Manpower development key to safety of navigation and blue economy -CNS 

 

The Hydrographer of the Federation/Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrography Agency, Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, at Naval Headquarters, Abuja.

 

During the visit, Rear Admiral Fadahunsi expressed appreciation to the CNS for the continued support of the Agency.

This was contained in a statement on Wednesday by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information.

According to the statement, Fadahunsi stated that upon assumption of office, he reviewed the operational activities of the National Hydrographic Agency and developed a strategic plan centred on manpower development as a critical enabler for the safety of navigation and the advancement of Nigeria’s blue economy.

 

The HOF noted that Nigerian Navy personnel constitute a significant percentage of the Agency’s workforce, reflecting the strong institutional relationship between the Agency and the Service. He noted that the Agency intends to increase female participation in hydrography, in line with the International Hydrographic Organisation’s goal of broader participation by women in hydrography.

 

In his remarks, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas congratulated Rear Admiral Fadahunsi on his appointment and expressed satisfaction with the strategic direction already introduced at the National Hydrographic Agency, urging him to build on the legacy of his predecessor.

 

Admiral Idi Abbas assured the Hydrographer of the Federation of continued support in the areas of manpower support and capacity development, noting that a professionally trained hydrographic workforce remains central to Nigerian Navy operations.

 

The CNS also commended the National Hydrographic Agency for outstanding hydrographic activities in Cross River and Imo States, which have gained it wide acclaim. The Chief of the Naval Staff encouraged the Agency to strengthen local capacity development by producing training charts for the Nigerian Defence Academy Naval Wing and Nigerian Navy Training Schools.

The engagement reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening hydrographic capability as a strategic component of maritime governance, safe navigation, and national economic development. Globalupfront.

APC primaries crisis deepens amid mass disqualifications

 

Fresh cracks have emerged within the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections as controversies surrounding the party’s pre-primary screening exercises continue to trigger protests, defections, petitions and threats of legal action across several states.

 

The crisis has shown growing reliance on consensus arrangements and the disqualification of hundreds of aspirants have intensified internal tensions within the party, with stakeholders warning that unresolved grievances could weaken the APC before the primaries.

 

The screening exercise, designed to streamline the number of aspirants contesting for various elective positions, has instead exposed deep divisions among party leaders, aspirants and grassroots supporters in states including Kano, Taraba, Kaduna, Rivers, Jigawa, Benue, Plateau, Ebonyi and Kogi.

 

Many of the aggrieved aspirants accused party leaders of manipulating the process to favour preferred candidates and political loyalists under the guise of consensus arrangements.

In several states, the controversies have already sparked protests and defections, while others are preparing petitions and court cases to challenge their disqualification.

 

In Jigawa State, former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Isah Idris, resigned from the APC after failing to secure clearance during the screening exercise.

 

In his resignation letter, Idris lamented what he described as the party’s departure from its founding ideals before defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party.

 

Similarly, tensions rose in Ebonyi after senatorial aspirant, Christian Nwali, resigned from the APC over the outcome of the consensus arrangement adopted by the state chapter.

 

In Kano State, protests followed the endorsement of former governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, as six aspirants stepped down in his favour after a reconciliation meeting brokered by party leaders.

 

However, some groups faulted the arrangement, arguing that loyal party members were being sidelined for political convenience.

 

The situation also unsettled reconciliation efforts reportedly championed by Governor Abba Yusuf after key stakeholders allegedly boycotted peace meetings convened to calm tensions.

 

In Taraba State, the endorsement of Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau generated backlash from youth groups and party stakeholders who accused the lawmaker of poor representation and lacking visible achievements.

 

The discontent was echoed in Benue and Kogi states, where supporters of disqualified aspirants accused the party of violating zoning agreements and restricting access to nomination forms.

In Rivers State, the scale of the screening fallout became more evident after the APC screening appeal panel confirmed that 65 aspirants were disqualified, while only 33 were cleared ahead of the primaries.

