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The Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Bayelsa State chapter, David West, has said that recent defections in the state are driven by personal interest and “stomach infrastructure,” not genuine political ideology.

Speaking on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, The Morning Brief, on Thursday, West said the claim that Bayelsa must align with the centre to develop is “a lazy excuse,” insisting that true development depends on the character of the state’s leadership, not political affiliation.

“From 1999 to date, Bayelsa has been a PDP state. Even when the APC came into power, what significant change has Bayelsa State gotten? So it’s immaterial whether you align with the centre or you’re in the opposition makes no meaning at all. The development of your state is purely on the character of the individual, the leader. If he is interested in developing the state, the state will be developed,” he said.

West described the ongoing political movement in the state as a reflection of “stomach infrastructure politics,” noting that politics remains the only thriving “industry” in Bayelsa.

“In Bayelsa State, with the kind of politics they play here, it’s purely stomach infrastructure politics. I’m emphatic about this, and I stand to be corrected, there is no other industry or any other business venture where the people of Bayelsa State will make money. Politics is the only industry, politics is the only business venture,” he stated.

According to him, the lack of economic alternatives has made political loyalty transactional.

He warned that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may soon lose its relevance entirely.

“So, as a result of that, it’s all about stomach infrastructure. The PDP currently in Bayelsa State, I say this with all sense of humility and in all respect to the PDP, will go into extinction because virtually all the members of the PDP, both living and dead, will all move to the APC. They will all join the governor for the sake of stomach infrastructure,” West said.

The Bayelsa State Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Coronation Tokpo, has described Governor Douye Diri’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a commendable and strategic decision.

Speaking on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, The Morning Brief, on Wednesday, Tokpo said Diri’s decision did not come as a surprise, noting that “the PDP is a sinking ship, and no one wants to commit suicide by staying in a ship that is sinking.”

According to him, the first reason for the governor’s move is the declining state of the PDP, while the second is the need for Bayelsa to align with the federal government for greater developmental benefits.

“The state has to be in sync with the centre because Bayelsa State is already benefiting significantly from President Tinubu’s administration. In the thinking of ordinary Bayelsans, it will do the state better if we link with the centre under the same party,” he said.

Tokpo explained that while the federal government has continued to deliver projects in opposition states, aligning with the ruling party would further accelerate development.

“The federal government awarded the second phase of the Nembe–Brass Road, and over ₦30 billion has been released for the construction of the roads and bridges that lead to Brass Island.

“We have also seen significant improvement on the East–West Road under President Bola Tinubu. It is obvious to every Bayelsan that if we link with the centre under the same party platform, Bayelsa State will benefit much more,” he said.

READ ALSO: Bayelsa Gov Douye Diri Dumps PDP

He added that the APC in the state was yet to receive formal communication from Governor Diri but expressed optimism that his defection would be finalized soon.

“The leadership of the party in the state has not received communication from the governor to join us. We are expecting that in the next few days, the communication will come, and we are willing and ready to receive him. We are certain he will join our party,” Tokpo stated.

His comments come in the wake of Diri’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party. The governor announced his decision at the executive chamber of the Bayelsa State Government House on Wednesday.

“After extensive consultations, today, October 15, 2025, I wish to notify you that, in keeping with extant protocols, I, Governor Douye Diri, do hereby resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party,” he declared, without disclosing his next political move.

He said his decision was for an obvious reason, but did not state the reason or the political party to which he will be moving.

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has rewarded Miracle Usani, a member of Nigeria’s victorious Super Falcons team that clinched the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, with ₦50 million and a plot of land in Calabar.

He also offered her an appointment as the state’s sports ambassador.

READ ALSO: UPDATED: Tinubu Confers Super Falcons With National Honours, Awards $100,000 To Each Player

The governor announced the reward during a reception held in his office in Calabar, describing Usani’s feat as a source of pride for Cross River, Nigeria, and the African continent.

He commended her determination, talent, and the inspiration she represents for young women across the state.

“Your courage and performance have brought honour to our state,” Governor Otu said.

“You’ve shown that what a man can do, a woman can do—even better. You are a symbol of excellence and resilience,” he added.

Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reviving the state’s sports sector, noting that sports have evolved beyond recreation into a viable economic and developmental tool.

He urged other young people to draw inspiration from Usani’s success, adding that “stories like hers show that the future is bright”.

Presenting the gifts, the governor said, “We have approved ₦50 million and a plot of land in Calabar for you. You are now on our VVIP protocol list and will serve as Sports Ambassador of Cross River State.”

Humble Beginnings

Usani, who plays for Edo Queens FC, expressed gratitude to Governor Otu for the recognition, recalling her humble beginnings and the challenges she faced breaking into football.

“My journey wasn’t easy. I played football with boys because there were no female teams where I grew up.

“People discouraged me, but I remained focused. Today, I’m proud to represent Nigeria and Cross River on the world stage,” she said.

The Senate on Thursday screened President Bola Tinubu’s nominee as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan.

