politics

Vehemently protests this primitive invasion of the PDP secretariat by the APC on the instructions of Governor Ben Ayade

Published

4 years ago

May 23, 2021

Security forces, led by the Police, were seen yesterday morning guarding the erstwhile PDP Secretariat in Cross River State at 42 Murtala Mohamed Highway, as some men began the painting and cresting of the building with APC colours, logo and flags.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in its reaction yesterday said the party “vehemently protests this primitive invasion of the PDP secretariat by the APC on the instructions of Governor Ben Ayade.”

The party added: “This invasion amounts to criminal trespass, malicious damage to property, and constitutes conduct likely to lead to a breach of the public peace. We are surprised that it is Governor Ayade, who has the constitutional responsibility, as Chief Security Officer of the state, for maintaining law and order that is promoting this type of dubious and vicious conduct.”

A statement signed by Mr. Effiok Cobham, the Chairman, PDP Caretaker Committee in Cross River State and made available to our correspondence also said “PDP has a subsisting tenancy over the property. We have the tenancy agreements and receipts evidencing payment of the rent for the current tenure in respect of the property. The lessor of the property has clarified that the tenancy of the PDP in respect of 42A Murtala Mohamed Highway is still subsisting. Protesting the primitive action of the APC, the Lessor lamented: “I understand that the property is right now being painted with APC colours and I am calling to say that I have no agreement whatsoever with APC. I hereby state that PDP’S tenancy is still subsisting and they remain my legal and recognised tenant.”

This face-off is even as local government council chairmen, a National Assembly member and many political appointees in government have begun registration as APC members in Cross River State.

For example, one of the two members of the National Assembly that have decided to follow Ayade, Hon. Mike Etaba, representing Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency, spoke after his registration as an APC member in his local ward.

He said, “I am an Ayade foot soldier for all seasons and I will continue to stand with Governor Ben Ayade beyond 2023.

We must continue to play politics with ethics, devoid of violence. The decision by Governor Ben Ayade to affiliate with the centre is a smart choice and we will continue to follow who ‘know road’ for the generality of all Cross Riverians.”

On the issue of the new secretariat for the APC, the local government council chairman of Calabar Municipality, Elder Effefiong Nta Eke, noted that the state governor, who was the leader of the PDP, decided to defect to the ruling APC for the benefit of the state.

“So, the scenario you are seeing here is that the leader has moved to a new party; so every component, including the secretariat of the former, must follow the leader to the new.”

Asked if the decision to use the former PDP secretariat for the APC will not breed conflict or violent reactions, he said no. According to him, it was the governor that was paying the rent and when it expired some time ago, those who claim to be founding members of PDP did not contribute a dime until Ayade came and renewed the rent.

Ayade, he said, is not taking anything belonging to anybody. He is taking what belongs to him. He paid the rent, so the rent follows him to the APC.”

The police, in a statement signed by DSP Irene Ugbo, the Police Public Relations Officer, Cross River State Police Command, for the Commissioner of Police, warned against any attempt to disrupt the renovation “work going on at a building on No: 142 (a) along the Murtala Mohammed Highway Calabar.

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politics

Breaking : GOV. UMO ENO OFFICIALLY MOVES TO APC

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

NewsThumb Magz

WE Are not joining the APC from the position of weakness, But Strength , Says Eno

our government has always been an inclusive government, that will never change – Eno

Post Views: 466

politics

2027 Election : AIRLIN Expands To Jigawa, Targets 7m Voters In The Next Election, Says Lami Tanko

Published

3 weeks ago

May 26, 2025

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As part of its mission to rekindle hope in Nigeria’s democratic process and combat voter apathy, the Advocacy for Integrity and Rule of Law Initiative in Nigeria (AIRLIN) has inaugurated its 16th office in Jigawa State, continuing its expansion across the 19 northern states of Nigeria.

The national chairman of AIRLIN, Mallam Muhammed Gamawa, who presided over the inauguration ceremony on May 24, 2025, also unveiled the local government, zonal, and state coordinators for Jigawa.

“With this new office, AIRLIN is aiming to mobilize and educate 7 million voters across northern Nigeria ahead of the next general elections,” he said.

AIRLIN, a non-governmental organization committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and civic responsibility, is directing its efforts toward communities where voter disengagement is prevalent.

“The goal is to empower citizens especially at the grassroots level with civic education and renewed confidence in democratic governance,” Mallam Gamawa added.

Speaking during an interview, the newly appointed Jigawa State Coordinator, Mallam Musa Muhammad Hadeija, said the inauguration is both empowering and enlightening.

“This inauguration means a lot,” he said. “It has empowered me to establish a strong outreach in the communities sensitizing them, mobilizing them, and effectively putting in place the key objectives of the Advocacy for Integrity and Rule of Law Initiative.”

He also emphasized the importance of collaboration and local assessment. “I’m now able to meet with my local government coordinators, and we’ve clearly seen the nitty-gritty of what needs to be done. The interaction during the Q&A session was very beneficial—I’ve learned a lot, and that will give me a better chance to serve.”

When asked how ordinary Nigerians can help uphold the rule of law, particularly those in remote communities, Mallam Hadeija said:

“That is possible through empowerment, skills development, civic education, and consistent sensitization. People need to understand their roles as citizens, and we must build strong partnerships with stakeholders at local, state, and national levels. That’s how we’ll create a solid foundation for real impact.”

Addressing the public’s disillusionment with democracy, especially when elected leaders fail to deliver, he called on citizens to remain committed and united.

“Citizens need to understand that their individual involvement in AIRLIN’s assignment is key. Changing the narrative is possible. We can make AIRLIN a game changer if we are all dedicated, united, and fully aware of the task ahead executing it with purpose and at the right time.”

With Jigawa joining the growing list of AIRLIN offices, the organization is strengthening its national presence and doubling down on its mission to foster democratic integrity and active citizen participation.

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politics

Defect or resign, Gov Eno, Tells Appointees And openly confirmed his decision to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC

Published

4 weeks ago

May 22, 2025

NewsThumb Magz

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has directed all commissioners and political appointees in his cabinet to either defect with him to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or resign from their positions.

The directive was reportedly issued during an ongoing State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting on Thursday, where the Governor openly confirmed his decision to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.

Sources present at the meeting disclosed that Governor Eno made it clear that his defection should come as no surprise to any of his appointees, stating:

“Anybody who claims he is not aware of my intention to leave the PDP is still living in the 18th century.”

He explained that his decision to align with the APC was driven by his admiration for the leadership style of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that he wants to work more closely with the federal government.

The Governor issued a stern warning to his appointees, saying he has “nothing to negotiate” with anyone unwilling to follow his political direction.

“Apart from elected officials like House of Assembly members and Local Government Chairmen, I have nothing to negotiate with you,” Eno declared.

“Let me tell you, anybody who believes that when I leave the PDP he will use the party structure to fight me is lying, because I will still control the PDP structure.”

As of the time of filing this report, the State Executive Council meeting was still in session, with further developments expected in the coming hours.

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