News
Damagum: Continuous postponement of NEC meeting unsettles PDP stakeholders
The leadership crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shows no signs of abating, as efforts to replace Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum remain mired in setbacks, primarily due to repeated postponements of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings.
For the umpteenth time, the party deferred its much-anticipated NEC meeting scheduled for Friday. The meeting was meant to address internal disputes and appoint a substantive National Chairman to complete the suspended Iyorchia Ayu’s tenure. This delay has frustrated party members, some of whom accuse the current leadership of intentionally stalling to prolong Damagum’s tenure.
A String of Postponements
At its 98th NEC meeting on April 18, the PDP resolved to address outstanding issues by August 15. However, that deadline was shifted to October 24, then further postponed to November 28. Party officials explained that the most recent delay was to prioritize unity ahead of the Ondo gubernatorial elections, where they hoped to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The postponements continued, with PDP National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu announcing an indefinite delay on Friday, citing the funeral of Akwa Ibom State’s late First Lady, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, as the reason. However, insiders and stakeholders see this as a deliberate ploy to allow Damagum to remain in office until the party’s next national convention.
Accusations and Divisions
The delay has sparked discontent within the party. Critics, including representatives from the North Central zone, argue that the Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) is disregarding the PDP constitution by failing to replace him with someone from their region. Former PDP National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan described the situation as a “disrespect for constitutional order” and urged the party to respect regional balance by appointing a North Central member to complete Ayu’s tenure.
Meanwhile, allegations of anti-party activities have further fueled tensions. PDP lawmaker Ikenga Ugochinyere accused Damagum and Anyanwu of secretly meeting with APC officials, claiming their actions signal an effort to collapse the PDP into the ruling party. He called for their immediate removal, warning of “irreparable doom” if the leadership crisis persists.
Governors’ Roles and 2027 Ambitions
The crisis has been exacerbated by conflicting ambitions among PDP governors, with some allegedly prioritizing their aspirations for the 2027 presidential and vice-presidential elections over the party’s immediate stability. A party chieftain, Austin Okai, criticized the governors for failing to act decisively, noting that many are playing “double standards.” He claimed that Damagum and other key NWC members are no longer functioning effectively, further eroding the party’s relevance.
Okai also alleged interference from the APC, accusing some PDP governors of aligning with the ruling party to destabilize opposition parties, including the Labour Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). He urged the governors to “stop the politics for 2027 and fix the party first.”
Governors’ Forum Steps In
In an attempt to break the deadlock, the PDP Governors’ Forum issued a statement advising the NWC to convene the NEC by February 2025. Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the Forum, stressed the need for urgent consultations and a timeline of activities to resolve the leadership crisis and pending litigations.
While the party remains embroiled in internal strife, its ability to position itself as a credible opposition to the APC continues to dwindle, raising questions about its future viability.
News
NAFDAC : Fake Cowbell Milk in circulation
Risks include foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, and organ damage, and in severe cases, death.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) advises Nigerians to be vigilant and avoid purchasing counterfeit 12g Cowbell “Our Milk” sachets circulating across the country.
In a statement issued on Friday, the agency explained that the counterfeit product imitates the discontinued Cowbell “Our Milk” packaging, which Promasidor Nigeria Ltd stopped producing in September 2023.
The legitimate product was replaced with Cowbell “Our Creamy Goodness.”
The fake sachets unlawfully bear the Cowbell brand name, NAFDAC registration number and packaging design, despite not being manufactured or distributed by Promasidor.
The counterfeit products currently in circulation are imitations of the discontinued ‘Our Milk’ packaging and are not manufactured or distributed by Promasidor,” the agency stated.
“They bear unauthorised use of the brand name, NAFDAC Registration Number, and packaging design.”
The regulator raised concerns over the health risks posed by the counterfeit product.
“Risk Statement: Consumption of counterfeit milk poses serious health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, unapproved additives, or diluted ingredients.
Risks include foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, and organ damage, and in severe cases, death.
Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable,” NAFDAC warned.
News
Japan designates the city of Kisarazu for Nigerians to live and work
Through this arrangement, we aim to strengthen exchanges and create a foundation for manpower development that will contribute to economic growth in both Japan and Nigeria,” said Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan.
The Japanese government has designated the city of Kisarazu as the official “hometown” for Nigerians seeking to live and work in Japan
Japan also unveiled similar hometown designations for Tanzania, Ghana, and Mozambique in Nagai, Sanjo, and Imabari, respectively.
The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9), a move aimed at deepening cultural diplomacy, promoting economic growth, and enhancing workforce productivity.
Under the new arrangement, the Japanese government will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented Nigerian youth. Artisans and other blue-collar workers willing to upskill will also be eligible to live and work in Kisarazu under the special visa dispensation.
“Through this arrangement, we aim to strengthen exchanges and create a foundation for manpower development that will contribute to economic growth in both Japan and Nigeria,” said Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan.
The designation of Kisarazu builds on historical ties between Nigeria and the city.
The Nigerian Olympic contingent trained in Kisarazu during preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where athletes acclimatised before moving to the Olympic Village.
Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe of Kisarazu, who received the certificate from the Japanese government alongside Mrs. Adeseke, expressed optimism that the initiative would boost the city’s population and contribute to regional revitalisation efforts.
The three tiers of government—federal, state, and local—shared a total of N2.001 trillion from the Federation Account as revenue for the month of July 2025, according to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The allocation was made during the FAAC meeting held in August 2025 in Abuja, with details released in an official communiqué.
The distributable revenue included:
- N1.282 trillion in statutory revenue
- N640.610 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT)
- N37.601 billion from Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL)
- N39.745 billion from exchange rate difference
Out of the total distributed funds:
- The Federal Government received N735.081 billion
- State Governments received N660.349 billion
- Local Government Councils received N485.039 billion
- N120.359 billion was shared to oil-producing states as 13% derivation revenue
Revenue Breakdown:
Statutory Revenue (N1.282 trillion):
- FG: N613.805 billion
- States: N311.330 billion
- LGs: N240.023 billion
- 13% Derivation: N117.714 billion
VAT (N640.610 billion):
- FG: N96.092 billion
- States: N320.305 billion
- LGs: N224.214 billion
EMTL (N37.601 billion):
- FG: N5.640 billion
- States: N18.801 billion
- LGs: N13.160 billion
Exchange Gains (N39.745 billion):
- FG: N19.544 billion
- States: N9.913 billion
- LGs: N7.643 billion
- 13% Derivation: N2.643 billion
The total gross revenue for July was N3.836 trillion, down from N3.485 trillion in June. Cost of collection deductions amounted to N152.681 billion, while N1.683 trillion was allocated for transfers, refunds, savings, and interventions.
FAAC noted improved collections from Petroleum Profit Tax, Oil and Gas Royalties, EMTL, and Excise Duties, while Companies Income Tax and CET Levies declined slightly. VAT and Import Duties saw marginal growth.
The committee reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency in the allocation of national revenues across all levels of government.
NAFDAC : Fake Cowbell Milk in circulation
Japan designates the city of Kisarazu for Nigerians to live and work
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