 

Chairman of the appeal panel, Abdul Mahmud, disclosed that several complaints centred on lack of communication, with some aspirants claiming they only discovered their disqualification through social media.

 

Mahmud advised the party to improve transparency in future exercises by formally notifying aspirants of screening outcomes and reasons for disqualification.

 

In Kaduna State, opposition to consensus candidacies also intensified, particularly over alleged moves to adopt former lawmaker, Shehu Sani, as a consensus candidate for Kaduna Central Senatorial District.

 

The arrangement was rejected by former Speaker Yusuf Zailani and activist Yarima Shettima, who warned against what they described as political manipulation.

 

Meanwhile, uncertainty continued in Plateau, Imo, Abia, Gombe and Zamfara states as aspirants awaited the official release of screening results.

 

Some aspirants in Plateau reportedly claimed they were verbally informed of their disqualification without receiving formal communication from the party.

 

Political analysts warned that the growing disputes reflect the APC’s struggle to balance internal democracy with the increasing push for consensus candidacies ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

They noted that while consensus arrangements may help reduce costly and divisive primaries, attempts to impose candidates without broad consultation risk fuelling defections, anti-party activities and voter apathy.

 

Despite ongoing reconciliation efforts in many states, concerns remain that unresolved grievances could further deepen factional divisions within the ruling party ahead of the primaries. Conclave.

 

Court voids suit seeking to SAN award with blue silk rank on Nigerian lawyers

 

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday dismissed a suit seeking an order by applicants to confer the rank of a Blue Silk on legal practitioners in Nigeria as alternative to the rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

 

Justice James Omotosho, in a judgement, held that the applicants’ suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/421/2026, was without merit.

 

“The argument by the applicants that they have a right to freedom of assembly and association does not come into play here.

 

“The legal profession is not like joining a political party wherein one can jump from party to party.

 

“There is only one legal profession in Nigeria duly recognised by statute, thus a person cannot decide to form his own legal profession as same would be contrary to the law and thus void.

 

“This therefore means that the acts of the applicants in seeking to award rank of Blue Silk on any legal practitioner in Nigeria is totally void and unrecognised by law,” he said.

 

According to the judge, the actions of the applicants is totally against laid down law and regulations guiding the legal profession in Nigeria.

 

“The applicants cannot hide under fundamental rights to breach statutory provisions.

 

“This court will not allow it.

 

“The applicants have failed to establish the breach of their fundamental rights to freedom of association and right to fair hearing.

 

“The applicants have the burden to establish breach of their fundamental rights but have utterly failed to do so.

 

“Their claim is therefore ungrantable and their suit will be dismissed.

 

“This court will also follow up the decision in this matter with a consequential order which it is empowered to do and give effect to this judgment,” the judge said, citing a previous Supreme Court decision.

 

Justice Omotosho, therefore, declared that only the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) is the legally recognised body with the powers to confer the rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on deserving legal practitioners in the country.

 

The judge also made an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the applicants from conferring on any legal practitioner the rank of Blue Silk or any such related ranks which is not in accordance with the clear provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the applicants; the Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Legislative Drafting And Advocacy Practitioners and Dr Tonye Jaja, had filed the suit.

 

The applicants, through their lawyer, named the Incorporated Trustees of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Dr Mobolaji Ojibara, General Secretary of Incorporated Trustees of NBA, as 1st and 2nd respondents.

 

They also listed Mr Kabir Akanbi, Secretary of LPPC; Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) and Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) as 3rd to 5th respondents respectively.

 

The originating motion, dated and filed on March 2, sought seven reliefs.

 

“An order of perpetual injunction against the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th respondents and their officials from interfering or threatening to drag the 2nd applicant (Jaja) and or 1st applicant before the 5th respondent (LPCD) on the grounds of the Blue Silks rank.”

 

They sought a N50 million jointly and severally by the 1st to 4th respondents as compensation for the breach of the applicants’ fundamental rights.

