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Former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, has called on the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as a tribute to the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

Okorocha made the appeal on Monday during a night of tribute held in Ubah’s honour at the Nigerian Air Force Conference & Suites, Abuja. He referenced Ubah’s earlier plea to the government, which echoed a similar request made by the late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

“Before the death of Iwuanyanwu, he made a plea to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Ifeanyi Ubah made a statement in the same line,” Okorocha said. He urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio to convey the message to the Federal Government, emphasizing that Kanu’s release would serve as a unifying gesture for the Igbo people.

“The best way to honour these great young men is the release of Nnamdi Kanu so that the Igbos can go home and reunite their place,” he added.

Okorocha also called on the Igbo community to embrace peace and unity, setting aside political divisions. Reflecting on the legacy of past Igbo leaders, he urged the living to learn from their examples.

“Ikemba Ojukwu, the Ekwuemes, and other great leaders who have passed on are now reconciled in the afterlife. Their spirits are likely discussing Ndi Igbo and asking, ‘Why do you play the politics of hate?’” he said.

The night of tribute was attended by prominent figures, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and former Senate Presidents Anyim Pius Anyim and Bukola Saraki.

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented Anambra South Senatorial District, passed away in London in July at the age of 52. A businessman-turned-politician, Ubah would have turned 53 on September 3, 2024. He will be laid to rest on Friday, November 22, 2024.

President Bola Tinubu has submitted the names of three nominees for the positions of Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to the Senate for confirmation.

The formal communication was presented during the Senate’s plenary session on Tuesday, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio reading the letter to lawmakers. The nominations were subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for screening.

The committee will assess the nominees’ qualifications, professional experience, and suitability for the role, which involves overseeing the operations of INEC at the state level. Following the screening process, the committee will submit its findings to the Senate for deliberation and a final decision on confirmation.

These appointments are considered crucial to ensuring the effectiveness of INEC, which is responsible for conducting transparent and credible elections in Nigeria. The selection of qualified RECs is part of President Tinubu’s efforts to strengthen the country’s electoral process and enhance public confidence in the system.

The Senate’s decision on the nominations will play a key role in shaping INEC’s capacity to deliver free and fair elections in the future.

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has said two of the agency’s staff members were recently dismissed over allegation of corruption.

Olukoyede disclosed this during the opening of the 6th Annual Criminal Law Review Conference organised by the Rule of Law Development Foundation in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 5-day event is titled: “Optimising the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria: How to Navigate Emerging and Systemic Challenges of Insecurity and Economic Hardship.”

The EFCC chairman, who said the two officials were dismissed two week ago, said besides dismissal, erring workers would also be prosecuted henceforth.
“So many other reforms are going on; the issue of our staff and all of that. Just two weeks ago, I had cause to dismiss two staff. You can’t be fighting corruption and your hands are dirty.

“He who comes to equity, your hands must also be cleaned. And I say I will not only be dismissing them, I will also be prosecuting them because that is what we prosecute others for.

“So you will see that; we are preparing the case files of some of the people we have dismissed. If an EFCC staff will not be able to stand publicly with his two hands up and challenge the entire public; whose goat have I collected? Whose bottle of water have I taken illegitimately?

And I have said this to Nigerians; who has ever given me one kobo in the course of my work, come out and say it. I stand to be challenged. I can’t be easily influenced by things like that. That’s why we must make up our minds to work together to do the right thing. Any staff that is corrupt, I will show you the way out. Again, there are some people who may want to be overzealous. Out of 12, you must have Judas.

I can’t stand here and say all is perfect. As many as you see, report them to us and we will do justice,” he said.

Olukoyede said even he was once subjected to investigation for two years as EFCC secretary.

“I am not just sitting there as chairman of EFCC. I have been on the other side. I have been subjected to investigation myself for two years. So I know what it means to subject people to investigations.

“My major objective is to use the instrumentality of this mandate to stimulate the economy and to also follow the rule of law,” he said.

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.