Politics

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE PDP GOVERNORS’ FORUM AT THE END OF THEIR MEETING AT ABA, ABIA STATE

Published

3 years ago

March 23, 2022

Bona Naija

The PDP Governors’ Forum comprising all elected Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party held its regular meeting on Wednesday, 23rd March, 2022, at Aba, Abia State.

The meeting reviewed the excruciating hardship and suffering being meted out to Nigerians by a failed APC led Federal Government; the near collapse of the APC as a viable political party, the readiness of the PDP to take over and offer qualitative leadership options to rescue the nation and issued the following Communique:

1. We lament the terrible pain and hardship facing Nigerians in virtually all aspects of life. The meeting noted that life was much better in 2015 under the PDP than today under the APC as exemplified in the following Comparative Indicators obtained mainly from the National Bureau of Statistics:

a. Diesel which is critical for running of SMEs was N131.47 in 2015, it now costs above N700
b. Fuel: Official and Black-Market was N87/155 in 2015, it now costs N167/350.
c. Aviation Fuel/Air Ticket Rate on Domestic Flights was N110 per Litre/N18,000 in 2015, it now hovers around N700 per Litre/N70,000, where available. Indeed, the scarcity of fuel which has resulted in loss of several man hours is a disgrace to Nigeria.
d. The collapse of the National Grid (126 times in 7 years – (June 2015 to March 2022) and its consequences for non-availability of power is most unfortunate.
e. Kerosene (NHK) used by the ordinary Nigerian for cooking and power was N180 in 2015, it now sells at ₦450.
f. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) – 12.5kg Cylinder sold for N2,400 in 2015, is now sold at between N8,750 and N10, 000.
g. Prices of basic food stuffs are now three times higher than what they used to be in 2015. Staple foods such as rice, beans, cassava flakes are now slipping out of the hands of average Nigerians. Indeed, a Bag of Rice sold for N8500 in 2015 is now N39,000.
h. Electricity was N14.23 per kilowatt in 2015, it is now N38.530, and not even available.
i. Unemployment rate was 11.4% in 2015, it is now over 33%, one the highest in the world.
j. The poverty rate in 2015 was 11.3% but now about 42.8%.
k. Accumulated Inflation in 2015 was about 4%, it is now 15.50%; Inflation Rate was 9.01% in 2015 and now 15.7%.
l. Perhaps the Exchange Rate has been one of the most disastrous. N150 to a dollar was the parallel market (patronised by most businessmen and Nigerians) rate in 2015, it is now about N580 to $1 in the parrel market and still rising.
m. Debt and Debt Servicing:
Domestic Debt of N8.4T and External Debt of USD 7.3b was incurred between 1999-2015.
While Domestic Debt of N7.63T (June 2015-Dec 2020) and USD28.57b as at Dec 2020 was incurred. External debt of USD21.27b was incurred between June 2015 and 2021.
n. National Debt to GDP Ratio was 23.41% (2016) it is now 36.88% (2022).
o. The Corruption Index has risen from 136 in 2015 to 150 now.
p. Nigeria’s Misery Index, an indicator used in determining how economically well off the citizens of a country are, is usually calculated by adding the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate to the annual inflation rate, has moved from 14.75 percent in 2015 to 50.48 (2021).
q. The major threat to the agricultural sector and food security in Nigeria is insecurity. In the northeast of Nigeria, it is estimated that no fewer than 70,000 hectares of arable farmland have been abandoned in the affected States and Local Government areas. The trend is the same all over the country. This further contributes to food inflation. The APC led Federal Government must take steps to cooperate with States to bring security down to the grassroots.

2. The Forum is surprised that in the face of these statistics of complete failure in all ramifications and areas, the APC still wants to be on the ballot in 2023.

This shows how uncaring and insensitive the APC is. IT HAS BECOME A MENACE TO NIGERIA.

3. The Forum urges Nigerians to reject the APC, a party run undemocratically by a Committee contrary to the Constitution (S.228) with Mr. President regularly issuing instructions and dictates. It is impossible for a party so disorganized to offer good governance to the people of Nigeria.