 

The duo, who sought a public apology published in two national dailies by the 1st to 4th respondents for the violation of their fundamental rights, also sought a N5 million as cost of instituting the suit.

 

NAN observes that the applicants filed the suit following a disciplinary notice sent to Jaja by Ojibara for promoting an unlawful and unrecognised “privileged rank” purported for legal practitioners.

 

The applicants had argued that the Blue Silks rank was not mentioned in the Legal Practitioners Act, 1962 and was not within the regulatory powers of the respondents.

 

They stated that without hearing from them, the 1st respondent had concluded on their guilt and that the 1st and 2nd respondents even published a notice which affected the rights of the applicants.

 

They, therefore, claimed that their fundamental rights to freedom of association was being threatened by the respondents and urged the court to intervene on their behalf.

 

But the respondents in their separate counter affidavits prayed the court to dismiss the suit in its entirety.

 

They argued that the applicants had no power whatsoever to accord any rank of Blue Silk on any legal practitioner in Nigeria as they were not statutorily recognised to do so, among other arguments.

NAN

NDC pegs presidential ticket at N60m

 

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has fixed N60 million as the total cost for aspirants seeking its presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The party announced this in a statement issued by the National Chairman, Sen. Moses Cleopas and Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu in Abuja on Tuesday.

 

“A breakdown of the approved fees showed that presidential aspirants would pay N20 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N40 million for the Nomination Form.

 

“Governorship aspirants are to pay N10 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N20 million for the Nomination Form.

 

“For Senate aspirants, the fees were fixed at N3 million and N5 million respectively, while House of Representatives aspirants would pay N2 million and N4 million.

 

“State Houses of Assembly aspirants are to pay N1 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N1.5 million for the Nomination Form”.

 

The party, however, said it has granted concessions to female aspirants and Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs), who are to pay 50 per cent and 25 per cent respectively across all categories.

 

The NDC also unveiled the timetable for the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, screening of aspirants and conduct of primary elections.

 

According to the timetable, the sale of Expression of Interest Forms will begin on May 13 and end on May 18, while screening and interview of aspirants will hold from May 19 to May 21.

 

The party said the sale of nomination forms would commence immediately after the screening from May 21 to May 23, adding that completed forms must be submitted on or before May 25.

 

It stated that appeals arising from the screening would be heard on May 25 and 26, while primaries for various elective positions would hold on May 27 and May 28.

 

The Presidential Primary Election, according to the party, is scheduled for May 29 in Abuja.

 

The NDC explained that aspirants for State Houses of Assembly would be screened in their respective states, while screening for National Assembly and presidential aspirants would take place at the party’s National Headquarters in Abuja.

 

It also disclosed that governorship primaries would be conducted at the local government level.

 

The party said all aspirants would be required to sign undertakings in line with its guidelines and code of conduct.

 

It added that the party would adopt the “open secret ballot” system for its primaries to ensure credibility, fairness and internal democracy.

 

It reaffirmed its commitment to conducting transparent and credible primaries capable of producing competent candidates for the 2027 general elections

 

(NAN

Court sentences ex-Power Minister to 75 years imprisonment for money laundering

 

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday sentenced the former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment in absentia over N33.8 billion money laundering offences.

Justice James Omotosho, who convicted Mamman in all the 12 counts preferred against him by the EFCC, ordered that the sentence shall run consecutively and not concurrently.

Justice Omotosho said that the absence of the ex-minister in court today and on the last adjourned date was a deliberate attempt to stop the wheel of justice.

The judge, who agreed with the EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, that though the defendant was not in court, the provisions of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, gave the court the power to proceed with the sentencing.

The judge held that Mr Mamman cannot claim to have suffered a miscarriage of justice.

 

He consequently sentenced the convict to seven years imprisonment on Counts one, two, three, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, 11 and 12 without option of fine.

 

Justice Omotosho also sentenced him to three year-jail term on Count 4 with an option of fine of N10 million and two years’ imprisonment on Count 5 without option of fine.

