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  • No court injunction granted against Mark, Aregbesola – ADC

    No court injunction granted against Mark, Aregbesola – ADC

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC), has clarified that no court issued injunction restraining Sen. David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from acting as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary.

    This is against the backdrop of some media reports, stating that the Federal High Court in Abuja had made an order restraining the duo from acting as ADC’s acting chairman and secretary respectively.

    The party made the clarification in statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, on Thursday in Abuja.

    The full statement read: “The ADC wishes to set the record straight regarding false reports currently circulating in the media about the recent ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja, concerning the leadership of our great party.

    “Contrary to some misleading publications, the court did not issue any order restraining Mark and Aregbesola from functioning as the national chairman and national secretary of the ADC, respectively,” he said.

    Abdullahi said that instead, the Court refused the ex-parte application brought by Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe and directed that the matter proceed with due process.

    “The ruling, delivered by Hon. Justice Emeka Nwite on Sept. 4, clearly stated the following four orders:

    “That the Plaintiff/Applicant’s application dated and filed on Sept. 2, is refused.

    “That the Plaintiff/Applicant is hereby directed to put the Defendants on notice.

    “That the Defendants/Respondents are ordered to appear before this Honourable Court to show cause why the application should not be granted.

    “That the case is adjourned to Sept.15, 2025, for the defendants/respondents to show cause,’ he said.

    Abdullahi said that the order was duly signed and issued by Justice Nwite, Presiding Judge, and certified by Kasope Kafayat Bola, Registrar of the Federal High Court.

    He said that having failed to stop INEC from acknowledging the leadership change in ADC, the political Jobbers were now resorting to fake news.

    This according to Abdullahi goes to show that these agents of destablisation will stop at nothing, including misrepresenting court rulings, in their desperate efforts to sow confusion and further undermine opposition parties.

    “In this regard, the leadership of the ADC urges members of the press and the general public to be vigilant and be wary of fake news and inaccurate reports.

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Press towards the mark

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Press towards the mark

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Philippians 3:12-15

    Meditation verse:

    “I press on reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize to which  God, through Christ Jesus is calling us” (Phil 3:14, NLT).

    Our walk of faith with God is a race, and there is always an upward call; a higher  level that God desires for us to attain. The journey, however, is not an easy one.  Life may sometimes present distractions in the form of lack, loss,  inconveniences, and failures. But here’s Apostle Paul prescription for dealing  with the distractions of life: “but I focus on this one thing, forgetting the past  and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race  and receive the heavenly prize fir which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us.  Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some  points, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the  progress we have already made” (Phil 3:13-16, NLT).

    What lies ahead of you is more important than what you have been through in  the past. But you may not attain what lies ahead unless you stop being  preoccupied with your past and concentrate on achieving that which is ahead.  Focus your energy on pressing forward. Apostle Paul knew that it may  sometimes be very difficult, that’s why he used the word ‘press’. To press means  to move into position by exerting continuous physical force.

    The first half of the year is gone and today is the beginning of the last half. Why  not bring all your energy to bear and press forward towards achieving what is in  front of you? God has. A lot in store for you. He says, “I know the plans I have  for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a  future” (Jeremiah 2:11). Step into the new month with a new expectation and  press on.

     

    IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Dcns Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

    For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

    or call +2348155525555

    For more enquiries, visit: www.rockteachingministry.org.

  • [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Keep pressing towards the mark

    [Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Keep pressing towards the mark

    By Oke Chinye

    Read: Philippians 3: 12-16

    Meditation verse:

    “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” (Phil 3:12).

    The Apostle Paul said he forgets what is behind and presses forward to obtain what is ahead. If anyone had things to regret it was Paul. He had persecuted the Christians with an unmatched zeal, he held the coats of those who stoned Stephen to death. He had a thorn in his flesh which was so uncomfortable that he begged God to remove it three times. But, as he reviewed his life to the Philippians, he was not speaking from a place of regret, but from a place of gratitude. Gratitude to God, who had brought him this far despite his past, gratitude also in the knowledge that the One who had begun this good work in his life will be faithful to complete it.

