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Edo Assembly crisis: Clark writes Gbajabiamila, condemns Reps’ interference

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Elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, has criticised the House of Representatives over its interference in the Edo State House of Assembly crisis.

The state Assembly had been inaugurated in controversial circumstances on June 17 after nine out of 24 members-elect elected Frank Okiye as Speaker at 9 pm.

The House of Representatives, acting on a motion moved by a member from Edo, Julius Ihonvbere, last week set up the Abdurazak Namdas-led panel to probe the crisis and make recommendations.

Clark, however, in an open letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Monday, said it was against the constitution for the lower chamber of the National Assembly to take action in the Edo State Assembly crisis without the involvement of the Senate.

According to him, the power of the House of Representatives to intervene in the Edo assembly must be exercised within the ambit of the rule of law.

The elder statesman noted that the National Assembly while carrying out its functions of the making bills or passing resolutions, creates issues that would affect the peace and welfare of the people.

He said, “The rapidity with which the House of Representatives waded into the disagreement of members in Edo State House of Assembly has no doubt gone a long way to escalate the crisis in the Edo State House of Assembly and the State.

“The genesis of the so-called crisis was that nine out of the 24 members were present when the House was inaugurated following the proclamation by the Governor. The legal meaning of proclamation is to declare formally or officially.

“There is no binding law or constitutional provision which says all the 24 members, or the majority of members, must be present at the inauguration after the governor has made his proclamation. The constitution provides that the House (of Assembly) can perform its functions when one-third of the members is present.

“In the case of Edo State House of Assembly, eight members form the quorum, therefore (are) free and legally covered to perform their duties, including the election of Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, and to confirm commissioners.”Clark, who is a former senator, said Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution as amended referred to the National Assembly, which comprises the Senate and the House of Representatives, as contained in the constitution, to be concise.

He said, “I have painfully watched with great concern, the legislative squabble in Edo State House of Assembly, and the rapidity without any due process the House of Representatives interfered in the affairs of the Edo State House of Assembly.

“The power you have over state Houses of Assembly is constitutional, which must be exercised with due process. The House of Representatives alone have no power or authority to interfere in the affairs of the Edo State House of Assembly as it is asserted to have done. It is unconstitutional and of no legal effect.

“The Senate acting on the same subject stated that it has not completed its findings in the disagreement between the members of the Edo State House of Assembly, and it will soon come to the resolution of the matter which is at variance with the position already taken by your House.”

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Update : Akwa Ibom Governor, Eno, Likens PDP to a Faulty Aircraft, Set to Declare Defection to APC

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A former lawmaker, Otuekong Sunny Jackson Udoh has advised Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umoh Eno to show wisdom and magnanimity after his triumph at the Supreme Court last Thursday.
Gov Umo Eno
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has sparked speculation over a potential political realignment after openly questioning the viability of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a platform for his political aspirations beyond 2027.

Speaking at a constituency outreach meeting on Tuesday in Ikot Akpankuk, Ukanafun Local Government Area, the governor likened the PDP to a faulty aircraft, suggesting he might consider boarding a “different plane” to reach his political destination—an analogy many interpret as a hint at defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“If you wanted to travel with Ibom Airline, and on the verge of taking off, it developed a fault that won’t enable it to fly, won’t you board the next available plane to take you to your destination?” Eno asked, addressing a large crowd at the Town Square meeting for the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency.

His remarks come amid growing concerns over internal disunity and instability within the PDP, exacerbated by recent defections, including that of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the APC.

Despite raising concerns about the PDP’s direction, Governor Eno called on his supporters to remain committed to the goals of his administration, emphasizing that service delivery remains his top priority.

As part of the engagement, the governor distributed empowerment packages to more than 400 constituents. The distribution included Traders and Farmers Grants, substantial MSME funding, and equipment support. Specifically, 154 traders received grants, 116 farmers were supported, four individuals received N5 million each for business development, and 131 benefitted from equipment support.

