Woo President Tinubu to join PDP – Group challenges FCT Minister Wike

A prominent group, the PDP Frontiers for Change and Progress, has called on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to work towards persuading President Bola Tinubu to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The group emphasised that such a move would demonstrate Wike’s unwavering loyalty to the party.

The statement came in Umuahia on Tuesday, in response to remarks allegedly made by Wike, where he criticized Adolphus Wabara, the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, for commending the accomplishments of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.

Emeka Ikpegbu, the National Coordinator of the PDP Frontiers for Change and Progress, defended Wabara, asserting that the BoT Chairman had committed no wrongdoing in recognizing Otti’s achievements.

Ikpegbu further challenged Wike, urging him to go a step further by convincing President Tinubu to join the PDP, thereby solidifying his loyalty to the party beyond any doubt.

“Wike should first bring his principal, President Bola Tinubu, who he praises everyday to the PDP before preaching to us about anti-party.

“Is there any anti-party as bad as a former Governor and a presidential aspirant in PDP serving as a Minister under APC? How many times has Wike publicly praised President Tinubu yet nobody has sanctioned him for anti-party.

“Why will he begin to lecture us now on how to sanction members for anti-party?” He queried.

The group, while advising Wike to steer clear of criticising Wabara and the PDP governors, also praised both the governors and the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) for their resolute position in navigating the political turmoil in Rivers State.

They further lauded the BoT for upholding the Enugu Court of Appeal’s judgment, which affirmed Sunday Ude-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary.

Looking ahead, the group expressed optimism for the PDP’s future in the 2027 elections, urging party members to stand firm against any efforts to intimidate those working to revitalize and reposition the party.

Command CP orders removal of DPO over crime rate

Delta State’s Police Commissioner, Olufemi Abaniwonda, has announced the redeployment of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ogwashi-Uku.

The redeployment follows a disturbing surge in kidnappings and armed robberies in the area.

The decision came in response to widespread complaints circulating on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, highlighting the worsening security situation in Ogwashi-Uku, located in Aniocha South LGA.

In an effort to tackle the rising crime rates, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Operations, Aina Adesola, has been tasked with deploying tactical units to the region.

These units include specialized teams such as Dragon Patrol, Eagle-Net, and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), which have been strategically positioned to combat criminal activities.

Additionally, the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber-Crime Squad (SAKCCS) has been directed to relocate to Ogwashi-Uku, adopting an intelligence-driven strategy to track down, arrest, and prosecute those behind the criminal acts.

The State Intelligence Department (SID) has also been mobilized to conduct undercover operations and gather critical intelligence to further disrupt the criminal network in the area.

Abaniwonda reassured Delta residents of his unwavering commitment to ensuring their safety, emphasizing that the security of lives and property remains the police’s top priority.

He urged the public to stay alert, report any suspicious activity, and collaborate with law enforcement to help restore peace.

For immediate security concerns, the police command has provided emergency contact numbers: 08036684974, 08114895600, and 08025666914.

The Police Commissioner also warned criminals that Delta State would not tolerate lawlessness, promising zero tolerance for criminal activities.

Pastor arrested by Police operatives over alleged murder of 7-year-old Boy

A 45-year-old pastor named Ijebor Simon and a 23-year-old named Destiny Okojabhole have been taken into custody by Edo State Police Command operatives for the alleged murder of a seven-year-old boy named Evans Okojabhole in Irrua, Esan Central LGA.

This was revealed by Moses Yamu, the Command’s spokesperson, in a statement provided to reporters in Benin City on Wednesday.

According to Yamu, John Okhojibole of Jehovah Witness Road, off Elebesunu Street, in Irrua, reported the case of the minor’s suspected murder to the Irrua Divisional Headquarters.

According to him, the incident was reported at approximately 1:45 PM on February 22, 2025.

John Okhojibole, the complainant, claims that 24 hours after his kid was reported missing, the remains of his seven-year-old son were found in the bush near their home, with his feet severed and his stomach torn open.

According to a spokeswoman for the Command, the two suspects were taken into custody by Irrua Divisional Headquarters agents during initial investigations.

According to him, the case has been forwarded for additional investigation to the State Criminal Investigations Department Benin-City.