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Ihedioha Vows to Implement LG Autonomy in Imo

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Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Imo State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Emeka Ihedioha, has promised to ensure that local governments in the state enjoy full autonomy, if elected Governor of the state.

Mr Ihedioha made this pledge at the weekend during a Town Hall meeting with stakeholders of Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, at Oguta Civic Center.

He also vowed at the event to ensure that the law establishing the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) is vigorously implemented.

The former lawmaker expressed concern over the perennial problem of electricity in the Oil-rich Local government, promising to fix it if voted into power.

Speaking on his Oguta-born deputy governorship candidate, Mr Gerald Irona, the former deputy speaker reiterated his confidence in him, describing him as his ideal Deputy Governor.

Mr Ihedioha, who described his visit to Oguta as akin to a home coming, promised to take advantage of the tourism and agricultural potentials of the area to develop it.

“I appreciate the deluge of problems you have identified. It is one of the reasons I nominated your brother- Irona as my Deputy. He is very conversant with all the issues. I have seen in Irona a young man that understands what loyalty, dedication and hard work is. That is the kind of man I want as Deputy Governor.

“We shall run the government jointly in harmony. Our government shall be built on justice, due process and rule of law. We shall ensure that Local Government funds are administered by the Local Governments.

“We shall implement the FOI Act. We shall send an Executive Bill to the state Assembly to ensure that Local Government Councils enjoy autonomy. We shall have a Peoples Parliament, made up of non-state actors to enhance accountability and equity in the distribution of the people’s wealth.

“I am aware that you are an oil producing community. We are aware that you have a large agricultural base. I am aware that you don’t have power supply for eight years now. It is unthinkable that you are an oil producing LGA and you don’t have electricity.

“We shall dialogue with the oil companies. We shall bring FG to complete the NIPP Plant in Egbema and other power projects in Imo. We shall solve the problem of electricity. We understand what needs to be done. We have the contacts. We have the capacity to do this. We shall build good quality roads. We shall ensure that the law establishing the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission-ISOPADEC is implemented.”

Speaking earlier, Mr Irona promised not to disappoint the people, describing Mr Ihedioha as an age-long friend of Oguta people, who used his position as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives to support the development of the area.

Reiterating the challenges facing Oguta Local Government Area, Mr Irona assured the people that when Mr Ihedioha takes over as Imo Governor their problems will receive serious attention.

He further used the occasion to thank Senator Francis Arthur Nzeribe for what he described as his inspirational leadership and prayed God to continue to be with him.

“I want to thank our leader, Senator Francis Arthur Nzeribe for all that he has done for us. I want to believe that one of the reasons Ihedioha chose me as his Deputy is his respect for our leader, Senator Arthur Nzeribe and the way and manner I have worked with our leader. The way I worked with our leader, I will transfer it in working with him. I promise not to disappoint you.

“Oguta and Ohaji/Egbema are the coastal LGAs in Imo; the two LGAs that qualified Imo to be in NDDC. I have engaged my principal- Hon. Ihedioha. He has given me an assurance that he will abide by the spirit and letters of the ISOPADEC law.”

Also speaking, Imo State Chairman of the PDP, Mr Charles Ezekwem, expressed the readiness of the PDP to take over power in the state, promising good governance.

He cautioned people of the area to resist the temptation of selling their votes, assuring them that the Local Government will have so much to benefit from a PDP administration in 2019.

Speaking earlier, a community leader in the area, Professor Ike Azogu outlined the problems of the people of the local government, urging them to address them when they assume office.

Highpoints of the visit were a rally at the Trinity High School, Oguta, attended by over fifteen thousand people, courtesy call on the Traditional Ruler of Oguta, His Royal Highness, Chinedu Nzeribe, Igwe of Oguta, speeches, presentation of flags of victory to: Orlu Senatorial candidate of the PDP, Hon. Jones Onyereri, Barr. Obed Acholonu, candidate for House of Representatives for Oguta/Ohaji/Egbema and Oru West Federal Constituency and Frank Ugboma, House of Assembly candidate for Oguta State Constituency.

The Town Hall event was attended by very important dignitaries, among whom are: former Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Professor Jude Njoku, former Minister, Viola Onwuliri, former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Dr. Douglas Acholonu, community leaders from all the communities in Oguta LGA, members of Civil Society, among others.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Pastor Ogbueli’s Abuja Night of Glory Holds Today

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Abuja Night of Glory

By Blaise Udunze

Momentum is gathering for the Abuja Night of Glory taking place today, Friday, December 5, 2025, at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

The crusade is being hosted by Dominion City Church headed by Pastor David Ogbueli and it starts by 7pm.