In his remarks, Governor Eno urged beneficiaries to utilize the funds responsibly and cautioned against investing in Ponzi schemes or other non-productive ventures.

“We need to meet with the people from time to time. Governance doesn’t end at elections,” he said. “We’re here to listen, to assess your needs, and to let you know what we’ve done and what we plan to do.”

Eno also revealed that the administration had so far covered four of the state’s 10 federal constituencies in this engagement drive and assured that all would be completed in time to incorporate their needs into the 2026 budget.

“We will review your requests and prioritize based on available resources. What we can’t do now will be considered in future budgets,” he added. “This government belongs to the people—it is for you, with you, and by you.”

Governor Eno has not formally declared any party switch, but his comments have intensified political discussions about the evolving dynamics within Akwa Ibom and the national opposition landscape.

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Breaking : Oborevwori , Okowa others dumps PDP, defects to APC

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Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, the immediate past governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and all members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Delta State have defected to the All Progressives Congress.

The announcement was made on Wednesday in Asaba, the Delta State capital, by Senator James Manager, shortly after a meeting that lasted over six hours at Government House, Asaba.

Manager stated, “All PDP members in the state, including the governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, all the local government chairmen and others, have agreed to move to the APC.

“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” he said.

The Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Aniagwu Charles, officially confirmed the governor’s defection and the collective decision of Delta PDP leaders and stakeholders to join the APC.

Political observers have described the move as a major realignment that could reshape the political landscape of Delta State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While Governor Oborevwori has yet to make a public statement on the defection, sources say further details on the rationale behind the move may emerge in the coming days.

Wike’s allies secure PDP control in Bayelsa, Edo
“There is a need for us to adjust our drinking patterns. And in adjusting that drinking pattern, we needed to make a decision that would further help to cement the development in our state, to build the court of law that has existed in our state, to further advance the cause of security and the welfare of our people, and, to a large extent, ensure that development in Delta is not truncated,” Aniagwu stated.

He continued, “In taking that decision, we concluded that leaving the PDP was very necessary for us to be able to collaborate and build a state that every Deltan will be proud of. We believe that what is happening, and the state of the PDP, is akin to that palm wine whose taste has changed — and there was a need for us to change the drinking party.”

Charles added that the decision was unanimously made by party leaders and stakeholders, hinting at a formal public declaration soon.

“By the grace of God, on Monday next week, we will be able to make a very big statement confirming that we are moving into the APC,” he said.

The move marks a significant turning point in Delta State politics, signalling a broader political recalibration that could reshape party dominance in the South-South region.

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Update : C’River PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate,Emana Resigns From Party

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy Governorship Candidate in 2023 general election, in Cross River State, Dr Emana Duke Ambroose-Amawhe, has resigned her membership from the party.

In a letter dated
march 28,2025, and addressed to the chairman of Edem Odo Ward, in Akpabuyo local government area of Cross River State, the former Deputy Governorship Candidate,explained that the resignation was with immediate effect.

She said her decision to leave the party was not made lightly, but she remains committed to serving her community and contributing to the progress of Cross River state and nation in other capacities.

In her words, “i am writing to formally resign my membership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect.

” I sincerely appreciate the opportunity given to me over time to contribute my quota to the growth of the party and the chance to serve as the Deputy Governorship Candidate in the last general elections.

” It was a privilege to be part of the PDP’s vision and engage with our people in meaningful ways. However, after much reflection in light of the current state of affairs within the party, I believe it is time for me to move on.

“This decision was not made lightly, but I remain committed to serving my community and contributing to the progress of our state and nation in other capacities.

Continuing ” I appreciate the relationships and experiences gained during my time with the party and wish the PDP success in its future endeavours.

Amawhe, an embodiment of competence, capability and capacity,
was the Deputy Governorship Candidate to Senator Sandy Onor in Cross River State during the 2023 elections.

She was also an aspirant to the House of Representatives for the Bakassi/Akpabuyo/Calabar South Federal Constituency on the platform of the PDP.

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