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Damagum: Continuous postponement of NEC meeting unsettles PDP stakeholders

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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.

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BREAKING: Tinubu to meet Obasa, Lagos Assembly members in Abuja

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President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to meet with the Lagos State House of Assembly, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Already, the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, arrived at about 2:50 pm, while his colleagues had earlier arrived in two coaster buses.

The meeting may not be unconnected with the recent leadership crisis in the State House of Assembly.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Obasa was impeached by some of his colleagues but he was later reinstated after the intervention of the political leaders especially the Governing Advisory Council, GAC.

Despite the Speaker’s reinstatement, it was gathered that the bad blood as a result of his impeachment is yet to be over.

Details later…

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UK, Nigeria launch creative industries technical Working Group

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The UK and Nigeria have officially launched the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, marking a pivotal development in the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP).

This partnership aims to deepen bilateral ties and create a robust framework for growth within the creative sectors of both nations.

A statement by the UK High Commission in Lagos said the launch of this working group and a match-making event for UK-Nigeria creative industries leaders today in London represents a milestone in the UK-Nigeria relationship, designed to boost innovation, cross-border creative collaborations, and sustainable economic growth and development.

It said both events provided a dynamic platform to explore new opportunities and form commercial alliances within key creative subsectors such as Film and TV, Music, Fashion & Design, Architecture, Advertising, and Gaming.

The initiative is poised to foster long-term growth, enhance job creation, and unlock new pathways for creativity and innovation in both countries by prioritising collaboration and cultural exchange.

Speaking on the significance of the launch, Florence Eshalomi MP, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group, said: “Today marks a significant moment as we launch the UK-Nigeria Creatives Working Group.

Our nations share a rich cultural bond and a deep belief in the transformative power of creativity, through music, film, fashion, and the arts.

“This initiative, rooted in our landmark Enhanced Trade & Investment Partnerships (ETIP), will drive stronger trade ties, foster deeper collaboration, and unlock the full potential of our creative industries.

“By enhancing market access and investing in skills, we are opening doors to new opportunities that will create jobs and boost economic growth in the UK and Nigeria.”

Emphasising the need for deeper creative and cultural ties, Mr Obi Asika, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group in Nigeria, said: “Nigeria’s creative economy is a global force, driven by our storytellers, musicians, designers, and digital innovators.

From Nollywood to Afrobeats, fashion to gaming, our industries are reshaping global culture and commerce.

“However, to unlock the full potential of this sector, we need strategic investment and support not just in talent, but in the institutions and infrastructure that will sustain long-term growth.”

Representing Mr., Obi Asika from the Nigerian side, Prince Baba Agba, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, underscored the importance of leveraging UK expertise for impactful collaborations, adding:

“The UK’s creative industries stand as a global benchmark for institutional excellence, market distribution, and innovation.

We are eager to tap into your expertise for meaningful partnerships.

“This Working Group isn’t just about discussions – it’s about taking concrete actions that will yield tangible outcomes for creators, businesses, and industry stakeholders on both sides.”

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BREAKING: Fubara denied access to present budget, locked out of Rivers Assembly complex (Video)

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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara was on Wednesday denied access to the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters, where lawmakers currently hold plenary sessions.

ohibaba.com gathered that the governor arrived at the Assembly quarters on Wednesday morning to present the state 2025 budget but was met with a locked gate, preventing his entry.

Fubara had earlier pledged to implement the Supreme Court judgment, which includes the formal presentation of the 2024 budget.

The budget was initially presented to a four-member Assembly faction in December 2023.

Last week, the Assembly issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the governor to present the 2025 budget.

In response, Fubara stated that he was awaiting the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the court judgment before proceeding.

On Sunday, in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, and addressed to Speaker Martins Amaewhule, Fubara invited lawmakers for discussions on the Supreme Court ruling.

The discussions were expected to cover issues such as the budget presentation and the payment of outstanding salaries to the legislators, amongst other issues to chart a way forward for the state.

Watch video below:

Video source: ChannelsTV

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