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The Guide Newspaper, No. 119 Oron Road, Uyo (2026)

15/03/2026

Press Release
A CLARION CRY AGAINST GOV. UMO ENO CONNECTING AKWA IBOM TO DARKNESS

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wish to categorically register our firm objection, on behalf of the people of Akwa Ibom State, to the release by the Akwa Ibom State Government through one Dada Michael, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ibom Power Plant, titled: THE TRUTH ABOUT CONSTANT FAULTS ON THE ABA–ITU 132KV TRANSMISSION LINE which for all intents and purposes is an attempt to blackmail the youth and people of Akwa Ibom State for the abysmal failure of Pastor Umo Eno to secure steady electricity supply for the state.

In Paragraphs 12- 16 the release makes baseless accusations of vandalism, youth unrest and demand for compensation against the youth and communities in Akwa Ibom State as the reason behind the combined serial failures of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Ibom Power Plant (IPP).

This is typical of Umo Eno's tenebrific misadministration already infamous for always attacking, punishing and persecuting its own citizens for its own failures.

Laconically, when an irresponsible government fails it blames the people first before they can raise their voices in protest against the government failures.
According to the release, Akwa Ibom originally:

"…receives electricity from three sources: the national grid through the Aba–Itu 132kV transmission line, the Itu–Adiabo (Calabar) transmission line, and the state-owned Ibom Power Plant.
"This means power into the state can come from Abia State, Calabar, or from the state-owned Ibom Power Plant.
"However, the Itu–Adiabo line from Calabar was vandalised some years ago, leaving the old Aba–Itu transmission line as the only source of grid power supply into the state and generation from Ibom Power."

This release which should be better titled THE SHAMELESS LIES ABOUT CONSTANT FAULTS ON THE ABA–ITU 132KV TRANSMISSION LINE because of its mischievous economy with the truth is, in one breath, not ashamed to admit that Akwa Ibom State now relies "solely" on Aba-Itu 137KV Transmission Line when even the people of Aba do not rely on it courtesy of Gov. Alex Otti's ingenious and people-centric initiative in providing state sourced electricity for Abians.

In the same breath; it -albeit unwittingly- admits in the concluding paragraph to the fact that the state government has failed, refused and neglected to provide gas for Ibom Power Plant to generate electricity for the state.

Whereas it is public secret that Engr. Meyen Etukudoh, the immediate past Managing Director of Ibom Power Plant Company Limited was maliciously dismissed by the Governor for revealing to the public the very truth that the PRO now confirms; it is naturally our fear for the said PRO of IPP that the Governor may call for his immediate sack instead of listening to the genuine appeal of the agency as contained in the release.

Be that as it may, it is a rather rueful irony that Akwa Ibom State under the leadership of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was arguably the first state in Nigeria to begin the journey to Power Independence through generation, alternate sourcing and marketing and distribution structure but Pastor Umo Eno who inherited the journey more than half way to completion has plunged the state in backward overdrive, disconnecting us from light and now negligently connects us to darkness leaving the entire state to grope in the dark like preys in Oswald Mtshali's Nightfall In Soweto.

Accordingly, we call on Gov. Umo Eno to stop paying lip service to the power problem in the state by organising shallow power summits, making empty promises and maliciously dismissing those with the technical know-how and passion to solve the problem, and to henceforth commence immediate payment of all outstanding debt owed to the company responsible for supply of gas to IPP to enable them resume supply of gas to the facility for onward generation of electricity for Akwa Ibom State.

Whereas it will require a consistent supply within the estimated range of not less than 150-200 Megawatts (MW) to adequately power Akwa Ibom State, the Ibom Power Plant has an installed capacity of 189 MW to 191 MW (Phase 1) and holds a license for up to 685 MW from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to accommodate future expansion.

It this therefore a no brainer that while we currently operate on an island mode, supposedly generating roughly 84-115 MW internally to avoid grid failures (before Umo Eno's gas supply failures) with sincere, intentional and consistent passion we can totally disconnect from the perennially collapsing National Grid in the nearest future.

