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Akwa Ibom APC Factional Chairman Defects to PDP

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A factional chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom state, Udoma Ekarika, has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Mr Ekarika announced his defection at a political rally organised on Monday in Onna by the people of Akwa Ibom South District to endorse Governor Udom Emmanuel’s bid for re-election.

Mr Ekarika, a medical doctor and a former commissioner for works in the state, was one of the APC leaders who laid claim to being the “validly” elected state chairman of APC in Akwa Ibom during the state congress of the party in May this year.

A son-in-law to a former governor of the state, Victor Attah, Mr Ekarika was groomed by Mr Attah to take over as governor in 2007 but was narrowly defeated at the PDP governorship primaries by Godswill Akpabio who was serving then as a commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs in the Attah administration.

At the rally, Mr Ekarika reportedly said “I’m coming back from a very useless party called APC, I am proud to become part of PDP again”.

When Premium Times contacted Mr Ekarika on Tuesday, he clarified that his use of the word “useless” applied only to the APC in Akwa Ibom, and not in the entire country.

“Yes, APC in Akwa Ibom state is a useless party because of the useless people who have come to join it,” he said, apparently referring to the recent defection of Mr Akpabio from the PDP to the APC.

On what has become of his ambition to lead the APC in the state, Mr Ekarika said: “My aspiration to lead the party was borne out of my desire to reposition the party for electoral success in 2019 and beyond.

“But the cabal who were the destroyers of PDP who came to APC because they believe in impunity and imposition came to say instead of doing the needful which was to conduct an election, they preferred to do an unconstitutional thing called consensus. There is nothing like consensus in the APC guideline.

“I was not happy about it, they should have allowed the will of the people to prevail.”

Mr Ekarika said Governor Emmanuel would have an easy ride to victory at the poll in 2019.

“Udom will not have any tough battle with anybody. What is on the ground is that Victor Attah did two terms, Godswill Akpabio also did two terms, so Udom Emmanuel would be allowed to do two terms too.

“Apart from that, Udom has done very well. Udom has done very well, I can say it loud. One of the things he has done which Akwa Ibom people appreciate it is that he has brought peace to this state,” he said.

He said the killings, kidnappings, and general insecurity that plagued the state when Mr Akpabio was governor of the state would eventually become a political burden for the APC during the 2019 election.

“Do you think Akwa Ibom people will give APC the opportunity to bring back that era to this state?” Mr Ekarika asked.

He added, “The cog in the wheel of Udom’s administration was Akapabio, and thank God, God has removed him.

“I am sure Udom will now see clearly, with focus, and move ahead.

“Godswill Akpabio is overrated by people at the national level, and not in Akwa Ibom.”

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I Don’t Belong to Wike’s Camp, Dakuku Peterside Declares

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Dakuku Peterside has publicly declared his political leaning in Rivers State, saying he does not belong to the camp of the former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Instead, Peterside, a former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), said he aligns with Wike’s predecessor and estranged former godfather Rotimi Amaechi.

“I am a friend to Rotimi Amaechi,” the former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship hopeful said on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Wednesday.

“I am not on the side of Nyesom Wike,” Peterside submitted, adding that he is also not politically aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

He, however, said he was ready to provide advice for the incumbent governor on how to move the state forward.

“When Nyesom Wike was governor, recall that I was doing open letters to him consistently, giving him my advice. I did that for some time. If Governor Fubara seeks my advice, of course, I am willing to give that, like many governors,” he said.

Rivers is one of the politically charged states in Nigeria, a situation which could be attributed to the chunk votes and fat purse of the oil-rich state.

Like a coat of many colours, fragmented political camps make up the diverse and intrigue-filled state dominated by pugilists in the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where the incumbent governor belongs.

Leaders of the camps include Wike, a PDP powerbroker and two-term governor of the state from May 2015 to May 2023. Another political gladiator in the state is Amaechi, a former APC presidential hopeful and ex-transport minister who previously governed the state from May 2007 to May 2015.

There are also those loyal to Fubara and former governor Peter Odili; while former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus; Magnus Abe; and Tonye Cole; amongst others, have their die-hard followers too. For over a decade, political crises have been Siamese to the State with followers of the various camps always at loggerheads.

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Leadership Overhaul: Tinubu Sacks UniAbuja, UNN VCs

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In what seems a sweeping overhaul aimed at strengthening governance and academic excellence, President Bola Tinubu has announced significant leadership changes at several federal universities across the country.

The changes, effective immediately, are part of a broader effort to revitalise Nigeria’s higher education sector.

The changes were conveyed through a statement on Thursday by presidential spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.

At the University of Abuja, now renamed Yakubu Gowon University, Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and sacked Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi from office as Vice Chancellor.

In her place, Professor Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term. However, Manko will not be eligible to apply for the permanent Vice Chancellor position once it becomes available.

Senator Lanre Tejuoso, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University.

Senator Tejuoso’s appointment follows the resignation of the entire governing council, marking a significant shift in leadership.

Senator Joy Emordi, previously Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, will now assume the same role at Alvan Ikoku University of Education.

Further leadership adjustments were made at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where Tinubu removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his position as acting Vice-Chancellor.

Chigbu was due to finish his term on February 14, 2025.

Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as acting Vice-Chancellor at UNN for a six-month period, with the understanding that he will not be eligible for the permanent position.

The shake-up at UNN extends to the Pro-Chancellor role, with General Ike Nwachukwu re-assigned to the University of Uyo.

Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo, previously Pro-Chancellor at both the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, has now been appointed Pro-Chancellor of UNN.

At the Federal University of Lokoja, Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, formerly Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, will take over from Ojo.

Senator Sani Stores, a council member at UNN, has been named Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Emordi.

In another notable appointment, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, a council member at UNN, has been named the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.

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Dangote, Fayemi, Others Pay Condolence Visit to Greg Uanseru

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President/GCEO Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Former Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, businessmen, Tayo Ayeni and Segun Fowora, have paid a condolence visit to oil magnate, Greg Uanseru, over the passing of his wife, Aniema

Alhaji Dangote noted that Mrs. Uanseru fondly called Ema, who died in London on January 17, 2025, was a jolly lady, who will be missed by her family and friends.

He urged the widower, Greg Uanseru, who is the President/GCEO of GCA Energy Limited, to take heart and be strong.

According to him “We are here to encourage you and your family”.

Also speaking, Dr. Fayemi prayed for God to bless her soul, and grant the family the fortitude to bear this immense loss.

All the visitors promised to stand by the family during the funeral ceremonies which would be held in Lagos.

The ceremonies would begin with a Service of Songs/Tribute Night on Thursday, February 27th, 2025 at The Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos from 5pm.

While the funeral service will hold from 10am on Friday, February 28, 2025 at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Rose of Sharon Parish, Adekunle Fajuyi Way, GRA Ikeja.

The prgramme also indicated that the interment would be a private affair for only members of the family.

56 year-old Mrs. Uanseru, a former Miss Akwa Ibom, was celebrated for her elegance, warmth, and unwavering support to her family and community.

Her philanthropic efforts earned her admiration and respect, cementing her reputation as a humble woman of substance and compassion.

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