4. The meeting expressed concern and alarm over various reports and claims of incidents of stealing of crude oil ranging from 80% to 95% of production made by industry practitioners and called on the Federal Government to set up an appropriate mechanism to reverse this trend and bring perpetrators to account.

5. The PDP Governors once again decried the inability of the NNPC to make its statutory contributions to the Federation Account, inspite of Oil selling at above $110. It is patently unconstitutional for NNPC to determine at its whim and discretion when and what to pay to the Federation Account, as it is a mere trustee of the funds for the three tiers of Government: Federal, States and Local Governments. We once again, call for investigations and audit of the quantity of consumption of fuel ascribed to Nigerians and for deployment of technology at the filling stations to determine in a transparent manner the volume of consumption.

The Governors would resist any further attempt by NNPC to ascribe unsubstantiated subsidy claims to other tiers of government.

6. Furthermore, S.162 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended stipulates that “The Federation shall maintain a special account to be called “the Federation Account” into which shall be
paid all revenues collected by the Government of the Federation…”
and S.162 (10) states that “For the purpose of subsection (1) of this section, “revenue” means any income or return accruing to or derived by the Government of the Federation from any source and includes –
(a) any receipt, however described, arising from the operation of any law;
(b) any return, however described, arising from or in respect of any property held by the Government of the Federation;
(c) any return by way of interest on loans and dividends in respect of shares or interest held by the Government of the Federation in any company or statutory body”

a. As of today, 18 (Eighteen) Federation Revenue Agencies are not paying/remitting any revenue to the FAAC Account. These include (i) Central Bank of Nigeria (ii) Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) (iii) Nigeria Liquefied National Gas (NLNG) (iv) Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) (v) Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) (vi) NPA (vii) Security and Exchange Commission etc

(b) FIRS and DPR takes cost of collection of 4% (Four percent) of Revenue collected while Customs collects 7%. In March 2022 for instance, FIRS took N15.4Billion as cost of collection and Customs took N8.4b. If these are annualised, FIRS and Customs collects about N1.84Billion and Customs N100B per annum. Obviously, some states of the Federation’s capital budget does not come close to these.

(c) Nigeria Federation has 49% shareholding in NLNG. According to the Minister of Finance during the 2020 budget performance brief at the National Assembly stated that the federation received dividend of N144billion (One Hundred and Forty Four Billion) from NLNG. These figure to the best of our knowledge was never paid into the Federation Account.

(d)) NNPC deducts N8.33Billion monthly for the rehabilitation of the Refineries in Nigeria. Till date no refinery is working.

(e) On priority projects of the Nation’s oil industry, NNPC deducted N788.78Billion for various investments between 2018-2021 without recourse to FAAC.

(f) NNPC in 2021 alone claimed to have paid over One Trillion Naira as petroleum subsidy. Indeed, the month of March 2022, N220Billion was deducted as oil subsidy with a promise that N328Billion will be deducted in April 2022. This is unacceptable.

(g) NNPC and FIRS as well as other remitting Agencies continue to apply an exchange rate of N389/$1 as against the Import and Export window of N416/$1. The extent of this leakage can be better felt, if this rate is compared to the current N570/$1.

(h) From available records about N7.6T is withheld between 2012 and 2021, by NNPC from the Federation Account. All these are said to be payments for oil subsidy.

(i) Conclusively, we believe that all these leakages in NNPC have been made possible because the President is also the Minister of Petroleum. The urgent separation of these two portfolios have become necessary

7. The Forum noted the approval by the PDP NEC of the Time Table and Timelines for Congresses and Convention of the Party and urged all party members and party leadership to remain focused and united to win power in 2023, to tackle the myriads of problems facing the country.

8. The PDP Governors congratulated the host, His Excellency, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, the PDP Governors’ Forum Vice Chairman, for his generosity and hospitality in the hosting of the meeting.

