A group, the South East Renewed Hope Agenda, SERHA, has vowed to mobilise voters in the South East to vote massively for President Bola Tinubu to ensure his re-election in 2027.
National coordinator of SERHA, BelusochukwuEnwere, said at the inauguration of the Anambra State branch of the group in Awka, explained that the objective of the group is to promote President Tinubu’s vision at the grassroots level in the South East.
He said, “We have seen a lot of people who will work with us in Anambra State. As ambassadors of the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are working to ensure the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
“We have carried out empowerment programmes in the zone to showcase the positive initiatives of President Tinubu in the South East through the South East Development Commission.
“His administration is committed to improving the lives of the people of South East to enable them to enjoy the benefits of democracy through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Enwere said that while there is still much work to be done to meet the people’s expectations, President Tinubu’s determination to lead Nigeria to greatness is evident.
The secretary of the group, Professor Frank Anaeto, explained that the group is not a political party, but a movement and a pressure group established in the six geopolitical zones of the country, mainly to ensure continuity of the President.
According to him, no single person owns the group, assuring that nobody will hijack it.
“We want people who are non-partisan to join the group and be empowered. We have got the share of the South East and we have already been to Ebonyi, Enugu and Abia states, and we are now in Anambra”, he said.
Anaeto urged the people of the South East to emphasise what will unite them, rather than what will divide them.
“We are not interested in how much money you have or your family background or your position in any political party. We should listen to diverse opinions to enable us to make informed decisions in 2027”, he stated..
In his speech, the Anambra State coordinator of SERHA, Comrade ChukwudumMuonagolu, urged the people of the state not to be left behind in the journey of President Tinubu to improve the welfare of Nigerians.
He listed some of the president’s achievements to include the establishment of youth empowerment through digital innovation that has trained 500,000 youths to create sustainable employment opportunities and develop human capital through skills acquisition.
During the inauguration, over 1000 people were empowered with cash and other items.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused the Federal Government and state governors of systematically crushing dissent, weakening democratic institutions, and illegally seizing workers’ contributions, which it described as “stealing workers’ sweat.”
President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, who spoke during the opening ceremony of the 21st Rain School of the NLC, held yesterday in Uyo, AkwaIbom State, said “Nigeria is on the brink of tyranny! The democratic space the very arena where citizens, especially the working class, exercise their rights to free speech, assembly, and participation in governance is under siege.”
He described the ongoing clampdown on civic freedoms and union activities as a calculated effort to silence the voices of Nigerian workers ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Governance has been abandoned for 2027 politicking,” he said. “Leaders who should be working to alleviate suffering are instead consumed by power games, leaving workers and ordinary Nigerians to bear the brunt of economic hardship and mounting insecurity — all imposed by their policies.”

The first son of former Military President, Mohammed Babangida, has described as “fake” the letter circulating in social media that he rejected the offer to serve as Board Chairman of Bank of Agriculture (BOA).

Reacting to the fake letter, Alhaji Mahmud Abdullahi, who is one of the Media aides to Mohammed Babangida described the letter in circulation as “fake” and concocted from from disgruntled elements.

“Mohammed Babangida did not reject the appointment. The letter circulating is fake. Infact, the signature is not that of Mohammed Babangida, while the telephone lines quoted are not his.

“We wish to clarify that Mohammed has gratefully accepted the appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture as announced by the federal government and therefore extends his sincere appreciation to President Tinubu for the trust and confidence bestowed upon him.

“We also want to assure the public that those spreading these falsehoods will be thoroughly investigated and brought to justice. We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and fostering unity within our nation,” Mahmud declared.

It will be recalled that Mohammed Babangida’s appointment was among several strategic appointments approved by President Tinubu last week to strengthen leadership across key government institutions.

Scores of members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kogi State have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in a show of support for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Natasha received the defectors at Ihima in Okehi local government area of Kogi State.

The defectors include former Okehi LG chairman, Hassan Yusuf, Special Adviser to the council chairman, Hajia Rafatu Haruna and an APC stalwart, Omuya Longman, alongside their supporters.

The Kogi Central Senator, Natasha, while addressing the defectors, stated that grassroots engagement remains her core strategy.

She told the defectors that they are not only building PDP in Kogi Central but contributing to making the party a formidable force that cannot be defeated in free and fair elections across Nigeria.

The senator reaffirmed her resolve to deepen the party’s reach, adding, “My responsibility is to strengthen the PDP and bring more people into our fold.”