After all, even the Presidency (A*o Rock) at the very centre - that Gov. Umo Eno infamously claimed to want to connect the state to during his treacherous defection from PDP- has concluded plans to disconnect from its very own national grid. So why do we indulge the same national grid to frustrate lives, damage properties and ruin businesses of our citizens except unless our governor does not truly care about the people.
God bless Akwa Ibom State
God bless Peoples Democratic Party
Proudly PDP

Comr. Ewa Okpo Edmund
14032026

13/03/2026

DEFAMATION SUIT AGAINST FACEBOOK USER RESUMES IN UYO AS 18 DEFENCE LAWYERS WITHDRAW

By Harrison Essien

The trial of a Facebook user, Princess God'sown Udoito over alleged defamatory publications against the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno resumed today at Akwa Ibom State High Court, Uyo, with only her lead counsel, Akpadiaha Ebitu, Esq appearing alone following the withdrawal of 18 lawyers previously representing the defendant.

The team of 18 lawyers had earlier filed a notice of withdrawal dated March 3, 2026, informing the court that they would no longer represent the Esit Eket-born defendant in the criminal charge.

When the matter came up for hearing on Thursday, 12th March, 2026, Akpadiaha Ebitu, Esq., former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Eket Branch, announced his appearance as the sole counsel for the defendant.

Proceedings resumed with the cross-examination of the first prosecution witness, Ememobong Nicholas, Esq., who is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Documentation and former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Uyo Branch.

During cross-examination, defence counsel questioned the witness on the scope of his official duties.

Nicolas informed the court that his responsibilities include documenting and managing all legal documentation relating to the Governor and the Government of Akwa Ibom State, referring cases to relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), attending court proceedings, and observing cases on behalf of the Governor and, to some extent, the Akwa Ibom State Government, as well as carrying out other assignments assigned to him by the Governor and the state government.

When asked whether these duties were explicitly stated in his letter of appointment, the witness responded that although they were not specifically listed in the appointment letter, he had been briefed by the Permanent Secretary and that the responsibilities were properly documented, adding that he could present the documents before the court if required.

The witness further told the court that he wrote a petition to the Police following what he described as the defendant’s malicious and defamatory publication against the Governor, which he said also posed a threat to the internal peace of the state, particularly in relation to allegation that the Governor sold her ancestral land in Eket and kept proceeds to himself.

Under further questioning, Nicholas was asked whether he knew Mrs. Jane Edidiong Ufot, identified as a daughter of the Governor who allegedly accused her father of being responsible for the death of her mother.

In response, the witness stated that his knowledge was limited to the alleged false and malicious defamatory publication made by the defendant against the Governor and threatening the internal peace of the State.

He also told the court that upon seeing the video allegedly published by the defendant on her page, he verbally informed the Governor that the petition he prepared was ready to be served on the Commissioner of Police.

Nicholas added that he subsequently received instructions to take the necessary action, in line with his responsibilities as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Documentation.

After more than two hours of cross-examination, with the defence counsel indicating that he still had fewer than 20 questions remaining, the court, presided over by Hon. Justice Winifred Umohandi, advised the defence counsel to take a date for continuation of proceedings in order to enable other lawyers present in court to attend to their matters.

Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Justice, Friday Itim, Esq., urged the court to vacate the earlier adjourned date of March 18, 2026, citing the inspection visit of the State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaete Obot, to Ikot Ekpene Correctional Centre, which requires his presence in his capacity as DPP.

Following consultations, both the prosecution and defence agreed on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, for the continuation of cross-examination of the first prosecution witness.

Princess God’sown Udoito is standing trial on a five-count charge, bordering on conspiracy, publication of defamatory matter, conduct capable of causing extreme fear, nuisance and seditious publication.

The case continues on April 14, 2026.

13/03/2026

PRESS RELEASE

OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES: “AKWA IBOM IS PDP”

The Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will like to remind the Akwa Ibom and Nigerian public for the umpteenth time that the fact that Akwa Ibom State is PDP has never been in contention especially considering the fact that the Governor and members of his cabinet, 24 out of 26 Akwa Ibom State House members, 2 out of 3 Senators, 7 out of 10 Members of House of Representatives and 30 out of 31 Local Government Chairmen and their Cabinet Members and Councilors all emerged under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The reality of this fact continually haunts and taunts the conscience of those who eloped with our mandate like fugitives hiding from the long arm of justice.

