Politics
Journalists Injured As Thugs Disrupt APC’s Press Briefing In Bayelsa
A group of journalists sustained injuries on Sunday when hired thugs disrupted a press briefing organized by the Sagbama Local Government Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The chaos unfolded when the thugs stormed the venue, destroying chairs and using rods to attack those present.
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Among the injured was Mr. Tife Owolabi, Chairman of the Federated Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council.
Owolabi sustained injuries to his forehead and left hand, while another journalist, Jacobson Park of People’s FM 93.1, suffered swelling in his hand after being hit with a flagstaff.
The violent disruption caused attendees to flee, forcing the temporary suspension of the press briefing.
Security forces, including personnel from Operation Doo Akpo and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), intervened to restore order.
The press briefing eventually resumed, with Jonah Abeke, Chairman of the Sagbama Local Government Chapter of the APC, announcing the indefinite suspension of seven party members for alleged anti-party activities.
Those suspended were accused of supporting Governor Douye Diri and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 National Assembly, presidential, and gubernatorial elections.
Abeke condemned the attack on the journalists, emphasizing the need for a peaceful and safe environment for press activities.
The suspension list included Barr. Peres Peretu, Hon. Matthew Karimo, Major Oputa, Hon. Tangi Samuel, King Bolouyi Sufadoh, Hon. Goodluck Ebomu, and Hon. Youdio-gwei Benjamin.
He confirmed that the suspension notice would be forwarded to the State Executive Committee for ratification.
Abeke said, “In the 2023 National Assembly, presidential and gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa State, they openly worked for Gov. Douye Diri and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party. They made no pretences about their anti-party activities.
“It is on this note that we, the undersigned executives of the Sagbama Local Government Area APC, hereby suspend them indefinitely from the party. Their suspension is hereby transmitted to the State Executive Committee of our party for ratification.”
After a series of delays, the House of Representatives ad hoc committee on Rivers State has finally held its much-anticipated meeting with the Sole Administrator of the state, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas.
The meeting, which took place in Abuja, comes as the House exercises its constitutional powers to assume the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, following the ongoing political crisis in the state.
In his opening remarks, Vice Admiral Ibas apologised for his inability to attend earlier scheduled meetings, citing the need for more time to settle into his new role.
READ ALSO: Ibas Makes First Appearance At NEC Meeting As Rivers Sole Administrator
He told the committee that he is still acclimatising to the demands of his position and appealed for the lawmakers’ understanding as he prepares to provide a detailed briefing.
Shortly after his plea, the session went into a closed-door meeting, with journalists and observers asked to leave.
More to follow………….
Deji Adeyanju, a Nigerian activist and lawyer, has made explosive claims regarding the 2023 presidential election, suggesting that former Labour Party (LP) candidate Peter Obi and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso secretly supported President Bola Tinubu’s campaign.
In a post shared on his 𝕏 page Thursday, Adeyanju contended that Obi, who ran against Tinubu, would likely continue to support the president in future political endeavors.
He expressed certainty that Obi would decline any efforts to form a coalition aimed at challenging Tinubu in the next election.
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“I’m 100% convinced that Obi worked for Tinubu in 2023 and will do so again. I might be wrong, but I’m convinced in my mind about this,” Adeyanju wrote.
“Once a businessman, always a businessman. Those still in doubt will see the clear handwriting before 2027. He will refuse to join the coalition,” he continued.
Additionally, Adeyanju accused Kwankwaso of working in favor of Tinubu during the previous election.
He emphasized that for any opposition coalition to succeed in the 2027 race, figures like Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—another presidential hopeful—must step aside.
“For the coalition to succeed, all the self-centered politicians like Atiku & Obi should promise not to run and allow neutral folks to run against Tinubu,” Adeyanju proposed. “This is how to put the interest of the nation above personal interest,” he added.
The activist went on to criticize the culture surrounding Nigerian politics, describing it as an industry driven by opportunism.
He lamented the presence of “merchants” surrounding top politicians, accusing them of putting personal gain ahead of the country’s well-being. “The biggest industry in Africa is politics,” Adeyanju said.
“And those around popular politicians are all merchants. Once politics is around the corner, they are in business. Con men and women who just want to cash out.”
Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, attended his first National Economic Council (NEC) meeting today at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Ibas was appointed to the position by President Bola Tinubu following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in March 2025.
READ MORE: Tinubu Swears In Ibas As Rivers Sole Administrator
The NEC meeting, which is being presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, gathered a number of state governors and deputy governors from across the 36 states of Nigeria to discuss important national economic issues.
Among the notable figures in attendance was Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress.
Governor Oborevwori led the opening prayers at the meeting on the instruction of Vice President Shettima.
Other state governors present included Rev. Fr. Hycinth Alia of Benue State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak of Kwara, Monday Okpebholo of Edo, and Bassey Otu of Cross River, along with several deputy governors.
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