News
…Resign Now As National Chairman, Clark Tells Ayu
Following the emergence of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar as the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of 2023 elections, former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has asked the National Chairman of PDP, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, to, as matter of urgency, resign his position.
In a statement he personally signed, yesterday, Clark, who is also the leader of Southern, Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) and Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), said that with the outcome of Saturday’s primary election at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, it has become imperative for Ayu to resign as he can no longer head the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP.
The elder statesman, who took a swipe at the action of Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, where he stepped down for Atiku Abubakar at the venue of the convention, stressed that what he did was not only dishonourable, but also a serious electoral abnormality and tragic betrayal of national patriotism for hidebound interests.
He argued that Tambuwal, having formally addressed the delegates, as other aspirants did within the time frame given them, would not have been allowed to speak a second time, when delegates were already preparing to cast their votes.
He said that allowing Tambuwal to speak again was a clear violation and abuse of the electoral process, and should not have been allowed to happen.
Clark, however, hailed the efforts of the Convention Committee that was chaired by former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, and his assistants, particularly, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri.
Clark’s statement read, “I decided to issue this Press Release because of the worrying occurrences in our polity vis-a-vis the dappled party primaries being conducted, across the country; the reported outrageous financial inducements of delegates and the cynical dollarisation of the electoral process. These happenings give strong warnings of, more likely, deleterious outcomes of the 2023 General Election, mainly the presidential, and their aftermaths.
“Most disturbing is what happened at the Special National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Abuja, on Saturday, May 28, 2022. I followed the live broadcasts of the proceedings, keenly, until about 12.30am on Sunday, the 29th. I was quite impressed by the efforts of the Convention Committee, which was headed by former Senate President, Senator David Mark, and his assistants, particularly, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri.
“But, sadly, the outcome of the election leaves much to be desired; it was very unjust and rather unwholesome. It will definitely impact severe, adverse ramifications on the future unity of the country.
“I was alarmed by the outrageous and Machiavelli manner in which AlhajiAminuTambuwal, Governor of Sokoto State, was so apparently ‘arranged’ to announce his withdrawal from the contest, at the last minute; his speech changed the mood of the event. That was done in order to foist another Northerner as the party’s flag-bearer; having regard to the fact that Governor AminuTambuwal was the only aspirant from the whole of the North-West, which had about 192 delegates at the convention.
“What Tambuwal did was not only dishonourable but also a serious electoral abnormality and a tragic betrayal of national patriotism for hidebound interests.
“Another Northern aspirant, Mr Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a businessman from Borno State, had, earlier, also suddenly, withdrawn from the contest, citing its obscene monetisation as his reason; but we now know better. It is now widespread understanding that there were pressures mounted on Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and former Senate President, Senator BukolaSaraki, to also withdraw, while Tambuwal deliberately delayed his action till the last minute. By so doing, unduly swept his North-West votes to AtikuAbubakar.
“One can now appreciate the reasons given by Mr Peter Obi for his withdrawal from the PDP, both as a member, and as an aspirant, few days before the party’s primary. And I would think that what he did was, without doubt, in respect, or obedience, to the position of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum.
“Unfortunately, some aspirants from the South believed that, with the resources and facilities at their disposal, their elders no longer matter, and disregarded, with impunity, the patriotic advice on the need to be steadfast on the position of the zoning of the Presidency to the South. They never minded that what we have been advocating was in their interest. They proved themselves to be selfish and arrogant, and thought they could win on their own steam. They failed; I can only hope that they have, now, learned their lessons.
“Even much worse, in the extreme, was the action of the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator IyorchiaAyu, in his open visit to Governor Tambuwal to congratulate and hail him, in his words, as ‘the hero of the convention’. This clearly reveals his partiality and predilection in the processes leading to the baffling conclusion of the PDP presidential primary. His undignified and parochial conduct, to please his Northern principals, is not only a big disgrace to the office he occupies but, also, a sad display of lewd subservience to the political subjugation of one ethnic group, in a diverse country like Nigeria.
“We had earlier suspected that he was in favour of a northern candidate, when on the day of his inauguration as national chairman, last year, he, needlessly, said during his speech, that he would resign if a Northerner emerged as the presidential candidate of the party.
“Senator Ayu has failed to realise that what we are fighting for affects all minorities in Nigeria. The Southern Nigeria relationship with the Middle Belt is well established, dating back to the First Republic, during the period of Dr. J. S. Tarka, from today’s Benue State, a founding member of the then, United Middle Belt Congress, and the strong alliance with Chief ObafemiAwolowo’s Action Group. The relationship subsisted during the Second Republic, when the minorities of the South and the minorities of the North combined to fight for a common course; the inclusion, and full participation of all minorities in the politics and governance of the country, of which I was the leader.
“Senator IyorchiaAyu’s appalling, thoughtless and unpatriotic public conduct bears grave negative consequences. He should, therefore, no longer consider himself fit and proper to retain his position as the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and should resign now.”
