2023 PRESIDENCY: Atiku begs Wike to join team, Rivers gov’s camp rebuffs pleas

Published

4 years ago

June 22, 2022

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The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has set up a committee to pacify and woo the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and some other aggrieved members of the party.

The initiative was instituted by Atiku based on the need to go into the 2023 general elections with a united front.

The major opposition party has been rocked by crisis following the choice of the Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, as Atiku’s running mate.

Wike, Okowa and Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa-Ibom had appeared before the screening panel set up by the PDP to nominate a vice-presidential candidate to the PDP presidential flagbearer.

Okowa was nominated by the PDP presidential candidate after rumours had it that Wike had been selected by the party advisory committee as the vice-presidential candidate the day before.

But findings indicate that the PDP feared Wike might work against Atiku’s ambition following his loss as the party presidential candidate and running mate to Atiku.

Signs that the PDP might run into stormy waters became pronounced with the defection of some of Wike’s supporters from the party in the last 24 hours.

Aside from the resignations of two allies of the Rivers state governor-a former minister of Niger Delta, Godsday Orubebe and an ex-commissioner in Edo State, Kassim Afegbua, a mass exodus of party members was also said to be looming.

Sequel to the ominous signs in the party, Atiku was said to have constituted a team to appease and fully bring back Wike into his campaign council, ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a PDP chieftain who was privy to the decision, said, “ Atiku wanted to tell Wike about his choice of Okowa one-on-one but then, he heard that Wike had returned to Rivers. That clearly showed good faith. Even though Wike was not the selected candidate, Atiku wanted to accord him respect by letting him know before the news got to the public.

“Atiku has set up a reconciliatory committee to reach out to Wike and mend the cracks. Atiku understands the need to go to the 2023 elections with a united front. Everyone will be pacified. Not only Wike but every aggrieved person within the party.”

Corroborating the development, a top Atiku confidant stated, “Our people (PDP members) are still aggrieved and when you are doing mediation, you don’t give the impression that you are not sincere but it is a serious undertaking.“His Excellency, Governor Wike is strategic to Atiku’s victory, make no mistake about it. Whatever anybody may say, that is a party man through and through. He understands the times we are in and that was why he threw his hat in the ring; that is why he wants to be president because he feels that he has what it takes to lead the country so also the other candidates who contested.

“Now, that the contest is over, we really have a responsibility to bring everybody together. You don’t go to a battle with a disunited army. Wike is the kind of man you can go to battle with, you don’t leave him behind. You do all you can to bring him on board. The enemy is not within PDP; the enemies are those who have enslaved us; people that have impoverished us.”

Asked about the composition of the reconciliation panel, the source declined to release their names, noting that the job of the members was sensitive.

According to him, the team would approach those known to have Wike’s ears and get them to talk to the Rivers State Governor to close ranks with Atiku.

On the timeframe for the committee’s work, the source added, “No timeframe, it is an ongoing process. We are working very hard and I can assure you that a lot of work is going on. I know because I have spoken with one of those involved.”

Meanwhile, the peace moves by Atiku may, however, be heading for the rocks as the loyalists of the Rivers State Governor have dismissed the initiative as unnecessary.

A PDP chieftain in Rivers State and former member of the House of Representatives, Ogbomna Nwuke, described the Atiku reconciliation committee as a contradiction.

Speaking on Tuesday, he said, “On one hand, somebody says he (Wike) is one who talks too much, who probably is uncontrollable. And then, on the other hand, you want him to help your cause. You want victory and you think he can contribute to your victory. Is that not a contradiction?

“There was an attempt to draft a man who was not interested in the vice-presidency into the vice-president; a committee set up, the caucus spoke, the national working committee of the party spoke favourably about Wike and it was not honoured.”

Nwuke further stated, “Atiku did what he wanted to do. So what committee is he setting up again? To do what? It doesn’t make sense.

“When the convention was over, nobody showed him the way to Wike’s house. If he wants Wike to work with him, he should walk to the Governor of Rivers State and speak with him. We don’t need committees, what will the committee do? It doesn’t make sense to me.

