Panther Daily News

AN AWARD WINNING LYING MACHINE ON THE LOOSE AGAIN.  The king of misinformation and a 'celebrated' serial liar was virtually on air 2 days ago doing what he knows best. Chief John Okiyi Kalu was put on the spot by the Rapid FM Radio Programme anchors who asked him to confirm the reduction of travelling time from the Capital City, Umuahia to his native Abiriba Community as a result of the newly reconstructed and commissioned Umuahia to Abiriba Road by the Governor Alex Otti's led administration. As expected, he did not disappoint, he lied by expressing doubt about the brightness of the daylight and darkness of the night.  JOK has become so synonymous with lying, falsehood, misinformation, mischief-making and fake news that truth and facts for him are dependent on his confirmation and verification. Chief Okiyi has mastered the art of lying to the point of believing his own lies. No Abian, especially from the Old Bende extraction expected JOK to admit that the Road ...

THE MEMBER REPRESENTING THE SOUTH - EAST IN THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE NORTH EAST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION, CHIEF SAM ONUIGBO HAS APPLAUDED PRESIDENT BOLA TINIBU FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SOUTH EAST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION IN THE ZONE, CHIEF ONUIGBO MADE THIS COMMENDATION  IN A CHAT WITH RADIO NIGERIA IN UMUAHIA SHORTLY AFTER RECEIVING AN AWARD FROM THE  WORLD IGBO YOUTH ASSEMBLY, HE SAID BY ESTABLISHING THE COMMISSION THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF THE PEOPLE OF THE AREA WILL BE REINTEGRATED   INTO NATIONAL AFFAIRS, CHIEF ONUIGBO WHILE URGING THE PEOPLE TO JOIN HANDS IN SUPPORTING THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT TINIBU CALLED ON THE YOUTH TO SHUN THE IDEA TO "GET RICH QUICK" SYNDR OME AND EMBRACE THE VIRTUES OF HARDWORK  TO CREATE A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR THE COUNTRY

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), is expected to appear before the House of Representatives Committee overseeing the state’s emergency administration today, following his absence from Thursday’s scheduled session. Vice Admiral Ibas had been summoned to provide updates and clarifications on the administration of Rivers State under emergency rule. Thursday’s session, which was held behind closed doors and lasted approximately 50 minutes, it was learnt proceeded without him. The chairman of the committee, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, declined to speak with journalists after the meeting, and other members of the committee similarly avoided press inquiries. Attendees at the meeting included key legislative figures such as the Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Ali Isah, and chairpersons of various House committees—among them Federal Character, Finance, Water Resources, and Health Services. Though no official explanation was provided for Admiral Ibas’s n...

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has insisted that President Bola Tinubu broke Nigeria’s constitution by removing Governor Siminalayi Fubara and declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State. Amaechi also expressed disappointment over the ineffectiveness of the National Assembly in the matter, describing the Red Chamber as a very weak institution that aided Tinubu in instituting an illegal government. The former Rivers State governor spoke at the 9th Edition of Akinjide Adeosun Foundation, AAF, Annual Leadership Discourse themed: “Fearless Leadership: A Panacea for Sustainable Development,” organised by AAF yesterday in Lagos. Amaechi said: “For a governor or a president, who subscribes to such a concept, it is what he or she does that is law. It is not what is in the book that is law. There is also the non-observance of the basic principles of law. “This is where government is not by law, but by the whims and caprices of an individual leader. Like the cu...

HON OBI AGUOCHA CELEBRATES EASTER WITH ALL SAINTS FORUM ABIA STATE CHAPTER, LIST ACHIEVEMENTS AND APPLAUDS GOV OTTI FOR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT. Hon Obi Aguocha, Member Representing Umuahia/Ikwuano Federal Constituency at the Nigeria National Assembly yesterday Tuesday 22nd April 2025 celebrates with Men and Women, young boys and girls who are members of All Saints Forum Abia State chapter as part of the Easter celebration. In a statement, Hon Obi Aguocha noted that being a member, Federal House of Representative, a law marker in the lower chambers of the National Assembly is by God Almighty, and through the very good people of Umuahia/Ikwuano Federal Constituency of which All Saints Forum members inclusive.  "I am here today to thank you, All Saints Forum members for standing behind labour party especially Obi Aguocha and his Excellency Dr Alex Chioma Otti OFR who has been working assiduously to better Abia from road infrastructure development to health, and pro...

