Ajanigo Inikpi Simeon, also known as SIGA, is a Nigerian actress, model, brand influencer, entrepreneur, humanitarian, and filmmaker.
Which state is Ajanigo Simeon from?
She is from Okete, a town in Dekina Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi state.
Tribe
Ajanigo Inikpi Simeon is of the Igala tribe in Kogi state.
Family
Ajanigo was born into a family of a police officer, in Kabba, the western part of Kogi state. She is the third child in the family of seven. The actress grew up at police barracks in Warri, Delta state.
Age
Ajanigo was reportedly born on January 30, 1987, which means she is currently 38 years old (as of 2025).
Marriage: Husband and children
Ajanigo Inikpi Simeon married his husband, Fidelis Castro Alfa in January 2017.
The marriage has since been blessed with two daughters and a son: Queentiana (first daughter), Nunu (younger daughter), and Coco (son).
Education
Ajanigo studied International Relations at the LES, COS SONU university in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Career
Ajanigo has been in the Nollywood industry for over a decade. Her role in the movie ‘The Blind Orphan’ brought her to limelight in 2011.
Before then, she had acted in different movies which were not a success. Luckily, she met a marketer, Mazi Uchenna, who helped her secure a role in the movie that helped propelled her career.
Nollywood star and legend Genevieve Nnaji is her inspiration. She said in an interview that had always dreamt of been like Genevieve from her tender age.
“I used to write letters to anybody going to Lagos to give to her thinking that Lagos was a house or a small place.“
Movies
Some of the movies she has featured include:
Upon a Promise – 2019
The Last Day – 2021
Tender Heart – 2022
How It Happened (2023)
Controversy
Criticized by her tribe’s men over her dressing style
Some of her tribesmen in 2022 criticized her mode of dressing alleging it exposes “the Igala ethnic group to public ridicule”.
Responding to her critics, Ajanigo, said she is neither an ambassador nor their traditional ruler.
Disclaimer
The information in this article was curated from online sources. NewsWireNGR or its editorial team cannot independently verify all details.
Always visit NewsWireNGR for the latest Naija news and updated Naija breaking news.
Chizzy Alichi is a Nigerian (Nollywood) film actress with huge social media following, especially on Instagram. Her real name is Chigozie Stephanie Alichi.
Although still popularly known as Chizzy Alichi by her fans, there is a slight change in the actress’s name since her marriage, she is now Chizzy Alichi-Mbah.
Parents
Her parents are Mr and Mrs Alichi. She is the last child of two siblings.
Chizzy Alichi lost her father in January 2024.
Tribe and hometown
Chizzy Alichi is an Asaba-based actress from Ezza Nkwubor Nike, a town in Enugu East local government area of Enugu state, a South Eastern state in Nigeria.
She currently lives in Asaba, the capital city of Delta state.
Age
Chizzy Alichi was born on December 23. However, there are varying reports of her year of birth. Some reports indicate she was born on December 23, 1983, while others claim she was born on December 23, 1993. This means she is either currently 31 years old or 41 years old and 31 or 42 years old by December 23, 2025.
Husband and children
What year did Chizzy Alichi got married?
Chizzy Alichi got married to Ugochukwu Chike-Mbah in December 2019. The couple got engaged in September 2019 and had their traditional marriage in Enugu state on December 7, 2019.
Friends, families and colleagues, including Judy Austin, Eve Esin, Iheoma Nancy, Patience Ozokwor, Pete Edochie, and Ebele Okaro graced the ceremony to support Chizzy and her husband.
Chizzy Alichi wedding photos
Children
Chizzy Alichi-Mbah delivered her first child and son, Kenechukwu which means “Thank God” on April 25, 2025, about six years after her marriage.
The actress narrated she “…prayed, cried, and gave alms”. Her baby, born prematurely at 30 weeks, spent weeks in the NICU.
