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APC Suspends Petroleum Minister, Heineken Lokpobiri, David Lyon, Others

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The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor LGAs of Bayelsa state has suspended the current Minister of State, Petroleum resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, the 2019 governorship candidate of the party, Chief David Lyon, and other party members for alleged anti-party activities.

The party leaderships of the two LGAs who read out the suspensions seperately on Friday said the decision came having considered the report of the disciplinary committee that was set up in accordance with Article 21.3 (i) of the party’s constitution, 2022, as amended.

Those suspended from the party in Southern Ijaw LGA alongside Chief David Lyon include Mr. Jothan Amos (Former State Chairman of the APC, Bayelsa State), Hon. Godbless Diriwari (Ex-Officio member, National Executive of the party), Hon. Omiebi Fuoebi (Party stakeholder), Sabi Morgan (LGA APC Youth Leader) and Barr. Peres Biewari (Current Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Bayelsa State).

Others are Mr. Timiondi Fabofieghe (APC Chairman, Ward 3, Southern Ijaw LGA), all the ward 3 Executive members of the party, Mr. Claudius Odobu (APC Chairman, ward 4, Southern Ijaw LGA) and all ward 4 Executive members of the party.

In Ekeremor LGA, those suspended along the Minister for State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, include the current Commissioner for Power, Bayelsa State, Engr. Karin Kumoko and other loyalists to the Petroleum Minister.

Reading out the notice of suspension, the chairman of the APC, Southern Ijaw LGA, Mr. Ebikazi Gbefa, noted that the suspended stakeholders has played anti-party activities since 2020 till date.

“Recall that the said stakeholders and members of the party have been involved in anti-party activities since the Senatorial bye-election in 2020 when they conspired with the People’s Democratic Party candidate and worked against our party’s candidate then, Mr. Ebifemowei Abel. For the sake of a united party, their actions were overlooked and the party refrained from taking disciplinary actions against them.

“In the 2023 National Assembly elections, the same set of stakeholders and their supporters openly worked against our National Assembly candidates.

“In the 2023 gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State, all the aforementioned members openly worked for Gov. Douye Diri of the People’s Democratic Party and some of them were compensated with contracts and appointments. For example, Barr. Perepuighe Biewari who was Chief David Lyon’s Personal Assistant, was nominated by Chief David Lyon and appointed as the current Commissioner for Lands and Survey in the Gov. Douye Diri administration in Bayelsa State.

“As we strive to rebuild the party ahead of 2027, it is our resolve to strengthen the party and build confidence in party grassroots members who believe in and have sacrificed remarkably to the party in the state. It is a common saying that ‘it is better to go to war with fewer loyal and committed soldiers than a numerous and uncommitted number of soldiers.’ It is on this premise that we, the under-signed executives of the Southern Ijaw APC hereby suspend them indefinitely from the party.

“Cases of other members who were involved in anti-party activities are being investigated and consequential actions shall be taken against them in due course,” the suspension notice read.

For the Ekeremor LGA, the Party Chairman, Senator Mitin Eniekenimi, while reading the suspension notice said “the Minister for State Petroleum Resources, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri and his followers have been involved in anti-party activities since the 2019 gubernatorial election when he sought to be the standard bearer of the party’s flag but the party members did not support his ambition, hence he lost out and started working against the party, using his supporters to institute cases in court against the party and also establishing a factional State Secretariat of the party at the Isaac Boro Expressway, Biogbolo, Yenagoa.

The suspension notice further read in part;

“In the 2023 gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State, he led a group of disgruntled party members to openly support and work for Gov. Douye Diri of the People’s Democratic Party and was compensated by the PDP-led government of Bayelsa State. His personal Aide, Engr. Kharin Kumoko, was nominated by the Minister for State, Petroleum Resources, (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri and appointed as the current Commissioner for Power in Bayelsa State.

“It is on record that from the day he was appointed as Minister, he has been fighting the party in Bayelsa state and has refused to make peace despite all entreaties. It is on this note that we, the under-signed executives of the Ekeremor local government area APC hereby suspend Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri and Engr. Kharin Kumoko indefinitely from the party.

