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2023: CSO March On APC, PDP Secretariat Over Zoning Presidency To South
By Ebriku John Friday
…says rotation is of power key to Nigeria’s unity
A Civil Society Organisation called Concerned Nigeria Citizens on Wednesday in Abuja marched on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shutting down activities at the secretariats of the two dominating political parties declaring that they must zone presidency to the Southern part of Nigeria.
This group in a position paper read out in an during the protest march and submitted to officials of the political parties with subject ‘An Appeal/Demand for the Zoning of Your Part’s Presidential Ticket to the Southern Nigeria’ jointly signed by the leaders while making their stand known at a press conference held in Abuja, and they include Convener, Femi Osabinu; Secretary General, Alhaji Sidi Ali; North Central, Okpanachi Jacob; South West, Femi Akindele Lawson; North West, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed; South East, Dr Uzoh Chukwuemeka; and South South, Barr Blessing Hossanah.
During the protests, members of the group were seen carrying banners and placards carrying various inscriptions to press their demand such as, ‘2023: Powe Must Shift to the South, PDP, APC please note our concern’, ‘Presidency to the south for one Nigeria’, Save democracy, zone presidency to southern Nigeria’, ‘We support power shift’, ‘Promote unity shift power to the South’s, ‘Rotation is key to Nigeria’s unity’, amongst others.
The position paper addressed to the National Chairmen of APC and PDP, reads, “We bring you sincere greetings, from the members and leaders of our organization and by extension, the good people of the Six geopolitical states of our great country, Nigeria
“Sir, this letter becomes imperative, in the wake of the National questions, that have begun to emerge, on the zoning of the Presidential ticket of your party, ahead of the forthcoming 2023 Presidential election, in our country and presentation of zoning committee report expected to be laid today.
“We are seriously concerned as patriotic Nigerians, that just few days to the Presidential primaries of your party, the party is yet to intimate Nigerians, about its decision, in respect of where it is zoning the Presidential ticket to. Recall, that the rotation of power in Nigeria, goes beyond mere aspiration of political parties, but also a tool, towards ensuring national unity and stability, and in this regard, candidates from the southern Nigeria, must be allowed to occupy the position of President in the country come 2023.
“We also wish to remind you, that the established convention is that power must rotate between the North and the South. Hence a President of northern extraction follows that of Southern extraction and vice versa. Any consideration outside of this is foul and may destabilize the polity.
“It is only fair, that after President Muhammadu Buhari, power must come to the south. Any argument against this is inimical to the unity and stability of our nation.
“It is equitable that once the above stands and power is conceded to the south, we will not only be respecting this established convention of power rotation, but we will also be contributing to the dire need, to restore stability and national cohesion, back into our polity.
“It is the turn of the Southern part of the country to produce the next President, and we believe that your party, should have no difficulty in coming out with a categorical declaration, on this very important issue, in the next few days. This must be done without delay. The principle of Federal Character is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, as amended. Remember, there won’t be APC if there is no country called Nigeria. Let us put Nigeria first in our resolutions.
“While wishing you the best as we move towards the general election, we wish to restate that nothing other than the rotation of power to the South, shall be acceptable to us, and our people.”
Meanwhile, the Deputy National Secretary of the APC received the protesters in company of the Deputy National Women Leader, National Youth leaders on behalf of the National Working Committee, stated that, we thank you for your visit to the APC National Secretariat and your letter dated 4th May, 2023 with the title” An appeal/demand for the zoning of your party’s presidential Ticket to the Southern Nigeria, I want to assure you that we would study the letter very carefully and revert back to you.
“But just to say as our National Chairman has said on national television,.that our party has yet to take any decision regarding the subject matter of your letter. And that is still the position that I reiterate even now. I would crave your patience and understanding that as soon as that decision is made you would be the first to know.”
The group while expressing it’s satisfaction for the audience granted it by the APC, however frowned at the refusal of officials of the opposition PDP to receive the protesters or even their protest letter and called on Nigerians to take note and reject the PDP in 2023.
