The presidency has accused Bala Mohammed, Bauchi state governor, of indulging in reckless politicking over the tax reform bill.

Mohammed and the presidency have been embroiled in a bitter dispute over the tax reform bills currently before the national assembly.

In December, Mohammed, chair of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, criticized the bills, alleging regional bias.

The governor claimed the bills were tantamount to “calls for anarchy” and warned President Bola Tinubu would face resistance if the legislation passed.

Subsequently, the presidency demanded Mohammed retract his comments against the president.

Sunday Dare, the president’s special adviser on media and public communication, described Mohammed’s remarks as “inflammatory” and “direct threats” to the federal government.

About 24 hours later, Mohammed responded, reaffirming his stance and refusing to be intimidated.

Mohammed criticized the presidency’s approach to the tax reform debate, urging them to avoid arrogance and listen to Nigerians’ concerns.

In a statement, Dare asked Mohammed to cease playing “irresponsible politics” and focus on governance and poverty alleviation in Bauchi.

Dare emphasized that the Tinubu administration prioritizes development and improving Nigerians’ overall well-being.

“The focus of this government is on building stronger collaborations with sub-nationals and stakeholders on matters affecting Nigerians’ lives,” he said.

“President Tinubu secured a national mandate and will not surrender it to appease pseudo activists and latecomer crusaders.

“President Tinubu is a listening leader who believes in state institutions,” Dare added.

“On the Tax Reform Bills, the President urged concerned individuals and groups to utilize the legislative process.

“Any attempts to disrupt or abort this process are undemocratic and self-serving,” Dare stated.

Dare noted that Nigerians are concerned about Mohammed’s efforts to improve the lives of Bauchi State residents.

“How well are the impoverished people of Bauchi State faring under Mohammed’s leadership?” Dare asked.

“How effectively has Mohammed utilized increased resources to enhance his people’s quality of life?

“Just as President Tinubu has a duty to Nigerians, Governor Bala has a greater responsibility to his state’s people.

“Constant grandstanding and irresponsible politics won’t relieve Mohammed of his duty to the impoverished people of Bauchi State.

“Governor Bala should focus on governance and cease using President Tinubu to boost his fading image.

“President Tinubu is committed to revamping the economy and improving the country’s economic fortunes.”

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Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has weighed in on the speculation surrounding the future of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Sule, who said El-Rufai remains a member of the APC, downplayed the possibility of any potential merger hurting the chances of APC in the 2027 elections.

Recall that a strategic meeting between El-Rufai, Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Shehu Gabam, Hamza Al-Mustapha, and Segun Sowunmi, an ally of Atiku Abubakar was held on Tuesday.

The closed-door meeting, held at the SDP Secretariat in Abuja, has been the talk of the town, triggering speculation about an imminent formation of a new party.

Speaking about the meeting, Gabam said he was open to conversations centred around a better Nigeria.

Addressing journalists, he said: “There is no official statement from El-Rufai or any of them about officially joining the SDP. So, as I said, they are open to conversation and negotiations for a better Nigeria. It’s not about a political party; it’s about the future of Nigeria.”

However, Governor Sule, while featuring on Channels TV’s Today’s Politics, said: “El-Rufai has not left our party; he is still part of the party.

“I think it’s too early to start making those kinds of permutations, that this one is leaving and therefore the house is coming down.

“I’m not scared. What we are going to do in the next two years will be determined by our party. I strongly believe we will perform wonderfully in the next two years, and once we are able to do that, I don’t think the party needs to fear any merger.”

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Peter Obi has dispelled the rumour of his arrest, saying he is currently at his Onitsha residence in Anambra State.

This followed the death threat allegation and counter allegation between him and Felix Morka, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement posted via his official Twitter handle on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, Obi called on his supporter to ignore the rumour of his alleged arrest, saying the claim is entirely false.

“The recurring fake News on me. I have been made aware of a circulating fake News about my alleged arrest. Let me state unequivocally that these claims are entirely false. I am currently at my home in Onitsha. Anambra State. Such fake News on my person has become a pastime for some people,” he tweeted.

The former Governor of Anambra State recalled that similar rumour was amplified in 2024, when he was said to have arrested by officials of the DSS.

