General
APC will end PDP’s Reign in Delta 2019—Uduaghan
By Dipo Olowookere
Former Governor of Delta State, Mr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has boasted that his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) would put to an end the era of the party’s “barrenness” in winning elective positions and also terminate the reign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
Mr Uduaghan, a Delta South Senatorial hopeful, while speaking in Koko, the administrative headquarters of Warri North to consult party leaders and members from Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North ahead of the APC senatorial primaries billed for next week, however urged party members to unite to enable the APC kick out the PDP-led government in the state.
“The APC that I have joined is the one that will win election in 2019. But first, for us to win election, we must be united and that is one of my major assignments upon moving to the progressives’ fold,” he said.
The former governor, whose defection to the APC has risen the party chances of defeating Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in the 2019 general elections, added that the crisis rocking the party was almost resolved.
Mr Uduaghan, while stressing on the need for the zone to send their best hands to the National Assembly in 2019 further emphasized that his role as ‘John the Baptist’ include weeding his home LGA, (Warri North) of external influence causing friction in the party.
“I find it embarrassing that someone from another senatorial District would be sponsoring a faction in my LGA. That has stopped today. There is only one APC and so it would be across the state. I can’t be a John the Baptist if I can’t organise my house,” the medical doctor turned politician said.
He alluded that he was one of the major factors APC in the three Warri LGAs and the state at large had not been able to win as low as a councillorship position in previous elections.
Mr Uduaghan, who however promised to turn the tide around in APC’s favour in 2019, added that, “I have come with the winning streak. We shall defeat PDP in 2019 in Delta State.
“When I was on the other side, I clipped the wings of the APC. But today, I am here to reposition APC to takeover power from the failing PDP come 2019.”
While pleading with delegates to vote for him in the coming Senatorial Primary, he promised to make good their mandate when he gets to the Red Chamber through their support.
According to him, “This is the time to send someone who has capacity and influence in governance to represent our blessed district.”
“I will focus on laws that will involve our communities in the security architecture of our region, legalization of local refineries otherwise referred to as illegal refineries, five percentage community ownership in companies and environmental laws that will protect our environment from pollution arising from the destruction of “Cotonou boats” carrying confiscated crude. Give me your support and I will not let you down,” Mr Uduaghan concluded.
Meanwhile, the former governor has chided the government of the PDP in Delta State for incapacitating the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC).
He, therefore, vowed to restore the intervention agency if the All Progressives Congress (APC) is given a chance to take over the affairs of the state come 2019.
Mr Uduaghan made the declarations when he met with Ijaw APC leaders and delegates at the home of Chief George Timinimi in Effurun.
According to him, “There are a lot of infrastructures we have done through DESOPADEC. I wonder how many people still have contracts in DESOPADEC today.”
“I heard it is even difficult to pay salaries. DESOPADEC was active when I was in office as a governor.
“We were funding it and were doing jobs in our various areas that we were all enjoying.
“It is only an APC government that can bring DESOPADEC back so that it can be properly funded the way I was funding it.
“We have the Ayakoromo bridge that we started, but work is no more ongoing there.
“Once we come in, APC will ensure that the bridge is completed for our people through NDCC.
“We must ensure that APC wins all elections in 2019,” he assured.
Mr Uduaghan, who stressed the need for the Ijaw, Itsekiri and other tribes in the Niger Delta to live in harmony, vowed to ensure the Federal Government completes the abandoned Ayakoromo Bridge in Burutu Local Government Area of the state.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A youth-focused leadership development advocacy group known as the Not Too Young To Perform (NTYTP) has called for a renewed focus on youth-driven leadership and national transformation in Nigeria.
In a statement to greet Christians around the world for Easter, the organisation emphasised the urgent necessity of bringing more young people into leadership positions, noting that resetting the nation’s trajectory requires fresh energy, innovative ideas, and a break from the mistakes of the past.
In the message signed by its National Secretary, Mr Muhammed Bello, NTYTP described the 2025 Easter celebration as a period for deep reflection on the life, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus Christ — a story that embodies patience, perseverance, sacrifice, and ultimate victory.
It said the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ stand as timeless examples of strength, determination, and divine restoration, offering crucial lessons for a nation like Nigeria, which is currently in need of significant economic, social, and institutional reforms.
“We use this yuletide period to appeal to all State actors to prioritize the progress of this country above politics, region, ethnicity, and religion.
“Our actions today will determine whether future generations inherit a country they can be proud of,” the group stated.
NTYTP also expressed hope that the spiritual significance of Easter would inspire Nigerians to work collectively towards building a nation where unity, justice, and prosperity reign.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Melrose General Services Limited has initiated contempt proceedings against the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mr Yemi Cardoso and Legal Services Director, Mr Salam-Alada Kofo, for allegedly failing to comply with a Supreme Court judgement delivered in 2024 reversing the forfeiture of N1.222 billion and N220 million linked to the Paris Club refund.
The case filed as FHC/ABJ/CS/532/2025 before Justice Inyang Ekwo at the Federal High Court in Abuja was led by Melrose’s counsel, Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu.
The Supreme Court had overturned an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) forfeiture order, ruling that funds which include N1.222 billion in Melrose’s Access Bank account and N220 million paid to Wasp Networks and Thebe Wellness, were not proven fraudulent.
It ordered their release, stating: “The appellant’s application (Melrose General Services Limited) to set aside the order of interim forfeiture of the sum of N1,222,384,857.84 in the appellant’s account with Access Bank Plc and N220,000,000.00 in the accounts of the 2nd and 3rd respondents (Wasp Networks and Thebe Wellness) is hereby granted.”
Melrose alleged that while the CBN refunded N1.222 billion, the N220 million remains unpaid. On March 27, Justice Ekwo permitted contempt notices (Forms 48 and 49) to be served, with a seven-day response deadline.
By April 10, all parties except the Ministry of Finance had responded, per Melrose’s counsel, Mr Segun Fiki.
The CBN, represented by Mr Abdulfatai Oyedele, argued the Supreme Court directed the N220 million to Wasp Networks (N200 million requested) and Thebe Wellness (N20 million unclaimed), not Melrose.
The EFCC, through Mr M.A. Babatunde, sought exclusion via a misjoinder motion.
The hearing is set for June 4.
By Dipo Olowookere
Entrepreneurs living in Ogun State have been given an opportunity to get about €30,000 in funding support their businesses for expansion.
The beneficiaries would be expected to come up with innovative solutions to challenges in the circular economy.
They will undergo a six-month training programme designed to prepare them for the tasks ahead.
Apart from the monetary benefits, the intending participants, who must be between the ages of 18 and 35, will receive enterprise development training and capacity building, have access to local and international markets, enjoy mentorship from industry experts and peer networks, and get personalized coaching and business support.
Business Post reports that this platform was provided by the Orange Corners Nigeria (OCN) Incubation Programme.
The initiative has already called for applications for the 13th cohort, with the deadline fixed for Sunday, May 18, 2025.
Applicants must operate in the circular economy, agriculture, health, renewable energy, or technology sectors to qualify for the scheme exclusively for Ogun residents.
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