He had made that commitment while accepting his election, and, therefore, should keep to his pledge to resign if a Northerner emerged from the party.
A first class traditional ruler in Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, King Aaron Ikuru, has described Nigeria at 65 as a grandfather who cannot provide leadership to other African Countries.
The monarch stated this in an interview at his palace in Ikuru Town, yesterday.
According to him, Nigeria would have been a developed country to set the pace in the whole of Africa, considering its numerous resources.
“Nigeria is a grandfather but not behaving as a grandfather. Our country, Nigeria, before and from the era of Independence was in the state of becoming a great country, but unfortunately is not becoming anything.
“We should be far ahead with what we have in the country. God blessed us, we have almost what it takes in terms of mineral resources, manpower amongst others that can drive speedy development in the country.
“If we’re able to harness all the things we have, even America by now would have respected us”, he said.
While blaming the past leaders of the country, the monarch called on the current leadership of the country to redouble efforts in order to narrow the differences in terms of development, exchange rate between naira and foreign currencies.
King Ikuru, who is also the Chairman of Andoni Area Traditional Rulers Council, however, lauded the efforts of the founding fathers, past leaders of the country for the achievements so far.
He also expressed optimism that Nigeria would be great, calling on the opinion leaders to shun tribalism and political intolerance in the country.
“If Nigeria should experience rapid development in all sectors, it means we must shun tribalism and political intolerance, the interest of our country must be our priority.
“We need to fight corruption vigorously, and leaders must show good example of discipline and integrity”, he said.
The monarch used the opportunity to wish Nigeria happy independence anniversary.
By: Enoch Epelle
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate has announced the start of implementation of the new pension increments for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, saying the adjustments will be reflected in the September 2025 payroll cycle.
In a statement signed by Management and posted on its X handle, PTAD said the increase package includes a fixed N32,000 payment alongside percentage increases of 10.66% and 12.95% for eligible categories, which will benefit about 832,000 pensioners under its management.
Recall that PTAD in August announced President Bola Tinubu approved a series of measures, including new welfare benefits for pensioners under DBS.
The approval follows a formal request by PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, seeking an emergency budgetary allocation to implement pension reforms and welfare benefits for the scheme’s retirees.
The measures include a N32,000 pension increment, percentage increases for pensioners of defunct and privatised agencies, pension harmonisation for all DBS pensioners, enrolment into the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the settlement of long-standing unfunded pension liabilities.
In a statement yesterday, PTAD said the partial release of N820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance from the emergency funding has made it possible for pensioners to begin receiving the enhanced payments immediately.
The statement read, “Further to the President’s approval of the emergency budgetary allocation for the payment of the new pension increment rates for Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (DBS) that was earlier published by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate on Friday, 8th August, 2025, the Directorate is delighted to announce the commencement of the implementation of the 832,000, 10.66% and 12.95% pension increment for eligible pensioners under the management of PTAD, in the September 2025 pension payroll cycle.
“This achievement has been made possible through the partial release of 820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance, from the initial 845 billion emergency funding approval granted by the Federal Government.
“This milestone clearly reaffirms the Federal Government’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare and entitlements of DBS Pensioners in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The directorate thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the emergency allocation.
It also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Accountant-General of the Federation and key presidential aides and parliamentary committees for their “timely interventions” and support.
The statement also expressed appreciation to organised pension groups, including the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria, for their cooperation during negotiations and implementation planning.
“We further assure all our DBS Pensioners and Stakeholders that the Directorate will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities towards release of the outstanding approved funds and subsequent fulfilment of all future obligations relating to the pension increments and the landmark reforms,” the statement added.
The DBS covers pensioners who retired before the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2004, including those from defunct public institutions, privatised agencies, and treasury-funded parastatals.
Over the years, many have faced irregular payments, delayed harmonisation, and inadequate healthcare access, challenges that the new reforms are expected to address.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigeria. citizens to remain united, peaceful to enhance development of the nation as it celebrates 65th independence anniversary.
Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, Director of NOA in Akwa Ibom, gave the charge in Uyo yesterday while addressing newsmen and stakeholders to mark the anniversary.
Mkpoutom said it was essential to recognise that the strength of Nigeria lay in its diversity
“With over 250 ethnic groups and an array of languages, the nation embodies a unique blend of heritage.
“This diversity should be seen not as a dividing line but as a unifying force that propels the country toward progress.
“As Akwa Ibom embarks on another year, it is crucial for all citizens to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose.
“Embrace dialogue, understanding and collaborate with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu in its efforts to addressing pressing challenges like poverty, security, education, and healthcare, thereby paving way for a brighter future for all.”
The state director, however, appealed to Nigerians from all walks of life to renew their commitment to a more prosperous, peaceful, and equitable nation.
“Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of the collective strength that lies in every citizen,” he said.
He urged everyone to contribute positively to the development of a better society.
Mkpoutom urged the people and all citizens to honour the labours of heroes past, as they celebrated the present, while working diligently toward a future filled with hope and opportunities for generations to come.
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