In a significant political development, Kalu Kalu, a prominent Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said that the 27 lawmakers from Rivers State, who recently switched allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, have forfeited their seats in the parliamentary arena.

Kalu Kalu, a seasoned lawyer, explained the legal ramifications behind this decision, stating that elected officials can only defect during their term if there is a discernible leadership struggle within their original party. In a Tuesday interview on Arise News, he clarified, “The 27 affected constituencies, their seats are already vacant… Once you defect from the political party from which you won election, to another political party before the expiration of the house upon which you were elected, that you automatically lose that seat.”

The legal perspective was further emphasized as Kalu debunked the possibility of a division within the PDP, asserting, “The proviso in section 109-1g is clear that if there is a division in the party upon which the member came to the house in question, that the person has the right to move to another political party.” He highlighted the absence of conflicting opinions within the PDP, both at the national and state levels.

Aside from legalities, Kalu shared personal insights, affirming his allegiance to the APC and describing his previous association with the PDP as purely a lawyer-client relationship. Addressing the situation in Rivers State, he delved into the intricacies of party dynamics, stating, “It is only when there is a leadership crisis, when there is a split in the leadership of the party at the national level that you can now say that there is a split.” He emphasized that, as of the moment, the PDP is functioning without any faction both nationally and within Rivers State.

Concluding his remarks, Kalu drew attention to the constitutional implications of the lawmakers’ defection, pointing out that the seats of the 27 affected constituencies are already vacant. He asserted, “So, there’s no split, there’s no division in the PDP, and I stand to be quoted wrong.” Kalu urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to initiate the process of conducting bye-elections to fill the now-vacant seats, adhering to the provisions of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This development adds a layer of complexity to the political landscape in Rivers State, with potential ramifications for both the ruling APC and the opposition PDP. GMTNews

…As constituents strongly condemn challenging of Senator Kelvins victory

Former Enugu State Governor, Chimaroke Nnamani and Adaku Ogbu, who were defeated in the Enugu East senatorial election, have come under strong condemnation for still pursing the seat at the election petitions tribunal with all manner of shenanigans.

In the Enugu East senatorial race held on Saturday March 18, 2023, INEC returning officer, Joachim Omeje, while declaring the result on Sunday March 19, announced that Senator Kelvin Chukwu of the Labour Party (LP) polled 69,136 votes to win the election.

Continuing, Omeje said Chimaroke Nnamani, who contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), came second with 48,701 votes while Adaku Ogbu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) came a distant third with 8,548 votes.

While Nnamani is seriously contesting the senate seat, Ada Ogbu on the other hand is boasting to use her power as a woman to reenact the Hope Uzodinma supreme Court victory from number four position to the winner (number one) in the Imo State governorship election of March 9, 2019.

Uzodinma of APC who came a distant 4th with just 96,458 votes, suddenly, by the token of the judgment of the Supreme Court in January 2020, defeated Governor Emeka Ihedioha of PDP that polled 276,404 votes.

Enugu East Senatorial District Senator, Sir Kelvin Chukwu, is the brother of the former LP candidate, late Barrister Oyibo Chukwu who was gruesomely murdered three days before the senatorial election earlier scheduled to hold alongside the presidential election on February 25, which he was favoured to win.

The people of Enugu East Senatorial District are outraged by the actions of Nnamani and Ogbu.They believe that the two politicians are not only attempting to reap where they did not sow, but are also disrespecting the memory of the late Oyibo Chukwu.

Commenting on the development, a resident of Isiuzo L.G.A of the senatorial district, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “It is very clear that Nnamani and Ada Ogbu are not interested in the welfare of the people of Enugu East Senatorial District.They are only interested in power and money. They are willing to do anything to get what they want, even if it means disrespecting the memory of a murdered Oyibo Chukwu.”

Another resident of the district said: “The people of Enugu East senatorial district are tired of these politicians. We are tired of being cheated and lied to. We are tired of being used as pawns in a game of power. We want real representative in the person of senator Kelvin Chukwu who we massively voted for after his brother, Oyibo, was killed by suspected political assailants. We do not want these corrupt politicians who are only interested in lining their own pockets.”

The political landscape in Nkanu, within Enugu East Senatorial District, appears to be witnessing uneasy calm as the actions of Chimaroke Nnamani and Ada Ogbu, fueled by their supporters, continue to drive a wedge between the people. Instead of fostering unity in support of senator Chukwu and working towards the betterment of their constituency, these politicians are increasingly mocking the slain Oyibo whosere mainsare yet to be buried. The people are disappointed by the actions Nnamani and Ogbu at the election tribunal. The repercussions of their actions reverberate throughout the district, leaving its constituents searching for a way to bridge the ever-widening gap and restore faith in a leadership that truly serves their interests.

Barrister Oyibo Chukwu, a senior legal luminary with over 30 post bar experience, fought tirelessly for justice throughout his career, taking up cases pro-bono. His blood, shed in the pursuit of truth, must not be allowed to flow in vain. It is a shameful act to challenge the legacy left behind by such a remarkable legal mind. Those who dare to challenge the spirit of the late Oyibo are willfully disrespecting his memory and dishonoring his life’s work.

Any lawyer with the audacity to stand against the pursuit of justice and fairness that Oyibo Chukwu dedicated his life to and was killed for should be prepared to suffer a fate far worse than Oyibo himself endured. It is a brazen act of defiance to challenge the victory of his brother, Senator Kelvin Chukwu. Those standing against this rightful triumph are not merely challenging a political outcome; they are challenging the very principles of fairness, truth, and the legacy that Oyibo fought so hard to establish.