Education
Chizzy Alichi-Mbah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Engineering from Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
Career
Chizzy Alichi started acting in 2010 since she gained admission into the university. Narrating her journey, Chizzy said in an interview; “My journey to stardom started like a joke. I saw an AGN banner in Enugu and I went to ask them about registration and I registered. Tht was how I landed my first role on ‘6 scenes’. A female friend informed me about the audition, so on getting there, they were almost rounding off. When I got there, the director called me and they auditioned and cast me immediately…They gave me the role principally because of my height”.
She landed a role in the movie ‘Magic Money’, thanks to her height. The actress was paid N6,000 and acted alongside Mercy Johnson and Bob-Manuel Udokwu.
Chizzy came into limelight after acting in the movie ‘Akaraoku’, a comic movie directed by Yul Edochie in 2016.
She has since featured and directed many movies over the years.
The actress became an internet sensation when she built a house for her parents.
Movies
Magic Money – 2010
Forgive Me Father – 2010
Cry of a Witch – 2013
Old soldier – 2014
The Motherless – 2014
Attitude – 2015
Vanity – 2015
Akaraoku – 2016
Ajebo America – 2017
Tears of Victory – 2017
Power of Madness – 2018
Do Good Nwakpaka – 2018
Betrayed – 2023
Consent – 2023
Flat Share – 2024
7 Days to Get Rid of My Ex – 2024
Control – 2025
Aso Ebi Diaries – 2025
Awards and nominations
(Winner: Defeated Laide Bakare) Celebrity Global Fight Concert [2024]
(Winner) Nigeria Achievers Award – Next Rated Actress of The Year [2017]
(Nominee) City People Entertainment Awards – Best New Actress of The Year (English) [2017]
Net worth
Although he earned N6,000 from her first movie role, Chizzy Alichi-Mbah, she has since done good for herselt careerwise especially in the Asaba-movie industry. She is presumed to earn substantial revenue from her YouTube movies with some garnering over 1 million views.
Controversy
Chidi Alichi vs. Laide Bakare
Yoruba actress, Laide Bakare, in February 2024, accused Chizzy Alichi-Mbah of intimidating her during a rehearsal. She posted on her Instagram page “I only asked her for something, and if you see the way she reacted.”
Reacting, Chizzy, claimed Laide’s post was a result of jealousy. “See jealousy. No wonder you were eyeing me on that set. I no hear everything wey u talk, make I find translator first, u dey come”.
Allegedly kicked actress Crystal Okoye out of a job
Crystal Okoye, a Nollywood actress and colleague of Alichi-Mbah, in 2021 accused her of kicking her out of a job because she didn’t post her on her birthday.
Disclaimer
The information in this article was curated from online sources. NewsWireNGR or its editorial team cannot independently verify all details.
Always visit NewsWireNGR for the latest Naija news and updated Naija breaking news.
VeryDarkMan (VDM) is a Nigerian influencer and controversial activist who came into limelight after he repeatedly called out skincare product sellers who do not have the required license and certification for their products. The activist intervened when some of the victims of the skincare products were being bullied by the vendors who usually leverage social media platforms like Instagram and influencer marketing to promote their products.
VeryDarkMan real name
Martins Otse. PHOTO Credit: Instagram
VeryDarkMan’s real name is Martins Vincent Otse. The nickname is presumed to be inspired by his complexion. His other nick names include The Ratel, Blackie, Dudu, Darkie, and Shadow.
Where is VeryDarkMan from?
Several reports indicate VeryDarkMan was born in Kaduna, the former political capital of Northern Nigeria.
VeryDarkMan’s tribe
Eventhough he was born in Kaduna and spent most of his lives in the northern part of Nigeria, VeryDarkMan is originally from Benin City, the capital city of Edo state, a state in the south-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
Parents’ occupation
In a social media post, he revealed his father is “a mechanic” and mother is “taking care of other peoples children”.
How old is VeryDarkMan?
There are conflicting reports about his age; however, in a post on Instagram, VeryDarkMan disclosed he was born April 8, 1994, which infers he is currently 31 years old.
VeryDarkMan educational background and university
Some reports claimed he attended the University of Lagos (UNILAG) where he studied Business Administration. The controversial activist, however, in a post on his Instagram page indicated he only has an O’Level certificate.
