Isaac Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, has declared himself the new national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) amidst the party’s ongoing crisis. In a video shared on his social media, Fayose announced the suspension of key figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Nyesom Wike, Seyi Makinde, and his own brother Ayo Fayose, accusing them of anti-party activities. This move comes after a faction of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) suspended Acting Chairman Umar Damagum and others. However, an Abuja Federal High Court has ruled that Damagum remains chairman until the party’s convention in December 2025.
16 States Challenge EFCC and NFIU in Supreme Court Over Constitutional Legality
Sixteen state governments, led by Kogi State, have filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court questioning the constitutional legitimacy of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). The states argue that the creation of these agencies violated constitutional requirements, particularly the failure to obtain approval from the majority of the states’ Houses of Assembly. The Supreme Court has set the hearing date for October 22, 2024. The legal action comes amid the EFCC’s ongoing investigations into high-profile figures, including former governors and ministers.
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Peter Obi Calls on Tinubu to Reverse Fuel Price Hike, Labels It Insensitive
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly criticized the recent fuel price hike announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The price of petrol has surged from ₦897 to ₦1,030 per litre, marking the second increase in a month. Obi, in a post on his X account, called the increase “unfortunate and insensitive,” urging President Bola Tinubu, who also serves as the Minister of Petroleum, to reverse the decision. Obi stressed that the government should provide full explanations and offer alternative solutions to alleviate the economic burden on Nigerians.
Dino Melaye Urges Suspended PDP Chairman Damagum to Join APC Amid Party Crisis
Former Senator Dino Melaye has advised suspended PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum to leave the party and join the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing him of causing significant harm to the PDP. This comes after a faction of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) suspended Damagum and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu. In response, Melaye criticized Damagum, calling him an “APC agent” via his X handle. Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the PDP from removing Damagum as acting chairman until the party’s national convention in December 2025.
PDP Faces Deepening Crisis as Wike and Bauchi Governor Clash Over Party Control
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in turmoil, with an intense power struggle between former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. The conflict, which escalated after the removal of Senator Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman, has split the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) into factions. Tensions peaked when Wike’s push to dominate Rivers State’s PDP structure faced resistance from current Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other governors. The crisis worsened with suspensions and counter-suspensions within the party, threatening its unity ahead of future elections.
Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today, October 12, 2024 (Black Market)
The dollar to naira exchange rate in the black market today, October 12, 2024, stands at ₦1695 for buying and ₦1700 for selling. This rate is reported from Lagos-based Bureau De Change (BDC) sources. However, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market and advises individuals to conduct foreign exchange transactions through official banking channels. The official CBN exchange rate is ₦1625 for buying and ₦1626 for selling. Keep in mind that actual exchange rates may vary depending on location and transaction circumstances.
Group caution Speakers Abbas SLA, Ogbeche over comments on Betta Edu
Concerned Civil Society Organizations of Nigeria (CCSON) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to make public its findings regarding the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu.
The group in a press statement issued to newsmen in Abuja on Friday, were making reference to the earlier write-up by the SLA to the Honourable Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Cecelia Ogbeche Odok from Cross Rivers State, who tagged Edu’s trial as witch-hunts, claiming that the suspended Minister is clean and should be acquitted of any wrong doing.
It could be recalled that Dr. Edu was suspended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in January following serious allegations of misappropriating funds amounting to N585 million.
This decision came amidst growing scrutiny of her handling of the ministry’s resources, particularly concerning programs designed to alleviate poverty and support vulnerable populations in Nigeria.
The controversy intensified when it was revealed that Dr. Edu had approved flight fares for ministry staff traveling to Kogi State, a region that notably lacks an operational airport.
This raises an urgent question: what justified the approval of funds for flights to Kogi State, given there is no airport to accommodate such travel?
CCSON, while expressing alarm over the apparent inaction from the presidency regarding Dr. Edu’s case, especially when compared to the swift replacement of Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, asserted that Halima was suspended alongside Edu.
