Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to end his decades-long pursuit of the presidency. Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Thursday, George highlighted that Atiku, who has been contesting since 1993, would be 81 years old by 2027.

“This is the time for you to calm down and act like an elder. I appeal to you in the name of the Almighty Allah, that you serve, to leave everything for posterity,” George said.

He also decried internal crises within the PDP, accusing members of prioritizing personal ambitions over national interest and urging the party’s elders to foster unity to avoid further decline.

Headline 2: Bode George Warns Wike Against Interfering in Rivers Politics

Chief Bode George has advised former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to step back from political disputes involving his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Addressing the lingering tensions, George said, “My advice to Wike is simple: take it easy and stop instigating issues. Nobody is bigger than the party, and godfatherism should not dictate governance.”

George criticized PDP members for not mediating the crisis and expressed concerns that unresolved disputes could harm the party’s future.

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Headline 3: Senate Approves Life Imprisonment for Drug Traffickers Under Revised NDLEA Act

The National Assembly has amended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, prescribing life imprisonment for individuals caught storing, transporting, or concealing dangerous drugs while armed or disguised.

Senator Tahir Monguno, Chairman of the Senate Conference Committee, explained that the amendment aims to impose stricter penalties to deter illegal drug activities. The Senate approved the changes during Thursday’s plenary session, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.

Headline 4: Senate Passes Bill to Strengthen Revenue Mobilisation Commission

The Senate has passed the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) Bill, 2024, which seeks to replace the 2004 Act. The new bill proposes increased funding and a restructured framework to ensure equitable revenue distribution among Nigeria’s federal, state, and local governments.

Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Planning, emphasized the need for reform, citing Nigeria’s growing population and declining revenues. The bill now awaits President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent to become law.