Nelson Ugwuagbo

Popular socio-political activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has stated that he would have taken legal action against President Bola Tinubu if his name had been included in the 2025 National Honours list.

President Tinubu had on Thursday released the official list of 102 recipients of the 2025 Democracy Day National Honours. The list includes both living and posthumous awardees recognised for their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development.

Some Nigerians expressed surprise that Sowore, known for his long-standing activism, was not among the honourees. However, the activist took to his official Facebook page on Friday to declare that he would have rejected the award if it had been offered to him.

“If I were mistakenly included by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his ‘National Award’ list, I would not only reject and denounce the award but also take definitive legal action for defamation,” Sowore wrote.

He has been a vocal critic of successive governments, including the current administration, and has consistently opposed state recognitions tied to political leadership.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the relocation of the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to the headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Justice James Omotosho, who issued the order, said the decision was made to enable the court and relevant parties to inspect a shipping container linked to Kanu. According to court proceedings, the container was allegedly used to import a radio transmitter into Nigeria, which authorities claim was intended for use in broadcasts on Radio Biafra.

Kanu, who has been in DSS custody, is standing trial on terrorism-related charges stemming from his separatist campaign for the actualization of an independent Biafran state. The Federal Government accuses him of inciting violence and destabilizing national security through IPOB activities and broadcasts made via Radio Biafra.

The move to the DSS facility marks a shift from the usual court proceedings held at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Security sources say the container is currently held within the DSS premises, necessitating the on-site inspection as part of evidence presentation in the trial.

Kanu’s legal team has yet to publicly respond to the court’s decision. The trial is expected to resume at the new venue on a date to be communicated by the court.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, urging Nigerians to resist what it described as anti-democratic tendencies.

The party made the call in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Wednesday to commemorate the 2025 Democracy Day.

June 12 was designated Nigeria’s official Democracy Day in 2018 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, in honour of the late Moshood Abiola, widely regarded as the rightful winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election. This year’s observance marks 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in the country.

In its statement, the PDP alleged that the Tinubu administration is attempting to impose the APC on Nigerians and undermine democratic institutions.

“The Peoples Democratic Party calls on Nigerians to use the occasion of the June 12 Democracy Day to reawaken and strengthen their resistance to the anti-democratic designs of the All Progressives Congress, particularly the plot to foist a despotic one-party regime in Nigeria,” the party said.

The PDP also called on democratic institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, and the international community to speak out against what it described as a decline in justice, rule of law, electoral credibility, and political participation.

It urged all stakeholders to unite in defending democratic values and protecting citizens’ rights to free political expression and participation.

Aliko Dangote will step down as Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, effective June 16, 2025, marking the end of a two-decade tenure at the helm of the company.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Wednesday by the company’s secretary, Temitope Hassan, who described the move as part of a broader succession and corporate governance plan.

Dangote, who has led the board since 2005, is credited with transforming Dangote Sugar into a dominant force in Nigeria’s sugar industry. His leadership saw the implementation of major expansion initiatives and strengthened governance practices within the company.

“In line with the principles of good corporate governance and succession planning, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc hereby announces the retirement of our esteemed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (GCON), effective June 16, 2025,” the company said.

The statement also highlighted key Backward Integration Projects undertaken under Dangote’s leadership in Adamawa, Taraba, and Nasarawa States, aimed at boosting local sugar production and reducing reliance on imports.

Following a selection and transition process, the Board has appointed Independent Non-Executive Director Arnold Ekpe as the incoming Chairman, effective the same day.

Ekpe, a seasoned executive, will take over leadership as the company enters a new phase of growth and development.

The World Bank is re-engaging in nuclear energy for the first time in decades, according to President Ajay Banga, as part of efforts to help developing countries meet surging electricity demand.

In a staff email on Wednesday, Banga announced that the bank will collaborate closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), focusing on strengthening non-proliferation safeguards and regulatory frameworks.

The move comes as electricity demand in developing countries is projected to more than double by 2035. To meet this rising need, annual investment in power generation, grid infrastructure, and storage must grow from the current $280 billion to approximately $630 billion, Banga said in the memo obtained by AFP.

“We will support efforts to extend the life of existing reactors in countries that already have them, and help support grid upgrades and related infrastructure,” he stated.

The Washington-based institution also plans to accelerate the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), aiming to make them a practical option for more countries in the future.

Banga, who assumed leadership of the World Bank in 2023, has advocated for a shift in the bank’s energy policy. His message to staff followed a board meeting held on Tuesday.

“The goal is to help countries deliver the energy their people need, while giving them the flexibility to choose the path that best fits their development ambitions,” he said.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has struck out two interlocutory motions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio in the case challenging the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.

A three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Hamman Barka, delivered the unanimous ruling on May 21, following the withdrawal of the motions by the appellant. The court also awarded N100,000 in costs against Akpabio.

The motions, dated March 3 and March 25, 2025, and marked CV/395/M1/2025 and CV/395/M2/2025 respectively, sought to secure leave to appeal a ruling of the Federal High Court delivered on March 10, 2025, by Justice Obiora Egwuatu.

