Strong signs that some of the former president Muhammadu Buhari’s ministers will turn to the Social Democratic Party altogether.

A senator in the ninth house of assembly, who talked with PUNCH newspaper on Saturday and asked for his name to be renamed, said at least 10 former members of Buhari are planning to return to SDP.

“What they are waiting for is the complete rule of the party in their states,” the sources said.

Our representatives have gathered that the top obedient to President Buhari’s next year include the former chairman of the All Progressives Congress National, Abdullahi Adamu; Former Federal Lawyer and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami and former Senate Chairman, Ahmed Lawan.

El-Rufa’i has started taking action
One of Buhari’s loyalist and former governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday transferred to SDP party, where he expressed the disagreement between him and the APC party as the first reason for making this decision.

Hon. Deacon Chike Okafor Commissions Health Centre in Ihitte-Uboma

… Charges community leaders to protect infrastructure in their domain

… Gives date for commissioning of more projects in the constituency

… Promises to resume distribution of Transformers to improve power supply

The member representing Ehime-Mbano, Ihitte-Uboma and Obowo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Deacon Chike Okafor, PhD, has, on Friday 14th March 2025 commissioned another Primary Healthcare centre, building in Umuaweke- Amainyi, Ihitte-Uboma Local Government Area, Imo State.

The project, which, according to him, is in fulfilment of his campaign promises to the people of the area, following a request by the traditional ruler and others.

He stated that, with this addition to the various Healthcare centres his had built across the Federal Constituency, his desire for affordable, proximate, adequate medical care is gradually being achieved. And this is meant to complement the Health sector effort of His Excellency, Distinguished Sen. Hope Uzodimma, in delivering quality healthcare to the people.

He therefore charged the leaders in the area, to protect the facility and other public infrastructure in the area, as any act of vandalism affects the people more than it does the government.

Speaking on the occasion, the Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe, who performed the commissioning of the hospital complex hailed the large heart of Hon. Deacon Chike Okafor, and his determination to deliver democratic dividends to his constituents, despite all lacerating remarks, especially on social media. He urged him to not relent in doing as he is wont to do, because he will only be remembered for his great contributions by posterity, even in the area of Free WAEC registration for the people.

Also speaking on the occasion, the Honourable Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Health insurance and social services, Dr. Prosper success Ohayagha, who commissioned the Doctor’s quarters complex, of the project extolled the virtues of Hon. Deacon Chike Okafor, in his continued support for 3R administration of Gov. Hope Uzodimma through such interventions as he has been doing. He assured, that working with the Executive Secretary, Imo State Primary Healthcare Development Authority, Rev. Sis Dr. Maria-Johanness Uzoma, who was also present, they will ensure optimum performance of the facility. The commissioner had earlier paid an unscheduled visit to a similar Healthcare centre, in Amuzi, Obowo LGA, also built by Hon. Chike Okafor, to ascertain the level of optimisation of the facility.

The Local Government chairman, Hon. Obioha Ndukwe and the Hon. Commission for Water Resources, Ozo Obinna Ogwuegbu were full of praise for Hon. Chike Okafor for this laudable project and urged him to continue to do more to help the people.

The occasion was graced by Hon. Kelechi Ofurum, member representing Owerri North State constituency in Imo State House of Assembly, also had notable leaders across Ehime Mbano, Ihitte-Uboma, Obowo LGA and beyond, including: HRH Eze Kelechi Osita Okeke Ama of Umuaweke, HRH Eze M.O Onyemakwuru, Óma 1 of Umuoma, Eze Innocent Onuoha, Ikpe 1 of Ikpenwafor, Eze Pharm. Emeka Ogbonna (Ohazurume), Iyi 1 of Amainyi, HRH Eze Marcel Iheme, Egwunte III of Umuezegwu, HRH Uwangwanti-uzi of uzinomi, Hon. Prince Obioha Ndukwe, Ihitte-Uboma LGA chairman, Hon. Commission for Water Resources, Ozo Obinna Ogwuegbu, Hon. Commissioner Primary Healthcare Health insurance and social services, Dr. Success Prosper-Ohayagha, Executive Sec Imo State Primary Healthcare Development Authority, Rev. Sis Dr. Maria-Johanness Uzoma, Special Adviser, to the Governor on Security matters, Major Gen. Ogbonna, Rtd, Hon. Dr. Godrick Anosike, former Commissioner for health and former chairman of Obowo LGA, Hon. CHIDI Nwoke, for TC Chairman of Obowo LGA, Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Onwueyiagba, former Commissioner for Talents Hunt and Youth Development, among others.

1. Rivers State House of Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Bill, 2025

Purpose: To grant the House powers, privileges, and immunity to perform its legislative duties.

2. Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Bill, 2025

Purpose: To repeal the existing State Electoral Law of 2018 and re-enact a new law to establish, define the composition, and outline the functions of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

3. Rivers State Local Government Bill, 2025

Purpose: To repeal the State’s Local Government Laws of 2018, 2023, and 2024, and re-enact a new law for the administration of Local Government Councils.

These bills were passed during the 136th Legislative Sitting and have been forwarded to the Governor of Rivers State for assent.