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Abure Led Groups Protest Labour Party Exclusion at INEC Headquarter

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Civil society organisations aligned with the Julius Abure led faction of the Labour Party (LP) staged a protest at the National Headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday, demanding the inclusion of the party’s candidates in the forthcoming nationwide bye-elections.

The demonstrators, who arrived at the INEC office around 11:00 a.m., carried placards with messages such as “INEC, who is using you against LP,” “Mahmood stop destroying democracy in Nigeria,” and “Tell INEC to obey court orders.” They called on the electoral body to comply with court rulings and recognise the Abure-led faction’s candidates.

But in a swift reaction, the leadership of the LP dissociated itself from the protest.

In a statement signed by Ken Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser on Media to the party’s Interim National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, the party described the protesters as “impostors” and “political impersonators,” insisting that it had no hand in the demonstration.

The party further cautioned the public to disregard the protest, stressing that those involved did not represent the official position of the Labour Party.

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Church of Nigeria cuts ties with Wales for appointing lesbian Archbishop

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has officially cut all ties with the Church in Wales following the appointment of Bishop Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the 15th Archbishop of Wales.

The decision was announced by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, who described the development as ‘an abomination’ and a serious departure from biblical truth.

The announcement came during the opening session of the 14th Church of Nigeria Conference of Chancellors, Registrars and Legal Officers, held on Tuesday at the Church’s national secretariat in Abuja.

With the theme ‘Called as a Watchman’, the event brought together legal minds from across the Church to discuss matters of doctrinal integrity, justice, and governance.

Primate Ndukuba delivered the keynote address titled ‘The Decade of the Reign of God: Progress, Challenges, and Prospects.’

Reacting to the Church in Wales’ elevation of a lesbian bishop, the Primate said, “We reject the election of the Right Reverend Cherry Vann as the Archbishop of Wales.”

He compared it to the 2003 consecration of Gene Robinson in the Episcopal Church (USA), which had also led to Nigeria severing ties with that province.

“Just as the Church of Nigeria took steps after the election of Gene Robinson in the United States, we are severing every tie and relationship with the Church of Wales,” he said.

Primate Ndukuba also criticised what he described as the growing influence of revisionist teachings within sections of the Western Church.

“These individuals have not relented from their evil agenda; rather, they have intensified it. What they call their wisdom and culture is an abomination to God,” he declared.

Despite cutting formal ties with the Church in Wales, the Church of Nigeria reaffirmed its support for orthodox Anglicans in the region through platforms such as the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON).

“We pray that the Church of God in Wales will rise up, and that the faithful among them will stand strong. We, the Church of Nigeria, alongside GAFCON, will stand with them,” Ndukuba assured.

Looking ahead, the Primate said the Church of Nigeria plans to expand its global mission, with new registrations underway in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland.

“We feel that the Lord is calling us back to Europe for mission,” he said.

The Primate also used the opportunity to highlight the Church’s ongoing contributions to the GAFCON movement.

He revealed that the Church of Nigeria had recently contributed $2.5 million to the GAFCON Endowment Fund and was planning a local Nigerian GAFCON Endowment worth $2.3 million to support orthodox Anglican work and mission.

 

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Everyone digging borehole in lekki is probably drinking ‘shit’ water – Lagos Govt

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources in Lagos State, Mahmood Adegbite, has said that people drilling borehole in the Lekki axis of the state is probably drinking ‘’shit water.”

While speaking at a stakeholders meeting in the state recently, Adegbite noted that contaminated boreholes in Lekki pose health risk and added that treatment of waste water would eradicate any form of disease that may arise from it.

He said, “On waste water treatment, I will say that everyone digging borehole within the Lekki axis is probably drinking what I will call ‘shit water.’

“However, if we are able to treat all the waste water within this axis which we have plans for, we should be able to also eradicate any form of disease that might result as result of non-treatment of our waste”

He added that the government still has a lot to do to tackle flooding in the state, saying, “Yesterday, it rained heavily which is unusual because this is supposed to be August break. However, we started having it because of a lot of complex issues.

“Basically, in terms of flooding, despite the fact that we have committed so much, however, we still need a lot to do in that space.”

 

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sowore
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Nigeria Needs Competent Leaders, Not Rotational Presidency – Sowore

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised Nigeria’s practice of rotational presidency, arguing that competence — not geography — should determine who leads the country.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Sowore said Nigerians are more concerned about having an effective leader than where such a person comes from.

“If I have a good president in Nigeria who can run this country very well, I don’t care where he comes from,” he said.

According to him, zoning the presidency based on region is counterproductive and undermines the principles of merit and fairness.