Career
VeryDarkMan and DG of (NAPTIP) Hajiya Binta Adamu Bello. PHOTO Credit: Instagram
VeryDarkMan’s social media popularity started on TikTok where he usually posts videos sharing his unpopular opinions. He lent is voice to the trending issue about Happie Bois and Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, the General Overseer and founder of Omega Power Ministries (OPM).
He would later go viral for his comments and activism against unauthorised skincare vendors like Jennys Glow. He was also one of the leading voices who waded into the cause of death of young Nigerian singer, Mohbad.
Awards and nominations
2024 Trendupp Awards “Force for Social Good” category – Nominee
2024 Silverbird Man of the Year Award – Nominee
Controversy
VeryDarkMan Vs. Femi Falana
Otse in a series of audios he shared on his social media page last year (October 2024) accused Falana and his son, Falz, of receiving payment to get presidential pardon for cross dresser, Idris Okuneye (a.k.a Bobrisky), who was sentenced to 6 months in prison for naira abuse.
in one of the audios shared by VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky claimed that he had spoken with Falz, requesting his assistance in persuading his father (Falana) to help secure a presidential pardon, which allegedly cost N10 million.
The crossdresser also alleged that he asked Falz for N3 million to secure special treatment at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
In another audio shared by VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky claimed to have paid N5 million upfront to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in an attempt to secure a Federal Government pardon over charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
However, in a letter dated 14 October 2024, issued by Falana’s legal representatives, Olorunfemi Akinyemi and Taiwo E. Olawanle, Bobrisky was accused of making false and defamatory statements about Falana and his son’s involvement in the alleged bribery and pardon.
The legal team described Bobrisky’s claims as entirely unfounded and damaging to Falana’s reputation. They demanded a full retraction and apology, to be published on all platforms where the statements were shared.
Responding to the demand, Bobrisky insisted that he never gave money to Falana or his son to get a presidential pardon.
The crossdresser argued that the sharer of the defamatory content should be held liable for his action.
“I Okuneye Idris aka Bobrisky didn’t give Falz or his dad any money for pardon. As a matter of fact, no penny was given to them. Have said this before and I will say it again. The person that published an audio online should take full responsibility for what he posted in public.
“My lawyer will respond to any further information the public wants about this ongoing issue trending on social media,” Bobrisky wrote on his Instagram story on Wednesday.
In another post, the crossdresser wrote, “In reply to the two letters in circulation from the law firm of the Falanas. I like to state for the records and pending the official reply from my counsel, state for the avoidance of doubt that I Okuneye Idris Olarewaju aka Bobrisky did not publish any defamatory statement or statements concerning the learned SAN and his son Falz and that in the public domain pursuant to my solicitor’s letter dated the 27th day of September 2024 that I have denied any knowledge of what VDM published.
“I stand to express denial and put the matter to strict proof and advise that whoever has been defamed should hold the publisher of defamatory content and my fundamental rights to privacy of my communications should be respected and protected. Best.”
The crossdresser sued Otse $1 billion in damages claiming the trending voice recording released by VeryDarkMan was generated by artificial intelligence (AI).
Falana also initiated a suit seeking N500 million each in damages over the video posted by VDM on his social media platforms.
In May 2025, an Ikeja High Court awarded N200,000 in costs and dismissed preliminary objections filed by VDM.
Missing N180 million fund from NGO account
More than two months after launching his self-titled NGO, ‘Martins Vincent Otse Initiative,’ VDM in December 2024 raised a public alarm that hackers stole N180 million from the official account.
The funds were donated by people like Don Jazzy who contributed N100 million to the cause. Over N200 million was raised in total for the NGO.
The report generated a lots of social media criticism. VDM who later announced he “intentionally pranked Nigerians with the missing N180 million to teach them a lesson about social media” and that no money was missing from the account.
Disclaimer
The information in this article was curated from online sources. NewsWireNGR or its editorial team cannot independently verify all details.
