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Former Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu, Dies At 74

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  A former captain and head coach of the Super Eagles, Christian Chukwu, is dead. PUNCH Online gathered that the former Enugu Rangers coach died at the age of 74 in the early hours of Saturday in his home state of Enugu. However, the exact circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear as of the time of filing this report. His longtime teammate and friend, Dr. Olusegun Odegbami, confirmed the development in a post via his official X handle on Saturday. Odegbami, who won the 1980 Africa Nation Cup with Chukwu, wrote, “My Chairman has passed on. This morning, ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, MFR, my bosom friend and teammate, one of the greatest football players in Nigeria’s football history, former captain and coach of Nigeria’s national football team, has passed on.” Chukwu, born January 4, 1951, captained the Nigerian national team, then known as the Green Eagles, between 1974 and 1980. Chukwu captained the national team to its first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980 and finished as a runner-up in 1976 and 1978. The Enugu-born legend also led the Enugu Rangers FC team that won the Africa Cup Winners Cup in 1977. Chukwu also served as assistant coach of the first team to win a FIFA World Cup trophy for Nigeria – the Golden Eaglets that triumphed at the FIFA U16 World Cup in China in 1985. He was also the assistant coach of the team tagged the Golden Generation, the 1994 class of Super Eagles that qualified Nigeria for its first FIFA World Cup finals. In October 1998, he was appointed coach of the Kenya national team, and from 2003 to 2005, he coached Nigeria, leading them to reach the semifinals at the 2004 African Cup of Nations. Chukwu captained the national team to its first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980 and later led the Super Eagles to a bronze medal at the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia. He was, however, sacked in June 2005 during the qualification campaign for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Chukwu was appointed Ranger’s General Manager and Chief Executive Officer by the immediate past Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. He was a recipient of the national honour, Member of the Federal Republic. In 2019, Chukwu suffered prostate cancer, which affected his leg, which led the family to open a GoFundMe appeal to solicit funds for the Nigeria football legend’s medical treatment. Businessman Femi Otedola eventually paid $50,000 for Chukwu’s treatment in the United Kingdom. The $50,000 cheque was presented to Chukwu in Enugu by the Chief Operating Officer of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, Philip Akinola. Also present were ex-governor Ugwuanyi, the former Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, and a renowned sports journalist, Onochie Anibeze. Chukwu, with support from the Enugu State Government, had already undergone initial surgery in Nigeria and had recuperated.  

Oborevwori Swears In New HoS

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  The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday, swore in Mrs Minnie Oseji as the new state Head of Service. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Oseji’s appointment followed the retirement of Mr Reginald Bayoko. The governor also inaugurated Mr Austin Igbine as Chairman, Board of Delta Printing and Publishing Company, Publishers of The Pointer Newspaper. The two ceremonies took place at the Government House, Asaba. In a speech, Oborevwori assured the people of his administration’s commitment to a sustainably safe and secure state. He said that security agencies in the state were making progress in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes through pre-emptive strikes and other combat operations. He acknowledged that the challenges were enormous but surmountable, adding that security agencies had been “up-and-doing to ensure our security and safety. The governor said, “As the Chief Security Officer of the state, I am aware of the several successes the security agencies have recorded – and keep making – in the fight against kidnapping and other forms of violent crimes through pre-emptive strikes and other combat operations. “Obviously, it would be counter-productive to avail the public of the measures the security agencies have put in place to reduce these violent crimes to the barest minimum. “But, please, be assured that they are unrelenting, and, as a government, we have continued to strengthen our partnership by providing them with the necessary tools and resources they need to be effective in their operations. “Finally, I urge all of us to play our part for enhanced peace and security in the state. “It is axiomatic that security is a shared responsibility.” He urged residents to cooperate and support the security agencies by promptly reporting any suspicious activities or persons to the relevant authorities. “Our law enforcement personnel are not clairvoyants, their success is largely dependent on the information they receive from the public. “So, if you see or hear something, please, say something. “Together, we can make our dream of a safe and secure Delta a reality,” he said. The governor congratulated the new HoS and lauded her predecessor “for his outstanding contributions to the state’s public service”. He described Oseji as “a quintessential civil servant, polite, dedicated, brilliant, and thorough”. According to him, she brings to her new office decades of exceptional stewardship, exemplary leadership, and undiluted passion for excellence. “Her strong work ethic, sincerity of purpose, and professionalism are, indeed, worthy of emulation, and my warm congratulations to her on her meritorious appointment,” he said. Oborevwori further charged Oseji to continue to reorient the workers to tackle the perennial problems of absenteeism, lateness, unethical conduct, sharp practices, and poor maintenance culture. He added, “This administration is determined to leave the legacy of an efficient, disciplined, and performance-driven civil service. “I am proud of the progress we have made so far. But some challenges remain. “Hence, it is important for civil servants to keep abreast with the policy direction of the government. “It is also incumbent on them to offer honest, impartial, and practical advice and provide all the relevant information that is required for the successful execution of the government’s programmes and projects. “The rank-and-file of the civil service are filled with qualified, intelligent people, but, unfortunately, the problems of attitude and orientation remain a constant challenge. “As government workers, public interest must always be above personal interest. “Also, building synergy and teamwork is critical to avoiding the ‘us and them’ mentality. “Remember, teamwork is what makes the team work.” The governor also congratulated Igbine on his appointment and urged him to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor. “It is my expectation that The Pointer will attain new heights in editorial quality, production excellence, improved advertising and marketing, bigger circulation, as well as enhanced digital operations under his leadership and direction,” he said. Responding, Oseji thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve and for entrusting her with the huge responsibility of ensuring integrity, professionalism and service excellence in the state’s civil service. She pledged to ensure the reorientation of the civil service on financial regulations and to key into the M.O.R.E. Agenda of the governor. She gave an assurance that no one would be left behind in the civil service under her watch. NAN

