Politics

Duke, Rep Urge Cross River Youths To Sheathe Sword

Published

5 years ago

October 26, 2020

A former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke and a member of House of Representatives, Rt Hon Eta Mbora, have called on youths to sheathe their sword as their anguish has been heard loud and clear.
In separate interview, the duo admitted that the youths have been wronged and their scars must be healed before the nation can move forward.
Speaking with journalists in Calabar yesterday, Donald Duke, the former SPD Presidential candidate during the last election, said the old generation leaders need the forgiveness of the youths and that the trust deficit must be bridged in a bid to regain their confidence once again so as to forge ahead as a nation.
He said: “The youths have been badly bruised and there scars must be well taken care of. The youths are telling us something not in words but in actions; they are speaking in their own manner because people speak differently and some speak in parables too.
“The youths have to forgive us first because we are the ones who are managing their resources and they are telling us that our management is poor; they cannot be silenced, they must be heard. If there is right to life, then there is right to livelihood by giving them a job or engaging them is not a privilege but a right.
“There is a trust deficit between the people especially the youths and the government. Our democracy is 21 years already and we can’t wait to be fools at 40. So, Nigeria is now in a situation where the rich cannot sleep because the poor cannot eat.”
Insisting that some of them have always warned that Nigeria was sitting on a keg of gun powder, he said it has become expedient to be very sincere with the people as the youths feel cheated because the old generation had better opportunities at their age.
“The youths need to know that we are listening to them. The youths should be able to hold us accountable. The engagement of the youth is pivotal as huge percentage of them is idle as seen in their carting away of used toilet seats.
“Their minds have been bruised and are very dangerous to handle. So, the government on its part must also be ingenious in finding solutions to these problems by assuring the teeming youths that they are not alone. if China can create jobs for billions, then Nigeria can also do it, he maintained.
Describing the ugly incidents that happened in Calabar in the last 48 hours as a harrowing one, Rt. Hon Eta Mbora, said the carnage, the looting and wanton dehumanisation of human life graphically expresses the state of mind of our citizens, particularly our young folks.
Mbora, who represents Municipality/Odukpani federal constituency, said these events are symbolic larger problems of inadequacy and the pain of citizen disillusionment as well as the despair of a proud people with an uncertain future.
He admitted that these problems are not limited to our state, but a national problem that has been with us for a very long time, adding that now the cries of the oppressed are being heard not by tears, but their targeted action against their perceived oppressors and institutions of oppression.
He further said: “Recently, the government made a statement acknowledging the hardship the citizens are going through. This acknowledgement, though a healthy start, will require more. Indeed, far more from the government and perhaps more than the government on its own can afford.
“But we must not relent as government will have to seek ingenious ways of meeting the aspirations of her people. This is a tall order, but the sooner we tackle this, the more assured we have that we will have an environment and a polity that accommodates our wishes and aspirations.
“Our young people, your anguish have been heard loud and clear. Sheath your sword while we await government swing into action to address the needs of her people. We are not a failed people. No, we are a people with failed aspirations. But there is hope,” he assured.

Politics

EFCC Alleges Blackmail Plot By Opposition Politicians

Published

24 hours ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

In what could be described as a proactive measure, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised the alarm that some opposition politicians were allegedly plotting to undermine the agency ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.

The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.

The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”

The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.

“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.

“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.

“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.

“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.

Politics

Datti Baba-Ahmed Reaffirms Loyalty To LP, Forecloses Joining ADC

Published

1 day ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has dismissed speculation about a possible defection from the Labour Party (LP), declaring that he will not follow his former principal, Mr Peter Obi, to any new political platform ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Senator Baba-Ahmed said his political allegiance remains firmly with the LP, the platform on which he emerged as vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election. He stressed that his future political aspirations are anchored on party loyalty and personal conviction, not shifting alliances.

The former senator representing Kaduna North stated that although he shared a joint ticket with Mr Obi in the last presidential race, he has no intention of joining him following Mr Obi’s recent alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party now being positioned by an opposition coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing journalists at the LP national headquarters, Senator Baba-Ahmed made it clear that he would not take the same political path, insisting that his decision was informed by long-term goals and a clear sense of purpose.

He expressed scepticism about the ADC-led coalition, describing its promoters as “disgruntled politicians” and arguing that the platform does not offer the kind of political vision Nigeria urgently requires.

Senator Baba-Ahmed also reaffirmed his commitment to national service, noting that he remained willing to contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at fixing the country and would make himself available for service as the 2027 elections approach.

While acknowledging his past partnership with Mr Obi, he emphasised that political choices must be guided by principles rather than personal relationships.

According to him, his priority is to strengthen the LP and position it as a credible and enduring alternative for Nigerians.

It would be recalled that Mr Obi recently exited the LP and embraced the ADC as part of a broader opposition coalition seeking to unseat the APC in the next general election.

Politics

Bayelsa APC Endorses Tinubu For Second Term

Published

1 day ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

The Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.

The endorsement was made on during a special stakeholders meeting of the party convened by Governor Diri in Yenagoa, the State capital.

Senator Konbowei Benson, incumbent Senator representing the Bayelsa Central, moved the endorsement motion, and was seconded by a former Speaker of the House of Assembly and one time deputy governor, Peremobowei Ebebi.

The Tide reports that Chairman of the new caretaker committee of the party, Dr Dennis Otiotio, Senator representing Bayelsa East, Chief Benson Agadaga, and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, attended the endorsement meeting.

Other attendees were, Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samson Ogbuku, Managing Director, Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, other stakeholders as well as the ex-officio member (South South) of the APC National Working Committee, Hon. Godbless Diriware.

The Tide also gathered that the meeting was the first expanded stakeholders gathering convened by the governor since becoming a member and leader of the party in the state in October 2025.

In his speech, Governor Diri expressed delight that the State’s APC was one big family which has resolved to work together to deliver President Tinubu for another term in office.

He underscored the need for the members to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, humility and rise above politics of bitterness and divisive tendencies for the sake of peace, development and progress of the state.

The governor also urged the members to play by the rules and engage in politics of consultation, stating that those interested in political offices in the next election should shelve their ambitions for now.

“Here we are today in a very big family of the APC. Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the old members of the party for the reception accorded me and other Peoples Democratic Party members who crossed over. It was a welcome like no other.

“Political parties are vehicles for development. Let us truly be progressives. Whatever positions you want to contest for, whether governorship, House of Assembly or National Assembly, please put it on hold for now. Power comes from God. What should be uppermost is that we are all gathered here to make sure that President Tinubu returns for a second term”, he said.

In a brief remark, Senator Lokpobiri expressed joy to be part of the meeting and acknowledged that the Bayelsa APC now had one united and indivisible objective to wholly deliver the party for all elective offices in 2027.

Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, former APC governorship candidate in the state, Mr David Lyon, and Prince Ebitimi Amgbare lauded the governor for his maturity, noting that his inclusive governance style would lead the party to achieve its objectives.

Also, the APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, commended Governor Diri for uniting all facets of the party’s political leadership in the state, which he noted had been fragmented for over a decade.

Dr Otiotio stated that the purpose of the meeting was to enjoin members and supporters to participate in the party’s electronic membership exercise in order to capture genuine voters.

Meanwhile the stakeholders observed a minute silence in honour of the former Bayelsa West Senatorial District representative in the 5th National Assembly, Senator John Brambaifa, who died on Saturday, January 3, 2026 in Abuja.

By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa