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Governor Diri Breaks Silence On Deputy’s Refusal To Join APC Says “I Won’t Force Him”
Governor Diri Breaks Silence On Deputy’s Refusal To Join APC Says “I Won’t Force Him”
Governor Diri breaks silence on deputy’s Refusal to Join APC says “I won’t force him”. Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has spoken publicly for the first time about his deputy’s refusal to follow him into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Diri said he would not compel his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The governor made the statement during the weekly state executive council meeting at the Government House in Yenagoa, with his deputy present.
Governor Diri, who recently dumped the PDP for the APC, said politics should be driven by dialogue and mutual respect, not confrontation.
He explained that though being in separate parties creates challenges, he is confident their ongoing discussions will produce understanding.
Governor Diri revealed that Ewhrudjakpo has withdrawn the court case he filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop a planned impeachment, following their private talks.
Diri thanked Bayelsans for their support during his defection, describing the large turnout at the state sports complex as a show of unity.
He also appreciated the APC leadership, including President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, for welcoming him into the party.
His words: “I express gratitude to the people of our state for the successful and well-attended Thanksgiving Day service. The spirit of oneness and love is what we should continue to exhibit.”
Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri
He also dismissed recent rumours claiming that armed men had entered the state, describing them as false and misleading. The governor said security agencies had been alerted to ensure peace and safety across Bayelsa.
Diri assured residents that the state remains secure and urged them to go about their normal activities, advising against spreading unverified information on social media.
Recall that Governor Diri officially resigned from the PDP on October 15 before announcing his move to the All Progressive Congress.
FG Inaugurates PenCom Board, Tasks Members On Protection Of Pension Assets
The Federal Government has inaugurated the Board of the National Pension Commission, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of over ₦28 trillion in pension assets.
Speaking at the ceremony, the SGF, Senator (Dr.) George Akume, charged members to uphold strong corporate governance while maintaining a clear boundary between oversight and management.
PenCom
The Board, led by Chairman Agbaje Opeyemi Olukayode, pledged to safeguard contributors’ funds and support national development, while the Director-General Omolola Oloworaran reaffirmed commitment to collaboration in delivering secure and timely retirement benefits for Nigerians.
EFCC Officials Mark Properties Linked To Malami In Abuja For Forfeiture: “Keep Off”
“Keep off”. The marking of Malami’s alleged properties took place hours after former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar visited his residence.
The EFCC operatives, alongside armed security personnel, who carried out the exercise on Monday morning, were challenged by the former minister and people around him.
In a video posted on social media, Malami asked a man, who appears to be an EFCC official, to show him the court order authorising them to mark and take over his residence.
The official told the former AGF that the anti-graft agency has the right to mark the property since it is under forfeiture.
Malami responded that the forfeiture order has expired and asked the EFCC official to show him the document authorising the marking.
The inscription, “Restrained order EFCC keep off”, was marked on one of the properties linked to Malami.
In January, a federal high court in Abuja ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities allegedly linked to Malami and two of his sons, Abdulaziz Malami and Abiru Rahman Malami.
The court directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national daily newspaper, inviting any individual or organisation with an interest in the assets to appear before the court within 14 days and show cause why a final forfeiture order should not be made.
In February, Malami filed an application challenging the interim forfeiture of the properties linked to him.
RELEASE FROM CUSTODY
The former AGF is standing trial on two separate criminal charges.
Last week, Malami was released from custody after a court granted him bail.
On February 27, a federal high court in Abuja granted bail to Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, in the sum of N200 million each over alleged terrorism-related offences.
EFCC
Malami and his son were arraigned on February 3 on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.
The Department of State Services (DSS) accused the former minister of refusing to prosecute terrorism financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to the office of the attorney-general for prosecution while he was in the office.
The EFCC had arraigned Malami, his son and wife, over allegations bordering on money laundering to the tune of N8,713,923,759.49.
Osimhen Undergoes Successful Surgery Following Injury Against Liverpoo
Victor Osimhen fractured his hand during a challenge with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate.
Turkish side Galatasaray, on Monday, announced that Super Eagles forward Victor Olorunfemi has undergone surgery following the hand injury he suffered in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 match against Liverpool last week.
Osimhen only managed to play the first half of the game at Anfield before he was subbed off after fracturing his hand during a challenge with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate.
In a statement on Monday, Galatasaray confirmed that the club’s doctor, Yener İnce, successfully operated on the 27-year-old to repair his hand at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital.
Osimhen
“In the away match we played against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, our player Victor Osimhen, who was injured and unable to continue the game, underwent a successful operation today at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital performed by our club doctor Op. Dr. Yener İnce,” the Galatasaray said.
The club added that it “extend our wishes for a speedy recovery to our footballer and hope for his return to the field at the earliest.”
Galatasaray would hope that Osimhen recovers in time to help the reigning Turkish champions in their fight with Fenerbahce to retain the league title.
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