It is therefore no surprise that the young lad manning the affairs of Ibiono Ibom Lcal Government Area, Hon. Asuakak Umoh, recently declared categorically in a globally broadcasted public event that his local government area, Ibiono Ibom, “is PDP”. In his words, “SIR, IBIONO IBOM ADO PDP”.

Realistically, we know that the chairman’s declaration is not a mistake owing to the fact that the young man was a councillor, secretary of council and eventually emerged chairman of Ibiono Ibom Council under the PDP. The only mistake here is where he now finds himself courtesy of Governor Umo Eno’s exodus of betrayal. Hence, the young chairman’s declaration is a manifestation of the scripture in Psalms 8:2 which says:

“Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings has thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightiest still the enemy and the avenger.”

Hence, out of the mouth of a political babe and suckling, Asuakak Umoh, “Akwa Ibom State is PDP!”
May we also use this opportunity to appreciate our members for turning out en mass for the on-going PDP membership re-validation exercise. By your commitment, truly, Akwa Ibom is PDP even our enemies are testifying. God bless you.

As for our prodigal brothers and sisters on the other side we hope that they return to their good sense and conscience in good time. After all, Akwa Ibom Is PDP including them.

God bless Akwa Ibom State!
God Bless PDP.

Proudly PDP

Comr. Ewa Okpo
State Publicity Secretary
12032026

13/03/2026

WATCH: Terrorists Step Up Attacks During Ramadan, Believing Death Guarantees Heaven, Says Defence Minister

13/03/2026

Nigeria’s satellite communications network faces possible disruption after a Chinese contractor issued a 30-day ultimatum over unpaid operational fees.

China Great Wall Industry Corporation says Nigeria owes about $11.44 million for long-running satellite control services.

The dispute threatens the operations of NigComSat-1R, which supports broadcasting, internet connectivity, and security communications.

Officials at Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited say they are reviewing the warning as concerns grow about Nigeria’s ageing space infrastructure.

12/03/2026

Alleged N110.4bn Fraud: Witness Narrates How $760,910 Was Used to Pay School Fees of Yahaya Bello’s Children

A prosecution witness in the trial of a former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello, on Thursday, March 12, 2026 narrated before the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Maitama, Abuja, how a total sum of $760,910.84 was paid as advance school fees for children of the former governor at the American International School Abuja (AISA).

The witness, Nicholas Okehone, an Internal Auditor with AISA and Prosecution Witness 14, PW14, made the disclosure while testifying before Maryanne Anineh, who is presiding over the trial at the FCT High Court, Maitama.

Bello is standing trial alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering to the tune of an alleged ₦110.4 billion.

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel Professor Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, Okehone confirmed that the first defendant had four children enrolled in the school.

Asked if he knew the defendant, the witness replied:

“Yes, I know him as a parent. He has children in my institution. He has four children at the American International School, Abuja.”

When asked to recall their names, Okehone mentioned Zahra Fatima, and Na’ima, adding that Nana Fatima Bello and Farid Bello were also among the children. He also confirmed that Zayyan Ali Bello, the son of Ali Bello, a nephew to the former governor, was among the beneficiaries of the payments.

Okehone further confirmed several documents previously tendered before the Federal High Court, including:

• Certificates of identification

• Admission letters

• An agreement for pre-payment of school fees until graduation

• Telex copies of payments from banks in the United States

• Email correspondences between AISA and Ali Bello

• School receipts and statements of account from Zenith Bank and TD Bank

• Letters between AISA and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, regarding the refund of the fees.

Despite objections from defence counsel led by Paul Daudu SAN, who said they would state their reasons in their final written addresses, Justice Anineh admitted the documents as exhibits AX1 to AX13.

While identifying Exhibit AX4, the witness told the court it was an agreement titled “Pre-Paid School Fees Until Graduation.”

According to him, the agreement was signed by Grace Hudge, Head of School at AISA, and Ali Bello, on behalf of the Bello family.

The agreement listed the students as:

• Farid Bello

• Zahra Bello

• Na’ima Bello

• Nana Fatima Bello

It also included Zayyan Ali Bello as a future student.

Okehone explained that the school received payments through multiple international transfers.

