Duke Calls on C'Riverians to Take Advantage of NDDC Free Medical Outreach

Ukorebi Esien  | November 26th, 2025

CALABAR — In a bid to improve access to quality healthcare for citizens, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), represented locally by Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke has officially flagged off a free medical outreach in Calabar, urging Cross Riverians to take full advantage of the opportunity.

At the launch event, Duke reiterated the commission's commitment to enhancing livelihoods and promoting healthy living across the state, describing the outreach not as a favour, but as a deliberate intervention to bolster healthcare access for all.

He emphasised that the timing of the initiative is particularly critical, especially now that many citizens are struggling to access care due to an ongoing strike by resident doctors in various public hospitals.
Duke also expressed gratitude to state authorities, notably Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River, for supporting healthcare initiatives, and to the management of the Mother and Child Hospital (once led by former First Lady Onari Duke) for making their facility available for the outreach.

According to organisers, the week-long outreach, which began Monday, November 24, 2025, offers a wide range of medical services to the public, including dental care, eye care, general consultations, surgeries, obstetrics and gynaecology, and laboratory services.
Residents who have already benefited described the intervention as life-saving, with many expressing deep appreciation for renewed access to medical services.

This outreach forms part of a broader mandate by NDDC to bring essential health services to underserved communities, particularly in rural and marginalised areas of the Niger Delta, and complements other recent health interventions in Cross River State.
At a time when Nigeria's public health system is under strain, initiatives like this provide critical relief and hope to ordinary citizens who might otherwise go without care.

C’River State Planning Commission Reaffirms Commitment to Ending Gender-Based Violence as 16 Days of Activism Begins

Ukorebi Esien | 25 November 25, 2025

CALABAR — The Cross River State Planning Commission (SPC) has joined governments and civil society across the world to mark the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening policies and programmes that protect women, girls, and vulnerable groups in line with the developmental vision of the People's First administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu.

Speaking on Tuesday in Calabar, the Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr Bong Duke, described the campaign as a crucial reminder that sustainable development is impossible where violence, discrimination, and fear persist. He noted that the Otu-led administration has continued to prioritize human capital development, social protection, and community wellbeing, key pillars necessary for preventing and responding to GBV in the state.

He highlighted the Governor's investments in healthcare expansion, social welfare strengthening, community peacebuilding, and economic empowerment as strategic tools that reduce the vulnerabilities that often expose women and girls to abuse. "Under the People' First agenda, Cross River State is deliberately building a society where every citizen especially women and girls can live, work, and thrive without fear. The State Planning Commission is ensuring that all development plans reflect this priority," Dr. Duke said.

The Commission also announced that it is working with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to integrate GBV prevention and response indicators into the State's Medium-Term Sector Strategies (MTSS) and annual budgets. This, it said, will help ensure that interventions, from safe spaces and legal support to education, economic empowerment, and community mobilization are properly funded and effectively implemented.

Dr. Duke called on community leaders, faith institutions, schools, men's groups, and youth organisations to actively support the campaign, emphasising that ending GBV requires collective responsibility. "Our development goals as a state cannot be achieved when half of our population is held back by violence or inequality. Ending GBV is not just a social obligation, it is a development imperative," he added.

The 16 Days of Activism, observed globally from November 25 to December 10, is an annual campaign that calls for the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.

The Cross River State Planning Commission reiterated its commitment to coordinated, inclusive planning that puts people first and advances Governor Otu's vision of a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Cross River State.

PadBank Calls on Nigerians to Support Girls as 16 Days of Activism Against GBV Kicks Off

Ukorebi Esien | November 25, 2025

CALABAR – As the global community marks the beginning of the 2025 International 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, PadBank Mobile Outreach has called on Nigerians, development partners, community leaders, faith organisations and well-meaning individuals to support its campaign to end menstrual poverty among girls in underserved communities across Cross River State.

In a press statement issued in Calabar at the commencement of the global campaign, the organisation noted that menstrual poverty remains one of the most overlooked contributors to emotional abuse, exploitation, shame and school dropout among adolescent girls. PadBank stated that thousands of girls in rural and hard-to-reach areas still lack access to sanitary pads, menstrual hygiene education and psychosocial support, leaving many vulnerable to different forms of gender-based violence.

