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Former Super Eagles Coach, Sunday Oliseh, Loses Younger Brother, Uche

Akinwale Kasali

July 20, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Former Super Eagles Coach, Sunday Oliseh has lost his younger brother, Uche to death.

Uche, 51 old it was gathered, unbelievably, died of Malaria.

According to a statement released by the family on Saturday, Uche Oliseh died on July 17 at the age of 51.

“Uche was a cherished member of our family—deeply loved, kind-spirited, full of life, and devoted to those around him.

“He is survived by his four children, his parents, and siblings, including Churchill Oliseh and his immediate elder brother, Sunday Oliseh, former Nigerian footballer and national team coach.

“The family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time and asks for continued prayers as we mourn this profound loss.”

In a tweet on X, the former Super Eagles Captain, mourned the passing of his brother, adding that “it hurts so bad, like I have never felt before”.

“Sadly, I lost my brother, Uche Levi Oliseh, on Thursday after a brief illness with malaria fever.

“I have over a million things that I would wanna talk, laugh and do with Uche, but sadly I cannot anymore”, the former Borussia Dortmund, Ajax Amsterdam and Juventus player stated.

Constitution Review Committee Becoming Waste Of Time – Bayelsa Gov Diri

Ayodele Oni

July 20, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Bayelsa State Governor, Douoye Diri has observed what he called “endless process of reviewing the 1999 Nigerian constitution,” calling for an end to the exercise.

The Governor noted that the exercise was fast becoming a waste of time and resources since recommendations from such processes were not being implemented.

Diri told members of the Committee in Government House, Yenagoa, at the weekend that between 2015 and 2020, he was a member of the earlier National Assembly’s Constitution review committee, and faulted the none implementation of the recommendations by successive federal administrations up until now.

He accused the Federal Government of its none implementation of the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee reports, more than 10 years of such recommendations.

“I appreciate the Speaker of the House of Reps for sustaining this ritual, which I hope will come to an end one day.

“But this is not good for us as a country. We cannot be holding a Constitution review, and nothing comes out of it.

“It is becoming a waste of time and resources. I want to believe that this government has what it takes to implement the decisions that will be arrived at this time.

“I was a member of this same committee, and nothing happened. But I am hoping that the president we have today, who is a democrat, will implement the recommendations.”

He, however, expressed the hope that the government of President Bola Tinubu would ensure that the ongoing review reached a logical conclusion, insisting that for Nigeria to make progress, it must toe the line of fiscal federalism and uphold justice.

Diri restated the need for equitable distribution of the country’s resources and emphasised the injustice to Bayelsa, an oil-producing state making a huge contribution to the economy, in having only eight local government areas.

He said that for Nigeria to make progress, it must practice fiscal federalism and uphold justice.

In his words: “I thank you for choosing Bayelsa to host the zonal public hearing on the review of our constitution.

Diri pointed out that the state was in a hurry to develop and that the concerted effort of everyone in government had resulted in the steady progress of the state, and faulted those describing Bayelsa as a small state, noting that it is bigger in land mass than about nine other states in Nigeria.

“I do not agree with anybody who refers to Bayelsa as small. Bayelsa is big enough. It is injustice for Bayelsa to have only eight Local Government Areas, while others that are not as big have more.

“Let us stand for one another. This country can only develop when we operate true federalism.”

Earlier, Majority Leader and Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, said his Team A, covering Edo, Bayelsa and Delta states, was in the South South zone to consult with people of the three states and hear from them on the areas that needed to change in the Constitution.

According to Ihonvbere, only a transparent and participatory process would guarantee development in Nigeria, and commended Diri’s leadership style, which he said had brought development to Bayelsa just as he is also providing leadership for the South South region of the country.

He said the Bayelsa governor left an enviable legacy at the National Assembly, and as his former colleague, they were not surprised about his performance in the State

Ondo Ex First Lady, Anyanwu-Akeredolu Says She Remains Strong @ 72 Disparages Curses By Owo Community

Ayodele Oni

July 20, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

On her 72nd birthday on Sunday, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the former First Lady of Ondo State, has doubted efficacy of the purported curse placed on her by Owo community, following her criticism over demolition of the Memorial Park built in memory of the victims of 2022 terrorists attack on Saint Francis Catholic Church.