Among them were:

• $49,600 from Forza Oil and Gas for Zahra Omanike Bello

• $44,700 from Forza Oil and Gas for Fatima Bello

• $11,000 from Whales Oil and Gas for Farida Oricha

• $78,160 from Alyeshua Solutions Services for Fatima Bello

• $42,170 from Alyeshua Solutions Services for Na’ima Ohunene Bello

He further told the court that Unnati General Trading LLC, through First Abu Dhabi Bank, UAE, made several payments of $75,000 for Na’ima, Farid, Fatima, and Zahra Bello.

Another transfer of $100,000 was made by Manzi Issa from Kampala, Uganda, for Zayyad Ali Bello, while Dada Grand Merchant Limited, also from Uganda, paid $90,000 for Zainab Ali Bello.

The witness also confirmed that the school’s TD Bank account reflected several inflows consistent with these transfers, including payments of $29,575, $44,675, $78,135, $42,145, and $74,920.71 made four times on September 7.

“I confirm that all the payments are in line with the agreement to pay school fees in advance,” he said.

Okehone further testified that the school later refunded the money after correspondence with the EFCC.

“The American International School wrote to the EFCC indicating its intention to refund the school fees paid. The EFCC then provided account details, and the school refunded the total sum of $760,910.84 to an EFCC account with the Central Bank of Nigeria,” he said.

Earlier, Prosecution Witness 13, Yakubu Haruna, a lawyer, told the court about the sale of a property located at No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja.

He said the property, comprising four detached housing units, belonged to Palchi Nigeria Limited, whose director is Honourable Faruk Mustapha.

According to him, the property was sold in January 2022 to White Tree Nigeria Limited for ₦950 million, which was paid in United States dollars.

Haruna told the court that the payment was made at an office in Zone 4, Abuja.

“A man came with the dollar equivalent of ₦950 million in Ghana-Must-Go bags. After confirmation, my client directed the Bureau de Change operator, Murtala Maigari, to take custody of the money,” he said.

He added that after the payment, he handed over the title documents to the buyer.

Other witnesses also testified during the proceedings.

A compliance officer with Access Bank, Olomotane Egoro, and another witness, James Bem Igbakymeh, a legal practitioner, who told the court that he facilitated the sale of a property located at Durban Street, Wuse II, Abuja, belonging to SFC Foods Limited, for ₦650 million.

He said a man identified as Shehu Bello negotiated the purchase and payments were made through accounts belonging to SFC Foods Limited and JIT Agric Limited via Bureau de Change operators.

The witness added that he later honoured an invitation by the EFCC and submitted copies of the transaction documents to investigators.

Another prosecution witness, Mohammed Abdulaziz, Chief Accountant of Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company Limited, testified that the company sold a plot of land measuring 8,240.72 square metres at Plot 1160, Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja, to Azba Real Estate Limited for ₦100 million.

He said the payments were made through Keystone Bank in tranches by Murtala Maigari on behalf of Ali Bello.

The court admitted the Deed of Assignment and Irrevocable Power of Attorney relating to the transaction as Exhibits AW1 and AW2, respectively.

After hearing the testimonies, Justice Anineh adjourned the case to May 5 and 8, as well as June 16 and 17, 2026, for the hearing of pending applications and continuation of trial.

11/03/2026

Public Notice

Postponement of Caucus, BOT and NEC Meetings

In furtherance of the decision of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, in pursuit of reconciliation within the party, we announce the postponement of the meetings of the National Caucus, Board of Trustees, and National Executive Committee of our party earlier scheduled for this week until further notice.

This decision is to demonstrate utmost good faith in the court-advised reconciliation process.

We apologise for any inconvenience this postponement may cause.

Signed:
Amb. Toafeek Arapaja
National Secretary
11th March, 2026

11/03/2026

Communique Issued at the end of the Expanded Emergency Meeting of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Today, Wednesday, March 11, 2026 Presented by the Chairman of the BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara Ph.d

After a thorough consideration of all issues relating to the leadership of the PDP, especially in the light of the Monday, March 9th 2026 Judgment of the Court of Appeal, the Board of Trustees (BoT) convened an Expanded Emergency Meeting which held on Tuesday, 10th and Wednesday, 11th March, 2026 and resolved as follows:

1. The BoT disagrees with the judgment of the Court of Appeal which pronounced an invalidation of the November 15th to 16th 2025 National Convention that produced the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee of our Party. The BoT is awaiting the advice of our lawyers on the way forward in this regard.

