Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Senate on Tuesday suspended its rules to admit family members and close relatives of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah for a farewell session held in his honour.

The session began with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, directing attention to the late senator’s seat, draped with the Nigerian flag and surrounded by four symbolic candles.

In his remarks, Akpabio noted that the day was dedicated to the memory of the late Anambra senator, who passed away on July 26, 2024, at the age of 52. He described Ubah, a businessman from Otolo, Nnewi North, as a visionary leader with extraordinary empathy, a champion of economic empowerment, and an advocate for community development.

The Senate President further described Ubah’s death as a significant loss to Nigeria’s political landscape.

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah reportedly passed away in July following surgery in the United Kingdom.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has expressed concerns over the growing issue of individuals in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the state taking multiple wives despite being unable to adequately support their families.

In a viral video shared on social media, particularly TikTok by Kawu Garba, Governor Zulum criticized both state and national politicians for avoiding the topic due to fears of losing votes during elections.

Zulum questioned, “The question is, which Islamic teacher has spoken out against this? Which member has kicked against this situation?” He went on to point out that politicians are often more focused on contesting elections than addressing critical issues in the IDP camps. “All they say is, ‘Ha, I will not talk.’ Rather, they are concerned with contesting and winning their elections. They refuse to speak out so that the IDPs will not vote against them,” he added.

The Governor cited the example of a man who arrived at the camp in 2011 or 2012 with one wife, but now has four, highlighting the economic strain this behavior places on the state’s resources

The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has officially revoked the membership of Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, according to Olalekan Folorunsho, the Southwest Zonal Chairman of the union, also known as Lekan Salami.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 18, Salami revealed that MC Oluomo had lost his membership in 2022 after a disciplinary incident in which he tore his union identity card in protest against a query issued by the national leadership. Salami explained that the NURTW constitution clearly stipulates that any member wishing to return to the union must submit a formal application to the national leadership for approval, and must also work at the grassroots level for at least two years before being eligible to contest for any leadership role.

Salami emphasized that MC Oluomo had not fulfilled these requirements, thus rendering him ineligible for any position within the union. This decision, according to Salami, reflects the NURTW’s commitment to adhering to its internal regulations and maintaining a structured leadership.

Additionally, Salami reaffirmed the leadership of Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa, whose presidency was recently upheld by the Court of Appeal. He called on the government and relevant bodies to respect Baruwa’s leadership, emphasizing that the court ruling had validated his position and should not be disputed. Salami condemned any acts of disorder within the union, particularly referencing ongoing tensions in Osun State, where Baruwa’s leadership remains intact.

“The NURTW in Osun State is still under the leadership of Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa. We will not tolerate gangsterism in our union, and it is crucial that MC Oluomo be held accountable for his actions,” Salami stated.

The Nigeria Youths Frontiers and Peace Advocates (NYFPA) has condemned social media activist Reno Omokri for his recent remarks about Nigerian clerics, particularly Pastor Becky Enenche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre.

Omokri, in a social media post, referred to Pastor Enenche as a “Yahoo girl on the altar,” following her comments on the importance of paying tithes. His statement has sparked widespread outrage, especially among members of the Christian community.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Samuel Geofrey, the NYFPA labeled Omokri’s comments as “inflammatory, baseless, and deeply irresponsible.” The group expressed disapproval of the remarks, criticizing Omokri for a lack of respect for Christian values and for disregarding the principles of respectful dialogue in a civilized society.

The statement continued, “Reno Omokri’s statements are an affront to millions of Nigerians who revere their faith and spiritual leaders. His choice of words reflects a profound lack of respect for Christianity and the principles of dialogue and mutual understanding.”

The NYFPA also addressed Omokri’s controversial history, pointing to alleged inconsistencies in his career, personal life, and political affiliations. The group accused him of using divisive rhetoric to stay relevant, often at the expense of national unity and constructive discourse.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace and justice, the NYFPA called on Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and work towards building a society based on mutual respect.

“Omokri’s statements are not only an attack on Pastor Becky Enenche but also an affront to millions of Nigerians who hold their faith and spiritual leaders in high esteem,” the group said. “His words betray a profound lack of respect for Christianity and the principles of dialogue that underpin a civilized society.”

