INSTANT NEWS

*PDP Crisis Deepens: National Chairman, Secretary Suspended*

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended its National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, over alleged anti-party activities ¹. This decision was made public by the party's National Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, following the National Working Committee's (NWC) 593rd meeting on Thursday ¹ ².

*Reasons Behind the Suspension*

The suspension is linked to a letter Damagum and Anyanwu addressed to the Court of Appeal in Appeal No:CA/PH/307/2024, which went against the party's position in a case involving 27 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ¹. The NWC condemned this action as a gross violation of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) and their Oath of Office ¹.

*Investigation and Disciplinary Action*

The NWC has constituted a committee, chaired by Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the issues raised against Damagum and Anyanwu ¹. The duo has been referred to the National Disciplinary Committee for further action ¹. Additionally, the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, were earlier directed to step aside pending an investigation into allegations against them ¹ ².

*Internal Power Struggle*

This development is seen as part of an internal power struggle within the PDP, with factions loyal to different leaders ². The crisis may have far-reaching implications for the party's leadership structure and its ability to present a united front in future elections.

*What's Next?*

As the PDP navigates this crisis, it remains to be seen how the suspended officials will respond and what impact this will have on the party's overall performance. One thing is certain - the PDP's internal dynamics will continue to shape Nigerian politics in the days to come.

The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Monday berated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over what it described as worsening health sector in the state.

The opposition party maintained that medical facilities across the state have been in dire situation since the emergence of Aiyedatiwa as governor 10 months ago.

According to the publicity secretary of the party, Kennedy Peretei, the state has a dearth of medical doctors and other health personnel, as neighbouring states with attractive packages have been harvesting medical practitioners from the state.

Peretei described it as frustrating that the state used to be the medical tourism destination for a lot of people in the South West.

He added that the situation is more pronounced in the rural areas of the state, as they had been the most hit by the state’s worsening healthcare crisis.

“There is no doubt, Mother Luck smiled on the governor to survive his impeachment saga and dramatically catapulted him to the exalted office of governor after the demise of his boss, Rotimi Akeredolu.

“That Aiyedatiwa’s luck could not see him beyond the assumption of office is clearly manifest in what has become of health facilities and personnel in the state. While some people go public with their sorry tales, others endure their pains, looking up to God for succour.

“In February this year, the Nigerian Medical Association, while serving Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa a seven-day notice before embarking on strike, revealed the unpardonable state of affairs in the health sector. There are only 22 resident doctors at the University of Medical Sciences University Teaching Hospital, Ondo, as against 150 previously there.

“The general hospitals in Iwaro-Oka, Ipe, Irele, and Idoani, which had at least five doctors each, now have only one doctor per hospital, who will be on call duty per week and will still attend to the day-to-day running of the hospital. Is there any surprise then why there are many avoidable deaths in these facilities?”

Reacting to the allegations, the State Information Director of Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation Foot Soldiers Independent Council, LACO-FSIC, Kayode Fasua, stated that they were fabricated.

Fasua maintained that Aiyedatiwa had been able to subsidise healthcare delivery through “his enhanced healthcare scheme, which was flagged off across the state some months ago.”

Said he: “In attempts to outdo each other and gain the favour of their principal, the PDP image-makers now resort to fabricating lies against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who, interestingly, marvelled the whole state in his outstanding performance in the health sector. The brain drain being experienced in the health sector is not peculiar to Ondo State, as it is a national malaise.

“To overcome it, the administration has embarked on massive recruitment of health workers, most especially doctors and other medics. For want of what to do, the Ondo PDP keeps fabricating lies to get noticed.”

Augustine Eguavoen, the interim head coach of the Super Eagles, has justified his decision to include out-of-form striker Kelechi Iheanacho in Nigeria's squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Libya.

Iheanacho, who currently plays for Seville, has not scored for both club and country this year. However, Eguavoen believes his experience makes him a valuable asset to the team.

The coach revealed that Iheanacho's selection was influenced by Victor Osimhen's unavailability due to injury. "When it became clear Victor Osimhen wouldn't make it, I opted for Kelechi," Eguavoen explained.

Interestingly, in-form Nigerian forwards Cyriel Dessers and Tolu Arokodare were overlooked despite their impressive goal-scoring records. Dessers has scored seven goals for Rangers this season, while Arokodare has netted six goals for Genk.

Eguavoen clarified his choice, stating, "I looked at Dessers and Arokodare, but I chose Iheanacho due to his experience." This decision highlights the coach's emphasis on seasoned players in critical matches.