He said, “Recall last year September, when I was in Rwanda, similar lies had gone out that DSS invaded my house; now, while I was in my home in Onitsha, Anambra State, they said I was arrested in Abuja. The motive of these peddlers cannot be positive but let us not allow baseless rumors to distract us from the critical challenges we face as a nation.”

Meanwhile, Morka has clarified his controversial remark about Obi following the latter’s accusation that the comment of the APC chieftain about his New Year message attracted a barrage of negative comments including death threats.

While speaking on Arise TV’s programme ‘The Morning Show’ on Wednesday, Morka clarified that his comment was a direct response to the question about Obi being labeled a voodoo economist and prophet of doom.

Morka also asked Obi to provide evidence of the alleged threats against his life and family.

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The national spokesperson of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Felix Morka, has claimed to have received multiple death threats following his remarks about Peter Obi, Labour Party’s presidential candidate.

Morka shared this information during his appearance on The Morning Show, broadcast on Arise Television.

According to Morka, the threats stemmed from accusations made by Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra, who alleged that Morka’s previous comments threatened his life and family.

The controversy began when Morka accused Obi of crossing boundaries in criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration during an Arise Television interview.

Morka labeled Obi a “prophet of doom” and stated that “he has crossed the line so many times and has it coming to him whatever he gets,” prompting Obi to claim his life was threatened.

In a subsequent interview, Morka revealed that he had documented over 400 threats, including approximately 200 explicit death threats, with many described in graphic detail.

“Peter Obi’s allegations that my words in that interview threatened his life have triggered serious consequences,” Morka said.

Morka emphasized that he had recorded 400 threats, including 200 explicit death threats, which he would submit to law enforcement.

He noted that these threats were explicit and graphic, detailing plans to harm him and his family.

Despite the threats, Morka maintained his innocence and shifted responsibility for the escalating tensions.

The APC spokesperson urged law enforcement to take action against those making threats.

“This entire situation is baseless and cannot be attributed to me. I did not threaten Peter Obi in any way,” Morka added.

Morka clarified that his comments, including labeling Obi a “prophet of doom,” were a direct response to misleading statements made on national television.

“I was responding to a specific question during the interview,” Morka explained.

Morka reiterated that he did not threaten Peter Obi and was fulfilling his duty as APC’s national spokesman to clarify misleading information.

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The Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Gabam, on Tuesday met with former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai and allies of ex-Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

The closed-door meeting, which took place at the SDP national secretariat, has got tongues wagging and triggered speculations about an imminent political alliance ahead of the 2027 elections.

Gabam has now open up on what transpired during the meeting. He stated that the focused on conversations for a better Nigeria, rather than a political party.

“There is no official statement from El-Rufai or any one of them about officially joining SDP,” Gabam clarified. “We are looking for like-minded people who believe in the future of the country, so that we can work together and uplift the individual standard of Nigeria.”

Gabam also revealed that he has been receiving dignitaries from different political parties, discussing ways to stabilize the country and offer productive advice to the government. “Once the government has a crisis, it affects every Nigerian,” Gabam emphasized. “So, part of our responsibilities is to make sure we are not facing a crisis.”

The SDP chairman assured that there is an ongoing conversation, and when the time comes, they will arrive at a conclusion and hold an official press conference. “Once we agree on what we are going to do together, we will unveil it to all Nigerians,” Gabam promised.

Gabam’s statement comes after a chieftain of the PDP and ally of Atiku Abubakar, Segun Showunmi, described the meeting as “strategic.” Showunmi revealed that the meeting was called to review “The state of opposition democratic engagement in Nigeria” and plan a stronger opposition for Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, has challenged Peter Obi to provide proof of alleged death threats against him and his family.

Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, claimed his New Year message sparked threats to his life and family.

During an Arise TV appearance, Morka responded to Obi’s message, stating: “Obi has crossed the line so many times… whatever he has coming to him, he should manage it.”

Afterwards, Obi revealed he received death threats following Morka’s comments, prompting Morka to demand evidence.

Morka clarified his comment was a response to Obi being labelled a voodoo economist and prophet of doom during an appearance on Arise TV’s The Morning Show.

“If Peter Obi was called a prophet of doom or was called a voodoo economist, he has it coming to him because he has crossed several lines of truth, end of story.