9. In attendance are:

• Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal – Sokoto State – Chairman
• Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu – Abia State – Vice Chairman
• Gov. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri -Adamawa State
• Gov. Udom Emmanuel – Akwa Ibom State
• Gov. Bala Mohammed -Bauchi State
• Gov. Sen. Douye Diri – Bayelsa State
• Gov. Samuel Ortom -Benue State
• Gov. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa – Delta State
• Gov. Godwin Obaseki – Edo State
• Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi – Enugu State
• Gov. Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde – Oyo State
• Gov. Nyesom Wike, CON – Rivers State
• Hon Haruna Manu, Deputy Governor – Taraba State

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Related Topics:Abia State Nigeria PDP PDP Governors

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Politics

Rivers LGA Chairman, Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu for 2027 Re-election

Published

3 hours ago

September 19, 2025

BONA NAIJA

Rivers: Andoni LGA Chairman, Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu for 2027

The chairman of Andoni Local Government Area (ANOLGA) in Rivers State, Lucky Promise Otuo, has declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, local stakeholders said on Thursday.

Otuo made the announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting, where he launched the “Andoni for Tinubu 2027” movement, describing it as part of the community’s commitment to align with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the council and the 10th legislative assembly had resolved to back Tinubu, adding that his administration was prioritising education, healthcare, empowerment, infrastructure, and security while mobilising grassroots support.

Rt. Hon. Ikuiyi Owaji-Ibani, leader of the Nyesom Wike Associates in Andoni, said the endorsement represented a collective decision and urged stakeholders to remain united.

The meeting was attended by community leaders, women’s and youth groups, and political figures including Engr. Sampson Ngerebara, Rufus Godwin, and Hon. Sampson Egop.

Report by Ima-owaji G. Shedrack

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Politics

Breaking: Tinubu Ends State of Emergency in Rivers State [Full Speech]

Published

1 day ago

September 17, 2025

BONA NAIJA

President Tinubu ends Rivers State emergency, Fubara to resume office

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Tinubu ends six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, clears Governor Fubara, Deputy Odu, and lawmakers to resume duties September 18.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the end of the state of emergency in Rivers State, six months after it was imposed over a political crisis.

In a national address on Tuesday, Tinubu said the measure, declared on March 18, 2025, was necessary to halt a “total paralysis of governance” following the breakdown of relations between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly.

The President confirmed that the emergency will expire at midnight today, allowing Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and lawmakers to resume their duties on September 18.

Tinubu urged political leaders across the country to prioritize peace and cooperation, warning that democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of “violence, anarchy, and insecurity.”

Read Full Speech

STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, ON THE CESSATION OF THE STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE

My Fellow countrymen and, in particular, the good people of Rivers State.

I am happy to address you today on the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State. You will recall that on 18th March, 2025, I proclaimed a state of emergency in the state. In my proclamation address, I highlighted the reasons for the declaration. The summary of it for context is that there was a total paralysis of governance in Rivers State, which had led to the Governor of Rivers State and the House of Assembly being unable to work together. Critical economic assets of the State, including oil pipelines, were being vandalised.

The State House of Assembly was crisis-ridden, such that members of the House were divided into two groups. Four members worked with the Governor, while 27 members opposed the Governor. The latter group supported the Speaker. As a result, the Governor could not present any Appropriation Bill to the House, to enable him to access funds to run Rivers State’s affairs.

That serious constitutional impasse brought governance in the State to a standstill. Even the Supreme Court, in one of its judgments in a series of cases filed by the Executive and the Legislative arms of Rivers State against each other, held that there was no government in Rivers State. My intervention and that of other well-meaning Nigerians to resolve the conflict proved abortive as both sides stuck rigidly to their positions to the detriment of peace and development of the State.

It therefore became painfully inevitable that to arrest the drift towards anarchy in Rivers State, I was obligated to invoke the powers conferred on me by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to proclaim the state of emergency. The Offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and elected members of the State House of Assembly were suspended for six months in the first instance. The six months expire today, September 17th, 2025.