Assembly Intervenes In Ondo Poly Workers’ Salary Dispute

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  The Ondo State House of Assembly on Thursday intervened in the crisis rocking the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, over unpaid salaries of the workers. Members of staff of RUGIPO on Tuesday protested against non-payment of six months’ salaries. The workers also accused the state government of failing to implement the national minimum wage. The workers are under the umbrella of the Non-Academic Staff Union and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics. Speaking at the plenary, the Speaker of the Assembly, Chief Olamide Oladiji, said the House had no option but to constitute an ad-hoc committee to investigate the protest. Oladiji said the committee had two weeks to thoroughly investigate and report its findings to the House. The Speaker, however, expressed concern over crises, adding that the polytechnic appeared to be the only state-owned institution frequently afflicted by salary crises, despite similar funding structures across institutions. The House, therefore, appointed Mr Steven Abitogun (Akure South 2/APC) as chairman of the committee with a mandate to find lasting solutions to the dispute. Meanwhile, the speaker announced a four-week recess from April 11 to May 15 to allow lawmakers to attend to pressing issues within their respective constituencies and observe the Easter celebration. Oladiji also thanked the members for their continuous support and cooperation since the beginning of the 10th Assembly. “ You may recall that the House had to cut short its earlier recess in December to attend to the screening and confirmation of commissioner-nominees sent by the state governor. “I sincerely thank you all for prioritising your constitutional responsibilities, especially in representing the interests of your constituents,” he said. NAN