For allegedly denigrating the Owo Monarch by calling him a Baby Oba, traditionalists in the community invoked curses on the former First Lady.

Looking back on Sunday as she clocked 72, Mrs Akeredolu declared that despite the challenges, she remains strong, healthy, and whole.

She also recounted a shocking twist where she was cursed in a ritual orchestrated by Owo Traditionalists, allegedly under the auspices of the town’s Monarch.

At 72, she said she is not just living but thriving, and her commitment to advocacy and public service remains unwavering.

“I was cursed in a ritual orchestrated by Owo traditionalists, enabled by their Oba. A widow. A mother of their own. It was a moment of shame, not just for Owo, but for the State.

“But through it all, I rise. Having survived breast cancer for 28 years and counting, walking through grief and public scorn with head held high, I am still standing. Strong. Healthy. Whole.”

The former First Lady recounted that the demolition of a monument in Owo built in honour of the victims of the 2022 St. Francis Catholic Church massacre, amounted to betrayal of justice and memory.

The monument was destroyed under the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who succeeded her late husband, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

In a strongly worded statement, Betty maintained that the destruction of the Memorial park was an unforgivable affront to history and humanity.

She noted that the monument was not just a symbol of grief and memory, but also a testament to her late husband’s commitment to justice.

The former First Lady, condemned the state-enabled desecration, revealing that she was subjected to vicious attacks from government officials and loyalists, defending the indefensible.

She used her birthday message to reflect on her continuing advocacy for women’s rights, cancer awareness, rural health, and sustainable development, stating that widowhood has not silenced her voice but sharpened her purpose.

Mrs Akeredolu celebrated not just another year of life, but the power of resilience, declaring that she is a symbol of strength and vitality.

Constitution Review: Uzodimma Asks For Two More States For The South East

The Source

July 20, 2025

Imo Constitution Review Public Hearing — L-R; Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu and Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu at the South East, Centre B, Public Hearing (Imo & Abia States) on the review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) held in Owerri.

Loud ovation, on Saturday, greeted the call by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State for the creation of additional States in the South East as well as the making of rotational presidency in Nigeria a constitutional matter.

It was also on a day Senator Uzodinma, Chairman of Progressives Governors Forum, said that the issues of indigeneship and State Police in Nigeria should be taken more seriously, and that the Lawmakers working on the Constitution review should strive to fashion that truly reflects the thinking of the people.

However, in calling for urgent constitutional reforms to address the grievances of the Igbo people to guarantee inclusivity, justice, and equity in the Constitution, Governor Uzodimma said he does not belong to the group seeking for outright scrapping of Nigeria’s existing statute book as no Constitution, all over the world, is perfect.

Speaking at the public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution in Owerri on Saturday, July 19, 2025, Uzodinma advocated for the creation of at least two additional States in the South East zone to address underrepresentation in national institutions.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu declared the Public Hearing for stakeholders from Imo and Abia States open. Kalu came with other members of the House of Representatives Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution of which he is Chairman.

In his well articulated speech, Governor Uzodimma further proposed a legal definition of indigeneship based on birth or long-term residence (10 years) to promote inclusivity; while also calling for the constitutional entrenchment of rotational presidency among the six geopolitical zones to promote national stability.

On the issue of State policing, the Imo State Governor supported the decentralisation of police powers for greater responsiveness and effectiveness.

He urged the National Assembly to consider these proposals as part of the constitutional review process, emphasising that a constitution that reflects the values and aspirations of all Nigerians is essential for national stability and progress.

“Our diversity is our strength, not our weakness. But that strength must be harnessed through law and equity. Therefore, our Constitution must reflect our shared values, not just our shared borders,” Uzodinma stressed.

