The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has accused the Governor Monday Okpebholo of bribing 17 local government legislative leaders with the sum of N34 million to defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

According to report the party had earlier last week accused the governor of spending the sum of N2.8 billion to bribe opposition lawmakers in the State House of Assembly to dump PDP for APC.

Chris Nehikhare, Publicity Secretary,
Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, made the accusation in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City.

The statement is titled, ‘Okpebholo wooing PDP councillors with N2m each to defect to APC. Security, public safety and order in dire straits’.

He alleged that each of the defectors was bribed with N2 million by the state government to join APC.

The statement read, “Senator Monday Okpebholo has summoned all councillors from the 18 local councils of Edo State, in a desperate attempt to woo them with N2m each to decamp to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“We are reliably informed that the meeting is holding right now at the Government House, Benin City, the Edo State capital.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the reckless use of state resources to purchase support and loyalty, while critical sectors of the state remain in dire need of government intervention, from security to public safety and order, revenue generation, education, and healthcare, among others.

“The security crisis in the last few weeks has claimed the lives of at least 40 innocent Edo citizens, who are victims of the brutality of herders, kidnappers, and other violent attacks. The activities of thugs and non-state actors who have continued to harass, intimidate and extort citizens of the State have remained unabated, leaving the majority of residents in fear and causing a drastic fall in revenue generation.

“Meanwhile, the health sector under Okpebholo’s watch is in a state of complete neglect. Health facilities, including the Edo Specialist Hospital, are struggling with a lack of essential medical supplies, making basic healthcare inaccessible to the people.

“The education sector has also suffered from his administration’s failure, ranking among the lowest in budgetary allocation and priority. As a result, students are learning less, and the system is deteriorating at an alarming rate.

“Yet, Okpebholo’s primary focus is on using state resources to woo councillors to defect to his party. This is not only shameful and disappointing but totally unacceptable.

“Rather than wasting resources on buying political support and loyalty, we urge him to channel these resources into meaningful projects that will positively impact the people of the State during his short period at Dennis Osadebey Avenue.”

The statement added that PDP is confident that the judiciary would correct the injustice of September 21, 2024, and return the alleged stolen mandate to the party and its canditate, Asue Ighodalo.

The newly appointed Pro-Chancellor and chairman of Governing Council of Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja), Senator Lanre Tejuoso, and the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patricia Manko Lar, have outlined a vision for reform and progress of the institution, calling for peace, collaboration, and a renewed commitment to academic excellence.

This was made known on the University’s Facebook page on Tuesday evening.

 

On their first official day on campus, the two leaders met with key stakeholders, including members of the University management, provosts, deans, and other officials, in an interactive session aimed at fostering unity and setting a strategic direction for the institution.

 

Addressing the gathering, Senator Tejuoso underscored the urgency of restoring order and improving the university’s reputation.

 

“Our first mission is to restore sanity to this institution,” he stated. “The Acting Vice-Chancellor has a six-month assignment, and we must ensure that by the end of her tenure, she leaves behind a lasting legacy. As a Council, once fully constituted with other members, I pledge my full support to her success. But beyond that, the greater support must come from you, the members of the University community.”

 

Acknowledging recent controversies that have cast a shadow on the institution, he emphasised the need to reposition the university to reflect the prestige expected of a leading academic institution in the nation’s capital. He also assured faculty and staff of an open-door policy, encouraging active dialogue and cooperation.

 

For her part, Professor Lar, in her remarks, reinforced the call for unity and academic progress, stressing the importance of mutual respect and open communication.

 

“We are back on course, and together, we will make history,” she declared. “I bring peace, friendship, and a commitment to academic excellence and development. We cannot move forward unless we listen to one another, and in the coming days, we will create opportunities for engagement.”

 

Expressing confidence in the support of the new Governing Council, she added, “I am happy that the Pro-Chancellor is here with us, so I am not standing alone in this journey. We are here to listen and to work with you, and together we shall triumph,” she added.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced significant leadership changes at several federal universities, including the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), now known as Yakubu Gowon University.

According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday afternoon, the changes were effective immediately.

At Yakubu Gowon University (formerly UniAbua), President Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor.

Senator Lanre Tejuoso, currently Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University. He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Senator Joy Emordi, now pro-chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.

To succeed Prof. Maikudi, Onanuga said President Tinubu appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice Chancellor at the Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term. She will not be eligible to apply for the substantive Vice Chancellor position when it becomes available.

In addition, President Tinubu has removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his position as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), before his tenure ends on February 14.

Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as his successor for six months and will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position.

