APC

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, who turned 65, has opted for a low-key birthday celebration, citing Nigerians’ current economic hardships.

During a live broadcast on Sparkling FM, the governor explained that he could not, in good conscience, celebrate with fanfare while citizens are struggling.

“There’s much suffering in the country due to hyperinflation,” Governor Otu remarked. “It would be insensitive to do so. That’s why it is a low-key event.”

Despite the modest celebration, Otu expressed his deep gratitude to the people of Cross River for their continued prayers and well wishes. He emphasised his commitment to alleviating the difficulties faced by his constituents and reassured them of his administration’s dedication to improving their lives.

“I have occupied many positions in this country, and in all, I have never disappointed,” he said. “So I vow that I shall not disappoint the people of Cross River State as their governor by the grace of God. There’ll be value addition.”

Looking to the future, Governor Otu announced plans to hold regular town hall meetings across the state’s three senatorial districts starting next year.

“This will enable the people to speak with me directly and ask no-holds-barred questions,” he said, adding that these engagements will strengthen his connection with the people.

Governor Otu’s decision to forego a grand celebration reflects his sensitivity to the country’s ongoing economic challenges.

A viral video circulating on social media has shown thousands of Nigerians struggling to receive loaves of bread distributed by chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State.

The incident took place during Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary on Tuesday, sparking widespread reactions about the country’s growing economic hardship.

In the video, citizens are seen standing in long queues, while Nigerian Army personnel direct them in batches to receive one loaf of bread each.

The distribution was carried out by individuals wearing customized T-shirts with images of President Bola Tinubu and other APC stakeholders.

The footage, which was shared on various platforms, including Instagram, shows the masses scrambling for the bread in a tightly secured environment.

A blogger, thetattleroomng, captioned the video, “Lagosians seen queuing up amidst strong security to receive bread in celebration of Nigeria Independence Day.”

The bread distribution has raised concerns about the severe economic conditions Nigerians are facing.

Many believe the struggle for basic commodities like bread reflects the deepening poverty in the country, exacerbated by high inflation and the removal of fuel subsidies, which have worsened living standards.

A comment from a netizen on Instagram, @official_donlatino, summed up the frustration: “No be rice again them done reduce una to Agege bread e never reach 2 years e come be like this. Them even carry Army dey share Agege bread.”

Another user, @bum_bad, expressed surprise at the scene, writing, “Is it that these people can’t afford bread? Or they are just not contented with what they have?”

Similar sentiments were shared on X (formerly Twitter), with users expressing their disbelief at the sight of people queuing for bread.

Another user, @bum_bad, expressed surprise at the scene, writing, “Is it that these people can’t afford bread? Or they are just not contented with what they have?”

Similar sentiments were shared on X (formerly Twitter), with users expressing their disbelief at the sight of people queuing for bread.

One user, @iDAN, commented, “I never thought the day would come when Yorubas would be lining up for a loaf of bread.”

Recall that massive protests were recently held in August and on October 1, as frustration mounts over the government’s inability to address issues like inflation, unemployment, and the high cost of living.

Less than two hours before the signing of the Peace Accord between contending political parties ahead of the September 21 governorship election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) said it was not disposed to signing the peace accord.

This position is barely 12 hours after Governor Godwin Obaseki while receiving the Chairman of the Presidential Peace Committee, former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar said his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may not sign the peace accord because the party have lost faith in the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Addressing a press conference at the party secretariat, Emperor Jarret Tenebe said the reasons for their declining to sign among others was that for over two months after a police inspector Onuh Akor who was the orderly to the candidate of the party, Sen Monday Okpebholo was shot and killed along Airport Road, nobody has been arrested and prosecuted, despite claims by the former Commissioner of Police, Funsho who “told Nigerians that the command had the names of those who murdered Inspector Onuh Akor at the Benin airport.”

He said instead of them being arrested, Governor Godwin Obaseki is allegedly keeping them in the government house.

Tenebe said, “This failure of the police has emboldened the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his Peoples Democratic Party to attack members of our political party at rally grounds and in their private business premises ceaselessly.”

He claimed that the governor has made inflammatory statements that have undermined his position as the Chief Security Officer of the State.

He chronicled the various attacks the APC campaign team have suffered in different communities Akoko-Edo, Etsako Central, Esan West local government area while mobilising supporters for the election.

“In the wake of this very worrisome and dangerous trend, Governor Obaseki kept mute and refused to condemn the attacks as the Chief Security Officer of the state. Instead, one Odion Olaye, the Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress in Edo State, while in the company of Obaseki, openly threatened the country that, “Nigeria will burn if INEC fails to declare the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo as the winner of the September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election.”

He mentioned several other chieftains of the PDP who he alleged have publicly boasted that they would do anything and go away with it and that the party’s petition to the police about these incidents with the names of suspects attached have not been treated.

He said “The summary of these episodes is the unwillingness of Obaseki to embrace peace and the refusal of the security agencies to guarantee a peaceful environment for the conduct of September 21st, 2024 scheduled election.”

As part of its demand to sign the peace accord, Tenebe said the police should be seen to taking steps to declare those fingered in the killing of the police allegedly being hidden in government wanted.

Cairo Ojougboh, a former member of the House of Representatives who represented Ika federal constituency of Delta State, has been confirmed dead.

Ojougboh reportedly slumped as soon as a penalty was awarded against Nigeria at the Wednesday African Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final.

According to a source, Ojougboh, a former executive director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) collapsed and died immediately South Africa scored the equalizer.

Details shortly…