In the face of Senator Kelvin Chukwu’s victory, it is disheartening to witness the lack of humanity in Chimaroke Nnamani and Adaku Ogbu, and all those who choose to support them in contesting it. Regardless of our affiliations, no right-thinking individual should question the legitimacy of this triumph. Senator Chukwu’s victory is not just about a political seat; it represents the continuation of a legacy forged by Oyibo’s tireless efforts to serve the people. To challenge this victory is to disregard the values of empathy and compassion that form the foundation of our society.

The people, both from Nkanu and everywhere else, should unite in recognizing the significance of Senator Kelvin Chukwu’s victory. It signifies the triumph of hope, progress, good over evil, and the spirit of justice that inspired his brother. It is a break from tyranny. To diminish or undermine this victory is to disregard the collective aspirations of a people yearning for positive change. Let us honor the memory of Barrister Oyibo Chukwu by embracing this victory and standing together in support of Senator Kelvin Chukwu’s commitment to serving the people and upholding Oyibo’s legacy. GMTNews

During a visit to Governor Godwin Obaseki at the Government House in Benin City, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, assured residents that there are no plans to impeach Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu. He stated that he had not received any directive from Governor Obaseki to initiate such proceedings.

The Assembly sought to dispel rumors of an impending impeachment, urging the people of Edo State to disregard any speculation regarding the Deputy Governor’s removal from office. Agbebaku’s statement aimed to reassure the public and maintain transparency in the state’s political processes.

With this affirmation from the Speaker, it appears that the Edo State House of Assembly remains united in support of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, emphasizing their focus on working together to continue serving the people of Edo State effectively.

The Edo State House of Assembly has addressed the widespread rumors regarding the potential impeachment of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu. Speaker Blessing Agbebaku spoke out, seeking to clarify the situation and assure the people of Edo State that no such plans exist within the Assembly. He emphasized that he had received no directives from Governor Godwin Obaseki regarding the removal of the Deputy Governor from office.

Agbebaku vehemently dismissed the rumors, describing them as originating from baseless and malicious sources. He assured the public that the speculation surrounding the impeachment was unfounded and urged them to disregard these falsehoods. The Speaker’s statement aimed to provide clarity and uphold the integrity of the Edo State political landscape.

With this assurance from the Speaker, it is evident that the Edo State House of Assembly is focused on maintaining stability and dispelling any misinformation that may cause unrest among the residents. The government officials are committed to serving the people of Edo State in a transparent and accountable manner.

Speaker Blessing Agbebaku continued to shed light on the situation, revealing that he personally approached Governor Obaseki to address the impeachment rumors. The governor inquired about the alleged plans, and Agbebaku promptly informed him that no such intentions existed within the Assembly. Additionally, the Speaker took it upon himself to reach out to Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, assuring him that the speculation surrounding the impeachment was nothing but baseless gossip.

Agbebaku added that the visit made by the lawmakers to the governor was an act of solidarity and support. By reiterating their commitment to standing behind Governor Obaseki, the Assembly aimed to bolster his leadership and allow him to successfully complete his tenure. This gesture exemplified the unity and cooperation among the government officials in Edo State, highlighting their collective effort to serve the people of the state.

The Speaker’s statements and actions emphasized the importance of open communication and dispelling false information. By directly addressing the governor and reaching out to the deputy governor, Agbebaku exhibited a commitment to transparency and maintaining a harmonious working relationship among the key figures in the state’s government.

The Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, further expressed the unified support of all 24 members of the Edo House of Assembly (EDHA) towards Governor Obaseki. He assured the governor that they were all determined to work together to ensure a successful completion of his tenure. Agbebaku stressed that the ultimate goal was to improve the quality of life for the people of Edo State, and Governor Obaseki’s leadership was already setting a commendable example for others to follow.

In response, Governor Obaseki reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the progress and development of Edo State. He emphasized that his focus remained steadfast on delivering the promised benefits of democracy to the residents of the state. Obaseki made it clear that he would not be swayed or distracted by any rumor or false information. The governor’s words exhibited his determination to continue his administration’s initiatives and ensure the well-being of the people of Edo State remained paramount.

The exchange between Agbebaku and Governor Obaseki further solidified the unity and dedication within the government. Their shared commitment to serving the people of Edo State and delivering positive change demonstrated a strong sense of purpose and focus on achieving developmental milestones. Both leaders emphasized their resolve to overcome distractions and continue working tirelessly towards progress within the state.

As Governor Obaseki addressed the situation, he emphasized the significant achievements that have been accomplished in Edo State. He firmly asserted that the state should be recognized for its positive and impactful developments. To the governor, the absence of any crisis within the government or the Edo House of Assembly (EDHA) was evident, and he urged against granting any platform to those who thrive on creating or reporting crises.

Governor Obaseki shifted the focus to a pressing issue that needed attention—the deplorable state of federal roads in Edo State. He highlighted the detrimental effect this had on the residents’ mobility, paralyzing the state’s transportation network. Addressing this issue became paramount for the governor, as he appealed for unity and collaboration among the people of Edo State to tackle this crucial concern.

By acknowledging the absence of crises within the government, Obaseki aimed to dispel any notions that could hinder progress or create unnecessary divisions. He sought to redirect the attention and efforts of Edo people towards the pressing matter of the state’s infrastructure, specifically the deteriorating federal roads. The governor’s passionate plea for collective action demonstrated his dedication to addressing the real challenges faced by the residents and ensuring their well-being.

Governor Obaseki’s emphasis on positive development and addressing critical issues reflects his administration’s commitment to progress and the betterment of Edo State. By shifting the focus to the urgent need for infrastructure improvements, he highlighted the tangible concerns that impact the daily lives of the people. The governor’s call for unity and a shared mission to address these challenges underscored the determination to overcome obstacles and prioritize the needs of the Edo people