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I use my popularity to elevate PDP in Rivers, what did you do in Lagos?– Wike criticises Bode George
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has reacted over the recent comments by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Bode George, asserting that his own efforts brought prominence and electoral success to the party, rather than the other way around.
Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Monday, Wike responded to George’s claim that the PDP had made him a nationally recognized figure.
The former Rivers State governor acknowledged the role the party played in his rise, but maintained that it was his own work and influence that led to tangible victories for the PDP particularly where others, including George, had failed.
“It’s true the party gave me a platform,” Wike said.“But platforms don’t win elections people do. Ask yourself, who has PDP made relevant in Lagos since 1999?”
Wike criticized George for allegedly contributing little to the party’s electoral strength in Lagos, pointing to his own record of building the PDP into a formidable force in Rivers State and beyond.
He suggested that George, given his age and current position, might be better off stepping back from political commentary.
“If he has no role anymore, perhaps it’s time he stayed home and read newspapers,” Wike remarked, in a pointed rebuke.
The minister also addressed criticism surrounding the temporary sealing of the PDP’s national headquarters over unpaid ground rent.
He clarified that he is not the property’s owner and cannot be held accountable for the liabilities, emphasizing that even resolving the issue had required intervention from the highest levels.
“There were claims that the sky would fall—yet the matter couldn’t be resolved without the President’s involvement,” he said.
In a final jab, Wike reflected on past struggles to strengthen the PDP during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, suggesting that despite their efforts, support in Lagos remained elusive.
News
MARKETING EDGE publisher John Ajayi dies at 62
A visionary entrepreneur, Ajayi was widely acknowledged as a pioneer of brand journalism in Nigeria.
• Mr John Ajayi
The Founder and Publisher of Marketing Edge magazine, Mr John Ajayi, has died.
He was 62.
His demise has thrown the brand and marketing communications industry into mourning.
Ajayi was a respected journalist and one of the foremost voices in the nation’s integrated marketing communications space.
He left behind a legacy that profoundly shaped, and will continue to shape, the industry he passionately served.
A visionary entrepreneur, Ajayi was widely acknowledged as a pioneer of brand journalism in Nigeria.
Through MARKETING EDGE, he championed ethical practice, elevated professional standards, and built a respected platform that provided insight, analysis and thought leadership for practitioners and institutions within the sector.
Under his stewardship, the publication grew into an authoritative voice, shaping discourse and spotlighting excellence and innovation across the marketing communications ecosystem.
The MARKETING EDGE family described his demise as a devastating loss to the organisation and the wider industry.
(The Nation)
News
President Tinubu to NEC: You’re too Slow on Livestock Reforms
Tinubu asked Vice President Kashim Shettima to get the National Economic Council to identify grazing reserves that can be rehabilitated into ranches or livestock settlements.
President Bola Tinubu during today’s Federal Executive Council meeting, expressed frustration with the National Economic Council’s slow pace on livestock reforms and urging members (Governors) to carry out their constitutional responsibility.
Emphasising on the livestock reforms, he insisted that the NEC must revive grazing reserves or ranches across the country.
Tinubu asked Vice President Kashim Shettima to get the National Economic Council to identify grazing reserves that can be rehabilitated into ranches or livestock settlements.
He said that conflict prone areas should be converted into opportunities for economic development and long-term prosperity.
Regarding the withdrawal of VIP police escorts , President Tinubu directed ministers and other VIPs who still require security cover for their official assignments to route such requests through the inspector-general of police and obtain his personal clearance.
He asked the minister of interior to work with the IGP and the civil defence corps to replace police officers currently deployed on special duties.
He also instructed the NSA and the DSS to set up a committee to review existing security arrangements, noting that the country faces persistent threats from kidnapping and terrorism and must maximise all available security assets.
News
Double Voices As Senate Seeks Exemption from Withdrawal of VIP Police Escorts
The push for possible exemption for Senators followed a Point of Order by Senator, Abdul Ningi, (PDP, Bauchi Central), who lamented the withdrawal of his lone police orderly in compliance with the directive of the President
The Nigerian Senate has expressed serious concerns over the withdrawal of Police orderlies attached to senators, worried that the move could expose members to unnecessary danger.
Worried about the situation, Deputy President of the Senate , Barau Jibrin disclosed that the leadership of the Senate held an emergency meeting on the issue on Tuesday, with the hope of positive feedback as it seeks to secure
exemption for lawmakers from the Presidential directive.
President Bola Tinubu had on the 23rd of November issued a stern directive calling for the withdrawal of Police officers attached to “Very Important Persons”, VIPs in the country to make available more hands to tackle Nigeria’s internal security challenges.
About 11, 000 police officers are currently engaged on such assignments across the country.
The push for possible exemption for Senators followed a Point of Order by Senator, Abdul Ningi, (PDP, Bauchi Central), who lamented the withdrawal of his lone police orderly in compliance with the directive of the President.
Ningi said while he has no issues with the withdrawal , he expressed disappointment at the manner the directive of the President is being flouted and called for a strict compliance with the directive starting from the Presidency, the Office of the Vice President , and Federal Ministers.
The Bauchi Senator said while his own police orderly has been withdrawn, he continues to see some businessmen including Chinese citizens and celebrity singers being escorted by contingents of police officers in brazen disregard to the directive of the President.
Based on the revelations by Senator Ningi, the Senate mandated its Committee on Police Affairs to immediately conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged disregard of the President’s directive .
The Committee has 4 weeks to complete the assignment and revert to senate at plenary.
MARKETING EDGE publisher John Ajayi dies at 62
President Tinubu to NEC: You’re too Slow on Livestock Reforms
Double Voices As Senate Seeks Exemption from Withdrawal of VIP Police Escorts
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