Always visit NewsWireNGR for the latest Naija news and updated Naija breaking news.
Pastor Sam Adeyemi has lamented the lack of empathy and compassion among some leaders in Nigeria, saying that they have lost touch with the reality of the poor in the country.
Adeyemi, who is the Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre (DCC), was a guest on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Thursday.
The cleric said that these leaders now find it difficult to lead the people in the right direction because they are now occupied with how to retain power rather than how to better the lives of the citizens.
According to him, the fear of losing power also contributes to why most of the leaders are cross-carpeting between political parties.
“Some of our leaders, it is even obvious from the way they speak, that they have lost touch with the reality of the poor, they have no empathy, no compassion,” Adeyemi said. “So, we want to create an environment that will make it possible for those in leadership to lead us in the right directions to make the right decisions.
“Some of them are being threatened that they would lose their next election, that is what they are defecting. So their own survival is being threatened.”
Adayemi suggested that the Nigerian political scene is breeding leaders who are not in touch with realities because rather than people deciding who leads them, political godfathers now do.
He said that the way these leaders rise to power causes them to become scandalous, forgetting the people.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has announced another reduction of N15 in the price of its high-quality Premium Motor Spirit, PMS.
As a result of this reduction, Nigerians will now purchase the product at the following prices: N875 per litre in Lagos; N885 per litre in the South West; N895 per litre in the North West and North Central, while it will be sold for N905 per litre in the South East, South South, and North East.
These prices will apply through all its partners, including MRS, AP (Ardova), Heyden, Optima Energy, Techno Oil, and Hyde. The refinery called on other marketers to join its expanding network of partners, thereby demonstrating their support for President Bola Tinubu’s Nigeria First policy, which advocates for the prioritisation of locally-produced goods and services. Since the commencement of operations, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has consistently implemented cost-reduction strategies aimed at delivering tangible savings to Nigerians.
In February 2025, the company carried out two price reductions on petrol, resulting in a total decrease of N125 per litre.
This was followed by a further reduction of approximately N45 per litre in April. Additionally, the prices of other key products, such as diesel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), have been significantly lowered, improving affordability across transportation, industrial, and domestic energy sectors.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery recently reassured Nigerians of price stability despite fluctuations in global crude oil prices, reaffirming its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economy.
“By refining petroleum products domestically at the world’s largest single-train refinery, we are proud to make a substantial contribution to Nigeria’s energy security, foreign exchange savings, and overall economic resilience—aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on addressing the nation’s economic challenges and improving the well-being of Nigerians.
“We are immensely grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, for making this possible through the commendable Naira-for-Crude Initiative, which has enabled us to consistently reduce the price of petroleum products for the benefit of all Nigerians,” it stated.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery further assures the public of a consistent supply of petroleum products, with sufficient reserves to meet domestic demand, as well as a surplus for export to enhance the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
The founder of Dangote Refinery, Aliko Dangote, was named on Tuesday in the inaugural 2025 TIME100 Philanthropy list, which recognises the 100 most influential leaders shaping the future of philanthropy worldwide.
The list, published by TIME Magazine, includes Aliko Dangote, whose Foundation spends an average of $35 million annually on programmes across Africa, alongside other global figures in charitable work, such as Michael Bloomberg, Oprah Winfrey, Warren Buffett, and Melinda Gates, all of whom were recognised as Titans.
Lere Olayinka, spokesman to the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike says those waiting for the minister’s political downfall will wait endlessly.
Mr Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, made the remarks while reacting to comments by former governor of Ebonyi Sam Egwu.
Egwu had in a statement on Tuesday, said that Wike was living on borrowed time, adding that the FCT minister’s influence would soon burn out.
Reacting, the spokesman said in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, that those waiting for Wike’s downfall would wait forever. He argued that Wike’s political progress was based on personal hard work, dedication, commitment and most importantly, God’s grace.
Olayinka also faulted Egwu’s challenge to Wike to make it possible for the suspended governor of Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara to return to office. He also described allegations that the FCT Minister now exercises the powers of President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly in Rivers as absurd.