 

The judge, who ordered that the sentence shall run consecutively, said this shall commenced from the date of his arrest.

 

He, therefore, ordered all security agencies in and outside the country, including the INTERPOL, to arrest Mamman anywhere he is sighted and handed over to the Nigerian Correctional Services for his jail term.

 

Also based on the application by counsel for the prosecution, which was not challenged by the ex-minister’s lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, Justice Omotosho also ordered the final forfeiture of Mr Mamman’s two properties located in choice areas of Abuja and monies in different currencies recovered by the anti-graft agencies.

 

The judge further ordered that the differential amount between the monies and assets recovered from Mamman and the sum of N22 billion the prosecution was able to establish during the trial, out of the N33. 8 billion allegedly siphoned from the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects, be refunded by the convict.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Omotosho had on May 7 convicted Mamman in absentia over allegations of money laundering.

 

Although Mr Mamman was conspicuously absent in court, Justice Omotosho, in the judgment, held that the EFCC had been able to establish the 12-count amended charge against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.

NAN

TCN begins second phase of compensation for 330KV Double Circuit Mando–Rimin Zakara Transmission Line

 

By Okey Muobgo

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said it has commenced the second phase of compensation for Project Affected Persons (PAPs) impacted by the 330kV Double Circuit QUAD Conductor Mando–Rimin Zakara Transmission Line Project.

A statement by the General Manager (GM), Public Affairs of the Company, Ndidi Mbah on Sunday stated that the exercise began on Thursday, 7th May 2026, in Shika, Zaria, with over 2,000 claimants receiving compensation.

“In line with its standard operational procedures, TCN prioritises the clearing of the Right of Way (RoW) before the commencement of any transmission project. This step ensures safety, protects infrastructure integrity, and enables seamless project execution.

 

“Speaking during the exercise, the Project Manager, Engr. Omobola Odusoga Sobo, stated that 5,500 Project Affected Persons were enumerated for compensation along the Mando–Rimin Zakara transmission corridor, with the second phase covering approximately 2,000 PAPs.

 

She commended district heads and community leaders for their cooperation in sensitising community members on the importance of the project and the compensation exercise. She also acknowledged the support of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Engr. Sule Abdulaziz, and the African Development Bank toward the successful implementation of the process.

 

In his remarks, the District Head of Rigasa, Arc. Muhammed Aminu Idris, noted that while achieving 100 percent satisfaction may not always be possible, TCN had remained transparent and collaborative by engaging community leaders and members throughout the project. He expressed optimism that the project would improve power supply and stimulate socio-economic development across the affected communities.

 

The exercise commenced with a screening and verification phase, during which affected persons presented original documents for authentication prior to payment. The process was designed to ensure that all legitimate claimants were properly identified and duly compensated, in line with TCN’s commitment to accountability and due process.

 

Beneficiaries commended TCN for the transparent conduct of the exercise. Mallam Lawal Abubakar thanked TCN for the initiative, Shehu Muhammad expressed appreciation for the compensation and pledged continued community support and cooperation, and Muhammad Lawal commended the process.

 

The transmission line will run from the Mando Transmission Substation in Kaduna State to the Rimin Zakara Transmission Substation in Kano State, with a Turn-In Turn-Out (TITO) connection at the new 2x150MVA 330/132/33kV substation in Jaja, Zaria.

 

The project is being implemented with support from the Federal Government of Nigeria and the African Development Bank. It is one of the major transmission reinforcement projects in Northern Nigeria, connecting critical load centres across the Kaduna, Zaria, and Kano industrial corridors.

 

The project is also part of broader efforts to expand Nigeria’s transmission wheeling capacity and improve grid reliability and redundancy nationwide. Sunrisereporters.

2027: NDC ready to provide credible alternative for Nigerians-Party Chairman

 

National Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Sen. Moses Cleopas, has said that the party is positioning itself to provide credible leadership and responsible opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the party’s inaugural national convention held on Saturday, Cleopas said the NDC was founded on the principles of justice, inclusion, accountability and national development.