    In the wake of turning 50, I found myself in a place of constant restlessness and anxiety. I would review my life unconsciously and feel thoroughly dissatisfied in certain areas. I was barely sleeping and even when I managed to sleep, I would wake up suddenly, with my heart pounding. As I turned to God for help, He began to teach me from His word. One morning today’s meditation verse hit me like a brick wall. The restlessness was in a way urging me to press towards the mark.

    We all have a mark to press towards in our walk with God. There is so much ahead of you. There are territories to conquer. Irrespective of what life has handed to you, press towards the mark and do so from a place of gratitude, not from a place of striving, fear, anxiety, or regret. Today, press forward to take hold of all that Christ took hold of you for. Being confident that “The Lord will perfect that which concerns you” (Ps 138:8).

     

    IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Dcns Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

    For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

    or call +2348155525555

    For more enquiries, visit: www.rockteachingministry.org.

  • Benue rerun: PDP appoints Mark, Ortom, Suswam, others as polling agents

    Benue rerun: PDP appoints Mark, Ortom, Suswam, others as polling agents

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State is leaving no stone unturned ahead of the March 23 rerun elections in the state as it has announced names of its polling agents and returning officers.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission had announced March 23 for the supplementary election.

    Benue is among the six states where the electoral commission said rerun governorship election will hold on March 23.

    Other states in this category are Kano, Adamawa, Bauchi, Sokoto and Plateau.

    Ortom, in the first election, scored 410,576 votes while the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Emmanuel Jime, got 329,022 votes.

    The Returning Officer, Prof. Sebastian Maimako, who declared the election inconclusive, said that 121, 011votes were cancelled.

    The list of the party’s polling agents and returning officers, which our correspondents sighted on Thursday, was said to have been forwarded to INEC.

    Topping the list of the party agents are a former Senate President, David Mark, immediate past governor of the state, Gabriel Suswam, erstwhile Minister of Interior, Abba Moro and Governor Samuel Ortom.

    Others are a former Director General of the National Agency for Foods and Drug Administration and Control, Dr Paul Orhii, Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Titus Uba and the Secretary to the State Government, Tony Ijohor (SAN).

    Also on the list are the state chairman of the PDP, John Ngbede, the state Attorney-General, Michael Gusa, the National Auditor of the party, Agbo Emmanuel, Mike Mku, Frank Utoo, Dr Elijah Ikpaor, Prof. Tor Iorapuu, Steven Iyorchir, Mark Gbillah, Dave Iorhemba, Tyorkyan Cletus, Orker Jev, Bemgba Iortyom, Matthew Nyinta, David Tsevedo, Cyril Gajir and Tersegu Tsegba.

    The returning officers, according to the list signed by the state party Publicity Secretary, Bemgbar Iortyom , are Senator Dino Melaye and former Attorney-General of the state, Alex Adum.

    When contacted to speak on the list, Iortyom declined.

    Also, the Information Officer of INEC in the state, Andya Terkaa, said he could not confirm the report, adding that such information was not meant for the public.

    “I cannot say for now whether the PDP has brought names of their party agents for the rerun election or not. If at all, they have brought it, such thing is not for the public,” Terkaa said.

  • PDP crisis: David Mark reconciles Fayose, other warring parties in Ekiti

    Senator David Mark has reconciled members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ekiti State.

    The reconciliation came ahead of the party’s primary election.

    Former President of the Senate, Mark met the warring parties in Abuja on Friday.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Media Assistant to David Mark, in Abuja yesterday.

    The Senator David Mark led-reconciliation committee members included; Senator Enyinaya Abaribe, Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure , Alhaji YusuF Ayitogo, Ambassador Fidelia Njeze and Dr. Eddy Olafeso (Secretary).

    The aspirants who have indicated interest for the governorship position under the PDP are: the current Deputy governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola Eleka, Senator Biodun Olujimi, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, Amb. Dare Dejide and Barr Owoseni Ajayi.

    Reeling out the resolutions of the peace parley, the Secretary of the reconciliation committee, Dr. Eddy Olafeso said “the state governor Ayo Fayose and all the aspirants attended the meeting.”

    He added that “all the parties agreed to a free, fair and credible primary to elect a gubernatorial candidate for the July polls.”

