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Prioritise Edo’s Development, Tinubu Tells Okpebholo

President Bola Tinubu has called on Edo State governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, to prioritize the development of the state, assuring him of full support from the Federal Government and the Progressive Governors’ Forum. Tinubu gave this advice during a meeting with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, presented their certificates of return.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of delivering good governance to the people, stating, “Governor-elect, you can now face the task of development. We are here to work with you. You have seen the progressive governors of APC. They are truly progressive. Work with them. Learn the ropes.”
Acknowledging the challenges of democracy, especially in emerging economies like Nigeria, the President added, “You have earned the victory. Democracy is difficult, but it remains the best form of government.”
The President praised the collaboration between Okpebholo and Idahosa, noting, “You started as rivals and ended up as partners. You are a symbol of good understanding in politics.”
Tinubu also commended the role played by former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, the APC leadership, and the progressive governors in securing victory in the Edo gubernatorial election. He highlighted the peaceful conduct of the election, thanking the security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their efforts.
In his remarks, APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje noted the significance of the heavy downpour on Election Day, yet voters showed their commitment by casting their ballots without umbrellas. Ganduje also stated that the party is now focusing on upcoming elections in Ondo and Anambra, particularly seeking to expand APC’s influence in the Southeast geopolitical zone.
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PANDEF Clarifies Visit To Tinubu, Knocks Wike Over Inflammatory Comments

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to prevail on the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to retract his publicly disparaging remarks made recently against the socio-political body.
PANDEF described as regrerrable and embarrassing comments by Wike in the aftermath of the group’s visit to Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, even to the extent of insulting the late former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South Leader, Chief Edwin.
Recall that the FCT minister had, on Thursday, during a media chat, described PANDEF as “the worst organisation anybody can rely on”, while also calling the board of trustee members of the body “political merchants”.
In a statement signed by PANDEF Chairman on Saturday in Abuja, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, urged President Tinubu as the father of the nation, to prevail upon the Honourable Minister to retract his inflammatory statements and extend due respect to these eminent.
Igali clarified that the meeting with the president provided a valuable platform to discuss pressing issues of national and regional importance. Adding that “PANDEF remains unwavering in its commitment to peace, stability, and equitable development in the Niger Delta. We will continue to engage with great vigour, all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of lasting harmony in Rivers State and the broader South-South region.”
His words: ^To set the record straight, PANDEF the foremost socio-political body representing the South-South regions, composed of some of Nigeria’s most distinguished personalities. The delegation to Mr. President included chairpersons of at least four of the six SouthSouth states’ traditional councils, senior traditional rulers of major ethnic groups, former governors, past presiding officers of the Senate, prominent entrepreneurs, academics, and high-ranking retired military officers.
“It is, therefore, highly regrettable and totally unacceptable that a serving minister in the Federal Government would exhibit such brazen disrespect towards individuals of this standing. This attitude perhaps explains his continued refusal of the Minister to engage with the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which PANDEF constituted as far back as October 2024, despite repeated attempts to reach.
“The Honourable Minister (Wike) characterized PANDEF as the worst organization ever” and accused its members of visiting the Presidential Villa merely to solicit financial favors. These statements are not only false but also unbecoming of a public official of his stature.
“PANDEF hereby calls upon Mr. President, as the father of the nation, to prevail upon the Honourable Minister to retract his inflammatory statements and extend due respect to these eminent Nigerians and traditional rulers who were, after all, esteemed guests of the Commander-in-Chief. It is apt to remind that the Minister does not own the Niger-Delta and his errant conduct should not be condoned.
“Notwithstanding this regrettable development, PANDEF remains unwavering in its commitment to peace, stability, and equitable development in the Niger Delta. We will continue to engage with great vigour, all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of lasting harmony in Rivers State and the broader South-South region,” Igali stated.
On efforts to restore peace in River State, Igali restated PANDEF’s commitment for peace in the oil-rich State.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which remains committed to resolving the Rivers State crisis,” Igali stated.
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PANDEF Clarifies Visit To Tinubu, Knocks Wike Over Inflammatory Comments