The all-night programme will feature dynamic worship leaders like Nathanial Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Theophilus Sunday, Chioma Jesus, Kaestrings, Sunmisola Agbebi Okeleye, Minister GUC, Ebuka Songs, Anthony Kani, and DC Angels.

Reputed as a teacher of righteousness and anointed minister of the gospel, evidenced by the miracles that have trailed his ministry, and one who champions the cause of the poor through empowerment initiatives, Dr. David Ogbueli will be joined by renowned ministers from within and outside Nigeria, including Evangelist Andres Bisonni, Dr. Charles Ndifon, Evangelist Dan Scott, Apostle Ikechukwu Nnajiofor, and several others.

Night of Glory has, in previous editions held across Nigeria’s cities, recorded remarkable results, such as immediate healings and freedom from chronic ailments, recovery of vision and movement after many years of paralysis, along with liberation from dependencies and emotional distress. Numerous participants have also shared testimonies of breakthroughs and big personal changes after the experience. Organisers state that this year’s event, in Abuja, is anticipated to exceed previous editions.

The event is intended for all individuals trusting God for divine intervention in any area of life.

Understanding the role of faith in the destiny of individuals and nations, a dedicated prayer session for Nigeria will take place during the crusade to tackle some of the current challenges being faced in the country and also to uplift he leaders and institutions before God.

Attendance is free, and registration is encouraged via the QR codes on event banners. Organisers expect a massive turnout as worshippers travel from across the country for what is anticipated to be a transformative encounter.

Adequate security and free transportation have been put in place ALL over the city of Abuja, while those outside Abuja are expected to join online.

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Rivers Speaker, 15 Other Lawmakers Leave PDP for APC

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rivers speaker Martin Amaewhule defect

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martin Amaewhule, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

At the plenary on Friday, Mr Amaewhule joined the ruling party from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with 15 other members of the state parliament.

This development comes some months after they had earlier declared their support for the APC in the wake of a crisis with the state governor, Mr Sim Fubura.

The lawmakers had an issue with Mr Fubura, which led to a state of emergency declared on the oil-rich state by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025.

This embargo was only lift in September 2025 after the duration of the six-month emergency rule in the state.

A few days ago, members of the Rivers Assembly passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu, backing him to remain in office till 2031, when he would have spent eight years in office if re-elected in 2027.

Announcing their defection today, the lawmakers pinned their decision on the crisis rocking the PDP at the national level.

It is not certain if their political godfather, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will join them in APC.

Mr Wike, who governed Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, has been accused of instigating the crisis in the opposition PDP. He was expelled from the party last month at a national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

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Nigeria Risks Brain Drain in Energy Sector—PENGASSAN

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energy sector

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has warned that Nigeria risks massive brain drain in the oil and gas sector due to poor remuneration.

The president of PENGASSAN, Mr Festus Osifo, said at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union on Thursday in Abuja that the industry was facing challenges arising from Naira devaluation and inflation, noting that, oil and gas skills remained globally competitive.

Painting an example, he said, “A drilling engineer in Nigeria does the same job as one in the US or Abu Dhabi,” noting that the union must take steps to bridge the wage gap to prevent members from leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.

“If we don’t act, the brain drain seen in other sectors will be child’s play,” he said.

According to him, PENGASSAN has recorded significant gains through collective bargaining across oil and gas branches.

“We signed numerous agreements across government agencies, IOCs, service and marketing sectors,” he said.

He said the agreements brought relief to members facing rising costs of living, adding that, the association’s duty is to protect members’ jobs and enhance their pay.

Mr Osifo urged companies delaying salary reviews and those foot-dragging as a result of the prevailing economic realities, to do the needful.

He said the industry employed some of the nation’s best talents, making competitive pay critical to retaining skilled workers.

“This industry recruits the best. Companies must provide the best conditions,” he said.

On insecurity, Mr Osifo urged government to take decisive action against terrorism and kidnappings across the country.

“We are tired of condemnations. government must expose sponsors and protect citizens,” he said.

He urged government at all levels to prioritise tackling insecurity through better funding and equipment for security agencies.

Mr Osifo said PENGASSAN supported calls for state police to improve local security response, adding that decentralising policing will protect citizens better than rhetoric.

He also said economic indicators meant little, if food prices remained high and farmers could not return to farms due to insecurity.

“Nigerians want to see food on the table, not macroeconomic figures,” he said, urging the government to coordinate fiscal and monetary policies to ensure economic gains reach households.

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