 

According to him, the convention marked a major milestone in the democratic journey of the party and its supporters across the country.

 

“Today we gather not merely to hold a convention, but to write a new chapter in the democratic history of our dear nation, Nigeria,” he said.

 

Cleopas noted that the party’s registration in Feb. came after years of struggle, sacrifice and persistence by members committed to democratic participation and political inclusion.

 

“For years, our leaders and members endured administrative bottlenecks, institutional delays and political frustrations, yet we refused to surrender,” he stated.

 

He described the eventual registration of the NDC as “a victory for constitutional democracy and the Nigerian people.”

 

The NDC chairman expressed concern over the current state of the nation, citing economic hardship, unemployment, inflation and insecurity as major challenges confronting citizens.

 

“Nigeria stands today at a very critical crossroads.

 

“Millions of Nigerians can no longer afford to provide for their families. Small businesses continue to collapse under severe economic pressures,” Cleopas said.

 

He also lamented worsening insecurity in rural communities, saying that many farmers were unable to return to their farms due to fear of attacks.

 

Cleopas maintained that opposition politics must focus on offering practical solutions rather than engaging in criticism alone.

 

“True opposition must provide ideas, direction, accountability and credible alternatives for national progress,” he said.

 

He added that the party remained committed to “issue-based politics, constructive engagement and people-oriented governance.”

 

The chairman further stated that the NDC would prioritise youth empowerment, women inclusion, institutional reforms and economic productivity if given the opportunity to lead.

 

“Our mission is clear; to promote governance founded on integrity, competence and inclusiveness,” he said.

 

Cleopas urged Nigerians, especially young people, not to lose faith in the democratic process.

 

“To our youths, I say your future matters, your voice matters and your participation matters. Do not abandon the democratic process,” he said.

 

The national chairman also called on party members and delegates to remain united and committed to internal democracy.

 

“Differences of opinion are natural in democratic organisations, but we must always rise above personal ambition for collective national progress,” he added.

 

Reaffirming the party’s vision, Cleopas said the NDC was determined to restore hope and rebuild trust in governance across the country.

 

“Together, we shall build a stronger party. Together, we shall build a better democracy. Together, we shall build a better Nigeria,” he said.

NAN

EFCC declares Ex-Minister Sadiya Farouq wanted over alleged diversion of public funds

 

Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, has been declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds.

The anti-graft agency announced the development in a notice published on its official website on Friday, intensifying the legal troubles surrounding the former minister who served under late President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to the EFCC, Farouq, 52, an indigene of Zamfara State, is wanted in connection with ongoing investigations into alleged financial misconduct during her tenure as minister.

The commission disclosed that her last known address is EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja, and urged members of the public with useful information about her whereabouts to contact any of its offices nationwide.City & Local Guides

“The public is hereby notified that Sadiya Umar Farouq is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in an alleged case of abuse of office and diversion of public funds,” the notice stated.

The EFCC also provided contact telephone numbers and communication channels through which information leading to her arrest could be supplied.

Farouq was appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development in July 2019 and became one of the youngest members of Buhari’s cabinet. During her tenure, the ministry supervised several major social intervention programmes, including the controversial National Social Investment Programme.

Her declaration as wanted comes weeks after a Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, reportedly issued a warrant for her arrest on April 16, 2026.

The latest move by the EFCC signals a fresh escalation in the anti-corruption agency’s crackdown on alleged financial infractions involving former public officials. Newsmakerlive.

Ideato Peoples Assembly urges IGP to investigate political thuggery in Ideato

 

 

A non-partisan socio-cultural group, Ideato Peoples Assembly (IPA), has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu to immediately investigate the recent attack on a political rally organized by Hon Ikenga Ugocninyere in Ntueke town, Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo state.

Hon Ugochinyere, a current member of the House of Representatives representing Ideato Federal Constituency had his rally disrupted by thugs bearing dangerous arms who wounded many people at the rally.

