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READ Details Of PDP Governors’ Confab In Enugu

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gathered for a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Enugu State.

During the meeting, the PDP governors criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly mismanaging the nation’s economy and causing significant hardship for Nigerians.

The governors, under the umbrella of the PDP Governors Forum, expressed their deep concern over what they described as “unprecedented hardship faced by the majority of Nigerians due to the poor performance of the APC-led federal government.”

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The governors also expressed their dissatisfaction with the prolonged delay in the minimum wage negotiations.

Following their meeting, hosted by Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, the governors expressed their approval of the autonomy granted to Local Government Councils.

They emphasized their belief in the effectiveness of the Local Government system, which they argued brings governance closer to the people as outlined in the constitution.

The Forum also condemned what it termed the dismantling of beneficial institutions and developments established by the PDP when it was in power at the federal level, attributing this to the ruling APC.

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Furthermore, the Forum declared their strong support for the Governor of Rivers State in his ongoing political struggle, and announced plans to pursue a political solution aimed at bringing peace to the state.

A communique from the meeting, read by the Forum’s Chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, detailed these concerns and resolutions:

“The meeting deliberated on a wide range of issues bordering on critical national interest. The unprecedented hardship faced by the majority of Nigerians as a result of the dismal performance of the APC led federal government, the minimum wage negotiations and the recurring issue of intergovernmental relations with special reference to local government autonomy and funding.

“Following an exhaustive discussion and consultations with all the organs of the party as you can see here, the national Working committee of the party.”

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Upcoming congresses
“In the spirit of the founding fathers of our great party who adopted internal democracy as a fundamental principle on which our party was built, the congresses leading to the elections of the party leaders at the various tiers must be all-inclusive, transparent, fair and in compliance with the constitution of our party. To ensure the successful conduct of the congresses of the 36 states of the federation and the federal capital territory.”

Off-season election.
“Of the off-season elections in Edo and Ondo, the Forum admonishes all parties in the election to ensure that campaigns are issue-based, violence-free and in strict compliance with the provision of the electoral act.

“The forum urges the Independent Electoral Commission INEC to provide a level playing field that guarantees transparent, fair and peaceful elections as any act of bias will be resisted. The forum urges the president to show leadership as a true democrat by refraining from making any statement suggesting political interference in the entire process.”

The economy
“The Forum notes with dismay and grave concern the mismanagement of the economy by the APC led federal government.”

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The Minimum wage
“The Minimum wage negotiations are becoming unduly protracted in the face of the attendant unprecedented hardship and impoverishment of the people. The forum resolves as follows: The Labour’s demand for a substantial salary raise is eminently justified and therefore commands total support of the forum. While the forum supports Labour’s demand, agreement must take into consideration the ability to pay by the sub-nationals, the federal government and the third tier of government.

While negotiations are ongoing, we appeal for restraint in both utterances and actions that could lead to a complete breakdown of law and order and ultimately the collapse of the economy.”

Supreme court ruling on LG autonomy
“The forum believes in the efficacy of the local government system which ensures that governance comes closer to the people as provided in the constitution. The forum will also support the autonomy of the local government as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Restoring the Nation’s Past Glory
“The forum regrets that the 16 years of the tremendous development of the PDP-led federal government during which the country with single-digit inflation, the establishment of the existing anti-corruption institutions and higher standard of living by the majority of Nigerians has been eroded during the lifespan of the lacklustre APC led federal government.

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“The forum identifies with the Nigerian populace in these troubling times and promises to bring back those good old days of low inflation rates, affordable food, fuel and transportation, steady FDI influx resulting in high Naira value and great quality of human life that was recorded.

“In that regard, the meeting commended the Governors of the PDP-controlled states for their innovative approach to governance in many fields, especially infrastructure, education, health, women and youth initiatives and the timely delivery of developmental projects across the country.

“The forum notes the crisis in Rivers State of the party and commits to supporting the governor of Rivers State and also resolved that the issue could be done through the political solution that will be required and other measures that all the leaders of the organs of the party will be committed so that we can go together and resolve this issue with minimal friction, division or rancour.

“The forum therefore calls on all Nigerians to refrain from any anarchy as we all march towards the return of the PDP to power in 2027.”

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Earlier the chairman of the Forum described the meeting as “an extraordinary meeting of the PDP Governors Forum and some of our major stakeholders, including our National Working Committee and various organs of the party. This meeting is very unique and auspicious because we are here to showcase our history as a party. We have been leading in this country as a party. We have all the structures established before the commencement of the APC administration.”

The governors in attendance were Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Agbu Kefas of Taraba, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Umo Eno of Akwa-Ibom, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, and the host governor, Peter Mbah of Enugu.

Also present were Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, the Deputy National Chairman, South, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, representing the Acting National Chairman, former governor of Kaduna State and former Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, and former governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu.

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Makinde Signs N684 Billion 2025 Appropriation Act, Targets 80% Budget Implementation

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Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Monday signed the N684 billion 2025 Appropriation Act, tagged the “Budget of Economic Stabilisation.” Speaking at the signing ceremony held in the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, Makinde attributed the improved budget performance in the state—from 30–35% under previous administrations to over 70%—to an inclusive budgeting process that involves stakeholders and prioritizes the state’s development.

The governor announced that the 2025 budget aims for an 80% implementation rate, emphasizing reforms, people-centered policies, and economic stability. He highlighted that the budget includes provisions for the new minimum wage, which will take effect from January 1, 2025, and reassured workers that the government would pay the 13th-month salary on December 31, 2024.

