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Corruption: PDP Wants NIA, DSS, Interpol To Track Oshiomhole …APC Responsible For Nigeria’s Woes -Okorocha

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, called on the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and Interpol to help track down the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who is reported to have jetted out of Abuja after hours of investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged corruption charges.
The party said Oshiomhole’s swift flight out of the country, at the heat of the investigation, was suspect and goes to confirm allegations that the Presidency was shielding him from prosecution for fear that his investigation would implicate certain interests at the Presidency and the APC.
A statement issued by the party’s spokesman, Kola Ologbindiyan, yesterday, chided the ruling party for denying knowledge of Oshiomhole’s grilling by the DSS even as it added that the former Edo State governor cannot escape justice.
“Nigerians are already aware that Oshiomhole has not denied his investigation, including his reported confession that the Presidency was in the loop of all his actions.
“The PDP had always cautioned Oshiomhole of his unbridled arrogance, lust for power and alleged embezzlement of public funds for which he must surely have his day in the hands of the law.
“The PDP demands that APC and the Presidency must immediately produce Oshiomhole to face investigation and prosecution in our courts,” the statement read in part.
However, President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, met behind closed doors with Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
This is as the governor has denied orchestrating the alleged grilling of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole by operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS0, in Abuja, last Sunday, in which he (Oshiomhole) was allegedly told to resign as the party’s chairman.
Fielding questions from State House correspondents on his involvement in Oshiomhole’s ordeal, Amosun said that he was being given an oversight role that did not concern him, stressing that there was no way he could have been involved as he is not a security operatives.
It was reported that the nation’s police undercover had quizzed the National APC chairman, last Sunday, over allegation of corrupt practices when he was governor of Edo State as well as allegedly collecting gratification from some aspirants during the party’s primaries to favour them.
Amosun and his colleague governor from Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha were accused as the behind the scene writers of petition to the DSS against the APC chairman.
The Ogun State governor, who tried to parry questions surrounding his relationship with Oshiomhole and his alleged involvement in the petition to the DSS against APC chairman, said he had no hands in any petition against Oshiomhole.
He said, “I think you are probably giving me an oversight role and I am not a security person, so clearly I think that question will not be for me. I don’t have to hide under a finger to fight. If there is need for me to put my views across, you know me by now that I will do it.”
Also asked to comment on the report that Oshiomhole may have fled the country after his encounter with the DSS, he said, “I have told you those things are beyond my pedigree and you are asking me questions that I am not well suited for. The one that I think I should talk about we have said it loud and clear that we don’t need to add any other thing.”
On his mission at the Villa, he said, “I always come like this and I know that you will want to ask me this and that and that is what you are doing, but clearly and talking seriously, I think that all that need to be said, I think all of you can attest to that, that has been said loud and clear and I think saying anything further would amount to probably I sounding like a broken gramophone. I think I have said all that we need to say and we did it loud and clear.”
Pressed further on how his matter with the national leadership of the APC could be resolved, the governor who rhetorically asked what matter, said the allegation of having issues with Oshiomhole was not correct.
Meanwhile, some senators have described the interrogation of the National Chairman of the ruling, All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole by men of the Department of State Services (DSS) as being in order against the backdrop that he remains a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not above the law.
Speaking with newsmen on the development, Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Edo South said, “Speaking frankly, I do not know the issues that are involved and I cannot even ascertain the authenticity of the story.
“If it is true and anything has to be considered, no one is above the law, Oshiomhole is a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he is not above the law. The law should be allowed to take its place and justice must be the order of the day. “
On his part, Chairman, South-East Senate Caucus, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, PDP, Abia South said, “ the spokesperson of Mr. President, Adesina tweeted sometimes ago that “the harder they meet, the harder they fall”. We never knew he was referring to Oshiomhole!!”
Also contributing, Deputy Senate Minority Leader, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha said, “we await the outcome because we are conversant with the issues of fraud involved. We will also know when there is a seeming cover up.”
Meanwhile, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has charged his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, to stop shifting blames and take responsibility for the problems facing Nigeria.
Okorocha said though APC inherited the challenges, it must ensure that they were fixed.
He stated that Nigerians voted APC into power to fix their challenges and not to complain.
Speaking with State House Correspondents in Abuja, the governor assured that the pains Nigerians are going through was only momentarily.
According to Okorocha, “As APC, we are responsible for everything happening in Nigeria. We are responsible for the good, the bad, the ugly but we are promising Nigerians that we shall fix it.
“We share the pains of Nigerians; every human being must feel it. We also feel what they are going through but we are asking for a little patience.
“Let us do things the right way and do it once and for all. I am sure that by next year, you will begin to see changes, the price of rice will drop, prices of dollars will begin to stabilise and we will see a lot of challenges.
“But at this painful moment, nobody likes it. It is like a woman in the labour room, when she is in the labour room there is no joy but she has to pass through that moment and that moment, she does not wear her high heel shoes, no makeup, no champagne, no party.
“She is going through a process but shortly after that process, joy cometh once she sees the child. So, Nigerians should bear with us as a government.”

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Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

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The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.
Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.
The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.
Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.
According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.
The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.
Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.
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Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

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The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.
The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.
This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”
The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.
“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.
It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.
Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.
“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”
He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.
“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.
By: Tonye Orabere
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PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

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Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.
Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.
Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.
He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.
“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.
“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.
“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.
Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.
“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.
“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”
At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.
Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.
He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.
Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”
He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.
“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.
The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.
By: Kiadum Edookor
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