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Rivers LG Election: APC Sweeps  20 Chairmanship, PDP Wins 3

Rivers LG Election: APC Sweeps  20 Chairmanship, PDP Wins 3

* It’s an absurdity, declares Atiku

* RSIEC has done a wonderful job, says ex-Deputy Speaker 

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt 

All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has won 20 chairmanship seats out of the 23 local government councils in the elections which held on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

The results, which were announced by Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, (RSIEC), Dr Michael Odey, indicated that the APC won in Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Akuku-Toru, Andoni, Asari-Toru, Bonny, Degema,  Eleme, Emohua, Etche, Gokana, Ikwerre, Khana, Okrika, Omuma, Opobo/Nkoro, Oyigbo and Tai, while PDP won in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Obio/Akpor, and PHALGA.

The results were as follow: Abua/Odual, Ofori Owoalabi, 28755 votes (APC); Ahoada East, Solomon Achoma, 54509 (APC); Ahoada West, Eugene Epelle, 84125 votes (APC);Akulga, Bob Fubara 63593 votes (APC); Andoni, Lucky Promise, 126181 votes (APC); and Asalga, George Onegiyeofori, 56383 votes (APC).

Also, Bonny, Abinye Blessing Pepple, 13543 votes (APC);Degema, Michael John Williams, 61536 votes (APC);Eleme, Obarilomate Ollor 77452 vote (APC); Emohua, Chidi Loyd 114380 votes (APC); and Etche, Njoku Boniface, 100649 votes (APC).

Following, too, Gokana,  Dekor Confidence, 96478 votes (APC); Ikwerre, Charles Wobodo,  62746 votes (APC);Khana, Bariere Thomas, 156027 votes (APC); Obio Akpor Gift Worlu,  328823 votes (PDP) and ONELGA, Shedrack Ogbogu, 51051 votes.

There were also Ogu/Bolo, Vincent Nemioboka 36374 votes (APC); Okrika, Akuro Tobin, 32285 votes (APC); Omuma, Obasi Uchechwuku, 38530 votes (APC); Opobo/Nkoro, Barr James A. James, 38822 votes (APC); Oyigbo, Okechukwu Akara, 101495 votes (APC); PHALGA, Allwell Ihunda, 235054 votes (PDP);  and Tai LGA, Mbakpone Okpe, 70,080 votes (APC).

However, reacting, former vice president and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the just concluded local government elections in Rivers State as an absurdity and travesty of democracy.

He also described the election  as shameful and shambolic, while calling on the opposition political parties in  Rivers State to reject the outcome of the election.

In a statement, the former vice-president said, ”The local government election conducted by the occupation government in Rivers State is an awful absurdity and a travesty to the very notion of elective democracy.

”By the shameful and shambolic manner in which the occupation government went ahead to conduct local government elections in Rivers State, it is clear that the ruling APC party is not leaving anyone in doubt that it is prepared to throw caution to the wind in order to achieve an inordinate political advantage.

”It, therefore, becomes necessary to call the attention of well-meaning Nigerians. international community and all friends and partners of Nigeria to the dangerous curve that the President Bola Tinubu regime is taking our dear country.

”I will also call on all opposition parties in Rivers State to reject the local government election on the premise that the occupation government that conducted the exercise is extraneous to our laws, with absolutely no legitimacy to undertake such a crucial and sensitive assignment.

”In the same breath, I wish to share my unflinching solidarity with the good people of Rivers State, who are currently victims of political brigandry to a power cabal which is bent on overturning their democratic rights at all cost.”

Speaking with THISDAY, Legal Adviser, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Okachi Ordu, described the election as one of the best things that happened to the state, saying it was transparent and credible, and would bring peace to the state.

“The election that was conducted on August 30, 2025 is one of the best things that happened in the state, one of the best things that Rivers people are expecting, it’s the best we have ever seen. It’s seamless and rancour-free election and the freest and fairest election we have ever seen in Rivers State.

“This is to say Rivers people have come out once again to speak with their PVC to chose those who will man the affairs of Rivers State. And we PDP stakeholders in Rivers State we are very much happy and all results as being declared here today is well expected and we have accepted the result in good faith and for the good and betterment of Rivers State.”

Also, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), Chibudom Nwuche, has applauded RSIEC for the successful conduct of the local government elections in Rivers.

Describing the commission’s efforts as wonderful, Nwuche, who monitored the election as an observer, said the election was peaceful and credible across the 23 local government areas of the state.

He commended the people for coming out en masse to cast their votes and for maintaining decorum throughout the exercise saying there was no report of violence or disturbances in any part of the state. 

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* It’s an absurdity, declares Atiku * RSIEC has done a wonderful job, says ex-Deputy Speaker  Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt  All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has won 20 chairmanship seats out of the 23
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House Dismisses Alleged Gang-up Against Abbas

House Dismisses Alleged Gang-up Against Abbas

*Confirms their grievances against Speaker

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives, has dismissed reports of any gang-up against Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen.

A national newspaper (not THISDAY), had reported that the lawmakers were preparing for a showdown with the speaker when the House reconvenes on September 23.

However, in a statement, yesterday, spokesperson for the House, Hon. Akin Rotimi, maintained that the lawmakers remained solidly behind Abbas.

He accused the paper of  elevating isolated remarks and informal conversations from House WhatsApp groups as if they represent the official position of any House caucus or the House itself.

