Category: PM News

The Cross River chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected claims of the National Working Committee’s (NWC) on the legitimacy of its recent state congress.

The PDP NWC had in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, faulted claims that a state congress has been held in Cross River.

Ologunagba described any such exercise as ‘hallucination’ and insisted that the process had been formally postponed by the NWC.

But in reaction, the Publicity Secretary of PDP in Cross River State, Mr Mike Ojisi, in a statemen issued in Calabar on Wednesday asserted that the congress conducted on Sept. 27 was duly authorised, monitored and attended by all party leaders and structures in across the state.

Ojisi said it was supervised by a panel constituted by the party and monitored by relevant authorities, including electoral umpire, INEC, the Police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

‘The said Congress was duly monitored by all duly constituted authorities including the INEC team of observers which was ably led by the Resident Electoral Commissioner himself, The Police and Civil defence,’ he stated.

He questioned the legitimacy of a purported National Working Committee (NWC) meeting that claimed to have taken a decision against the Congress.

He said that congresses do not hold at the ‘whims and caprices’ of the NWC or when the National Publicity Secretary says so.

‘A purported social media chat between five members of the NWC cannot constitute a National Working Committee of the Party, talk more of taking such a fundamental decision,’ Ojisi said.

He challenged the national leadership to disclose the venue, date, and approved memorandum of such a meeting.

Ojisi reiterated the party’s commitment to its ideals and loyalty to legitimate decisions taken in accordance with extant rules.

‘As law abiding party members we remain committed to the ideals of the party remaining loyal to all legitimate decisions of the Party taken in accordance with extant rules guiding the process towards taking them,’ he said.

‘No Congress’

Recall that Ologunagba, who also serves as secretary of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) said Cross River was one of the states where the state congress was shifted after due considerations.

‘For emphasis, there was none. There was no congress in Cross River State for the PDP, because it has been postponed, along with that of Plateau and Kebbi,’ Ologunagba declared.

He dismissed reports that party members gathered in Calabar for a Congress, saying such an event bore no legitimacy.

‘All these processes, particularly the setting up of an electoral panel, have not happened,’ he said.

Asked if the party would sanction organisers of the alleged exercise in Calabar, Ologunagba replied: ‘for anybody who has brought this party into disrepute, we know what to do.

‘There’s a constitution. We all subscribed to be members, and we swore to obey it. Enough is enough.

He added that the NNWC will constitute a Caretaker committee who shall run the affairs of the party in Cross River for some time.

‘Currently for Cross River, the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee will be overseeing the affairs of the chapter as earlier directed by the NWC,’ he said.

Author JK Rowling has lambasted actor Emma Watson in an angry response to the latter’s comments about their relationship, saying she is ‘ignorant of how ignorant she is.’

Rowling, author of the ‘Harry Potter’ made the remarks in her 700-word response to Watson on X after the actor reflected on their relationship while appearing on On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast.

J.K. Rowling and Emma Watson have been at loggerheads for years due to their differing views on transgender rights.

Watson had said, ‘I really don’t believe that having had that experience and holding the love and support and views that I have, mean that I can’t and don’t treasure Jo (JK Rowling) and the person that I had personal experiences with.’

She maintained that people who don’t agree with her opinion will love her, adding ‘I hope I can keep loving people who I don’t necessarily share the same opinion with’.

Rowling, in her long X post stated that Emma Watson and her co-stars had every right to embrace gender identity ideology.

Such beliefs, she emphasised, are legally protected, adding that she would not want to see any of them threatened with loss of work, or violence, or death, because of their beliefs.

She also claimed that instead of reaching out to her, Watson ‘asked someone to pass on a handwritten note,’ which read, ‘I’m so sorry for what you’re going through.’

She declared: ‘Emma had just publicly poured more petrol on the flames yet thought a one-line expression of concern from her would reassure me of her fundamental sympathy and kindness.’

Rowling also said, ‘Emma was ‘never likely to need’ to use the types of single-sex spaces she has campaigned against trans people having access to, such as changing rooms and public toilets.’

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, has charged Nigerians on the need for unity and teamwork to achieve the purpose of independence.

He gave the charge on Wednesday, in a speech he delivered to mark the nation’s 65th Independence Day anniversary.