    The statement added, “Olafeso said that governor Fayose pledged to work with any of the contestants who emerges at the primary.”

    He said that “nobody was persuaded or compelled to withdraw from the race.”

    Trouble started in Ekiti state ahead of the election when governor Fayose allegedly adopted his Deputy as his successor.

    Senator Mark had cautioned the gladiators that only peace, justice free and fair primary would guarantee success at the Ekiti state polls.

    The former Senate President appreciated the warring parties for their display of maturity and understanding towards the resolution of the dispute.

  • JUST IN: Ortom, Mark, Akume others meet Buhari, insist ‘No land for cattle colonies in Benue’

    Sequel to the recent killings of some residents by Fulani herdsmen in Benue State, prominent leaders in the state led by Governor Samuel Ortom on Monday met President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Villa to find a long-lasting solution to the lingering crisis.

    Recall that the Federal Government through the Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh had earlier proposed establishing cattle colonies as part of solutions to the incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria.

    However, the leaders made it clear during the meeting that there is no land for the establishment of cattle colonies in the state.

    Addressing State House correspondents after the meeting, Governor Ortom said the Minister of Agriculture, “who is a son of the soil has explained that cattle colonies are a combination of several ranches” and is proposing that ten thousand hectares should be provided for that purpose.

    “In Benue, we don’t have ten hectares for colonies, other states may have, but we don’t have in Benue State,” he said.

    Among those in the delegation are former Senate President, David Mark; former governor, George Akume and several others.

    Details later…

  • Stoke City sack manager Mark Hughes

    Stoke City sack manager Mark Hughes

    Stoke City have sacked manager Mark Hughes following their FA Cup third-round defeat to League Two side Coventry City on Saturday.

    The 2-1 defeat came on the back of a terrible run of form in the Premier League, with Stoke winning just two of their previous 12 matches.

    Sky Sports News reported on Wednesday that Stoke’s board were considering Hughes’ future, with the side lying 18th in the table.

    The Welshman faced a backlash after resting several first-team regulars for Stoke’s trip to Chelsea – which they lost 5-0 – ahead of their meeting with fellow strugglers Newcastle.

    However, Hughes’ side went on to lose that game as well, and the result was met with a chorus of boos and chants of “Hughes out”.

    A statement on the club’s Twitter account read, “Stoke City can confirm that the contract of manager Mark Hughes has been terminated with immediate effect.”

  • Why I reconciled with Mark, Suswam – Ortom

    Why I reconciled with Mark, Suswam – Ortom

    Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Saturday said the incessant clashes and killings in the state by Fulani herdsmen has made it imperative for him to reconcile with his successor, Gabriel Suswam and former Senate President, David Mark.

    He further stated that he has decided to withdraw from all political activities pending when the attacks on Benue by Fulani herdsmen are over and normalcy return to every nook and cranny of the state.

    The governor who stated this during the emergency stakeholders meeting held at Government House, Makurdi, said that for the first time after his election in 2015, he had to pick his phone and put calls across to his predecessor, Gabriel Suswam and former Senate president David Mark to seek their input on how to solve this problem of herdsmen invasion of Benue communities.

    ”I saw this as a problem for all Benue sons and daughters that is beyond party line, which is why l decided to put every sentiment aside, reconciled with relevant stakeholders and sit with them to brainstorm with a view to finding a lasting solution to the crisis.”

    ”I cannot be a leader over dead people. 2019 is in God’s hand. This time, there is need for synergy, cooperation and unity among every Benue people across party lines. Therefore, I have reconciled with them, let them join me to push this fight away from Benue,” Ortom said.

  • Alleged N4.2bn fraud: Mark back in EFCC net for interrogations

    Former Senate President, David Mark on Thursday returned to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to continue interrogations about his connection with alleged N5.4billion slush funds after being granted permission to attend to his health about two weeks ago.

    Mark reported to the EFCC at about 2pm.

    He had earlier presented a medical certificate to the anti-graft agency that he was not fit enough to “be able to write a statement”.

    The EFCC allowed him enough grace to attend to his health.

    Mark was at the EFCC office with one of his sons.