“The Executive of the party in Ekeremor local government is still reviewing other cases of anti-party activities done by other party faithful and appropriate actions would be taken against anyone found guilty in the coming days.”

The both Ekeremor and Southern ljaw LGA executives conclusively noted that the suspensions of the above stakeholders are transmitted to the State Executive Committee of the APC for ratification.

The Southern Ijaw LGA executives who signed the suspension notice include; Ebikazi Gbefa,LGA APC Chairman, October Woyinkeditonmene, LGA APC Deputy Chairman, Amakiri Ayebanoah, LGA APC Secretary, Mr. Living Jackson,LGA Ass. Secretary, Christian Dise,LGA Treasurer, Abraham Fulman,LGA Financial Secretary, David Sese, LGA Organizing Secretary, Dorua Oyeintunumubofa, LGA Ass. Organizing Secretary, Dauzi Agbe Oyinmiebi, LGA Publicity Secretary and Ayibatonye Izeikumo, LGA Ass. Publicity Secretary.

Others are Eric Ebiumono, LGA Welfare Secretary, Oyinki Whitex, LGA Auditor, Princewill Matthew, LGA Ass. Auditor, Joy Steven Asimena, LGA Woman Leader, Josephine Simeon Tondeghe, LGA Ass. Woman Leader, Ossy Isaiah Ekpete, LGA Ass. Youth Leader, Sophy Timidiseghe,

LGA (Special PWD Leader), Tonweriyai Waripamo, LGA Ex-Officio I, Douye Akienkpo, LGA Ex-Officio II, Silas Koko, LGA Ex-Officio IIl and Delta Waminiye Dede,LGA Ex-Officio IV.

In Ekeremor LGA, the suspension notice was signed by Mitin Eniekenimi Senator, LGA APC Chairman and Loki Ebikeniye Misoro, LGA APC Secretary.

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The 2026 Nigerian Bank Recapitalization: Where Does Your Bank Stand?

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Leading Fintech Expert, Jesam Micheal Applauds Tinubu For Lifting Ban On Cryptocurrency, Charges Nigerians To Embrace AAS Token
The countdown to March 31, 2026, has officially entered its final stretch. While you might have seen headlines claiming only 19 banks have met the mark, the reality on the ground is much more dynamic. In fact, as of January 2026, we have seen a surge of compliance, with approximately 22 out of 34 banks now having their licenses “secured” under the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) new rules.
If you are wondering where your money is or if your bank is safe, here is the fact-driven breakdown of the current banking landscape, correcting common misconceptions along the way.
Recapitalised banks
The CBN set a high bar of ₦500 billion for international banks and ₦200 billion for National banks. Crucially, this must be “paid-up capital”, banks cannot count their saved profits (retained earnings) toward this goal.
These banks are recapitalised:
Access Bank, Zenith Bank, GTBank, UBA, First Bank and Fidelity: These banks have crossed the N500 billion finish line and have secured their international licence.
FCMB, Wema, Standard Chartered, Citibank: These banks have officially secured their national license, with FCMB in the final sprint to hit the ₦500 billion to secure its international banking licence.
Other secured banks: Stanbic IBTC, Sterling Bank, Providus Bank, Globus Bank, and Premium Trust Bank have all officially cleared the requirement.
Mergers and downgrades
The story of the 2026 recapitalization also featured mergers, acquisitions, and downgrades:
Unity Bank and Providus Bank are in the final stages of a merger that will create a top 10 Nigerian lender. Similarly, Titan Trust has completed its integration with Union Bank to solidify its capital base.
Nova Bank chose a Regional License (₦50 billion) to focus specifically on being a high-end niche player, a healthy business move.
Non-Interest banking: Islamic banks like Jaiz, Taj, and Lotus have all met their ₦20 billion requirement, proving that niche banking is stronger than ever.
For the few banks still in the “red zone,” the next 80 days will involve final-hour mergers or private equity injections. For you, the customer, this means a banking sector that is tougher, more transparent, and better funded than ever before.
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How Primate Ayodele Foretold Collapse Of School Building In Ikorodu, Lagos

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W’ Cup Qualifiers: How Super Eagles Coach Ruined Nigeria’s Chances by Ignoring Primate Ayodele’s Warnings* By Adedayo Olumide

Residents of the Odo-Kekere Community in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, on Thursday evening, were thrown into panic following the sudden partial collapse of a structure in a local public school in the area.

