News
PDP crisis: Wike allies sack BoT chair, shun Ikimi panel
Members of the Peoples Democratic Party Abia State chapter believed to be loyalists of FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday suspended the party’s BoT Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, for endorsing Ude-Okoye as national secretary instead of Samuel Anyanwu, an ally of the minister.
But chairman of the Abia PDP, Abraham Amah, stated on Tuesday that the BoT chairman was suspended for allegedly endorsing Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, who is of the Labour Party, for a second term, just five months into his administration in October 2023.
Multiple sources within the opposition party’s National Working Committee, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment on the matter, however, insisted that one of the reasons Wabara was suspended was because the BoT endorsed Ude-Okoye as the party’s secretary.
Amah, speaking to the State Executive Committee in Umuahia on Tuesday, Amah cited a memo from the party’s state treasurer, Chizurum Kalu, wherein he called for Wabara’s suspension over unfounded statements.
This comes as former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tom Ikimi, leads the party’s National Disciplinary Committee in questioning members on Wednesday (today) as part of efforts in resolving the crisis that had bedeviled the leading opposition party in the country.
While announcing the suspension of Wabara, Amah requested the Abia State Executive Committee to invoke the relevant sections of the party’s constitution, particularly Section 57, 58 and 59 on the BoT chair, emphasising the need to ensure discipline among party members across board, irrespective of status.
He said, “True leadership and progress require a dedicated and loyal team and not a crowd. The PDP needs individuals who understand the sacrifices necessary to reposition the party for electoral success and for the transformation of Abia State.
“According to the memo tendered by the state treasurer, the BOT chairman was accused of endorsing Governor Alex Otti for a second tenure, an action the memo outlined was inimical to the party.
“In moving a motion that was seconded by the state Organising Secretary, Obinna Okey, the state treasurer requested that the BOT chairman be debarred from holding any party office and as well suspended as the BOT chairman.”
The Abia PDP chairman called for the rebuilding of a strong and viable team that would actively contribute to the advancement of the party and the development of the state.
“If you are in this party, be ready to stand for it, work for it and defend it. We do not need passengers, we need partners in progress.
“Our attention was drawn to a statement credited to Senator Adolphus Wabara sometime in October (2024) and circulated on social media platforms and national dailies, wherein the said Senator threw caution to the wind and in a brazen display of sabotage to the party, unilaterally endorsed the Labour Party Governor of Abia State, Gov Alex Chioma Otti, for a second term in office, barely five months after the inauguration and thereby, brought the party to disrepute, hatred and contempt, which he said is in violation to the provisions of Chapter 10, Article 58(c) and (f) of the Constitution of Party (2017 as amended) and therefore, liable to punishment under Article 59(1) of the party’s Constitution.
“Article 58(1) and Article 59(1) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended) empowers the State Executive Committee (SEC) to discipline any member of the party, who commits any offence(s) provided by the party’s Constitution, irrespective of the member’s status. The party, having considered the implications of Senator Adolphus Wabara’s acts of sabotage against the party, invoked the provisions of Articles 57(1),(2),(3), 58(1)(b) & (f) and 59(1) of the party’s Constitution (2017 as amended), against Senator Adolphus Wabara and thereby, placed him on one month suspension from party activities and also in compliance with the provisions of Articles 59(1) (e) & (f) of the party’s Constitution (2017 as amended), the party debarred the former Senator from holding any party office and therefore, equally removed from office as BOT Chairman of PDP.”
Meanwhile, the party constituted a seven-man disciplinary committee to investigate Wabara’s alleged statement, while urging members to reaffirm their commitment to the mission of the party.
PDP National Deputy Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, an ally of Anyanwu, backed the suspension of the BoT chair, stating that it was widely known that Wabara expressed support for Otti’s re-election.
“Wabara engaged in anti-party activities, which is known. He expressed support for Otti, a member of the Labour Party, for the 2027 elections. That is anti-party, and in my opinion, people like him should face the Ikimi-led panel for their actions.”
Contrary to Osadolor and others’ claim, a credible party source questioned why Wabara had not been sanctioned since 2023 if it was due to his alleged support for Otti’s re-election.
“They alleged that Wabara engaged in anti-party activities in 2023, claiming he supported Otti’s 2027 governorship bid. However, there’s more to the story – if that was the case, why wait until now?
“I believe the real reason for suspending Wabara is that he stands for justice, and his group, the BoT, declared Ude-Okoye as the PDP’s legitimate secretary. I suspect that Wike’s loyalists supporting Anyanwu are behind this.”
Additionally, the PDP NWC rejected the suspension of Wabara.
In a statement on Tuesday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said, “The NWC categorically dismisses the purported suspension as null and void and of no effect whatsoever not being consistent with the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) and laid down rules of our great Party.