"Ending gender-based violence requires all of us," the statement read. "Menstrual inequality is a silent crisis affecting the safety, dignity and confidence of young girls. We call on government agencies, NGOs, churches, private organisations and public-spirited Nigerians to partner with us in ensuring that no girl is left behind because of her period."

PadBank, which launched its Monthly Community Intervention Project earlier this year, aims to reach over 2,000 girls and young women, distribute 8,000 sanitary pads, and conduct 36 menstrual health and psychosocial support sessions over a one-year period. The outreach is being delivered across remote communities where access to basic menstrual supplies remains a major challenge.

The organisation emphasised that providing sanitary pads is not charity but an investment in education, dignity and gender equality. "When a girl cannot afford a pad, she becomes exposed to shame, stigma, exploitation and poor academic performance. By supporting a girl, you are protecting her future," the statement added.

PadBank urged individuals and organisations interested in supporting its mission to reach out as the campaign continues throughout the 16 days and beyond.

The global 16 Days of Activism runs annually from 25 November to 10 December and serves as a worldwide call for action to end all forms of violence against women and girls.

Mens Life Matters: C’River State Planning Commission Marks 2025 Int’l Men’s Day

Ukorebi Esien | November 19, 2025

CALABAR — The Cross River State Planning Commission on Wednesday joined the global community to commemorate the 2025 International Men's Day with a renewed pledge to prioritize men's issues in government budgeting, programming, and policy implementation.

This was revealed in a statement by Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Bong Duke, stating that the Cross River State Government would no longer ignore the unique social, economic, and health challenges faced by men across communities in Cross River State.

He noted that, despite assumptions that men are always positioned at the forefront of governance, evidence shows that many critical concerns affecting men have received little or no policy attention over the years. These include rising mental health struggles, poor health-seeking behaviour, prostate-related illnesses, substance abuse, economic pressures, unemployment among young men, and cases of male-targeted violence that often go unreported.

"Men's lives matter just as much as every other demographic group in our state. Balanced development requires that we stop assuming men are doing fine simply because they appear strong. Going forward, the Planning Commission will ensure that men's issues are reflected in the State's development plans, budget frameworks, and programme implementation strategies," he said.

He further announced that the Commission will direct all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to incorporate men-specific indicators into their Medium-Term Sector Strategies (MTSS) and annual work plans. This, he explained, will help the state respond more effectively to issues such as suicide prevention, mental health support, workplace safety, positive masculinity, and strengthening fatherhood and family stability.

The Vice Chairman stressed that the new commitment does not diminish the government's ongoing focus on women, children, and vulnerable groups but instead promotes a holistic gender-responsive development framework.

"A society is stronger when every group is supported. When men are healthy, emotionally stable, and economically empowered, families thrive, communities are safer, and development outcomes are better for all," he added.

International Men's Day, celebrated annually on November 19, focuses on six pillars, including improving men's health, promoting positive male role models, strengthening family relations, and reducing negative gender stereotypes.

The Planning Commission said it will continue to champion inclusive planning as part of its mandate to drive sustainable development in Cross River State.

C'River Judiciary Faces Backlash Over Prolonged Probate Delays

Ukorebi Esien | November 18, 2025

CALABAR — The probate system in Cross River State is facing heightened scrutiny as lawyers, grieving families, and rights advocates raise alarm over persistent delays, alleged corruption, and bureaucratic inefficiencies slowing down the issuance of letters of administration. TDN can confirm.

According to multiple sources who spoke with our reporter, what should ordinarily be a routine legal process lasting a few weeks now reportedly drags on for several months, leaving applicants stranded and emotionally distressed.

Findings show that crucial stages of the probate workflow, including first filing, verification, and newspaper publication, have become increasingly cumbersome. Several applicants say their files remain unattended for weeks, with many pointing fingers at bottlenecks allegedly created within the Chief Judge's office.

For families dependent on estate assets to settle debts or resolve disputes, the delays have triggered significant financial hardship.