_Alternative Title Options:_

1. Eguavoen Explains Iheanacho's Surprise Call-Up to Super Eagles

2. Why Iheanacho Was Chosen Ahead of Dessers, Arokodare - Eguavoen

3. Experience Trumps Form: Eguavoen Defends Iheanacho's Selection

_Tags:_ Super Eagles, Augustine Eguavoen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Africa Cup of Nations, Nigerian Football.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State visited the secretariat of the Ikwerre Local Government Area on Monday to assess the extent of damage caused by arsonists.

DAILY POST recalls that arsonists attacked the Secretariat, setting it ablaze on Monday.

The inferno reportedly shattered glasses and burnt office equipment, files, chairs and tables, and other consumables.

Ikwerre was one of the local government areas where unidentified men set buildings ablaze as the newly elected council officials were to assume offices.

This is coming after the police officers securing the 23 council secretariats were withdrawn by the Commissioner of Police on Monday.

Despite the police opting out of the exercise, Governor Siminalayi Fubara insisted that the election be held on Saturday.

Following the conclusion of the polls amid heightened tension, the Action Peoples Party, APP, won 22 chairmanship positions out of 23 in the oil-rich state while the Action Alliance, AA, won a seat.

Governor Fubara swore in the 23 newly elected local government chairmen in Rivers State on Sunday but some of the LG bosses were attacked upon assumption of office on Monday.

The Management of the National Assembly set in motion machinery for career training of legislative aides to lawmakers at both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The training, which started on August 5 this year, has professionally empowered about 3,500 legislative aides at both chambers as planned by the clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Sani Magaji Tambawal.

Speaking at the opening ceremony for the ninth batch of the trainees in Abuja on Monday, National Assembly Deputy Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana said, as envisioned by the management , the training was geared towards transforming the legislative aides from temporary appointees of the lawmakers to career ones through acquisition of required professional knowledge and skills.

“Our ultimate goal from this knowledge-enhancing and capacity – building training is for legislative aides to transit from mere appointments into a lifelong career option, moving away from the perception of being merely temporary positions.

“With increased training and support, we can elevate the role of legislative aides in the National Assembly Service to one that is respected and integral to the fabric of governance in Nigeria.

“When we commenced this training program on the 5th of August this year, our target is to train 3500 legislative aides. I am glad to inform you that this we have fulfilled.

“This training program serves as more than just an educational platform; it is a vital initiative aimed at reinforcing the principles of democracy that underpin our nation,” he said.

He added that the training was conceptualised for enhancing skills and deepening understanding of legislative aides on parliamentary practices and processes.

He assured the legislative aides of prompt payments of their entitlements by the National Assembly Service Commission.

“Together let’s deepen our understanding of the tenets of democracy, empower ourselves with the skills needed to excel in our roles, and work towards enhancing the service we provide to the Nigerian people,” he stressed.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has offered words of encouragement to defender Dani Carvajal following his season-ending ACL injury. The Los Blancos captain suffered the devastating injury during Saturday's 2-0 win over Villarreal.

Carvajal's setback occurred in the game's final stages when he collided with Villarreal's Yeremy Pino, leaving him in agony. He was promptly stretchered off the pitch and transported to the hospital via ambulance.

Ancelotti praised Carvajal's resilience and emphasized his vital role within the team. "Your energy and commitment are essential for this team," the Italian coach stated. "We know you'll overcome this challenge as you always have and that we'll count on your support and help wherever you are."

Ancelotti concluded his message with a heartfelt sentiment: "We look forward to seeing you, Dani. Good luck!" The veteran Spain international now faces a lengthy recovery period, but his manager's supportive words will undoubtedly provide comfort during this challenging time.

*Alternative Title Options:*

1. Ancelotti Offers Support to Injured Dani Carvajal

2. Carvajal Suffers Season-Ending Injury, Ancelotti Sends Heartfelt Message

3. Real Madrid's Ancelotti Backs Dani Carvajal to Overcome ACL Setback

*Tags:* Real Madrid, Dani Carvajal, Carlo Ancelotti, Injury Update, ACL Injury, La Liga.

Kano Pillars' Technical Adviser, Usman Abdallah, has showered praise on his team following their impressive win over Sunshine Stars in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday five encounter. The victory, secured courtesy of Ahmed Musa's brace, marked a triumphant return to winning ways for the Sai Masu.

Abdallah expressed satisfaction with his players' performance, highlighting their resilience and determination. "I'm delighted with how the players performed against Sunshine Stars," he stated. "It demonstrates our ability to regroup and bounce back with a win."