The NYFPA’s statement concluded with criticism of Omokri’s history of inconsistency and self-serving actions, highlighting his tendency to stir unnecessary controversy.

President-elect Donald Trump has confirmed his intention to declare a national emergency on border security and utilize military resources to carry out a large-scale deportation of undocumented migrants.

The announcement aligns with Trump’s campaign promises to address immigration concerns, which were a central theme of his electoral campaign. He pledged to deport millions of undocumented migrants and secure the U.S.-Mexico border following a surge in illegal crossings during President Joe Biden’s administration.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump amplified a statement from a conservative activist claiming he was “prepared to declare a national emergency and use military assets to reverse the Biden invasion through a mass deportation program.” Trump responded to the post with a simple affirmation: “True!”

Trump’s return to the presidency, marked by his November 5 victory over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, has been followed by cabinet announcements featuring prominent immigration hardliners. He has appointed former acting chief of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Tom Homan, as his “border czar.”

Homan, speaking at the Republican National Convention in July, delivered a stark message to undocumented migrants: “I got a message to the millions of illegal immigrants that Joe Biden’s released in our country: You better start packing now.”

Authorities estimate approximately 11 million undocumented migrants currently reside in the United States. Trump’s deportation plan is expected to directly impact an estimated 20 million families.

Daniel Bwala, former aide to Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has officially resumed duties as the spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu.

Bwala’s appointment as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications (State House) was announced last week by President Tinubu. He succeeds Ajuri Ngelale, who stepped down from the position in September due to health-related reasons.

Speaking to State House correspondents on his first day in office on Monday, Bwala affirmed his commitment to his new role, emphasizing that he would remain focused despite potential criticism.

“The position I have been appointed to was previously held by Ajuri Ngelale. My role, as Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication (State House), is self-explanatory,” he said.

Bwala highlighted the collaborative nature of his office, describing all presidential aides as united in achieving the mandate of President Tinubu.

“The President is the team leader. Every other person functions as the President wishes,” he stated.

Ngelale, who served in the role before Bwala, had earlier disclosed that his resignation was prompted by the need to address health challenges within his nuclear family.

The Labour Party governorship candidate in Ondo State, Ayodele Olorunfemi, has attributed his defeat in Saturday’s election to the actions of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner after he secured victory in all 18 local government areas of the state. Aiyedatiwa garnered 366,781 votes, defeating Agboola Ajayi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 117,845 votes.

Olorunfemi’s candidacy was reinstated by the Court of Appeal just days before the election, overturning an earlier Federal High Court ruling that had ordered INEC to recognise Olusola Ebiseni, a candidate reportedly endorsed by Peter Obi. Despite the legal victory, Olorunfemi expressed frustration over the impact of the prolonged legal battle on his campaign.

Speaking to reporters, Olorunfemi accused Obi and the NLC of undermining his chances by supporting Ebiseni, describing their actions as detrimental to his campaign.

“I have Peter Obi and the NLC to thank for that. They have scuttled my aspirations and chances to win this Ondo election,” he said. “Their insistence on having Ebiseni on the ballot ruined everything for me. Can you imagine that Ebiseni wrote a letter to the court in my name without my knowledge, claiming I had withdrawn from the race? They cannot exclude me from such a decision.”

Olorunfemi acknowledged that the late reinstatement by the court left little time to revive his campaign. When asked if he attempted a door-to-door campaign with supporters, he admitted that his efforts were insufficient due to time constraints.

“My campaign for the election was neither here nor there,” he said. “The crisis between the Labour Party and the NLC only made things worse.”

Despite accepting the loss, Olorunfemi vowed to seek redress for what he described as a betrayal of his political aspirations

Anambra Central Senatorial Zone was rocked by deadly attacks on Monday morning as gunmen reportedly enforcing the banned sit-at-home order targeted several communities, leaving at least five people dead and others injured.

The attacks, which occurred between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., affected the towns of Abatete, Abagana, and Ukpo, causing panic and heightening tensions in the area.

In Abatete, the assailants ambushed the town’s President-General and his security team, killing three vigilante members and critically injuring the community leader. The President-General was rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment. The motive for the attack remains unclear, but authorities suspect it may be linked to efforts to enforce the outlawed sit-at-home directive.

