Pillar Today

  • Betta Edu Celebrates Resilience of Nigerian Workers, Seeks Commitment to Drive Renewed Hope Agenda

    Betta Edu Celebrates Resilience of Nigerian Workers, Seeks Commitment to Drive Renewed Hope Agenda

    Dr Betta Edu (2nd from left), NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero (3rd from left) and other Labour leaders.

    By Anietie Akpan

    As Nigerians celebrate the 2025 May day, the immediate past Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu has hailed Nigerian workers for their resilience, dedication and contributions to nation building, describing them as the “engine of the nation”

    In a May Day message to Nigerian workers which she personally signed, Dr Edu, said the event was a celebration of the Workers’ achievements and a reminder of the value they bring to millions of Nigerians.

    “I celebrate and appreciate the tireless efforts, dedication, and your  contributions  across various sectors in Nigeria.

    “Your hard work, resilience, and commitment to drive progress and development under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is highly appreciated”, she said.

    Dr Edu commended government’s efforts in providing decent work incentives to Nigerian workers.

    “Let us continue to unite in solidarity to achieve more development for our nation, Nigeria, as the government continues to provide decent work incentives like wages award, fair pay, and better working conditions under this administration.

    “May this day be a celebration of your achievements and a reminder of the value you bring to millions of Nigerians”, she added.

  • CR Assembly Repeals Essential Drugs Programme Law 2002

    CR Assembly Repeals Essential Drugs Programme Law 2002

    By Itam Offor

    In it’s continuous efforts at strengthening healthcare delivery in the State, the Cross River State House of Assembly (CRHA) has repealed the Essential Drugs Programme Law 2002 and passed the CRS Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency Bill 2025 into Law.

    The bill, which was sponsored by the Member representing Boki 2 State Constituency and Chief Whip of the House, Rt Hon Hillary Bisong was first read at plenary on the 12th of September, 2024 while it’s second reading was on Wednesday, 18th September, 2024 before it was referred to the House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security for other legislative procedures.

    Rt Hon Bisong who doubles as the Chairman of the Health Committee recalled that the World Health Organisation(WHO) introduced the concept of the Essential Drug Programme globally in 1981 which led to the passage of the Essential Drug Programme Law of 2002, adding that his Committee observed that while several provisions of the Essential Drug Programme Law were retained, the new law offered a more comprehensive framework.

    “Upon thorough scrutiny of the proposed Bill, the Commitee observed that while several provisions of the Essential Drug Programme Law 2002 are retained, the new bill offers a more comprehensive and contemporary framework for Drugs and Health Commodities Management.

    ” It transitions from a programme-based structure to a full-fledged Agency Model, thereby expanding the scope of it’s operations to meet the present day health care delivery challenges and realities”. Bisong explained.

    The Chief Whip further listed the merits of the new bill including; enforcement of standards for proper management and distribution of drugs and Health Commodities across the State, as well as overseeing the circulation of Medical devices, aids, equipment, chemical, reagents, vaccines, syringes etc.

    Bisong explained that the proposed Agency will take charge of efficient management of the existing central drugs receipt and distribution as well as strengthen healthcare delivery especially in the Local Government level.

    In separate contributions, the Lawmakers unanimously supported the bill. They maintained that the proposed Agency will enhance the performance of the existing Health Insurance Scheme as well as create employment opportunities for the citizens.

    On his part, the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem expressed happiness at the passage of the bill, stressing that the 10th Assembly will continue to enhance good governance through people oriented legislation.

  • Governor Otu Lauds NELfund Boss on Execution of FG’s Education Loan Scheme

    Governor Otu Lauds NELfund Boss on Execution of FG’s Education Loan Scheme

    CRS .Deputy Gov. (left) with the Chief Executive Officer of NELfund, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr

    By Anietie Akpan

    Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has commended the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELfund), Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, for the transparent and effective implementation of the Federal Government’s student loan programme.

    Governor Otu, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, made this commendation during a courtesy visit by Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr and his team to the Glass House, the temporary office of the Deputy Governor in Calabar on Wednesday.

    Governor Otu expressed appreciation for the establishment of NELfund, noting that the initiative aligns with his administration’s priority on education and its commitment to providing financial support to students in tertiary institutions across the state and country.

    “We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing this initiative, which allows students to access funding for their education,” Governor Otu stated.

    “Education remains a cornerstone of our ‘People First’ mantra, and we are fully in support of NELfund’s mission to assist students in the state and the nation at large.”