He further called on Ndigbo to take advantage of the ongoing constitutional review to seek redress for their long-standing grievance and shun threats of secession and violence, insisting on their using the constitutional review process to articulate their demands peacefully.

Governor Uzodimma’s speech read:

“It is my utmost pleasure to welcome all the members of the National Assembly who are in Owerri today to preside over this public hearing on proposed further alterations to the 1999 Constitution, as amended. This hearing, which covers Imo and Abia States, provides a valuable opportunity for our people to contribute meaningfully to the process of building a constitution that equitably serves the interests of all Nigerians.

“This is democracy at work, and democracy thrives only where justice and fairness prevail. On behalf of the government and the good people of Imo State, I say to you: Unu abiala.

“I also welcome our brothers and sisters from Abia State, who are here in their numbers. Until a few years ago, Owerri served as the capital of us all. Today, we have Umuahia and Abakaliki as capitals of new states. Through our collective efforts, perhaps we shall soon have more state capitals like Orlu, Aba, Nsukka, and more. I believe that this is the prayer of the entire South East, and it shall come to pass by the grace of God.

“Let me commend the National Assembly for its sustained efforts to deepen democracy through periodic constitutional reviews. I recall that this is the sixth major review since 1999. That speaks volumes about your responsiveness to the wishes of the people. I salute your diligence.

“As we all know, there are differing views across Nigeria about what our Constitution should reflect in order to fortify our young democracy. These perspectives mirror both the richness of our diversity and the inadequacies of a legal framework that often leaves many citizens feeling unprotected or unaccommodated in project Nigeria. Albeit, I must add that I am not among those who call for a wholesale scrapping of the current Constitution.

“Like most constitutions around the world, ours is a work in progress. Let us continue to build on it, and today’s hearing is part of that noble effort. There is no perfect Constitution anywhere in the world. This is the reason for the existence of parliaments all over the world.

“Our people in Imo and Abia States, and indeed the South East, have clear expectations. I believe the time has come to address them with urgency, sincerity, and justice.

“First, the issue of state creation. It bears repeating that the southeast remains the only geopolitical zone with five states. Every other zone has six or more. This imbalance has led to underrepresentation in critical national institutions, from the National Assembly to the Federal Executive Council.

” It has shrunk our voice and abridged our inclusivity. Therefore, it’s only fair and just that we ask for the creation of at least two additional states in the South East. It is my well considered submission that Anim State should be one of the new states to be created. This is one state that will have an oil-producing status upon creation. This makes it commercially viable, with sufficient revenue base to self sustain. This should naturally go hand in hand with the creation of new local government areas for the zone.

“The second issue is the matter of indigeneship. Our subsisting constitution guarantees every citizen the right to live and work in any part of the country. But in practice, those born and raised in a place where their grandparents may not have originated from are still regarded and treated as non-indigenes.

“That cannot be in tandem with the spirit of brotherhood we boldly recite in our national anthem. We should not be seen to be speaking from two sides of our mouth.

We need to legally define indegeneship by birth or long-term residence – say, ten years. Anyone born in a state or has lived in a state for upwards of ten years should be a legitimate indigene of that state. This is common practice in advanced democracies.

“It was also becoming the norm in our pre-first Republic years, until that Republic was cut short. How else did Mallam Umaru Altine become the Mayor of Enugu in 1952 if not because he was accepted as an indigene of Enugu? That tells us something profound about our potential for unity if only the constitution can catch up with our history. I therefore urge this committee to seriously consider this matter as part of the proposed constitutional amendments.

“Third, I wish to call for the constitutional entrenchment of rotational presidency, not along the ambiguous North–South divide, but along our six established geopolitical zones. This is not about tokenism but national stability. Already, zoning has helped calm nerves over federal appointments. If Nigerians know that the presidency will rotate among the six zones, it will remove the fear of domination and deepen the sense of inclusion in the country.

“In addition, the time has come for us to take decisive steps on State Police. The current centralised policing structure is overstretched and often disconnected from local realities. As the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, I can confirm that we support the decentralisation of the police for greater responsiveness and effectiveness. The fear that governors will misuse such a force is unfounded and frankly outdated. We cannot allow the past to paralyse the future when our citizens are crying out for safety and order at the grassroots.