Nigeria has emerged among African countries with the lowest petrol prices new data from according to data published by global petrol prices. Global price reports that as of Monday, April 21, Nigeria's petrol price is the 12th cheapest in the world and 5th in Africa. At the start of the year, Nigeria was ranked as the 27th cheapest country for petrol in the world. Recent price changes have seen Nigeria climb above 15 countries. Changes in petrol prices in Nigeria The data also revealed that globally, the average fuel price is currently $1.27 per litre, which is about N2,047. In Nigeria, filling stations are selling fuel at prices ranging from N860 to N950, following changes in petrol prices by the Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited. Legit.ng reported that Dangote Petroleum Refinery reduced the official petrol prices for all its partner filling stations across the country. The partners are Ardova Plc, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, Technooil...

The governor of Abia State, Alex Otti has given an insight on how he sources for funds to facilitate key infrastructural projects in the state. Speaking with journalists in a video seen by Politics Nigeria, Otti said he depends on his trade secret which he described as financial engineering to get jobs done in Abia State. In addition to his explanation of his ‘financial engineering’, the governor also stated that he depends on his spiritual skills – what the Igbos of the Southeast region refers to as “Otumokpo”, or “juju” in Africa – to source funds for infrastructural projects. The governor told journalists, “Where is the money coming from? I keep getting this questions and my response has always been that that is my trade secret, my own Otumopko. “It is called financial engineering, I don’t know if that makes sense to you. So when you are able to clap, you are also able to en-cash your goodwill. You know you have a track record that people believe that what you say, you w...

The Russian Federation on Wednesday lauded the Nigerian government for supporting the United Nations UN’s adoption of a resolution to combat the glorification of Nazism. Ambassador Andrey Podyolyshev of the Russian Federation Embassy in Nigeria made the expression during a photo exhibition in Abuja to commemorate the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War. NAN reports that the war of about 80 years ago, which refers to the Soviet struggle against Nazi Germany during World War II, has been described as the deadliest in human history. The war reportedly claimed millions of lives. The exhibition by Podyolyshev was dedicated to remembering the victims of the Second World War, and ro mark the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany. It was also aimed at promoting awareness about the dangers associated with the war and the Great Patriotic War. Podyolyshev expressed his gratitude to Nigeria, stating, “I would like to thank Nigeria for supporting Russia in the ...

Presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, has claimed that the political ambitions of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s have crumbled. Onanuga believes Atiku’s proposed coalition is falling apart due to the defection of key allies to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. In a post on X, Onanuga criticized the coalition efforts being led by Atiku, which includes a former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, ex-SGF Babachir Lawal, and Labour Party’s vice presidential candidate, Yusuf Baba-Ahmed. “Atiku’s political future looks bleak. The coalition that he, El Rufai, Babachir, and new member Baba-Ahmed are cobbling together has disintegrated. “Potential allies, including former running mate Ifeanyi Okowa and defunct CPC members, are giving his leprous group a wide berth. Atiku is a loser again,” Onanuga stated. Onanuga’s comments followed a similar post by fellow presidential aide Tunde Rahman, who noted that PDP’s internal crisis had deepened with the defection of former D...

The senator representing Kano South senatorial district on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, has defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC. He confirmed his defection in a statement made available to journalists in Kano on Wednesday, saying that all politics is local. He previously served as Senior Special Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly (House of Representatives) matters before contesting for the Senate in 2023, which he won. “Yes, it is true. The rumours regarding my defection are accurate. All politics is local, and my primary concern has always been, and remains, the welfare of my immediate constituency,” Senator Sumaila stated. Sumaila, in the statement, expressed the belief that the interest of his constituents would be better served in his new party. DAILY POST recalls that the lawmaker was suspended by the NNPP’s Hashimu Dungurawa-led faction in Kano over alleged anti-party activit...