He noted that every October 1 reminds Nigerians ‘of the sacrifices of our founding fathers, who fought with courage and vision to give us a free nation’, adding that it is a day of pride, reflection, and, above all, renewed hope.

‘Independence is not only about freedom from foreign rule. It calls for unity and teamwork in order to maximise the opportunities that come with freedom. We must always remind ourselves that we can achieve more if we come together as Edo people,’ Okpebholo said.

Addressing the children and youths, the Governor who described them as the heartbeat of this State, charged them not to give in to despair.

‘Do not give in to despair. Your energy and talents are the key to our future, and this government will continue to invest in you. My message today is simple: A New Edo Has Risen. A New Nigeria Has Risen. Together, with courage and dedication, nothing can stop us,’ he concluded.

The United States has congratulated Nigeria on its 65th Independence Anniversary, describing the country as a ‘beacon of resilience and leadership’ in Africa and beyond.

In a press statement issued in Washington on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended the goodwill of the American people to Nigerians, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

‘On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my warmest congratulations to the people of Nigeria on the 65th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence,’ Rubio said.

He noted that Nigeria’s six-and-a-half decades of nationhood had been marked by remarkable resilience and a capacity for leadership that continues to inspire.

‘For over six decades, Nigeria has stood as a beacon of resilience and leadership. The United States values our enduring partnership, rooted in shared democratic principles, a growing commercial relationship, and a commitment to fostering peace and security,’ he said.

Rubio praised the entrepreneurial drive and cultural vibrancy of Nigerians, stressing that these attributes have made the country a vital partner in global affairs.

‘On this special occasion, we celebrate the rich cultural heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering determination of the Nigerian people,’ he added.

Looking ahead, the U.S. Secretary of State pledged that Washington would continue to work closely with Abuja to tackle regional and global challenges.

‘We look forward to continuing to deepen our collaboration in the years ahead as we work together to achieve our shared goals,’ he said.

The statement ended with renewed wishes for Nigeria’s peace, unity, and progress: ‘Congratulations once again on this milestone anniversary. May the year ahead bring continued progress and prosperity to Nigeria and its people.’

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has freed 36 prisoners from the Nigerian Correctional Service centres in Ilesa and Ile-Ife to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day.

The Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, made the announcement in a statement released in Osogbo on Wednesday.

Governor Adeleke used his constitutional power under Section 212 of the Nigerian Constitution, following advice from the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

In a proclamation signed on September 24, 2025, he officially forgave the remaining prison terms of the 36 inmates.

The proclamation instructed all authorities to recognise the amnesty as valid and binding under the seal of Osun State.

From the Ilesa Correctional Centre, 29 inmates were released, while 7 were freed from the Ile-Ife Correctional Centre.

Most of those pardoned had been jailed for minor crimes like stealing and conspiracy and had already served much of their sentences.

Governor Adeleke explained that the gesture symbolised compassion, justice, and a fresh start.

‘As a people’s government, we believe in justice but also in mercy. This amnesty is not only about freedom but also about rehabilitation and giving these individuals a second chance to live as responsible members of society,’ he said.

The Governor added that the decision was aimed at encouraging reformation and reintegration of former inmates back into the community.

Kogi Governor Ahmed Ododo has conveyed his heartfelt sympathy to the victims’ families and the entire Ibaji community over the recent boat mishap that claimed many lives.

The Governor expressed the sympathy during his visit to the Ejeh of Ibaji, HRM, John Egwemi on Wednesday.

Ododo was represented by his Deputy Joel Salifu, during the condolence visit to the palace of the Ejeh.

It would be recalled that a boat carrying scores of passengers on Sept. 30 capsized on the River Niger, leading to the death of over 20 persons with several others yet to be accounted for.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency and other critical stakeholders have been mobilised to the scene for fact-finding and rescue operations.

The governor assured the community that the state government would not relent until all efforts to rescue the remaining victims were fully exhausted.

‘We want to assure you that Ibaji is not alone; the government stands firmly with you in this trying period,’ he said.

He disclosed that a government delegation had already been dispatched to the scene of the incident to ascertain the level of casualties and provide immediate intervention.

Responding, the Ejeh of Ibaji, who is also the Chairman of Ibaji Area Traditional Council, described the tragedy as devastating, noting that accidents often occur without warning but leave behind deep scars.