“For emphasis, no State Working Committee has the power to suspend or take any disciplinary action against a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party without due recourse to the NWC as clearly provided under Section 57 (7) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017)
“Section 57 (7) is unambiguous in providing that; “Notwithstanding any other provision relating to discipline, no Executive Committee at any level, except the National Executive Committee, shall entertain any question of discipline as may relate or concern a member of the National Executive Committee, Deputy Governors or members of the National Assembly…”
He clarified that the clear meaning of Section 57 (7) is that the Abia State chapter has no authority to take any disciplinary action against the BoT Chairman, as he is a member of the Party’s National Executive Committee.
The statement added, “The PDP therefore condemns the purported suspension of Senator Wabara as reckless, unconstitutional and cautions those behind this act in defiance of the PDP Constitution to retrace their steps as the NWC will not hesitate to take appropriate disciplinary actions to preserve the stability of our Party and the sanctity of its Constitution.
“The NWC calls on all leaders, critical stakeholders, members and supporters of our party in Abia State, the South East Zone and indeed across the country to disregard the purported suspension.”
Meanwhile, former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, and the embattled Senator Anyanwu, who’s been engulfed in a bitter battle for the position of the party secretary with Ude-Okoye, disclosed they would not appear before the panel, further sparking conversations about the future of the party.
Anyanwu confirmed receiving the disciplinary committee’s invitation letter on Monday, but said he won’t be available for questioning.
He said, “Yes, my office called me yesterday (Monday) to inform me that an invitation letter had arrived from the NDC. So, I have received the invitation letter.
“But I can’t attend due to medical reasons, and I have immediately communicated my situation to them. I have requested that mine be rescheduled for another date.”
Ortom’s Special Adviser on Media, Nathaniel Ikyur, confirmed that the former governor had not received an official invitation letter, adding that Ortom would not attend the panel.
“The former governor has not received an invitation from the panel; he was only notified through social media. Therefore, he will write the committee tomorrow (today), requesting a formal invitation for another date,” Ikyur said.
The Ikimi-led panel issued a statement on Thursday summoning Ortom, Anyanwu and 10 others, stating that all those invited must appear before the committee at the Legacy House in Maitama, Abuja, today.
The activities of the panel have remained confidential, with the identities of the other 10 invited party members undisclosed.
Attempts to obtain their names from Ikimi and committee secretary, Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, were unsuccessful. Both Ikimi and Jegede denied any knowledge of the identities and offered no further information despite efforts to uncover the details.
Since the 2023 presidential election, the PDP has battled internal conflicts with members accusing themselves of sabotaging the party’s interests.
In response, the party’s National Working Committee established a disciplinary committee on August 21, 2024 to allow members to file complaints, hear both sides, and make recommendations to the National Executive Committee.
However, nearly five months after the committee’s creation, the crisis has worsened, with both former National Youth Leader Ude-Okoye and Anyanwu engaging each other in a heated contest for the secretary position.
Despite Ude-Okoye being backed by the BoT led by Wabara and the Governors Forum, chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, the conflict remains unresolved.
However, findings by The PUNCH show that despite the ongoing crisis, Anyanwu has continually visited the PDP National Headquarters at Wuse Zone 5, Abuja to handle party matters for weeks, though he was absent from the office on Monday and Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the party’s former National Vice Chairman for the South-West, Eddy Olafeso and National Deputy Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, called on Ikimi’s panel to ensure justice and fairness.
Olafeso expressed confidence in the committee to help reposition the PDP.
He said, “They must make all understand the need respect the culture of our party, and we should recognise the fact that no one is greater than the party, and none of us is perfect.
“So, if there’s a wrong, those invited should admit it, and review their past actions against the party. You can be forgiven. It’s a two-way process. We’re looking out for our own, bringing our people back together, and that’s what’s important to us.”
Osadolor, in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, stated, “Well, for me, the fact that a man like Ikimi has agreed to chair this committee is a source of utmost joy and a huge relief to the majority of party members. Being that Ikimi is known to be a thoroughbred professional, a man who does not hesitate to speak the truth to anyone, regardless of their position, is highly commendable.”
LP reacts
Meanwhile, the Abia State Labour Party has slammed the PDP for the suspension of Wabara, describing the officials involved as “myopic politicians.”
The state chairman of LP, Emmanuel Otti, said, “The suspension was by myopic politicians who don’t think good for the state. Politics is all about people who you put there. Wabara did not make any blunder but appreciated the good works of the state governor, Alex Otti. Wabara is a God-fearing human being and a good politician.”
In a swift reaction, a group, National Frontier for Change and Progress, rose to the defence of Wabara.
In a press conference in Umuahia, the coordinator of the group, Ikpegbu Emeka, described the PDP as a “shadow of itself because the party did not heed Wabara’s advice that the governorship position should go to Abia North” during the last governorship election in the state.
The group also insisted that only the National Working Committee of the party had the constitutional right to suspend Wabara.