“Distinguished Honourable Members of the National Assembly, ladies and gentlemen, our diversity is our strength, not our weakness. But that strength must be harnessed through law and equity. Therefore, our Constitution must reflect our shared values, not just our shared borders.

“Distinguished Honourable Members, as you tour the country on this important assignment, may you be guided by the hope of millions who seek a Constitution that truly belongs to them: one that ensures fairness, equity, and a level playing field for all.

“I know you have the vision and courage to deliver this. May God grant you the wisdom to succeed. I wish you a memorable stay in Owerri, the capital city of hospitality in the East.”

In his Presentation, the Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti who was represented by his Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu also advocated for inclusive Constitution, State Police and free and compulsory universal basic education in the Constitution Review.

He however stressed the need for Federal Government to mitigate potential issues likely to arise with the State Policing by proposing the establishment of legal safeguards, oversight committees and structured command model to check abuses.

In his opening remarks, the House Committee Chairman on the 1999 Constitution Review and Deputy Speaker House of Representative, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu recalled the historic journey made by the nation to determine the destiny of the people of Nigeria and to close the gap in our legal system as well as strengthen the sacred duty of the constitution.

Kalu noted that the Committee, since it’s inauguration, has made genuine efforts to represent every concerns through inclusive engagement of all sectors of the society in the Constitution amendment process.

He maintained that the Constitution should be a social contract that reflects contemporary realities, the desires and aspirations of every Nigerian, and a moral engagement for our future. He therefore urged all to feel free to present their ideas and recommendations on the key areas of Gender Equality, Judicial and Fiscal Reforms, Security and Policing, Devolution of Powers and Citizen Engagement.

Chief Chris Uche SAN, Consultation to the Committee, gave an overview of the total of 82 bills which were put together by the House of Representatives for review and commended the Committee members for their passion to undertake the historic and solemn task.

Chief Uche equally thanked Governor Uzodimma for hosting the South East Centre B Public Hearing, and expressed optimism that the reform will bring about renewed faith in the Country.

Some of the thematic areas Chief Uche highlighted include; Electoral reforms, Judicial Reforms, Local Government Reforms, State Policing and Security, Bills to strengthen the Traditional Institutions, Fiscal Reforms, Fundamental Rights/Citizenships, and bill to embolden INEC to produce free and fair elections.

The event had a technical session where different stakeholders and groups participated and made their presentations.

The Senator representing Imo West in the National Assembly, Senator Osita Izunaso in his goodwill message supported Governor Uzodimma in his presentation for the creation of more States, rotational presidency and bill to provide immunity for certain political office; while the Chairman Imo Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Emmanuel Okeke advocated for the expansion of the functions of traditional rulers, and for the amendment to make traditional council an advisory body to the government.

Representative of Nigerian Labour Congress in the South East Zone, Comrade Uche Chigaemezu on behalf of the Union advocated for the transfer of Labour and Industrial relation from exclusive list to the concurrent list to allow States to regulate labour issues more effectively.

Others who spoke include; representatives of TUC, NULGE, NUT, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Faith Based Organizations, Women Groups and Organised Private Sectors.

The Public Hearing was well attended by stakeholders from Imo and Abia States.

Following the full text of Governor Uzodinma’s Speech.

Give South-East Anim State, One Other

By Hope Uzodinma

“Every other Zone has six or more States. The imbalance has led to *underrepresentation in critical national institutions, from the National Assembly to the Federal Executive Council. It has shrunk our voice and abridged our inclusivity”

It is my utmost pleasure to welcome all the members of the National Assembly who are in Owerri today to preside over this public hearing on proposed further alterations to the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

This hearing, which covers Imo and Abia States, provides a valuable opportunity for our people to contribute meaningfully to the process of building a constitution that equitably serves the interests of all Nigerians.

This is democracy at work, and democracy thrives only where justice and fairness prevail.