IPA in a strongly worded statement released on Sunday also urged both Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state and President Bola Tinubu to protect the right of every Nigerian to free assembly as provided for in the constitution of Nigeria.

The statement, signed by Dr Vin Igwilo President General and Tochi Ejiofor, Secretary General of IPA said: “The Ideato Peoples Assembly (IPA), Abuja — an apolitical, socio-cultural organization — rises with one voice to condemn in the strongest possible terms the shameful and barbaric attacks on a political rally held at Ntueke, Ideato South Local Government Area, on 27th April 2026.

“For this reason, we call on the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma to guarantee every Imo citizen a safe and conducive environment to exercise their democratic rights without fear.

“We equally call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to urgently call all relevant parties to order, and also the Inspector General of Police, to investigate the Ntueke incident and ensure full accountability

“That a peaceful gathering of our people — men, women, and youth — was violently disrupted by suspected sponsored thugs, with tear gas fired and live ammunition discharged on unarmed citizens, is a deeply troubling assault on democracy, humanity, and the soul of Ideato Nation.”

Analysing the attack further, IPA said that what happened at Ntueke is not politics but criminality dressed in political clothing insisting that the right to peaceful assembly and association is not a favour granted by any government but a fundamental right, constitutionally guaranteed under Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“No individual, group, or government holds the authority to violate that right through intimidation, violence, or the deployment of armed thugs against innocent citizens.

“The Ideato Peoples Assembly is unwaveringly aligned with the Ideato people. The victims of the Ntueke attacks are our people. Their pain is our pain. Their rights are our sacred responsibility”, group insisted.

According to the statement, “Silence in the face of such injustice would be a betrayal of everything this Assembly stands for.

“A government that cannot guarantee security of life and properties to its own citizens has forfeited its moral authority to govern.

“To all political actors in Ideato Nation, we issue this solemn charge: pursue your ambitions with ideas, integrity, and respect for the people — not with thugs, bullets, and bitterness. No seat is worth the blood of our people,” IPA insisted.

 

Below is the full text of the IPA Statement:

POLITICS WITHOUT BITTERNESS AND THUGGERY: IDEATO PEOPLES ASSEMBLY ABUJA CONDEMNS THE VIOLENT ATTACKS ON HON. UGOCHINYERE AND CALLS FOR THE RESPECT OF DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS

 

The Ideato Peoples Assembly (IPA), Abuja — an apolitical, socio-cultural organization — rises with one voice to condemn in the strongest possible terms the shameful and barbaric attacks on a political rally held at Ntueke, Ideato South Local Government Area, on 27th April 2026. That a peaceful gathering of our people — men, women, and youth — was violently disrupted by suspected sponsored thugs, with tear gas fired and live ammunition discharged on unarmed citizens, is a deeply troubling assault on democracy, humanity, and the soul of Ideato Nation. This is not politics. This is criminality dressed in political clothing. Let the record be clear: the right to peaceful assembly and association is not a favour granted by any government — it is a fundamental right, constitutionally guaranteed under Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). No individual, group, or government holds the authority to violate that right through intimidation, violence, or the deployment of armed thugs against innocent citizens. Those who do so place themselves in direct conflict with the law, with democracy, and with the conscience of our people. The Ideato Peoples Assembly is unwaveringly aligned with the Ideato people. The victims of the Ntueke attacks are our people. Their pain is our pain. Their rights are our sacred responsibility. Silence in the face of such injustice would be a betrayal of everything this Assembly stands for. A government that cannot guarantee security of life and properties to its own citizens has forfeited its moral authority to govern. For this reason, we call on the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma to guarantee every Imo citizen a safe and conducive environment to exercise their democratic rights without fear. We equally call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to urgently call all relevant parties to order, and also the Inspector General of Police, to investigate the Ntueke incident and ensure full accountability. To our people — at home and in the diaspora — we say: remain calm, remain united, and remain resolute. Truth and justice have never lost their footing permanently. To all political actors in Ideato Nation, we issue this solemn charge: pursue your ambitions with ideas, integrity, and respect for the people — not with thugs, bullets, and bitterness. No seat is worth the blood of our people. Ideato must be better than this.

