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Turnah Hits Back At Diri, Dismissing Security Fears As ‘Unfiunded’ In Bayelsa PDP Crisis
The South-South Zonal Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), George Turnah, has dismissed the security concerns raised by Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, as unfounded.
Turnah emphasized that there is no intention to incite unrest in the state over a planned rally aimed at rallying support for President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Governor Diri had previously suggested that the rally, organized by Wike’s political movement, was part of a scheme to disrupt the state’s peace.
In a statement issued by his Media Assistant, Kelvin Loveday, Turnah expressed disappointment over Diri’s remarks and defended his relationship with Wike. He reassured the Ijaw nation of his unwavering loyalty and respect, asserting that the political movement’s only objective was to garner support for President Tinubu’s administration in the South-South Zone, without any hidden agenda.
Turnah criticized the unnecessary politicization of the rally and maintained that ethnicity should not be a factor in political discourse. He also reminded Diri that the Ogbia elders who the governor had urged to call him to order were the same leaders who, in 2019, had advised him not to back Diri’s gubernatorial ambitions, a request he respectfully declined.
“I am not only a member of the PDP but also serving as the Zonal Secretary of the Party in the South-South. I am unsure what other position the governor believes I am occupying if I am truly not a member of the PDP,” he stated.
Turnah expressed surprise at Diri’s objection to his association with Wike, highlighting his constitutional right to freedom of association. He also commended Diri for his accomplishments and pledged continued support for the governor’s administration.
Turnah called on Bayelsa’s youth, women, political figures, and supporters of President Tinubu across party lines to participate in the rally and demonstrate their gratitude to both the President and the FCT Minister for their significant contributions to the state and the Ijaw nation.
Finally, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Adelabu said the decision would take effect from April 30, 2026, to allow for a smooth transition.
The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”
He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”
Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.
He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.
It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”
By Gloria Ikibah
As part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture, President Bola Tinubu, has sent a formal communication to the House of Representatives on seeking legislative approval for the repeal and re-enactment of the Nigerian Police Trust Fund (NPTF) Establishment Act, 2025.
The request which was transmitted to the House for consideration and passage on Wednesday at plenary, underscores the need to improve the management and administration of the fund, enhance police training, and provide modern equipment for the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the letter,, the proposed amendment is aimed at boosting the operational capacity, accountability, and sustainability of the Police Trust Fund in line with current security challenges.
The President urged lawmakers to give the bill expeditious consideration, as the said the reform will improve the welfare of police personnel and support skill development across the force.
In another development, the House Committee on Rules and Business has moved to tighten legislative discipline, directing all standing and ad hoc committees to submit reports on bills and motions within set timelines in line with House procedures.
Chairman of the committee, Rep. Francis Uwaive, reminded all committee chairmen to treat all assigned matters within 30 days, with the risk of losing such assignments after 60 days if no progress is made, except where a short extension is granted.
A firm deadline has also been set for all outstanding reports, with the end of April 2026 as the cut-off point, and non-compliance attracting automatic discharge.
Amid the formal proceedings, lawmakers briefly paused to celebrate two members marking their birthdays, acknowledging their contributions to public service and national development.
The mood later shifted as the House paid tribute to a former member of the Fifth Assembly, observing a minute’s silence in his honour following his passing after a prolonged illness.
He was remembered for his dedication and service to his constituents in Benue State, with colleagues noting that his death represents a significant loss to the legislature and the country.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday that their naval forces stopped two ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz and directed them to the territorial waters of the Islamic Republic.
“The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps naval force this morning identified and stopped in the Strait of Hormuz two violating ships,” the Guards said in a statement.
“The two offending ships… were seized by the IRGC’s naval forces and directed to the Iranian coast.”
They identified one ship as “MSC-FRANCESCA”, which they said belonged “to the Zionist regime” in reference to Israel, and the other as “EPAMINONDAS”, which they said was “tampering with navigation systems and jeopardising maritime security.”
The Guards further warned against any action against the regulations imposed by the Islamic republic in the strait “as well as activities contrary to the safe passage” through the waterway.
Tehran has said vessels must seek permission to leave of enter the Gulf through Hormuz, through a route that in peacetime accounts for a fifth of the world’s oil and gas exports along with other vital commodities.
Source: AFP
BREAKING: Finally, Power Minister, Adelabu resigns from Tinubu’s cabinet
Reps Begin Review of Police Trust Fund Law, Tighten Timeline for Committee Work
Iran Seizes Two Ships attempting to cross Strait of Hormuz
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