"This process is supposed to bring closure, but it has become a nightmare," said one applicant who has waited over six months for a first-filing publication.

Sources within the judiciary system in Cross River State have attributed the backlog to several factors ranging from poor staff commitment to alleged rent-seeking behaviour and the frequent absence of the Chief Judge.

A senior judiciary officer, who asked not to be named, said:
"Many files are left unattended for weeks because of the Chief Judge's constant travels and lack of delegated authority. It's weakening public confidence in the judiciary."

When contacted, the Cross River State Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Barr. Enome Amatey, said he was not aware of widespread delays but promised to investigate and revert by Monday. 

Adding that he hasn't carried out first filing for a while, and that he hasn't faced delays during second filing processes.

Unfortunately, Amatey, didn't get back to the reporter by Monday as agreed, when contacted on Tuesday, he neither took nor returned calls as at press time.

Speaking with another Lawyer, who also pleaded not to be mentioned, he however, admitted that probate matters inherently come with challenges.

"You cannot completely rule out the Nigerian factor. Probate has two stages, first filing and second filing, each with its own demands. Order 61 of the High Court Rules clearly spells out timelines, but practical realities sometimes interfere." He said. 

He further explained that first filings require multiple sureties and consents from all applicants, while second filings involve publication, which must run for 21 days to allow potential caveators to challenge the application.

He noted that publication delays often occur because the probate division waits to gather a required number of applicants before sending names for newspaper announcements.

Describing his personal experience, another young lawyer confirmed that there have been instances where letters of probate were completed but remained unsigned for up to a month due to the Chief Judge's absence.

"I applied about a year or two ago. Everything was ready except the Chief Judge's signature, and it took about a month. She had traveled for an official assignment, and unless she delegates that responsibility which the law does not compel her to do applicants simply have to wait."

He added that while discretion allows the Chief Judge to assign signing duties, there is no legal requirement mandating such delegation, thereby leaving room for administrative stagnation.

Speaking to Bar. Arikpo Ikpi, a Calabar-based legal practitioner, he described the situation as "frustrating, draining, and completely unacceptable."

Ikpi, who is currently handling multiple probate applications, said one of his cases has remained stuck at first filing for over four months with no clear explanation from the registry.

"I have a matter that has been in first filing for more than four months now. Each time I go there, it's either the file is 'still being processed' or 'waiting for approval.' It is painful, frustrating, and honestly embarrassing that families going through grief must suffer like this," he stated.

He added that the prolonged delays are affecting lawyers' credibility and straining relationships with clients who expect timely results.

On his part, Barr James Ibor, informed this reporter that he wasn't aware of such delays since he wasn't in charge of probate in his organisation but will enquire from his colleague who's responsible for probate matters.

Stakeholders are now urging the Cross River State Government to open an inquiry into the probate registry, alleging systemic corruption and administrative laxity. 

Our reporter notes that many lawyers declined speaking on the matter while those who openly agreed there are  corrupt and sharp practices within the system thus leading to the delays experienced by lawyers warned the reporter not to take their views nor mention their names. Many described it as THE NIGERIAN FACTOR 

Should all this be true, then the probate process in Cross River State now stands at a defining moment. Unless the judiciary implements reforms that guarantee speed, integrity, and transparency, countless families will continue to suffer unnecessary hardship. Restoring efficiency, they argue, is not merely a bureaucratic necessity but a moral obligation, ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done.

Ukorebi Esien

Editor-in-Chief, 

The Daily News Ng

Stop the Witchcraftcy, Restore Light to Akamkpa, LG Boss Warns PHEDC, Others

 

Ukorebi Esien | Novemeber 14, 2025

AKAMKPA - The Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Council, Hon. (Ophot) Felix Akposi KSJI, has issued a one-week ultimatum to Sterling Global and the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) to restore power to Akamkpa or face strict sanctions, including the impounding of Sterling Global's trucks operating within the local government.

Akposi described the prolonged blackout and the attitude of both companies as negligent, calling their delay in restoring electricity "witchcraft."
The directive followed a tense meeting in his office on Thursday, November 13, 2025, where the Chairman confronted both parties over the lingering power outage and their failure to act swiftly on issues that should have long been resolved.