“This type of statement should not come from a former lawmaker,” he said.
The Wike spokesman also dismissed the threats by a faction of the South East leaders of the PDP to withdraw their support for the party.
According to him, it was illogical for people who could not deliver anything substantial in terms of votes to the PDP in the 2023 elections to be threatening to withdraw their support for the party.
“The PDP constitution is clear as to who is the National Secretary of the party. His name is Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and anyone saying or doing anything contrary is only interested in the collapse of the party.”
President Bola Tinubu has sought the consideration and approval of the Senate for the N1.48 trillion 2025 Rivers budget.
Mr Tinubu’s request is contained in a letter addressed to President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and read at plenary on Thursday.
The president, in the letter entitled: “Forwarding of Rivers State Government 2025 Appropriation Bill for consideration by the National Assembly”, recalled that the state is currently under emergency rule which was proclaimed and duly gazetted in March.
“Regulation 4, sub-section 2 of the emergency rule 2025 requires authorisation for expenditure from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers state for its activities.
“In the absence of the State House of Assembly, it is expected that the national assembly acts on that behalf, hence the request for the approval of the senate for the Rivers state government 2025 appropriation bill.
“The appropriation bill for the year 2025 is in the total sum of N1.48 trillion, wherein the sum of N324 billion is for infrastructure, both ongoing and new projects, while the sum of N166 billion is for the health sector, including N5 billion for free drugs for treatment of malaria and other common ailments.
“The sum of N75.6 billion is proposed for the educational sector and the sum of N31.4 billion is proposed for agricultural purposes,” the letter stated. Mr Tinubu said that the spending plan prioritised investment in critical sectors of the state, such as infrastructure, health, including drugs for malaria and other common ailments, education and agriculture projected to generate 6,000 jobs.
“Accordingly, I hereby forward the Rivers state government 2025 appropriation bill and trust that it will receive the expeditions and the auspicious consideration of the senate.
“Please accept, the distinguished Senate President and the distinguished senators, the assurances of my highest regards,” the president said. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, shortly after reading the letter, referred it to the senate ad-hoc committee on emergency rule in Rivers.
He directed the committee to report back to plenary as soon as possible.
A former North West Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and member of the opposition coalition, Salihu Lukman, has denied media reports claiming that opposition leaders have settled for the African Democratic Congress, ADC, as the party of choice to contest the 2027 general elections.
Mr Lukman, in a statement issued on Thursday, described the viral media report as false and misleading.
He also alleged that the story was planted in the media to create discord among the opposition leaders championing the coalition.
The former Director-General of the Progressive Governors Forum also denied the claim by an online medium that he has been appointed to head the secretariat of the coalition.
While stressing that negotiation had reached an advanced stage, he said the public will be informed of the outcome at the appropriate time. The statement read: “The public should disregard the story as it is completely false. No such decision has been taken. Also false is the report that the coalition has adopted the ADC at its meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
“The truth is negotiations among all the coalition leaders are progressing very well, and final decisions about the political platform for the 2027 election will be taken soon.
“Unfortunately, there appear to be some mischief makers promoting and planting stories in the media with the clear aim of sowing seeds of discord among coalition leaders.
“The public and the media should please disregard all these mischievous stories.”
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, says they have intensified moves to recover assets outside Africa that are perceived to be proceeds of crime.
Chairman of ICPC, Dr Musa Aliyu, said this in Abuja, at a one-day stakeholders engagement on the assessment of Nigeria’s asset recovery regime.
The event was organised by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, CFTPI, a Civil Society Organisation, CSO, and supported by Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa, GIABA.
Mr Aliyu said that asset recovery cannot be limited to our localities, as it had also become an international issue.
He called on the various anti-corruption agencies to synergise to fight the menace.
“No single agency can fight corruption alone, and once we are not working in synergy, we are giving corrupt people the opportunity to continue to bring problems to the country and the continent.
