PDP Governors’ Forum Denies Bala Mohammed’s Involvement in NEC Lawsuit

Meta Description: The PDP Governors’ Forum has clarified that Governor Bala Mohammed is not involved in any lawsuit concerning the National Executive Committee of the PDP, dismissing rumors as baseless.

Focus Keyphrase: PDP Governors Bala Mohammed Lawsuit

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Tag: PDP, Bala Mohammed, Nigerian Politics, NEC Lawsuit

News (300 words):

The PDP Governors’ Forum has officially refuted claims linking Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, to a lawsuit regarding the convening of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC). In a statement released on Tuesday, the forum clarified that Governor Mohammed, who chairs the forum, has not filed any legal action pertaining to the NEC’s decisions on acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum.

This clarification follows reports suggesting that Imam Awal, a PDP member believed to be aligned with Governor Mohammed, was involved in a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Gusau, Zamfara State. The suit seeks to challenge Damagum’s actions and questions the NEC’s constitutional compliance concerning the appointment of a substantive National Chairman from the North-Central zone, following the removal of Iyorchia Ayu.

The PDP Governors’ Forum, in its statement signed by the Director General, emphasized that allegations against Governor Mohammed are unfounded. The forum urged party supporters and the public to disregard insinuations linking the Bauchi Governor to these legal proceedings.

The statement reads: “This is to emphatically state that the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State does not in any way, either by proxy or himself, have anything to do with the said suit. The publication is dubious, malicious, and intended to smear the character of Governor Bala Mohammed.”

The forum’s response aims to dispel the ongoing rumors and reaffirm its commitment to party unity amid internal challenges.

Bobrisky Detained Overnight in FCID Female Cell After Arrest

Controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, spent a night in a female cell at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos State, following his arrest by immigration officials. A source close to the police facility confirmed that Okuneye was detained due to his high-profile lifestyle and the absence of other female detainees at the time of his arrest.

According to the source, Bobrisky arrived at the FCID around 10 p.m. on Monday after being apprehended by immigration officers at the Seme border. The source explained that given the sensitive nature of his case, it was crucial to ensure his safety while in custody. “Everybody is conscious of the fact that Bobrisky could be gay, and nobody wants to be part of a scandal. They placed him in a cell alone near the female section, as there were no other female inmates available,” the source stated.

Mayegun Aminat, the spokesperson for the FCID in Lagos, confirmed Okuneye’s detention, stating, “He is with us, and we are to get a remand to keep him in custody today.”

Further instructions regarding Okuneye’s case are pending, as he was taken into custody for safekeeping following his attempt to leave Nigeria through the Seme border. Sources indicate that he may have been trying to escape from authorities, suggesting he was aware that security agencies were looking for him. “He seemed to know he was on the radar, which is why he attempted to exit through the Seme border,” the source added.

PDP Postpones NEC Meeting to November 28 to Focus on Ondo Governorship Election

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has postponed its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, originally scheduled for October 24, to November 28, 2024. This decision was reached after a four-hour meeting of party stakeholders, including governors and other key members, at the Bauchi Governors’ Lodge in Abuja.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed announced that the postponement aims to allow the party to concentrate on the Ondo State governorship election on November 16. He emphasized the importance of party unity to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo and urged members to avoid divisive rhetoric.

The meeting was attended by the PDP Governors’ Forum, the National Working Committee (NWC), and the National Assembly leadership, among others. There is also ongoing debate within the party regarding the tenure of acting PDP Chairman Umar Damagum, with some members advocating for his resignation after the Ondo election.

#EndBadGovernance Protesters Accuse DSS of Intimidation Despite Court Ruling

Protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance movement have accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of continued harassment, despite a Federal High Court ruling in Kaduna ordering their release. Activists revealed that after their release, the DSS summoned them to sign agreements restricting their movement and prohibiting public discussion of their detention experience.

The protesters, who were arrested during nationwide protests against corruption and insecurity, were discharged of all charges on October 17, 2024. However, they claim the DSS continues to pressure them, limiting their freedoms. Some activists have reported ongoing health issues and trauma following their detention.

The DSS had reportedly detained 39 individuals during the protests, releasing them gradually over 75 days.

PDP Governors Deny Involvement in Lawsuit to Force NEC Meeting

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) has strongly denied reports claiming its Chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed, or his associates filed a lawsuit in Gusau, Zamfara State, to compel the party to hold its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting as scheduled.

In a statement issued by Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, Director General of the PDP-GF, the forum refuted the allegations, branding the report as “false and malicious.” The statement emphasized that neither the Bauchi Governor nor any proxy acting on his behalf was connected to the lawsuit.

The PDP-GF urged the public to disregard the claims, which were described as an attempt to tarnish Governor Mohammed’s image. The forum also reiterated its call for party members to withdraw ongoing court cases to promote internal reconciliation.

This comes as a Federal High Court in Abuja recently ruled that PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, cannot be removed from office until December 2025, following a separate case brought by party members in Yobe State.

Matawalle Briefs Tinubu on Military Successes in Sokoto During Operational Tour

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has updated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the results of his recent operational tour in Sokoto State. During the briefing, Matawalle commended the Nigerian Military for its professionalism and success in addressing insecurity in the region, crediting the Armed Forces for their critical role in maintaining national security.

Matawalle praised President Tinubu’s commitment to providing resources to bolster military efforts and highlighted key achievements, including the elimination of notorious bandit leaders like Halilu Buzu Sububu. He also urged local communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces.

President Tinubu expressed his satisfaction with the military’s progress and their dedication to combating insecurity in the North-West.