On behalf of the government and the good people of Imo State, I say to you: Unu abiala.

“I also welcome our brothers and sisters from Abia State, who are here in their numbers.

“Until a few years ago, Owerri served as the capital of us all.

“Today, we have Umuahia and Abakaliki as capitals of new states.

“Through our collective efforts, perhaps we shall soon have more state capitals like Orlu, Aba, Nsukka, and more.

“I believe that this is the prayer of the entire South East, and it shall come to pass by the grace of God.

“Let me commend the National Assembly for its sustained efforts to deepen democracy through periodic constitutional reviews.

“I recall that this is the sixth major review since 1999.

“That speaks volumes about your responsiveness to the wishes of the people.

“I salute your diligence.

“As we all know, there are differing views across Nigeria about what our Constitution should reflect in order to fortify our young democracy.

“These perspectives mirror both the richness of our diversity and the inadequacies of a legal framework that often leaves many citizens feeling unprotected or unaccommodated in project Nigeria.

“Albeit, I must add that I am not among those who call for a wholesale scrapping of the current Constitution.

“Like most constitutions around the world, ours is a work in progress.

“Let us continue to build on it, and today’s hearing is part of that noble effort.

“There is no perfect Constitution anywhere in the world.

“This is the reason for the existence of parliaments all over the world.

“Our people in Imo and Abia States, and indeed the South East, have clear expectations.

“I believe the time has come to address them with urgency, sincerity, and justice.

“First, the issue of state creation.

“It bears repeating that the southeast remains the only geopolitical zone with five states.

“Every other zone has six or more.

“This imbalance has led to underrepresentation in critical national institutions, from the National Assembly to the Federal Executive Council.

“It has shrunk our voice and abridged our inclusivity.

“Therefore, it’s only fair and just that we ask for the creation of at least two additional states in the South East.

“It is my well considered submission that Anim State should be one of the new states to be created.

“This is one state that will have an oil-producing status upon creation.

“This makes it commercially viable, with sufficient revenue base to self-sustain.

“This should naturally go hand in hand with the creation of new local government areas for the zone.

“The second issue is the matter of indigeneship.

“Our subsisting constitution guarantees every citizen the right to live and work in any part of the country.

“But in practice, those born and raised in a place where their grandparents may not have originated from are still regarded and treated as non-indigenes.

“That cannot be in tandem with the spirit of brotherhood we boldly recite in our national anthem.

“We should not be seen to be speaking from two sides of our mouth.

“We need to legally define indigeneship by birth or long-term residence – say, ten years.

“Anyone born in a state or has lived in a state for upwards of ten years should be a legitimate indigene of that state.

“This is common practice in advanced democracies.

“It was also becoming the norm in our pre-first Republic years, until that Republic was cut short.

“How else did Mallam Umaru Altine become the Mayor of Enugu in 1952 if not because he was accepted as an indigene of Enugu?

“That tells us something profound about our potential for unity if only the constitution can catch up with our history.

“I therefore urge this committee to seriously consider this matter as part of the proposed constitutional amendments.

“Third, I wish to call for the constitutional entrenchment of rotational presidency, not along the ambiguous North–South divide, but along our six established geopolitical zones.

“This is not about tokenism but national stability.

“Already, zoning has helped calm nerves over federal appointments.

“If Nigerians know that the presidency will rotate among the six zones, it will remove the fear of domination and deepen the sense of inclusion in the country.

“In addition, the time has come for us to take decisive steps on State Police.

“The current centralised policing structure is overstretched and often disconnected from local realities.

“As the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, I can confirm that we support the decentralisation of the police for greater responsiveness and effectiveness.

“The fear that governors will misuse such a force is unfounded and frankly outdated.

“We cannot allow the past to paralyse the future when our citizens are crying out for safety and order at the grassroots.

“Distinguished Honourable Members of the National Assembly, ladies and gentlemen, our diversity is our strength, not our weakness.

“But that strength must be harnessed through law and equity.