I thank the National Assembly, which, after critically evaluating the justification for the proclamation, took steps immediately, as required by the Constitution, to approve the declaration in the interest of peace and order in Rivers State. I also thank our traditional rulers and the good people of Rivers State for their support from the date of the declaration of the state of emergency until now.

I am not unaware that there were a few voices of dissent against the proclamation, which led to their instituting over 40 cases in the courts in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa, to invalidate the declaration. That is the way it should be in a democratic setting. Some cases are still pending in the courts as of today. But what needs to be said is that the power to declare a state of emergency is an inbuilt constitutional tool to address situations of actual or threatened breakdown of public order and public safety, which require extraordinary measures to return the State to peace, order and security. Considered objectively, we had reached that situation of total breakdown of public order and public safety in Rivers State, as shown in the judgment of the Supreme Court on the disputes between the Executive and the Legislative arm of Rivers State. It would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to have made that proclamation.

As a stakeholder in democratic governance, I believe that the need for a harmonious existence and relationship between the executive and the legislature is key to a successful government, whether at the state or national level. The people who voted us into power expect to reap the fruits of democracy. However, that expectation will remain unrealizable in an atmosphere of violence, anarchy, and insecurity borne by misguided political activism and Machiavellian manipulations among the stakeholders.

I am happy today that, from the intelligence available to me, there is a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance. This is undoubtedly a welcome development for me and a remarkable achievement for us. I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced at the beginning of it.

It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today. The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025.

I take this opportunity to remind the Governors and the Houses of Assembly of all the States of our country to continue to appreciate that it is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. I implore all of you to let this realisation drive your actions at all times.

I thank you all.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
State House, Abuja
September 17, 2025

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Politics

2027: PDP clarifies zoning, says ticket open to all aspirants

Published

3 days ago

September 16, 2025

Bona Naija

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has clarified that its zoning arrangement will not prevent aspirants from other regions from contesting the party’s presidential ticket in 2027.

PDP’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, stated on Arise Television’s Morning Show that while zoning remains an important tool for equity, it cannot override the Nigerian Constitution, which grants every citizen the right to seek elective office.

“Even if we zone our presidential candidate to the South, it will not stop anybody from any part of the country from showing interest. We cannot do things that will contradict the Constitution of Nigeria, which is the grand norm,” Ajibade explained.non grata’

The clarification confirmed the position long championed by technocrat and politician Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, whose movement has consistently argued that zoning must not be used to exclude competent leaders.

Reacting to the PDP’s pronouncement, the South West Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Alhaji Abass Olaniyi, described it as “a major victory for democracy and a vindication of Dr. Hashim’s ideological politics,” noting that the party had chosen fairness and inclusivity.

Olawepo-Hashim, a businessman-turned-politician, has gained recognition for his issue-based politics and efforts at bridging Nigeria’s North-South divide.

His rising influence, particularly in Osun State, has fueled speculation about a possible 2027 presidential bid.

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Lagos State

Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima (OmoBarca) Joins ADC, Declares House of Reps Ambition in Ajeromi-Ifelodun

Published

5 days ago

September 14, 2025

Bona Naija

Hon. Francis Chima (OmoBarca) Joins ADC, Declares House of Reps Bid

The political landscape of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency shifted on Saturday as Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima, popularly known as OmoBarca, officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and declared his ambition to contest for the House of Representatives seat in 2027.

The declaration ceremony, held in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, attracted a large turnout of party faithful, community leaders, and supporters. It was also graced by prominent ADC figures, including the party’s National Secretary, Hon. Rauf Aregbesola, and former Lagos governorship candidate, Hon. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour. Their presence highlighted the significance of OmoBarca’s entry into the party as ADC intensifies efforts to expand its influence in Lagos ahead of the next general elections.

OmoBarca’s Vision for Ajeromi-Ifelodun

In his address, OmoBarca emphasized that his ambition is rooted in service, pledging to deliver people-centered representation if elected.