“Contrary to insinuations of an impending ‘showdown’, the House remains united under the leadership of Hon. Abbas Tajudeen Speaker of the House. 

“With 360 members from every part of Nigeria, across diverse political, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, the House reflects the nation’s full heterogeneity.

“Honourable Members are free to express opinions in both formal and informal settings on matters affecting their constituencies and privileges. 

“However, such expressions when reported, especially when not balanced by differing viewpoints, do not constitute resolutions or positions of any caucus,” Rotimi noted.

Rotimi stressed that  the House operated according to established parliamentary procedures, through which caucus leaders, committees, or individual members could formally table issues for the leadership or, where necessary, for debate and resolution by the entire chamber. 

He was of the opinion that informal conversations were normal in a vibrant democracy but could not represent official positions.

“It is to the Speaker’s credit that, despite this diversity, the 10th Assembly has remained united, reaching common positions on national issues through consensus building and allowing every Member a voice. 

“The House remains focused on preparing for resumption on September 23, 2025, with renewed commitment to national priorities.

“Some issues referenced in the report conflate genuine concerns with sensationalism. Delayed contractor payments are a national challenge and not peculiar to the constituency projects nominated by Honourable members. 

“For many weeks, the House Leadership, through the Appropriations Committees, has engaged the Honourable Minister of Finance. Payments have commenced and the Leadership is committed to ensuring all outstanding 2024 obligations are settled expeditiously.

“Honourable Members face pressure from constituents expecting nominated projects to be implemented in line with participatory development. 

“The Leadership stresses that, in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, constituency projects are essential for extending government presence nationwide. While these agitations are valid, they must be understood within current fiscal realities and not misrepresented.”

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*Confirms their grievances against Speaker Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The House of Representatives, has dismissed reports of any gang-up against Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen. A national newspaper (not THISDAY), had reported that the
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PDP Southwest Chairman Decries FG Withholding LG Funds as Crime to Humanity 

PDP Southwest Chairman Decries FG Withholding LG Funds as Crime to Humanity 

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo 

The Vice Chairman South West  of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP), Kamorudeen  Ajisafe, weekend, slammed the federal government over the continue withholding of the local governments allocations meant for councils in Osun State, saying the action was an offence against humanity.

Ajisafe also opined that President Bola Tinubu has not reciprocated the good gesture extended to him by Governor Ademola Adeleke, adding that the federal government was depriving Osun people of their fundamental rights to funds and welfare because of politics.

The PDP chieftain, in a telephone interview with THISDAY, stressed that Adeleke should be given credit for the way he has handled the finances of the state despite the absence of local government allocations.

According to him, “Ademola Adeleke of Osun, has declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s second term. Isn’t it the same President that is withholding Osun State local government funds? Let’s see how it goes.

“The people of the state are not fools. If not that the Adeleke family is strong morally and financially, and the governor is committed to good governance, how would the state have survived the blockade?”

He reiterated that Adeleke has been depriving himself of many things to make the state better, saying, “He is not taking security votes and has been travelling on his family’s private jets. He has been saving money to do all the projects in the state.”

He equally remarked that Adeleke has also been paying the half-salary the APC government owed workers, despite the LG funds seizure, and has also been paying pensioners across the board. Let’s give him credit.

“If Nigeria was a nation you and I expect it to be, nobody would have been able to seize the LG funds. You are depriving a lot of people of their fundamental rights to funds and welfare because of politics. That is an offence against mankind,” he said.

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Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo  The Vice Chairman South West  of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP), Kamorudeen  Ajisafe, weekend, slammed the federal government over the continue withholding of the local governments allocations meant for councils
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Union Bank Finalises Merger with Titan Trust Bank

Union Bank Finalises Merger with Titan Trust Bank

Nume Ekeghe

Union Bank of Nigeria Plc has confirmed the successful completion of its merger with Titan Trust Bank Limited, following the final approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The deal, which began with a Share Sale Agreement in 2021, consolidates Titan Trust’s operations and assets into Union Bank, leaving the 108-year-old institution as the surviving entity.

In a statement issued by the bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aluko, Union Bank described the merger as a transformative step that combines its long-standing heritage with Titan Trust’s agility and innovation.

The enlarged entity, operating under the Union Bank brand, now boasts 293 service centres, 937 ATMs, and a stronger digital backbone to serve retail, SME, and corporate customers nationwide.

Commenting on the milestone, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Yetunde Oni, said: “ This is a pivotal moment in our 108-year journey, and a launchpad for delivering greater value to our customers. By blending stability with innovation, we are better positioned to meet the evolving needs of Nigerians and to be their most trusted financial partner.”
Also speaking on the transaction, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Bayo Adeleke, said: “This is a new era of growth, collaboration, and shared prosperity. By bringing together the strengths of both institutions, we are committed to creating lasting value for our customers, shareholders, and communities while advancing Nigeria’s financial inclusion agenda.”
Union Bank assured its customers that their account details remain unchanged and services will continue seamlessly, while the bank accelerates its push into enhanced digital solutions.

This strategic consolidation strengthens Union Bank’s market position, unlocks operational synergies, and underscores its ambition to deliver a modern, robust, and inclusive banking experience for all.

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Nume Ekeghe Union Bank of Nigeria Plc has confirmed the successful completion of its merger with Titan Trust Bank Limited, following the final approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria
The post Union Bank Finalises Merger with Titan Trust Bank appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.