By David Owei,Bayelsa

Arising from a high-level press conference held in Yenagoa, the Nembe-Sei Unity Forum (NUF) has called on aspirants jostling for the Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency Ticket in the APC, to stop name dropping as a ploy to deceive the public to gain public sympathy and endorsement.

During an interactive session with journalists, the Chairman of the Forum, Chief Ayebaibeinmo Ifamo, detailed what stands out among the shortlisted aspirants recommended by the Consensus Harmonization Committee—a committee established under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, the Leader of Bayelsa state.

The Forum called for justice and equity zoning, emphasized that the decision to cede the ticket to Ogbolomabiri is a matter of social justice. Historical records show that for nearly 25 years, whenever the seat has been zoned to Nembe, it has been held by brothers from the Bassambiri axis and therefore a son of Bassambiri or anyone from mini/Ikensi still under Bassambiri axis should not contest for the sake of fairness and equity and social justice for Ogbolomabiri.
> “For the sake of peace and unity, Bassambiri stakeholders have already ceded this turn to Ogbolomabiri. We caution aspirants like the former APC Chairman, **Dr. Dennis Otiotio**, to stop attempting to sideline these recommendations. To disregard the stakeholders is to disregard the foundation of the party’s peace in The region.”Respect for Party Supremacy
In a direct message to Dr. Otiotio, the Forum urged him to respect the party’s hierarchy.
> “We find it disappointing that a former Chairman, whose own authority was never undermined during his six-year tenure, would now seek to disregard constituted authority. He must wait for the rotation to return to Bassambiri and stop the attempts at arm-twisting the party leadership.”

They equally Warned Against “Governor’s Name” Deception

The NUF strongly cautioned Dr. Dennis Otiotio and Hon.gave Jonathan Obuebite against the dangerous trend of name-dropping. The group revealed that these aspirants been deceiving “gullible” party faithful by claiming they have received a “sole endorsement” from Governor Douye Diri.
> “Governor Diri is a man of transparency and integrity. He would never condone the subversion of a stakeholder-led process. These aspirants are resorting to name-dropping because they are **afraid of a direct primary**. They know that the grassroots and the stakeholders do not support their bid based on their previous dismal performances in public office.”

The Forum commended Governor Douye Diri for his fatherly role and for providing a level playing field through the Harmonization Committee. They expressed total confidence that the Governor will stand by the principles of fairness and equity by ratifying a candidate from Ogbolomabiri

The Nembe-Sei Unity Forum maintains that the APC needs a candidate who can win on merit, unity, and grassroots acceptance. An aspirant that embodies these qualities. The group warned that any attempt to impose a rejected candidate through Abuja-led influence or blackmail will be met with stiff resistance from the people of Nembe and Brass local government areas.

By Our Correspondent

The Executive Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, Chief Saviour Enyiekere has extended his heartfelt greetings to the workers of the National Assembly Service Commission, describing them as the engine room of Nigeria’s democracy.

” Your mandate is the sinew and spine upon which the strength and stability of our National Legislature depends”, he enthused.

In statement signed by the Commission’s Director,Public Affairs, E N Anyigor, Dr Enyiekere conveyed his appreciation of the enormous contributions of the Legislative workers in his message to mark this year’s May Day/ Workers Day Celebration in Abuja.

He commended their dedication, resilience, and invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development.

Enyiekere praised the commitment of legislative staff who continue to provide critical support services that ensure the effective functioning of the National Assembly,
noting that the role of workers in the legislature remains indispensable, as their professionalism and hard work sustain the operations of one of the country’s most important democratic institutions.

The NASC Chairman assured staff members that the Commission remains committed to improving their welfare, enhancing career development opportunities, and creating a more conducive working environment for all legislative workers.

According to him, the Commission is already taking steps to implement reforms and policies that will positively impact staff wellbeing, productivity, and morale.

He urged the workers to remain steadfast, diligent, and committed to excellence, assuring them that their sacrifices and contributions would continue to be recognized and rewarded.

He reaffirmed the determination of the Commission to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that better days lie ahead for legislative workers across the nation .

“Your dedication to duty is highly appreciated. The Commission is committed to ensuring improved welfare and a brighter future for all staff,” he said.

This was Dr Enyiekere’s first Worker’s Day message to the Legislative Workers as his 6th National Assembly Service Commission was inaugurated on 5th May, 2025.

By George Mgbeleke
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that, despite what it called “recent distractions,” the party remains focused on its set objectives to rescue the country from the misgovernance of the ruling APC and save the country from the travesty of a one-party dictatorship.

Reacting to suggestions in some quarters that the party will not produce candidates in the 2027 elections, the party dismissed such views as unfounded and mischievous scaremongering, with no basis in reality or in any law, insisting that it will field credible candidates for the elections.

The party said it remains the country’s primary opposition platform, with a clear focus on organising, mobilising, and preparing to win the 2027 general elections.

In a statement, the ADC said Nigerians should disregard baseless assertions, noting that the party is fully compliant with all legal requirements and is actively building the structures necessary to contest and win elections at all levels.

The full statement reads:

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) wishes to state, clearly and unequivocally, that we remain focused on our mission to rescue Nigeria from the failure of the APC-led government and to prevent the dangerous slide toward a one-party state.

We have taken note of recent suggestions that the ADC will not produce candidates in the 2027 elections. We find such claims to be entirely unfounded, mischievous, and designed to create confusion where none exists. They have no basis in law, in fact, or in the reality of our preparations as a political party.

Let us be clear. The ADC will present candidates in the 2027 general elections. Not just candidates, but credible, competent, and nationally acceptable candidates who are capable of leading this country out of its current crisis.

We remain a law-abiding political party, fully compliant with the Constitution and the Electoral Act. There is no legal impediment to our participation in the 2027 elections, and any suggestion to the contrary is a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and dampen the growing momentum around our party.

The ADC stands today as the primary opposition platform in Nigeria, and we take that responsibility seriously. We are not distracted by noise. We are focused on the real work, organising across the country, mobilising Nigerians who are tired of insecurity, rising costs of living, and limited opportunities, and building the structures required not just to contest, but to win.

We urge our members, supporters, and all well-meaning Nigerians to disregard these baseless assertions. The task before us is too important to be derailed by speculation.