“This budget is more than a financial document; it’s an operational manual guiding our administration,” Makinde said. “We prepared this budget after extensive consultations with stakeholders across all zones, ensuring that it reflects the aspirations of our people.”

Makinde praised the collaboration between the executive and legislative arms, which enabled the budget’s passage within three months. He noted that the Assembly spent six weeks scrutinizing the document, reflecting a shared commitment to Oyo State’s growth.

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The governor also addressed the challenges of 2024, encouraging residents to remain hopeful. “Despite the tough year, we are pushing forward with reforms and policies to stabilize our economy. This budget is key to achieving our goals, and I urge everyone to support this administration,” he said.

Makinde called for continued transparency and engagement with citizens, assuring residents that grievances would be addressed without bias. “Our administration has been open and fair, reinstating workers unfairly dismissed and emphasizing dialogue with all aggrieved parties.”

Legislative Support and Budget Priorities

The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, lauded the upward review of the budget from N678 billion to N684 billion, describing it as a strategic move to address emerging priorities. He commended Governor Makinde’s achievements, including workforce expansion and investments in infrastructure, education, and workers’ welfare.

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Ogundoyin stated, “This budget lays a solid foundation for unprecedented growth and development in Oyo State, ensuring that critical projects and the new minimum wage implementation are prioritized.”

Dignitaries in Attendance

The signing ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Deputy Governor Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governors Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi and Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi; and Chief Mrs. Mutiat Ladoja, wife of a former Oyo State governor. Other dignitaries included members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, religious and traditional leaders, labor union representatives, and top government officials.

With the 2025 budget in place, Governor Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering economic growth, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life for Oyo State residents.

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Tinubu issues serious warning to pilgrims as he unveils 2024 Christian pilgrimage to Israel, Jordan

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President Bola Tinubu has officially flagged off the 2024 main Christian pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan.

This was contained in a statement by the Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations of Christian pilgrimage, Celestine Toruka, and published on the Commission’s official X handle on Monday.

The president, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, urged pilgrims to view their journey as an opportunity to strengthen their faith in God.

He noted that the theme of the 2024 pilgrimage, “Pilgrimage of Renewed Hope for Total Restoration,” aligns with the vision and agenda of his administration.

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The president called on the intending pilgrims to pray for the progress of Nigeria, Lagos State, and their families.

Tinubu warned the pilgrims against absconding while in the Holy Land, stressing that there is no better place than home.

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Court sends oil magnate to prison for diverting $26m refinery fund

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A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has remanded the Founder and Chairman of Platform Capital Investment Partners Limited, Akindele Akintoye, in Kuje Correctional Centre.

Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order shortly after Akintoye was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations bordering on the diversion of $26,060,406 meant to build a refinery in Brass, Bayelsa State, on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.

Justice Nwite, who adjourned the matter until December 31, directed Akintoye to remain in the correctional centre pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.

The EFCC had sued Akintoye, Platform Capital Investment Partners Limited, and Duport Midstream Company Limited, where he is also the Managing Director and CEO, as first to third defendants, respectively.

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The anti-graft agency, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/641/V/2024 dated and filed on December 19 by its lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), preferred four counts against the trio.

Akintoye and Platform Capital Investment Partners Limited were alleged to have, between December 2020 and February 2021, indirectly retained $16 million.

The amount, the EFCC said, was part of the funds dishonestly converted from the money paid by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Capacity Development Intervention Company Limited to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited as investment.

The said sum of $16,006, 000 is alleged to constitute proceed of unlawful activity.

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The offence, EFCC said, is contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended) by (Act No. 1 of 20!2) and punishable under Section [5(3) of the same Act.

In count two, Akintoye and Platform Capital were alleged to have between December 2020 and January 2021 indirectly used the aggregate sum of $9,048,725 being part of the funds dishonestly converted from the money paid by the NCDMB Capacity Development Intervention Company Limited to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited as investment.

The said sum of $9,048,725 was said to constitute proceeds of unlawful activity and the offence was contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended) by (Act No. 1 of 2012) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

In count three, Akintoye and Duport Midstream Company Limited were alleged to have, sometime in March 2021, retained the sum of $785,681 being part of the funds dishonestly converted from the money paid by the NCDMB Capacity Development Intervention Company Limited to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited as investment.

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The sum was said to constitute the proceed of unlawful activity.

The offence, the EFCC said, is contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended) by (Act No. 1 of 2012) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

The EFCC, in count four, accused Akintoye and Duport Midstream of allegedly retaining the sum of $220,000 being part of the funds dishonestly converted from the money paid by the NCDMB Capacity Development Intervention Company Limited to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited as investment.

The money was said to be proceed of unlawful activity and the offence is contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended) by (Act No. 1 of 2012) and | punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

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After the charge was read to Akintoye, he and on behalf of the companies, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

The EFCC’s counsel, Iheanacho, prayed the court for a trial date and urged the court to remand Akintoye in a correctional centre after the non-guilty plea by the defendants.

The defence lawyer, Emmanuel Esedo, told the court that a bail application on Akintoye’s behalf had been filed.

The lawyer, who said the application was filed on December 23, sought the leave of the court to move the motion.

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Iheanacho, however, opposed the submission.

After a lengthy argument by the prosecution and the defence lawyers, Justice Nwite agreed with Iheanacho’s submission.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until December 31 for the hearing of the bail application.

He ordered Akintoye to be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of the application.

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