She expressed hope that Nigeria’s political system would get to a point where each party defines its beliefs, stressing that when ideology fails, parties turn to violence and intimidation in order to get what they want.

EnemonaAnyebe, PDP state chairman, described the mass defection as a powerful endorsement of Senator Natasha’s leadership.

Presidential candidate of African Action Congress, AAC, in the 2023 elections, Omoyele Sowore and other activists are currently leading retired police officers in protest in Abuja.

The reports had it that the protest aimed to demand improved welfare for personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Nigerian Union of Retired Police Officers had vowed to be picket the National Assembly complex and thereafter move to the Force Headquarters, calling their immediate removal from contributory pension scheme.

They described the pension scheme as a “discriminatory”, stating that their members have been dying.

The Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC had warned against the protest, calling on the aggrieved retirees to return to the table for negotiations.

According to PCRC, the protest was an attempt to discredit the Inspector General of Police, IGP and the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

…Pledges continuous support

In a massive show of profound gratitude to the Governor of Imo state, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for prompt payment of pension and gratuity to Imo senior citizens, progressive civil service reforms and delivery of critical infrastructures to the state, the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Umunoha/Azara ward, in Mbaitoli visited the Office of the Deputy Governor in courtesy.

Welcoming the Senior citizens on behalf ofGovernor  Hope Uzodimma, the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere  Ekomaru expressed gratitude for the visit, their meritorious service to the state and commended the pensioners for their continued interest in the development and progress of the state.

In her address, Lady Ekomaru encouraged them to continue to make their selfless contributions to the state, by directing the youths and advising the government when necessary, stressing that their experience remains invaluable.

The deputy governor also reminded them of the importance of political participation, saying, “remember, politics and development go hand in hand, so, do not keep off from political participation, because, if we don’t determine who governs us, other people will do it without our consent and their decision will determine the level of development we benefit from the government.

“All we owe the governor is our support and prayers. So, do not relent in your support for the 3-R Shared Prosperity Administration”, the deputy governor advised the pensioners.

She also called on the pensioners to help in building strong family institution, by living up to their family responsibilities, instilling moral discipline in their children and other young ones.

The Deputy Governor hinted that the construction of the Nwaorieubi – Ukwuorji road will commence soon, emphasising that work will start immediately the mopping up of the remnants of insecurity in the area is completed, urging the people to exercise more patience and hope.

The leader of the  delegation and  Chairman of the Umunoha Pensioners, Mr. Samuel Osuafor, in his earlier address thanked the deputy governor for the audience, while showering praises on Governor Hope Uzodimma for his good governance.

Mr. Osuafor made particular emphasis on the Governor’s prompt payment of pensions and gratuities, especially, the  clearing of backlog of pension and gratuity arrears, dating back to about 20 years.

He consequently expressed the innermost gratitude of Imo pensioners, especially those from Umunoha/Azara ward.

He also praised the Governor on other feats achieved by his administration in education, road infrastructure, human capital development, youths and women empowerment and health, while appreciating the deputy governor for attracting solar powered lights to the community, roofing the Umunoha People’s Assembly, Women Wing’s Multi Purpose Hall and assisting the youths in the community and beyond in different areas of life endeavour.

A prominent member of the group, Chief Anthony Amadi, in thanking the Governor for his efficient service delivery in the state, enrolling them into the free Imo State Health Insurance Scheme and saving them money, however, pleaded that he does more with emphasis on payment of gratuity to some of their members who are yet to receive theirs, explaining that they have come to thank the Governor, so that he can do more.

The Principal Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Pastor Chris Akushie witnessed the visit.

..Exonerates LG Chairperson

Hon. Celestina Opara,  Councillor representing Ihitte/Ngor/ Umukabia ward at Ngor Okpala Legislative Council has unequivocally denied being harassed, dragged nor beaten up by security or anybody at Ngor Okpala Council headquarters, describing the report  that she was beaten as not only false and misleading  but generated by disgruntled oppositions to distract the council chairman who is bent on ensuring the area is provided with developmental projects.

It would be recalled that there was a false media report alleging that the  chairperson of Ngor Okpala Local Government Area ordered security at the council headquarters Umuneke to beat up the only female serving councillor in the area

In an interview,  the said only serving female councillor, Hon. CelestinaOpara representing Ihitte/ Ngor/ Umukabia ward  told a team of investigative journalists that there was no time she was embarrassed, harassed or beaten at the council, describing it as an embarrassment  the false  report alleging she was beaten by security men on the instruction of Ngor Okpala local government chairperson.