The group criticized what they termed as disparity between Edu’s case and that of Halima, stressing that it undermines principles of accountability and fairness in governance.
“While we commend the prompt action taken against Halima Shehu, we are dismayed by the presidency’s silence regarding Dr. Betta Edu,” the statement read. “This selective accountability sends a troubling message about the commitment of this administration to uphold justice for all Nigerians.”
CCSON urged President Tinubu to take immediate action by replacing Dr. Edu, emphasizing the need for equitable treatment across all regions and the importance of transparency in government actions.
They also asserted that the public deserves clarity regarding the serious allegations and that the EFCC must act swiftly to restore trust in government institutions.
As the call for transparency grows, civil society groups are advocating for a thorough investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds, arguing that accountability is crucial for effective governance.
The Concerned Group has equally urged the EFCC to publicly disclose its findings, asserting that the Nigerian people have a right to know the truth behind these allegations, as they noted with concerned that the delay is making Nigerians to gradually lose their trust in the president Tinubu’s stance against corrupt practices in the country.
FG Allows Direct Fuel Purchase from Dangote Refinery
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially permitted petroleum marketers to lift petrol directly from the Dangote refinery, bypassing the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC). This decision marks a significant shift in the country’s fuel procurement process and confirms speculation that the NNPC would no longer be the exclusive off-taker of Dangote’s fuel.
In a statement released on Friday, Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Naira-crude sale implementation committee, provided an update following the committee’s recent meeting on October 10. This meeting focused on evaluating the progress of the Crude Oil and Refined Products Sales in naira initiative, which aims to facilitate local production and distribution for domestic consumption.
Edun highlighted the successful transition to a new operational framework established by the Federal Executive Council, which promotes local production and aims to achieve a fully deregulated market for all petroleum products. He stated, “With this mechanism now in full operation, petroleum product marketers are now able to purchase PMS directly from local refineries without the intermediary role of NNPC. Marketers are encouraged to initiate direct purchases on mutually negotiated commercial terms, promoting competition and improving market efficiency.”
The government expresses optimism that these changes will lead to better market conditions, ultimately benefiting Nigerian consumers.
APC Dismisses Calls for Policy Reversal, Urges Support for Tinubu’s Agenda
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected opposition demands to reconsider the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, instead urging support for the government’s Renewed Hope agenda. This follows criticism from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which accused the APC of electoral manipulation in the September 21 Edo State governorship election and warned of a potential move towards a one-party system in Nigeria.
PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, linked the country’s worsening socio-economic conditions to the policies of the APC-led government during a recent BoT meeting in Abuja. He reiterated the opposition’s stance against alleged electoral misconduct.
In response, APC Director of Publicity, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, dismissed these claims as baseless. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to democracy, arguing that APC policies are designed to uplift Nigerians and are not anti-people. Ibrahim emphasized that the opposition should be constructive, not destructive, and urged them to abandon thoughts of policy reversal and instead support the government’s long-term goals for the nation.
APC Suspends Minister Heineken Lokpobiri and 2019 Gubernatorial Candidate David Lyon
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has suspended several high-ranking officials, including the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and David Lyon, the party’s 2019 gubernatorial candidate. The suspension also affects two commissioners currently serving in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Bayelsa State administration who are also APC members.
Mitin Eniekenemi, the APC leader in Ekeremor Local Government Area, confirmed the suspension of Lokpobiri and the Commissioner for Power, Engr. Karin Kumoko, citing internal party divisions and misconduct as the reasons. The decision followed recommendations by a disciplinary committee under Article 21.3(1) of the APC Constitution.
In a related development, APC officials in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area also suspended David Lyon, along with Commissioner for Lands and Survey Barr. Peres Biewari and six others, accusing them of undermining the party, particularly during the 2020 Bayelsa State bye-election.
Investigations into the suspended members’ actions are ongoing, with more details expected to emerge regarding other individuals involved in anti-party activities.