    The allegations against him include alleged N200m -N550m arms procurement cash from ONSA; N2.9billion curious payment into the National Assembly’s account and shared to senators during Mark’s tenure; his role in about N2billion campaign funds meant for Benue State; and illegal purchase of a N748million official residence of the Senate President.

    A former Minister of State for Niger Delta, Mr. Sam Ode, is also being probed for N2billion campaign funds meant for Benue State.

    A source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “We have resumed full probe of Mark, who came to respond to issues raised for him by a panel of detectives.

    “He was in company of his son. He was calm during interrogation, which involved the presentation of some of our findings to him.

    “Altogether, he has more than three cases before the EFCC but we are gradually isolating every issue in which he was implicated.

    “By the time we release the facts to the public, Nigerians will realise that the ongoing probe of the former Senate President has nothing to do with politics. We have been on some aspects of the investigation since 2015.

    “In one of the findings, about N200million was collected in cash for Mark from ONSA through a proxy.”

    Former Minister of State Ode is implicated in the disbursement of N2billion campaign funds meant for Benue State.

    The cash was suspected to be part of the ONSA fund meant for arms procurement.

    Another source spoke of how Ode gave “useful information on who got what among PDP chieftains in Benue State.

    “Our detectives have identified those who signed for the N2billion. In fact, some stalwarts diverted the cash for personal use.”

    But Mark denied allegations of conspiracy, abuse of office and mismanagement of funds.

    In a statement through his media aide, Paul Mumeh, he said: “To set the record straight, Sen. Mark was invited by the EFCC via a letter addressed to the National Assembly to answer questions on the 2015 presidential election campaign funds as it concerned Benue state.

    “As a law abiding citizen, Sen. Mark honoured the invitation.

    “Curiously, they also alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) paid over N2bilion into the National Assembly’s account which he, as the then President of the Senate, allegedly shared among the 109 senators (including PDP, ACN, and ANPP) in 2010. Again, to the best of his knowledge, Sen. Mark is not aware of such transaction.

    “ This simply did not make sense to any right thinking member of the society. Sen. Mark wondered why anybody would think that PDP will pay money into National Assembly account. He however clarified all the issues raised before returning home.

    “Sen. Mark believes in due process and rule of law. He has maintained a clean record of public service over the years and will continue to uphold the highest standard of conduct expected of public servants.

    “Sen. Mark’s house has since become a pilgrimage of sort to Politicians across party lines, friends and well-wishers identifying with him at this moment.

    “He however appealed to his supporters, friends and associates to remain calm and see his current travails as a price he has to pay for leadership.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, this is the first and only official statement from the office of Sen. Mark on this issue.”

  • Those decamping from PDP to APC are fair-weather friends – David Mark

    Ahead of Saturday’s non-elective convention of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), former President of the Senate, Sen. David Mark, has berated those leaving his party, calling them fair weather friends.

    In a statement by Mr Paul Mumeh, his Media Assistant, Mark called for a peaceful outing in the convention scheduled for the Eagles Square, Abuja.

    He expressed optimism about the future of the party after the convention, but warned members that the party could not afford to make another mistake.

    The PDP has just survived a protracted leadership tussle which lasted about two years and was settled by the Supreme Court about a month ago.

    Mark is one of the party’s leaders, who remained steadfast in their commitment to its survival while the challenge lasted.

    He said that having just survived the ugly phase, “I am impressed by the renewed enthusiasm and commitment of members towards rebuilding the party after the protracted leadership tussle’’.

    Mark, therefore, charged the Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa-led Special Convention Committee not to leave any stone unturned to guarantee a hitch-free exercise.

    “We have come this far through a tortuous journey. We cannot afford to make another mistake that could affect the fortunes of the party in the days ahead,” he said.

    He recalled his pledge never to dump the party after it lost to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 general elections.

    “Even if I will be the last man standing in the PDP, I will remain in PDP. I have no reason whatsoever to leave the party.

    “I have risen to where I am on the platform of the party. The PDP has a manifesto and I believe in it.

    “Those who are decamping from PDP to APC are fair-weather friends of the party.

    “So, the point I want to make is that I remain in PDP and I will work hard with other faithful members to bring it back.

    “This is democracy; there will always be a winner and a loser in every election. Both parties must accept the outcome in a free and fair contest and move on,” he had said.