Osun APC, PDP Bicker Over Joint Tinubu-Adeleke Campaign Billboard

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  The Osun State chapters of the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party on Thursday bickered over a campaign billboard seeking support for President Bola Tinubu and the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, erected in Iwo. Osun APC, in reaction to the development, condemned the billboard, describing it as a fraud, the pairing of the picture of President Tinubu with that of Governor Adeleke on a billboard. The billboard bearing the inscription ‘Continuity of Progress’ sponsored by a political body called ‘Osun Leaders of Thought’ was observed in Iwo on Wednesday. The party, in a statement by its spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, said the billboard was an absurdity, noting that there could not be any acceptable reason for the sponsorship of the billboard “other than a flagrant display of irreverent attitude orchestrated by political Jews with a mission to compare the sky with the ground.” But while reacting, spokesperson for the state governor, Olawale Rasheed, said APC was confused about the support Adeleke was getting across party lines and across local and national audiences. Olawale said members of the public at home and abroad were impressed by the huge delivery of the administration across sectors, noting that the appraisal of performance was coming from federal and non-governmental bodies. “The shock of national and local endorsements creates an identity crisis for Osun APC as it has lost credibility from the Presidency to key national caucuses. The opposition is therefore running amok, ranting over billboards from non-governmental groups, displaying ignorance over the investment drive and wandering over the reality of its unelectability,” Olawale said. Osun APC, however, insisted that the masterminds of the controversial billboard had succeeded in exposing their lack of tact and diplomacy in the art of the use of strategy to achieve their targeted political goal through the misuse of propaganda. The statement read, “We want to tell the whole world that we are vehemently condemning and dissociating our party from the nose and eye sore which exemplified political heresy in the heartland of the core progressive politics in the affected part of the state. “If the rumour milling the round that it was one of those who are currently eating the crumbs from the table of Governor Adeleke by the way of the clinching of a political office who hails from the ancient town of Iwo is the one behind the erection of the controversial billboard is anything to go by, it means that the lingering socio-political challenges of the 34-year-old Osun State appear irredeemable. “How can someone or a group of people without any sense of direction just wake up from the wrong side of their bed and pair a political Lilliputian like Governor Adeleke with the political oracle and giant who has seen it all in all the spheres of politics and politicking? “We want to make it abundantly clear to our esteemed members and numerous supporters that the feigned billboard is a counterfeit whose origin did not emanate from us and therefore, should be discountenanced.” Emphasising that the recent attacks and vituperations by the Osun APC against Adeleke were confirmation of the opposition’s identity crisis, Olawale said the opposition party was faced with weakness within the Presidency and frustrations about increasing breakthroughs of the current administration in the state. “The Osun APC is busy complaining about a successful meeting with the UK Prime Minister’s trade envoy, a meeting with concrete outcomes that the trade envoy hailed as a major breakthrough. The APC is shocked that such a productive investment meeting happened right inside the House of Commons. “The opposition is by now scrambling on what to say to another breakthrough recorded by Mr Governor – the deal on cultural tourism partnership at the British Museum and the linkage between the UK and Osun business through the Nigeria-UK Chamber of Commerce. The public awaits the lies and misinformation from the Osun APC. “The imminent re-election of Governor Adeleke will be the outcome of unwavering people’s support, evidence-based performance in office, eternal vigilance of people to protect their votes and the divine grace of God. A Governor who has done so much for his people and who enjoys so much goodwill among national leaders is unbothered by the rantings of an unelectable opposition,” Olawale said. Punch

Alleged Assassination Plot: Akpabio Petitions IG, Demands Natasha’s Prosecution

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  Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, seeking an investigation into an alleged assassination plot made against him by suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. PUNCH Online reports that the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs petitioned the police boss in a letter dated April 3, 2025. In the petition, Akpabio denied the serious accusation and called for the prosecution of Akpoti-Uduaghan for criminal defamation. The petition, which was also copied to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, comes after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations on April 1, 2025.   Addressing her supporters during her homecoming in Kogi State, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of instructing former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and Governor Usman Ododo to assassinate her in Kogi State, claiming that the act was intended to make it appear that her constituents were responsible for her death. However, Akpabio categorically denied the accusation, calling it a “heinous lie” and a “reckless and deliberate attempt” to tarnish his reputation. The Senate President labelled the allegation as politically motivated, accusing Akpoti-Uduaghan of attempting to incite political unrest and damage his public image. He stressed that the allegation was made without any supporting evidence. The Senate President also highlighted the severe impact of the false allegation, especially given its widespread coverage across media platforms, including radio, television, and social media. Akpabio urged law enforcement agencies to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves. He said, “I write to formally bring to your attention and seek immediate investigation and prosecution of a criminally defamatory and malicious statement made against me by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a suspended member of the Nigerian Senate on the 1st of April, 2025 and which was widely publicised on radio stations, televisions and newspapers, including the social media. “In the public outburst at Kogi State while addressing her audience, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan falsely alleged that I instructed the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to ‘assassinate her in Kogi State instead of Abuja’ with the intent of making it appear that her constituents were responsible for her death. “This statement is not only a heinous lie but a reckless and deliberate attempt to damage my reputation, endanger my life and security, and incite political unrest. “I categorically state that this allegation is entirely false, unfounded, and politically motivated. It is a calculated act of blackmail and character assassination, designed to portray me as a political villain, and the statement was made without any shred of truth or supporting evidence.” Akpabio added that the statement was intended to manipulate public sentiment and malign his person and office. He emphasised the importance of holding public officeholders accountable for their actions, particularly when such statements are intended to destabilise democratic institutions and tarnish the image of elected officials. “Her motive was clear, which was to incite the public, manipulate sentiments, and malign my person and office in the eyes of the Nigerian people and the international community. “The severity of this false allegation, and the fact that it has gained public traction, makes it necessary that law enforcement agencies treat it with the urgency it deserves,” he added. Akpabio also called for the “immediate investigation into the false and inciting allegation” and the prosecution of “Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan under the relevant provisions of the law for criminal defamation, incitement, false accusation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.” Punch

