NEWS
PDP Set To Postpone NEC Meeting As Governors Seek Solutions For Damagum’s Exit
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is poised to postpone its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting originally slated for October 24.
This decision aims to provide governors with the necessary time to agree on political solutions that would facilitate the exit of acting National Chairman Umar Damagum.
Multiple high-ranking members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), who spoke on the condition of anonymity with Punch, indicated that the postponement would allow governors to address the recent factional tensions within the party.
They are also expected to gather resources for Damagum’s compensation as part of the negotiation for his departure.
Since taking on the role of acting National Chairman following the court-ordered removal of Senator Iyorchia Ayu, Damagum has faced mounting criticism from party leaders amid the ongoing crisis within the PDP.
His perceived indecisiveness has further exacerbated tensions in Rivers State, particularly between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a surprising turn of events on Friday, Damagum’s faction of the NWC announced the suspension of National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) for alleged insubordination and detrimental actions against the party.
Shortly thereafter, Ologunagba countered by stating that the NWC had suspended Damagum and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu for disloyalty, appointing National Treasurer Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as the acting National Chairman.
However, on Tuesday, PDP Governors Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, declared that the internal conflicts had been resolved, leading to the lifting of suspensions and a return to the status quo under Damagum.
Sources have revealed that the Bauchi governor met with Damagum, Ologunagba, and Ajibade, urging them to set aside their differences and prioritize peace by adhering to the directives of the party’s leadership.
A source disclosed, “The governors were very angry about the factional crisis, feeling that the discord further portrayed the PDP in a negative light. With different governors backing separate factions, they opted for political solutions.
“They directed that all suspensions be lifted while seeking urgent political solutions, including financial compensation and a possible PDP ticket for any elective position in Borno to ease Damagum’s departure from the party.
“As it stands, the NEC meeting scheduled for October 24 will be postponed because the governors want to reduce tensions. It’s clear that going into a NEC meeting under these circumstances would not end well, so they will delay it to resolve all issues delaying Damagum’s removal.
“Once they address all legal matters through political means, they will then compensate Damagum to facilitate his resignation and allow for the nomination of a substantive National Chairman from the North Central, subject to NEC approval.
“When they clarify matters with all stakeholders, accommodate critical interests, and resolve the Damagum issue politically, they will then summon the NEC. The new date will be announced once their plans are finalised.”
On the new date for the NEC, the source replied, “No one can say when it will be. The meetings scheduled for the next few days will determine that.”
He added, “The encouraging news is that almost all PDP governors have agreed to use political means to compensate Damagum and facilitate his departure from the PDP. In fact, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has promised to convene a North Central Zonal Executive Committee meeting to propose an acceptable name ahead of the new NEC date.
“They also agreed that in addition to the North Central nominating Damagum’s replacement, the nominee must be acceptable to party leaders in the North and all PDP governors. If consensus cannot be reached, NEC members may have to vote on that day.”
NEWS
Drug Trafficking: This Is A Direct Attack On The NDLEA – HURIWA Reacts To Senator’s Corruption Allegation
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has reacted to a corruption allegation levelled against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) by Kwara South Senator, Oyelola Yisa Ashiru.
Ashiru had claimed that the drug agency was the most corrupt and compromised government agency in Nigeria.
He alleged that there was a high rate of drug trafficking going on in the country because of the corruption within the agency.
However, HURIWA has stated that the politician’s stand could be politically motivated since he failed to back his claims with tangible and traceable evidence.
They argued that the lawmaker’s claim may be a figment of his imagination.
The Association wondered why those elected to lead and represent the people could be speaking on serious and sensitive issues without control.
Speaking on Wednesday during a press conference, the group called for an urgent investigation into the senator’s claims, insisting that the issue should not be swept under the carpet.
HURIWA said, “We find it alarming that a lawmaker would make such a ‘reckless’ and generalized allegation against one of Nigeria’s agencies (without any evidence).
“We at HURIWA suspect that the introduction of this bill is a game plan orchestrated by certain forces who are unhappy with the current NDLEA leadership’s determination to intensify the drug war.
“The NDLEA already has departments dedicated to drug awareness and rehabilitation.
“The proposal to create another agency with similar functions would only serve to weaken the NDLEA’s capacity and could be seen as a deliberate attempt to destabilize its operations.
“This bill is not just redundant; it is a direct attack on the NDLEA. The NDLEA’s public awareness programs and rehabilitation efforts are already effective, so there is no need for another agency. The only thing this bill will achieve is to divide resources and energy, ultimately weakening the fight against drug barons.”
NEWS
Tinubu Issues Directive Over Death Of 105 People In Jigawa Tanker Explosion
President Bola Tinubu has expressed grieve over the death of 105 people in the petrol tanker explosion that occurred on Tuesday in Majia town, Jigawa State.
Naija News reports that Tinubu, in a statement through the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, to lead a high-level delegation to Jigawa state to console the residents.
He said the delegation, while in Jigawa, would visit the incident scene to assess the situation and visit injured persons in the hospital.
Tinubu prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved families and the peaceful repose for the souls of the departed.
He also reassured the nation that the Federal Government, in collaboration with states, is committed to the swift and comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols nationwide.
The statement reads, “President Bola Tinubu has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to lead a Federal Government delegation to Jigawa in response to Tuesday night inferno in Majia town, which claimed over 100 lives.
“The government delegation will comprise the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Alkali; Corps Marshall of the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr Shehu Mohammed; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North West), Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai.
“President Tinubu further directs that emergency aid, including medical supplies, food, and shelter, be extended to the 50 victims receiving treatment and others affected by the fire.
“The President, with a heavy heart, joins the Vice President in extending his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this devastating incident.
“He expresses his heartfelt prayers and support to the government and people of Jigawa during this time of tragic loss and grief.
“He restates his directive to the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) to strengthen night travel measures, such as increased patrols, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and other highway safety mechanisms.
“He said those found responsible for breaches of safety standards will be held accountable, reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring such incidents do not recur.”
NEWS
Lagos Approves ₦85,000 As Minimum Wage
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, announced that the minimum wage for civil servants in the state is ₦85,000.
Sanwo-Olu spoke on Wednesday during an interview with Channels Television.
He said, “I’m glad to let you know that the minimum wage for Lagos, which we have discussed with our union, is ₦85,000 today.
“It is not a competition. I am not going to say that we are paying more than some people, it is a function of affordability and capacity.
“We know too well that when people live in Lagos, Lagos has a premium in terms of the cost of living. We are fully aware.
“We also increased our salary earlier in the year. I will want to come back in January and say that I have been able to increase the minimum wage of Lagos to ₦100,000, not because I want to make anybody look bad, but because I want my people to have a living wage.”
Naija News understands that the Federal Government early in the year had approved ₦70,000 for civil servants after negotiation with organised labour, which consists of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and other affiliate unions.
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