“I am stepping into this race with the sole aim of empowering my people in Ajeromi-Ifelodun,” he said. “I want a constituency where youths have access to jobs and skills, women are supported in business, and children enjoy better education. That is the kind of representation I intend to bring to Abuja.”

He further appealed to his political opponents to prioritize fair competition over post-election disputes, stressing that electoral mandates should be respected.

“I want to win this election on the strength of the people’s support. I don’t want any contestant to drag me to court if I emerge victorious. Let us respect the mandate of the electorate and focus on building our communities together,” he added.

Hon. Francis Chima (OmoBarca) joins ADC, declares House of Reps ambition in Ajeromi-Ifelodun as party leaders rally support ahead of 2027 elections. — *Hon. Francis Chima (OmoBarca) Joins ADC*

ADC Leaders Back OmoBarca

Welcoming him to the party, Hon. Rauf Aregbesola described OmoBarca as a grassroots politician with a proven record of philanthropy and community service. He expressed confidence that OmoBarca’s candidacy would boost ADC’s chances in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, historically a battleground for dominant parties.

Hon. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour also commended OmoBarca’s consistency and passion for grassroots empowerment. He urged residents to rally behind the ADC candidate, stressing that credible representation at the National Assembly remains key to meaningful development.

Campaign Kickoff and Political Implications

The event also featured the inauguration of OmoBarca’s campaign team, with hundreds of supporters pledging loyalty to his candidacy. Party members hailed his defection as a “game-changer” with the potential to alter electoral dynamics in the constituency.

Political observers note that OmoBarca’s grassroots popularity, combined with national-level backing from the ADC, positions him as a formidable contender in one of Lagos State’s most politically vibrant constituencies.

As the 2027 general elections approach, his declaration sets the stage for a high-stakes contest that could reshape political alignments in Ajeromi-Ifelodun.

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Politics

INEC Disqualifies 157 Political Associations, Shortlists 14 for Screening

Published

1 week ago

September 11, 2025

Bona Naija

INEC Disqualifies 157 Groups, Shortlists 14 for Party Screening

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disqualified 157 associations seeking registration as political parties after failing to meet the initial requirements set by the commission.

INEC disclosed this in a statement on Thursday by its spokesperson, Sam Olumekun, noting that only 14 associations scaled the first stage of scrutiny and have been invited for further screening.

INEC Received 171 Applications

According to the commission, a total of 171 requests for registration were submitted by political associations across the country.

“Each request was assessed on the basis of its prima facie compliance with the provisions of Section 222 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Section 79 (1, 2 and 4) of the Electoral Act 2022, and Clause 2 (i and ii) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022,” the statement said.

Olumekun added that decisions reached by the commission would be officially communicated to the respective associations within 24 hours.

Next Steps in the Screening Process

INEC said interim chairpersons and secretaries of the pre-qualified associations will attend a briefing at its headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, September 17, at 11 a.m.

The associations will also be required to upload key information to INEC’s online portal. Following this, the commission will conduct physical verification of their claims before making a final determination on whether they can be formally registered as political parties.

Olumekun emphasized that the registration of political parties remains an ongoing process under the law, and associations that meet all legal requirements will continue to be considered.

The 14 Pre-Qualified Associations

The associations that passed the first scrutiny include:

African Transformation Party (ATP)
All Democratic Alliance (ADA)
Advance Nigeria Congress (ANC)
Abundance Social Party (ASP)
African Alliance Party (AAP)
Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA)
Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA)
Grassroots Initiative Party (GRIP)
Green Future Party (GFP)
Liberation People’s Party (LPP)
National Democratic Party (NDP)
National Reform Party (NRP)
Patriotic Peoples Alliance (PPA)
Peoples Freedom Party (PFP)

Broader Implications

Political analysts say the commission’s decision reflects a tightening of compliance measures, ensuring that only associations that meet constitutional and electoral standards advance to full party status.

With Nigeria’s political landscape already crowded, the outcome of the verification process is expected to shape the country’s democratic space ahead of upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and the end-of-tenure FCT Area Council elections.

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