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Benue state Governor, Ortom set to leave APC

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Governor Ortom Fires The Presidency

 

Moves by All Progressives Congress, APC, governors to reconcile Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State and President Muhammadu Buhari have derailed, putting the state under political uncertainty as the governor gets set to exit the ruling party. The governor’s imminent exit got further traction at the weekend when he dissolved the state cabinet and in the process sacked associates of his one-time political patron, Senator George Akume.

When the governor dissolved the cabinet, he, however, retained four commissioners, who were known not to be in any way linked to Akume, a former governor of the state who wields immense political influence in the state. Ortom’s possible exit from the APC has been mostly fuelled by internal feelings of revolt against the APC upon allegations that the federal administration also controlled by the same party had been indifferent in the face of herdsmen attacks on the people of the state. In a move to stop the apparent defection, Progressives Governors Forum, PGF, had about two months ago, set up a committee to repair the relations between the governor and the President.

The committee is headed by Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State and has the governors of Kaduna and Adamawa states as members. That move, it seemed, may have failed, following the governor’s shocking move at the weekend with the dissolution of the cabinet. Sources told Vanguard that the governor could be headed to his former party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, having apparently reached a truce with his predecessor, Mr. Gabriel Suswam. The truce, Vanguard gathered yesterday, was facilitated by the Tor Tiv, the pre-eminent traditional ruler in the state. Ortom’s continued presence in the APC, it was gathered, had become politically risky in the light of increasing misgivings by citizens of the state to the opposition by the federal administration to issues pertaining to the face-off between herdsmen and farmers in the state. PDP’s doors are open to everyone Governor Ortom’s spokesman, Tahav Agerzua, responding, said yesterday:  “Governor Ortom has not announced his movement to another party.

If he has to move, it will be made public.” Despite prospects of an imminent realignment, the PDP was yesterday claiming indifference to the move even as it affirmed that the governor was welcomed to the party. Publicity Secretary of Benue State chapter of the PDP, Mr. Bemgba Iortyom, said the party was not in talks with Governor Ortom. He also maintained that the party’s doors were open to welcome the governor if he wished to return back to his former family.

Speaking in a telephone interview yesterday in Makurdi, Iortyom said:  “Governor Ortom is not at the moment in talks with us.

Those talks about him coming to the PDP are rumours. “PDP’s doors are open to everyone who wants to join as far as he or she meets the condition precedent. It is not an all comers affairs; there are conditions that make one eligible to be a member of a political party.” “There are rules that govern every political party.   If you abide by or observe those rules, you cannot stop any Nigerian from joining the party. “Every Nigerian is free to aspire to be a member of the PDP. We cannot conclude that a particular person will not be welcomed in the PDP, that will be against the principles that established the party. “That will also be a violation of the person’s fundamental human rights as it relates to freedom of association and all that.” Senator Akume, who collaborated with Ortom to stop Mr. Suswam’s plot to handpick his successor, did not respond to Vanguard’s calls at press time yesterday.

Moves by All Progressives Congress, APC, governors to reconcile Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State and President Muhammadu Buhari have derailed, putting the state under political uncertainty as the governor gets set to exit the ruling party. The governor’s imminent exit got further traction at the weekend when he dissolved the state cabinet and in the process sacked associates of his one-time political patron, Senator George Akume. SAMUEL ORTOM When the governor dissolved the cabinet, he, however, retained four commissioners, who were known not to be in any way linked to Akume, a former governor of the state who wields immense political influence in the state. Ortom’s possible exit from the APC has been mostly fuelled by internal feelings of revolt against the APC upon allegations that the federal administration also controlled by the same party had been indifferent in the face of herdsmen attacks on the people of the state. In a move to stop the apparent defection, Progressives Governors Forum, PGF, had about two months ago, set up a committee to repair the relations between the governor and the President. The committee is headed by Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State and has the governors of Kaduna and Adamawa states as members. That move, it seemed, may have failed, following the governor’s shocking move at the weekend with the dissolution of the cabinet. Sources told Vanguard that the governor could be headed to his former party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, having apparently reached a truce with his predecessor, Mr. Gabriel Suswam. The truce, Vanguard gathered yesterday, was facilitated by the Tor Tiv, the pre-eminent traditional ruler in the state. Ortom’s continued presence in the APC, it was gathered, had become politically risky in the light of increasing misgivings by citizens of the state to the opposition by the federal administration to issues pertaining to the face-off between herdsmen and farmers in the state. PDP’s doors are open to everyone Governor Ortom’s spokesman, Tahav Agerzua, responding, said yesterday:  “Governor Ortom has not announced his movement to another party.