FEC Orders Full Implementation Of Naira-For-Crude Deal

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  The Federal Executive Council has officially directed the full implementation of the suspended Naira-for-Crude agreement with local refiners. The Ministry of Finance disclosed this on its official X handle titled “Update on the Crude and Refined Product Sales in Naira Initiative,” on Wednesday. Recall that the first phase of the six-month deal involving the Federal Government, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, and Dangote Petroleum Refinery ended March 31, 2025. It has not been renewed and the Dangote refinery has since stopped selling refined petroleum products in naira due to the non-renewal of the naira-for-crude deal. In a new update on Wednesday, the committee said the policy is not temporary but a long-term plan to cut Nigeria’s dependence on foreign exchange for petroleum. This came after a key meeting on Tuesday to review progress and tackle ongoing issues. It added that the initiative is not a temporary or time-bound intervention, but a key policy directive designed to support sustainable local refining, and bolster energy security. The statement read, “The Technical Sub-Committee on the Crude and Refined Product Sales in Naira initiative convened an update meeting on Tuesday to review progress and address ongoing implementation matters. “The stakeholders reaffirmed the government’s continued commitment to the full implementation of this strategic initiative, as directed by the Federal Executive Council. “Thus, the Crude and Refined Product Sales in Naira initiative is not a temporary or time-bound intervention, but a key policy directive designed to support sustainable local refining, bolster energy security, and reduce reliance on foreign exchange in the domestic petroleum market.” The policy, which mandates the transaction of crude oil and refined petroleum products in Naira, is aimed at strengthening the country’s economic sovereignty, enhancing local refining capacity, and stabilising the foreign exchange market by reducing the demand for dollars in domestic petroleum transactions. The ministry explained that this policy is structured to foster energy security and encourage investment in domestic refining infrastructure. While acknowledging that the transition involves complexities, the government admitted that existing challenges are being systematically addressed. “As with any major policy shift, the Committee acknowledges that implementation challenges may arise from time to time. “However, such issues are being actively addressed through coordinated efforts among all parties. The initiative remains in effect and will continue for as long as it aligns with the public interest and supports national economic objectives,” it noted. The statement added that the meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Hon. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; the Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee and Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr. Zacch Adedeji; the Chief Financial Officer of NNPC Limited, Mr. Dapo Segun; the Coordinator of NNPC Refineries; Management of NNPC Trading. Also present were representatives from Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian Ports Authority, Afreximbank, and the Secretary of the Committee, Hauwa Ibrahim. Punch

