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BREAKING: Explosion rocks factional APC Secretariat hours to Rivers LG polls

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• Explosion rocks secretariat of APC in Rivers
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• NBA backs Election

Tension continues to heighten in Rivers state as indigenes woke up on Saturday to the news of a suspected explosion that rocked the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress, APC, headed by the factional caretaker committee chairman, CTC, Chief Tony Okocha.

Some suspected arsonists, in the early hours of Saturday, detonated explosives at the state secretariat of the main opposition political party in Rivers State, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

A short video clip making the rounds on social media platforms indicated that the incident which is suspected to be from dynamites, damaged the main gate and the security post of the APC secretariat and some parts of the building.

Chief Tony Okocha in a short message accused supporters of the Rivers state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for the attack on the secretariat. “At the wee hours of Saturday, pro-Fubara civilian soldiers detonated dynamites at our office. The second attempt to set it ablaze was foiled as the security at the gate quickly put out the fire.”

Okocha’s APC had announced its withdrawal from today’s local government election citing legal reasons. It is not clear what message the suspected arsonist intended to pass across by detonating the suspected dynamite.

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Meanwhile, the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has said that its members will be participating fully as observers in the 5th October 2024 Local Government election in Rivers State because there is no legal impediment against it.

Their position was contained in a communique, signed by all eight chairmen of the Branches of NBA in Rivers State, which was read to newsmen at the Conference Hall of NBA Building in Port Harcourt late on Friday.

The Chairperson of Port Harcourt Branch of NBA, Cordelia U. Eke, who read the communique on behalf of the other chairmen, said it is trite that statutory bodies cannot be stopped from performing their Constitutional duties.

Eke said that Local Government elections are part of the democratic process of Nigeria as provided for in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

She emphasised that because it is sanctioned by law, the Local Government election in Rivers State cannot be an exception.

Eke insisted: “Given the forthcoming elections in Rivers State, on behalf of the eight Branches of the Nigerian Bar Association in the State, we wish to state as follows:

“As we all know, there are several court judgments on the Rivers State Local Government Election issue which are already widely circulated in the social media.

“Sadly, most of these judgments are from courts of coordinate jurisdiction, and have been subject to diverse interpretations.”

Eke stated that they do not want to over-flog the issues that are on the ground already or stoke the embers that are already burning.

She, however, said it was imperative to reiterate that the Constitution of Nigeria is the ground from which all Government agencies and institutions derive their validity and are bound to obey same.

“We also emphasize that any law or judgment that is inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution, is null and void, to the extent of its inconsistency.

“Security agencies have the constitutional duty of maintaining law and order in the country, but if they choose to abdicate their constitutional role, then, it ridicules our democracy and our Constitution.”

The chairperson of the Port Harcourt Branch of the NBA, therefore, encouraged all residents of Rivers State, who are registered voters to go out on Election Day and exercise their franchise.

She said as the leadership of the NBA in Rivers State, they are also advising Rivers indigenes and residents in the State to be peaceful and law-abiding in the course of the election process.

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I might not be alive to contest in 2027 – Peter Obi raises alarm over threats to his life

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Peter Obi not arrested by DSS – Aide
Peter Obi, NDC Presidential candidate
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Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, has cried out over alleged threat to his life.

Obi, who is a major contender ahead of the 2027 presidential election said he might not be alive to participate in the election.

According to him, there is obvious attack on everything that had to do with him, including his life.

The former Anambra state governor made the allegation during a podcast with Chude Jideonwo.

“The way they are going now I might not be alive,  I’m telling you every single thing I do for a living this government is frustrating it deliberately so.

“Everything, so there’s even a possibility if they have opportunity I will not be alive. I get frustrations every day because you do things that may think it may be normal it is not normal they won’t come directly and say oh we are doing this but you could see their hand in eventually everything.

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“The government is attacking everybody, I am being attacked personally even to provide me with things I am entitled to, not at all,” he said.

He recalled how his vehicle was clamped down at the airport while he was right there, whereas other vehicles lined up on the same spot were untouched.

Obi further that stated that even close associates were beginning to avoid him over fear of government clampdown.

He disclosed that friends now send him invitations for occasions but tell him not to bother attending.