In her words,’ I was not beaten. By the way why and when was I beaten? It was a concocted report by a few political distractors to cast aspersion and disrepute on the towering personality of our amiable chairperson Hon. Chief Mrs Chika Ibekwe

She continued,’ Ngor Okpala Legislative Council has never witnessed a rowdy session, let alone a councillor been descended on by the council  security men.

‘Though  legislative  and executive councils are two different organs of government, Ngor Okpala Council lawmakers and the executive headed by the chairperson, Hon Chief Mrs Chika Ibekwe have always maintained mutual respect and cooperation to serve the generality of Ngor Okpala people.

‘Hon. Chief Mrs Chika Ibekwe is a good woman who treats us as her children. Honestly, this false media report is aimed at putting a knife into what binds us together. The report is mischievous.

Furthering the alleged beaten, the  female councillor said she was not contacted for her side before the fake report went to the press, urging the general public to disregard the misleading and malicious report which she said must be sponsored by some disgruntled elements.

‘Even the reporter did not hear from me to verify before going to the press. That is to say the report was up to something. The executive and legislative councils are working harmoniously to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

According to her the council headquarters is wearing a new look now. Many new buildings have been erected, dilapidated ones renovated, security and solar lights mounted, issue of insecurity is being tackled head-on , rural roads are made motor able, good relationship between the people and chairperson. Ngor Okpala people always come here to appreciate the workaholic chairman.

The female councillor called for the retraction of the publication even as she tasked the newspaper operators in the state on balanced reportage which she described as the Hallmark of journalism profession.

However, it would be recalled that since the Chairperson of Ngor Okpala Local Government Area appointed a nine man caretaker committee to steer the affairs of Obiangwu Development Union, following the failure of stakeholders and leaders to conduct election, the aggrieved  minority group spearheaded by a former Ngor Okpala transition committee chairman and staunch PDP member has continued to unleash unwarranted media attacks on Ngor Okpala Council Chairperson, alluding that she was advancing the interest of the leader of the legislative council who happens to come from Obiangwu.

For the third time in recent weeks, the Senate has maintained that there was no court pronouncement mandating the Red Chamber to recall the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, stated this in a statement yesterday.

Adaramodu’s declaration followed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s vow to resume at the National Assembly on Tuesday. The Kogi Central lawmaker hinted at her decision while addressing participants at a training programme for her constituents in Kogi State.

She said: “I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire. However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday, by the special grace of God.

“I will be there, because the court did make the decision on that. Now, they argue that it’s an order — it’s not an order, but it is a decision.”

Adaramodu insisted that the embattled lawmaker, who was placed on a six-month suspension last March for breaching Senate rules, based her intention to resume on a misinterpretation of the ruling by Justice Binta Nyako.

The Senate spokesman argued in his statement that “the Honourable Court gave a non-binding advisory, urging the Senate to consider amending its Standing Orders and reviewing the suspension, which it opined might be excessive. The Court, however, explicitly held that the Senate did not breach any law or constitutional provision in imposing the disciplinary measure based on the Senator’s misconduct during plenary.”

The Senate urged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to stay away from the National Assembly complex and allow due process to run its full course.

The statement reads: “The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to reaffirm, for the third time, that there is no subsisting court order mandating the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her suspension.

“This clarification becomes necessary following the circulating claims by the suspended Senator that she intends to resume at the Senate next Tuesday based on a misinterpretation of the recent judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

“It will be recalled that the Senate had, through my office, issued two public statements following the judgment and the subsequent release of the Certified True Copy of the Enrolled Order. In both statements, we made it unequivocally clear that the judgment did not contain any positive or mandatory order directing the Senate to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan prior to the end of her suspension.

“Rather, the Honourable Court gave a non-binding advisory urging the Senate to consider amending its Standing Orders and reviewing the suspension, which it opined might be excessive. The Court, however, explicitly held that the Senate did not breach any law or constitutional provision in imposing the disciplinary measure based on the Senator’s misconduct during plenary.

“Furthermore, the Court found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt of court and imposed penalties, including a fine of ₦5 million payable to the Federal Government, and a mandatory apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page. Till date, these directives remain uncomplied with.

“It is therefore surprising and legally untenable that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, while on appeal and having filed a motion for stay against the valid and binding orders made against her, is attempting to act upon an imaginary order of recall that does not exist. The Senate emphasized once more: there is no enforceable order directing her immediate return to the chamber.