“I don’t know why relationships shouldn’t be exploited. What is this committee thing? You have something else in your mind, you set up a committee to do something else. What is the meaning of that?”

“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Wike had said no matter what happens he would not leave the PDP. That was what he said.

“The implication is that a man who is committed to the PDP will work for the PDP, whether you set up a committee or not. And that is my personal opinion,” Nwuke stated.

Nwuke, who was also a former commissioner for Information and Communications in Rivers State, also took a swipe at a former governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, who accused Wike of being loquacious and rude.

Aliyu had in an interview on Channels Tv on Tuesday said that the PDP presidential candidate did not pick Wike as his running mate because he wanted someone that could complement him, rather than one that talks too much like Wike.

But Nwuke, who represented Etche-Omuma federal constituency in the National Assembly, dismissed Aliyu’s criticisms, saying he didn’t understand the difference between politicking and administration.

He argued, “The Wike that this man (Aliyu) is talking about has been chief of staff. As chief of staff, he never went against his principal. He spoke and did not go beyond his brief.

“This same man (Wike) had served as the Minister of Education. While serving as minister he did not also speak out of tune. Of course, he knew who the boss was, he knew what his role was and he played his role.

“And so people should draw a fine line between politicking and administration. They are not the same thing.

“Everybody who knows Wike knows that he is a team player. In trying to help build the PDP he worked with a team of committed PDP people. And together, they were able to bring the PDP from where it was, in defeat to where it is today.”

News

US releases identities of 24 Nigerians arrested for alleged fraud, money laundering

Published

9 hours ago

October 11, 2026

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The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the names and photographs of 24 Nigerians arrested by immigration authorities in relation to alleged criminal offences, as the country continues its deportation operations.

According to the DHS, the suspects were arrested in different parts of the United States by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The alleged offences listed against them include wire and mail fraud, money laundering, drug-related crimes, identity theft, assault, forgery and cruelty towards a child.

In a statement announcing the arrests, the DHS said the publication was intended to show non-US citizens with criminal records who had been arrested by immigration enforcement officers.

“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the statement reads.

“Under DHS leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations – starting with the worst of the worst – including the illegal aliens you see here.”

The list released by DHS identifies the Nigerian nationals, the alleged offences associated with their arrests and the locations where they were apprehended.

The list published by the department identifies the Nigerian nationals, the offences associated with their cases and the locations where they were arrested.

Emmanuel Omowaiye was arrested for mail fraud in Richmond, Texas.

Laurene Onwuka arrested for fraud and impersonation in Chantilly, Virginia.

Olusegun Shonekan arrested for wire fraud in Newark, New Jersey.

Olusegun Olaseni was arrested for amphetamine sale in Greencastle, Indiana.

Peter Ude was arrested for wire fraud; in Atlanta, Georgia.

Newton Jemide was arrested for wire fraud, conspiracy and mail fraud in Fort Dix, New Jersey.

Shedrack Umukoro was arrested for money laundering, Yazoo City, Mississippi.

Olasoji Akinbode was arrested for fraud and impersonation in Kearny, New Jersey.

Oluwatosin Afolabi was arrested for fraud, Conroe, Texas.

Alameen Adetunji Tokosi was arrested for drug possession in Chicago, Illinois.

Joshua Ipoade was arrested for wire fraud in Atlanta, Georgia.

Michael Orji was arrested for weapons violation, fraud, identity theft, wire fraud, false citizenship and money laundering in Oxford, Wisconsin.

Ahmadu Apooyin was arrested for drug-related offence in Baltimore, Maryland.

Teslim Kiriji was arrested for money laundering in Yazoo City, Mississippi.

Onomen Uduebor was arrested for identity theft in Seattle, Washington.

Charles Ochi was arrested for money laundering in white Deer, Pennsylvania.

Daniel Eta was arrested for wire fraud in White Deer, Pennsylvania.