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Yilwatda hails Tinubu’s intervention funds as a promise kept

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President Tinubu and APC National Chairman, Prof Yilwatda
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The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has said that the intervention programmes of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have continued to demonstrate that the Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering tangible economic benefits to millions of Nigerians through strategic investments in entrepreneurship, small businesses, and youth empowerment.

According to Professor Yilwatda, the Presidential Intervention Funds represent yet another example of the Tinubu administration fulfilling its campaign promises by providing the critical financial support needed to stimulate enterprise, create jobs, and deepen economic inclusion across the country.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the National Chairman noted that for decades, access to affordable financing remained one of the biggest obstacles confronting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), despite their enormous contribution to national economic growth and employment generation.

The current administration, he said, has deliberately moved to address this challenge through targeted intervention programmes that are unlocking the entrepreneurial potential of Nigerians.

“The Tinubu administration understands that sustainable economic growth begins with empowering the productive sector. By supporting small businesses and young entrepreneurs, government is laying the foundation for long-term prosperity and shared economic progress,” he stated.

Professor Yilwatda highlighted the ₦75 billion Presidential Intervention Fund for MSMEs as a landmark initiative designed to provide accessible financing for small businesses across various sectors of the economy.

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He said the programme is enabling entrepreneurs to expand their operations, increase productivity, and create employment opportunities.

He further pointed to the ₦11 billion support package through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), describing it as a strategic investment in strengthening the capacity and competitiveness of Nigerian small and medium enterprises.

The APC National Chairman also commended the ₦30 billion Youth Entrepreneurship Fund through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), noting that the initiative reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to equipping young Nigerians with the resources required to transform innovative ideas into successful businesses and become drivers of national development.

Professor Yilwatda emphasized that these interventions are already making meaningful differences in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Across the country, young entrepreneurs, artisans, farmers, traders, tailors, manufacturers, and other small business owners are accessing capital to expand their businesses, employ more people, and contribute to the economic development of their communities.

He explained that the impact extends beyond individual beneficiaries, creating a multiplier effect through increased productivity, higher household incomes, stronger local economies, and expanded opportunities for wealth creation.

“The APC remains committed to building an economy that works for all Nigerians. These intervention funds are not mere policy announcements; they are practical investments in the dreams and aspirations of millions of our people.

“The evidence is clear. Businesses are receiving support, young people are being empowered, jobs are being created, and economic inclusion is expanding. This is governance that delivers results, and it is another demonstration that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is keeping his promises to the Nigerian people,” Professor Yilwatda said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the APC and the Tinubu administration to implementing policies that promote entrepreneurship, stimulate investment, strengthen local industries, and build a resilient economy capable of delivering sustainable prosperity for all Nigerians.

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Ex-Minister Uche Nnaji set for arraignment as ICPC files six criminal charges over alleged certificate forgery

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Uche Nnaji when he was arrested by security operatives
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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed a six-count criminal charge against former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, , over alleged certificate forgery and related offences.

The charges, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, are contained in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/389/2026, with the Federal Government listed as the complainant and Nnaji as the sole defendant.

According to the charge sheet, the ICPC accused the former minister of receiving N29.58 million in salaries and allowances while serving in office, alleging that he ought to have known the funds were proceeds of an unlawful act arising from corruption and fraud. The commission said the action contravenes provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The anti-graft agency also alleged that Nnaji used his office to confer corrupt advantage on himself and knowingly presented false information to the Federal Government by submitting forged > (NYSC) and (UNN) certificates during his ministerial appointment in 2023.

In separate counts, the ICPC accused him of producing and using as genuine a forged NYSC Certificate of National Service and a forged UNN degree certificate, offences punishable under the Penal Code.

The filing of the charges follows Nnaji’s arrest last Wednesday after arriving in Abuja from Enugu aboard a chartered flight.

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The prosecution stems from an investigation published by Premium Times, which alleged that Nnaji forged his university degree and NYSC certificates submitted to President and the Nigerian Senate during his ministerial confirmation.

The newspaper reported that the confirmed Nnaji was admitted in 1981 but neither graduated nor was issued a degree certificate, while the NYSC also reportedly disowned the discharge certificate attributed to him.

Nnaji resigned as minister shortly after the allegations became public. He has since defected from the APC to PDP , where he emerged as the governorship candidate of a faction of the party for the 2027 Enugu governorship election.

He is expected to be arraigned before the Federal High Court in the coming days.

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