Igbo youths have openly challenged the political establishment, declaring that President Tinubu’s 2027 electoral prospects in the Southeast hinge solely on freeing IPOB’s Nnamdi Kanu. At a packed Awka Hall rally in Umuahia, the All Igbo Youth Forum dismissed regional governors and senators as “irrelevant,” asserting youth dominance over Igbo politics. The rally followed Kenya’s High Court ruling that Kanu’s 2021 abduction violated international law. Hon. Chinedum Obilor, a former Umuahia council leader, accused Igbo politicians of deceiving Tinubu: “They claim control, but we decide elections. Release Kanu, and you won’t need to bribe us with rice.” Obilor further threatened…
Author: Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
The Nigerian judiciary faces significant obstacles including corruption, insufficient funding, political interference, and delayed justice, which collectively weaken its independence and effectiveness, according to Mr. Lawrence Nwakaeti, former Owerri Branch Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). At the launch of the NUJ Workstation in Owerri on Monday, Nwakaeti presented a paper titled “Judiciary and the role of the media in deepening Nigerian democracy,” where he detailed the challenges eroding judicial integrity. “Very recently in Nigeria, it is sad to posit that the concept of judicial independence and as the last hope of the common man, is in reverse gear…
The summer transfer window in Europe has brought mixed fortunes for Nigeria’s top footballers. While some have clear destinations, a number of established internationals are caught in a web of stalled negotiations, contract uncertainties, and waning interest from potential suitors. Kelechi Iheanacho’s move to Sevilla last summer has not gone as planned. The former Leicester City striker scored only once in eleven league outings, leading to a loan to Middlesbrough where his impact was limited. Returning to Sevilla, Iheanacho has been told by the club’s new management that he may not be part of their future plans. Despite a contract…
Following months of political turmoil in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu is reportedly preparing to reinstate suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly within July. The move comes after a reconciliation meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, which brought together Fubara, his predecessor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, suspended Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers. The crisis began in October 2023 amid a power tussle between Fubara and Wike, resulting in impeachment proceedings against the governor by pro-Wike lawmakers. The situation escalated in March 2025 when Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency,…
In a development that has stirred political controversy, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat in Abuja was reportedly sealed off by police on Monday. The police action prevented PDP leaders from holding their scheduled Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting at the secretariat, compelling them to relocate the meeting to the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja’s Central Business District. The police justified their deployment as a measure to maintain law and order. Nevertheless, the move has sparked intense criticism from PDP members and political commentators, who view it as an infringement on the party’s rights. Dele Momodu, a prominent PDP leader,…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has extended an open invitation to Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former Kano State governor and 2023 presidential candidate under the New Nigeria’s People Party (NNPP), to return to the ruling party and work with President Bola Tinubu. This announcement came from APC’s publicity secretary, Felix Morka, during a Monday interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Show. Morka addressed the swirling rumors about Kwankwaso’s possible defection to the APC following the resignation of Umar Ganduje as the party’s national chairman. He stated, “He is a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Anyone who wishes to join…
In a landmark diplomatic engagement, President Bola Tinubu and Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre have pledged to formalize diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia. The commitment was made during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Castries, on the second day of Tinubu’s state visit to the island nation. Tinubu described Saint Lucians as “valued friends and brothers,” underscoring the historical and cultural bonds that unite the two nations. He stressed that these ties are rooted in a shared past and collective resilience, which form the basis for expanding cooperation. The leaders agreed to focus…
Suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was granted bail on Monday by the Federal High Court in Abuja after being arraigned on six counts of alleged cybercrime offenses. The charges accuse her of making false and defamatory statements against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Governor Yahaya Bello. Akpoti-Uduaghan denied all allegations, which include claims that Akpabio instructed Bello to orchestrate an attack on her in Kogi to disguise the perpetrators. She maintained these assertions during a televised interview, stating that the alleged plot was discussed in a meeting between the two politicians. The Federal Government contended that the senator’s…
Following the circulation of a disturbing video showing alleged violent conduct by the Anambra State Anti-Touting Squad against suspected touts in Onitsha, the state government has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The video has sparked widespread debate and concern among residents and civil rights advocates. The government, while affirming its zero-tolerance policy toward touting, has emphasized the need for accountability and respect for human rights in law enforcement operations. Dr. Law Mefor, the state Commissioner for Information, addressed the public on behalf of the administration, urging caution in the face of potential misinformation. “In this era of AI…
In a remarkable display of coordinated security efforts, 13 passengers abducted from a Hummer bus at Eke in Okpokwu LGA, Benue State, have been rescued through a joint operation led by the police and local vigilantes. This success underscores Governor Hyacinth Alia’s dedication to restoring peace and security in the region. Okpokwu Local Government chairman, Adah Inalegwu, confirmed the rescue operation, highlighting that the pressure mounted by security forces, including youths from neighboring Kogi State, forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims at Oando village on Sunday afternoon. Two passengers had already been rescued the previous day. Inalegwu praised Governor…