“The issue of asset recovery is key to the fight against corruption; the reason people engage in corruption is because they want to benefit from the proceeds of crime, so, if you deprive them of that, they become empty. “In Africa, we are working to ensure that we come together to recover assets beyond the African continent. “We know that Africa is a victim of illicit financial flow but the western world keeps blaming us, even when we are the victim. That is why we are strategising to work together. “If there is any stolen asset outside the continent, it should be our collective decision to follow and recover it.
“We should work together to return assets belonging to Ghana or Gambia or any African country that were seen outside the continent,” he said.
According to Mr Aliyu, one of the pillars of ICPC’s fight against stolen assets is recovery and the management of the proceeds of crime. He, however, said that the commission would also begin to focus on prevention to ensure people do not even nurture the idea.
The Director-General of GIABA, Edwin Harris Jr., said about 350,000 dollars have been disbursed this year to 12 civil society organisations across ECOWAS to implement programmes focusing on assets recovery and management in the region.
Harris who was represented by Dr Tim Melaye, GIABA Secretariat, said that awareness was key to discouraging people from acquiring illicit wealth.
“Our sincere expectation is that this will raise awareness, sensitise stakeholders, mobilise all partners to improve the recovery and management of illicit assets.
“Profit is the driver of financial crimes, and until we take profit out of crime, criminals will continue to increase.
“You will all agree with me that a lot of assets have been stolen from Africa, and these assets are all over the world.
“According to the President Thabo Mbeki’s report under the auspices of the United Nation’s Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), over 50 billion US Dollars was annually stolen from Africa, that was then. “The most current and realistic amount today is staggering between 88 billion dollars and 94 billion dollars.
“Where are these monies, how do we recover them, those recovered, how do we manage them, how do we ensure that the recovered loots are not relooted? So many questions begging for answer,” Mr Harris said. Earlier, Dr Umar Yakubu, Executive Director, CFTPI, said that the aim of the programme was to collectively assess the current state of Nigeria’s asset recovery regime, and to identify its strengths and weaknesses. Mr Yakubu said that the stakeholders engagement would also explore innovative and effective strategies for improvement.
“The issue of asset recovery is not merely a legal or financial matter; it lies at the very heart of our nation’s development and the trust we strive to build between the government and its citizens.
“Illicitly acquired assets, whether stashed away in foreign lands or concealed within our borders, represent resources that could have been invested in vital sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare.
“Their recovery is therefore not just about reclaiming stolen wealth, but about reclaiming opportunities for a better future for all Nigerians. “Over the years, Nigeria has made commendable efforts in establishing a legal and institutional framework for asset recovery.
“However, the complexities involved in tracing, freezing, confiscating, and ultimately repatriating these assets are multifaceted and often fraught with challenges.
“These challenges range from intricate legal hurdles in different jurisdictions to the lack of comprehensive data and coordination among relevant agencies. This stakeholder engagement is conceived as a platform for frank and open dialogue,” Mr Yakubu said.
He noted that a robust and efficient asset recovery regime was indispensable for deterring corruption, ensuring accountability for illicit enrichment, and ultimately fostering a culture of integrity within our public and private sectors.
Other agencies like the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, CSOs among others participated in the event which ended with a panel session.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Assets Recovery Database was unveiled by the organisers, CFTPI.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Anambra, has rejected any planned political coalitions with other political parties and strongly advises its members and stakeholders to avoid such coalitions.
The party made this known in a communique issued at the end of an enlarged meeting of the State Executive Committee, SEC, meeting.
The communique was signed by the Chairman of the party Anambra, Chidi Chidebe.
The party said the National Working Committee, NWC, of the PDP was not engaged in any coalition discussions with any political party and consequently, the PDP in Anambra was not involved in any coalition talks. The party called on party faithful to remain focused, resolute, and unwavering in their support for the efforts of the national leadership, the Board of Trustees, PDP Governors’ Forum, and other stakeholders who were working to reposition the party.
“We strongly advice our members and stakeholders to steer clear of such activities, as they lack legitimacy, approval, or endorsement from the leadership of the party at both the state and national levels.