    Odey reaffirmed the state’s readiness to support federal government policies that empower children from low-income families to access quality, higher education and develop the skills needed for self-reliance, thereby improving the state’s socioeconomic outlook.

    In his remarks, Sawyerr stated that NELfund was created in line with President Tinubu’s vision to ease the financial burden on students and broaden access to quality higher education. He praised the Cross River State Government for its unwavering support of NELfund’s mission and programmes.

    He explained that NELfund has a two-fold mandate: to enhance academic pursuits and to promote, support, and finance skills development across Nigeria.

    Sawyerr disclosed that thousands of applications have been received from institutions in Cross River State since the programme’s launch, with many students already benefiting.

    He reported that several millions of naira have been disbursed to public institutions, including the University of Calabar, the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), and the Federal College of Education, Obudu.

    He further assured that students of the newly established Cross River State University of Education and Entrepreneurial Studies, Akamkpa, Cross River State College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences, Itigidi, and the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, will be included in the second phase of the scheme.

    Also present at the meeting were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Special Adviser on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, and Special Assistant on Student Affairs, Comrade Kelvin Eyam.

  • Appeal Court Confirms Professor Peter Ogban‘a Conviction in 2019 Electoral Fraud

    Appeal Court Confirms Professor Peter Ogban‘a Conviction in 2019 Electoral Fraud

    By Anietie Akpan

    The Court of Appeal sitting  in Calabar, has further confirmed the conviction of Professor Peter Ogban, jailed in 2021 by the lower court in Akwa Ibom state.

    INEC prosecuted Prof Ogban in the landmark case for rigging a senatorial election in Favour of Senator Godswill Akpabio of North-West Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State.

    Akpabio, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is now the president of the Nigerian Senate after winning the 2023 elections

    Ogban, a professor of Soil Science at the University of Calabar and a returning officer in the 2019 general elections in Akwa Ibom North-West District, was jailed for three years by a State High Court in Uyo for announcing fake election results in two local government areas – Oruk Anam and Etim Ekpo – in Akpabio’s favour.

    A lawyer who participated in the case at the appellate court told  journalists shortly after the judgement that the Court of Appeal, apart from affirming  Ogban’s conviction and three-year jail term, frowned at his role as a university professor in the fraudulent manipulation of election results.

    Mr Ogban had told the trial court in Uyo how the election results were falsified to give the APC an unfair advantage over its main rival, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    For instance, some 5,000 fake votes were added to the APC’s score in Oruk Anam in the election.

    Akpabio was seeking a return to the Senate after he defected from the PDP.

    The PDP candidate, Chris Ekpenyong, a former deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State, defeated Akpabio in the election, which was nearly marred by pockets of violence.

    Before his sentencing, the professor pleaded for mercy from the judge, Augustine Odokwo who described the case as novel.

    He however  told the lecturer that there was not much he could do other than let the law take its course noting that the prosecutor (INEC) was able to prove his case against Mr Ogban, “beyond any reasonable doubt”.

    Recall, another  professor, Ignatius Uduk, was recently jailed by a State High Court in Uyo for election fraud.

    Uduk, a professor of Human Kinetics in the Department of Physical and Health Education at the University of Uyo, was jailed for three years.

    NEC prosecuted him on three charges: announcement of false election results, publication of false results, and perjury during the 2019 general elections in Essien Udim State Constituency, where he served as INEC’s collation and returning officer.

    That the professor falsified the election results to the advantage of the APC candidate, Nse Ntuen, who was then an ally of  Akpabio.

    However, Mr Uduk was recently granted bail by a State High Court in Uyo.

  • Gov Eno, Fulfilling Vision of Akwa Ibom Founding Fathers – Dr Ndueso

    Gov Eno, Fulfilling Vision of Akwa Ibom Founding Fathers – Dr Ndueso

    SSA to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso (right) with OAP, George Iniabasi Essien at the radio interview session .

    The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso, says the remarkable developmental strides and progress recorded in the State under the watch of Governor Umo Eno, aligns with the vision of the founding fathers of the State.

    He said since its creation in 1987, Akwa Ibom has witnessed a steady progress in growth and development, owing to the character of leaders that God has blessed the State with successively.

    The Governor’s Aide made this known recently, in an interview with renowned On-Air Personality (OAP), George Iniabasi Essien, popularly known as Mighty George, for his dynamic voice and inspirational broadcasting on Comfort FM Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and is attempting to break the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest time on radio, an astonishing 100 consecutive hours.

