Headlines
Aggrieved PDP Govs Set to Lead Rivers Guber Campaign
The deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, South-South, Chief Dan Obih and the G5 governors will lead the commencement of the party’s governorship campaign in Rivers State scheduled for Saturday.
The Director General of the State PDP Campaign Council, Felix Obuah, disclosed this at a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Obuah, who is the immediate past Chairman of the PDP in the state, said the occasion would be the official inauguration of the party’s campaign in the Rivers State capital.
He said, “The high point of the rally which is billed to take place at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium would be the grand unveiling of the PDP’s governorship candidate, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
“The unveiling ceremony will be performed by the G5 governors who are at the centre of a fight designed to promote inclusiveness.
“While in Port Harcourt, the state governor, Nyesom Wike, who is the chief host, will treat our friends, elders and leaders to a State Banquet. The banquet will be held on Friday, November 18, 2022.
“Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, the host Governor and leader of the G5 – Wike – will grace the occasion.”
While applauding the G5 for remaining the soul and conscience of the PDP, Obuah said they had earned the respect of Nigerians by remaining in the main opposition party.
“Their decision to pursue peaceful options despite obstacles placed on the way has further endeared them to the Nigerian people. We are happy that these great patriots who believe in one Nigeria will participate in activities marking the beginning of our campaign effort in Rivers State.
“As the clock ticks and public attention turns in the direction of Rivers State, we want to inform you that we are ready. We are ready to fight the good fight, our sleeves rolled up, and our hands on the plough.
“We are ready, as a political party, to win the 2023 governorship election. We are also ready to sweep the National Assembly and the State House of Assembly elections,” he stated.
The Punch
Former governor of Anambra State, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has officially defected to the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Obi announced the decision on Tuesday at an event held at the Nike Lake Resort, Enugu.
“We are ending this year with the hope that in 2026 we will begin a rescue journey,” Obi said.
The National Chairman of the ADC, David Mark, was among the attendees.
United States Representative Riley Moors has said further military strikes against Islamic State-linked militants in Nigeria could follow recent operations ordered by President Donald Trump, describing the actions as aimed at improving security and protecting Christian communities facing violence.
Moore made the remarks during a televised interview in which he addressed U.S. military strikes carried out on Christmas Day against militant targets in North-west Nigeria.
The strikes were conducted in coordination with the Nigerian government, according to U.S. and Nigerian officials.
“President Trump is not trying to bring war to Nigeria, he’s bringing peace and security to Nigeria and to the thousands of Christians who face horrific violence and death,” Moore said.
He said the Christmas Day strikes against Islamic State affiliates had provided hope to Christians in Nigeria, particularly in areas affected by repeated attacks during past festive periods.
According to U.S. authorities, the strikes targeted camps used by Islamic State-linked groups operating in parts of north-west Nigeria.
Nigerian officials confirmed that the operation was carried out with intelligence support from Nigerian security agencies as part of ongoing counter-terrorism cooperation between both countries.
The United States Africa Command said the operation was intended to degrade the operational capacity of extremist groups responsible for attacks on civilians and security forces.
Nigerian authorities have described the targeted groups as a threat to national security, noting their involvement in killings, kidnappings and raids on rural communities.
Moore said the strikes marked a shift from previous years in which attacks were carried out against civilians during the Christmas period. He said the U.S. administration was focused on preventing further violence by targeting militant groups before they could launch attacks.
U.S. officials have said the military action was carried out with the consent of the Nigerian government and formed part of broader security cooperation between the two countries. Nigeria has received intelligence, training and logistical support from international partners as it seeks to contain militant activity.
Moore had previously called for stronger international attention to attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria and has urged continued U.S. engagement in addressing extremist violence. He said further action would depend on developments on the ground and continued coordination with Nigerian authorities.
Nigerian officials have maintained that counter-terrorism operations are directed at armed groups threatening civilians, regardless of religion, and have reiterated their commitment to restoring security across affected regions.
World-renowned boxer Anthony Joshua on Monday survived a ghastly road accident in Makun, Ogun State.
Eyewitnesses report that the incident occurred along a busy highway of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
The vehicle carrying Joshua, a Lexus Jeep with the number plate, KRD 850 HN, reportedly collided with a stationary truck under circumstances that are still being investigated.
Joshua reportedly sustained minor injuries, while two persons were said to have died on the spot.