The leadership changes at UNN extend to the role of Pro-Chancellor, with Gen. Ike Nwachukwu reassigned to Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo. President Tinubu appointed Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Previously, Ojo held the same position at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.

Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been appointed to succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja.

Senator Sani Stores is the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Joy Emordi. Senator Stores is a Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Additionally, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has been appointed the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.

“All appointments and reassignment decisions are effective immediately.

“President Tinubu emphasised that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability.

“The restructuring aims to strengthen governance and academic excellence within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector,” Onanuga added.

The Akwa Ibom State acting first lady, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, has commemorated the World Leprosy Day in Akwa Ibom State, with dozens of victims, who worshipped with her at Qua Iboe Church (QIC) Leprosy Hospital, Ekpene Obom, in Etinan local government area at the weekend.

The special commemorative service, with the theme “A Unified Call for Dignity and Healing,” was held at the hospital’s premises with Lady Obareki, represented by the permanent secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Patrick Essiet.

Speaking during the event, Lady Obareki, noted that the day was set aside not only to raise awareness about leprosy, but to also celebrate the resilience and dignity of those affected by the disease.

“Leprosy is a disease that has plagued many for centuries and it often brings with it not just physical challenges, but social stigma and isolation. We are here today to stand together and break these barriers and extend our hands in support and kindness to our fellow citizens who are coping with the effects of this illness,” she said.

Describing the global theme “Unite, Act, Eliminate,” as a call to action targeted at raising awareness of leprosy, Lady Obareki, urged individuals and organizations to “work towards a future where leprosy is no longer a stigma but a manageable condition, where those affected are embraced by their communities.”

“I am therefore honoured to present gifts to people affected by leprosy within our community. These gifts are more than material items. They are symbols of our commitment to inclusivity and our promise that no one will be left behind. Each item represents our shared humanity and the acknowledgement that everyone deserves love, respect and dignity.” she added.

Responding, the Medical Superintendent of Leprosy Hospital, Dr. Udeme Akpan, explained that “the purpose of the commemoration is to create awareness,  debunk misconceptions that contribute to social discrimination and tackle the societal stigmas linked to leprosy.”

According to Dr. Akpan, regardless of social status, cultural beliefs, religious inclination and societal class, the fight against leprosy and stigmatization should be prioritised as many are reintegrated into the society after training and completion of different trades.

He appreciated Governor Umo Eno for his tireless effort to emancipate people from the scourge of leprosy and other ailments and solicited more support for people affected by leprosy from the government, donor agencies, and public-spirited individuals.

The state programme manager of Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Control in the Ministry of Health, Dr Bassey Akpan, assured that the state government, in synergy with other health organisations, was working assiduously to eliminate the scourge of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

Speaking on behalf of the inmates, the president of the Joint Association of Persons Living with Disability (JAPLD) Obongemem Timothy Itam, who appreciated the state government for its continuous support and provision to the facility, appealed for transformer, vehicles, more doctors and monthly stipends to ease their living conditions while they recuperate at the leprosy health centre.

As a way of celebrating the day with them, the Lady Obareki, donated bags of rice, beans, garri, toiletries, medical supplies and cash to the inmates.

 

Veteran actress, Oluwabukola Ajoke, aka Bukky Wright has opened up about her time away from Nigeria and how she changed careers during her stay in the United States of America.

Speaking in an interview with Saturday Beats, she said, “I will be practising it (tech) simultaneously with entertainment. The fact that I had to deviate totally from entertainment to tech was something many people thought I would not be able to do. I would tell all my mentees that if I can do it, they can do it too.”

On what she missed the most about Nigeria while away, Wright said, “What I would love to eat again would be proper Naija amala. What I would like to do again would be to act with Nollywood actors.”

As for her highly anticipated return to Nollywood, the actress promised fans plenty of exciting projects ahead. She added, “I have a lot for fans, including my project— ‘The Return of Omotara Johnson’, which is coming and a whole lot of other things. I am back to stay.”

Sharing the secret to her timeless beauty, she quipped, “I don’t joke with my beauty sleep.”

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Acting chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Hon. Robinson Ewor, has said that his leadership will commence steps towards rebuilding the party in the state.

Ewor stated this on Thursday in Port Harcourt while addressing journalists following the sack of the Hon. Aaron Chukwuemeka-led state executive committee (SEC) by a Rivers State High Court.

He said: “Recall that a Rivers State High Court, on January 13, 2025, sacked the Chukwuemeka Aaron-led purported State Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Rivers State Chapter, alongside the Ward and Local Government Executive Committees of the Party.

“The Congresses that produced Aaron Chukwuemeka were in contravention of a High Court order directing that no Congresses be held in the state until the substantive issues are resolved.