The Kano Pillars helmsman believes this win is a testament to his team's character and potential for growth. "It's still early in the season, but I'm confident we'll continue to improve," Abdallah noted.

Looking ahead, Kano Pillars face a stiff test in their next NPFL fixture against Akwa United in Uyo.

*Alternative Title Options:*

1. Kano Pillars' Abdallah Hails Team's Resilience in Win Over Sunshine Stars

2. Abdallah Praises Kano Pillars' Character After Ahmed Musa's Match-Winning Brace

3. Kano Pillars Back on Track with Win Over Sunshine Stars - Usman Abdallah

Let me know if you need any further adjustments!

Three Big Brother Naija ‘No Loose Guard’ housemates, Handi, TJay, and Shaun have been evicted.

The trio was evicted today during the Sunday Live Eviction show after eight weeks.

Following the trio’s evictions, the show is left with six housemates.

The ongoing show will run for 10 weeks with the finale on Sunday, October 6, 2024

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Saturday’s Edo State governorship election, on his victory at the polls.

Senator Okpebholo was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, having defeated other contenders for the position.

The President through a statement by Bayo Onanuga, his media aide, commended APC national leaders, Edo State leaders, and party governors for working hard to achieve the victory.

He said the victory testified to the people’s support for the ruling party, its progressive ideals, its economic re-engineering programme and its commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians.

He urged Senator Okpebholo not to gloat over his victory but to see it as a challenging call to service.

He encouraged him to demonstrate magnanimity by reaching out to his political rivals and uniting the people of Edo State to ensure its development.

President Tinubu also praised other candidates who participated in the election for their contributions to advancing Nigeria’s democracy, saying peaceful political contests, such as the one on Saturday, portray Nigeria as a stable democracy.

The President urged all those aggrieved by the election outcome to seek redress through the legal channels.

According to Onanuga, the President commended the people of Edo State for their orderly and peaceful conduct during the election, underscoring the maturing of Nigeria’s democracy after 25 years.

“I commend the INEC and our security agencies for working round the clock to conduct a successful, peaceful and largely hitch-free exercise.

“INEC has once again demonstrated that it is committed to organising a free and fair election in our country”, the President said.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has alleged that the All Progressives Congress, APC, is planning to use its armed thugs to violently attack the collation center for the ongoing governorship election in Edo State to manipulate results.

A statement on Saturday night by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Debo Ologunagba claimed that the APC is mounting pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) to suspend the collation process.

According to PDP, the move was to “make way for the manipulation of the INEC Portal and replace the real results from the Units with fabricated figures in favour of the APC.

“Our Party has also been made aware that the APC is mounting pressure on the Military to withdraw from their positions so as to enable the APC to convey its armed thugs to disrupt and manipulate the collation process.”

“The PDP in very strong terms cautions INEC and the APC to note that the people of Edo State already have authentic results from the Polling Units across the State and that any attempt by anybody or group whatsoever to alter the results will inflame the already charged situation with very severe consequences on perpetrators,” the party said

The Governing Council of Abia State University, Uturu, has directed the management, parents and guardians of students of the school to ensure their children and wards are registered for the ongoing Federal Government NELFUND loan scheme.

The governing council gave the directive during its 156 regular meeting, saying that the loan scheme would benefit indigent students.

The development was made known through a press release made available by the Secretary to the council and Registrar of the institution, Acho Elendu.

The Abia State University bemoaned the low enrollment of students in the Federal government student loan scheme and urged them to key into the educational package.

The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and the Abia State office of the Federal Information Centre had early this week held sensitization campaigns in Umuahia, calling on Abia people to take advantage of the Federal government’s intervention programs.

Meanwhile the management of ABSU has thanked Governor Alex Otti for restoration of security around the University, regular payment of staff salary, as well as the commencement of payment of 11 months salary arrears to staff, among others.

The council also ratified the reappointment of Professor Ogbonna Onuoha as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) for a second term of two years

Florence Otedola, also known as DJ Cuppy, a popular disc jockey and daughter of Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola, has made history as the first Nigerian to host an opening session at the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA.

Cuppy moderated the Youth Action Day at the 2024, UNGA, themed “The Summit of the Future – Youth Actions Day.”

Cuppy also delivered a musical performance after her keynote session.

Her session became the largest youth gathering in UN Headquarters history.

Other personalities at the session include the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs and the president of Cape Verde, José Maria Neves