Similar violence was reported in Abagana and Ukpo. In Ukpo, a vigilante member and a motorcycle rider were shot dead near the roundabout in Dunukofia Local Government Area. Witnesses described the incidents as unprovoked, leaving residents fearful of further violence.

Anambra State Police Command confirmed the attacks but noted that investigations are ongoing. “Details are still sketchy, but our officers are on the scene to investigate,” said a police spokesperson. “We are committed to uncovering the full circumstances surrounding these incidents.”

The attacks underscore persistent security challenges in the region, with residents calling for increased protection to prevent further loss of lives and property.

Awka, the capital of Anambra State, is currently experiencing a cash shortage as several banks reportedly struggle to meet withdrawal demands from customers. Findings by reporters indicate that many banks claim to have run out of funds, leaving customers frustrated.

At one new-generation bank, a staff member informed a customer that withdrawals above ₦100,000 were not possible due to a lack of cash. A female customer at the same bank expressed dissatisfaction, stating she only needed ₦20,000 but was redirected to the bank’s ATMs, which were also out of cash.

“They just refused to give me ₦100,000. In my case, I want to withdraw only ₦20,000, but they are directing me to the ATM, even though it is out of cash,” she lamented. “I don’t want to go to POS operators and pay as much as ₦600 to withdraw ₦20,000. This is unfair.”

The Chairman of the Anambra State Motorcycle Transport Welfare Association, Comrade Jude Udegbe, also raised concerns over the situation, describing it as a repeat of last year’s cash hoarding by banks.

“Currently, it’s almost impossible to withdraw up to ₦100,000 at once from any bank,” Udegbe said. “The banks have started hoarding cash again, just like they did last year. Meanwhile, POS operators are making a profit at the expense of customers.”

Udegbe called on the government to intervene, warning that the crisis is worsening the economic challenges faced by residents.

A source familiar with the banking operations suggested that some bank executives may be collaborating with POS operators, supplying them with bulk cash for a commission. The source alleged that certain POS businesses are either owned by banks or operated by their employees.

A trader at Eke Awka market, Mr. Jerome Obaji, echoed similar suspicions. “Some of these large POS operators here in Eke Awka work with top bank staff. How do they manage to get cash every day while banks tell customers they don’t have any?” he asked.

Despite the challenges, the POS business has provided a lifeline for many residents and created jobs for young people. In Awka, over 100 young women operate POS outlets at Aroma Junction alone.

Comrade Joe Ifedigbo, a local businessman, acknowledged the significance of POS operators in the community. “It is a convenient way to access cash without the stress of going to the bank. It also provides employment for our young people, many of whom would otherwise be unemployed,” he said.

A POS operator who requested anonymity disclosed that her earnings depend on the amount of cash she can secure. “Some days, I make up to ₦5,000 when I have enough cash to give out. If you get customers making bulk transfers, you can also earn commissions even without cash on hand,” she explained.

As the cash shortage persists, POS businesses remain a critical alternative for residents, especially with the holiday season approaching. However, the high fees charged by operators continue to burden customers struggling to access their funds.

INEC has declared Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as winner of last Saturday’s governorship election with a wide margin of votes.

Aiyedatiwa polled 366, 781 to defeat his closet rival, Hon Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party who got 117,845.

Political analysts said it was the biggest electoral defeat since the state was created in 1976.

Aiyedatiwa has also made history as the first person from a small riverine community (Obenla) to emerge as governor of the state.

Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Prince Adeyemi Nejo, came a distant third with 4,138 votes.

A total of 508,963 voters were accredited, 12 896 votes were rejected while 497,077 were actual votes cast in Saturday’s election.

Returning Officer of INEC and Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Lokoja, Prof. Akinwumi Olayemi Durotimi, who declared Aiyedatiwa winner of the poll said he polled the highest number of votes cast.

Prof. Akinwumi said Aiyedatiwa met all the constitutional requirements and declared him Governor-elect.

The victory of Aiyedatiwa was expected but it was the margin of defeat that was in contention.

Aiyedatiwa is the first Governor in the state to serve as Deputy Governor, Acting Governor, and an elected Governor. His fresh mandate will begin in February next year.

What made the victory of Aiyedatiwa easy and smooth was the refusal of many chieftains of the PDP to support his candidacy. Those who refused to support Ajayi said it was payback time for him to leave the party.