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has removed the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, from office with immediate effect.
The governor’s directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor.
According to the statement, Mbam was directed to immediately hand over all government property in his possession, including his official vehicle, to the Secretary to the State Government.
He was also ordered to transfer the responsibilities of the Ministry of Works to the Permanent Secretary pending further directives from the state government.
The statement read in part: “The Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has directed the immediate removal from office of the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam.
“He is to hand over all government property in his possession, including his official vehicle, to the Secretary to the State Government and transfer responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary in the ministry.”
The governor, according to the statement, assured residents that his administration remained committed to effective governance and improving public infrastructure across the state.
No reason was given for Mbam’s removal.
The development comes months after Nwifuru suspended Mbam and the Commissioner for Infrastructure Development and Concession, Engr. Ogbonnaya Obasi-Abara, in February 2026 over alleged dereliction of duty.
The earlier suspension was also announced by Uzor, who directed the affected commissioners to surrender government property and official vehicles to the SSG.
Mbam’s latest removal has reportedly generated concern within the State Executive Council, particularly amid calls for improved performance by government officials.
Former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation under the administration of former Governor David Umahi, Senator Emmanuel Onwe, had recently called on Nwifuru to overhaul his State Executive Council and ensure that officials who were underperforming lived up to expectations.
The government has not indicated whether Mbam’s removal is connected to the earlier suspension or any specific issue concerning the Ministry of Works.
News
SEDC to Launch 50,000-Hectare Agro-Mechanisation Project in Enugu to Tackle Unemployment, Insecurity
The South-East Development Commission (SEDC) has concluded arrangement for the kick-off the zone-wide 50,000-hectare agro-mechanisation project in Enugu community meant to tackle insecurity, unemployment and food insecurity.
The SEDC zone-wide 50,000-hectare agro-mechanisation, which is meant to be established in each of the 15 senatorial zones of the five South-East states, would commence at a pilot scheme level on Sept. 22.
This is contained in a statement issued by the media aide to the Governor of Enugu State, Chief Uche Anichukwu, on Wednesday in Enugu.
The Managing Director of the Commission, Mr Mark Okoye, disclosed this during a community engagement at the pilot project site in Nomeh Unateze community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Tuesday.
Okoye said the SEDC had, following its establishment in 2024, used the first year to do extensive studies and design a blueprint that cuts across different areas of the South-East economy.
He said the agro-mechanisation projects, remained a major part of the commission’s blueprint, explaining that it would address insecurity, unemployment, and food security.
According to him, so, what we are here for is one of our flagship initiatives, which is called the South-East Agro Mechanisation Programme or the South East Agro Development Programme.
Okoye said that the SEDC was committed to develop up to 50,000 hectares of land and that would be used for mechanised farming across the region.
“We are here for a pre-assessment, pre-flag-off visit to see the area, understand the level of work that needs to be done and ensure that contractors can start mobilising so that once we hit the site we start running.
“Because a big part of what we are looking at is how to address food insecurity and unemployment, ensuring that we are producing what we put on the table.
“We are starting with pilot programmes where we are taking 200 to 300 hectares of farmland across 15 senatorial zones and developing them to standard farms.
“Where you not only have cassava, maize, some of our staple crops, but also some cash crops. In some areas, there will be the centres for learning and centres for productivity,” he said.
Okoye said that Gov. Peter Mbah would flag off the project on Tuesday, adding the SEDC team came to assess the area, meet with the community and ensurr that all the plans are in place.
“And within the second we put this investment here, at least N4 billion or N5 billion of added investment will come in,” he said.
Okoye commended President Bola Tinubu for addressing the long yearning by the South-East for a commission to mobilise resources and coordinate development in the region.
He urged the people to reciprocate the numerous gestures by supporting the Tinubu to continue the development efforts post 2027.
He further revealed that the commission would soon roll ou an investment agency to help mobilise local and Diaspora investments for the region’s speedy development.
A community leader in the community, Chief Uche Anichukwu, described the agro-mechanisation project as one of the blessings of the APC, Tinubu and Mbah administrations to Enugu State in general and Nomeh Unateze in particularly.
Anichukwu, who is also media aide to the Governor of Enugu State, said that the Nenwe-Nomeh-Mburubu-Nara road, with a spur to Oduma, had created ready and multiple access to market for the proposed agricultural project.
Speaking, Chairman, Nomeh Unateze Town Union Caretaker Committee, Dr Chukwudi Anyianuka, and other community stakeholders, reiterated their support for the project.
They commended Tinubu and Mbah for siting the project in their community.
“We are very happy. We cannot wait to see it actualised and we promise that we are going to provide everything that is necessary to make sure that this is established.
“The Commission has taken a methodical approach to regional development.