APC Welcomes Oborevwori, Says Delta Will Boost Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant shift in the political landscape of the South-South region. The announcement, made on Wednesday, was accompanied by the departure of several prominent PDP members, including former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, senior state officials, members of the State Assembly, local government leaders, and thousands of grassroots supporters. Charles Aniagwu, the Delta State Commissioner for Information, explained that the decision was the result of extensive consultations and reflection. He emphasized that joining the APC was seen as essential for fostering greater unity and promoting the state’s development. According to Aniagwu, the move was necessary to build a Delta that would better serve the aspirations of its people and foster cooperation acros...

PRESS RELEASE ABIA STATE GOVERNMENT REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO OPEN PARTNERSHIPS WITH ABIANS IN THE DIASPORA The Abia State Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to fostering strategic partnerships with Abians in the diaspora.  This assurance was made by the Executive Secretary, Abia State Diaspora Commission, Rev. Dr. Annie Onu, during an interactive meeting with members of Nzuko Ndi Abia N’ Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom. In her address, Rev. Dr. Onu emphasized the resolve of the administration of Governor Alex Otti to explore and identify key areas of collaborations that will yield mutual benefits for the state and its diaspora community. She noted that Governor Alex Otti has prioritized infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, technology, and security as central pillars of his administration's development agenda. Highlighting the improved security landscape in the state, Rev. Dr. Onu declared Abia open and safe for investment, urging ...

The defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sparked intense reactions, particularly from senior PDP figures. Among the most vocal critics is former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Olabode George, who has expressed deep concern and disappointment over what he views as a betrayal of the party's legacy and principles. The news comes amid increasing reports of covert political alliances forming ahead of the 2027 general elections, with several PDP governors allegedly pledging allegiance to President Bola Tinubu's re-election efforts. George, a founding member of the PDP, described the defection as a shocking development, especially given the longstanding influence of the party in Delta State since 1999. He condemned both Governor Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, for abandoning the party that facilitated their rise to power. For George, such moves repr...

Udengs Eradiri, a former governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, has reacted to the recent reports that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in London. According to multiple sources, including PUNCH, Governor Fubara initiated the meeting to discuss the ongoing emergency rule in Rivers State. The discussion reportedly focused on the political and security challenges affecting the region. Eradiri, however, shared his perspective on the matter after the news of the meeting surfaced. In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, he questioned the implications of the meeting for the Ijaw nation. The former governorship candidate appeared to challenge the idea that the Ijaw ethnic group could be negatively impacted by the political negotiations taking place between Fubara and other figures, such as former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike. He pointed out that some individuals had tried to cast the ongoing political ...

Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has responded to the transfer speculation surrounding his move to the Spanish giants Real Madrid. The red-hot Galatasaray forward has drawn interest from Real Madrid due to his impressive physique, high goal-scoring percentage, and explosive performances, according to Spanish news outlet Fichajes. The €75 million transfer fee does not deter Real Madrid. Florentino Perez’s priority is to acquire a top-level “number 9” for the team. Los Galacticos are searching for a striker who can make an immediate impact and change the outcome of games. …

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has commended Ifeanyi Okowa, former governor of Delta and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, for supporting President Bola Tinubu. On Wednesday, Sheriff Oborevwori, the incumbent governor of Delta, left the PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Okowa is set to join the ruling party soon. Oborevwori succeeded Okowa as the governor of Delta after winning the 2023 election on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket In a statement released by Lere Olayinka, the spokesperson for the FCT minister, Wike said Okowa’s endorsement of Tinubu validates his own support for the president during the 2023 elections. “It is another endorsement of the president’s good governance and commitment to the development of the country,” the statement reads. “I am particularly happy that what I saw before the 2023 presidential election, others are now seeing and are ...

Former Governor of Delta State and Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ifeanyi Okowa, has defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC. This was disclosed on Wednesday shortly after a meeting at the Delta State Government House, Asaba. Okowa, before the announcement, said in his dialect, while addressing the people, that he would take the best decision. “Be assured that we will not go in the wrong direction. We will take the best direction, the best path for our people,” Okowa said.

