thank You for how far You’ve brought us.’ The story of Cross River State is changing for the better. I’m grateful to all the men and women of God who have continually kept the state in their prayers.”

He called on more Christians to join the effort to pray for Cross River, emphasizing that “no investment in the things of God is ever wasted.” The Governor also thanked the large contingent of clergy who led their congregations in participating in the event.

The parade route covered several strategic locations across Calabar Municipality and Calabar South, including Millennium Park, Watt Market, Nelson Mandela Street, Target Street, and the Mary Slessor Roundabout, before returning to the main carnival corridor. Prayers were offered at various roundabouts along the way, adding a spiritual dimension to the march.

Governor Otu and his wife danced and sang alongside thousands of Christian faithful, with gospel music echoing through the streets in a jubilant expression of faith.

Bishop Mrs. Eyoawan Otu, speaking before the flag-off, said the vision for the Easter event was inspired by a desire to dedicate a significant part of the tourism calendar to Jesus Christ.

“While Carnival Calabar is a secular celebration, this is a spiritual festival — one created to honor Christ for His sacrifice and celebrate our faith as a people,” she explained.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Event Management, Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong, described the Jesus Carnival as the brainchild of the First Lady, crediting her prayerful support for much of the administration’s success. He coordinated the parade’s logistics and highlighted its significance as a new attraction in the state’s growing tourism offerings.

“With this spiritually uplifting addition to its tourism calendar, Cross River State has reaffirmed its identity as a place where culture and faith intersect—making Easter not just a religious observance, but a state-wide celebration of divine gratitude and praise,” he concluded.

The celebration culminated with live gospel music performances, headlined by internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer, Cobhams Asuquo, whose electrifying performance left the crowd in awe.

Prayers were led by prominent religious leaders, including the State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. (Dr.) Takis Etim Caiafas; Bishop Josef Bassey; Bishop Emma Isong; Bishop Bassey E. Edem; Apostle Frank Umoh, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs; and several others across various Christian denominations.

 

Understanding the Outcry in Juxtaposition To Yahaya Bello’s Legacy

 

The recent outcry over ambulance services in Kogi State has sparked debates and controversial comments across various media platforms. However, it is important to acknowledge the accomplishments of His Excellency former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s administration, which excelled in security, healthcare, and many other critical areas.

 

Notably, FGYB government established a world-class hospital in Okene and extended healthcare services through ultra-modern hospitals across federal constituencies in Kogi State.

The FGYB administration also provided well-equipped ambulances and firefighting vehicles that have proven effective in emergency responses. These vehicles could have played a crucial role in addressing the accident that occurred in Okunchi if those in charge had been more proactive and up and doing.

While the current administration under Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo works to consolidate these laid down gains, local representatives, expecially the local government chairmen, should optimize available resources to ensure that all machinery are put to effective use.

Some critics with short memories have unfairly blamed the Kogi State government for a lack of ambulances, disregarding the achievements of the past administration. The records speak for themselves: former Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration made significant strides in healthcare that cannot be disputed.

Unarguably, government is a collective responsibility. What is the scorecard of our embattled senator in terms of healthcare? Yet her media sympathisers discredit the government making remarkable impacts.

Abdulhameed Ivavah
Writes from Ajaokuta LGA

 

HON ABDULMALEEK ABDULRAHEEM SENDS CONDOLENCE MESSAGE FOLLOWING TRAGIC ROAD ACCIDENT IN OKUNCHI OGAMINANA ROAD, ADAVI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA.

 

APRIL 22, 2025.

Hon Abdulmaleek Abdulraheem, the Hon Member Representing Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency, hereby extend his condolence on behalf of his people to the victims of the tragic accident that occurred yesterday evening around Okunchi community in Adavi Local Government Area.

To those who lost their lives in the tragedy, I pray that Allah Almighty grant them forgiveness, and pray that their families have the fortitude to bear the huge loss. And, to those that sustained injuries, I wish them quick recovery.

I hereby call on all relevant agencies of government to enforce and take necessary measures within the law in order to minimize or totally avoid this unfortunate loss now and in future.

Signed:
Hon Abdulmaleek Abdulraheem Danga
Member,
Representing Adavi/Okehi
Federal Constituency.