“There’s nothing else to suggest (threats) in those words that I said in the moment of the interview. Peter Obi is speaking a lot of falsehood.

“He who alleges must prove. If Peter Obi says anyone threatened him, he must beyond just saying I’ve been threatened.

“For a man in his standing, I think he should supply some evidence of those who threatened him because if anyone threatened Peter Obi, we should not be having a conversation in your studio.

“The law enforcement system should be looking for those who threatened Obi’s life,” Morka said.

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Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has reassigned three former commissioners as special advisers, barely 48 hours after relieving them of their duties.

The new appointments were made public in a statement by Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, on Tuesday.

According to the statement, this move underscores the governor’s dedication to “effective leadership, inclusivity, and the attainment of his administration’s developmental goals.”

The reassigned officials are Abdulhameed Bununu, now Special Adviser on Multilateral Coordination and Regional Integration; Usman Danturaki, now Special Adviser on Labour Matters and Contributory Pension Scheme; and Madugu Yalams, now Special Adviser on Technical and Vocational Education.

The statement added, “Governor Mohammed urges the appointees to bring their wealth of experience, dedication, and expertise in their respective fields to contribute significantly towards the attainment of the Governor’s vision for Bauchi State.

“He calls on them to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, transparency, and renewed focus on improving the lives of the people of Bauchi State.”

Mohammed reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accountable governance, inclusive development, and transparency for all Bauchi State citizens.

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has affirmed its commitment to comply with the Court of Appeal’s ruling that confirmed Sunday Udeh-Okoye as its National Secretary.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated that the PDP would adhere to the judgment in line with its respect for the rule of law.

The Court of Appeal recently upheld a Federal High Court judgment removing Senator Samuel Anyanwu from the position of PDP National Secretary and affirming Udeh-Okoye in his stead.

Ologunagba explained, “After consulting with the PDP National Legal Adviser, it was confirmed on December 24, 2023, that we had received the judgment affirming Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary.

“We are a rule of law-compliant party and believe in the finality of the judicial process. Respecting judicial pronouncements is a longstanding principle of the PDP.”

He further assured that the party would fully comply with the court’s decision.

“Consistent with our tradition, we abide by the court’s ruling. The judgment affirming Udeh-Okoye as the PDP National Secretary is binding on us, and we will follow the necessary processes to ensure complete compliance,” Ologunagba added.

The PDP reiterated its commitment to upholding the judiciary’s authority and adhering to the rule of law in all matters concerning the party.

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Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has dismissed claims suggesting he plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement released Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the governor described the rumours as baseless and a ploy by opposition elements to mislead the public.

“Well-meaning Deltans and residents widely accept Governor Oborevwori. He has no reason to leave the PDP,” the statement clarified.

The governor reassured the people of Delta State of his commitment to the PDP and urged them to disregard the unfounded speculation.

The statement emphasized that Governor Oborevwori remains focused on delivering good governance and upholding the trust reposed in him by the people of Delta State.

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Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, to refrain from insulting elders if he aspires to attain a similar status.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, Frank criticized Wike for his recent verbal attacks on several prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, former Rivers State Governor Dr. Peter Odili, and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Frank emphasized the need for Wike to exhibit decorum and respect for those older than him, regardless of political differences.

“Wike must engage in soul-searching and evaluate his character and behaviour. Hiding acts of disrespect behind political motives is unacceptable,” Frank stated.

He further added, “The fact that Wike appears older than his age does not place him in the same age bracket as Peter Odili, Uche Secondus, and others he routinely insults.

No reasonable person would behave this way unless influenced by intoxicants or harmful substances.”

Frank advised Wike to seek help to curb such behaviour. “If Wike hopes to live to 80 and beyond, he must stop showing disdain and disrespect for elders. Otherwise, he risks facing the consequences of his actions.”

Additionally, Frank accused Wike of undermining the people of Rivers State and urged him to leave them out of his controversies.

He also suggested Wike seek professional help. “We recommend that he consult a speech therapist to improve his public speaking skills and avoid being excessively garrulous.

Otherwise, President Tinubu might soon become the target of his insults, just as he has disrespected others who contributed to his rise, including Peter Odili, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, and Rotimi Amaechi,” Frank warned.

Frank concluded by urging Wike to reflect on his actions and regain the respect befitting his office and age.

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