News
Obaseki Initiates Reconciliation with Wike Amidst Allegation of Sponsoring Shaibu
In a strategic move to secure support for Asue Ighodalo’s gubernatorial bid in the upcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary elections in Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki has undertaken a series of political maneuvers. On the night of Tuesday, January 30, 2024, Obaseki, seeking endorsement for Ighodalo’s candidacy, approached Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State to facilitate a meeting with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the FCT, in Abuja, TheCable had reported.
The rendezvous as reported on Tuesday occurred at the Wells Carlton Hotel, with Governor Fintiri accompanying Obaseki and Nyesom Wike.
Meanwhile a source privy to the meeting told this medium that Obaseki had during the meeting claimed that his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu was being sponsored by the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Gbajabiamila. Obaseki urged against supporting Shaibu, asserting that he should not be trusted.
The source added that before this encounter with Wike, Obaseki had undertaken three secretive visits to Governor Bala Muhammed of Bauchi State, accompanied by former governor Udom Emmanuel. In these meetings, Obaseki reportedly repeated similar unfounded claims, accusing Shaibu of being sponsored by Wike to destabilize the PDP in Edo State.
In a separate meeting with Atiku supporters within the PDP, Obaseki once again targeted Wike, accusing him of supporting Shaibu against him due to Obaseki’s allegiance to Atiku. These actions by Obaseki reflect a divisive strategy aimed at destabilizing the party for the benefit of his preferred candidate, utilizing questionable means.
Obaseki’s pursuit of reconciliation and Wike’s support stems from the formidable opposition posed by the current deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, and Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, a former member of the House of Representatives, both preferred candidates of Dan Orbih, a key ally of Wike in Edo State. In a bid to win over Wike, Obaseki proposed a deal to have Ogbeide-Ihama as Ighodalo’s running mate.
However, Wike reportedly declined Obaseki’s overtures, citing a lack of loyalty on Obaseki’s part towards those who have supported him in the past. Wike insisted on a fair and level playing field to ensure the emergence of the most acceptable candidate.
With the race for the PDP gubernatorial ticket in Edo State intensifying, Obaseki’s political maneuvering and reconciliation efforts highlight the fierce competition within the party. The outcome of the primary elections will undoubtedly shape the course of the PDP’s campaign leading up to the general elections, as Obaseki reportedly allocates substantial funds for printing party cards in the state.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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