If he has to move, it will be made public.” Despite prospects of an imminent realignment, the PDP was yesterday claiming indifference to the move even as it affirmed that the governor was welcomed to the party. Publicity Secretary of Benue State chapter of the PDP, Mr. Bemgba Iortyom, said the party was not in talks with Governor Ortom. He also maintained that the party’s doors were open to welcome the governor if he wished to return back to his former family. Speaking in a telephone interview yesterday in Makurdi, Iortyom said:  “Governor Ortom is not at the moment in talks with us. Those talks about him coming to the PDP are rumours. “PDP’s doors are open to everyone who wants to join as far as he or she meets the condition precedent. It is not an all comers affairs; there are conditions that make one eligible to be a member of a political party.” “There are rules that govern every political party.   If you abide by or observe those rules, you cannot stop any Nigerian from joining the party. “Every Nigerian is free to aspire to be a member of the PDP. We cannot conclude that a particular person will not be welcomed in the PDP, that will be against the principles that established the party. “That will also be a violation of the person’s fundamental human rights as it relates to freedom of association and all that.” Senator Akume, who collaborated with Ortom to stop Mr. Suswam’s plot to handpick his successor, did not respond to Vanguard’s calls at press time yesterday.

Politics

Governor Dauda Lawal Approves Gratuity Payment

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Governor Dauda Lawal Approves Gratuity Payment

The Zamfara State Government, under the visionary leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal, has approved the release of funds for the payment of Gratuity Batch 3 for the 2024/25 period. This decisive action underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of retired civil servants who dedicated years of service to the state’s development.

The Accountant General of the State is already working diligently to ensure that all eligible retirees receive their payments promptly and efficiently, reflecting the government’s resolve to uphold transparency and accountability in the disbursement process.

This timely gratuity payment is a testament to Governor Dauda Lawal’s people-centered leadership, which recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of retirees to the progress and stability of Zamfara State. It also reaffirms the government’s pledge to honor its financial obligations without unnecessary delays.

The Zamfara State Government calls on all retirees in the affected batch to exercise patience as the necessary administrative and financial processes are finalized. Every effort is being made to ensure smooth and uninterrupted payments.

This initiative is part of Governor Dauda Lawal’s broader vision to empower citizens and retirees, strengthen confidence in public service, and sustain the morale of those who have committed their lives to the growth of Zamfara State.

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APC Group Endorses Fubara for 2027, Calls on Tinubu and APC to Prioritise Performance Over Politics in Backing Governor’s Second Term Ambition

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*APC Group Endorses Fubara for 2027, Calls on Tinubu and APC to Prioritise Performance Over Politics in Backing Governor’s Second Term Ambition*

 

The APC National Vanguard has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support a second term in office for Siminalayi Fubara, citing what it described as “impressive and verifiable developmental strides” across Rivers State.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its National President, Dr Gbenga Salam (JP), the group said its position followed an extensive assessment tour of key infrastructure and public service projects executed under the Fubara administration.

The APC National Vanguard said the appeal was based strictly on performance, arguing that governance outcomes should outweigh partisan considerations, particularly in a state as economically significant as Rivers.