According to a source, a section of the school building gave way late Thursday with a thunderous sound that drew neighbours to the scene.

First responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, and the Lagos State Building Control Agency LASBCA, raced to the scene promptly and cordoned off the area for safety purposes.

This development has no doubt fulfilled the prophecy of Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele, which he shared in his annual prophecy book titled Warnings To The Nations (2025/2026) edition.

On page 108 of the prophecy book, Primate Ayodele warned against collapse of any school building in Nigeria.

“Schools in Nigeria: Let us pray so that no school will be attacked in Nigeria and that a school building will not collapse.”

Also, in his 2026 prophecies, he asked Nigerians to commit Lagos schools into God’s hands.

“Let us commit schools in Lagos to God’s hands against all attack” (Page 5).

Furthermore, in a video shared on his social media page, Primate Ayodele specifically mentioned that Nigerians should pray not to see a building collapse in Lagos.

“Let us pray not to see a school building collapse in Lagos state, Oyo, Abuja, Ogun state. Let the government go around schools and quickly demolish deplorable school buildings.”

All these have fulfilled the prophecy of Primate Ayodele.

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Hon. Toyin Amuzu: A Legacy of Service, Unity, and Perseverance

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By Adebayo Osonuga, Manchester

In the ever-evolving landscape of politics, where commitment is often tested and leadership scrutinized, few names resonate with consistency, dedication, and perseverance quite like Hon. Toyin Amuzu. Over the years, he has emerged as a dependable public servant whose political journey is firmly rooted in service to the people and an unwavering belief in collective progress.

From the onset, Hon. Amuzu’s foray into politics appeared almost inevitable to those who knew him well. Guided by a deep passion for public service, he embraced leadership not as a position of privilege, but as a responsibility to uplift others. His political career has been defined by a rare ability to connect genuinely with people across social, cultural, and economic divides—listening attentively to their concerns and working diligently to address them.

A defining strength of Hon. Amuzu’s leadership is his adaptability. In a political climate often marked by division and rivalry, he has consistently chosen the path of dialogue, bridge-building, and unity. His inclusive approach has enabled him to foster cooperation among diverse groups, earning him admiration beyond party lines. For many in his constituency, his open-door policy is not a slogan but a lived reality—one that reflects empathy, accessibility, and action.

Despite the inevitable challenges that accompany public office, Hon. Amuzu has remained steadfast in his vision of a better and more equitable society. He is a strong advocate for hard work, resilience, and personal responsibility, values he exemplifies in both his public and private life. Through his words and actions, he has inspired many—particularly young people—to believe in the power of determination and purposeful leadership.

His impact is perhaps most evident in the tangible development initiatives he has championed within his community. From advocating policies aimed at social progress to supporting initiatives that improve everyday living, Hon. Amuzu has played a notable role in driving growth and positive change. These efforts have not gone unnoticed, cementing his reputation as a leader who delivers and a representative who truly understands the needs of his people.

As a role model for emerging leaders, Hon. Toyin Amuzu stands as a reminder that politics, when guided by integrity and compassion, can be a powerful tool for transformation. His selflessness, humility, and commitment to service continue to inspire confidence and hope among those he represents.

In sum, Hon. Toyin Amuzu embodies the true essence of public service. His legacy is one of unity, perseverance, and people-centered leadership—a legacy that will undoubtedly endure for generations. As he continues his journey toward a brighter future for all, his name remains firmly etched among those who lead not just with authority, but with heart.

TA… We Rise Together.

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