Akamkpa had been scheduled to regain electricity on November 1 after multiple stakeholders' engagements that addressed accumulated arrears and PHEDC's commitments. But the plan collapsed when a Sterling Global truck, conveying materials to a site in Ikot Abasi, rammed into a PHEDC pole, killing two people and leaving another critically injured.
Akposi, who had earlier intervened to mediate between both sides, said he was shocked that neither company made meaningful progress weeks after the incident.

"I intervened so this problem could be fixed immediately," he said. "I even visited your company personally and appealed to PHEDC to reduce the cost implications attached to energy loss. But more than two weeks later, nothing has been done. You cannot frustrate Government or sabotage what has already cost millions to restore."

He cited a similar case in Lagos where a company promptly replaced a transformer after an accident, questioning why Sterling Global and PHEDC allowed the Akamkpa issue to drag.

Sterling Global's Chief Security Officer, Mr. Victor Usang, accused PHEDC of presenting inflated quotations and allegedly understating the vandalism recorded along the Isong Inyang axis following the crash.
The meeting compelled both sides to re-examine the facts, including Akamkpa's earlier disconnection from the national grid due to poor bill remittances and the widespread vandalism that has kept large parts of the community in darkness for over eight years.

After listening to submissions from both parties, Akposi directed PHEDC and Sterling Global to jointly review the disputed quotations and commence repair works immediately. He insisted that electricity must be restored within one week or Sterling Global's trucks would be impounded by the council.

Beyond electricity concerns, the Chairman warned Sterling Global over recurring cases of reckless driving involving its vehicles, describing the trend as alarming and avoidable. He said persistent incidents could compel the council to introduce stricter safety regulations to protect residents.
Reaffirming his administration's stance, Akposi said the people of Akamkpa have endured darkness and unsafe roads for too long and that no company—public or private—would be allowed to undermine public safety and wellbeing through carelessness or indifference.

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀’𝐈𝐛𝐨𝐦

Ukorebi Esien | November 13, 2025

IKOT EKPENE - Two inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre in Akwa Ibom State, have been confirmed dead following a transformer explosion that occurred within the prison facility.

Reports indicate that the incident happened on Wednesday night when electricity was suddenly restored after a power outage. The surge reportedly caused the transformer located within the custodial premises to explode, sending out a heavy spark that injured several inmates and correctional officers.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that the explosion caused panic as flames spread close to the inmates' cells, prompting an emergency evacuation to prevent further casualties. Two of the inmates were fatally electrocuted, while others sustained varying degrees of burns and shock.

Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr Richard Metong, said the situation has since been brought under control. He noted that the injured inmates were immediately taken to the prison clinic before being transferred to a nearby hospital for proper medical attention.

Metong further explained that an investigation has been launched to ascertain the cause of the explosion, while the service is working closely with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) to prevent a recurrence.

He also sympathized with the families of the deceased inmates and assured them that the command is prioritizing the safety of all persons in custody.

Meanwhile, authorities have temporarily disconnected the power supply to the facility pending the completion of a technical assessment of the transformer and other electrical installations within the centre.

See List of alcoholic bitters banned by NAFDAC after lab tests show fatal effects

Ukorebi Esien | November 13, 2025

ABUJA– The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning and banned several alcoholic bitters following laboratory tests that revealed dangerous and fatal effects on animals.

According to a statement released by the agency, consumption samples of one major product, Japata Alcoholic Bitters (100 ml) produced by Chigodson International Company Limited, were found to be adulterated. The registered version of the bitters contained only ethanol, but recent samples were reportedly laced with cannabis and had significantly elevated alcohol content.
During laboratory testing, mice exposed to the adulterated product reportedly died within five minutes. NAFDAC said that retained samples from earlier registration did not have this effect, indicating that the current batches in circulation had been altered and rendered unfit for human consumption.

In addition to Japata, the agency published a list of other alcoholic beverages now banned for safety reasons. These include:

BOP-Daddy Ginger Liquor (200 ml)
Cork & Shoot Alcoholic Bitters (100 ml)
One Core Alcoholic Bitters Drink (100 ml)
Legit.ng - Nigeria news.

