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Buhari Did Not Initiate Any New Project In Bayelsa State – Gov Diri

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During the inauguration and handover ceremony of the Federal Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Governor Douye Diri made a statement on Tuesday claiming that the outgoing President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), did not initiate any new projects in the state throughout his eight-year tenure.

 

Governor Diri emphasized that the complex, which is named after former President Goodluck Jonathan, was actually initiated by Jonathan’s administration in 2011.

 

Diri said, “While it is good that the Federal Government completed some of the projects started by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, we want to place it on record that for the past eight years, we never saw one new project in Bayelsa State.”

 

In his remarks, Governor Douye Diri, represented by his deputy Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, highlighted the considerable cost challenges associated with executing infrastructure projects in Bayelsa State.

 

He emphasized that the cost of constructing a kilometer of standard road in Bayelsa surpassed the cost of constructing four or more kilometers of the same quality road in other parts of the country.

 

The governor drew attention to the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Federal Secretariat, initially budgeted at N2.5 billion, but underwent a cost variation due to the devastating flood in 2012 and the project was completed at a total cost of N3.1 billion.

 

Governor Diri expressed optimism that the experience with the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Federal Secretariat project would serve as a valuable lesson for the Federal Government.

 

He expressed hope that moving forward, the government would exercise greater caution in evaluating and executing project costs in Bayelsa State.

 

Diri said, “Some people who do not actually know what we are passing through in this state are quick to condemn us and make all sorts of comments about our level of development.

 

“But I’m happy and very sure that the Federal Government, having passed through what we experience in Bayelsa State, will not make such comments. In Bayelsa here, we spend a lot of resources to clear the road and create land for construction.

 

“I’m happy that the story will change, going forward, because they (Federal Government) have seen that what will cost them N2bn to build in Awka, Anambra State and Gusau in Zamfara will cost them N3bn in Bayelsa State.

 

“The Federal Government has seen that construction in Bayelsa here is more repulsive, resistant and difficult. The project here was billed for N2.5bn but after the flood in 2012, it was redesigned and re-evaluated.”

 

During his virtual participation in the ceremony, President Buhari acknowledged the significance of the completed secretariat projects in Yenagoa, Awka, and Gusau.

 

He mentioned that these projects would effectively eliminate the need for the Federal Government to spend funds on renting office spaces for its employees in the respective states.

 

Specifically, the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan Federal Secretariat Project in Yenagoa was executed by MS Trenur Nigeria Limited which comprises a total of 342 offices, including a post office, a banking hall, and a standard conference hall named in honor of Ambassador Godknows Igali, a distinguished figure from Bayelsa State who served as a retired federal permanent secretary.

Politics

“PDP Can’t Unseat Tinubu with Wike in Charge” — Ulasi Blows Hot, Threatens Exit

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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dan Ulasi, has warned that the party stands little chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if Nyesom Wike continues to play a leading role while allegedly supporting the ruling government.

Ulasi, who spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, expressed deep concern over what he described as a “contradictory situation” within the PDP, stressing that such internal inconsistencies could weaken the party’s credibility and chances at the polls.

ALSO READ: ‘I Didn’t Mean It Literally’ — Nyesom Wike Clears Air as Atiku Abubakar Fires Back

“I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader,” Ulasi said, warning that he may be forced to leave the party if the issue is not addressed.

The PDP stalwart argued that Wike cannot effectively serve as a leader in the opposition while maintaining close ties with President Tinubu, describing the situation as “unconstructive” for a party seeking to reclaim power at the national level.

He further questioned what role Wike would play if another candidate emerges as the PDP’s presidential flag-bearer ahead of the 2027 election, asking whether the former Rivers State governor would actively participate in party rallies or align with the ruling party’s activities.

Ulasi warned that the party’s next meeting could be his last if its leadership fails to provide satisfactory explanations, insisting that he cannot continue to be part of a process riddled with contradictions.

In a related development, Ulasi revealed that Peter Obi had visited him several times this year, including a recent meeting following an appearance in Enugu.

He spoke positively about Obi’s vision for Nigeria, noting that the former presidential candidate offers a sense of hope for the country’s future, although he stopped short of declaring any political alignment.

Reflecting on his longstanding ties to the PDP, Ulasi recalled his role during the party’s formation alongside late former Vice-President Alex Ekueme and other founding members.

Despite his deep connection to the party, he maintained that he would rather step aside than remain in a system he considers inconsistent.

He added that if he eventually exits the PDP, he has no plans to join another political party, stating that he would instead operate as a private consultant.

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Drama in Ogun APC as Gbenga Daniel Claims He Was Barred From Meeting

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There was tension within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday after former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, alleged that he was barred from attending a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held in Ijebu Ode.

The meeting, which took place at Adeola Odutola Hall, was reportedly convened to bring together key party stakeholders, including current and former local government chairmen, councillors, and serving as well as former lawmakers from both state and national levels.

However, the senator, in a viral video circulating online, claimed he was denied entry into the venue despite being part of the expected attendees.

ALSO READ: “APC Failure in Disguise?” — Dickson Tears Into ADC Coalition

Speaking from his branded campaign bus parked at the venue, Daniel expressed disappointment over the situation, saying he and his team were stopped from accessing the meeting.

He further questioned the legitimacy of any resolutions reached at the gathering, suggesting that the outcome of the meeting should not be considered valid.

As of press time, the Ogun State APC leadership had yet to issue an official response to the allegation.

 

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Politics

Who Leads ADC? Supreme Court to Hear Mark’s Appeal in Heated Party Rift

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The lingering leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set for a crucial legal test as the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark.

Mark is challenging a legal action brought by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, over the control and leadership structure of the ADC.

The case, scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, is expected to determine the direction of the party amid deepening internal divisions.

SEE MORE: 2027: Why ADC, Opposition Leaders Stormed INEC in Abuja

Through his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark is seeking an order to stay the execution of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, pending the final resolution of the matter.

He also urged the apex court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from making any alterations to the party’s leadership as currently constituted under his faction.

In addition, Mark is asking the court to suspend further proceedings in a related suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.

The dispute dates back to a September 4, 2025 ruling by the Federal High Court following an ex parte application filed by Bala, which has since fueled competing claims to the party’s leadership.

The ADC has, in recent months, been embroiled in a bitter factional crisis, with rival camps asserting legitimacy.

The situation has been worsened by conflicting court orders and administrative uncertainty surrounding who truly leads the party.

Tensions escalated after INEC reportedly removed Mark as the party’s national chairman from its official records, sparking protests by his loyalists.

The demonstration drew prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

In response, the Bala-led faction staged a counter-protest, insisting on recognition by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.

As the battle shifts to the Supreme Court, political observers say the outcome could decisively shape the future of the ADC, particularly as political alignments begin to take form ahead of upcoming elections.

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