    According to Dr. Ndueso, Akwa Ibom State, also known as the Land of Promise, has once again demonstrated why it remains a beacon of hope and progress in Nigeria.

    “From its foundation to its current transformative leadership, Akwa Ibom has carved a legacy of joy, resilience, and development.”

    Speaking on, “the trajectory of building Akwa Ibom State”, the Doctor of Broadcast Journalism, commented that the people of Akwa Ibom are known for their enduring enterprising spirit and passion for development.

    This unique character according to him, is deeply rooted in history, as the state was among the first in the country to advocate for self-governance, tracing back to the 1920s.

    “The early years were marked by landmark infrastructural achievements, and later during the tenure of Senator Godswill Akpabio, we saw the construction of the state’s first flyovers, the introduction of free education and free healthcare systems, and the completion of the first phase of the airport which came with the landing of the inaugural flight in 2008.

    “There are other numerous road projects, bridges, and other landmark developments which paved the way for the modern Akwa Ibom we celebrate today.

    “In 2015, Deacon Udom Emmanuel assumed office as governor and ushered in an era of industrialization and peace. His administration witnessed the establishment of several industries, solidifying Akwa Ibom’s place as an economic powerhouse. Most notably, the launch of Ibom Air,  the state’s very own airline marked a monumental achievement in aviation history, through initiatives like the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Programme, thousands of youths were empowered, securing a brighter future for the state.”

    Additionally, the Governor’s Aide remarked that Deacon Udom Emmanuel’s tenure terminated in 2023, leaving behind a record-breaking legacy of development, peace, and industrial growth, roads, bridges, flyovers and modern secondary healthcare facilities.

    Only two local government areas did not have a completed road project, Urueffong Oruko and Okobo, yet they had ongoing road projects. But that government made sure all local government areas in the State had massive road projects.

    He continued that taking over from him, Governor Eno has continued to lift the state to even greater heights. With barely 22 months into office, Gov. Eno has proven to be a compassionate leader who puts his people first, his administration’s focus on building compassionate homes for the downtrodden is testament to his vision of an inclusive society where no one is left behind.

    “Understanding the importance of grassroots governance, Governor Eno appointed aides in every local government area to ensure that the voices of the people are heard and their needs addressed promptly.

    “This initiative has brought governance closer to the people and increased transparency and efficiency.”

    Dr Ndueso also stated that, Governor Eno’s Town Square Meetings have evolved into joyous carnival-like events, as grateful citizens come together not just to make demands but to celebrate a government that has delivered on its promises.

    “Governor Eno has clearly made the people the fulcrum of his leadership and has gotten them to be more involved in the act of policy making and implementations.

    “For the Governor, despite all the landmark achievements already recorded, his legacy shall remain the premium he places on the welfare of the people”, Ndueso added.

  • Nigeria to Celebrate King’s Baton Relay Ahead 2026 Glasgow Games – NOC Official

    Nigeria to Celebrate King’s Baton Relay Ahead 2026 Glasgow Games – NOC Official

    By Dianabasi Effiong

    The King’s Baton Relay will be hosted in Nigeria between June 15 and June 18, 2025, under the auspices of Commonwealth Sports and the Commonwealth Games, Nigeria.

    For the first time, each of the 74 Commonwealth nations and territories will receive its baton to customise and decorate, showcasing its unique cultural heritage.

    According to the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Spokesperson, Tony Nezianya, the King’s Baton has already arrived in Nigeria.

    The baton usually carries a message from Her Majesty the Queen, uniting all nations and territories with a call to come together in friendly competition at the Games. Like the Olympic Torch Relay, the King’s Baton Relay symbolises the spirit of the Commonwealth Games.

    However, following Queen Elizabeth II’s death on September 8, 2022, the baton relay was renamed the King’s Baton Relay in honour of her successor, King Charles III, for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

    His Majesty the King, Patron of Commonwealth Sport, officially launched the inaugural Commonwealth Sport King’s Baton Relay for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, Monday, March 10, 2025.

    In an unprecedented initiative, Commonwealth Sport is collaborating with the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) for the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign.

    This partnership aims to spotlight ongoing ocean conservation efforts and innovative solutions to plastic waste.

    The programme encourages athletes and communities to prevent one million pieces of plastic from polluting Commonwealth waters, fostering lasting change in our approach to plastic pollution.