NAFDAC stated that the production facility in Lagos State has been shut down, and the proprietor is currently at large. The matter has also been referred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.
Legit.ng - Nigeria news.

The risk posed by these adulterated alcoholic beverages extends beyond conventional health concerns: NAFDAC warned that the product's contents may cause altered mental states, psychological issues, and pose heightened danger to vulnerable consumers – including drivers and other users of public transport – who may lose control, raising the threat of traffic accidents or other incidents.

Consumers are urged to remain vigilant: only purchase alcoholic beverages from reputable sources, check for proper registration and seals, and avoid unbranded or suspicious products sold informally. NAFDAC further invited health practitioners, media, community and religious leaders to assist in educating the public about the perils of illicit or unregulated beverages.

Context & Implications
This move by NAFDAC comes amid wider efforts to clamp down on adulterated pharmaceuticals, illicit herbal remedies and unregulated ingestible products in Nigeria. The agency's action signals a more aggressive stance on alcohol products that masquerade as safe while carrying hidden and harmful substances. The public health implications are serious, given the widespread accessibility of small-bottle bitters and herbal alcoholic concoctions in many states.

For manufacturers and distributors, this development underscores the need for full compliance with regulatory registration, transparent supply chains, and rigorous quality assurance. Failure to meet these obligations now carries not just reputational risks but criminal referral and market shutdowns.

What to Do If You've Consumed These Products
If you have purchased or consumed any of the listed bitters, stop immediately and monitor for symptoms of poisoning, altered mental state, abdominal pain, or neurological changes.

Report suspicious beverages or illegal manufacturing activities to your state-level NAFDAC office or call their toll-free consumer line (listed on the agency's website).
Advocacy groups and civil society actors are encouraged to collaborate with regulatory bodies to track the distribution of illicit alcohol, raise awareness and assist in enforcement.

The banning of these alcoholic bitters following the dramatic lab findings of mice dying within minutes serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by adulterated beverages. NAFDAC's call for vigilance is timely, and all stakeholders, from consumers and civil society to regulators and law enforcement, must now work together to ensure that what goes into bottles is safe and compliant, and that Nigerians are protected from hidden harms hiding in unsuspecting products.

Teacher Esien Itam Foundation Awards Scholarships to 57 Students in C'River

 

..See Complete List of Beneficiaries 

Our Reporter | November 13, 2025

The Teacher Esien Ita Itam Education Trust Fund, established in 2014 by the late Barr. Temitope Ekpenyong Ita in honor of her late father-in-law, continues to promote educational excellence across Cross River South Senatorial District.

For the 2025/2026 academic year, the Fund is awarding fifty-seven (57) scholarships, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to six hundred and nine (609) since inception.

In a release signed by Ekpenyong Esien Ita (Jnr) for the chairman, the Award Distribution is as follows:

Secondary Schools – 53 recipients

Postgraduate Studies (UNICAL) – 2 recipients

Nigerian Law School, Yenagoa – 1 recipient

Medical Studies (Baze University, Abuja) – 1 recipient

Beneficiaries are encouraged to make the most of this opportunity. Education remains the key to unlocking human potential and driving innovation in a world shaped by technology and artificial intelligence. Use this platform to transform your future and inspire change in your community.

Below are list of Teacher Esien Ita Itam Education Trust Fund Scholarship Beneficiaries