“Therefore, our Constitution must reflect our shared values, not just our shared borders.

“I know you have the vision and courage to deliver this.

“May God grant you the wisdom to succeed.”

“I wish you a memorable stay in Owerri, the capital city of hospitality in the East.”

Full text of Governor Uzodimma’s speech at the Public Hearing on Constitutional Review on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Owerri, Imo State

Senator Natasha, Writes To Senate, Vows To Resume Tuesday

Adesina Soyooye

July 20, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

The suspended Senator representing Kogi Central District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has given notice to the Senate, in writing, that she would resume plenary on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resolve to resume comes on the heels of the appeal filed by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio against the ruling of a Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by the Honourable Justice Binta Nyako who voided the six months suspension placed on Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate which cited misconduct.

But ruling on the case, the Court quashed the suspension likening the six months suspension as an overkill which did not consider its effect on her constituents. It, however, found the Senator guilty of contempt of Court and asked her to publish an apology in two national newspapers, and pay a fine to the tune of five million Naira, only.

Since the Court’s ruling, however, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has not been able to resume at plenary because the leadership of the Senate has continued to throw in one obstacle or the other on her way of resumption.

But now, two weeks since that ruling, Akpoti-Uduaghan who spoke on Channels Television, Saturday, said she has written a letter to the Senate stating his avowed intention to resume plenary on Tuesday, the 22nd of July.

Her words: “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; it is a decision.”

Recall that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate for six months on March 6, 2025, over seating arrangements in the Senate Chambers. A new seat was allocated to her, but she refused, protested it, and desperately wanted to talk from her former seat. But she was overruled and denied any opportunity to say her beat unless she took the new seat allocated to her. The situation degenerated into a shouting match and she was walked out of the Senate Chambers. However, the case worsened when she pointed out that her problem with Senate President Akpabio was because she refused to have an inappropriate relationship with him. The case has lingered on since then.

Osun’s Governor Adeleke Undisturbed, To Flag Off Ila Orangun Road Dualisation

The Source

July 19, 2025

Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor — Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

By Charles Igbo

The recent politically-motivated attacks on Governor Ademola Adeleke have been likened to pouring water on a calabash as the Governor, unbothered, is moving on with the delivery of democratic dividends to the people.

According to Adeleke, political mudslinging, no matter how huge, and from whichever quaters, can distract his Government from delivering on its infrastructure mandate. To add to the many others, the Governor is set to flag off the dualisation of the Ila Orangun township road and the second phase of the Osogbo–Ikirun–Ila Odo (Kwara boundary) road project.

A statement released Saturday evening by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, said the governor expressed confidence in the direction of his administration and dismissed recent remarks on national television by who he described as

“a failed governorship candidate and his allies.”

“These misrepresentations and misinformation have only strengthened my resolve to push ahead with the all-inclusive infrastructure upgrade and delivery of good governance in our dear state,” the Governor said when he received a delegation of Osun elders at the Government House.

He outlined a series of recognitions received by his administration, including top national rankings in fiscal transparency, performance in health, education, agriculture, sports, and the digital economy. He said:

“Our excellent performance was affirmed by patriots, lovers of true development, friends, and even foes.”

Governor Adeleke noted Osun’s 5th position in the 2025 first-quarter national fiscal transparency ranking.

The upcoming flag-off ceremony in Ila Orangun, he said, will also benefit residents of Ifelodun and Odo Otin Local Government Areas, in what Governor Adeleke described as the continuation of his pact with Osun people. His words:

“Myself and my team remain focused and undistracted. I commend Osun people for their support and unwavering commitment to good governance as represented by our government.”

Following is the full statement signed by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed on July 19, 2025.

Governor Adeleke Ignores Distractions, Set to Flag Off Dualisation of Ila Orangun Township Road

“Governor Ademola Adeleke remained undistracted by unsubstantiated statements on national television by some politicians particularly a failed governorship candidate as he is set to flag off the dualisation of Ila Orangun township road and the second phase dualization of Osogbo – Ikirun – Ila Odo Kwara State Boundary road.