2. The BoT is disturbed by the avoidable internal leadership disputes and wranglings leading to damaging litigations with consequential detrimental effect on the unity and smooth running of the PDP as the major opposition party in the country.

3. The Board however acknowledges and resolved to explore the window provided by the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division for reconciliation within the party.

4. The BoT is conscious of the interest and aspiration of our members who are desirous of contesting various positions in the 2027 general elections.

5. Conscious of the onus on the BoT as the conscience and third highest leadership Organ of the Party, the Board is resolved to take immediate steps to reconcile all stakeholders, put an end to all disputes and restore the party to good political health, particularly to enable the PDP field candidates in the 2027 general elections.

6. The BoT constitutes a special Committee to immediately interface with the legal teams and any other stakeholders to foster reconciliation within the party.

7. The Board acknowledges the support, loyalty and solidarity of Nigerians towards the PDP as further evidenced in the on-going nationwide e-registration of members. Reports from the field indicate daily registration of members in their millions. The unprecedented surge to our Party despite the challenges, underscores the standing of the PDP as the party of choice for majority of Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

8. The BoT therefore calls on all leaders and members of our party to jettison all personal and group interests and come together as one family in the overall interest of our Party and the wellbeing of millions of Nigerians whose hope are anchored on the PDP.

9. The BoT commends the efforts of our Governors; Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for their commitment and steadfastness towards the party and wellbeing of all Nigerians.

10. The BoT pursuant to Section 32 of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Babangida Aliyu as the Secretary of the Board.

11. The BoT urges Nigerians not to be dispirited but remain hopeful as the PDP works hard in repositioning itself for the task of salvaging our nation from the stranglehold of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Fd below photos from the two-day meeting

11/03/2026

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11/03/2026

09/03/2026

Press Statement

Court of Appeal Judgement: The Battle is Not Over Yet

Earlier today, the Court of Appeal delivered a judgment on appeals arising from the judgments delivered by Justice Omotosho and Justice Lifu, and a ruling by Justice Abdulmalik. The panel of the Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Mohammed Ambi-Usi Danjuma, upheld the suspension of the National Legal Adviser (and by extension other officers like the National Secretary and National Organising Secretary). The Court also upheld the judgments of Justices Omotosho and Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The appeal against the interlocutory orders of Justice Abdulmalik was dismissed.

The operationalisation of this judgement will, without fail, work untold hardship on our members . To avert this, while we are consulting with critical organs of our party on the way forward, we have also instructed our lawyers to immediately take legal steps to appeal same to the Supreme Court-being the apex court in the land; to conclusively adjudicate on this matter. We are hopeful that the apex court will expeditiously settle this matter in the interest of democracy.

We urge our members to stand firm, trusting that soon this battle will be over and we shall be more than conquerors.

The battle to rescue our party from the hands of government agents masquerading as opposition leaders must be fought, and we are determined to do so and win.

Stay firm, stand strong.

Signed:

Comrade Ini Ememobong, mnipr
National Publicity Secretary
Peoples Democratic Party
09032026

06/03/2026

PRESS STATEMENT
COURT OF APPEAL IBADAN: NO JUDGMENT IN PDP CASES

Today, the appeals arising from the judgments of the Federal High Court, Ibadan and the High Court, Ibadan, where the two courts delivered conflicting judgments, came up before the Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan.

At the sitting today, a panel of the court presided over by Hon. Justice Biobele Georgewill counselled that parties should explore amicable means of resolving the issues, noting that the subject of the suit is essentially an internal affair of the political party.

Consequently, the court adjourned the matter to Wednesday, 11th March, 2026, for the parties and their counsel to report on whether they are disposed to an amicable settlement. Where they agree, their decision will be documented as a consent judgment. However, if they do not agree to a settlement, the matter will proceed to hearing and legal determination.

It is therefore mischievous, false, and disingenuous for anyone to claim that a judgment was delivered by the court today. We wish to remind everyone that falsely reporting court proceedings constitutes contempt ex facie curiae, which is a criminal offence. People should therefore exercise caution in reporting court processes, whether on traditional or new media platforms.

Signed:
Comrade Ini Ememobong, mnipr
National Publicity Secretary
Peoples Democratic Party
06032026

The Guide Newspaper

15/03/2026

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