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NDDC At 25: Cross River’s Cynthia Oloko, 19, Emerges Second Place Winner At Miss Niger Delta 2025
...Deputy Governor, APC Chairman, and Senators Celebrate Her with Generous Cash Gifts
Miss Cynthia Iyowogoga Oloko, a 19-year-old from Cross River State, has emerged as the first runner-up (second place) at the Miss Niger Delta 2025 beauty pageant. The event, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Cynthia, a final-year student of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where she studies Human Anatomy, competed alongside nine other contestants representing the nine states of the Niger Delta—Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
Crowned with the title “Pride of the Niger Delta”, Cynthia received a cash prize of ₦7.5 million for placing second in the pageant.
In recognition of her achievement and the pride she has brought to Cross River State, several political leaders and dignitaries extended their support. The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Dr Peter Odey, gifted her ₦3 million, the APC State Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, Esq., JP, contributed ₦1 million, while the state’s two Senators jointly supported her with another ₦3 million—bringing her total cash reward to ₦14.5 million.
According to the organisers, all nine contestants underwent intensive training and were empowered with skills and starter kits to help them become self-reliant and impactful in their communities.
The Miss Niger Delta pageant is designed not just as a beauty contest, but as a platform to empower young women across the region. It aims to nurture leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development among participants. The initiative is rooted in the belief that empowering women is key to building stronger families, communities, and society at large.
Many past participants have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs and community leaders. The programme, sponsored by the NDDC, is part of its commitment to identifying and nurturing young talents in the region.
This year’s overall winner received a brand-new car and ₦10 million, while the second runner-up (third place) received ₦5 million. The remaining six contestants each received ₦1 million as a consolation prize.
Miss Cynthia Oloko was born in 2005 to Engr. and Mrs Cosmas Oloko Ekawu. She attended Trailblazers Academy in Gwarinpa, Abuja. Her hobbies include swimming, running, networking, and travelling. She aspires to build a career in entrepreneurship and politics, with a strong passion for leadership and community development.
Congratulations Miss Cynthia
The Chairman of Yala Local Government Area, Cross River State, Hon Dr Fred Okem has dissolved all revenue agencies operating in the Council with effect from 31st December 2024.
Hon Dr Fred Okem, Chairman Yala Local Government Area
This was contained in a release on Monday 6th January 2025 by the Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Unah.
The Chairman also cautioned that anyone who flouts the directive would be handed over to the security agencies for proper action in line with relevant laws.
The local government helmsman is expected to reposition the revenue agencies with the aim of boosting internally generated revenue in the council for adequate measures towards the development of Yala in line with the People First Agenda of the State government.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Ms. Grace Ike, has been named Nigeria’s Media Personality of the Year 2024. This prestigious recognition was conferred by the Editorial Board of Good Governance Today Nigeria at a grand ceremony held at the National Merit House, Abuja.
NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike
In addition to the honour, Ms. Ike was inducted into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame—a testament to her exemplary contributions to leadership and professional journalism in Nigeria.
The award acknowledges Ms. Ike’s uncommon leadership qualities and her unwavering commitment to advancing journalism as a tool for national development. Her selfless service to humanity, her state and the nation has made her a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
Speaking at the event, the organiser and the managing editor of Governance Today , mr Sylvester Abudu Omose commended Ms. Ike’s visionary leadership and her remarkable strides in reshaping the landscape of journalism in Nigeria. Her relentless dedication to using journalism to advocate for transparency, justice, and public enlightenment was described as both inspiring and transformative.
“Ms. Grace Ike’s achievements transcend the ordinary. She has redefined what it means to serve humanity through journalism. Her work exemplifies the power of the media in fostering societal progress and governance,” the board stated.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Ike represented by one of her media aides, mr Ademola Adepoju expressed her gratitude for the recognition and attributed her success to the collective efforts of her team at NUJ FCT Council and the support of stakeholders in the journalism community. She reiterated her commitment to promoting ethical journalism and upholding the values of truth, accountability, and service to humanity.
“This award is not just a recognition of my efforts but a call to do even more. Journalism is the lifeline of democracy, and we must continue to use it to uphold justice and transparency for the betterment of our society,” Ms. Ike remarked.
The event was attended by dignitaries from the media, government and civil society, who lauded Ms. Ike’s achievements and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote good governance and ethical journalism in Nigeria.
As Ms. Grace Ike steps into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame, her legacy as a leader, journalist, and advocate for humanity continues to inspire a new generation of professionals committed to making a difference in their communities and the nation at large.
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