“The said politician and few others have said all sorts of things which are at variance with the reality and facts of our achievements in the infrastructure sector across Osun state. These misrepresentations and misinformation have only strengthened my resolve to push ahead with the all inclusive infrastructure upgrade and delivery of good governance in our dear state.

“Governor Adeleke was quoted as saying this evening while hosting some Osun elders who paid a courtesy visit to him.

According to the governor, his administration has positively transformed Osun state as acknowledged by local and international bodies, citing several reports by federal agencies and non-governmental groups, which rated Osun very high across all indices.

He flaunted several awards on infrastructure revolution, health sector excellence, new examination performance rating, digital economy innovation, agricultural mechanisation, sport sector reforms, business sector enhancement, water sector upgrade and artisanal cooperative empowerment, declaring “our excellent performance was affirmed by patriots, lovers of true developments, friends and even foes.

“The latest national table on states fiscal transparency for 2025 first quarter places Osun in number 5 position out of 36 states. Our administration is transparent, accountable, and compliant with due process requirements.

“Our critics are worried by our extraordinary performance within less than three years, hence their resorts to name calling, blackmail and libelous allegations. We will not get distracted by petty politicking and desperate attempts to stop our rigorous service to the people.

“In continuation of our pact and promises to the people, our people of Ila Orangun, Ifelodun, and Odo Otin local governments will host me next week. I will be flagging off the dualisation of Ila Orangun township road as well as the second phase of Osogbo-Ikirun -Okuku highway dualisation.

“Myself and my team remain focussed and undistracted. I commend Osun people for their support and unwavering commitment to good governance as represented by our government.”

Anambra State PDP Gov. Candidate Shot In Abuja

The Source

July 19, 2025

By Gideon Njoku

The Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party’s in the upcoming Anambra State Governorship Election, has been shot in Abuja.

Chief Jude Ezenwafor was shot Friday night around Wuse 2 Area of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, by hoodlums who accosted him as he was returning to his house from a meeting.

Luckily for him, the bullets of the assassins stopped short of killing him. He survived. However he has some bullets lodged in his body for which medical doctors would extract through surgery.

Ezenwafor is currently in a private hospital in Abuja where he is billed to undergo the surgery.

Speaking to Journalists Saturday morning from the hospital in a very weak voice, he said:

“I’m currently in the hospital. The doctors are making efforts to operate me so that they can pull out bullets from my body.”

According to reports, two other people in the car with him were, also, shot.

It is not known if the attempt on the life of the PDP Candidate is political or a random attack. There has been no statement from the Police or the PDP.

The Anambra Governorship Election is scheduled for November 2025.

Ezenwafor will slug it out with, among others, the incumbent Governor of the State, Professor Charles Soludo.

Police Arrests 11 For Gang Ra3ping 13 Year-old Mentally Challenged Girl In Kebbi

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 19, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested eleven suspects in connection with the ra3pe of a 13- ear old health- challenged in Tungar Community, Shanga Local Council of the State.

A statement from the Command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Abubakar CSP, on Saturday July 19, 2025, informed that the eleven men who are presently in custody, were reported to have taken undue advantage of the teenage girl, and forcefully had a carnal knowledge of her one after the other.

The arrest of the suspects, he added, was sequel to reports from the Shanga Local Government Divisional Police Officer, DPO, on the unfortunate incident.

This is as he stated that the apprehension of the suspects is an integral part of the Kebbi State Police Command’s concerted efforts at rooting out all forms of Gender Based Violence, GBV, in the State.

He reaffirmed the unflinching determination of the Command in ensuring the safety and protection of every girl-child from sexual abuse or any other forms of gender based violence.

While appealing to the general public to always volunteer credible intelligence to assist the Police in the discharge of its duties ,the Command assured that the suspects will be arraigned as soon as investigations are concluded.

The police authorities also reassured of its commitment towards ensuring that justice is served in the end.