    The campaign will accompany the King’s Baton Relay as it journeys through every Commonwealth nation and territory.

    The King’s Baton Relay (KBR) for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games commenced in the Caribbean, celebrating the event from March 11, 2025.

    The relay will traverse 74 Commonwealth nations and territories. Reimagined for a new Games model and monarch, the KBR now emphasises environmental and financial sustainability.

    Africa is the second region to host the KBR, which will be celebrated for six days.

    Nigeria and other African countries will participate in the festivities from June 15 to June 18, 2025.

    For the first time, each nation and territory will receive a baton to showcase its culture, creativity, and vision. Moving away from past museum-style batons, the ambition is for each country to highlight its cultural wealth through bespoke baton decorations.

    In Nigeria, the Nigeria Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games, Nigeria will decorate the baton.

    To facilitate this, a joint committee comprising the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the National Sports Commission will be established to plan and execute the programme.

    The baton will be presented to His Majesty during the Opening Ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland on July 26, 2026.

  • OPINION: Access Holdings Shareholders Meet May 15, to Consider a ‘’Resilient Performance’’

    OPINION: Access Holdings Shareholders Meet May 15, to Consider a ‘’Resilient Performance’’

    By Etim Etim

    Shareholders of Access Holdings will meet in Lagos on May 15 to consider the group’s financial results for Financial Year (FY) 2024 and review its expansion strategy for the next few years. Analysts and industry watchers have variously described the 2024 financials as a strong and resilient performance, commending the business for its impressive outing.

    The group closed the year with N4.9 trillion gross earnings and a N867 billion Profit Before Tax PBT), making it one of Nigeria’s most diversified and profitable of the top five banking groups. ‘’Access Holdings has posted very good results given where the company is coming from and the rapid expansion it has made into Africa and other parts of the world in the last few years. The results of this expansion will be seen in the years ahead; but I commend the group for its resilience in view of the transition in the executive suite last year’’, says Patrick Osadebe, a senior industry analyst.

    Investors and analysts are also interested in Access Holdings’ expansion strategy in the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 phases which Group CEO Bolaji Agbede unveiled in a global investors’ call last Wednesday. It is her 3rd analyst call but second full year performance review since she assumed leadership of Access Holdings in February last year. There was the 2023 full year review last April and now the 2024 full year review this April. The group also had the half year 2024 review in September last year.

    Under Agbede’s leadership, and supported by a crop of subsidiary leaders, Access Holdings has recorded impressive financial performance, beating expectations in many parameters. Following the group’s growth into various markets with several successful mergers and acquisitions (M&As), the focus in the 2025-2026 phase is to shift to consolidation to create value to shareholders.

    The goal is to maximize wealth and increase earnings potentials to create a larger and more competitive entity. During the 2026-2027 phase, Access Holdings’ priority will be to streamline operations, integrate systems and drive operational efficiency, while fine-tuning its business models to unlock the full value of consolidation. This period is characterized by enhanced ecosystem synergies, reduction in costs, enhanced revenue generation and an improved dividend payout ratio.

    Agbede said: ‘’Our Africa strategy is supported by our presence in key international markets. Access Bank hosted the Africa Trade Conference in Capte Town in March, uniting key stakeholders to drive trade and growth. We are launching the first Africa-wide trade programme, starting with oil and gas, which makes up 16% of Africa’s imports. We aim to capture 50% of oil import financing and control 25% of trade volumes by 2027’’.

    Each subsidiary of Access Holdings has posted quite an inspiring showing in FY 2024. Banking recorded N4.8 trillion in turnover, an 88% growth and the largest in FY 2024 and interest income of N3.4 trillion; pensions posted N3.3 trillion asset under management (AUM), the second biggest PFA in the country. AUM is the total market value of assets managed by an investment scheme.  The insurance business recorded a N7.3 billion gross premium, up by 231% and N946 million revenue, up by 297%. Transaction value processed across all tech platforms was worth N49.1 trillion.

    In the next two years, the banking group hopes to deliver on its expansion objectives through various strategies. Access is already known as breeding ground for Africa’s top banking minds, but it is shifting its talent base towards product managers, data scientists and digital engineers. In risk and compliance, the group plans to maintain proactive relationships with central banks and regulators in each region. Its focus is to build a reputation as the ‘’compliance gold standard’’ for African banks operating globally. The group also plans to pursue capital and liquidity efficiency by deploying capital in markets where Access has a clear path to market leadership. Access UK is to secure Eurozone banking relationships, facilitate correspondent banking and manage African outboard flows into Europe. It shall also activate Hong Kong as the Asian bridge, enabling Renminbi (RMB) or Chinese Yuan settlement.