1. SAINT PATRICK'S COLLEGE, IKOT ANSA CALABAR.

1. Bassey Christopher Offiong – JSS2

2. Eden Gregory Nsa -SS2

3. Inok Godfrey Inok-Abasi – SS2

4. Offiong Leonard Edet SS3

5. Eyibo Alexander Okon – SS3

2. HOPE WADDELL TRANINING INSTITUTION CALABAR

1. Joseph Effiong Edem – JSS2

2. Raymond Nsa-lta Ekepenyong – JSS2

3. Okon Martin Ekpo – 552

4. Ikpeme Godwin Jacob – SS3

5. Moses Ayi Ndarake – SS3

3. HOLY CHILD GIRLS' SECONDARY SCHOOL, CALABAR

1. Fedora Okokon Effiong -JSS3

2. Itam Grace Eyo – JSS2

3. Comfort Ikang Edet – SS3

4. Emmanuelle Bassey Onoyom – SS2

5. Ekpenyong Nsa Effanga – SS3

4. GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL ADIABO

1. Queen Effiom Nsa -SS3

2. Otuanwan Etim Asuquo -SS3

3. Paschal Gabriel Okon -SS3

4. Effa Blessing Ekpenyong – SS3

5. Favour Etim Offiong -SS2

5. GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL, CREEK TOWN

1. Nsa Edet Eyo – JSS1

2. Alex Oku Esien – J5S2

3. Emmanuel Bassey Out – SS2

4. Mary Bassey Bassey – SS1

5. Grace Ibok Edet – SS-2

6. GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL COLLEGE, EFUT IBONDA

1. Dorcas Martin Effiong – VTC 2

2. Patricia Effiong Okon – VTC 3

3. Kingsley Edet Etim – VTC 3

4. Godwin Asuquo Eyo – ST 2

5. Samuel Okon Etim – ST3

7. EDGERLEY MEMORIAL GIRLS' SECONDARY SCHOOL, CALABAR

1. Obongawan Itam Okpo – SS3

2. Valerie Bassey Eyibo – SS3

3. Bassey Edet Orok – SS1

4. Davina Emmanuel Ekpenyong Oku SS2

5. Arit Asuquo Umo – SS2

8. WEST ARICAN PEOPLE'S INSTTUTE, CALABAR

1. Effiong Mercy Effiong – JSS3

2. Ita Grace Bassey – SS2

3. Precious Okon Ekpenyong – SS2

4. Precious Asuquo Edet-SS2

5. Asim Ita Asim – JSS3

6. Ekanem Eyo Euphepria – JSS3

9. MARY SLESSOR ACADEMY, CALABAR

1. Effiwatt Jessie-Out O – SS1

2. Inyang, Victor Edet -SS3

3. Edim, Glory Joseph – SS1

4. Etim, Uyi Edet -JSS3

5. Effiwatt, Enoch Effiom – JSS3

10. DUKE TOWN SCEONDARY SCHOOL CALABAR

1. Greatness Okokon Ita -JSS2

2. Daniel Ekeng Henshaw – JSS3

3. Joseph Edem Ededem – JSS3

4. Ekeng Adem – SS1

5. Divine Hogan – SS2

6. Deborah Okokon Etim – SS3

C’River APC Crisis Deepens as Chapter Officials Lock Party Secretariat

By Ukorebi Esien | November 12, 2025

CALABAR – The internal conflict within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State escalated Tuesday with chapter chairmen and secretaries storming and locking up the party's state secretariat, demanding the immediate resignation of state chairman Alphonsus Ogar Eba (JP).
Peoples Gazette Nigeria

According to the forum of local government chapter chairmen and secretaries, Eba has presided over what they describe as systemic mismanagement and disregard for grassroots party structures. They allege that stipends meant for chapter and ward officials were withheld for three months, funds intended for local structures were diverted,
"While the local government areas and wards, comprising 5,778 party officials, were given ₦9.2 million, the state executive with just 36 members took ₦40 million … this is a gross injustice."

In response, Chairman Eba rejected the resignation call, accusing the protesting chapter officials of embezzling more than ₦60 million and of failing to account for dues collected at the local level. He maintained that no chapter chairman has the constitutional authority to demand his removal, saying only the state executive committee has discipline powers.

"They are running away from their shadows … we now pay all 5,778 party executives directly into their bank accounts and payments are up to date. However, the 17 chapter chairmen's stipends are being withheld until they clear themselves of the alleged fraud," he stated.

With both sides holding firm, the party's unity is under serious strain ahead of the 2027 general elections. The chapter officials have warned the secretariat will remain locked until their demands are met, while Eba's camp insists on sanctions for misuse of funds. The breaking point appears to be approaching.

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