“That is what the majority of the Nigerian people are aspiring for. That is the idea of this federation — that all federating units should have an opportunity,” he stated.

He argued that the current arrangement often pits regions against one another, without guaranteeing that the best candidates emerge.

“When you zone it to the north, the majority of the northerners want to take a shot at it. When you zone it back to the south, the south is not just Yoruba or Igbo alone. It is senseless,” he said.

Sowore insisted that every presidential hopeful should be allowed to contest irrespective of their region, with emphasis placed on qualification, vision, and capacity.

Zoning the presidency to the worst character in the country is not going to make you get anywhere,” he warned.

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Amotekun
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Amotekun Deploys 500 Operatives Ahead of Osun Osogbo Festival

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

As Osogbo prepares to host the grand finale of the 2025 Osun Osogbo Festival, the Osun Amotekun Corps has deployed 500 operatives to strategic locations across the state capital.

Corps Commander, Brig.-Gen. Isaac Omoyele (rtd), disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday by the Corps’ spokesperson, Yusuf Idowu Abass, saying the robust operation was designed to guarantee the safety of residents, tourists, and dignitaries expected at the annual celebration.

He noted that security personnel would be stationed at major festival venues, procession routes, and popular convergence points.

“This proactive measure is part of our commitment to ensuring a peaceful and hitch-free celebration during the revered cultural event, which comes up on Friday, August 8, 2025,” Omoyele said.

He added that the Corps would carry out both overt and covert operations throughout the festivities.

The commander also warned criminal elements — including pickpockets, hoodlums, and mischief-makers — to stay away from the festival or face the full weight of the law.

“The Osun Osogbo Festival is not only a cultural celebration but also a significant event that brings global attention to our state. We will not allow any individual or group to disrupt the peace and sanctity of this cherished celebration,” he said.

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Mass Failure Hits WAEC, 2025 Results Worst in 5 years

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Stakeholders in the education sector including educationists and parents yesterday decried the poor performance of students in the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

The results released yesterday indicated that out of the 1,969,313 candidates who sat for the examination, only 754,545 candidates, representing 38.32 per cent, obtained credits and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

It would be recalled that during this year’s exam, some school adopted the Computer Based Test method while others opted for the Paper Based Test method.

The Head of Nigeria’s Office (HNO) of WAEC, Amos Dangut, who announced the release of the results during a media briefing at the examination body’s headquarters in Lagos, stated that this year’s result showed a 33.8 per cent decrease in performance compared to 72.12 per cent recorded in 2024.

He stated that results of 192,089 candidates, representing 9.75 per cent of the total number of candidates were withheld over various reported cases of malpractice.

According to him, the figure represented a 2.17 per cent decline compared to the 11.92 per cent recorded in the 2024 edition of the same examination.

He said that 1,973,365 candidates registered for the examination from 23,554 recognised secondary schools in Nigeria, but 1,969,313 candidates sat for the examination.

“The examination was also administered to candidates from some schools in Benin Republic, Cote d’Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea, where the Nigerian curriculum for senior secondary schools is being used.

“I also wish to report that a total of 12,178 candidates with varying degrees of special needs registered for the examination.

“Out of this number, 112 were visually challenged, 615 had impaired hearing, 52 were spastic cum mentally challenged, and 37 were physically challenged.

“All these candidates were adequately provided for in the administration of the examination,” the WAEC boss said.

 

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2027: Obi Running with Atiku, sign of unseriousness – Keyamo

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised the rumoured possibility of former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi running as vice-presidential candidate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 elections.

The minister has described such a move as a sign of desperation and political inconsistency.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News Prime Time on Monday night, Keyamo said Obi’s possible return as Atiku’s running mate, eight years after they first teamed up in 2019, would project him as “a desperate, unserious individual.”

“It is doom for them. There is no way forward for them in that coalition,” Keyamo said, in reference to opposition efforts to form a united front under the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition.

“You will now have that Obi picture of a vice-presidential candidate in 2019, presidential candidate in 2023, and again vice-presidential candidate in 2027. It gives a picture of a desperate, unserious individual.”

Obi and Atiku had first contested on a joint ticket under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 presidential election, where they polled 11,262,978 votes, coming second to President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who secured 15,191,847 votes.

However, in 2023, both men went their separate ways, Atiku remaining the PDP flagbearer, while Obi defected to the Labour Party. In the 2023 election, Atiku garnered 6,984,520 votes, while Obi received 6,101,533 votes, finishing second and third respectively, behind APC’s Bola Tinubu, who won with 8,794,726 votes.