    With a footprint in over 20 countries and three continents, and a customer base north of 60 million, Access has become a truly pan-African platform with global relevance. The AGM of May 15 will offer shareholders another opportunity to express confidence in Agbede and her colleagues.

    Etim is a Journalist and Political Analyst based in Abuja.

  • Reposition Police Force as Protectors, Not Predators, Akpabio Charges New PSC Board

    Reposition Police Force as Protectors, Not Predators, Akpabio Charges New PSC Board

    Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio

    By Dianabasi Effiong

    The Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio says Nigeria stands at the threshold  where it’s Police Force must not be seen merely  as an arm of coercion, but as an engine of trust, justice and Public service

    He made this known at the opening ceremony of the induction programme for Board members of the Police Service Commission (PSC) on Monday in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom.

    The Senate President,  who was represented by the Deputy President of the Senate, Dr. Barau Jibrin, was the Special Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony.

    Akpabio charged the new members of the PSC Board to regard their new positions as a mandate to reform and a sacred trust to serve, rather than mere appointment.

    Akpabio also noted that without a Police Force rooted in justice and trusted by the people, “the foundations of our democracy tremble, the peace we cherish grows fragile and the very fabric of our national life begins to fret.”

    In a paper titled, “Building a Police Force that Works for All”, the Senate President reminded the new members that they were summoned to a duty as weighty as it was historic and therefore urged them to also “leave a mark; leave a legacy; and leave the system better than you met it”.

    He said, “I invite you up beyond induction  into introspection; beyond titles into tasks; beyond routine into reform.

    “Our Police Force must no longer be seen merely  as an arm of coercion, but as an engine of trust, justice and Public service.”

    According to Akpabio the challenges before the Commission are “enormous – ranging from funding deficits, outdated training models and low morale, to the corrosive  effects of corruption  and the burden of Police distrust.”

    He also told the new members that as light illuminated darkness, “this is your moment to be that light”.

    A cross section of PSC Members at the induction ceremony.

    One of the critical pillars of the PSC deliberations must be Policy direction, the Senate President said and urged the Commission  “to adopt policies that reposition the Police as protectors, not predators; as community partners not isolated enforcers.

    “On Institutional Reform, we must acknowledge that no system Reforms itself…on performance optimisation, it is time to introduce  a reward system that recognises  and uplifts those officers who embody the finest ideals of public service.”

    The Senate President  said the Senate recognised that no reform would endure without legislative partnership.

    He also assured of the National Assembly’s readiness to review outdated laws, approve essential reforms and provide the robust oversight needed to ensure a professional, and people-oriented Police system.

    There were goodwill messages from the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno; the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Amb. Ahmed  Abdulhamid Mallam Madori; the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun and the Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices  and other Related Offences Commission.

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. George Akume, in his message read on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Dr. Maurice Mberi, told the new Board that the Federal Government  envisioned and supported  a governance structure “where  no individual  acts in isolation.”

    He added that the President Bola Tinubu’s administration had clearly reaffirmed the importance of upholding collective responsibility in the administration  of Federal Executive Bodies.

    The Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), in his opening remarks underscored the importance of the induction programme, adding that the Commission was now ready to get it right and build bridges of progress for the Nigeria of Police Force.

    Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and member representing the Judiciary, in his welcome address said the programme  was organised to acquaint the members of the Commisison with the activities  of the Commission.

    As the Induction programme continues  April 29, he said, “it is the hope of all the new members including myself that at the end of the programme, we will be better equipped to carry  out the oversight function over the Nigeria Police Force as assigned to us by the Constitution  and other relevant statutes.”

  • Otu Welcomes Delta Counterpart to APC, Says Defections Driven by Tinubu’s Performance

    Otu Welcomes Delta Counterpart to APC, Says Defections Driven by Tinubu’s Performance

    Gov. Bassey Otu.

    By Anietie Akpan

    The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed that the growing wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is propelled by the sterling performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, rather than political calculations.

    Governor Otu made this assertion during a high-profile event where he, alongside Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, and the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, formally received Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, into the APC family on Monday.

