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Labour Party Gubernatorial Aspirants Call for Reduced Nomination Fees in Edo State

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The Labour Party gubernatorial aspirants for Edo State, have called for a reduction of nomination fees after extensive internal discussions and also feeling the pulse of other members of the party.

The aspirants made the following observations:

  1. After careful scrutiny of the press release by the National Publicity Secretary of our Party dated January 17, 2024, where he communicated the resolution of the National Working Committee (NWC) of our Party, the Labour Party, to peg the amounts of five million naira (NGN5,000,000.00) for the expression of interest form and twenty-five million naira (NGN25,000,000.00) for the nomination form for the governorship primary election in Edo State, we are concerned that the decision does not align with the principles and public perception of our party. The Labour Party is known to the people as the party of “Mama, Papa, Pikin” and the Workers Party. The minimum wage in Nigeria for an average Nigerian worker today is Thirty-five thousand naira (NGN 35,000.00). To peg the party forms for governorship at a price that is 100 times a Nigerian worker’s minimum wage in the midst of crushing economic hardship may be perceived as tone-deaf. The Labour Party prides itself on being a party of equal opportunity, which implies that an average worker with vision, requisite qualifications, and character should aspire to be the Governor of Edo State.
  2. It is noteworthy that the NWC, in the last off-cycle elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo States, pegged the cost of forms at Twenty-five million naira (NGN25,000,000.00), but after public uproar and the intervention of our national leader, the party reduced the cost of forms to fifteen million naira (NGN15,000,000.00), which many members and those sympathetic to the cause of our party still found too pricey. To then come to Edo State to repeat the same thing gives the impression that the party leaders may not be feeling the pulse of their members.
    Our vision for the Labour Party is rooted in earnest labour, voluntary service, and equal opportunity, which should be reflected in the affordability of party forms.

In light of these concerns, they, therefore, strongly recommend the following:

  1. The expression of interest form should be made free for all aspirants, while the nomination form should be obtained at a cost that does not exceed from one to five million naira (NGN1,000.000.00 to 5,000,000.00) (50% reduction for women and people living with disabilities).
  2. We also recommend that for the ward and local government congresses that the party has scheduled to hold, the forms for those interested in being delegates be made free. Our members at the grassroots, who have selflessly sacrificed and toiled and put their effort and resources into building our party, should not be compelled to pay for delegate forms, especially in light of the current economic reality in our country.

We understand the financial challenges the party may face, and we propose enforcing mandatory prescribed membership monthly dues collections as per the party’s constitution to address this concern.

Conclusion

In the shared spirit of a new Edo State and a new Nigeria, we hope the NWC will give due consideration to these concerns and recommendations before the commencement of the sales of the Expression of Interest and Gubernatorial Forms, scheduled to begin on January 25, 2024.

Signed:

  1. Barrister Efosa Ogieriakhi
  2. Engr. Michael Osho Oshiobugie
  3. Hon. Lucky Ehis Obiyan
  4. Dr. Loretta Oduwa Ogbor-Okor
  5. Hon. Stephen Ogbemudia Osemwengie
  6. Mr. Paul Agbonze Obazele
  7. Dr. Aruna Braimoh Denzel
  8. High Chief Dr. Okhaimon Daniel Eghonghon Akhuemonkhan Matthews
  9. Engr. Morrison Eghobamien
  10. Barrister Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata
  11. Kingsley Ulinfun
  12. Ehizojie Ohiowele
  13. Dr.Osezua Ehiyamen
  14. Azemhe Azena
  15. Barrister Ihueghian Guobadia
  16. Mr. Ernest Abegbe
  17. Ambassador Princess Asha Emily Okojie-Odigie
  18. Mr .Ogbemudia Bassey Osagie

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Akwa Ibom APC Adopts Governor Umo Eno for Second Term Bid

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has thrown its weight behind Governor Umo Eno as its candidate for the 2027 governorship election, paving the way for his second-term ambition under the ruling party.