“We respectfully urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress to support the continuity of Governor Siminalayi Fubara beyond his current tenure, in recognition of his commitment to development, prudent resource management, and people-focused governance,” the statement read.

According to the group, its delegation visited multiple project sites across the state, observing ongoing and completed works spanning road construction, urban renewal, and public infrastructure upgrades.

It noted that the scale and distribution of these projects reflect a deliberate effort by the state government to extend development beyond traditional urban centres and into underserved communities.

“Our findings from the tour reveal a government that is not only active but intentional in its development agenda. The execution of capital projects across various parts of Rivers State demonstrates a clear understanding of the needs of the people and a commitment to addressing them,” Dr Salam said.

The group particularly commended what it described as prudent financial management by the administration, noting that the projects reviewed showed evidence of careful planning and efficient allocation of resources.

“At a time when economic pressures are evident across the country, it is commendable that the Rivers State government has managed its resources in a way that delivers visible and impactful development without signs of fiscal recklessness,” the statement added.

The APC National Vanguard further observed that despite political tensions in the state, the Fubara administration has maintained focus on governance, ensuring continuity in project execution and service delivery.

The group argued that such stability is critical for sustained development and should be encouraged rather than disrupted.

“Leadership must ultimately be judged by results. In Rivers State, there is clear evidence of progress—projects that are not only announced but executed, and policies that translate into real benefits for citizens,” Dr Salam noted.

The group warned that discontinuity in leadership could stall ongoing projects and reverse gains already recorded, stressing the importance of allowing a performing administration to consolidate its achievements.

“Rivers State is at a pivotal stage where continuity will allow for the completion of ongoing initiatives and the deepening of development gains. Supporting Governor Fubara for a second term is, therefore, a decision in the best interest of the people,” the statement said.

In addition to its call on the APC leadership, the group reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu, expressing confidence in his administration’s broader economic and governance reforms.

The APC group urged Nigerians to remain supportive of efforts aimed at stabilising the economy and strengthening public institutions.

“We reiterate our endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, in recognition of his leadership and commitment to national development. With sustained support, the administration can consolidate its reform agenda for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Dr Salam added.

The APC National Vanguard concluded by calling on political actors to prioritise development and public interest over partisan divides, insisting that governance should always be guided by performance and accountability.

“Where leadership demonstrates prudence, delivers development, and remains focused on the welfare of the people, it deserves continuity. This is the position we have reached after a careful and independent assessment of Rivers State,” the statement added.

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Renewed Hope Ambassadors Shift to Grassroots Mobilisation Ahead of 2027

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Renewed Hope Ambassadors Shift to Grassroots Mobilisation Ahead of 2027

*Renewed Hope Ambassadors Step Into the Next Phase

 

Fresh from the successful APC 2026 National Convention, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors National, Zonal, and State leadership gathered in Abuja over the weekend, for its fourth strategic meeting, setting the tone for nationwide grassroots activation ahead of 2027.

Chaired by Governor Hope Uzodinma (Imo State) the Director General and National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, alongside Deputy Director-General, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, and Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State as Secretary, the session reinforced one clear direction: One Party. One Message. One Mobilization whilst also laying out a strategic roadmap for the activation of the network across all communities in Nigeria.

Backed by the strength of 31 APC-led states, the Renewed Hope Agenda is taking Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of progress and reform to every corner of Nigeria.

From bold economic restructuring to initiatives like NELFUND, the increase in the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, and strategic investments in critical sectors, including PNiCGI, the mission remains clear: helping Nigerians understand both the purpose and the progress of the Renewed Hope vision.

This is coordination at scale. This is grassroots engagement with purpose. This is the next phase of Renewed Hope with One Party, One Message, and One Mobilisation framework

#RenewedHopeAmbassadors #APC #WeAreAPC

 

Renewed Hope Ambassadors Shift to Grassroots Mobilisation Ahead of 2027

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