Egwemi expressed gratitude to the governor for the visit and assured that the traditional council would continue to brief the state government on developments.

He confirmed that although many lives were lost in the mishap, some victims were rescued, while efforts were ongoing to recover others still missing.

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, has charged Nigerians on the need for unity and teamwork to achieve the purpose of independence.

He gave the charge on Wednesday, in a speech he delivered to mark the nation’s 65th Independence Day anniversary.

He noted that every October 1 reminds Nigerians ‘of the sacrifices of our founding fathers, who fought with courage and vision to give us a free nation’, adding that it is a day of pride, reflection, and, above all, renewed hope.

‘Independence is not only about freedom from foreign rule. It calls for unity and teamwork in order to maximise the opportunities that come with freedom. We must always remind ourselves that we can achieve more if we come together as Edo people,’ Okpebholo said.

Addressing the children and youths, the Governor who described them as the heartbeat of this State, charged them not to give in to despair.

‘Do not give in to despair. Your energy and talents are the key to our future, and this government will continue to invest in you.

‘My message today is simple: A New Edo Has Risen. A New Nigeria Has Risen. Together, with courage and dedication, nothing can stop us,’ he concluded.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that the construction of new roads in Abuja is an important part of Nigeria’s plan to host the next Commonwealth Games.

Wike made this known on Tuesday during the flag-off of the Access Arterial Road S1 project, which runs from Ring Road 2 to the FCT Fire Service Station in Kaura District, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

According to him, good roads will make Nigeria’s bid stronger. ‘I hope you know that Nigeria is bidding to host the next Commonwealth Games. We cannot succeed without a good road network,’ he said.

He explained that modern infrastructure would impress the international committee when they visit. ‘If the committee comes and sees that we are providing the basic infrastructure, it will help us get the hosting right,’ he added.

The minister also stressed that the new road will help the Fire Service respond faster to emergencies.

He said that poor road access in the past slowed down fire trucks during incidents.

The 2-kilometre road project includes a 3-span bridge. Wike expressed confidence that it would improve emergency services and make life easier for residents.

He also urged the company handling the project to employ local youths from the area. ‘Please give residents the opportunity to participate by employing our young people,’ he appealed.

Wike further noted that the FCT Administration is working on several other road projects, including the Airport-Kuje Expressway and the Kuje-Gwagwalada dualisation, under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘The hope is that before the end of President Tinubu’s first term, Abuja will look very different and compete with other world-class cities,’ he said.

The FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, also spoke at the event. She said the road project supports President Tinubu’s vision for better infrastructure.

She added that it would improve fire response times, boost public safety, and open up Kaura District for more businesses, investments, and a better quality of life.

President Bola Tinubu is reportedly considering Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

This comes as the current chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, nears the end of his 10-year tenure.

A presidency source confirmed that Amupitan is being strongly considered. A close associate of the professor also confirmed the development, although no official announcement has been made yet.

Yakubu, appointed in 2015 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, was expected to step down in June but stayed on while the presidency searched for a replacement. His time as chairman saw both innovations and controversies.

He introduced BVAS, the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), and simultaneous accreditation and voting. However, he faced criticism for frequent inconclusive elections.

If confirmed, Amupitan will oversee major upcoming polls, including the Anambra governorship election in November 2026, the FCT council elections in February 2026, the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections in 2026, and the 2027 general election.

Who is Amupitan?

Professor Amupitan, born in 1967 in Kogi State, is a legal scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

He studied law at the University of Jos, where he graduated as the best student in 1987.

He later obtained his Master’s and PhD in Law.

He has worked at the University of Jos since 1989, becoming a professor in 2008. He is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the university and also serves as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University.

Amupitan specializes in Company Law, Corporate Governance, and Law of Evidence.

He has written several books and published more than 70 academic papers.

He has also served on boards of companies, worked as a government consultant, and been involved in several important legal cases.

He was made a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2014 and has held various leadership roles in academia and law.

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Afrobeats artist Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has been named as the top Afrobeats artist of the year by Spotify.

The list which is dominated by Nigerian artists, ranked Rema as the number two spot. Balogun Ayodeji popularly known as Wizkid was ranked at the third place while Asake and Ayra Starr were ranked at the 4th and 5th spot.

The list, however, became controversial when fans discovered that Davido was missing despite being regarded as one of the top 3 biggest Afrobeats artists.