Ifeanyi Ibennah was arrested for cruelty towards a child in Tampa, Florida.

Kazeem Runsewe was arrested for wire fraud in Thomson, Illinois.

Fatiu Lawal was arrested for wire fraud in Lompoc, California.

Justin Akubueze was arrested for money laundering in Orem, Utah.

Moyinoluwaseun Okeowo was arrested for larceny, forgery and concealing stolen property in Orlando,
Florida.

Babajide Oluwaseun Faseyi was arrested for assault in Alden, New York.

Bright Eigbedion was arrested for money laundering in Lompoc, California.

News

Ogun 2027: Adebutu faults INEC over exclusion from governorship candidates list, tells supporters to remain calm

Published

14 hours ago

October 11, 2026

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Oladipupo Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, has faulted the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to leave out his name from the list of governorship candidates.

Adebutu, in a statement addressing the development, said he remained a registered member of the PDP and had completed the necessary registration and documentation within the stipulated period.

“I have not at any point left the PDP, and my commitment to our great party remains unwavering,” he said.

According to him, the governorship primary that produced him as the party’s candidate was conducted with INEC officials present as observers, adding that relevant documents were submitted for verification, certification and confirmation.

The PDP candidate said the circumstances surrounding the exclusion raised concerns, particularly as other party candidates contesting for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate had appeared on INEC’s published lists.

Adebutu said the Ogun State PDP had expressed concern over what it described as undue pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on INEC, adding that the party would pursue the matter through appropriate channels.

“We will pursue this matter through the appropriate channels and insist that due process is respected,” he said.

He also alleged that the party had faced attempts to frustrate its campaign, including restrictions on its billboards, attacks at campaign grounds and harassment of members.

According to him, such challenges would not deter the party from participating in the democratic process or seeking the support of voters across the state.

“No amount of intimidation should prevent the people of Ogun State from having a fair opportunity to choose leaders of choice,” Adebutu said.

He urged PDP members, supporters and residents of Ogun State to remain calm while the party takes the necessary steps to address the omission.

“The party has spoken, and the necessary steps are being taken to address this matter. I remain confident that it will be resolved, and I assure you that I will not abandon the struggle to bring the leadership and relief our people deserve,” he said.

Adebutu described the party’s ambition as a broader effort to improve the welfare and development of Ogun State, rather than a struggle centred on an individual.

“Our cause is bigger than any individual. It is about the dignity of our people, the progress of our state and the right of Ogun people to determine our own future,” he said.

Reaffirming his commitment to the party’s campaign message, Adebutu said, “OGUN FOR OGUN is more than a slogan. It is a call for leadership rooted in our people, responsive to our needs and committed to our welfare.”

He concluded by urging supporters to remain focused and resolute, declaring: “The journey to a better Ogun continues.”

Metro News

NDLEA arrests South African woman with drug shipments, seizes large consignment of drugs at Lagos airport

Published

15 hours ago

October 11, 2026

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its operatives have arrested a South African, Gebashe Sithandiwe Jessie, with 30 parcels of Thai Loud, a strain of cannabis, weighing 32.74 kilogrammes, at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, Rivers State.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the drugs were concealed in two travelling bags.

The statement added that the suspect travelled from Thailand through Doha aboard Qatar Airways flight QR1431.

“She confessed to having previously trafficked through other African countries, and was expanding her route to Port Harcourt when she was caught.”

Similarly, NDLEA operatives at the import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, intercepted a shipment of 354,000 tablets of Tapentadol 250mg weighing 307.20kg from Pakistan.

Babafemi said the consignment arrived aboard a Royal Air Maroc flight on September 29 and was placed under surveillance before a joint examination on Tuesday, October 6, uncovered the drugs in nine cartons.

In a separate operation at the Lagos airport, NDLEA officers intercepted 70 parcels of Colorado, a synthetic cannabinoid, weighing 75.90kg in six Ghana-Must-Go bags contained in a consolidated cargo from the United Kingdom.