“As the saying goes, no man abandons his house because of weed, we continue to pray that any man or woman raised and nurtured by this party whose intention is now to destroy it shall be put to shame,” it said. The PDP SEC in Anambra expressed solidarity and respect for the party leaders including Sen. Ben Ndi Obi, the Southeast Zonal Leader, Gov. Peter Mba, and the National Leadership of the party.
It commended their efforts and aligned fully with their pursuit of peace, unity, and restoration of the PDP as ‘the true hope of the Nigerian people’. The PDP warned members to steer clear of any form of coalition meetings or political gatherings that was not approved by the party leadership as participation in such gatherings constitutes anti-party activity.
“Any State, Local Government, or Ward officer whose name is enlisted or associated with any unauthorized coalition group will be deemed to have exited the party.
“Consequently, any office such an individual occupies shall be declared vacant with immediate effect.
“SEC remains committed to upholding party discipline, unity, and the democratic values of the PDP, we urge members to remain vigilant, loyal, and focused as we collectively work towards a rejuvenated and victorious party,” it said.
Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in the 2023 elections, Adewole Adebayo, has said the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, doesn’t have the mandate of the party to hold coalition talks with opposition leaders.
Mr Adebayo stated this while dismissing a report claiming that Mr El-Rufai is representing the SDP in the ongoing coalition discussions.
Mr El-Rufai, who dumped the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, in March and joined the SDP, has been among strong advocates of an opposition coalition to oust President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
But speaking during an interview on Channels TV, Mr Adebayo clarified that only the leadership of the party can spearhead such negotiations.
“The SDP is not involved in any coalition led by somebody else,” he said.
“The SDP is led by Alh. Shehu Gabam and Olu Agunloye. He has not given me an assignment to do a coalition on his behalf.
“He’s not given any assignment to my senior brother, El-Rufai. El-Rufai is not representing SDP in any coalition,” Mr Adebayo stated.
When questioned about the possibility of the SDP entering a coalition, the former presidential candidate noted that the party is exploring its options and planning strategically.
“The SDP is waiting, is expressing its own understanding of how best it will come together and remove this person and cause the APC and non-performing president called Bola Tinubu,” he said.
He further highlighted the SDP’s internal strategies, stating, “The SDP has plans, and we are looking at various options.
“And we realise that at the end of the option, we will need a political party that is viable.”
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno has accused some unnamed Nigerian politicians and security operatives of working as informants to Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents.
Mr Zulum made the allegations during an interview on News Central on Wednesday.
He, however, vowed to strengthen intelligence gathering to deal with the terrorists and their collaborators.
“We have informants and collaborators within the Nigerian armed forces, within the politicians, and within the communities. What we shall do is to strengthen our intelligence and to deal with them ruthlessly.
“We have informants and collaborators within the Nigerian armed forces, within the politicians, and within the communities. What we shall do is to strengthen our intelligence and to deal with them ruthlessly.
“Let’s remove contractocracy. In six months, we can put an end to this madness. We need not politicise insecurity,” he said.
While reacting to concern about the possibility of surrendered insurgents returning to their previous acts of evil Mr Zulum assured that they have been supportive in the fight against terrorism.
“I cannot completely say that 100% of those people who have surrendered are doing the right thing, but I want to assure you that over 99% are doing well and are not participating in the ongoing terrorism,” Mr Zulum noted.
He reaffirmed the need for Nigeria to embrace both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, stressing that military force alone would never bring about a total end to insurgency.
Mr Zulum said: “Insurgency will never be ended by kinetic measures alone. We must ensure that the non-kinetic measures are also properly put in place.
“What I mean by non-kinetic measures is social, political, and economic dimensions of the crisis. Our ongoing non-kinetic measures have yielded positive results with the support of the Nigerian military.”
While acknowledging that not all 500,000-plus repentant fighters may stay reformed, Mr Zulum believed that the system is largely working.
“Yes, I believe among the 500,000 or more that have repented, I cannot rule out the possibility of fewer of them going back to the bush,” he said.