Governor Eno, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in 2025, formally submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms for the APC governorship primaries in early May 2026. He described the second term as necessary to complete ongoing projects and consolidate the gains of his ARISE Agenda.

Speaking after submitting the forms in Abuja, Governor Eno called on APC members to support his nomination during the primaries, expressing confidence that his administration’s developmental strides would earn him the party’s backing and the people’s mandate.

“I have just submitted the nomination form. We call on members of APC to support our nomination during the primaries, as we will continue to pray and trust God for more development to thrive in the state,” he said.

Several APC stakeholders and local government chapters in the state have already endorsed Governor Eno’s second-term bid, describing it as a move for continuity and project completion. The governor has repeatedly highlighted numerous ongoing infrastructure and developmental initiatives that require additional time to deliver maximum impact.

The development marks a significant political realignment in Akwa Ibom, as Eno positions the state under the APC platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

Party sources indicate that the APC leadership is working towards a smooth process for the governor’s emergence as the party’s flag bearer, though the formal primaries are yet to be held.

Governor Eno was first elected in 2023 under the PDP before switching to the APC.

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Lagos Captures 6.4 Million Residents in Major Digital Identity Drive

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The Lagos State Government has successfully registered over 6.4 million residents into its digital identity database, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance governance, planning, and public service delivery.

The achievement was announced under the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) and the Lagos Identity Card Project (LAG ID). According to officials, the initiative aims to create a comprehensive, reliable database of residents to improve targeted service delivery, urban planning, and overall governance efficiency.

Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, who provided the update, described the Lagos Identity Card Project as a critical tool for the state’s digital transformation agenda. He emphasized that the captured data will support better resource allocation and more effective delivery of government services.

The exercise forms part of Lagos State’s broader push toward a digital economy, enabling smoother access to services such as healthcare, social welfare, transportation, and other citizen-centric programmes. Officials noted that the database will help in accurate planning for infrastructure and social interventions.

With Lagos being Nigeria’s most populous state, estimated to have over 20 million residents, the registration of 6.4 million people represents a substantial step forward, though authorities say efforts are ongoing to capture more residents.

The state government has reiterated its commitment to data-driven governance and urged residents yet to register to take advantage of the ongoing exercise for better inclusion in government services.

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EFCC Invasion Forces Uni. Uyo Teaching Hospital to Suspend Operations (Video)

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Operations at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) were dramatically disrupted on Wednesday after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) allegedly invaded the facility, detained some management staff, and assaulted others, prompting the hospital to suspend services.

The Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Dr. Emem Bassey, told journalists that the unannounced raid created a hostile environment, forcing the hospital management to halt clinical services to ensure the safety of both staff and patients. The Accident and Emergency Unit, however, remains operational.

Dr. Bassey expressed disappointment over the incident, noting that the hospital had maintained cordial relations with the EFCC and was fully cooperating on the matter under investigation. He revealed that the requested report had already been prepared and was awaiting his signature when the operatives arrived.

“The use of force and detention of staff was unnecessary,” Dr. Bassey said. “Dialogue would have resolved this issue peacefully.”

Professor Eyo Ekpe, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council, who was reportedly among those assaulted, described the EFCC’s action as an “unprovoked invasion.” He claimed he had shown the team leader the completed report before the situation escalated into violence.

The hospital management has called for an independent investigation into the incident and urged the EFCC to use proper channels when engaging with public institutions.

In an earlier statement, the EFCC said its operatives were attacked and trapped inside the hospital while conducting an operation linked to an ongoing fraud investigation. The case reportedly involves a suspect accused of defrauding multiple microfinance banks in Akwa Ibom State.

The development has raised concerns about the impact on healthcare delivery in the region, with patients and staff caught in the middle of the confrontation between the anti-graft agency and the hospital.

As of Thursday, normal services at the hospital remained suspended pending further resolution.

Watch Video below:

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