The statement said the shipment was monitored after arriving on September 29.

A clearing agent, John Edrah, 54, was arrested on September 30, while an Uber driver, Taofiq Ajibola, 54, was apprehended while collecting one of the bags at a logistics company in Mafoluku, Oshodi.

The agency said Adetunji Adebayo and Kazeem Damola Dosunmu, 48, a clothing trader, were subsequently arrested when they came to collect the remaining five bags.

According to Babafemi, Ajibola said the drugs were sent by a UK-based associate, Lukman Sa’idu, while Dosunmu claimed his consignment came from another UK-based man identified as Yusuf.

In Cross River State, NDLEA operatives arrested 46-year-old Adama Inuwa at Iyala Nkun village, Ikom Local Government Area, on Sunday, October 4, following surveillance.

Babafemi said the operation led to the recovery of 181 bags of cannabis sativa weighing 1,100kg and 17.15kg of cannabis seeds.

In Edo State, officers intercepted a black Toyota Camry conveying 1,049 blocks of compressed cannabis weighing 702.83kg at Otuo, Owan East Local Government Area, on Monday, October 5.

The agency said Monday Orji, 52; Monday Lawal, 40; and Precious Uduegele, 20, were arrested in connection with the seizure.

In a separate raid at Asoro, off Sakponba Road, Benin City, operatives arrested 26-year-old Ojugo Mercy with 989 grammes of Loud, 13 grammes of Colorado and 83 grammes of methamphetamine.

In Ondo State, a 21-year-old suspect, Happy Endurance, was arrested at her hideout in the Shasha area of Akure on October 5, with 29 bags of cannabis weighing 290kg.

The statement added that a separate raid on an apartment at Oba-Ile, Akure, on the same day led to the arrest of 42-year-old Tunde Adebayo, with 35 bags of cannabis weighing 351kg.

In Taraba State, NDLEA operatives, supported by soldiers, arrested Abdulrasheed Mohamed, 31, and Abubakar Saidu, 37, at Chanchanji village, Wukari Local Government Area, on Friday, October 9.

Babafemi said the suspects were found with 166,200 tablets of tramadol 225mg weighing 107kg.

In Kano State, a stop-and-search operation along the Kano-Maiduguri Road on October 9 led to the arrest of 32-year-old Yahaya Musa with 24,990 capsules of tramadol, 50,000 tablets of diazepam and 22,000 tablets of Exol-5.

In Kaduna State, operatives on patrol along the Zaria-Kaduna Expressway arrested 29-year-old Mohammed Musa with 31 jumbo bags and 775 blocks of skunk weighing a combined 1,027kg.

The agency also arrested Musbau Balogun Adekunle in Orile, Lagos, on Tuesday, October 6, with 32.51kg of skunk and 52.65kg of cannabis seeds, bringing the total seizure to 85.16kg.

In Plateau State, NDLEA operatives raided the residence of 45-year-old Christian Chukwudi Uju at Rukuba Road, Jos, on Thursday, October 8, recovering methamphetamine, firearms and ammunition.

According to the statement, the items seized included 47 grammes of methamphetamine, two pump-action rifles, one locally made gun, 199 live cartridges, five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and one round of 9mm ammunition.

The agency said its War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation campaign also continued across the country, with lectures delivered to students and staff of schools in Oyo, Ebonyi, Niger, Kano, Lagos and Ogun states.

Among the institutions reached were Progressive Grammar School, Tede, Oyo State; Eghugo Technical College, Afikpo, Ebonyi State; Baptist High School, Lambata, Niger State; and Ipara Senior and Junior Community Secondary School, Badagry, Lagos State.

Commending officers involved in the operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), praised personnel of the Lagos, MMIA, PHIA, Taraba, Kano, Kaduna, Edo, Cross River, Ondo and Plateau Commands.

Babafemi said Marwa commended the officers “for their professionalism and intelligence-driven approach to the various successful operations” and urged them “to continue with the current balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.”