    In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Nsa Gill, Governor Otu described the entrance of Governor Oborevwori into the APC as not just a political move but a thoughtful and courageous response to the growing aspirations for a better Delta State, a more prosperous Niger Delta, and a stronger Nigeria.

    Governor Otu emphasized that Cross River, which for years stood as the lone APC-governed state in the South-South, now proudly shares the progressive banner with Delta and Edo States, marking a new dawn of strengthened political realignment in the region.

    “An increasing number of South-South states under APC governance is a dream realized,” Governor Otu remarked, highlighting President Tinubu’s transformational leadership that has inspired trust, value reorientation, infrastructural rebirth, and economic rejuvenation across the nation.

    Describing the mass defection led by Governor Oborevwori — with former Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and key PDP structures in Delta — as a historic moment, Governor Otu noted that it sets the stage for “deeper regional collaboration, accelerated economic development, and greater political stability”.

    As Vice Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, Governor Otu urged Governor Oborevwori, other political stalwarts, and their supporters who have now joined the APC to bring their wealth of experience and grassroots mobilization strength to bear in advancing the collective quest for a flourishing South-South and a renewed Nigeria.

    “Your Excellency’s decision to board the progressive train is a profound testament to your commitment to inclusive governance, sustainable development, and national unity. I am confident that your leadership will further galvanize our collective resolve to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people and drive forward the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Governor Otu declared.

    Governor Otu concluded with a warm and optimistic welcome, saying, “Welcome aboard, Your Excellency. Together, we shall chart a new course of greatness for our region and our nation.”

  • Adhere to Our Party’s Ideology, SDP’s Adebayo Tells Defectors

    Adhere to Our Party’s Ideology, SDP’s Adebayo Tells Defectors

    Prince Adewole Adebayo 

    By Anietie Akpan

    The 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Prince Adewole Adebayo has called on defectors to the party to strictly adhere to its Ideology and not to bring their shenanigans from their old parties.

    He said new entrants should wait for future Elections after showing good conduct.

    Speaking on  News Central breakfast show on Monday, monitored by our correspondent, Prince Adebayo said party structures across the 36 states and Abuja have been sufficiently informed on how to educate the new members no matter their status in life.

    He said the party welcomes all the new entrants, disclosing however, that “what we have managed to do is to define what our party stands for.

    “That is why you have seen some of the reactions as people are joining our party, we welcome them and we tell them ideological issues and we also tell them all these shenanigans that you do in your party, don’t bring them here.

    “We spend a lot of time educating our members. Do not suddenly get used to money you did not ask for or monies you did not work for. Do not start to learn a bad habit, start to set up fake structures,don’t start to do unlawful registration, don’t start to fragment yourselves, don’t start talking about ethnicity. So we keep educating our people.

    “And if you go around the state, you will see a lot of tension because when they come and they say, oh, we want to move into a bigger sectariat, we need to buy this and that, people say, no, that’s not what we need in this party, may be you should keep your money to yourself.”

    Continuing he said: “You saw that there was a press conference by all our state chairmen where they said, look, you guys who are coming newly should study our ideology, don’t try to impose anything on us. We don’t need anything from you, just join the party and start behaving well.

    “We don’t want them to come and change us, we want to change them and we don’t want to be used for things that are not in the interest of the people.

    “You remember  in my speech which went viral last week on my wife’s 50th birthday, I said, if you have arrangements in your former political party, if you were a former supporter of President Tinubu and you had your conspiracy against the people and you promised your own reward for that and they didn’t give it to you, that is not the basis to come to the SDP, and if you come to the SDP, don’t tell us, we don’t want to know, we’re not interested in it”.

    Asked if the policy of the current administration is yielding any result ,he responded that;

    “It is known that we are opposed to President Tinubu vehemently on policy. We do not have a history with him, we have no understanding with him. When they won the election and they were offering us positions, we did not accept, we did not dramatize it, we just told them sorry keep  your position to yourself, run your government, we will be here offering alternative policies.

    “The same thing with the coalition we are talking with the people. What we are saying is if you plan something out there on how to wrest power, don’t come to us. If you want to wrest power for the benefit of the people, you can start talking to us on what you are going to do differently.

    “Start talking to us about how you are going to show to the people that you are repentant and you are accountable for your past actions, past words, past mistakes, past misgovernance.

    “Once you do all of that, you can then join our party, grow in the structure and when we see that you have behaved very well, maybe not  in this election, maybe in future election, we will start to feature you” he explained