By Tunde Olusunle Sceptics and truth-twisters, typically, have been at work since the victims of the “Ori-Ire saga” returned from a 56-day captivity, Friday July 10, 2026. Marginal followers of the developments which culminated in the eventual release of the abductees who were severed from their nuclear families, aboriginal communities and the larger Nigerian family have engaged in needless rhetoric. It been about whether the 44 who made it back after the traumatic ordeal, were actually rescued by the Nigerian security forces, or “released” by their captors. There is a Yoruba adage which says *omo’de o mo Oogun, oun’pe l’efo,*…
Author: National Update
The Concerned Northern Christian Women Forum (CNCWF), Niger State chapter, has urged Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago to address what it described as the marginalisation of Christians in political appointments and elective offices, insisting that equitable representation is essential for unity and inclusive governance ahead of the 2027 general elections. Addressing journalists in Minna on Sunday, the forum’s Chairperson, Mrs. Grace Zegi, alongside the Secretary, Mrs. Florence Dada, said the continued adoption of a same-faith governorship ticket sends the wrong signal to Christians and undermines the state’s religious diversity. The group expressed disappointment that despite repeated appeals from various stakeholders for…
Former National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Peter Ojonugwa Ameh, has paid glowing tribute to former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on his 65th birthday, describing him as a rare model of integrity, accountable leadership and hope for millions of Nigerians. In a goodwill message issued on Sunday, Ameh said Obi’s unwavering commitment to transparency, fiscal discipline and ethical leadership has distinguished him as one of the country’s most respected political figures. He noted that at a time when Nigerians are demanding greater accountability from public office holders, Obi has continued to…
Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress(NDC) for 2027 election, Peter Obi, has marked his 65th birthday with a ₦10 million donation to St. Raphael’s Hospital, Umueri, in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, saying birthdays should be occasions for service rather than lavish celebrations. In a reflection issued on Sunday to commemorate his birthday, Obi said attaining the milestone called for gratitude to God, sober introspection and a renewed commitment to improving the lives of others. According to him, Nigeria’s current socio-economic realities make extravagant celebrations inappropriate at a time when millions…
Prominent anti-trafficking advocates, government officials and civil society leaders have thrown their weight behind the newly inaugurated Portals of Hope Foundation (POHF), describing it as a timely intervention in Nigeria’s fight against human trafficking, sexual and gender-based violence, drug abuse and other forms of exploitation affecting vulnerable citizens. The foundation, founded by newly called lawyer Barrister Oluebubechi Emerole, was unveiled in Abuja, where stakeholders urged greater collaboration between government, civil society and the private sector to confront the growing social challenges facing women, children and young people. Leading the call for collective action, Founder of the Women Trafficking and Child…
By Adamu Muhd Usman “If your only tool is a hammer, you will see every problem as a nail. But if you have cattle, land, and knowledge, you have security.” — Adapted African Proverb Clashes between pastoralists and farmers have become increasingly frequent across many parts of Nigeria. Largely driven by disputes over grazing land and water resources, these conflicts have become a persistent national challenge, threatening lives, livelihoods, food security, and social cohesion. The resolutions reached at the Jigawa State Executive Council meeting of Wednesday, July 15, 2026, particularly caught my attention. I was especially impressed by the government’s…
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has convened an emergency stakeholders’ meeting to placate aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the wave of defections that trailed the party’s recently concluded primaries. The meeting, held at the Government House in Minna, brought together many governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly aspirants who lost out in the party’s consensus arrangements for the 2027 general elections. The intervention comes amid growing discontent within the ruling party after several unsuccessful aspirants reportedly met in Abuja last week to review the outcome of the primaries and chart a common course of action.…
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticised the Federal High Court’s judgment dismissing a suit filed by members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seeking recognition of the Kabiru Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee, describing the decision as legally flawed and inconsistent with an earlier ruling of the Court of Appeal. In a statement issued on Sunday, its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, said the judgment raises serious concerns about judicial consistency and should be reviewed by the Court of Appeal in the interest of justice and constitutional democracy. According…
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has applauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for securing a series of landmark court victories that have resulted in the permanent forfeiture of billions of naira worth of assets linked to corruption and other unlawful activities. The rights group, however, cautioned that the anti-corruption campaign would lose public credibility if recovered assets are not managed transparently and used for the benefit of Nigerians. In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA described the recent forfeiture orders—including billions of naira worth of…
Fresh concerns have emerged over the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) chances in the 2027 Enugu State governorship election as the criminal trial of its governorship candidate, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, gathers momentum. With political parties moving to finalize and submit candidates for the 2027 governorship and state assembly elections, party loyalists and civil society groups fear the legal cloud hanging over Nnaji could become a major electoral liability. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned the former minister before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge bordering…