“Following this, the original State Executive Committee of the Party, whose tenure ended in June/July 2024, has, in a well-publicized press conference held on January 15, 2025, assumed leadership of the Party in an acting capacity. The State Executive Committee is now being led by me, High Chief Robinson Ewor, Ph.D., as Acting Chairman, and Dr. Field Nkor as Acting Secretary, alongside other members.

“We are pleased to inform you that a copy of the judgement has been duly transmitted to the party’s National Secretariat, and our assumption of office as Acting State and Local Government Executives has been communicated while we await further developments.

“In a very recent development, security agencies, aware of our position to reclaim the Party Secretariat, have advised that we halt the process to maintain peace. They are currently at the Party Secretariat to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.

“Gentlemen of the press, it is on this note, and in line with the peaceful disposition of the Leader of the Party in the State, His Excellency, Sir Dr. Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, to issues of this nature, which has earned him several accolades, that we have resolved to allow good reasoning to prevail and call off the planned takeover of the PDP State Secretariat today.

“We also appeal to our teeming supporters and party faithful to remain calm as we take necessary steps to assume control of our Party Secretariat.

“Under our leadership, we shall immediately commence steps toward healing and rebuilding our once-great Party, which was battered, with hope lost across the State, 23 Local Government Areas, and 319 electoral wards. We shall make the PDP Rivers State Chapter great again.

“To achieve this, we shall consult all critical stakeholders of the Party, unite members, and work with them to restore the already lost hope. We shall embark on a sensitization tour across the 23 LGAs and initiate a membership drive to boost the Party’s population for future elections.

“In the coming days, we shall also set up a Disciplinary Committee to address issues of anti-party activities, particularly during the 2023 General Elections and beyond, and any other activities by members that could bring the party into disrepute.”

The Acting Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State, on Thursday, vowed to holistically probe alleged cases of anti-party activities involving its members in the state.

The committee also announced plans to establish a disciplinary panel in the coming days, stressing that it would not hesitate to recommend sanctions, including suspensions or expulsion from the party, regardless of an individual’s status or influence.

It said that the focus of the probe would include actions taken by members during the 2023 general elections.

The committee made this vow during a press briefing attended by acting executives from both state and local government levels.

Acting State Chairman Robinson Nname-Ewor said they would immediately begin steps toward healing and rebuilding the once-great party, which he said was battered, with hope lost across the state, 23 Local Government Areas, and 319 electoral wards. He emphasized that they would make the PDP Rivers State Chapter great again.

“To achieve this, we shall consult all critical stakeholders of the party, unite members, and work with them to restore the already lost hope. We shall embark on a sensitization tour across the 23 LGAs and initiate a membership drive to boost the party’s population for future elections.

“In the coming days, we shall also set up a ‘Disciplinary Committee’ to address issues of anti-party activities, particularly during the 2023 General Elections and beyond, and any other activities by members that could bring the party into disrepute.

“Those found wanting shall be appropriately disciplined, including but not limited to suspension, dismissal, and sanctions recognized by the party,” he said.

The Acting Executive highlighted specific conditions for the continued existence of the PDP in Rivers State.

One of the key conditions, it said, is that the PDP’s National Leadership must fully reinstate the party’s leadership in the state under Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

It added that the Acting Executive, led by Robinson Nname-Ewor, must be recognized as the legitimate leadership of the party following the dismissal of the Aaron Chukwuemeka-led executive by a State High Court.

Recall that a Rivers State High Court, on January 13, 2025, sacked the Chukwuemeka Aaron-led purported State Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rivers State Chapter, alongside the Ward and Local Government Executive Committees of the party.

“The congresses that produced Aaron Chukwuemeka were in contravention of a High Court order directing that no congresses be held in the state until the substantive issues are resolved.

“Following this, the original State Executive Committee of the party, whose tenure ended in June/July 2024, has, in a well-publicized press conference held on January 15, 2025, assumed leadership of the party in an acting capacity.

“The State Executive Committee is now being led by me, High Chief Nname Robinson Ewor, as Acting Chairman, and Field Nkor as Acting Secretary, alongside other members.”

“We are pleased to inform you that a copy of the judgment has been duly transmitted to the party’s National Secretariat, and our assumption of office as Acting State and Local Government Executives has been communicated while we await further developments,” the committee said.

The Acting Executive had initially planned to take over the PDP State Secretariat at 23 Aba Road on Thursday.

The Acting Chairman, however, announced that the plan had been suspended to prevent any potential crisis in the state.

“In a very recent development, security agencies, aware of our position to reclaim the party Secretariat, have advised that we halt the process to maintain peace. They are currently at the party Secretariat to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order,” he added.