 

SIGNED:

Dr. Vin Igwilo President General (IPA Abuja)

Tochi Ejiofor (MP) Secretary General (IPA Abuja)

Beneficiaries of Democracy now bent on destroying it -Peter Obi

 

By Okey Muogbo

Frontline presidential aspirant on the platform of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi has lamented that those who benefitted from Democracy in the past are now bent on destroying it.

Obi stated this in his speech at the first National Convention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC on Saturday 9, May in 2026 in Abuja.

 

Said he, “Today, the most painful aspect of our political existence is that many who once benefited from democratic governance have now become willing accessories to the destruction of democracy itself.

“Those who once fought for justice now openly celebrate electoral injustice. Those who once spoke against impunity now defend coercion, manipulation, intimidation, and outright political gangsterism, especially against opposition voices.

“What we are witnessing is not politics; it is a systematic assault on democracy and the will of the people.”

 

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party further lamented that: “Nigeria today stands at a dangerous crossroads.

“Our democracy is under severe threat. Our nation is drifting without direction, and our people are passing through immense suffering.

“Across the world, Nigeria is increasingly described as a failing and disgraced nation. This is not the destiny God ordained for our great country. It was not always so, and it must never be allowed to remain so.

 

“Across virtually every recognised indicator of good governance – accountability, political stability, rule of law, control of corruption, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, and the separation of powers – Nigeria continues to record alarming failures.

“The institutions that should protect the people are weakening daily, while the burden on ordinary citizens grows heavier with each passing moment.”

 

Giving details of the poor situation of majority of Nigerians, the former Governor of Anambra state said: “Today, over 140 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty.

“Tens of millions of young people remain unemployed or underemployed. Inflation continues to crush families. Businesses are shutting down.

“Farmers can no longer safely access their farms. Communities live in fear. In this month alone, hundreds of innocent Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity, while many others have been kidnapped, displaced, or thrown deeper into poverty.”

 

He also said that: “The most heartbreaking question confronting us is this: Who consoles the grieving mother whose child was abducted on the way to school?

“Who speaks for the father who can no longer feed his family despite working every day? Who defends the young Nigerian whose dreams have been destroyed by a nation that rewards connections over competence and corruption over character?

 

“Our present tragedy is not accidental. It is the direct consequence of years of deliberate sabotage by a political class that prospers by dividing the people and weakening the nation. Nigeria is not a poor country; rather, we are being looted into poverty.

“We have abundant human and natural resources, yet we remain trapped in deprivation because leadership has failed to place the common good above personal interest.”

 

The frontline presidential aspirant urged Nigerians to take a stand on how to remedy their misfortune.

“Our choice as a people is therefore clear: whether to surrender to despair and national decline, or to summon the courage to rescue our country and rebuild it on the foundations of unity, equity,  justice, competence, and productivity.

 

“Where we are, national unity is no longer optional; it is a national necessity. We must rise above ethnicity, religion, region, and political divisions to recover the soul of our nation.

 

“With unity and effective leadership, Nigeria can become a productive and prosperous nation once again.

“We must deliberately support agriculture and manufacturing so they become the highest contributors to our Gross Domestic Product.

“Special strategic attention must be given to unlocking the enormous agricultural potential of Northern Nigeria and connecting it to industrial production across the federation. We must move decisively from a nation of consumption to a nation of production,” warning that: “We can no longer afford policies that foreclose our youth.

“With competent, compassionate and transformative leadership, we can defeat insecurity, reduce corruption, create jobs, tame inflation, improve education, and restore hope to millions of Nigerians.

“I remain convinced that a new Nigeria is possible, a Nigeria that is united, secure, productive, inclusive, and governed by justice and fairness,” he insisted