“Rather than the pitfall of throwing money at development challenges, it undertook a study of the region and came up with a master plan, which includes this initiative, to reinvent the South-East,” Anyianuka added.
Also present at the interactive session were the members of the traditional council of Nomeh Unateze and community heads.
…As Onitsha South Mayor Empowers Workers
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Maintenance and rehabilitation works at the recently closed First Niger Bridge are being hampered by poor lighting during night shifts and inadequate sanitary facilities at the site.
Recall that before the closure of the bridge, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, had disclosed that efforts would be made to carry out some of the rehabilitation works at night.
However, some of the workers at the site said poor lighting was affecting effective monitoring of activities on the bridge, while the poor sanitary condition of the area was also posing a threat to their health.
The workers made the complaints during a working visit to the bridge by the Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chief Emeka Orji.
Orji, who was accompanied by the Secretary of the Local Government, Barr. Paul Onuachalla, and executives of the Fegge Community Landlords/Tenants Welfare Association, led by its Chairman, Chief Nnamdi Onugha, provided cooked meals and packs of bottled water to the personnel and workers at the site.
Speaking after the visit, Orji said the gesture was aimed at supporting the workers and showing solidarity with the Federal Government’s rehabilitation efforts on the bridge.
He said, “To support the workers and give them a sense of belonging, that is why we came to appreciate them. We will continue doing so from time to time as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.”
The Mayor also disclosed that the council had provided facilities, including mobile toilets and water tanks, while arrangements were being made for water tankers to supply water to the tanks.
Orji further stressed the importance of the military presence in Onitsha South, noting that the personnel would contribute to security, rapid response and protection of the bridge, Onitsha South and parts of Ogbaru Local Government Area.
He added that the council would continue to strengthen its collaboration with security agencies to ensure maximum security across Onitsha South Local Government Area.
Earlier, after inspecting the environment with the Mayor, the Officer in Charge, who pleaded anonymity, identified poor lighting at the bridge at night as one of the major challenges confronting the personnel.
According to him, the situation makes it difficult to effectively monitor activities around the bridge, particularly during night shifts.
He also complained about the poor sanitary condition of the under-bridge environment where the personnel camp, saying they had to clean up the area themselves upon arrival.
The officer further appealed for improved accommodation and food support for the personnel.
He, however, commended the Mayor for the visit and assistance, saying the gesture made the workers feel appreciated.
“We feel loved and appreciated. We are happy seeing you around,” he said.
Africa’s richest industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that he bought his first private jet at the age of 22 and a half.
Dangote made the disclosure on Monday in Lagos during the formal launch of the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals on the Nigerian Exchange.
Reflecting on his business journey, the billionaire said he had enjoyed travelling by private jet over the years but was now comfortable using commercial flights.
He also urged wealthy Nigerians to channel more of their resources into productive investments rather than luxury assets.
Dangote particularly appealed to affluent Nigerians who spend huge sums on private aircraft to consider investing such wealth in industries and businesses that could contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
“I try as much as I can to encourage people who are riding $900 million aircraft to please go and put that into production. We are not going to be a great nation without doing something productive,” he said.
He stressed that directing private wealth towards productive ventures would help strengthen the economy, create jobs and provide greater opportunities for national development.
The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has rejected claims that it appropriated or “stole” the idea of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit from another organisation whose application was reportedly pending before the Federal Ministry of Trade.
NDCCITMA considers the allegation misleading and wishes to set the record straight.
The concept of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit is a broad and widely recognised platform used globally to bring together government, the private sector, investors, businesses, development partners and other stakeholders to deliberate on economic growth and development. The use of the term “Economic Summit” does not, in itself, establish exclusive ownership of the concept by any individual or organisation.
More importantly, the chronology of events does not support the allegation being made against NDCCITMA.
While the said application was reportedly still pending before the Ministry of Trade as at September 2025, NDCCITMA had already gone through the appropriate processes and received approval from the Ministry of Trade in August 2025.
NDCCITMA did not rely on, copy, or appropriate the pending application of any other party in arriving at its name or identity
It is also important to distinguish between a concept and legally protected intellectual property, such as a registered trademark, proprietary material or other enforceable intellectual property right.
NDCCITMA remains committed to conducting its activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.Most importantly, in Suit No: FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026 filed on same subject matter in Portharcourt by the petitioner, the learned Judge had restrained the plaintiff from further interfering with the Summit being planned by the NDCCITMA. NDCCITMA will continue respect the rule of law
We therefore urge the public, stakeholders, the media to disregard any narrative unless such claims are supported by verifiable facts and relevant legal documentation.
NDCCITMA firmly rejects the allegation and maintains that its activities and identity were developed and pursued independently and through the appropriate regulatory channels.
The organisation remains focused on its mandate of promoting commerce, industry, trade, agriculture, investment and sustainable economic development across the Niger Delta region.
Signed:
Management
Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA)
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