Benue PDP Holds Expanded Caucus Meeting

By Michael Inyaregh

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Benue State chapter held her stakeholders’ meeting on sunday, at the party’s state secretariat, located at No. 1 Ochagu Lawani Street, New GRA, Makurdi.

The meeting was well-attended by party members from all three senatorial districts of the state.

The newly inaugurated members of the State Working Committee were introduced to the party leader, Senator Dr. Gabriel Torwua Suswam, who welcomed them with enthusiasm.

State Chairman Hon. Christian Adaba Abah, speaking on behalf of the party’s leadership, assured members of his total commitment to the development, growth and unity of the party. He emphasized that the party is ready to accommodate all members but will not tolerate saboteurs working for other parties for personal gains. He urged transactional members to be cautious, stating that the party is watching their actions.

In his keynote address, Senator Suswam acknowledged the efforts of Senator Orker Jev, Senator Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, David Mark, Hon. Terngu Tsegba, Chile Igbawua, and others at both the state and national levels. He expressed concern over the complicity of Damagun, his secretary, and the national organizing secretary, which he believes are a threat to the party’s stability.

Senator Suswam instilled hope in party members, asserting that the sham created by Ortom in the acclaimed congresses would not stand. He noted that during the last BOT meeting, Damagun insisted on retaining his position despite the call for his resignation by the majority. Suswam pointed out that the PDP governors also believe Damagun should step down. He questioned how the opinions of four individuals could outweigh those of nine, affirming that the NEC meeting scheduled for October 24 must hold and the rule of law must take precedence.

He further emphasized that leadership is about the party whether he leads or another candidate outside Wike’s camp is chosen, he supports the decision.

Regarding the recent theft at the party secretariat, Suswam stated that law enforcement agencies are handling the matter and the thieves must return the stolen property. He reiterated the party’s objectives, insisting that the PDP will not yield to anything that undermines its goals. He added that any individual or group wishing to break away from the party is free to do so, but criminal activities such as stealing from him will not be tolerated.

In response, Elders Udugh Nyitse, Cletus Upaa and Sir John Ngbede who spoke on behalf of zones A B &C declared their unwavering commitment to the PDP. They affirmed that they have never left the party since our present democratic journey from 1999 and have no intention of doing so in the near future.They cautioned transactional politicians to stay clear of the PDP as the party is undergoes a rebuilding process, stating that they are not prepared to accommodate them.

Other speakers included former local government council chairmen, led by Hon. Agber Terseer; former Benue State House of Assembly members, led by Hon. Hyicent Nyakuma; former House of Representatives members, led by Hon. Benjamin Mzondu; and former PDP state chairmen, led by Hon. Mike Iduma. They condemned the actions of party saboteurs, asserting that the Benue PDP is not interested in dealing with cash and carry politicians. They noted that recent consultations regarding defections could ultimately benefit the party.

PDP members in the State Assembly stated that they only recognize the party’s secretariat at No. 1 Ochagu Lawani Street, affirming their commitment to the party’s leadership and direction.

Nigeria Provides 24-Hour Electricity to Togo and Benin Despite Domestic Power Issues

Despite facing persistent power grid failures, Nigeria continues to supply uninterrupted 24-hour electricity to neighboring countries Togo and Benin, according to the Managing Director and CEO of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Sule Abdulaziz. During an interview on Channels TV, Abdulaziz confirmed that Nigeria also provides electricity to Niger, with all three countries paying for the service.

Addressing why many Nigerians still experience inconsistent power supply, Abdulaziz clarified that not all citizens are affected. He explained that Nigeria operates a tiered electricity distribution system, with Band A customers receiving 20-24 hours of power daily, while other bands receive less.

Abdulaziz expressed optimism about future improvements, stating that the new Minister of Power is focused on addressing root causes of the power crisis, with the goal of achieving consistent electricity supply nationwide within the next five years.

The TCN chief also discussed the causes of grid collapses, noting that these failures are not solely the fault of the transmission company but can arise from issues in generation or distribution as well. He highlighted the outdated infrastructure in the country’s power system, with much of the equipment being over 50 years old.

Abdulaziz also defended the affordability of electricity in Nigeria, arguing that it remains cheaper than in many other African nations, such as Burkina Faso and Senegal. He urged the public to understand the distinction between TCN and the now-defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), explaining that TCN is only responsible for transmission, not generation or distribution.

China Issues First-Ever Guidelines to Combat Obesity

China’s National Health Commission has introduced its inaugural guidelines to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of obesity, responding to the increasing rates of overweight and obese individuals in the country.

The guidelines highlight that obesity, recognized as an independent disease, is also a leading cause of multiple chronic conditions. It has become a significant public health concern in China, now ranked as the sixth leading risk factor for death and disability.

The guidelines provide comprehensive instructions on clinical nutrition, medication, surgical treatments, and behavioral and psychological interventions. They also address exercise programs for obesity management, ensuring both the safety and quality of healthcare while safeguarding patient rights, said Zhang Zhongtao, head of the drafting committee.

Experts stress that most obesity cases stem from unhealthy lifestyles, and the ultimate solution is maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise to manage weight effectively.

President Tinubu’s Top Bodyguard Fasasi Replaced Amid DSS Restructuring

Details have emerged regarding the removal of President Bola Tinubu’s Chief Security Officer (CSO), Adegboyega Fasasi. Fasasi was replaced by Rasheed Atanda Lawal, a deputy director of the Department of State Services (DSS), as part of a broader restructuring led by DSS Director-General Tosin Adeola Ajayi. Reports suggest Fasasi’s removal was prompted by alleged favoritism, rapid promotions, and complaints of arrogance. His departure signals continued efforts to restore integrity within the DSS, with more personnel changes expected.