 

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Displaced People in Jos
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Nigeria Responsible For 90 Percent of Christian Deaths Worldwide – Expert

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

In a startling revelation, Nigeria has been identified as accounting for nearly 90 percent of all Christian deaths recorded globally over the past five years — a grim statistic that has drawn alarmingly little international attention.

According to insights shared during a recent Lolalogan interview, the roots of the crisis stretch back more than two decades. On the same day as the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States, extremists espousing similar jihadist ideologies reportedly stormed Rankum, a village in Jos, Plateau State, killing over 200 residents. The assailants subsequently renamed the village “Mahanga” — a Fulani term meaning “watchtower” — due to its elevated location.

Today, Mahanga is serves as the operational headquarters and command hub for terror campaigns across Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. From this base, militants are said to launch coordinated attacks on surrounding communities — a strategy that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.

Residents claim the Nigerian government is fully aware of Mahanga’s role in the violence — as are foreign governments, including that of the United States — yet little effective action has been taken to halt the ongoing bloodshed. Locals reportedly witness insurgents moving in and out of the community freely.

After two decades of sustained attacks, the humanitarian fallout has become catastrophic. Between three and five million Nigerians are currently living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, having been driven from their homes. Despite this staggering number, the federal government officially recognizes only 40 percent of these camps, leaving the majority of displaced Nigerians without any form of government aid or protection.

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BREAKING: NNPC GCEO Bayo Ojulari Returns to Office Amid Resignation Rumour

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd, Bayo Ojulari, has resumed work.

Mr Ojulari reported to the office at about 9:35 am on Monday.

A top security source confirmed to Vanguard that Ojulari was currently engaging with his usual official duties.

The source said that NNPC staff had been asked via internal memo to disregard news of Ojulari’s resignation circulating on social media.

Details later…

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#34.65bn corruption scandal: Arrest NNPCL Boss now, Protesters tells EFCC

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Tensions flared in Abuja on Thursday as a coalition of civil society groups and oil workers mounted a large-scale protest at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The demonstration, organized by OilWatch Nigeria, Workers’ Rights Alliance, and Concerned Citizens Watch, drew hundreds of participants — including activists, oil sector employees, and everyday Nigerians — who accused Ojulari of playing a central role in a massive ₦34.65 billion ($21 million) corruption scandal.

According to the protest leaders, the scandal has shaken public trust and poses a serious credibility challenge to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The outcry follows the recent detention of Abdullahi Bashir Haske, an ally of Ojulari, who reportedly told EFCC investigators that the $21 million discovered in his bank account was owned by the NNPCL chief.

“This money could have built schools, hospitals, and fixed our failing infrastructure,” said Emmanuel Ekpeyong of OilWatch Nigeria. “Instead, it was allegedly hoarded in private accounts to fund a life of luxury. We are here to demand immediate accountability.”

The coalition listed several allegations against Ojulari, including misuse of public funds, contract racketeering via shell companies, lavish living at Abuja’s upscale Wells Carlton Hotel, and the appointment of unqualified loyalists to strategic roles within NNPCL.

“Ojulari has turned the national oil company into a personal empire,” said Danladi Usman of the Workers’ Rights Alliance. “His actions betray the trust of every hardworking Nigerian and have crippled confidence in our energy sector.”

Adding to the pressure, Babatunde Anifowoshe of Concerned Citizens Watch accused Ojulari of attempting to obstruct EFCC investigations to shield his associates.

“Leaving him in office mocks the President’s vow of reform,” Anifowoshe said. “We urge the EFCC to arrest him immediately and for President Tinubu to relieve him of his duties without delay.”

The coalition issued two firm demands: that the EFCC prosecute Ojulari for his alleged involvement in the ₦34.65 billion scandal, and that President Tinubu immediately remove him from his position at NNPCL.

“This is just the beginning,” warned Ekpeyong. “A deep dive into Ojulari’s financial and operational dealings will likely uncover even greater rot.”

To escalate their push for justice, the groups announced a three-day peaceful protest starting August 1, targeting the National Assembly, NNPCL headquarters, and the EFCC offices.

“We will continue marching until real action is taken,” Usman declared, urging broad national participation. “This fight is for Nigeria’s future — where the nation’s oil wealth benefits all citizens, not a privileged few.”

With the protests gaining momentum, both the EFCC and the Presidency are under increasing pressure to respond. The coalition cautioned that failure to act could lead to wider unrest and deeper economic instability.

“The Nigerian people are watching,” said Anifowoshe. “We demand transparency, justice, and accountability. Bayo Ojulari must face the full weight of the law.”

As of press time, the EFCC had not issued an official statement on the matter.

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