A renowned scholar, Professor Emmanuel Onoja, has called for China’s strict anti-corruption measures, including capital punishment, to be adopted in Nigeria as a deterrent against corruption.

Delivering the 23rd Inaugural Lecture at Federal University Lokoja (FUL) on Wednesday, Prof. Onoja, a Professor of Accounting and Taxation, lamented that corruption has crippled Nigeria’s progress by undermining accountability, sustainability, and social justice.
In his lecture, titled “Accountability, Sustainability, and Social Justice: Key Catalysts for Nation-Building,” Prof. Onoja argued that corruption persists because punishments for offenders are too lenient.

“If Nigeria is serious about eradicating corruption, it must adopt stricter punitive measures like China, where corrupt officials are severely dealt with, including through capital punishment. Without decisive action, corruption will continue to rob the nation of its potential,” he declared.

Prof. Onoja stressed that for Nigeria to develop, it must integrate accountability, sustainability, and social justice into governance
In the area of accountability, he said leaders and institutions must be transparent and responsible, ensuring policies serve the people’s best interests.
In the area of sustainability, he said resource management must be efficient and long-term, ensuring future generations are not compromised.
For social Justice he pointed out that Government policies must be such that promote fairness and inclusion, bridging inequality gaps.

“These principles must not remain mere rhetoric but should shape policies, governance, and daily life in Nigeria,” he insisted.

The professor urged governments at all levels to strengthen anti-corruption institutions, enforce stricter penalties, and implement governance reforms that prioritize the well-being of citizens over personal interests.

Prof. Olafemi Akinwumi, Vice Chancellor of FUL, commended the lecture for addressing critical national issues, emphasizing that Nigeria’s future depends on transparency, fairness, and responsible leadership.

“For Nigeria to thrive, accountability, sustainability, and social justice must become the bedrock of our governance system,” he noted.

As Nigeria struggles with corruption at all levels, Prof. Onoja’s call for harsher consequences for corrupt officials adds to the ongoing debate on how best to tackle the menace and restore integrity in governance.

***Peter Obi Approves Leadership to Strengthen Nationwide Mobilization

The Obidient Movement, widely regarded as the most dynamic political awakening in Nigeria’s recent history, has taken a decisive step in solidifying its structure with the appointment of a new Advisory Council.
The announcement, made by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the movement, marks a shift from electoral activism to long-term political and social influence.
Explaining further, Tako said though once driven by the 2023 presidential campaign of Peter Obi, the Obidient Movement has evolved into a structured, ideological force challenging Nigeria’s traditional political establishment.
“While critics dismissed it as a fleeting protest movement, its continued growth and organization prove otherwise.
By establishing a well-structured Advisory Council, the movement is laying the groundwork for a more strategic political engagement that transcends elections Tanko reiterated.
Hon. Seyi Sowunmi, Dele Farotimi, Chris Iyovwaye, Chris Nwakobia, Ibrahim H. Abdulkareem, and High Chief Peter Ameh are among the newly appointed leaders tasked with deepening grassroots mobilization, enhancing policy engagement, and shaping the movement’s future trajectory.
The Obidient Movement remains unique in its grassroots-driven approach, with no reliance on the traditional party structures that often dominate Nigerian politics.
Its ability to rally millions especially the youth against corruption, economic hardship, and weak governance has been its defining strength.

Dr. Yunusa Tanko emphasized that the movement’s ethos is built around the 5Cs ofCompetence in Delivering results, Character in Leading with integrity, Capacity in Handling complexity, Credibility Earning trust and Compassion in Putting the people first.
According to Tanko unlike many political movements that fizzle out post-election, the Obidient Movement is transitioning into a structured political force with long-term objectives.

The newly formed Advisory Council according to the coordinator is expected to expand grassroots mobilization across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, strengthen political engagement and advocacy beyond election cycles.
“They are also to develop policies and strategies that influence governance at all levels and promote volunteerism and civic participation among young Nigerians.”

This structural evolution Tanko said will ensure that the movement remains a potent political force, influencing decision-making and governance rather than merely reacting to elections.
As the Obidient Movement continues to build on its gains, he said the appointment of the Advisory Council signifies its commitment to long-term national transformation.
“By positioning itself as a watchdog over governance, a mobilization force, and a policy-driven movement, it aims to redefine Nigeria’s political landscape.

“While Peter Obi remains a central figure in the movement, the real power now lies in its widespread network of volunteers, strategists, and reform advocates, a collective force that is determined to keep Nigeria’s leadership accountable.

As the movement looks ahead, one thing is clear: the Obidient Movement is not just a moment; it is a movement with a mission to redefine Nigeria’s future.

The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a dramatic turn on Wednesday as a leadership dispute over the party’s National Secretary position led to a heated physical altercation at the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting in Abuja.

The meeting, chaired by former Senate President Senator Adolphus Wabara, was meant to address key party issues, but tensions flared when two rival factions clashed over the contested role of National Secretary.
The scuffle broke out when Sunday Ude-Okoye, the PDP’s former National Youth Leader and a contender for the National Secretary position, arrived late at the meeting.
Although initially allowed in, he was later forcefully removed by suspected political thugs, an action that escalated into a heated confrontation.
His rival, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who previously held the National Secretary position before contesting the Imo governorship election, has been locked in a battle to reclaim the role despite a court ruling in favor of Ude-Okoye in December 2024.

Eyewitnesses reported that as Ude-Okoye entered the meeting, he greeted the officials but deliberately snubbed Anyanwu. Moments later, security personnel attempted to escort him out of the venue, triggering protests from his supporters, who accused the PDP leadership of bias.
The PDP’s South East caucus had earlier endorsed Ude-Okoye as the replacement for Anyanwu, following his loss in the Imo governorship race.
However, Anyanwu has continued to challenge the decision, securing a Stay of Execution while pursuing an appeal against the court ruling that upheld Ude-Okoye’s appointment.
The brawl at the BoT meeting is the latest evidence of the deep divisions within the opposition party, raising concerns about PDP’s internal stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

As of the time of filing this report, the meeting had gone into a closed-door session, with Ude-Okoye still protesting outside the PDP headquarters over what he described as “an orchestrated attempt to silence legitimate voices within the party.”
The incident underscored the growing factionalism within the PDP, which has struggled to maintain unity since its defeat in the 2023 presidential election. Analysts warn that if unresolved, the ongoing power struggle could further weaken the party’s chances of mounting a strong challenge in future elections.

With the National Secretary position still unresolved, all eyes are now on the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and the courts to determine the next steps in this escalating leadership crisis.