Akpabio, through his legal team, had asked the appellate court to grant him leave to appeal the Federal High Court’s decision on grounds of mixed law and fact. He also sought an extension of time to file the appeal and a stay of proceedings in the case pending the determination of the appeal.

Listed as respondents in the appeal were Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen.

The motions were withdrawn after being deemed overtaken by events, prompting the appellate court to strike them out and award costs in favour of the respondents.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was conferred with the esteemed chieftaincy title of “Ugosimba 1 of Enugu” by the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, during a vibrant ceremony held in Enugu.

The honor recognizes her remarkable contributions to women’s empowerment, social development, and humanitarian efforts across Nigeria through her flagship Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

The conferment took place during Senator Tinubu’s two-day working visit to Enugu State, where she was warmly received by Governor Peter Mbah, prominent traditional leaders, women’s organizations, and community members.

The title, translating to “Jewel of Empowerment” in Igbo, was bestowed in acknowledgment of her dedication to uplifting the less privileged, supporting healthcare initiatives, and fostering national development.

The Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu, led the conferment, praising Senator Tinubu’s love for Enugu and her impactful work. “We looked at the way you love Enugu State. We are thanking you for what you do for midwives, for nurses.

Personally, I am a nurse too. I appreciate your efforts in healing the sick, clothing the naked, and feeding the hungry. Only God can reward your good work,” Asadu stated. He also highlighted her three-term tenure as a senator and her recognition as a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), noting her compassion beyond politics.

In her acceptance speech, an elated Senator Tinubu expressed deep gratitude, describing the title as a special honor not only for herself but also for her husband, President Bola Tinubu, and their entire family.

“This moment will remain special in my heart, and I will always remember your people for good. I love your state—it is calm and welcoming. Enugu State will be remembered for good,” she said, noting the inner peace she felt since arriving in the state on Monday.

The ceremony was a grand affair, attended by political figures, traditional rulers, and members of the public, showcasing the widespread appreciation for Senator Tinubu’s contributions.

Her Renewed Hope Initiative has been instrumental in providing agricultural inputs, such as wheelbarrows, seedlings, fertilizers, and livestock, to 400 women and young farmers across Enugu’s 17 local councils, further solidifying her commitment to grassroots development.

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has stated that the proposed N1.48 trillion budget for 2025 makes provisions for the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other affected political officeholders.

Ibas made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja while appearing before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight to defend the budget proposal.

He explained that the draft budget aligns with the strategic objectives of the Rivers State Development Plan (2017–2027), and provides a framework to boost revenue generation, fast-track infrastructure development, enhance human capital, and foster inclusive economic growth across various sectors.

“In anticipation of the eventual return to constitutional order, the draft budget prudently retains provisions for the offices and functions of suspended political actors, some of whom have already drawn on allocated resources in the first quarter and are expected to resume their duties at the expiration of the emergency period,” he said.

Ibas, however, expressed concern over the refusal of some state officials to provide essential information needed for the preparation of the budget.

“Regrettably, some state officials withheld critical information required to ensure a more complete capture of those expenditures at the time of submission of the budget estimates,” he added.

Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has found himself at the center of criticism following his recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

The encounter, during which Onakoya presented a special edition gold-plated Adire chess set to the president, has sparked widespread criticism and polarized opinions across the country.

Onakoya, celebrated for his Guinness World Record-breaking 60-hour chess marathon and his efforts to empower underprivileged children through chess, met with Tinubu at the president’s Lagos residence on June 9.

The meeting was highlighted by Tinubu’s public praise of Onakoya’s work, with the president expressing support for expanding the Chess in Slums initiative nationwide.

However, the association with Tinubu, whose administration has faced scrutiny over economic challenges and poverty, has led to a backlash from some Nigerians.

Critics argue that Onakoya’s meeting with the president undermines the integrity of his grassroots movement. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been flooded with comments accusing him of aligning with a government they believe perpetuates the very slum conditions his organization seeks to address.

One sentiment suggests that Onakoya’s visit could be perceived as an endorsement of Tinubu’s leadership, diluting the moral clarity that has defined Chess in Slums.
Others have speculated that the meeting might be a strategic move by the administration to co-opt Onakoya’s influence for political gain.

Defenders of Onakoya, however, emphasize his track record of transparency and dedication to uplifting vulnerable children.

They view the meeting as a potential opportunity to secure governmental support for his cause, arguing that collaboration could amplify the reach of his initiative. Supporters point to his consistent focus on education and empowerment, urging critics to separate his humanitarian efforts from political affiliations.

The controversy reflects broader frustrations among Nigerians regarding leadership and social inequality. Onakoya’s rise from the slums of Ikorodu to global recognition has made him a symbol of hope, but his engagement with Tinubu has ignited raw anger over systemic failures.

As the debate intensifies, opinions remain sharply divided, with some lauding his strategic outreach while others see it as a betrayal of his roots.