Cult Clash Prompts Osun Poly Closure, Matriculation Delay

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  The management of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, on Wednesday announced the closure of the institution a day after suspected cultists clashed near the entrance of the school. The PUNCH had earlier reported that one man was feared killed in a violent clash involving members of two rival cult groups on Tuesday. In a video shared by Lamina Omotoyosi, a Facebook user, said to have been purportedly recorded, while the incident was going on, a man wearing a white shirt was filmed hitting someone lying down with a hammer on the head, while two other people watched from close distance. It was also learnt that, after the perpetrators of the crime had fled, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit of Osun State Police Command were deployed to the institution to restore normalcy. The Dean, Students Affairs of the Polytechnic, Dr Tope Abiola, who confirmed a clash of some hoodlums near the school gate, added, “We were inside campus when we started hearing gunshots. From the findings, one person was critically injured. I am not aware that anyone died. “The person who was critically injured is an ex-student of the polytechnic. He did his National Diploma here and completed the program about 2 years ago. One of the other three people who were injured was hit by stray bullets.” Also, commenting on the incident, Osun Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said those who sustained injury in the clash were receiving treatment in a hospital. Apparently, to prevent aggravating tension that the development caused, the management directed the students to immediately proceed on mid-semester break. The management, in an internal memorandum signed by the Registrar, Abiodun Oloyede, dated April 9, 2025, also announced the postponement of matriculation for the new students, earlier slated for Thursday, indefinitely. “Given the pleas and appeals received from some set of students who have not been able to pay their school’s fees and had not completed their registration formalities, Management has magnanimously granted a week mid-semester break from Thursday, April 10 to Wednesday, April 16, 2025. “This is to allow all defaulting students to pay their school fees and complete their registration procedure. Consequently, the Matriculation Ceremony for the 2024/2025 Academic Session, earlier scheduled to hold tomorrow, Thursday, April 10 2025, has been postponed. “A new date shall be announced in due course. All students are therefore enjoined to avail themselves of this break and pay all their fees and complete their registration as no further appeal shall be entertained,” the memo read.

Plateau Killings: IG Orders Deployment Of Assets, Tactical Squads

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  The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate and comprehensive deployment of police tactical assets to troubling communities in Plateau State. In a statement on Wednesday morning, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the deployment was in response to the series of attacks and killings that have plagued some communities in Bokkos Local Government Area since March 28. Adejobi said the decisive action underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to restoring peace, ensuring the safety and security of all residents, and bringing perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice. He said the IG has tasked the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations, DIG Kwazhi Yakubu, to lead and coordinate this critical intervention with significant reinforcements, including additional units of highly trained tactical personnel, state-of-the-art drones for enhanced surveillance, Armored Personnel Carriers units of Police Mobile Force, helicopters, and specialised platoons from the Special Intervention Squad. Adejobi said these resources will be strategically deployed to conduct special operations aimed at effectively curbing the incessant attacks which have tragically resulted in the loss of innocent lives. The statement added, “The recent escalation of violence began on March 28, 2025, when some armed assailants launched a brutal attack in Bokkos, resulting in the deaths of some individuals and serious injuries to many others. “This initial incident tragically marked the beginning of a series of attacks that have since claimed the lives of scores of people, leaving communities devastated and gripped by fear. “Recognising the gravity of the situation, the IGP has directed DIG Kwazhi and the deployed security forces to undertake a multi-faceted approach, focusing not only on suppressing the ongoing violence but also on proactively preventing future attacks. “Upon arrival in Plateau State on Tuesday, 8th April 2025, DIG Kwazhi paid a courtesy visit on the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang. “During this meeting, DIG Kwazhi conveyed the IGP’s sincere condolences to the affected families and communities, as well as to the entire people of Plateau State. “The meeting also served as an opportunity to assess the situation firsthand, delve into the root causes of the attacks, and collaboratively develop a sustainable, long-term solution to these senseless killings. “The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, remains fully committed to working in close collaboration with the Plateau State Government, community leaders, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to restore lasting peace and stability to the region. “The NPF urges residents to cooperate with the police and other security agencies, providing any information that may assist in the ongoing investigation and efforts to maintain peace on the Plateau.“ Punch  

JUST IN: Ibas Appoints Administrators For 23 Rivers LGs

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  Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) has approved the appointment of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of the state. This comes less that 24 hours after a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt reportedly restrained him from appointing administrators to oversea the affairs of the local government councils. The order was issued by Justice Adam Muhammed on Tuesday in suit no. FHC/PH/CS/46/2025 in the case filed by PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative led by Courage Msirimovu against the Sole Administrator in his official capacity. However, Ibas also approved the constitution of some boards of agencies, commissions and parastatals which he had earlier suspended. The approval was contained in a Special Government Announcement issued on Wednesday morning by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika. Though the names of the new appointees were not listed, the statement said the appointments takes immediate effect. It reads, “His Excellency The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, has approved the appointments of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State. “He has also approved the reconstitution of some boards of agencies, commissions, and parastatals, earlier suspended. “All appointments take effect from Monday, the 7th of April 2025.” Recall that last week, the sole administrator had suspended all heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state with immediate effect. In a seperate development, Ibas also cancelled all pending procurement and tender processes carried out by Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state. He said the cancellation became necessary following the Supreme Court judgment and the absence of an appropriation law within the period. The sole administrator according to a previous statement also issued by the SSG, directed all MDAs that carried out such tender processes for projects in their respective offices to refund such fees to the respective contractors immediately. Punch  