“We advise the Distinguished Senator to refrain from any attempt to storm the Senate next Tuesday under a false pretext, as doing so would not only be premature but also undermine the dignity of the Senate and violate due process. The Senate, as a law-abiding institution, is committed to upholding the rule of law and the integrity of its proceedings. It will not tolerate the disruption of its proceedings.

“The Senate will, at the appropriate time, consider the advisory opinion of the court on both amending the Standing Orders of the Senate, her recall, and communicate same thereof to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“Until then, she is respectfully advised to stay away from the Senate chambers and allow due process to run its full course.”

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Femi Falana, has called on Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State to immediately retract recent threats made against the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.

Falana’s reaction followed remarks attributed to the governor during a political rally in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, where he reportedly warned that Obi must not enter Edo State without prior notification or security clearance.

The governor said: “There’s a new sheriff in town. He cannot just come into Edo without informing me. His security will not be guaranteed. If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking.”

In a statement released yesterday, Falana condemned the governor’s comments, describing them as a direct violation of fundamental rights enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights instruments.

“The threat to Mr Peter Obi’s life by the so-called ‘new sheriff in town’ contravenes Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which guarantee the right to life,” Falana stated.

He emphasized that under Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, the security and welfare of citizens remain the primary responsibility of government, urging Governor Okpebholo to publicly retract the threat, issue an apology to Obi, and affirm his safety within Edo State.

Falana also advised that if the governor fails to withdraw the statement, Obi should seek legal redress by filing a suit at the Federal High Court in Benin to enforce his fundamental rights.

“Mr Obi should act with utmost urgency in view of the prevalence of mob justice and other forms of extrajudicial killings in the country,” he said.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, made a visit in Daura, Katsina State, to offer his condolences to the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Peter Obi in Daura to sign the condolence register and condole with Buhari’s family

Obi was spotted at Buhari’sDaura residence yesterday, a day after the former President was laid to rest.

Buhari was buried on Tuesday in Daura, according to Islamic rites, marking the end of a solemn national farewell to a leader who once steered Nigeria both as a military Head of State and as a democratically elected President.

His remains were interred at 5:50pm following a funeral prayer led by the Imam of the Central Mosque in Daura, Sheikh SalisuRabiu.

In a final act of military honuor, Army Generals and Service Chiefs carried Buhari’s coffin to the graveside, where a 21-gun salute echoed across Daura, closing the final chapter of his public life.

A former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd), has disclosed a surprising detail about his 2021 military appointment: he’d never personally met then-President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a heartfelt tribute to the late president on Tuesday, Irabor lauded Buhari as “a good man and a disciplined and deeply principled leader.”

According to Irabor, Buhari’s leadership style was that of trust and delegation.

He added that Buhari placed implicit trust in those he appointed and never micromanaged, never second-guessing.

He said Buhari’s quiet confidence was sometimes misunderstood, but for those who worked closely with him, it was a mark of his character.

Irabor said, “I have never met you before, but I have heard of your performance. I hope you will not disappoint.

“Before he appointed me as Chief of Defence Staff on 26 January 2021, I had never met him personally.

“Like many Nigerians, I knew him only from a distance through the pages of history, the news, and the reverence with which he was spoken of in military circles.”

The ex-defence chief added, “In President Buhari, I encountered a disciplined and deeply principled leader. A man who said little but listened intently and deeply.

“He sat for hours, attentive and composed, never once calling for a break. I once asked him, half in jest, how he found the patience and strength. He only smiled.

“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have served in his administration. To my Commander-in-Chief, my Principal – President Muhammadu Buhari, at the sound of the Last Post, rest well. You fought the good fight. May your soul find eternal peace in the bosom of the Almighty.”

Irabor also extended condolences to the Buhari’s family, particularly the former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, describing the late president’s service as marked by “dignity, honour, and integrity.”

…his ADC led coalition is no threat to us

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has described the departure of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a form of “freedom” for the party, saying it is better than being held back by internal obstacles.

Atiku, who was the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, officially resigned from the party in a letter dated July 14, 2025, addressed to the PDP chairman of Jada 1 Ward in Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State. In the letter, he said the PDP had strayed from its founding vision, describing his decision to leave as painful.

His resignation comes weeks after joining a coalition of opposition figures that adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their political platform ahead of the 2027 general election.

Reacting to the development during the 10th Coronation Anniversary Colloquium of the Deji of Akure, Oba AladetoyinboOgunladeAladelusi, held in Akure, Governor Makinde said Atiku’s exit does not diminish the PDP’s strength or prospects.

