Politics
Outrage over killing of abducted Nasarawa APC chairman
The All Progressives Congress and concerned citizens have expressed anger over the abduction and eventual killing of Nasarawa State Chairman of the party, Philip Schekwo.
The deceased was said to have been abducted around 11pm Saturday from his residence in Lafia, the state capital, and found dead on Sunday.
His corpse was found few metres away from his house and conveyed to a mortuary.
His family and friends have been distraught by the news and wailed uncontrollably in the residence of the deceased since his lifeless body was picked up.
The APC in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday said it was a dark day for the party and demanded his killers be immediately smoked out.
This was contained in a statement titled, ‘APC to police: Fish out killers of Nasarawa APC Chairman…Party mourns”.
The statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena, read, “The APC urges the police and other relevant security services to fish out the killers of the party’s Nasarawa State Chairman, Mr Philip Shekwo, who was reportedly abducted from his residence in Lafia, the state capital, on Saturday night and found dead on Sunday. This is a dark day for the APC family.
“The APC condoles with the late Shekwo’s immediate family, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, the State Working Committee, and our supporters and members over this shocking killing.
“We urge a thorough investigation by the police and other relevant security services to quickly fish out the sponsors and perpetrators of this evil, heinous and barbaric crime and made to face the full weight of the law.”
Sources said the assassins had arrived at Schekwo’s residence along Kurikyo road near Dunamis Church, Bukan Sidi in Lafia around 11pm and started shooting.
The late Schekwo, who was reportedly woken by the gunshots, made several calls to security agencies without response.
His neighbour, Mr Joseph Gudu, said he saw how the gunmen used digger to break the door and windows of the apartment.
He said, “The wife of the late chairman, his children and the chairman himself made several calls across the security agencies in the state but nobody responded.
“They were shouting help, help but no security person came to their aid. The police were not ready to pick their calls.
“The operation lasted for about 49 minutes before they gained entrance into the bedroom of the chairman after disarming his security guards and took him away.
“If the police had responded promptly to the calls of the APC chairman, they might have saved his life.’
Nasarawa State Police Commissioner, Bola Longe, said he was found dead with gunshot wounds.
He added that an investigation had commenced and a manhunt launched for the killers.
Meanwhile, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has vowed to fish out killers of Shekwo.
A statement signed by Ibrahim Addra, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sule, on Sunday, said, “We received with great shock and bewilderment the killing of the Nasarawa State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Philip Tatari Shekwo, in the hands of yet to be identified gunmen who forcefully gained entrance into his residence last night.
“My prayers and thoughts go to the family of the late Shekwo. He was a great husband, a statesman, peaceful gentleman and loyal party man.
“I will like to assure all that the perpetrators of this dastard act will not go scot-free. Investigations have already commenced by our security agencies who will do all it takes to hunt down these criminals and bring them to justice.”
Politics
Nine political parties merge with APC ahead of Edo gov election
Nine political parties merge with APC ahead of Edo gov election
Ahead of the highly anticipated 2024 governorship election in Edo State, nine political parties have announced their merger with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The decision, revealed by Chief Sam Arase, Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), marks a significant political shift in the state.
The political parties involved in this coalition include the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Peoples Party (APP), Accord (A), Young Progressive Party (YPP), Action Alliance (AA), and the National Rescue Movement (NRM).
Chief Arase, speaking on behalf of the Assembly of Registered Political Parties in Edo, highlighted their collective endorsement of APC’s candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
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“We believe Senator Monday Okpebholo is the best choice for Edo State,” Arase said, adding that they are confident of his victory in the forthcoming election.
The coalition also called for a peaceful and violence-free election, urging the people of Edo State to vote in large numbers for the APC candidate.
The merger of these parties strengthens Okpebholo’s chances as the state heads to the polls on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
This unification under the APC banner is seen as a strategic move to consolidate political strength and ensure a competitive edge for the party in the governorship race.
Nine political parties merge with APC ahead of Edo gov election
Politics
BREAKING: PDP BoT, national assembly caucus hold closed-door meeting amid party crisis
BREAKING: PDP BoT, national assembly caucus hold closed-door meeting amid party crisis
The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to address internal turmoil as members of its Board of Trustees (BoT) meet with the party’s National Assembly caucus behind closed doors.
The meeting, which took place at the PDP office, Legacy House in Abuja, comes amid growing concerns over the state of the party since the lead-up to the 2023 elections.
The PDP has been embroiled in internal conflicts, with several party stakeholders voicing frustration over the failure of Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, to introduce significant reforms.
Tensions escalated further after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, openly criticized Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, and the PDP Governors Forum concerning the party’s leadership structure.
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According to reports, the PDP BoT, led by Chairman Adolphus Nwabara and Secretary Senator Ahmed Makarfi, had earlier held a private meeting with Wike in Abuja on Tuesday.
The following day, the BoT also met with Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Bala Mohammed, in an effort to resolve the party’s ongoing challenges.
The current meeting is seen as an attempt by the BoT to gauge the perspective of the PDP National Assembly caucus regarding the party’s issues.
In attendance are key figures such as Senate Deputy Minority Leader Lere Oyewumi, House of Representatives Minority Whip Hon. Ali Isa JC, and Hon. Pastor Ojema Ojotu.
The outcome of these discussions remains uncertain, but it is expected that the BoT will propose recommendations aimed at steering the party back on course.
BREAKING: PDP BoT, national assembly caucus hold closed-door meeting amid party crisis
Politics
Edo poll: Set back for PDP as ex-deputy speaker dumps party
Edo poll: Set back for PDP as ex-deputy speaker dumps party
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has suffered a significant setback following the exit of Omon Ezomon, a three-time member and former Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly.
Ezomon, who represented Owan West Constituency from 1999 to 2007, announced his decision to leave the party ahead of the crucial September 21 governorship election, which Governor Godwin Obaseki has termed a “do or die” affair.
Ezomon attributed his departure to the deepening internal crisis within the PDP. According to him, the unresolved conflicts and infighting have weakened the party’s position, particularly in his area of influence.
His exit is expected to further diminish the party’s control in the Owan West constituency, where the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon Blessing Agbebaku, claims leadership.
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In a letter dated September 16, 2024, addressed to the PDP Chairman of Ward 5, Avbiosi, Iuleha, Owan West LGA, Ezomon explained that after “considerable reflection” and consultations, he could no longer tolerate the alienation he faced within the party.
Despite his long-standing service as a foundation member and a two-term representative, he lamented that the party’s leadership had sidelined him from important decision-making processes at the ward, local government, and state levels.
Ezomon expressed deep frustration over what he called the rise of “neophytes” controlling the local party machinery, undermining his political legacy, which included serving as Deputy Speaker during his tenure.
He highlighted the disunity and lack of leadership within the PDP, warning that it could severely impact the party’s chances in the upcoming governorship election.
“For my own peace of mind and mental health, I have made the painful decision to leave,” Ezomon stated, while also acknowledging the opportunities the PDP had provided him and wishing the party well.
His departure has sent shockwaves across Edo’s political landscape. Although his next political move remains uncertain, there are speculations that Ezomon may align with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
His exit from the PDP underscores the internal struggles that may shape the party’s future in the state.
Edo poll: Set back for PDP as ex-deputy speaker dumps party
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