Reps Caucus Leadership Not Based On Appointment, LP Lawmakers Tell Abure

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  The Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives has laughed off the purported sack of its Chairman, Afam Ogene by the embattled National Chairman of the party, Mr Julius Abure. Ogene, a member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra State, had while reacting to Friday’s Supreme Court judgment which removed Abure from office, pledged the readiness of the LP House of Representatives caucus to work with the party’s National Caretaker Committee led by Senator Nenadi Usman. Abure, however, announced Ogene’s sack on Monday, in what may be another feud within the party’s fold. In a statement issued by Ogene on Tuesday, on behalf of the caucus, the lawmaker elected on the platform of the Labour Party reminded Abure that it is their duty to name their leader based on personal conviction. The statement partly read, “The Labour Party legislators have emphasised that the position of a caucus Leader is not an office based on appointment; rather the leader is chosen/elected by peers based on their own conviction of his/her leadership qualities and capacity to speak on their behalf in the overall interest of the party and the people they represent. We state this in response to several inquiries from the media and other party faithful arising from developments after the Supreme Court pronouncement sacking the LP Chairman.” “On May 6, 2023, a 35-member Labour Party caucus in the 10th Assembly of the House of Representatives elected Hon Afam Ogene as its Leader. Ogene, a ranking member from the 7th Assembly, emerged as the Labour Party leader with 21 votes, after a keenly contested election. Although 34 members-elect of the party were present at the voting session, only 31 of them took part in the exercise, with the trio of Honourables Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, Obi Aguocha and Professor Lilian Oby Orogbu abstaining, being persons who conducted the exercise. “So, it’s only the members of the caucus who overwhelmingly elected him, that have the right to remove him as leader, not “an authoritarian power thirsty individual that’s still battling, without much success, to extricate himself from the muddy waters of multiple allegations of malfeasance,” the caucus said in a statement signed by Ogene on Tuesday. He added, “If Abure’s latest ill-advised tactics is because of the stand of the caucus lauding the judgement of the Supreme court, which unequivocally declared that Abure’s tenure has long lapsed, then he is way off-mark, because that remains the majority position of LP House of Representatives members – a fact that would be reinforced on Wednesday, April 9, by the number of legislators that will attend the NEC/Stakeholders meeting convened by the Party’s National Leader, Mr Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti. “We need to let Abure know, and boldly too, that the Labour Party is a credible organisation and not a ponzi scheme … . From Ebonyi, to Plateau, Ondo, Edo (where he embarrassed the party through his undignified episodes with the police), it’s all about slush funds and compromise of the integrity of the office of a party National Chairman. Even in Anambra last week, the mention of the name Abure has continued to emit a putrid smell of financial malfeasance. “He may wish to tell Nigerians, and the world, what is at the centre of his feud with Eze Oko Splendour of Ebonyi State, Kenneth Imasuagbon in Edo, and the aspirants that took part in last weekend’s Anambra LP gubernatorial farce. It is appalling that a man who is yet to account for party finances arising from the 2023 general elections, nor leaves any penny in the party’s account – despite raising hundreds of million naira in sale of forms and other gratifications in several off-season elections – would be so engrossed in wanting to access funds belonging to the House of Representatives caucus, which only points to the depths Abure can go… “Ironically, no sane organ of the party would entrust the Supreme Court-sacked former national chairman with money, no matter how little, at least, until he is able to cleanse himself of the twin evil of allegations of forgery levied against him by former national treasurer of the LP, Oluchi Oparah. Funds belonging to the caucus are intact, and would only be deployed in a manner prescribed by members, not by the former chairman’s discretion. The Labour Party deserves a clean break from that integrity-deficient leadership history, to a future that all party faithful will be proud to associate with.” Punch  

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