Shettima, Radda, Atiku, other dignitaries attend Fidda’u prayers for Buhari in Daura

“Politics is a game of interest, and I don’t think Atiku’s exit will make any dent on the PDP. The PDP is an institution,” Makinde said. “You have the freedom to enter and exit. But I think anyone who would hold PDP down—it’s better for such a person to just leave.”

He dismissed concerns over the rising profile of the ADC, saying it poses no threat to the PDP. “I don’t see ADC as a threat to the PDP. The goal is the same if you’re dissatisfied with the pace and direction of governance. You’re free to associate with any platform,” he noted.

Governor Makinde concluded by emphasizing that political players come and go, but the nation and its institutions will endure: “Governors will come and go, presidents will come and go, but our country and our states will remain.”

A former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, says Nigeria needs a new inclusive and democratic constitution that will accommodate the country’s plurality.

Anyaoku stated this at a national summit organised by The Patriots and Nigerian Political Summit Group on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that the 1999 Constitution was not democratically formulated, and is not in sync with the plural nature of the country.

Anyaoku, who was the chairman of the summit, said that only a constitution that accommodates the plurality of Nigeria could address the country’s myriad of challenges.

“As a background to this summit, it is important to state the following indisputable facts that are recognised by all citizens, except of course those who want to continue to live in denial.

“Nigeria is a pluralistic country. Like all successful pluralistic countries around the world, for its political stability and maximal development, its constitution must address its pluralism by being formulated by elected representatives of its diverse peoples.

“Our present 1999 Constitution (as amended) is not such. It was not democratically-formulated. It was, instead, imposed on the country through a decree by the military administration.

“And the governance system derived from it is not only non-inclusive but also induces over-expenditure of the country’s resources on administration rather than on capital development. Hence the need for a new Nigerian peoples’ democratic constitution,’’ he said.

According to the elder statesman, the rising cases of insecurity, high poverty, lagging infrastructure and lack of confidence in the future among the growing youth population have necessitated a new constitution.

“Overall, the present 36 federating units are obviously incapable of generating and sustaining the pace of national development achieved in the early years of the country’s independence,’’ he said.

Other issues, according to him, include number of federating units, powers of the national and sub-national governments, structure of the security agencies, political parties and their organization, management of the country’s resources and other important features of the constitution.

“In considering the process of actualising the new constitution, I hope that there would be due emphasis on ensuring that it is formulated by representatives specifically elected for that purpose by the Nigerian people,” he said.

In order to give the new constitution the necessary legitimacy, the former veteran diplomat said it would have to be endorsed by the people through a national referendum.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed no fear over the ongoing African Democratic Congress coalition by some notable politicians in the country.

The governor said the development could not affect the progress of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party in any manner.

Makinde stated this yesterday while speaking with journalists on the campus of the Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, the venue of a colloqiumorganised as part of 10th coronation anniversary of the Deji of Akure, Oba AladetoyinboAladelusi.

The PDP governor said in politics there is freedom of entry and exit for members of political parties and what is currently happening in the PDP was not a new thing in politics.

Makinde stated, “Politics is a game of interest. I don’t think that will make any dent on the PDP as a party.

“The PDP is an institution. We have freedom of entrance and exit. Anyone that will hold the PDP down, it is better for such an individual to quit.

“I don’t see the ADC as a threat to the PDP. The goal is about the same. If you are not happy about the tempo and pace of governance, you are free to associate and see what can be done.

“But one thing we must all realise is that players will come and go, governors will come and go, the president will come and go but our states and country will remain.”

Meanwhile, the state chapter of the ADC has declared that the executive of the party in the state was still intact, despite the formation of the coalition when members of other political parties were joining the coalition.

In a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of the party MrEniolaOlurotimi, the ADC debunked the report that the leadership of the party has changed following the coalition.

In the statement, the party clarified that the Executive Committee, led by MrsSidikatuOjo, is the duly recognised and constitutionally appointed leadership of the ADC in the state.

“We urge all party members, stakeholders, and the general public to disregard any misleading claims or publications suggesting a change in the Ondo State executive. Chief (Mrs) SidikatuOjo remains the authentic and recognised Chairperson of the African Democratic Congress in Ondo State,” the statement read.

The ADC emphasised its commitment to stability, transparency, and grassroots mobilisation, assuring members that the leadership remains focused on the party’s vision and preparations for future elections.

“All the list of names announced by the certain people to coordinate local government offices of ADC in Ondo State is hereby not acceptable, null and void as it runs counter to the subsisting order within the party.

“Therefore, all those so appointed must immediately desist from exercising any authority whatsoever on behalf of the party,” the party declared.