President Tinubu’s Recent Appointments, Attempt To Appease The North – ADC

Ayodele Oni

July 19, 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — President Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

“President Tinubu has just remembered that Nigeria is bigger than Lagos”

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described the recent appointments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seems to favour the North as an attempt to bring back the confidence of the zone for his administration.

ADC pointed out that those appointments are “desperate, cynical attempt to buy back the trust that he has spent over a year squandering, particularly in Northern Nigeria.”

In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC dismissed the so-called appointments as “too little, too late,” adding that “you cannot marginalize a region for over 25 months and expect applause, because you suddenly remembered on the twenty-sixth month that Nigeria is bigger than Lagos State.

According to the party, these appointments are nothing more than “political panic management, a frantic attempt to bandage the gaping wounds inflicted on Northern Nigeria by over a year of calculated neglect, presidential arrogance and unprecedented nepotism.

“For over a year, this government turned a blind eye as bandits terrorised villages in the North, as farmers abandoned their land, and as rural economies crumbled under the weight of poorly thought-out fuel subsidy removal.

“Now, under the rising heat of public discontent, and with the emergence of a formidable opposition coalition gaining traction in the North and across the country, President Tinubu suddenly remembers that there are Nigerians to appoint into positions outside his Lagos.

“Every major decision of this administration, from subsidy removal to majority of the political appointments, have been taken without the North at the table.

“Now that the consequences of those decisions have become glaring, the President is doling out appointments as consolation prizes.

“But Northerners, as co-owners of our great federal republic, know better than to be deceived by these token appointments.

“They see through President Tinubu’s actions — and can sense that this is not genuine. Tokenism is not inclusion, and symbolism is not governance.”

The party urged the Tinubu administration to abandon what it described as “Bourdillon-style appeasement politics,” and embrace real national inclusion through consultation, policy equity, and sincere federal character.

“You cannot patch a broken roof with press releases and photo-ops. And you certainly cannot restore the trust that you have lost with the public by pretending that titles are substitute for genuine commitment to nation-building.”

ADC Slams Edo Governor: Peter Obi Does Not Need Your Approval To Visit Any Part Of Nigeria

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 19, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The nascent Coalition opposition platform, the African Democratic Congress ADC, has lashed out at the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his threat against Peter Obi.

The Source reports that the Edo State Governor had on Friday, July 18, 2025, at a ceremony to receive some decampees into the All Progressive Congress APC , openly declared that Obi ,the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, and one of the leading figures in the ADC Coalition, should no longer enter the State without his prior information and express permission.

The Governor had gone ahead to warn that Obi should be ready to face the consequences, should he go ahead to ignore his instructions.

He specifically, warned that Obi’s security and safety will not be guaranteed in the event he steps his foot on Edo State soil without his approval.

Governor Okpebholo’s threat, is coming on the heels of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s infamous and scandalous decision to abort Obi’s planed visit to one of the numerous internally displaced persons IDP camps in Benue State.

The National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement posted on his official site on Saturday July 19, while strongly condemning Governor Okpebholo’s outburst and threat, described the action as utterly disgraceful and undemocratic.

According to him, Obi, as a Nigerian citizen does not require the Governor’s permission ,to visit any part of the State or the country.

“Edo State is a Nigerian State. Obi is a free citizen, and does not need the Governor’s clearance to visit Nigerians in their own country”, Abdullahi stated.

The ADC Spokesperson expressed serious concern over the panicky state of a Governor, because of a mere visit by Obi to make a modest donation to Nigerian citizen.

Governor Okpebholo’s fixation, and worries, according to Abdullahi are clear signs of lack of confidence and feeling of insecurity.

“When a Governor panics over a courtesy visit, and modest donations, it is a sign that something is deeply wrong somewhere”, he noted.

He emphasized that genuine and sincere leaders the world over ,will naturally and happily welcome such a visit by Obi, noting that they will not in anyway be troubled by the prospect of others receiving public applause.

According to ADC, the immense public show of support and applause extended to Obi should serve as a veritable lesson to leaders, including Governor Okpebholo on the need to be empathetic to the people.

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