Peter Obi Attends Late Pope Francis’ Lying-in-State In Rome [Photos] Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, was present at the lying-in-state of the late Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on April 23. Panther daily news recalls that Pope Francis died on April 21 at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke, slipping into a coma, and experiencing heart failure. I moved from Casa Santa Marta, the modest residence where he lived and died. The solemn procession began with the sound of St. Peter’s bells as pallbearers carried the open wooden coffin. Swiss Guards, dressed in ceremonial attire and carrying staffs, walked beside the coffin as it made its way through St. Peter’s Square. The area was filled with tens of thousands of mourners. The procession also featured priests in traditional robes—some holding candles—and groups of nuns quietly following behind.  Panther daily news had reported that Pope Francis’ funeral is set for Saturday, ...

The Capitulation of Nigerian Governors to Federal Might  We once had governors who were in charge. Men who looked tyranny in the face and defied federal might. They had balls!  These days you wonder what kind of governors we have.  In the South East, there was Orji Uzor Kalu who became governor at 39. He gave Obasanjo a fight and when the Owu Chief took the PDP structure from him, he floated a fresh party PPA and his candidate defeated PDP even while being remanded in prison.  OUK was one of the men that truncated OBJ's ill-fated third term ambition.  In the South West, a certain Bola Tinubu who believes so much in federalism created LCDA's in Lagos state and drew the ire of the President. Local government allocations were withheld and the man didn't flinch.  He held his ground and became the last man standing in a blitzkrieg that swept away 5 AD governors. Today, he's the President of Nigeria.  In the Niger Delta, the duo of Alameseigha an...

DR MADUKA OKORO A POLITICAL SCIENTIST/MASS COMMUNICATOR HAS CONGRATULATED CHIEF DANIEL AKWARI COMMISSIONER IN THE SED COMMISSION ON HIS BIRTHDAY. DR OKORO DESCRIBED CHIEF AKWARI AS A TRUE SON ON BENDE A WORTHY ABIAN AND A PATRIOTIC NIGERIAN.  CHIEF AKWARI HAS DEMONSTRATED OVER THE YEARS HIS COMMITMENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIS COUNTRY  ,HENCE HIS LEADERSHIP ACUMEN WHILE SOJOURNING IN SOUTH-AFRICA " ON BEHALF OF MY FAMILY I PRAY THE ALMIGHTY JEHOVAH TO CONTINUE GUIDING YOU PROTECTING YOU WITH HIS UNSEASON MERCIES"

In a strong reaffirmation of his commitment to human capital development, Hon. Obi Aguocha, Member Representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has officially released the list of beneficiaries for the second batch of his Educational Support Program for the 2024–2025 academic session.   The initiative, which is designed to provide financial support to outstanding and deserving students across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, cuts across all 32 wards of the federal constituency, covering Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South LGAs.   According to a statement from Hon. Aguocha’s office, the distribution of support materials and bursary awards will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Ochendo Hall, Umuahia North LGA Headquarters, starting at 9:00 AM prompt.   This second batch features a comprehensive and diverse selection of recipients, from Tertiary and Secondary to Primary school pupils, sele...

In a landmark ruling that has sent ripples across Nigeria’s political landscape, the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has ruled in favor of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ordering the immediate removal of the Sole Administrator appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the Government House. The court’s decision, delivered on Tuesday morning, gives the Tinubu-backed appointee 48 hours to vacate the premises, reaffirming Governor Fubara’s constitutional mandate as the duly elected leader of Rivers State. The ruling follows months of escalating political tensions between Governor Fubara and his estranged political godfather, former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The crisis intensified after the controversial appointment of a Sole Administrator by President Tinubu, which many legal experts and political observers deemed unconstitutional and a breach of democratic n...

LET GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA TAKE A CUE FROM WHAT GOV. OTTI IS DOING IN ABIA – FORMER PRES. JONATHAN Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, GCON, has called on leaders across Nigeria to take a cue from what the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti is doing in Abia State.  Dr. Jonathan, who is also an alumnus of the University of Port Harcourt, made the call on Saturday, 12th April, during the University of Port Harcourt’s (UNIPORT) Alumni, 80s Reunion Dinner and Award ceremony in Umuahia, the Abia State Capital with the theme: “Celebrating Excellence & Service to Humanity.” The former President, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event but was unavoidably absent as he was in far away Seoul, South Korea, where he was presented with the 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize award, was represented by H.E. Amb. Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, CON, as Chairman of the occasion.          He said that, “The presence of Al...