READ ALSO: CSOs Demand Transparent Senate Screening Of INEC Chair Nominee Amupitan

Tinubu had formally written to the Senate, seeking the confirmation of the professor of Law as the new INEC.

The request was read on the floor of the Senate by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, during plenary on Tuesday.

Akpabio also read other communications from the President regarding appointments that require legislative approval.

According to the letter, the nomination is in accordance with the provisions of the constitution, which mandates Senate confirmation for such appointments.

At the screening on Thursday, Amupitan fielded questions from different senators on various issues affecting Nigeria’s electoral systems and how he would address them if confirmed as the new INEC chairman.

Watch the screening below:

Amupitan’s Nomination

Last Thursday, the President presented Amupitan’s name as his preferred nominee to fill the leadership vacancy at the electoral commission.

The Council of State unanimously approved the nomination of Amupitan, as the next INEC Chairman, following the exit of Mahmood Yakubu.

Tinubu told the council that Amupitan, an indigene of Kogi state in the north-central geopolitical zone, is the first person from the state to be nominated for the role of INEC chairman.

According to a statement by the presidential spokesman, Tinubu described the nominee as an “apolitical” figure.

Council members, including former heads of state, gave unanimous backing to the nomination. Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi state, also described Amupitan as a “man of integrity”.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has inaugurated the Delta State Security Trust Fund, reaffirming his administration’s determination to strengthen security through a public-private partnership framework.

The launch, which took place at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Asaba, drew top business leaders, security chiefs, traditional rulers, and senior government officials. Among them were the Group Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, who chaired the occasion; Zenith Bank Founder, Mr. Jim Ovia, CON, who attended as Special Guest of Honour; and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, represented by Chief Keston Pondi, who made a landmark donation of ₦10 billion as Chief Launcher.

Governor Oborevwori explained that the Security Trust Fund—originally established by law in 2013—was created as a platform for mobilizing financial support from the private sector to complement government investment in security infrastructure.

According to him, the fund will prioritise the procurement of surveillance gadgets, operational vehicles, and communication systems, as well as the training and retraining of security operatives and community-based vigilante groups across the 25 local government areas.

READ ALSO: Lagos Accuses NASS Of Violating Supreme Court Ruling On Central Gaming Bill

“Security is everyone’s concern, not just the government’s,” the governor said.

“Without safety, there can be no progress. Businesses cannot thrive, and investors will be hesitant. This Fund symbolises our joint resolve to sustain peace, safety, and economic growth.”

Highlighting the government’s proactive measures, Oborevwori noted that Operation Delta Hawk had been restructured and renamed Operation Delta Sweep —a multi-agency task force comprising the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, and Civil Defence Corps. He credited the collaboration for significant security breakthroughs, including the recovery of illegal weapons.

He added that his administration is also tackling the root causes of insecurity through youth empowerment, agricultural programmes, and infrastructural renewal, which continue to generate employment and foster stability.

“True and lasting peace is possible when citizens, especially the youth and women, are actively involved in economic development,” he stated.

The governor revealed that 0.5 percent of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has been dedicated monthly to the Security Trust Fund and urged sustained private sector support.

“What you contribute today is not merely a donation — it is an investment in Delta’s peace and prosperity,” he assured, promising transparent management of all resources.

In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, described the initiative as a watershed moment in Delta’s development story.

He praised Governor Oborevwori’s pragmatic leadership, noting that “while many talk, our governor delivers.”

Aig-Imoukhuede announced a personal contribution of ₦100 million from himself and his wife, Ofure Aig-Imoukhuede, expressing optimism that the fund could attract as much as ₦100 billion by 2025. “This launch marks the beginning of a journey toward a safer, stronger Delta,” he declared.

Zenith Bank Chairman, Jim Ovia, also commended the governor’s foresight, describing the Trust Fund as a visionary approach to inclusive security management.

He reaffirmed Zenith Bank’s partnership with the state and pledged continued support, emphasising that “security remains the bedrock of peace, prosperity, and business confidence.”

Representing High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, Chief Keston Pondi, after donating the sum of N10bn, says the initiative provides a structured avenue for the private sector to participate meaningfully in addressing security concerns. “This is more than a financial contribution — it is a strategic investment in Delta’s peace and stability,” he affirmed.

Delivering the keynote address, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Marvel Akpoyibo, lauded the state government’s infrastructural strides, particularly its improved road networks, which he described as vital to safety and connectivity. He called for deeper collaboration, technology-driven policing, and regular training of personnel, stressing that genuine security is a collective responsibility.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Delta State Security Trust Fund, Samuel Osasa, said the relaunch aims to reposition the fund to meet emerging security demands. He highlighted previous interventions, including vehicle and equipment support to security agencies and installation of modern facilities at the State Police Command to aid implementation of the Delta State Criminal Justice Law 2022.

He appealed to corporate organizations, institutions, and individuals to contribute generously, assuring that all funds would be managed responsibly and in full compliance with legal provisions.