News

Governor Diri Of Bayelsa Reportedly Considers Defection To APC

Published

1 week ago

June 9, 2025

Political anxiety is mounting in Bayelsa State amid strong indications that Governor Douye Diri is in advanced discussions to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Diri’s potential switch is expected to further weaken the PDP’s standing in the South-South geopolitical zone, following recent defections of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom to the APC.

Investigations reveal that Diri has opened talks with senior officials in the Presidency and has been holding consultations with key political stakeholders in Bayelsa regarding the proposed defection.

A reliable source disclosed that Diri had informed several National Assembly members representing the state of his plans and sought their views on the matter. However, not all lawmakers are reportedly on board.

“Governor Diri has spoken to members of the National Assembly about his intention to leave the PDP.

“While some are supportive, others, like Mitema Obordor (Ogbia), Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor), and Maria Ebikake (Brass/Nembe), have expressed reservations.

“They believe there is no urgent need for such a political shift,” the source told Daily Sun.

The source also noted that Oboku Oforji (Yenagoa Federal Constituency) is expected to follow the lead of former governor and current Senator representing Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson.

Senator Dickson is reportedly not in support of the defection but has chosen not to interfere in Diri’s decision.

Meanwhile, Senators Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East) and Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central) are said to be indifferent but likely to move with the governor if the defection occurs.

Governor Diri has also reportedly instructed the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ngobere, to gauge the opinions of lawmakers on the defection.

A senior member of the Assembly confirmed that the Speaker had begun informal consultations and was expected to formally brief the House upon his return from an overseas trip.

“The chances of the governor defecting are very high. Many of us in the Assembly are ready to follow him.

“Bayelsa cannot be the only South-South state still in the PDP, especially given the internal uncertainties.

“The constant risk of our candidacies being voided by court rulings makes the APC a more stable option,” the lawmaker said.

Former Minister of Petroleum and ex-governor of Bayelsa, Chief Timipre Sylva, speaking in a telephone interview, said he was unaware of the reported plans but welcomed the idea.

“If Governor Diri is coming to the APC, I will be happy to receive him.

“When I first introduced the APC in Bayelsa, many dismissed it as not being an Ijaw party. But today, it’s gaining acceptance, and his defection would be a significant boost,” Sylva said.

However, Governor Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, denied knowledge of any such move.

His words: “I’m not aware of any discussions the governor has had with anyone about defecting.

“Governor Diri is a transparent leader. If he makes such a decision, he will communicate it clearly. For now, I cannot confirm anything because I simply don’t have that information.”

News

Gaya Emirate Withdraws Traditional Title Of Wazirin Gaya From Former SSG,Alhaji Usman Alhaji,

Published

6 hours ago

June 18, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

Alhaji Usman Alhaji ,Deposed Waziirin Gaya

The Gaya Emirate Council, Kano State, has formally withdrawn the traditional title of Wazirin Gaya previously held by Alhaji Usman Alhaji.

In a letter conveyed to the former titleholder, the Council stated that the withdrawal was necessitated by certain unavoidable circumstances. The decision takes immediate effect.

This is contained in a statement signed by Munzali Muhammad Hausawa, Gaya
Zonal Information Officer and issued to newsmen in Kano on Wednesday.

Announcing the development, the Secretary to the Gaya Emirate Council, Alhaji Bello Halilu, noted that the Council deeply appreciates the contributions and commitment of Alhaji Usman Alhaji during his period of service as Wazirin Gaya.

The statement added that, the Council expressed gratitude for his support to the traditional institution and his efforts in promoting the cultural heritage of the emirate.

This action underscores the Emirate’s commitment to preserving the sanctity, dignity, and integrity of traditional titles in line with established customs and values.

The general public is hereby informed and urged to take note of this development.

Nigerian Tracker reports that Alhaji Usman Alhaji was secretary to Kano state government during the administration of Dr .Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

He served as secretary to Kano state Government from 2016 to 2023.

He was the one that announced the deposition of Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II on March 9 2020.

News

DanMadanho Residents Urge Kano State Govt to Rehabilitate Road

Published

17 hours ago

June 18, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

Residents of DanMadanho in Gezawa Local Government Area have called on the state and local governments to urgently rehabilitate the deteriorating road linking their community to Zango, especially with the rainy season approaching.

During a meeting with Gezawa’s Zonal Information Officer, Jamilu Mustapha Yakasai, the community members highlighted the dilapidated state of the road and appealed for immediate government intervention to ease transportation challenges.

However, the community also expressed appreciation for the developmental strides of His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir, especially in the areas of healthcare, education, and other critical sectors.

Part of the dilapidated Road

Speaking on the importance of the road, Alhaji Isah DanMadanho, a respected elder in the area, highlighted its economic significance. He stated that the road connects multiple communities and, once constructed, will greatly boost the economic activities of the area.

Providing further insights, the Chairman of Gezawa Local Government, Alhaji Mukaddas Bala Jogana, said he has been actively following up with the State Ministry of Works under the Commissioner to ensure the commencement of the road project.

He urged the people of the area to remain patient and hopeful, expressing confidence that the DanMadanho road project will soon commence.

He also called on the residents to continue supporting government policies and programmes aimed at uplifting the status of the state.

Apart from the DanMadanho Road, the residents appealed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to fulfil his earlier promise of completing the Dakata to Rangaza to Bela Road that links DanMadanho town.

They said during the rainy season, the residents cannot easily come to Kano except in hardship.

News

Again,Government Declares Public Holiday

Published

1 day ago

June 17, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

The Benue State Government has declared Wednesday, June 18, 2025, a public holiday in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s scheduled visit to the state.

According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Serumun Deborah Aber, the President is expected to undertake a one-day condolence visit to commiserate with the government and people of Benue over the recent wave of violent attacks that have claimed numerous lives across various communities.

The statement emphasized that the public holiday is intended to allow residents the opportunity to come out en masse and give the President a warm and respectful reception.

This visit is of great symbolic and emotional significance,” the statement noted. “It offers the people of Benue the chance to hear directly from the President and receive assurances of support from the federal government in the wake of the tragic incidents.”

However, the government clarified that the public holiday does not apply to workers in essential services such as healthcare, security, and banking, who are expected to remain on duty to maintain critical services.

President Tinubu had earlier hinted at cutting short his engagements to prioritize a visit to Benue in light of the deadly attacks, which have drawn national concern.

Residents are urged to cooperate with security agencies and maintain peace and order during the President’s visit.